Audible Book Review: Conflicted Home: The Survivalist Series by A. American

This is a good continuation of a strong post-apocalyptic, survival series.

Conflicted Home
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine

Series: The Survivalist Series, Book 9
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-10-18
Language: English
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Survival
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The only possible thing that could make Morgan's world even more difficult happened. The Japanese fleet off the coast of California was wiped out. An even that Morgan and friends and family only knew about because of the radio broadcasts from the Radio Free Redoubt. So far removed from them it barely warranted notice. That is until the Chinese retaliated by launching a nuclear counter-strike against Mac Dill Air Force base. This, did warrant their attention and had the potential to profoundly impact their lives.
As bad as the fear of nuclear fallout was, it wasn't the only threat still haunting northern Lake county. With proof the Russians had pathfinder units on the ground, at a minimum, in the state and discovery of Cuban forces cooperating with them, something had to be done. After encountering armored units and realizing they were ill equipped to deal with the threat, the old man called for help. The call was answered, but would require a near impossible trip by truck to Eglin Air Force base. America was certainly on the ropes, but she wasn't down yet.
All Morgan wants to do is protect his family and friends. To restore a normal sense of life. To see to it Mel and his girls are safe and protected. He doesn't want to get involved in these military actions. He's more focused on trying to restore power to town. But his desires are, to use a military term, overtaken by circumstances, and, once again, Morgan and his friends are compelled to get involved. And this time, it will cost them.
©2017 A. American (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
Morgan is back home recovering from injuries suffered at the end of Home Invasion. The biggest concerns though come from two major threats. A nuclear bomb has been dropped on an air force base in Tampa which is only 100 or so miles away from Morgan’s community in Eustis, Florida. Meanwhile, Russians joined by Cuban forces have invaded Florida to the south and are moving north. In order to protect their home and the neighboring community which includes US troops, Morgan joins the immutable Sarge and his handful of men take a road trip to Eglin Air Force Base (near Pensacola) which is roughly six hours away in normal days.

This episode of the series is very much a ‘days in the life of’ journal. Like the last book, Home Invasion, this book has less battle action and more life experiences. I actually enjoyed the relationship developments and the living details including foods and medical treatments. The story moves along well and the quiet portions get a punch with action engagement along the journey to Florida Panhandle. Then Morgan and his friends suffer a brutal surprise attack after the crew returns with supplies to share.

I will say that the rough ‘male humor’ continues (again see my review of Home Invasion) especially among Sarge and his special forces team. I’m not really in favor of that language but, fortunately, it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story overall. I also like the fact that the setting in Florida is well known to me. I recommend this series to fans of the post-apocalyptic survival genre.

Audio Notes: I am glad that Duke Fontaine continues to narrate this series. He delivers the story with good energy and distinct voices. His narration successfully contributes to making this an entertaining listen.

Source: 7/16/19 Audible 2nd June Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post July 26, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 27, 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.

I am easing back into work at the office. This week seemed light but productive.

Our dogs chase the bunnies that live under the shed in our son's backyard.
Several times I had to make sure there was noise to give the bunnies warning to run before we let the dogs out.
Imagine the surprise when our son discovered this two days after we left:

This was right under where our car had been parked for two weeks!

Hubby and I are back to muttering along at home. Staying indoors out of the 90 degree days.

I enjoyed the two books I finished - one audio and one ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Rather Too Fond of Books. Haley says: "I spend more time reading books and talking about books than almost anything else so it only seemed right for me to set up a book blog! I started this blog properly in August 2015 and I’m enjoying it so much. I love having a platform to share all the great books I’ve read."

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 19, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 20, 2020.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: #The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho; Action and Adventure, Asian Myth, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Author2020- Book Review: Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery) by Anya Wylde; Cozy Mystery, Regency, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 24, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/30/2020.

• Author2020- Audio Book Review: The Bomb Squad: Clash of the Patriots by Neil Perry Gordon; Espionage Thriller, Historical Fiction, WWI; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #400 Comment Giveaway July 25, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/8/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 26, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Written in Red
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 03-05-13
This is very good so now I will be into this series.
Source: 4/28/19 Audible Whisper Sync title for $7.95 less $5.00 Credit so it cost me only $2.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Queen Bee and Me
Gillian McDunn
Release date March 3, 2020.
This is a good MG story.
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 01-09-18
I am midway and enjoying the second book 
in this series.
Source: 12/16/19 Audible 2nd Settlement Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe from New York Times best seller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.
The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe — it does not like what it sees.
A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.
As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the "new order". But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.
Will the Thunderhead intervene?
Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?
©2018 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Wolf at the End of the World
by Douglas Smith
I am 30% into this shapeshifter Native Canadian story and it is very engaging!
Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

You Need a Budget
The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want
By: Jesse Mecham
Narrated by: Jesse Mecham
Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 12-26-17
I chose this to squeeze in as my nonfiction book for July.
Source: 9/9/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.
Publisher's Summary
For most people, budgeting conjures up the same feelings as, say, prison and dieting. But your initial instinct couldn't be further from the truth. You just haven't budgeted the right way.
You Need a Budget will teach you four simple rules to completely revolutionize the way you think about managing your money. With a budget, you'll break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money. A liberating, enabling, empowering budget will actually make you feel more free, not more restricted. The YNAB philosophy is centered around these four rules:
Give every dollar a job. Take your cash, checking, and saving accounts and assign jobs to that money. Begin now with what you have on hand. Then follow your plan. Pick your priorities, and make sure your dollars are helping you move closer to the things you care about most.
Embrace your true expenses. Look ahead and identify the larger, less frequent expenses that tend to sneak up on you. Break those expenses into manageable monthly amounts. Consider insurance premiums, birthdays, holidays, charitable giving, car repairs, etc. This practice evens out your cash outflows, decreases your stress, and helps you make better decisions.
Roll with the punches. Accept the fact that life always changes and you'll likely always go over budget somewhere. If an unexpected expense comes up and you need to change your budget, just change it. The YNAB philosophy not only tolerates changing your budget but encourages it.
Age your money. The goal of this rule is to increase the time between the moment you earn money and the moment you spend that money. In other words, if you're going to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, you need to learn to live on money you earned a month or two months or even three months ago.
YNAB's four rules are the pillars of a tried-and-true system that gets you to engage with your money every day. It helps you change your behavior so that you're proactive and in control of your finances. It's not about stressing over last month's statement; instead, you're looking ahead and actively deciding how you want and need to build a life of meaning, not stress.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 YNAB Licensing LLC (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

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 26, 2020 - I am still working on getting caught up for daily reading. 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 on the 5th day of a 7-day study: Good News: Encouragement for a World in Crisis.

I completed two books and posted three reviews. I am one review behind so a total of three this week should be good.

My NetGalley shelf is now at 2, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I did pik a NetGalley download of an audiobook last week but it didn't download to my phone so it isn't available.
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 picked a NetGalley audio but it didn't download on the app.)
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up another 2 for 1 credit deal at Audiobooks.com and I also borrowed the final week of SYNC audio titles. I had three books picked at Chirp but resisted as I have plenty already to listen to (and read).
I only added no free Kindle titles this week.
(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

Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com
When You Are Near
Written By: Tracie Peterson
Narrated By: Pilar Witherspoon
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: March 2019
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes

You Dropped a Blonde On Me
Written By: Dakota Cassidy
Narrated By: Hollie Jackson
Publisher: Tantor Media
Date: June 2020
Duration: 11 hours 53 minutes

Free

I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 12.
July 23 – July 29
KINDRED by Octavia E. Butler, narrated by Kim Staunton (Recorded Books)
BURN BABY BURN by Meg Medina, narrated by Marisol Ramirez (Candlewick on Brilliance Audio)

I picked up no free Kindle titles 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 26, 2020

Hubby and I enjoyed church online again this morning. We are thinking we may return to in-person church next week.

Pastor continued his series on the Resolute Road with a message from Romans 3:1-22.
Sometimes our efforts don't go right. Remember a child trying to hit a T-ball the first times? A parent often has to encourage them to “Try one more time.” You don’t know when that next try will succeed. Resolute means wholly decided, determined, single-minded.

Paul had said that the Jews and Gentiles were equal before God. Then the question arises to ask “what is the advantage of being a Jew?” Yes, there were benefits. The Jews were given the full revelation of God and shared in the covenants of God. Jews became the librarians passing along the Word. But even the Chosen people were unable to keep the law. Even David was a sinner, but God forgave him. Romans 3:3-4. 

All have sinned; there is no one who is righteous before God. Romans 3:10-12.
Paul describes sinners with a description that fits even the foulness of today’s times.
Many do not fear God because many don't even believe in the existence of God.

Even the church may be becoming deluded. Has the church become just compassionate do-gooders who have lost their saltiness? Are we only doing good works without sharing the foundations of faith?

We are all sinners, under the power of sin; slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6.) BUT God has shown a way. Romans 3:21-26.

The Point: However far we are from God, we are just one more step from righteous.

Faith (Greek: pisteos) is God's divine persuasion. God births faith in us and raises it up.
Don't look for faith within yourself as that is too weak. Faith needs to be God-powered faith.
The light has power over the darkness. Don't run (or walk) on empty. Look to God for faith.

A word was given from one of our congregants: God knows what is happening. His plans will not be thwarted. His plans include each of us. Trust that He is in control.

This is a Faith song for today:

Verses for Today:
Romans 3:22-24
22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Sharing Beyond Books #400 Comment Giveaway July 25, 2020

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

All eighteen of us agreed that we would NOT pay for an excerpt.

The Winner from SBB #399 comments is #7 Fredamans 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 #400

(One Question.)

FREDAMANS asks: What is your favorite bookish accessory??

This question seemed familiar but it didn't show up in my spreadsheet. I have to say my favorite accessory is earbuds for my phone (or occassionally my mp3 player) where I listen to audiobooks and for my kindle (generation 2) which reads to me. I rarely read a print book anymore. I did find some interesting items while looking for images so I will be curious to see what your picks are.

How about these elf earbuds!
Found at Pinterest shared by fashionablygeek.com


This is an accessory I might use if I was reading print!
Image found at Rafal Reyzer.

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.
July Comments shared by bn100 and Fredamans who get a half book or $2.50 credit.

Your turn to share. FREDAMANS asks: What is your favorite bookish accessory??

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, August 8, 2020, at 5 PM central.

Audio Book Review: The Bomb Squad: Clash of the Patriots by Neil Perry Gordon

This has interesting intrigue and history mixed with a touch of romance.
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
Language: English
Publisher: Neil Perry Gordon
Genre: Espionage Thriller, Historical Fiction, WWI
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

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

Review:
In July 2016 an explosion rocked the Statute of Liberty. Germans exploded a munitions depot on Black Tom Island. Bombs began to destroy numerous locations, cargo, and steamships. New York City police detective Max Rothman is recruited to investigate. He pulls together a team of German-speaking specialists dubbed The Bomb Squad.

On the other side of the war, Dr. Harold Schwartz is a German spy working as the administrator at Ellis Island. There are those who suspect Harold’s father is working with the Germans, but they haven’t found proof yet that either Harold or his father are involved in the rising cigar bomb attacks.

Soon the Bomb Squad recovers funds intended for the German enemies. When Irish militants supporting the German cause are threatened, Max is surprised to discover opposition among his own friends.

Max develops a relationship with a young woman with whom he becomes engaged. The romance between them is sweet and gentle. Maria reveals a secret that sets Max and Maria off on a mission into Germany.

This story weaves an engaging intrigue with interesting history. I wasn’t really aware of the bombings in New York Harbor and had forgotten that German immigrants were interned on Ellis Island during WW1. The author reflects the entanglement of the Jewish, Irish, and German communities in America and also reflects the involvement of European countries as Max and Maria travel to Germany.

The characters seemed reasonably developed and the plot moves at a good pace with a few twists. There was some suspension of reality in the second half of the story as Max and Maria travel through Europe to sneak into Germany. They make their presence known and seem to think they will manage their mission with no consequences. There is an unexpected twist that brings the characters back to New York for an intense conclusion. I recommend this to readers who like WWI historical fiction.

Audio Notes: Frank Block does a good job with the narration. He manages the varied accents and voices with appropriate emphasis. I am glad I got to listen to this book.

Source: 6/28/2020 Audible Code from the Author. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.