#NetGalley Book Review: Aftershocks: Christians Entering a New Era of Global Crisis by Jeff Kinley

We may be facing aftershocks as we get closer to ‘the end’.

Aftershocks
Christians Entering a New Era of Global Crisis
by Jeff Kinley

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08SJLFWV2
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvest House Publishers (April 13, 2021)
File size ‏ : ‎ 2307 KB (208pgs in print)
Genre: Christian Prophecy, Social Issues & Christianity, Theological Eschatology
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

In a time of global upheaval and uncertainty, uncover God’s prophetic plan for the ages—and your place in it.
Living in this era of pandemics, economic chaos, natural disasters, and political strife, you may feel tempted to question whether God is in control. Yet when you look to the Bible, you’ll find these events actually signal that His promises will soon be fulfilled.
In Aftershocks, bestselling author Jeff Kinley reveals how current societal and global trends foreshadow the nearness of the end times—and how the prophecies about what is to come should renew your passion to lovingly proclaim Christ to a suffering world. This book will supply you with critical intel concerning how your life will likely change in the years ahead provide you with biblical wisdom that enables you to respond to current events with confidence and grace reveal how recent cultural convulsions on this restless planet play into heaven’s plan for earth Aftershocks unveils the raw reality of these last days while inspiring you to live with hope—a hope that vaccinates you against the ignorance, naivety, and anxiety that plague our world today.

Review:
This title by Kinley is right up to date. He makes interesting points, supported by biblical scripture, noting that events are happening that leave aftershocks but that show we are not at the end - yet. Kinley addresses the past few years of political and societal trends, and particularly the year of lockdown due to Covid, and analyzes them in light of end time prophecies. He reveals the trend toward globalism and discusses the yet to come global world order. Kinley recognizes that the spirit of “global citizen” is gaining momentum while nationalism and patriotism are being frowned upon, demeaned ... or worse.

There is a chapter on Signs setting out Seven solid principles for deciphering biblical signs. In another chapter, Growing Apostasy, Kinley describes the subtle and covert attacks on scripture. He notes that we are living in a “society immersed in idolatry, sexual immorality, homosexuality, violence, slander , hatred of God, destruction of the family, unreasonable and unsupportable belief systems, unloving relationships, unforgiving hearts, and the unashamed public celebration of all manner of deviant sin.” (Location 1490.)

Kinley tells ‘Aftershock’ Christians that we have a “threefold mandate”: pray for the peace of Jerusalem; bless Israel (“support her survival and defense”); and make disciples of Jesus, from among Jews as well as other non-believers. He tells us we are living in the times of the signs and shares what changes he thinks Christians will face in the near future. The descriptions might be frightening to some, but not to those who know the end and know who is in control!

I appreciate how Kinley is willing to dismiss prophesies that are not consistent with scripture and encourages readers to exercise discernment. Christians may not want to see things progress as they appear to be, but we need to understand how the world will change to fulfill the end times as revealed by scripture. This book helps us to understand the aftershocks of historical events and prepare for the changes to come. I recommend this to any person who seeks more information on the progress toward end times.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley, and 2021Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23) by David Rosenfelt

I enjoyed this quick legal mystery.
Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery (Book 23)
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 07-06-21
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Dogs, Legal Thriller
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it’s routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn’t so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at once: Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.
Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he’s wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.
Dog Eat Dog, the twenty-second installment in the Andy Carpenter series, features the charming cast of characters - old and new - that David Rosenfelt is known for and the dogs that accompany them.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy semi-retired lawyer who would rather spend his time walking his beloved dogs with his beloved wife, Laurie. Andy likes to avoid work when he can but isn’t about to let injustice pass by. An evening walk with their dogs lands Andy in a new case when a stranger steps in to rescue an abused dog. The man gets arrested – not just for beating the abuser but for a pending double murder charge. Andy reluctantly agrees to help the accused, Matthew, as he is returned to Maine to face the two-year old charge. Matthew insists he is innocent, but it will be hard to overcome the evidence of Matt’s DNA on the hand of the dead man.

Andy tries to leave Matt in the hands of the local defense attorney, but he just can’t do it. When Matt’s newly discovered half-sister pleads with Andy to take the case, he agrees. Andy relocates to Maine to begin the trial prep but soon runs into a threatened attack alone in the parking lot. Laurie isn’t about to allow that to slide, so soon the team, including Laurie (and the dogs), bodyguard/muscle Marcus, and hacker/accountant whiz Sam, arrive in Maine. Laurie’s other K-9 investigator, Corey, and his German Shepherd Simon arrive soon after.

Andy and team do their usual thorough job of turning over the rocks and digging the dirt for other suspects. This brings out connections to drug dealers and an extreme militia group and also leaves bodies in the wake of questions. But Andy still must address the DNA problem.

I enjoy this series and the narrator. There are always several suspects, often FBI involvement and usually a trail of bodies. I love following the trial questions and ‘watching’ as Andy presents the evidence that leads to reasonable doubt, and reveals the true villains. The fast-moving plot is enhanced with Andy’s self-deprecation and snarky banter.

While I was listening to this 23rd installment, I got my husband to listen to book one, Open and Shut, which he enjoyed. The stories can be read as standalones but it is much more fun to have at least read the first several in the series so you know the team characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mysteries with legal procedures ... and dogs. 

Audio Notes: I am sure I have noted it in prior reviews of this series, but Grover Gardner, is the wonderful, fitting voice of Andy Carpenter. Gardner has an appropriate NJ/NY tone delivering distinct voices with appropriate energy. I love listening to the stories and hear this narrator even if I occasionally read an ebook version.

Source: NetGalley 6/3/2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post July 4, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 5, 2021

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 hope all Americans enjoyed a Happy and safe Independence Day!



It is sort of surprising that we are now in July! The week moved along with a pretty productive workload.

I had my nails done two weeks ago in preparation of Independence Day.
I had picked a brighter design but the technician did
a softer red, white (silvery) and blue fireworks.

I still found the one cluster of grapes but they are hard. I guess the others are all gone to critters. 

We are still experiencing hot, humid and rainy weather.

I really liked my reading and listening this week. Kindle/ebook reading continues to be slower but I persevere.   I finished two audio books and one ebook. I posted two reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to A GREAT Read. Jessica has been sharing reviews on Urban Fantasy and Paranormal YA since 2009.

Audible offerings for free children's titles looks like it is closing June 30.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 27, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 28, 2021.

• A2021- Audio Book Review: Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel; Genre: Cyperpunk, Fantasy Gaming, Post-apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dragon Planet by Dan Wells; Genre: Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 2, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/8/2021.

• MBS June 2021 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 4, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone/NetGalley App (NG2021)

Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner
Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 07-06-21
I enjoyed this quick legal mystery.
Plus I got my hubby to listen to book 1 in the series. :-)
Source: NetGalley 6/3/2021
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle App/Smartphone (NG2020)

Aftershocks
Christians Entering a New Era of Global Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
This made some interesting points on end times: events happening with aftershocks but not the end yet.
Source: 2020 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone/NetGalley App (NG2021)

A Good Day for Chardonnay
by Darynda Jones
Narrated by Lorelei King
Pub Date 27 Jul 2021
Ms. Jones writes fun stories.
Source: NetGalley Audio Book.
Running a small-town police force in the mountains of New Mexico should be a smooth, carefree kind of job. Sadly, full-time Sheriff--and even fuller-time coffee guzzler--Sunshine Vicram, didn't get that memo.
All Sunshine really wants is one easy-going day. You know, the kind that starts with coffee and a donut (or three) and ends with take-out pizza and a glass of chardonnay (or seven). Turns out, that's about as easy as switching to decaf. (What kind of people do that? And who hurt them?)
Before she can say iced mocha latte, Sunny's got a bar fight gone bad, a teenage daughter hunting a serial killer and, oh yes, the still unresolved mystery of her own abduction years prior. All evidence points to a local distiller, a dangerous bad boy named Levi Ravinder, but Sun knows he's not the villain of her story. Still, perhaps beneath it all, he possesses the keys to her disappearance. At the very least, beneath it all, he possesses a serious set of abs. She's seen it. Once. Accidentally.
Between policing a town her hunky chief deputy calls four cents short of a nickel, that pesky crush she has on Levi which seems to grow exponentially every day, and an irascible raccoon that just doesn't know when to quit, Sunny's life is about to rocket to a whole new level of crazy.
Yep, definitely a good day for chardonnay.

Currently Reading:
1. ebook/Kindle App (Author2021)

The Alchemy Thief
by R.A. Denny
I have just started this time travel, Christian historical.
Source: Author review request.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Vision in Silver
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 03-03-15
I like this series and get a "V" title.
Source: 12/16/2020 November Audible Credits.
Publisher's Summary
The New York Times best-selling author of The Black Jewels Trilogy transports readers to a world of magic and political unrest - where the only chance at peace requires a deadly price....
The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before - both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.
Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.
For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep....
©2015 Anne Bishop (P)2015 Penguin

3. Print (2021)

The Iron Triangle: Inside the Liberal Democrat Plan to Use Race to Divide Christians and America in their Quest for Power and How We Can Defeat Them
by Vince Everett Ellison
This will be my nonfiction book for June July.
I am still engaged by the arguments.
Source: Purchased in March 2021.
Click on book title for full description.

July 4, 2021 - I remain on track. I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I am doing a 3 day study: Who Controls Your Thoughts?

I completed three books to review this week.
NetGalley shelf is now at four - 3 old and one brand new.
Four author titles remain in queue. I'll be working on these next soon.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received an ebook from NetGalley
I selected 2 for 1 credit audios at Audiobooks.com.
One Audible Daily Deal.
One 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

NetGalley Book: I liked book one so I am glad to get book two. (Seen at Inside of a Dog.)

The Keepers
by Jeffrey B. Burton

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/3/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit Sci Fi & Fantasy:

Winter World
By A.G. Riddle
Narrated By: Edoardo Ballerini, Amanda Leigh Cobb
Duration: 11 h 3 min

The Solar War
By A.G. Riddle
Narrated By: Edoardo Ballerini, Amanda Leigh Cobb
Duration: 12 h 21 min


7/4/2021 Audible Daily Deal $3.95 - perfect for Independence Day!

Igniting the American Revolution
1773-1775
By: Derek W. Beck
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 10-06-15

Free

Eadan's Vow: A Scottish Time Travel Romance (Highlander Fate Book 1)
Stella Knight

One free Kindle titles this week.  Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 4, 2021

We attended service online again this morning. Pastor continued his message in Romans titled “Undisputed”.

God is the Undisputed Authority of it ALL. The further you zoom out looking at the universe the more undisputed is God’s power and creation. His wisdom is undisputed. Time exists in Him, not in our time or understanding.

We all face obstacles: time, resources, energy, motivation, people, pride, fear, access, authority, … The enemy puts obstacles in the way or we have our own obstacles. Other obstacles we don’t always think about. God may put some in place. God confounded languages to stop the building of the Tower of Babel.

When we experience a major obstacle how do we react? Turn back, go around, go over, seek help? Seek God? Do we deal with it in our own logic or do we seek God’s guidance? Why is the obstacle there? Has God allowed the obstacle for a purpose? Is the obstacle an opportunity?

People who try to get right by keeping the law always fail. They can only get right by faith! Enthusiasm is misguided zeal. Romans 9:25-33.

Paul makes a distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Jews seeking to live by the law rejected Christ as savior. Gentiles found it easier to believe by faith. Romans 10:1-13. Paul tells us “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4.

Paul shares what he learned on the road to Damascus. Acts 26:15-18. Jesus said to Paul (then Saul) ‘It is useless for you to fight against my will.’(“Kicking against the goads.”) Acts 26:14.

The obstacle for the Jews was trying to live by the Law. Romans 9:32. They were stuck there and wouldn’t accept Christ. The obstacle for Gentiles was being second class citizens, but the message removed that obstacle and allowed them to accept Christ by faith.

We have to learn to deal with the obstacle. When someone chooses to reject Jesus, they are choosing to pay their own penalty instead of accepting the payment Jesus paid on the cross.

THE POINT: Our natural response to an obstacle is to find a way around, but we need to deal with it. When we do, God is able to direct us into His will.

What is the rock in your way? Sin, your own independence, leading on our own wisdom instead of God’s, fear? Identify the obstacle and ask God to deal with it. It is useless to fight against God’s Will. Surrender to God.

This is the song I found for this morning: Let Go, Let God!

Verses for Today:
Romans:10:4 and 10 NIV.
4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

God, I give thanks that you paid the price for my sin through the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice. Help me to walk in Your Will each day!

MBS June 2021 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2021 Reading List - JUNE

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2020
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =  Out, Mouse!
4.75 Stars =  Day Zero
4.5 Stars = Old Abe, THe Library of the Dead, After it Happened Pack 2, Full Share

1. NG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Out, Mouse! by Valerie L. Egar; Genre: Children's, Folk Tales, Mice, Multicultural; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 5.0; Narration 5.0.
2. NG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Old Abe by John Cribb Genre: Biographical, Historical Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.
3. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill; Genre: Dystopian, Robots, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
4. NG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Library of the Dead by T. L. Huchu; Genre: Ghosts, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.
5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Sovereign by Jeff Hirsch; Genre: Adventure, Children's Audiobooks, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Space; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.75; Narration 4.0.
6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: After It Happened, Publisher's Pack 2, by Devon C. Ford; Genre: Adventure, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.
7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Quest for the Diamond Sword by Winter Morgan; Genre: Adventure, Children, Computer Game; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.75; Narration 4.25.
8. A2021- Audio Book Review: Apocalypse by Kyle West; Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, YA/Teen; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3. 5; Narration 3.75.
9. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Full Share by Nathan Lowell; Genre: Space Opera, Trading; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.
10. A2021- Audio Book Review: Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel; Genre: Cyperpunk, Fantasy Gaming, Post-apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.
11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Dragon Planet by Dan Wells; Genre: Children's Audiobooks, Science Fiction & Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Total read = 11
TBR = 6
New Authors = 8
Audio/Audible = 10 (5 TBRs)
NetGalley = 4 (includes 3 audios) (1 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0
Nonfiction = 0
eBook = 0 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)


Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 76 of 124
TBR to Date: 59 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 54 of 64
NetGalley to Date: 20 of 24
Author Reviews: 7 of 12
Nonfiction: 7 of 12
TBR ebooks or Print: 7 of 24
• Series: 45 (14 continuing, 31 new)
• New to me Series: 31 (11 Yes to continue; 8 likely to continue, 8 maybe, unlikely 4)
• Finished for me Series: 0

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 2 of 4: Winter, Spring
• Color in title: 6 of 8: Red, Black, Gold, Blue, Blonde, Diamond (if diamond is considered a color?)
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Mixed media: 10 Jan + 6 Feb + 2 March + 1 April + 2 May + 2 June (23 of 26) Remaining: K, V, and Z
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Audio only (not the same): 1 Jan + 4 Feb + 7 March + 5 April + 4 May + 1 June (22 of 26) Remaining: I, N, V and X