Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Sunday Post July 5, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 6, 2020

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?
What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.


I did fairly well at work but still brought files with me. We were glad our travel up north was just fine.  We love our Prius - we went 722 miles on $34.00 worth of gas!
Our daughter-in-law is resting and recovering quickly. We are very pleased with that.
Here is hubby relaxing in the pool before the grandkids get in. Isn't his hat cute?
I have been in for a swim with the kids in the morning and taking them for a walk after dinner. I don't know about them, but it tires me out!

We had a quiet July 4th celebration for Independence Day and hubby's birthday.

Surprisingly it seems that the Illinois summer is hotter than our Florida temps. Also the days are long with light remaining to 9pm. We have to draw the curtains and have story and snuggle time to get the kids to sleep.

I finished 4 books again this week: three audiobooks and one ebook. I posted three reviews and most of my usual memes. (I didn't do Friday pick.)

I visited 19 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Do You Dog Ear? Lindsi describes herself as: "Vegan. Feminist. Choctaw. Aspiring Minimalist. Lover of books and fuzzy socks. Comic book enthusiast. Mom. Spouse. Occasionally, She-Hulk."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- Audio Book Review: Seven by Multiple Authors; Genre: Drama, Radio Theatre; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)



Orion Colony
An Intergalactic Space Opera Adventure
By: J.N. Chaney, Jonathan Yanez
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Orion Colony, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
I enjoyed this fast dystopian to space adventure.
Source: 11/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)



Termination Dust
Written by Alana Terry
Narrated by Becky Doughty
Release Date: May 23, 2019
Publisher: Firstfruits Publishing
Run time: 5 hours and 33 minutes 
This is a nice Christian romantic suspense. 
Source: 12/7/2019 Chirp $.99
How far would you go to protect the ones you love? After her mother’s death, Kimmie flees with her autistic brother to escape their violent stepfather. With nowhere to go, and nothing but faith in God to keep her going, Kimmie braves the icy Alaskan wilderness in this riveting listen.



3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
Redshirts audiobook cover art


Redshirts
A Novel with Three Codas
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
Release date: 06-05-12
This fun story that made me think of 
The Thirteenth Floor.
8/4/19 Audible Sale $5.00.
Publisher's Summary
Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the facts that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations; and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.
Not surprisingly, a great deal of energy below decks is expended on avoiding, at all costs, being assigned to an Away Mission. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.
©2012 John Scalzi (P)2012 Audible, Inc.



4. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)
53163130


The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians Book #2)
by Dani Pettrey
I really liked this with good mysteries and nice romance.
Source: 2020 NetGalley book for July Partners in Crime Tour: My posting date 7/8.
Click on book title for full description.




Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
The Bomb Squad audiobook cover art


The Bomb Squad
Clash of the Patriots
By: Neil Perry Gordon
Narrated by: Frank Block
Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 06-08-20
This looked interesting so I was glad to accept a code from the author to listen.
Source: 6/28/2020 Audible Code from the Author.
Publisher's Summary
At the stroke of midnight, a devastating explosion at Black Tom Island, an armaments depot, rocks New York City awake; and so begins this story of two patriots in World War I, each willing to put his life on the line in order to achieve a glorious victory for his cause.
Serving the Fatherland is Dr. Harold Schwartz, administrator of the prestigious Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital and a German spy. Along with his father, a dealer in lethal weapons and a lifelong friend of Kaiser Wilhelm, Schwartz is hell-bent on distracting the Americans from entering the war.
Meanwhile, the British Secret Intelligence Service recruits highly regarded New York City police detective Max Rothman to assemble a team of German-speaking specialists, known as the Bomb Squad. Their mission is to investigate the sudden surge of German espionage activity wreaking havoc along the Eastern Seaboard and among steamships attempting to cross the Atlantic.
The Bomb Squad follows these men’s exploits through an interconnecting tale of love, loss, friendship, and betrayal, stretching from American shores to the epicenter of German power during a time when the world is at war.
©2020 Neil Perry Gordon (P)2020 Neil Perry Gordon



2. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water


The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
by Zen Cho
I'm interested to see how this one goes.
Source: 2020 NetGalley
Zen Cho returns with The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, a found family wuxia fantasy that combines the vibrancy of old school martial arts movies with characters drawn from the margins of history.
A bandit walks into a coffeehouse, and it all goes downhill from there. Guet Imm, a young votary of the Order of the Pure Moon, joins up with an eclectic group of thieves (whether they like it or not) in order to protect a sacred object, and finds herself in a far more complicated situation than she could have ever imagined.



I know I will pick up another audio this week but I haven't decided what yet.
The grandkids have their own kindles and tablets so we won't necessarily be reading/listening together after all.

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: C  D  E G  H  K  L  M P  Q  R  S  T  U  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  R  S  T  U  W X  Y  Z

July 5, 2020 - I need to do better to keep up daily. I keep going two days behind and then catching up. I need to be in the word every day. I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I am still doing the six-day study: Ordinary Moments: Small Prayers That Can Change The World.


I completed four books and posted three reviews, putting me two behind.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 4, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done. I still have one carry over author ebook and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon. I have two audiobooks from authors. I need to get caught up on these books.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
One new audiobook for review.

I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up four free Audible Originals and 2 at SYNC.
I only added 1 free Kindle titles this week. I haven't taken time to view the free offerings due to this week to travel and grandchildren!
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
6/28/2020 Audible Code from the Author:
The Bomb Squad audiobook cover artThe Bomb Squad
Clash of the Patriots
By: Neil Perry Gordon
Narrated by: Frank Block
Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 06-08-20

Won
NONE

Purchased
NONE

Free
I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 10.
July 2 – July 8
FRESH INK by edited by Lamar Giles, narrated by featuring Guy Lockard, Kim Mai Guest, and Bahni Turpin (Listening Library)
HOPE NATION by edited by Rose Brock, narrated by a Full Cast (Listening Library)

I picked these four as free Audible Originals.
Silverswift audiobook cover artSilverswift
By: Natalie Lloyd
Narrated by: Holly Palance, Imani Parks
Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 07-02-20

The Roommate audiobook cover art
The Roommate
The Cormac Reilly Series, Book 0.7
By: Dervla McTiernan
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
Release date: 07-01-20

Agent 355 audiobook cover artAgent 355
By: Marie Benedict
Narrated by: Emily Rankin
Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 07-02-20

The Cuckoo's Cry audiobook cover artThe Cuckoo's Cry
An Audible Original Novella
By: Caroline Overington
Narrated by: Aimee Horne
Length: 4 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 07-02-20

One free kindle this week from Author email notice:
Wolf Moon: the house on bloom street
by Ceeley Mack
I picked up only 1 free Kindle title this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 5, 2020

Our church opened this morning for Sunday School as well as church service. We look forward to our SS classes when we return to Florida. We shared church online from out of state today.
My husband has been enjoying church online as he visits our son’s church in Illinois, the church we attended in South Florida, and at least two services in the town where we live.

Pastor’s message centered on Independence and Freedom. He noted how America allows open, free worship which isn’t true of all countries. He expressed concern at the increased effort to take God out of our country and the increased divisions among our society. We used to be able to share diverse opinions and remain friends and family. Sadly, not so much anymore.

There is something bigger at work. Satan seeks to stop the Gospel and he will use whatever he can, especially division. The real battle isn’t about America. It is about the eternal soul. The chaos that is around us is about The End Game. The highway to hell is broad, but the gateway to life is narrow. Matthew 7:13-14.

In John Chapter 17 Jesus prays for the disciples and includes us in the prayer. John 17:14-21.
How do we live in perilous times: Stay prayed up. Stay in the word. Find instructions on how to live by reading Ephesians. See Ephesians 4:17-31.

Difficult and perilous times are not unprecedented. Follow the example of Jesus. We are citizens of Heaven first. Our identity is found in Christ. The cause of Christ is not popular in this world but it is all for Christ-followers. We know who holds our future. We can trust God to handle the enemy.

God made a way for everyone to have freedom; to receive eternal life. God provided redemption through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ. What are we willing to commit? To surrender?

I found this song which I like for our current situations. This We Know.
Verses for Today:
Matthew 7:12-14 (NIV)
12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
The Narrow and Wide Gates
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

My Heavenly Father - I give you thanks for creation and salvation. Help me daily to live by Your example.





Related image

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Audible Book Review: Plan Z: How to Survive the 2009 Financial Crisis by Robert Pagliarini

With people out of work and the market down (well - up and down) I thought I'd listen to this book.
by Robert Pagliarini
Plan Z audiobook cover art
Published 2008 by Skyboat Productions
Genre: Financial, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.


Plan Z is a FREE audiobook by number-one best-selling author Robert Pagliarini. It will show you exactly what you need to do to survive this recession....


Review:
This is a short work that presents practical suggestions for addressing finances and assets during a recession. The author recommends minimalizing ‘things’ when possible and also budgeting for everyone. I think these suggestions are good for everyone in all times and I recommend it accordingly.

Audio Notes: The narration was presented by the author and was clear and direct. I am glad I had this available to listen to.

Source: Free 2009 Audible. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Friday, July 3, 2020

Audio Book Review: Seven by Multiple Authors

This is an informative and heart-wrenching work.
Seven
Written By: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Susan Yankowitz
Narrated By: Anna Deavere Smith, Alex Kingston, Shannon Holt, Sarah Shahi, Annet Mahendru, Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris, Emily Kuroda, Jossara Jinaro
Publisher: LA Theatre Works
Seven, Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Susan Yankowitz
Publisher: LA Theatre Works
Date: May 2017
Duration: 2 hours 11 minutes
Genre: Drama, Radio Theatre
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.


Summary:
Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women.
Includes panel discussions with Russian activist Marina Pisklakova-Parker, and playwrights Paula Cizmar and Susan Yankowitz. The moderators are René
Jones, Executive Director of the United Talent Agency Foundation, and Alyse Nelson, the president, CEO, and co-founder of Vital Voices Global Partnership.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance, featuring:
Shannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-Parker
Jossara Jinaro as Laura Alonso
Alex Kingston as Inez McCormack
Emily Kuroda as Mu Sochua
Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat Abiola
Annet Mahendru as Farida Azizi
Sarah Shahi as Mukhtar Mai
Directed by Judyann Elder and recorded live in performance in January 2017 at UCLA's James Bridges Theater.
Sound Effects Artist and Additional Voices, Jeff Gardner. Production Manager, Tori Burnett. Post-Production Coordinator, Ronn Lipkin. Associate Producer, Anna Lyse Erikson. Recording and Mixing Engineer, Sound Designer and Editor, Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood....


Review:
I felt the need to be more aware of the oppression of others. This book tells the struggles of women from seven countries who sometimes didn't even know that freedom and education were available to women. Their oppression often comes with physical and sexual abuse and in one case it seemed to be directed by the community elders in order to punish the woman trying to protect her family. The community’s attitude was to shun and shame the abused woman and I was glad to hear that she was brave enough to tough it out.

Those of us who have been blessed to be born and raised in free societies need to be more aware of oppression around the world and find ways to help and support through education and other programs such as Vital Voices. I think all women should listen to this to get a perspective and information of the struggles of the abused and downtrodden and an appreciation for our better circumstances.

Audio Notes: This was presented by a panel of women with accents that fit the authors. It was particularly effective to hear the stories shared int the appropriate accents, and emotions. I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

Source: 7/5/2018 One of Eight titles won from Audiobooks.com through Beth Fish Reads. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

No Friday Pick July 3, 2020

No Friday Pick today. We arrived in Illinois (with no trouble during the travels) but I was tired last night. Today I have been feeding, swimming, and sharing reading time with our grandchildren. So I decided not to post a Friday Pick today.  I'll have one ready for next week. Thanks for understanding.

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July to those celebrating America's Independence. 
We also celebrate my husband's birthday although he insists he is still 39, he is double that this year.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails