Sunday Post June 26, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 27, 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.

I continue to make progress on work but still have quite a bit of work to get done.

I am still learning new food skills to feed myself at home. A friend brought me some patty pan squash so I spent half the day Saturday getting recipes for the squash and a meatloaf and then making (experimental) dishes.

I stuffed the squash and it was delicious!

The meatloaf was good too - I included the squash seeds in the meatloaf.
I was happy with the results and will have leftovers for several days.

I continue with my previous prayer list. I am adding that any protests remain peaceful.

I seem to be in a minority in my book blogging community because I am glad for the Supreme Court decisions this week because they are consistent with the American Constitution. The Supreme Court should never legislate but only interpret if laws are consistent with the Constitution. Even RBG recognized that Roe v Wade was on shaky legal grounds because it was really an attempt to legislate from the bench. Rights not given to the Federal Government (which are very limited) are reserved to the states. That was part of the inherent wisdom of the founding fathers protecting individual rights against the possibility of overreaching government. Now the state legislators need to do the hard work of having serious and informed discussions to pass appropriate laws for their constituents - we the people.
It is appalling to me that people a) outright lie about the actual effect of the Dobbs ruling (which does not ban abortion but sends the issue to the states) and b) call for the abolition of the Supreme Court. The three legislative branches of the United States is what makes us a unique constitutional federal republic, a representative democracy.
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We are expecting (and hoping) to have slightly cooler weather this coming week with the highest in mid 90s.

I enjoyed my audios again this week. I finished my final hours of CLE requirements and I finished two audio books. I posted three reviews, and my usual memes.
I may take am taking a break from my Alphabet choices as I have 6 months left for 6 titles. I'm saving them for fall choices and a "winter" title. I still need to find another "X". :-)

I visited 17 blogs last week.
A Shout Out today to MYSTERIES BY MOONLIGHT. Luna appears to have a good variety of mystery selections.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post June 19, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 20, 2022.

• ATBR: Audio Book Reviews: Three More Jack Reacher Novellas by Lee Child; Genre: Mystery, Short Stories, Thriller; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 24, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/30/2022.

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Miller; Genre: Children, Family; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• NG2022: Audible Book Review: Zombies A Record of the Year of Infection by Don Roff; Genre: Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Horror; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #447 Comment Giveaway June 25, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/23/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement Agents of Change June 26, 2022 .

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Shards of Honor
Series: Vorkosigan Saga (chronological), Book 2
By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
I felt the need for a sci fi and I am glad that I listened to this with an interesting romance too.
Source: December 2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
It was the wrong war, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons. And Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force would be forced into a separate peace with her enemy, Lord Vorkosigan.
Shards of Honor is the novel in which Lois McMaster Bujold introduced the science-fiction world to Barrayar and Aral Vorkosigan, Beta Colony and Cordelia Naismith. From this beginning the author has created a multigenerational saga spanning time as well as space.
Bujold is generally recognized as the current exemplar of the character-based science-fiction adventure story.
©1986 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Quake!: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906
By: Gail Langer Karwoski
Narrated by: Terry Bregy
Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
This is an easy listen and would be good for school children.
Source: 6/10/2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

CLE Courses:
Ethical Considerations in eDiscovery: Rules and Responsibilities 2021 - 1hr
All Those Tech Questions You’ve Been Afraid to Ask - 1hr

Currently Reading:

1. NetGalley App Audio Smartphone (NG2022)

Holy Chow, (Andy Carpenter #25)
by David Rosenfelt
Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
I am enjoying this episode in the legal efforts of Andy Carpenter.
Source: June 2022 NetGalley.
In Holy Chow, the next mystery from bestselling author David Rosenfelt, the beloved characters—both human and canine—of this fan favorite series are back on the case with the author’s trademark wit and humor.
Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter’s calling has always been running the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue organization places hundreds of dogs in new homes every year. It’s added up to so many dogs and new owners that Andy can’t even do the math. But there’s one dog—and one owner—Andy will always remember.
About a year ago, Rachel Morehouse came to the foundation looking for a companion. In her sixties and recently widowed, Rachel wanted a senior dog that also needed someone. Andy took a liking to her, Rachel took a liking to Lion, an older Chow Chow, and the rest is history.
That is, until Rachel calls Andy begging for a favor: If Rachel dies, will Andy take care of Lion if her stepson cannot? Andy agrees, no questions asked, and promptly forgets about it... until he receives a call from Rachel’s estate to attend her will reading. Which is where he meets Rachel’s stepson, Tony, who is promptly arrested for his stepmother’s murder. And he wants Andy to prove his innocence.
Andy has continued to learn more about the woman he so greatly admired and the businesses she ran, and holy chow, was this woman impressive. The person who killed her deserves to be held accountable, and if Tony is to be believed, they’re still out there. And that possibility is too much for Andy to remain on the sidelines.

2. Audiobooks.com Smartphone (ATBR)

Man of War
The Rebels and Redcoats Saga Prequel
By: T.J. London
Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton, Kathryn Vinclaire, Patrick Zeller, John Hartley, Tara Langella, Jason Clarke, Dryw McArthur, Marnye Young, James Cheatham
Length: 22 hrs and 52 mins
I like American Revolution stories so was glad to get the chance to listen to this.
Source: June 2022 audio received for Blitz and Review.
Publisher's Summary
The man who wants everything gets nothing….
July 1755
War is brewing between England and France. Impressed into the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Merrick, against all odds, advanced through the ranks to become an officer—but he is not a gentleman. A man with a tainted past from a traitorous family, cast down by King George—a stain no man can remove. Merrick’s thrust into the role of captain, when the HMS Boudica is attacked by pirates off the coast of Nova Scotia. On a captured enemy vessel, he discovers a king’s ransom in treasure and a woman chained in the hold from passenger ship that mysteriously disappeared at sea.
Beautiful, defiant, and hell-bent on revenge, India makes a deal with Merrick to uncover the pirates’ scheme, promising him everything he desires: fortune, glory, and the chance to bring honor back to the McKesson name. Now, they race against time to uncover a plot that links those in the highest ranks of the British aristocracy, to a failed rebellion that is once again trying to topple the monarchy and place an old pretender on the throne. But all that glitters is not gold as passions stir and an impossible love blooms, threatening to undermine all Merrick and India have done to protect their King and a country on the brink of war.
This book contains violence and graphic depictions of war.
Trigger Warning: sexual assault, violence
©2020 Tracey Lasak-Myall (P)2020 Tracey Lasak-Myall

3. Audiobooks.com Smartphone (ATBR)

The Traveller and Other Stories
Author Stuart Neville
Narrator: Gerard Doyle
Duration: 7 h 20 min
I have listened to 2+ hours. This is very dark - "chilling". I will try some more but decided I needed to break for now.
Source: 11/28/2021 Audiobooks.com November VIP selection.
Summary:
A darkly glittering collection of Northern Irish noir by Stuart Neville, Los Angeles Times Book Prize–winning author.
Since his debut novel, the modern classic The Ghosts of Belfast, was published a decade ago, Stuart Neville has published eight other critically acclaimed novels and achieved international recognition as one of crime fiction’s great living writers.
Now for the first time Neville offers readers a collection of his short fiction—twelve chilling stories that traverse and blend the genres of noir, horror, and speculative fiction, and which bring the history and lore of Neville’s native Northern Ireland to glittering life. The collection concludes with the longawaited novella The Traveller, the companion piece to The Ghosts of Belfast and Collusion.
Complete with a foreword from Irish crime fiction legend John Connolly, this volume is the perfect indulgence for fans of ghost stories and noir, and is a must-have for devotees of Neville’s prizewinning Belfast novels.

June 26, 2022 - I got behind somewhere during the week but caught up on Saturday. I meant to watch more of the videos I missed while we had no internet at home, but didn't get that done either. The videos are so informative! The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
I'll look for a new study maybe next month.

I completed two books and have three reviews to write and post this week. 
NETGALLEY STATUS-- I am listening to the second audio book so my NG shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I don't have any author reviews in my queue right now.
(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 one audio book for Blitz feature.
I received one review audiobook from NetGalley.
I selected my free VIP June title at Audiobooks.com
I added SIX free Kindle titles to my Kindle TBR library today.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

One audio received for Blitz and Review:

Man of War
The Rebels and Redcoats Saga Prequel
By: T.J. London
Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton, Kathryn Vinclaire, Patrick Zeller, John Hartley, Tara Langella, Jason Clarke, Dryw McArthur, Marnye Young, James Cheatham
Length: 22 hrs and 52 mins
For more information see under Currently Reading.

Leila, The Perfect Witch
by Flavia Z. Drago
Narrated by Marisa Blake

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

6/26/2022 Audiobooks.com VIP Free June title:

Escape to Willow Cottage
Author Bella Osborne
Narrator: Elisabeth Hopper
Duration: 14 h 54 min

6 Free titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement - Agents of Change June 26, 2022

Our Sunday School teacher continued to lead the study of Revelation 14. Today he outlined why his studies lead him to believe in a pre-wrath (not pre-trib) rapture.

We had a wonderful time of worship before hearing the sermon from our Pastoral Candidate. The sermon titled Agents of Change expanded on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13-16.
Jesus was speaking to the disciples when told them to be salt and light in a dark world.

Pastor noted that our society sometimes focuses on the behaviors of people instead of becoming what Jesus will make us. Jesus us wants to save us and make us clean then make us fishers of men. When we accept Christ, we are made righteous. But there is a further “making” process as we become more like Him.

When we surrender to Christ, the Spirit comes to dwell in us and make us what He wants from the inside out. Just as a potter has a hand to put pressure (worldly stress) on the outer surface of the clay, the potter (Spirit) has a hand on the inside to press back and form us into a vessel that can be used.

Do we embrace the Spirit’s forming/making us? There is a constant renewing of our mind. We don't have to ask Him to do it, He has already said He will.

Salt preserves and seasons. Some people say that mankind are basically good. But God’s word tells us that man is inherently evil. The nature of man is sin.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.

Humanity has a sin problem. We all need a savior. What would the world be like without Christians? We are preserving humankind by holding off evil.

We have to have an impact on others or we have lost our saltiness. Each Christian needs to b salt and light where we are in our private and work lives. We should be making life better around us.
Always be ready to give an answer for your hope. We can't just do church, we need to be the church.

At all times, but especially in a society in division, we need to be a change agent, not relying on voting to change the world but relying on changing hearts for God.
We need to carry out the mission: making disciples, baptizing in the name of God, Son and Spirit, and teaching others to follow God’s commands. Matthew 28:19-20.
We need to focus on saving lost souls. Focus on what matters.
How do we be sure not to lose our saltiness?
1 Stay in the word of God.
2 Stay in His presence. Let His light shine through us.
3 Get out of the shaker and be the salt in the world around you. Engage the culture.

We need to love the lost even as Christ does: love them even if they don't love Jesus or give their lives to Jesus.
We need to get out of our comfortable pews. Fishers go where the fish are to fish. God tells us to go out and compel people to come in. Luke 14:23.

It isn't all about me or you. God blessed us to give resources for the Kingdom.

This is a song we sang this morning. So powerful – I Speak Jesus:

Verses for Today:
Matthew 5:13-16 NIV
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sharing Beyond Books #447 Comment Giveaway June 25, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books. (Note - the next SBB post will be July 23, 2022. Enjoy your next month - summer or winter!)

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#446 Becky asked: If you had a choice, which format would you choose for all of your books (Print, ebook, or audio)??
I am all alone choosing audio. Eight of the commenters prefer print and two would choose ebooks.

The Winner from SBB#446 comments is #5 NATALIA 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 #447

(One Question.)

Ashfa asks: What are your favourite books that deals with pandemics and post-apocalyptic worlds??
BECAUSE THIS QUESTION MIGHT TAKE LONGER TO CONSIDER AND ANSWER, (Plus I want a break in the next 30 days) I will leave this question and deadline for a month, until July 23.

I saw this question and started creating a list a year ago - June 2021.
The first thing I did was look up the distinction between dystopian and post-apocalyptic:

Dystopian novels often focus on societies and cultures that appear stable and well established, whereas post-apocalyptic cultures are more imbalanced or volatile. Apocalyptic: An apocalyptic novel tells the story of the end of the world, which occurs during the timeline of the story.

Common themes and situations seen in apocalyptic fiction are:

Depletion of resources
Dangerous weather patterns and/or exposure to the elements
Radiation after a nuclear war
Pandemic sickness (causing extreme loss of life)
Loss of technology
Nomadic living
Group dynamics in survival situations

I think my favorite trope is surviving after loss of technology.
My list includes close to 50 books (without including fantasy/zombie worlds EXCEPT for D. J. Molles which would add another 25+) broken down as follows:
Finished series = 9
Series in progress read more than one = 6
Have read/listened to one and plan more = 15
Series I want to try: 18

CLASSICs: Alas Babylon by Pat Frank -- Written in 1959 about surviving nuclear holocaust.
Earth Abides: The 60th Anniversary Edition By: George R. Stewart – Written in 1949. One man survives deadly disease.
Classics To be read: The Last Man by Mary Shelley
The Day Of The Triffids Audiobook By John Wyndham

My Favorites include the two classics; all series/books by D.J. Molle; The Survivalist Series by A. American (10 books); After It Happened Series by Devon C. Ford (12 books); several economic collapse series by Mark Goodwin (Christian principles) (Over 15 books in 4 series); The Ranch: Jack Sterlings (6 books).
Two stand-alone titles: The Road By: Cormac McCarthy – Bleak story of father and son crossing wasteland Amercia.
(eBook) When the English Fall: A Novel by David Williams – How would a loss of technology impact Amish community?

I have too many to list. If any one would like my list, feel free to provide your email and I will send it along.

Here are other lists that might help you identify favorites:
The 50 Greatest Apocalypse Novels
The Differences (and Similarities) Between Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
Dystopian vs. Apocalyptic Fiction: What’s the difference?
Genre Guide: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction for Teens

Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee in the film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road. (Dimension Films)
Image found at CBC.ca

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.
June questions were provided by Becky and Ashfa so they get half a book or $2.50.

Your turn to share. Ashfa asks: What are your favourite books that deals with pandemics and post-apocalyptic worlds??

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.
BECAUSE THIS QUESTION MIGHT TAKE LONGER TO CONSIDER AND ANSWER, (Plus I want a break in the next 30 days) I will leave this question and deadline for a month, until July 23.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Zombies A Record of the Year of Infection by Don Roff

This journal style was interesting but less action than some might like.

Zombies
A Record of the Year of Infection
By: Don Roff
Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

Length: 1 hr and 40 mins
Publisher: AudioGO
Genre: Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Horror
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The year is 2011, and what starts as a pervasive and inexplicable illness ends up as a zombie infestation that devastates the world's population. Taking the form of a biologist's journal found in the aftermath of the attack, this pulse-pounding, suspenseful tale of zombie apocalypse follows the narrator as he flees from city to countryside and heads north to Canada, where he hopes the undead will be slowed by the colder climate. Encountering scattered humans and scores of the infected along the way, he fills his notebook with descriptions and careful observations of zombie behavior, along with terrifying tales of survival.
This frightening contribution to the massively popular zombie resurgence will keep fans on the edge of their seats right up to the very end. ©2009 Don Roff (P)2012 AudioGO

Review:
As soon as a new illness begins to ravage the population, Dr. Robert Twombly, begins to journal the symptoms and progress of the decease. He dictates his findings noting that he and his colleagues soon realize the illness moves quickly into a zombie infestation. They lock up one doctor who is infected and Twombly (and the audio listener) can hear that co-worker banging on the door in the background.

Twombly and another healthy man plot an escape from the building when it is threatened by a mob of the undead. The doctor, and people he meets along the way, continue to hide and flee from the death behind him. Although he hears of a safe place further north, Twombly decides to locate and investigate a food facility which is believed to have started the illness.

Ultimately Twombly travels further north since reports are that the zombies can’t function in cold weather. He reaches a community that has not had any experience with the infected. Will they be safe?

Because this is presented as journal entries it lacks the intensity of live action and danger that some readers might want with their zombie story. I enjoyed the style for its uniqueness and quick presentation. It appears the print (and kindle) versions have some good drawings that enhance the journal style reading. Zombie reading fans who aren’t audio buffs might want to try the print versions.

Audio Notes: I found that the - sometimes rough - narration provided by Stephen R. Thorne fit the journal style of the story. I enjoyed the quick audio reading opportunity.

Source: October 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Miller

This is a book with a very sweet message.
See You Someday Soon
by Pat Zietlow Miller, Suzy Lee (Illustrations)
Narrated by Katharine Chin

Listening Length: 6 minutes
Audible.com Release Date June 14, 2022
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Children, Family
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Description:
Someday soon, I'll see you.
Even though you are there.
And I am here.
So very far apart.
In this heartfelt picture book, a child imagines ways to connect with a grandmother who lives far way. Whether by rocket ship or jet pack, train or in a plane, any journey is worth it to see someone you love.
With an inviting, accessible text by Pat Zietlow Miller and inventive art from the critically-acclaimed illustrator Suzy Lee, this picture book reminds us that, no matter the physical distance between us, the people we care about are never far from our hearts. The book features clever and innovative die-cuts throughout, adding a creative, thoughtful and discussion-worthy novelty aspect to this layered and deeply emotional story.

Review:
This is a lovely book that helps explain the longing to be together when we are far apart. A grandmother and child express how they would like to visit each other and how they might travel to make it happen. Some readers might connect this to missing a loved one in heaven, although I think that is a stretch.

There are sample images on the Amazon post which show how charming the hardback book is. Listening to the exchange is nice but I think that the print book might be better for this book. I enjoyed the easy prose and know that my grandchildren would enjoy this book. I recommend this book to share with children.

Audio Notes: Katharine Chin does a nice job with the reading. The narration conveys the longing of the separated people. I enjoyed the very quick listening experience.

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