Book Review: The Lane Betrayal (Time Box Book 1) by John A. Heldt

The suspense in this time travel continues until the last pages.

The Lane Betrayal (Time Box Book 1)
by John A. Heldt

File Size: 517 KB
ASIN: B085B7MDLH
Publication Date: February 29, 2020
Print Length: 299 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction, Time Travel Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

From the author of the critically acclaimed Northwest Passage, American Journey, and Carson Chronicles series comes the first book in the Time Box saga.
Virginia physicist Mark Lane has a problem. Weeks after privately creating two time machines, he learns his corporate partner wants to use the portable devices for nefarious purposes. Rather than give him the chance to do so, Mark takes the time boxes and escapes to the relative safety of 1865.
For Mark, wife Mary, and their children, the adventure is a chance to grow. Mary runs a business. Jeremy, 19, and Ashley, 12, befriend escaped slaves. Laura, 22, finds her place as a nurse. Jordan, 25, falls for a beautiful widow. All hope to find peace in the past.
Billionaire Robert Devereaux has other ideas. Shortly after Mark's betrayal, he sends an assassin to 1865 to retrieve his property and set matters straight.
Filled with romance, suspense, and history, THE LANE BETRAYAL follows a modern American family as it tries to find security and contentment in the final weeks of the Civil War.

Review:
Mark is a physicist who developed a time machine they call a Time Box. Mark learns that his business partner, Robert, is planning to use the device to change history and benefit from financial matters. Mark makes plans to disclose Robert’s nefarious intent and to destroy the company. But the only way Mark can escape the consequences is to take his family into the past. Mark, his wife Mary, and their four children aged 12 to 25, agree to the adventure that will take them to 1865 and the world of Abraham Lincoln.

Mary, a businesswoman, has pulled together products that she can take into the past to sell. Jordan has military intelligence to help the family and they all have studied up on the times to be ready. They gathered the clothing, guns, and coins that should be suitable for the time and place.

Robert, having forgotten his own promise to never use the time machine for harm or change to the past, is furious at the betrayal by Mark. Robert manages to deflect the immediate press on the situation and to turn the attention towards Mark who disappeared. Robert tasks his team with recreating the Time Box and studying the timeline to find a clue to where Mark took his family. Robert is ready to send a skilled assassin to go back to retrieve the original two Time Boxes and to ‘deal with’ Mark and his family.

Mark tried to plan everything ahead to cover his tracks, but he didn’t catch all the details. This mistake leaves an opening for the relentless anger of Robert and gets Mark taken into custody. Although this results in interesting meetings with Secretary of War, Edward Stanton, and President Lincoln, the family is placed at risk because one of the boxes has been confiscated.

While Mark struggles in Washington, Jordan has to make a risky return to where they first arrived in 1865. Injured while trying to escape danger, Jordan ends up on the doorstep of a young woman whom he met briefly. Their relationship leaves behind another clue that creates more suspense.

There is some similarity to the author’s Carson Chronicles which also involves young family members traveling in time. This book had more foibles as the Lane family leaves a trail of clues and are prepared to interfere in historical events that would reveal the Lane’s location, as well as risk changing history.

I do enjoy Heldt’s time travel novels. There is interesting historical detail, an engaging story, and suspense that runs right to the end. I did suspect and was right, that this story would end at a place that will leave much open for a sequel. I recommend this to fans of family stories, history, and particularly to time travel.

Source: Book supplied by Author for an honest review. This qualifies for my 2020 Author review goal.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 27, 2020

Happy Friday! 
Summer is moving along pretty quickly it seems.

I completed GCs and PayPals other than those banking thier wins or those I have emailed for info.
Now it is time to start rounding up books to mail out again. :-)

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the August 21, 2020 Pick. There was one automatic win this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.
Rubynreba gets The Suicide Club.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 21, 2020 Pick:
ASHFA gets a GC
and
FREDAMANS gets a GC.

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This image seemed fitting as so many go back to school!
Image found at Eastview Elementary.

New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box. 

PAIRS:
Mary Jane Clark:  Hide Yourself Away and Do You Want to Know a Secret
Maggie Shayne:  Embrace the Twilight and Colder Than Ice
SINGLES:
On Thin Ice by Cherry Adair
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Cutting Edge by Allison Brennan
Summer Skies by Judy Christenberry (I apparently had a duplicate of this title)
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Angel Face by Suzanne Forster
Stalking the Puzzle Landy by Parnell Hall
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper
Statute of Limitations by Tamar Myers
The Missing Heir by Gail Rainstrom
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)
The Warrior by Frances Richey (poetry - hardcover)


New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Pairs:
Brenda Joyce: Firestorm and Innocent Fire
LaVyrle Spencer: Morning Glory and Bitter Sweet
Singles:
Open House by Elizabeth Berg (Hardback)
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
What the Heart Knows by Kathleen Eagle
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Angel Creek by Linda Howard
Montana Mavericks - Big Sky Grooms Anthology
Shadow and Silk by Ann Maxwell
Tempting Fire by Carla Neggers
Suicide Club by Gayle Wilson
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere
Through the Years - Three Novels, Linda Howard, Fern Michaels and Debbie Macomber


New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

PAIRS:
Stella Cameron: Body of Evidence and Fascination
Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs


New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff


This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost NINE years I have posted 88 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,429 books to find new homes! (as of November 8, 2019).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,327+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors, your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to faraway places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audible Book Review: Dodge & Twist by Tony Lee

This is a fun production listen.
Dodge & Twist
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tony Lee
Narrated by: Matt Lucas, Stephen Mangan, Michael Socha, Kara Tointon

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 12-12-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

It’s rumored that Dickens wanted to return to his classic novel Oliver Twist—to bring Oliver back as an older character—but never managed this before he died. If Oliver had returned, what would he have been like? Would the scars of his childhood effect the man he would become? And what of ‘Dodger,’ sent to a land halfway around the world, his friend, mentor and master dead because of Oliver?
Dodge & Twist is that story. The tale of two boys, 12 years later, returning into each other’s lives—for both good and bad.
This Audible Original production of Dodge & Twist is fully dramatized with an immersive SFX soundscape and is performed by a full cast including Stephen Mangan as Charles Dickens (Green Wing, Episodes, I'm Alan Partridge), Matt Lucas as Fagin (Little Britain, Me, Bridesmaids, Alice in Wonderland), Kara Tointon (Eastenders, Mr Selfridge, The Sound of Music Live) and Michael Socha (Being Human, This is England). Will Howard and James Joyce portray Oliver and Dodger.
©2018 Audible, Ltd (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

Review:
Oliver returns to London after twelve years. He is once again penniless and seeking the withheld funds which should be his inheritance as the adopted son of Mr. Brownlow. He doesn’t want the funds for himself, but so he can pay the servants and take care of Mr. Brownlow’s properties. Oliver is surprised to run into Dodger. Their meeting is tense since Oliver remembers this boy tried to trap him into a life of crime in Fagan’s gang. Dodger remembers that Oliver’s escape brought the death of Fagan. Dodger directs Oliver to the solicitor’s office but tells him to contact him later. When the lawyers deny his claim, Oliver is so desperate that he allows Dodger to convince him to join him in a major heist.

Although reluctant, Oliver, still rather naïve, finds himself making plans with a small team that includes Nancy’s sister and Noah, one of Fagan’s bullies. Oliver struggles with his conscience while trying to dodge abuse from Noah and slowly learning that Dodger has input from a strange voice.

Other characters from the past (original story) make appearances and some have a surprising role. Charley Bates, once a pickpocket for Fagan, is now a police officer. He is trying to save Dodger from his demons and Oliver from Dodger.

I haven’t read Oliver Twist in years but I did recognize many of the characters. I am not such a student of Dickens to be offended by Mr. Lee’s efforts to create a sequel. Mr. Lee wove the past of the characters together to help remind the reader/listener of the events of the original story. The squalor of the city continues. The ‘twists’ of plot continues. There is banter, suspense, and danger. The pacing is good and I found myself listening to find out what would happen next. I recommend this to fans of historical adventure and mystery as well as fans of Dickens.

Audio Notes: This is a full drama production which added to the enjoyment of the work. There are different voices for each character as well as background noises that enhance the scenes. I enjoyed the audio production and recommend this as a fun listen.

Source: 2/23/19 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Catalyst Downward Cycle by J K Franks

This is a good beginning of a post-apocalyptic series, though not stellar.

Catalyst Downward Cycle
by J K Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum

Series: Catalyst, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-28-16
Language: English
Publisher: J K Franks
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
In the first five minutes, more than a million people will die.... That’s just the beginning of the nightmare.
The super solar storm wasn’t supposed to hit Earth - the odds were against it. And yet it did, and everything changed. The storm causes a global blackout. Society begins to come apart as the planes begin falling from the sky and all traces of normal vanish. Scott Montgomery watches helplessly as pandemonium consumes the world around him. But the loss of electrical power is just the first of the problems facing the survivors in the chaos that follows.
Soon, they discover the loss of electricity was just the beginning of their problems. In a land without laws and few consequences for their actions, individuals must come to terms with their darkest fears and desires. What will Scott do when he learns the draconian plans one secret group has for regaining control and ensuring their own vision for the new world?
Catalyst is a shockingly realistic tale of how society copes when the world is thrust back to a time before technology. If you are a fan of Steve Konkoly, Tom Abrahams, or A. American, you will love this audiobook.
©2016 J K Franks (P)2016 J K Franks

Review:
Scott is a computer analyst who lives in a solitary life in a small, rather isolated community on the Gulf. Scott became a bike enthusiast and a loner after a failed marriage. Scott isn’t a prepper although he is familiar with the group because his brother is one. Scott quickly recognizes the devastating impact of the solar flare that disables all electric systems in America and around the world. Scott isn’t sure how he will survive especially after he uncovers secret government plans regarding the recovery efforts.

Scott is fortunate to stumble upon three other men who are ready to band together for survival. Jack is a gritty ex-con turned preacher who is ready to help those who are ready to help themselves and he won’t take guff from anyone. Bartos is a rugged lineman who is more than prepared to defend and protect his friends. Todd is a former warrior with skills that can help with planning strategies while protecting the gathering band. These new friends see in Scott an intelligent, steady man who has valuable information and one who can help lead other men and women to work together for common good.

Scott is surprised when Todd volunteers to help him travel several hundred miles away to try to find and retrieve his niece who is in college. They are surprised to find a strange militaristic group controlling the campus. Will they be able to sneak Scott’s niece out safely? And what sort of community can they develop at their small town?

I did enjoy this overall story. Scott is a reluctant leader who needs a lot of help to succeed. He finds that help in interesting rather gritty comrades. Their communications were peppered with foul language which bothered me but wasn’t why I didn’t find the work compelling. I felt the story started slowly and plodded along. The story is realistic but seems to skip sections of development as the survivors gather. I’m not quite sure if it was the narration or the POV that made this seem like a lot of tell rather than show. There could have been more time spent on developing the community before they face a violent gang directed by an arrogant man of privilege.

I acknowledge that the story is worth listening to and continuing in the series. The problem is, with so many other series in this genre, this wouldn’t be my first choice. I do recommend this for readers/listeners who enjoy this genre.

Audio Notes: Steven Varnum does a fair job providing voices, but I think he could have provided a little more energy. I think this is partially the nature of the material. I still love listening to audio as it moves stories along for me.

Source: 9/18/18 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020 TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post August 23, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 24, 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 had a busy week covering closings for my daughter as she was out with an infection.
I have two large commercial closings this week so I will be concentrating on these.

The new contractor confirmed that they are waiting for an inspection by the insurance company. Below are pictures of the office ready to be rebuilt.

We are looking for confirmation to replace all of these ceiling beams which suffered water damage.

We have decided to keep this left lobby wall as brick. They will remove more plaster up to the ceiling level and then clean the underlying brick.

This is looking from the lobby to the back of the office. They had to add pillars for support on the right until they add the new steel supports.
We plan to do a curved reception desk along the right wall.

Our weather is still hot and wet. It looks like we will have some rain from Marco this week. We are praying both storms dissipate rather than hit anywhere as hurricanes.
We are praying too for California and the devastating fires there. :-(

I enjoyed the books I read/listened to this week. My old kindle remains frozen. I was able to continue reading on my Fire Kindle although it is frustrating since it takes 3-4 minutes just to get the unit on, open the book, and find the correct chapter.  I finished two audios and one ebook. It was a light posting week with only one review and my usual memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to In Wonderland Book Blog. Stephanie and Lizzie share blog fun and reviews primarily in YA/NA genres.

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 August 16, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 17, 2020.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 21, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/27/2020.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Waiting for Summer's Return by Kim Vogel Sawyer; Genre: Christian Romance, Historical, Inspirational; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #402 Comment Giveaway August 22, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/5/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 23, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Catalyst Downward Cycle
by J K Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum
Series: Catalyst, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
This is a basic beginning of a post-apocalyptic series- not stellar.
Source: 9/18/18 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Dodge & Twist
An Audible Original Drama
By: Tony Lee
Narrated by: Matt Lucas, Stephen Mangan, Michael Socha, Kara Tointon
Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 12-12-18
This is a fun production listen.
Source: 2/23/19 Free Audible Original.
It’s rumored that Dickens wanted to return to his classic novel Oliver Twist—to bring Oliver back as an older character—but never managed this before he died. If Oliver had returned, what would he have been like? Would the scars of his childhood effect the man he would become? And what of ‘Dodger,’ sent to a land halfway around the world, his friend, mentor and master dead because of Oliver?
Dodge & Twist is that story. The tale of two boys, 12 years later, returning into each other’s lives—for both good and bad.
This Audible Original production of Dodge & Twist is fully dramatized with an immersive SFX soundscape and is performed by a full cast including Stephen Mangan as Charles Dickens (Green Wing, Episodes, I'm Alan Partridge), Matt Lucas as Fagin (Little Britain, Me, Bridesmaids, Alice in Wonderland), Kara Tointon (Eastenders, Mr Selfridge, The Sound of Music Live) and Michael Socha (Being Human, This is England). Will Howard and James Joyce portray Oliver and Dodger.
©2018 Audible, Ltd (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

3. eBook/Kindle (Author2020)

The Lane Betrayal (Time Box Book 1)
by John A. Heldt
The suspense continues in this time travel until the last pages. 
Source: Book supplied by Author.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Honor in an Age of Metal and Men
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub
I have started this, first on phone and now on Fire kindle. 
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Woof
Written By: Spencer Quinn
Narrated By: James Frangione
Duration: 7 h 5 min
I have been looking at this series for a while.
This is starting out fun.
Source: 10/29/2019 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Deal.
Summary:
"Spencer Quinn speaks two languages--suspense and dog--fluently."--Stephen King
Bowser is a dog detective on the loose, paired with an eleven-year-old girl, Birdie. Bowser and Birdie live on the Louisiana coast with Birdie's Grammy. When a prize stuffed marlin is stolen from Grammy's bait and tackle shop, Birdie and Bowser decide to take on the case. But what looks like a straightforward break-in soon becomes as tangled as a tourist's fishing line. Was Grammy hiding a treasure map in the marlin? What's up with Old Man Straker, owner of a rival tackle shop, and his juvenile delinquent son? And most sinister of all, why does it suddenly look as if someone wants to harm Birdie? Told entirely from Bowser's hilarious dog point of view, WOOF launches a brand-new, slightly slobbery, but utterly winning detective duo.

I imagine I will pick up a sci-fi audio next. Just not sure which one.

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. These are the letters that remain:
NETGALLEY:  H  M  U X  Y and Z
AUDIO:             X  and  Z

August 23, 2020 - I remain caught up on 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 haven't picked a new study yet.

I completed three books and posted one review, remaining up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is at 2, 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 left. 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 this week.
I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I picked up one VIP free book at audiobooks.com ; purchased one Chirp title for $3.99; and purchased one Audible at discount. I still have credits at Audiobooks.com which I think I will be saving until September.
I added 11 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

Chirp Purchase at $3.99
A Matter of Trust
Written by Lis Wiehl & April Henry
Read by Eleni Pappageorge
Run Time 9h 6min



I picked the Kindle version up for free and added the Audible for $1.99.
The Big Time
By: Fritz Leiber
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Free

August VIP Free Selection:
The Dreaming Tree
Written By: Matthew Mather
Narrated By: Tom Taylorson, Robin Eller
Duration: 11 hours 5 minutes



FREE KINDLE 11 books including:
 
The Science Fiction Anthology
Andre Norton, Murray Leinster, Lester del Rey, Harry Harrison, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Fritz Leiber, Ben Bova, The griffin classics, Philip K. Dick



The Big Time
Fritz Leiber, Virgil Finlay

Some of the free books this week were Amish titles through Paula Poche email.
Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.