#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Up To No Gouda by Linda Reilly

This is a nice cozy mystery with yummy cheeses!
Up to No Gouda
by Linda Reilly
Narrated by Mia Gaskin

Length: 8 hours and 29 minutes
Release date: January 25, 2022
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mysteries, Women Sleuth
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

The first in a delicious new culinary cozy series featuring a grilled cheese eatery owner who must solve murders in her small town before she is put under lock and brie.
Back in Balsam Dell to heal after the death of her husband, Carly Hale is finally pursuing her lifelong dream—opening Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery. After only five months, business is booming as Vermont vacationers and townspeople alike flock to lunch on her Party Havartis and other grilled cheese concoctions. All but Lyle Bagley, Carly's one-time high school boyfriend and now town bully who just bought the building that houses her eatery and wants Carly out. After a muenster of a fight, Carly's forced to put her nose to the rind and find a solution to keep her business afloat.
That is...until Lyle is discovered dead behind the dumpster of Carly's shop, and one of her employees becomes the prime suspect. In order to save her eatery and prove her friend's innocence, Carly must sleuth out the killer before she's the one who gets grilled.
With a delightful cast of characters, an inventive amateur sleuth, and a whole host of cheesy hijinks, Up to No Gouda is the perfect cozy murder mystery to melt into.

Review:
Carly Hale lost her husband to a tragic accident. She returned to her family hometown to open Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery where she serves popular, creative, and delicious sandwiches. Business is going well, and things are looking good until Lyle Bagley, her high school boyfriend, becomes her landlord and gives her notice to vacate so he can renovate to put in a shop for his new fiancé. Suzanne, one of Carly’s employees, threatens harm to Lyle as he leaves the shop. A day or so later Lyle is found dead in the back parking lot of the eatery.

When Suzanne looks like the primary suspect, Carly is determined to find the killer and prove her employee/friend innocent. While questioning potential suspects Carly stirs up threats. Can she figure out who is the real danger before they get to her?

First, I love grilled cheese so this title and cover quickly caught my eye. It is an easy listen oozing with some pretty cheesy puns (couldn’t resist) which made it fun for me. There is a good group of supporting characters, including a musically talented soup chef, and a possible future romantic interest. There is a stray pup too that Carly dubs “Havarti”. I liked the twist that reveals the true villain although there were a few hints. I definitely recommend this to fans of cozy mystery… and to cheese lovers too! I hope to read more in the series.

Audio Notes: Mia Gaskin does a grand job with the narration. The presentation had energy and distinct voices. It moved along very nicely. I am not sure if I have had the occasion to listen to Ms. Gaskin before but I would be glad to listen to other works she narrates.

Source: 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2022NetGalley, 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post February 6, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 7, 2022

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.

Work is getting back to normal - busy trying to catch up.

Hubby is doing a little better with less coughing. Unfortunately he is still struggling during the night to get full breaths.

I stopped by the office under construction on Saturday and took some pictures of the progress. The contractor said they have finished the roofing!
This is the front lobby looking at the corner where there will be a curved desk and the middle hallway opening. I also have the ceiling included so I can see how it looked before completion. We are leaving that high ceiling for the lobby area.

It may have been warmer early in the week but dropped from 77 to 40 on Friday with temps in the mid 30s Friday and Saturday nights.  It's expected to remain on the cooler side this week -- 32 to 65 range. I won't complain when many of you might be dealing with snow.

My listening was good this week, with two audiobooks finished. I again made progress on the ebook. I posted one review, my January Wrap Up, and my usual memes.

I visited 19 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to PAGING SERENITY. Emily says her blog is "mostly young adult book blog with a hint of lifestyle and travel posts." Stop by and encourage her reading and blogging.

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 January 30, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 31, 2022.

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audiobook Review: Fall of the Core by Ryk Brown; Genre: Adventure, Artificial Intelligence, Science Fiction, Space; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 4, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/3/2022.

• MBS January 2022 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Sharing Beyond Books #439 Comment Giveaway February 5, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 2/19/2021.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 6, 2022.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/NetGalley App Smartphone (A2022)

Up to No Gouda
by Linda Reilly
Narrated by Mia Gaskin
Length: 8 hours and 29 minutes
This is a nice cozy mystery with yummy cheeses!
Source: 2022 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Eight Winter Nights
By: Liz Maverick
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky , Jason Clarke
I enjoyed this quick, sweet romance.
Source: 2020 Audible Plus.
About This Audible Original
Cozy up with this warm, festive rom com novella about being true to your heart, the friendships that define us, and the irresistible pull of holiday magic.
Last year, Rachel Bacharach met the man of her dreams at a Hanukkah party—and then her outgoing best friend Tamara swooped in and "called" Oz Caplan for herself. It’s a typical outcome for the dependable, bookish Rachel, who is never able to extinguish the spark she immediately felt for Oz. But being secretly in love with her best friend’s boyfriend all year hasn’t been easy.
As this year’s party approaches, Oz and Tamara break up. It’s a worst-case scenario when Oz asks Rachel to help him write Tamara love letters to win her back in time for their Hanukkah anniversary. Rachel’s been writing love letters to Oz in her journals for a year; she knows all the words he would need. But will Rachel be able to hide her true feelings from Oz any longer? And might this year’s party finally be Rachel’s chance to trust her heart and put everything on the line for love?
©2020 Liz Maverick (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Currently Reading:
1. ebook/Kindle App on phone (ebTBR)

Bad Wolf (Bad Wolf Chronicles Book 1)
by Tim McGregor
I am still moving along but not quite done -- 78%. Maybe I can finish this week!
Source: Kindle Free May 12, 2012.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Defiant
Lee Harden, Book 4
By: D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins
I decided on some action. (And a "D" title.)
Source: 6/18/2021 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Don't ever let it break you.
The United Eastern States is crumbling. The fragile house of cards that Lee Harden and Angela Houston have built has begun to fall. Lee is up against a ticking clock, as he is recalled from Texas and given the last thing in the world that he wants: a promotion.
Forced into a command role, Major Harden is thrust into a sharp learning curve that goes against every instinct he's developed over years of fighting. As Lee races to find his footing in a mire of shifting loyalties and opposing goals, Safe Zones are being overrun by massive hordes of primals exhibiting strange behaviors and uncanny levels of intelligence, and Greeley is moving toward an invasion of the UES. The envoys from Canada and the United Kingdom know it - but they're refusing to take sides and give Lee the intelligence he desperately needs.
As the tides of war reach the doors of the UES, horrific secrets are revealed that will change the future of their fight for survival. Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies. But no matter what happens, no matter what - or who - he loses, Lee can't let it break him. He must remain defiant to the last.
©2020 D.J. Molles (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

February 6, 2022 - These videos are really good! Bible Reading Plan: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I know it won't match my Hubby's reading but I wanted some different insights/devotions and I am enjoying the devotion video project. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
I am on day six of a 21 day study "21 Days to Finding Eternal Purpose in Your Daily Work".

I completed two books for review this week.
My NetGalley shelf has nothing new although I did request a couple more audiobooks.
There are still three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. They will (obviously) be read in 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 this week.
I picked out my two January credits at Audible and picked up two free titles from Audible Plus.
I resisted purchases at Chirp and am considering my February VIP at Audiobooks.com.

I got two free Kindle books.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

2/5/22 Audible Two January Credits.

Iron Gold
By: Pierce Brown
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds, John Curless, Julian Elfer, Aedin Moloney
Length: 23 hrs and 23 mins
Release date: 01-16-18
I read the original "trilogy" and our son got hubby to listen so he is ready for book 4.

Purgatory's Shore
Artillerymen, Book 1
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: PJ Ochlan
Length: 22 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 09-21-21
I enjoyed this author's series The Destroyermen so I want to try this new series.

Free

Two free titles through Audible Plus Catalog.

Level Up or Die!
Underworld, Book 1
By: Apollos Thorne
Narrated by: Graham Halstead
Series: Underworld, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins

Invisible Women
Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
By: Caroline Criado Perez
Narrated by: Caroline Criado Perez
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins



Two free kindle titles:

Golden Curse: A Fantasy Romance Novel (The Six Kingdoms Book 1)
M. Lynn
This sounds like an engaging fantasy series.

The Raven Conspiracy
Michael Spratt
Quirky Florida locals sort of caught my interest in this one.



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

Sunday Words of Encouragement Sunday February 6, 2022

I enjoyed another Sunday School on Revelation. Our teacher does such a good job preparing and then we get him stuck on the first two pages of his seven pages of notes.

We enjoyed nice worship and the introduction and receiving of four new people to our congregation membership. Our interim pastor reminded us to continue in prayer for the pastoral search process.
Pastor then shared his message titled: “Weary or Waiting?”
The underlying scripture verses are Galatians 6:6-10. This is the passage that speaks to ‘what a man sows, he will reap.’

Pastor noted that often those serving may get worn out. At the encouragement of our interim pastor, we had scheduled to have a full church lunch today to honor those who had volunteered in the church during 2021. Some of our usual hospitality members had suggested postponing it because they had done a rush full church luncheon the first Sunday of January (to say goodbye to our outgoing pastor and his family); a lunch for the family of our previous pastor whose mother passed mid-January; and a small lunch for prospective members on January 30. Because he recognized the overload, our interim pastor and his wife chose to host this morning’s lunch with no congregational input. They, along with our youth pastor, his wife and the interim pastor’s office assistant and her husband, handled everything. He noted that during the week he had to decline the offers of help from many because they have the hearts of servants!

Pastor stated that deception has been around since beginning of time, but it is increasing today. (This was part of our Sunday School lesson too.) The word of God, the Bible cannot be changed. We learn when we study that ‘what a man does he will reap’. What you plant you will produce.

If you sow to the flesh, at its core is Selfishness.
Satan appealed to self of Adam and Eve and their disobedience caused a separation in their relationship with God. Selfishness produces disobedience to God. It produces corruption.

If you sow to the spirit, at its core is Selflessness.
Jesus set aside His divine nature and became human. Christ’s life was always about others
Selflessness produces obedience to God.

Our world is showing more and more corruption. In James we are told that faith without works is dead. James 2:14-17; James 1:22-25. If we fail to work (serve) God, we risk being told “Depart from me, I never knew you. Matthew 7:21-23. Faith will produce works.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan tells how the priest and Levite walked past the injured man, but the good Samaritan stopped and helped him.

We need to step into the field and work. God’s separation of sheep and goats is based on ‘deeds’. ‘When I was hungry, thirsty, cold, you fed me, clothed me, etc.’ Matthew 25:31-46.

The harvest is plentiful, but laborers are few. There are too many watchers on the sidelines. Too many consumers of church instead of servers.
The Church (believers) should be pouring into the lives of those who are hurting.
Pastor reminded us:
20 percent of workers do 80 percent of work 100 percent of time.
If you want something done, give it to a busy person.
Let us not be weary in well doing.
Jesus was moved with compassion.
Come along side other servers.
We all have a ministry - first to God, then to others.
We can and should work through God's strength but rest and enjoy the sabbath and sabbatical when needed.

God calls you to give up self and He will strengthen you ...in due season there will be a harvest.
Reap- what you have sown – a harvest of souls
Reward- for those who serve.
Let us do good to all men, especially to those in household of faith.

There are two steps to serving:

Make yourself available to God. Surrender to serve God.
Make yourself available to the church.

Where is your heart?

This isn’t exactly a song on serving others but I see God’s hands in the “help” portions.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 6:6-10 NIV
6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Lord, I pray that You will continue to use me to Love You and Love Others by serving in Your name.

Sharing Beyond Books #439 Comment Giveaway February 5, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#438 Elizabeth asked: Do you check out eBooks or eAudiobooks from your local library? Does your library offer streaming videos or streaming/downloadable music that you check out??
All ten of us who answered that we do not use the library and only one or two of us checked to see if they had ebooks. Miki said it is not available from her local library and Alina says her local library doesn't have books she reads. Thanks for sharing!

For US participants: I need to update and refill the books available to US winners. I have used "Love" and "Christmas" titles as well as ARC titles. Since the supply is lower, I have author collections I could choose from, mostly romance - historical, suspense and some contemporary. What genres/books/authors would you like me to include?

The Winner from SBB#438 comments is #8 LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURE 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. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #439

(One Question.)

BN100 asks: Have you found any new products last year that you like? If so, what are they??

We found a couple of products we liked last year. A grater that stores easily, works great and fixes to the counter (from HSN) and I got hubby a set of spurdle utensils that he likes a lot. Our son set us up with google wif-fi extenders that work well in the house. I can't think of any others right now.

Image found at Adobe Stock Images.

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

Your turn to share. BN100 asks: Have you found any new products last year that you like? If so, what are they??

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, February 19, 2022, at 5 PM central.

MBS January 2022 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2022 Reading List - JANUARY

Code for the list is:
A = Audio from Audible; Audiobooks.com, Chirp, or SYNC
eB = eBook; eBA = eBook from Author; eBT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2022
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =  The Black Wolves of Boston
4.75 Stars =  none
4.5 Stars =  none

(Starting a little slowly as the goal is 10 per month.)

1. A2021- First Book 2022 Audible Book Review: The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel; Genre: Apologetics, Spiritual Growth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Andrea Vernon and the Corporation for UltraHuman Protection by Alexander C. Kane; Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
3. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Artificial Condition by Martha Wells; Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
4. eBTBR- Book Review: Attrition, Book 3 of The After Days Trilogy by Scott Medbury; Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
5. NG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Chase by Candice Fox; Genre: Crime Thriller, Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
6. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War by Jay J. Falconer; Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Black Wolves of Boston, Book 1, by Wen Spencer Genre: Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampire, Werewolves; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.
8. NG2022- #NetGalley Audiobook Review: Fall of the Core by Ryk Brown Genre: Adventure, Artificial Intelligence, Science Fiction, Space; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Total read = 8
TBR = 7
New Authors = 4
Audio/Audible = 7 (6 TBRs)
NetGalley = 2 (2 audio) (1 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0
Nonfiction = 1
eBook = 1 (1 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 8 of 125
TBR to Date: 7 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 7 of 100
NetGalley to Date: 2 of 10
Author Reviews: 0 of 12
Nonfiction: 1 of 12
TBR ebooks or Print: 1 of 12

• Series: 7 of 75 (3 continuing, 4 new)
• New to me Series: 4 (2 Yes to continue; 2 likely to continue, 0 maybe, 0 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 0

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 0 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn

• Alphabet letters covered: AUDIO SERIES: 4 Jan (A, B, C, F) (4 of 26)
• Alphabet letters covered: MIXED MEDIA (focus on stand alones but can be series): 2 Jan (A, C)  (2 of 26)