Audio Book Review: The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

This is a fun story of an unexpected 'hero' in a covert agency hunting mysteries and monsters.

The Atrocity Archives
By Charles Stross
Narrated By: Gideon Emery

Series: Laundry Files #1
Duration: 11 h 1 min
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fantasy, Monsters, Paranormal
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
A Hugo Award winner and best-selling author, Charles Stross combines the best elements of science fiction and fantasy. In The Atrocity Archives, a lowly computer geek working for a secret British intelligence agency gets promoted to field service after accidentally saving lives in a disaster. Now he's faced with saving the universe using only his smarts and a disembodied hand that renders him invisible. Stross' award-winning novella, The Concrete Jungle, is also included.

Review:
Bob Howard is a low-level computer geek at a covert government agency. He has plenty to handle in his paperwork and data recovery, and although he might like more challenges, he doesn’t plan on being heroic. Then he manages to get noticed by taking right action at the right time. Although his immediate supervisors aren’t happy with him, another department head thinks he has potential for “active duty”. They commandeer him for a different job to gain information about a British Citizen, Mo, who is ‘trapped’ in California. Things go awry but again, Bob helps the mission succeed.

On one trip he is sent into the archival library where he finds history of monsters and unspeakable horrors. He and Mo are sent out to lure in a suspected killer. They all get more than they bargained for in a very strange world of monsters. And of course, when he is pulled even further into the covert operations, his coworkers become even more angered.

The story starts a little slowly and it took some attention to follow the story line. Bob is a likeable, if nerdish guy. His difficult relationships with his coworkers are amusing. The atrocity archives are truly awful. I like the mystery and monster hunting, so I enjoyed that part of the story, with aliens/demons as it progressed.

There is a second short story, The Concrete Jungle, that continues the action and some crazy monster mess. I’ll keep this series in mind but won’t be rushing to get the next books. Fantasy fans who like monster hunting and a bit of zany might want to check this out.

Audio Notes: Gideon Emery does a nice job with the narration. Gideon captures the lackadaisicalness side of Bob’s character. The audio enhanced this book for me.

Source: 3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Every Day in December by Kitty Wilson

This has a bit of drama but it is a very nice romance for two injured souls.
Every Day in December
By: Kitty Wilson
Narrated by: Katy Sobey, Joe Jameson

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 08-20-21
Publisher: One More Chapter
Genre: Christmas, Holiday, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Two people. One month to fall in love.
Belle Wilde loves December. Yes, she’s just lost her job, and Christmas is not a good time to find yourself ‘financially challenged’. And yes, her parents are still going on about the fact that she really should have it all together by now. But Belle believes that in December, magic can happen.
Rory Walters hates December. Whilst it looks like his life is together, he’s still reeling from a winter’s night five years ago when his life changed forever. Now back at home, he’s certain that this will be yet another Christmas to endure rather than enjoy.
But as midnight on December 31st draws closer, Belle and Rory’s time together is coming to an end. With a little help from a Christmas miracle, could Belle find the one thing she really wants underneath the mistletoe?
©2021 Kitty Wilson (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Review:
Belle loves December and Christmas. She may have to struggle this season as she lost her job. She is fortunate when she lands two jobs that she enjoys even though she knows her family will still mock her efforts to make her own way.

Rory doesn’t like Christmas as it reminds him of great loss in his life. And that loss occurred in his hometown so he has avoided visiting. Now he has returned as his mother is facing health issues.

Rory is pleased to bump into a former college friend, Belle, and he finds himself wanting to help her find positive support. Belle is surprised when Rory begins to give her a friendly ear and moral support. She decides to become his Christmas elf to show him the joy of the holiday.

Belle has sworn off men after a history of choosing the wrong type of men. Rory is expected to return to his life overseas so neither plans on developing a relationship. Yet, Belle and Rory are distinct characters who find common friendship that is growing on them.

In spite of true to life personal issues and drama in this book, (which are elements I tend to avoid), Ms. Wilson has created characters that I could and did root for. It isn’t an easy or quick romance, but it is satisfying in delivering Christmas magic. I recommend this as a lovely Christmas romance.

Audio Notes: Katy Sobey and Joe Jameson do a fine job of narrating this in the alternating voices. They both made the characters more alive and engaging. I am very glad I listened to this.

Source: 11/30/2021 Audible Book Sale $5.00. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post December 26, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 27, 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.

It is hard to realize that this is the last Sunday/Monday of 2021. May you have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Heather and her three joined us on Saturday to celebrate our Christmas early with a ham dinner/lunch.
Then we had a lovely Christmas Eve service.
Santa found the Illinois grandkids at our house but I still haven't gotten a picture of everyone together. 

I haven't been reading as much with the kids here. Instead we have played Uno, Crazy Eights, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, Go Fish, and Clue.

I get to celebrate a birthday into a new decade on Monday. For the next 6 months my husband, siblings and I will all be in our 70s. Hubby is the oldest of our 'generation' of family and I am the youngest.

We are expecting lovely weather this week from 65 to 78.

It still feels like I am not getting much reading done. Still I enjoyed my listening. I finished two audiobooks. I posted one review and my usual memes.

I again visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to ENTERING THE ENCHANTED CASTLE. Lori says “I love reading, writing, and everything we can learn and experience through the magic of words.”

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post December 19, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 20, 2021.

• A2021- Audible Book Review: The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth; Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp, Steampunk; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 24, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/30/2021.

• Merry Christmas 2021.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 26, 2021.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Atrocity Archives
By Charles Stross
Narrated By: Gideon Emery
Publisher: Recorded Books
Duration: 11 h 1 min
This is a fun story of an unexpected 'hero' in a covert agency hunting mysteries and monsters.
Source: 3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit.

2. Audio/Smartphone (A2021)

Sleigh Spells
Author Bella Falls
Narrator: Johanna Parker
Duration: 6 h 10 min.
This is a delightful story with an extra short incuded.
Source: 12/12/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Summary:
Have yourself a very Merry Witchmas in Holiday Haven, where the magic and mystery of Christmas is snow joke!
Aurora Hart hates everything Christmas, but how could she turn down the opportunity to serve one year of probation in Holiday Haven versus a full sentence for her crimes? Saddled with a talking squirrel roommate, Aurora is doing her best to keep a low profile as she bides her time. Everything is going fine . . . until Santa's sleigh gets stolen.
Now, all eyes are on her and the other town Humbugs, and it's up to Aurora to keep her behind from ending up back in jail. With the help of a very important person from the North Pole, she finds herself hot on the trail of the real culprit. But it will take her having to do something she's never done before-accepting new friends and their assistance. Only then will Aurora be able to turn not only her own life around but also Christmas for the entire world!
Will Aurora be able to solve the mystery of who stole Santa's sleigh in time? Or will the culprit get the final sleigh?...

Currently Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (A2021)

Christmas In Evergreen
by Nancy Naigle
Read by Kathleen McInerney
Run Time 6h 34min
My son reminded me that I hadn't finished my color challenge so we went on a hunt for a color.
Source: 12/4/2021 Purchase at Chirp for $.99
Publisher Description
Evergreen, Vermont is about to be in the rearview mirror of Allie Shaw’s vintage red pickup truck. It’s hard to say goodbye to her small town and her veterinarian practice, but she’s moving to Washington D.C., where her big-city-loving boyfriend lives. Ever since Ryan Bellamy’s wife died, he hardly knows how to celebrate Christmas. He’s decided to take his daughter Zoe to Florida, and Evergreen is just a quick stop on the way to the airport. While they’re there, Zoe partakes in a local tradition, making a Christmas wish on the snow globe at the town diner. But neither Allie’s nor Ryan’s Christmas goes as planned. They’ve checked their wish lists twice, and they didn’t say anything about meeting someone new…or about a fresh chance at love. This sweet holiday romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Vermont Christmas Card Cookies. Includes an exclusive preview of Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa, book two in the Christmas in Evergreen series.

I might get one more short story before 2022. We'll see.
I have to get a picture ready for my First Book of the Year 2022.

Whenever: ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453
by C.C. Humphreys
Not much progress again this week. I am likely to set aside kindle reading until I can make it easier on phone or tablet. We'll see. 
Source: 2012 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

December 26, 2021 - I continue on track, reading through Zechariah and Revelation.  I continue to love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. 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.

No more studies planned for 2021.

I completed two books making three reviews to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf now has two old ebooks titles and one new audio.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. Looks like they will go into 2022.
(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.

No new review books.
I didn't purchase any audiobooks but I did choose my two December Audible credit titles.

I picked my December VIP selection at Audiobooks.com.
I got two Kindle books.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked my last two Audible credits for 2021. One series to finish and another to continue.

Home Coming
The Survivalist Series, Book 10
By: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Galaxy's Edge, Part II
By: Jason Anspach, Nick Cole
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins

Free

December VIP Selection from Audiobooks.com.

The Alpha Enigma
Author W. Michael Gear
Narrator: Alyssa Bresnahan
Duration: 16 h 36 min



Two kindle titles through Facebook links.

Wolves What Follows Fall
by R.L. Hemlock

THE NINTH PROTOCOL: Longshot Book 1
(LONGSHOT SERIES)
by Kevin Simington


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

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 26, 2021

We attended church online again this morning, visiting three different services! Our pastor concluded his sermon series “Heaven is Here!”

At Christmas time we look for the label and the name on the gift. We are looking for something special just for us. Our name is special; we like to be called by our name. Our name is personal, it means something, and belongs to us. We may hear it used different ways – in love, in anger or a myriad ways in between.

The Bible has a lot to say about names. There are lots of genealogies because names matter. It provides history and lineage. Through history, names often signified what you did for a living, but we are not governed by that today.

Luke 2:21-35 ‘… the baby… was named Jesus…’ verse 21. Simeon recognized the baby as the special gift. “I’ve seen your salvation.” Simeon had encountered the Holy Spirit. He had been told by the Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple. Luke 2:25-32.

The Spirit will lead us if we allow Him; He may be specific or general. We must be willing to follow and wait even if we don’t know what will happen.

The Point: Your name and what you are known for matters a lot!

The name of Jesus/Yeshua matters a lot. It means ‘to deliver or rescue’. Jesus told Zacchaeus “Today salvation has come to this house.” Luke 19:9-10.

Jesus’ purpose is to bring/give salvation. To bring deliverance and hope.

Each of us has been given a purpose by God. We have been given Salvation/Jesus so we can live our life for a purpose – to fullness. John 10:10.

What spiritual harvest are you yielding? Jesus is the gift from God to You. That is the gift label.

There are some places we don’t want our name like an IRS audit list or a traffic ticket. But we do want our name written in the Book of Life which is the list of those who have been savesd. You would like there to be something good written with your name. “All were judged by the works they had done…” Revelation 20:12-15.

Don’t you want your name written with good things you did: people you helped, people you impacted, and things that matter?  Your name will be known for something or many somethings.

Whatever time we have left, we get to decide if our name is written in The Book of Life and what we will be known for.
What you do, what you produce in spiritual fruit, matters.
What will your name be known for?

I had a couple of song choices this morning and chose this one: His Name Shall Be.

Verses for Today:
Luke 2:29-32 NIV
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

Lord, forgive me for the many times I failed to produce spiritual fruit and help me to be more productive for You and Your Kingdom.

Merry Christmas 2021

I have been busy with family here at home but I have been thinking of all my blog world family too.

May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts today and always!

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.