Sunday Post July 12, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 13, 2020

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.

Heather was very sick at the beginning of the week so I was on the computer for two days working remotely. She was tested Thursday for Covid and it was negative. I think she has a very bad sinus infection though or a bug that she is sharing with the other staff--- Aargh!

Our d-i-l seemed to be recovering very well and they removed half of her staples on Tuesday. We think she pushed things a bit much on Wednesday and Thursday night she had to go back into the hospital to deal with infection and blood pressure issues.

I have been spending a lot of time in the pool with my grandchildren. I taught them all how to float on their backs. The twins will be 4 next month and they learned how to jump into the water this week, letting their heads go under and swimming a bit more. Their wing floaties may be gone soon.

The 7-year-old swims like a mermaid!

Our son is out to the hospital to visit tonight so I bathed the children with a special bubble bomb I brought for them.

Then we read a couple of books and a chapter of Box Car Children.

I finished only one book last week although I am well into two more. I posted four reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Wanders With Books. (I love the title.) The host says: "I’m a book blogger, bookstagrammer, mother, wife, reader & book hoarder."

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:

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

• MBS June 2020 Reading List Wrap Up.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey; Genre: Christian Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: The Jumpgate by Robert Stadnik; Genre: Alien, First Contact, Space Fleet; My Rating:4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 10, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/16/2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Vanguard by Jack Campbell; Genre: Colonization, Military Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Orion Colony by J.N. Chaney, Jonathan Yanez; Genre: Colonization, Space Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #399 Comment Giveaway July 11, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/25/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 12, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
by Zen Cho
I found this to be a bit different and very engaging.
Source: 2020 NetGalley
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

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
I am enjoying this historical fiction.
Source: 6/28/2020 Audible Code from the Author.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author2020)

Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery): A Laugh Out Loud Cozy Mystery
by Anya Wylde
This author writes a truly fun romp! I am 70% done.
Source: Supplied by Author 2020.
The gossip columns can talk of nothing else, and even the Regent is intrigued. The murder of Lord Beazley at Gopshall Manor has caused a sensation, and the fact that two sweet governesses could have done it has further tickled the nations bloodthirsty soul. Lucy Anne Trotter, who stands accused, steals a horse and hurtles off to convince the only man in the country who can save her bacon— the national hero and the most handsome man in England, Lord William Hartell Adair. With him by her side, she sets out to discover the Gopshall family’s secrets and the murderer.In true Anya Wylde style, plenty of madness, kisses and burning breeches make an appearance. It’s a carriage ride not to be missed.
Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Queen Bee and Me
Gillian McDunn
Release date March 3, 2020
I peeked at this and think I will enjoy the bee activities.
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2020.
From the highly acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer comes a heartfelt story about the sweetness and stings of middle-school friendship.
Meg has always found comfort in her best friend Beatrix's shadow. Self-assured Beatrix is the one who makes decisions, and the girls have been a pair since kindergarten. But middle school has brought some changes in Beatrix, especially when Meg tries to step outside her role as sidekick.
A special science elective is Meg's first step away, but when she's paired with quirky new girl Hazel, Beatrix steps in to stake her claim on Meg. Meg is taken aback at how mean Beatrix can be--and how difficult it is to stand up to her friend. But as Meg gets to know Hazel while working on their backyard beehive project, she starts to wonder: Is being Beatrix's friend worth turning down the possibility of finding her own voice?
This pitch-perfect exploration of middle-school friendship dynamics brims with heart and hope, and will resonate with readers of all ages.

I expect I will pick up another audio this week but I'll decide when I get to that point. So many choices!

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: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

July 12, 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 finished the six-day study: Ordinary Moments: Small Prayers That Can Change The World. I will pick out another study this week.

I completed one book and posted four reviews. I have three to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 3, 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 one new author ebook. I have two audiobooks from authors. I feel good getting 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.
No new review books.
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up 2 Chirp titles, 2 for 1 Audible credit, 2 audios at SYNC, and the July free download at Christianaudio.com.
I only added 2 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/11/2020 Audible 2 for 1 Credit (second June Credit)
Delta-v
By: Daniel Suarez
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
Length: 16 hrs and 42 mins
Release date: 04-23-19


Here and Now and Then
A Novel
By: Mike Chen
Narrated by: Cary Hite
Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 01-29-19

7/11/2020 Two Chirp Purchases:
$0.99
Scared to Death
Written by Rachel Amphlett
Narrated by Alison Campbell



$3.99
Love on the Line
Written by Deeanne Gist
Narrated by Barbara McCulloh

Free

I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 11.
July 9 – July 15
ALISON LARKIN PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens freely adapted by Alison Larkin, narrated by Alison Larkin (Alison Larkin Presents)
TWELFTH NIGHT by William Shakespeare, narrated by Stella Gonet, Gerard Murphy, Jonathan Keeble, Daniel Philpott, Nick Fletcher, Peter Yapp, Jane Whittenshaw, Malcolm Sinclair, David Timson, Lucy Whybrow, Christopher Godwin, Brian Parr, Adam Kotz & Benjamin Soames (Naxos AudioBooks)


July Free Download at Christianaudio.com
By the Waters of Babylon



I picked up only 2 free Kindle titles this week.  I saw these at An Imperfect Christian Mom:
Mayflower: A History From Beginning to End
Society in America (Vol. 1&2) by Harriet Martineau
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 12, 2020

We are still sharing in worship and praise online.
Pastor is returning to his sermon series: Resolute Road
Life is a highway; less traveled, a roller coaster, curves ahead, go slow, narrow bridges.
The Roman Road was important to the people of the time.
Paul met Jesus along the road to Damascus.
We are traveling along the road in a foreign land.
Reading the book of Romans says to us: Do you trust God? Do you trust that He is enough?
Do we say: "I am not ashamed of the gospel." Romans 1:16.

Everyone is included.
We are separated from God but the good news of Jesus’ sacrifice brings the solution.
Faith is what we bring.

God shows his creation:  … they can see His invisible qualities so they have no excuse. Romans 1:18-20.  So many wonders in the world if we look we can see God’s handiwork of creation: the human body, the vast array of plants and creatures, the earth, seas, and skies. The signature of creation in human DNA.

But men choose to ignore the obvious hand of God, and then they receive darkness and confusion. They trade the truth of God for a lie. Men worship created images instead of the true Creator. Romans 1:21-32

There is a Two-part solution:
God gave the life of Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin, to bridge the separation gap with God.
Our part is to believe and accept the gift – Faith in Christ brings us out of the depth of sin.

Those who are in darkness have a way out. Pray they see God. The God we serve makes Himself known. He overcomes the lies.

This is the perfect song for this message: All of Creation

Verses for Today:
Romans 1:18-25, 28-32
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.


I pray, Heavenly Father, that You will help all men to see Your majestic Creation and to give You the Glory.

Sharing Beyond Books #399 Comment Giveaway July 11, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week. I hope all are getting to enjoy some summer (or winter) sun.

Five commenters can't think of any books that they were pressured to read and another three said none. Two said they wouldn't be pressured and four named books they weren't sure they would like but ended up liking.

The Winner from SBB #398 comments is #5 Miki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 10/5/19 I have pulled some new books and will be adding them to the list in the next week or so.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #399

(One Question.)

BN100 asks: Would you pay to read an excerpt??

No, I can't imagine why I would.

Image found at Author Marketing Experts.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.

Your turn to share. BN100 asks: Would you pay to read an excerpt??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Orion Colony by J.N. CHaney, Jonathan Yanez

I enjoyed this fast dystopian to space adventure.

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
Release date: 06-04-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Humanity's Exodus is about to begin.
When half of mankind revolts and demands more opportunity, those at the top decide on a compromise: They will build the first colony ships and allow the rest to discover new worlds and start over.
Twelve ships are built. The first is called the Orion.
Many are eager to go, but only 100,000 are chosen for each vessel. Far from Earth, a new life awaits, and it promises the prosperity they've always wanted.
But still, resistance stirs.
There are those who are eager to sabotage this new expansion effort, threatening the promise of a new life. As Orion moves through the void of space, towards a distant world, its passengers must fight for survival in an unprecedented conflict.
Win or lose, their future will be forever changed.
Experience a sprawling galactic tale in this first entry to The Orion Colony series. If you're a fan of Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, or Indiana Jones, you'll love this epic, space opera adventure.
©2018 Variant Publications (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dean Slade has a past life as a champion fighter. This he keeps secret as he works as a Transient Mechanic, grade 2. Earth society is ruled by the Eternals who modify their bodies for immortality. The Transients rebelled against the powerful Eternals which resulted in the Eternals agreeing to send the Transients to their own space colonies to begin anew. Twelve ships are scheduled to go out but there are still rebels who are attacking the crews and attempting to sabotage the plans.

Dean is working on the Orion which is in its final stages of preparation to launch. When rebels attack the work yard, it is decided to launch early and finish the work on the journey. Dean didn’t plan to go on the trip but gets stuck on board when he rushes on to save a friend.

The Orion crew is headed by two sibling Eternals who seem to truly care for the people and want the recolonization to be successful. Dean is initially accused of sabotage but the AI cameras show that the true culprit is camouflaged. Dean’s qualifications, other than his mechanic skills, are the ability (and somewhat reluctant) willingness to fight and capture the enemy. He is recruited to investigate alongside an undercover agent.

The rebellion attacks continue, throwing the ship out of the slipstream and forcing a crash landing on an unknown planet. As this book ends the survivors gather around an existing domed facility.

I liked Dean’s character as a reluctant hero surrounded by mystery and courage. This is clearly a dystopian society that sets up the background. The story runs to the ‘cheesy’ side, but it is easy enjoyable action. The grammatical errors are not as obvious with audio but I agree with other reviewers that additional editing would help. Although some readers might object to the cliff hanger or half story nature of this book, I found it to be a reasonable length that stops before the next adventure. I recommend this to fans of light sci-fi colonization adventure.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a good sci-fi narrator. He delivers this story with fitting emotion and personalities. I enjoyed the listen and would listen to more in the series.

Source: 11/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Vanguard by Jack Campbell

I enjoyed this space colonization sci-fi.
Vanguard
The Genesis Fleet, Book 1
By: Jack Campbell
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Series: Genesis Fleet, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 05-16-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Military Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Jack Campbell returns to the world of the New York Times best-selling Lost Fleet novels with a new action-packed military science fiction series that explores the founding of the Alliance...and the men and women who fought to create it.
Earth is no longer the center of the universe. After the invention of the faster-than-light jump drive, humanity is rapidly establishing new colonies. But the vast distances of space mean that the old order of protection and interstellar law offered by Earth has ceased to exist.
When a nearby world attacks, the new colony of Glenlyon turns to Robert Geary, a young former junior fleet officer, and Mele Darcy, a onetime enlisted marine. With nothing but improvised weapons and a few volunteers, Geary and Darcy must face down warships and armored soldiers - or die trying.
As battles rage and pirates take an increasing toll throughout the colonies, the only hope for lasting peace lies with Carmen Ochoa, a "Red" from the anarchic world of Mars, and Lochan Nakamura, a failed politician. They have a plan: to lay the groundwork for mutual defense that could someday grow into an alliance. But if their efforts don't succeed, the growing power of aggressor worlds could turn regions of space founded on freedom into battlefields between the first interstellar empires.
©2017 John G. Hemry (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Humanity has taken to the stars to establish new colonies, but they aren’t always safe. Glenlyon is a new colony that has established some primary living areas but has done nothing towards space defense. They can reach out to the home world for help but not only will that take time, ut the home world isn’t exactly jumping to aid the colonies.

Robert Geary is a former junior fleet officer looking for a new start on Glenlyon. He didn’t expect to be recruited to lead a rag tag, untrained force of volunteers. When an unannounced freighter and escort shuttle enter the planet’s orbit, Robert and his new force surprise everyone by capturing the shuttle. Their success provides a small advantage, but they still don’t have the weapons or forces to protect the planet if – or more likely when - the bullying enemy returns.

Mele Darcy, a former marine, with her rebellious nature, has traveled out to a distant colony for a new start in her own life. When the Glenlyon leadership need to set up a force to fight the intruding enemy, they discover Mele’s background and recruit her to put together a military presence. Fortunately, Mele has enough background and strategy intelligence to be able to set up successful raids to damage the enemy.

Meanwhile, two others looking for a new life, Carmen and Lochan, have landed on a neighboring planet. Even though Carmen was successful on Earth as a crisis and peace negotiator, she is afraid others will reject her because she is a “Red” from Mars. Lochan views himself as a failed politician and a failure in all aspects of his life. They begin to show each other that they can be accepted and succeed with a change in attitude.

Mele helped Lochan escape becoming part of a slave group. This connection becomes helpful when Robert reaches out to the colony where Carmen and Lochan have just arrived. The small group of friends realize they may be able to survive better if they join as an alliance to help each other.

It has been years since I read the first book in the Lost Fleet and I should probably return to the rest of that series. The background of the humanity expansions from Earth seemed very brief in this book and initially I felt the characters were disjointed or disconnected. I was glad when the connections came together. The story flowed quickly, and I enjoyed the easy characters who each have a talent that was needed. There were some moments that required a stretch of belief, but I find that okay to some degree especially in science fiction. I was troubled by some inconsistencies as one scene indicated a problem with space delayed communications and in a later scene the communications seemed to be instantaneous. The romantic element was a little annoying, though intended to be cute.

Overall, I enjoyed the ride and watching the characters face new challenges and battles. I would be interested to see how they continue to defend their worlds and seek resolution with the enemy. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy, fast-paced space sci-fi filled.

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is a very talented narrator. He added life to the story by providing distinct and apt voices for the characters. I definitely enjoyed listening to this story.

Source: 12/6/2019 Audible Free Titles for Settlement. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Alphabet and 2020Audiobook goals.