Sunday Post July 3, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 4, 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.

Happy Fourth of July to Americans!

Work continues - lots of probates and deeds with litigation sprinkled in.

No new cooking this week as I ate leftovers. I was thinking about making a cake until that reminded me that tomorrow would have been Bob's 80th birthday. So I made some cookies instead.

Here are new memorial plants that I am tending. There is another schefflera on the other end of the couch, plus a planter near the window. They provide nice remembrance.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

We are expecting a wet week with some temps up to mid 90s.

I continue to enjoy my audios. I finished four audio books. I posted three reviews, and my usual memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
A Shout Out today to TELL ME A YARN. Ann has an interesting link for Reading the World: Myths and Legends.

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

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 3) Code of Honor by Jay J. Falconer; Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 1, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/7/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold; Genre: Fantasy, Military Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• A2022: Audible Book Review: Quake!: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906 by Gail Langer Karwoski; Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List Mid-Year 2022 Audiobook Challenge.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement Agents of Change July 3, 2022 - Prayer, Purity, Purpose, and Partnership!.

Finished Reading:

1. NetGalley App Audio Smartphone (NG2022)

Holy Chow, (Andy Carpenter #25)
by David Rosenfelt
Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
This is another good mystery in the Andy Carpenter legal antics, and raises questions of possible enemy infiltration.
Source: June 2022 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. NetGalley App Audio Smartphone (NG2022)

Leila, The Perfect Witch
by Flavia Z. Drago
Narrated by Marisa Blake
This is a sweet story.
Source: 2022 NetGalley.
In this charming picture book from the author-illustrator of Gustavo, The Shy Ghost, a witch who is spellbindingly good at everything discovers that baking is no piece of cake.
Leila Wayward is a little witch who excels at everything she does. She’s the fastest flier, the most cunning conjuror, and the most superb shape-shifter. She has won trophies for potions, herbology, and alchemy—and now she dreams of winning the Magnificent Witchy Cake-off! As the youngest in a long line of masters of the Dark Arts of Patisserie, Leila wants her entry to be perfect. But even with the most bewitching of recipes, she realizes a terrible truth: she’s a disaster in the kitchen. Luckily, Leila has three magical sisters who are happy to share their culinary secrets with her. What’s more, Leila discovers that baking with them is fun! Win or lose, she has already tasted the sweetest thing of all: acceptance—with a pinch of nightshade and a bit of mandrake. Filled with expressive and fancifully offbeat illustrations, Flavia Z. Drago’s enchanting story of trying your hardest despite your imperfections is sure to delight little witches and novice bakers alike.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Murder by Magic
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Onset, Book 0.5
Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
I totally enjoyed this combination of magic and mystery.
Source: February 2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Before he was an Elfin Lord - before he even joined that secret group of Mages - Jamie Riley was a Mage recruited by the FBI and the Office of Supernatural Policing and Investigation. A new-minted Inspector sent into one of the most complicated supernatural regions in the country: Los Angeles.
The rest of OSPI’s LA team has grown comfortable with allowing politics and pragmatism to decide which cases they pursue, which criminals they charge - but when Jamie’s investigation suggests that a pillar of the supernatural community has killed in cold blood, he will let nothing get in the way of getting the murderer.
Not even his career.
©2019 Glynn Stewart (P)2020 Podium Publishing

4. NetGalley App Audio Smartphone (NG2022)

Just Tyrus: A Memoir
by Tyrus
Narrated by Tyrus
Listening Length 4 hours and 58 minutes
This was definitely Tyrus and I found it interesting to learn of his rough childhood.
Source: 2022 NetGalley.
Pro wrestler and political commentator Tyrus goes deep into his wild but triumphant life story, from his painfully dysfunctional upbringing to bodyguarding for Snoop Dogg, to becoming a wrestling icon and one of the most provocative on-air voices today.
The product of a 1970s mixed marriage, George Murdoch learned to fight early in life, fending off both race-baiting bullies and the demons of a dysfunctional home. Couch surfing all through high school and most of college, the quick-witted, sharp-tongued giant played football, ran drugs, and bounced at clubs to try to survive. After a false start with the WWE, he eventually became Snoop Dogg's bodyguard and traveled the world with the hip hop legend, biding his time and honing his rap. When the WWE urged him to return, George became "Brodus Clay" and, for the next several years, reinvented himself numerous times under the watchful mentorship of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, "the American Dream." He was eventually christened "Tyrus," and shortly after, a chance social media encounter with Greg Gutfeld at Fox News resulted in Tyrus finding a new skill: sage social commentator. Ferociously funny, blunt, and tenacious, Just Tyrus traces his unlikely and spectacular rise. As always with Tyrus, it's in-your-face and offers no apologies.

Currently Reading:

1. Audio Smartphone Soundwise or on Computer (AT2022)

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
The Soundwise app kept crashing on my phone.
I have listened to some of this on the computer but am having some difficulty there too. (I do have slow internet at home.)
Source: June 2022 audio received for Blitz and Review through Caffeinated PR.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

End of Summer
By: S.M. Anderson
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
Series: Seasons of Man, Book 1 (2 books)
Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins
This is a Pandemic Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian and my "Summer" title.
Source: 7/18/2021 Audible $5.00 sale. (Regular Price: $34.99.)
Publisher's Summary
When a viral apocalypse kills 97 percent of the people on the planet, the survivors' humanity is hanging by a thread. Amid the leftovers of civilization, ex-Army Ranger Jason Larsen is reminded of the meaning of hope, family, and loyalty by a dog and a young boy who are as alone as he is. The survivors he seems to collect become family, and that is very bad news for those who think they run the apocalypse. ©2019 S.M. Anderson (P)2020 Podium Publishing

3. Audiobooks.com Smartphone (ATBR)

ON HOLD till I feel like darker tales.
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.
Click on book title for full description.

July 3, 2022 - I am back on the day track and caught up on those informative videos! 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 - still maybe next month.

I completed four books and have four reviews to write and post this week. 
NETGALLEY STATUS-- I added another NetGalley but finished it this week. 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 new NetGalley audio that I finished this week.
Four audiobooks for $22.00 from Audible sale.
Five audiobooks from Audible Plus Catalog.
I added 29! free Kindle titles to my Kindle TBR library today.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

One NetGalley Audio:
Just Tyrus  - see above in Finished Reading.

Won

NONE

Purchased

6/29/2022 Audible Sale total $22.00:

Reap What You Sow
Seasons of Man, Book 2
By: S.M. Anderson
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 11-17-20

Dragonhaven
By: Robin McKinley
Narrated by: Noah Galvin
Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 06-18-13

A Deadly Cliché
Books by the Bay Mystery, Book 2
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Karen White
Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
Release date: 09-15-15

Survive Week One Codename: Freedom, Book 1
By: Apollos Thorne
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 12-19-17

Free

Week of 6/30 Audible Plus:

The Ibarra Sanction: Terran Armor Corps, Book 2
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: Terran Armor Corps, Book 2
Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins

Initiate: Animus, Book 1
By: Joshua Anderle , Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Series: Animus Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

The Recruit: A Jack Noble Short Story
By: L.T. Ryan
Narrated by: Dennis Holland
Series: Jack Noble, Book .5
Length: 31 mins

Robots and Roommates: Star Kingdom, Book 0
By: Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by: Fred Berman
Series: Star Kingdom Series, Book 0
Length: 34 mins

Just in Time
By: Marie Bostwick
Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith , Kate Marcin , Carol Monda
Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

29 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 July 3, 2022 - Prayer, Purity, Purpose, and Partnership!

Our service stared with lovely worship and our Interim Pastor announced: God is perfect in all His Ways – He has never messed up, never failed to show up.
Last Sunday with Interim Pastor as our new Pastor starts next week. Now What? New season.
Cease the moment to reach people for the Church. Become what God wants you to be; do what God wants you to do. No real answer so he went to the wisdom of the Bible and found a message in
Proverbs 4:20-27.
This passage tells us to 'Open your ears, eyes and heart to hear the word of God which is Life and Health to us.'

There are four clear messages from this passage.
1. Keep Your Heart (v21) … The Bible says that the heart is the center of our being, the center of intellect: “imagination” in your heart; consider these things in your heart; believe with your heart; heavy heart; fearful heart, glad heart, hardened heart (refuses to do God’s Will - Jeremiah 13:10), tender heart (seeks to do God’s Will - Ezekiel 32:26-27). –Psalm 51:10 “create in me a clean heart”.
Keep your heart on prayer! Guard your hearts. Philippians 4:6-7.
Stay a Praying Church! Jude 21:20-21; Romans 8:6 Sometimes we need to have someone come along side of us. Be people of the Spirit.

2. Put Away From You (v24) … Put away negatives and works of the flesh; put on kindness and compassion. Ephesians 4:31-32. Put off the old nature; put on your new nature! Ephesians 4:22-24. Put away childish, petty things. 1 Corinthians 13:11-12. Grow mature and seek purity. 1 Peter 1 22: “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” Obey the word of God! What do you need to put away to grow in purity?

3. Let Your Eyes Look Straight Ahead (v25)… We are on a mission. Our lives are not just about coming to church on Sunday. A lot of distractions will try to pull us away. Deuteronomy 5:32: “So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.” Stay focused. Don’t look back. Luke 9:62. The mission is in front of us. ‘Forget the things behind and press forward.’ Philippians 3:13. Be thankful for the past but look ahead! Discipline yourself to run with purpose. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27. It is not your purpose, not someone else’s purpose…but only God’s purpose. Be a church, a people of Purpose! Fix your eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2.

4. Ponder the Path (v26) … Consider that your ultimate goal is heaven, but what are we doing along our journey. We need our actions to be established – lasting and fruitful. Pass along the message so others can find the path … for a thousand generations. The mission is a combined Church mission, not one to be pursued alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Be connected and active in the church. Work together. Everyone has a place Matthew 18:19-20: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Partner with other believers; with each other and your new Pastor.

Prayer, Purity, Purpose, and Partnership!

Our Interim Pastor concluded: ‘It is up to you what you do as each pastor preaches. As the word of God goes forth, respond to the message! Take time to come to the altar for yourself or to pray for others. Use the altars. Stand before the Lord. Help and love one another.’

We celebrate the freedom of our nation on July 4th. But, as we celebrate communion we remember that the greatest freedom is the freedom from sin through the sacrifice of Christ.

I went on a search for a song that would fit and found this one: Magnify!

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 4:20-27 NIV
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

Lord, Thank you for all you have done: creation to salvation. Help me remember the principles of prayer, purity, purpose and partnership.

Audible Book Review: Quake!: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906 by Gail Langer Karwoski

This is an easy listen and would be good for school children..
Quake!: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906
By: Gail Langer Karwoski
Narrated by: Terry Bregy

Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins
Release date: 04-08-11
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Graders
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Buildings were weaving in and out, the street pitched like a stormy sea and bricks were raining down all around him.... Experience first hand through young Jacob what it was like living through this country’s most destructive earthquake!
©2006 Gail Langer Karwoski (P)2011 Audio Bookshelf

Review:
Jacob is a young Jewish boy of 13 (he celebrated Bar Mitzvah his last birthday) living in San Francisco in the early 1900s. His father runs a meat stand and Jacob helps by delivering the orders through out the town. One of his stops is to deliver meat to his Uncle Avram who runs a produce market. While making the delivery, Jacob, discovers he is being followed by a small dog. Uncle Avram encourages Jacob to take the dog home since Avram’s wife won’t let him take the dog in since they have an infant to care for. But Jacob suspects his father will not allow him to keep the dog. His father, his little sister, Sophie, and Jacob have been struggling since his mother died during the past year. There is little happiness in the house as father and children suffer with grief.

The next morning Jacob leaves early to take the dog away as his father has insisted. Along the way to Uncle’s home the dog gets skittish and soon is pushing Jacob away as a wall is shaken down by an earthquake. Jacob and the dog, later named Quake, dodge through panicked crowds and falling buildings until they are lost. As Jacob tries to head home, Quake takes him to a cluttered hole in the ground where they rescue a young Chinese boy, San. The two boys and dog set off to try to find their families.

Jacob and San end up first in Union Square and later in Golden Gate Park searching desperately for their families. There are frightening rumors that the quake has damaged many other states and at first, they think no help will come. Along the way of their search, San faces racial discrimination and bullying but the boys also find a temporary tent home with a young Irish family who helps them.

The story is an easy read and does a good job describing the setting of 1906 San Francisco and the various class (wealth) separations and immigrant communities. The young boys and dog will help to keep children interested. I think this would be a good book for middle graders to learn about the time, the event and the negative aspects of racism. I recommend this to families to read or listen together.

Audio Notes: Terry Bregy does a nice job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and accents for the immigrant characters. I was glad to have this as a free audio.

Source: 6/10/2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Alphabet goals.

MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List Mid-Year 2022 Audiobook Challenge

MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List – Mid Year

This event is hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Code for the list is:
A = Audible
NG = NetGalley
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2022

Audio Challenge Goal Level: The 100 Club (Audiobook Addict) 100+
My Goal: 100; Read to Date: 57 (53 reviews linked below).

Favorites for the year so far:
5 Stars =  The Black Wolves of Boston
4.75 Stars =  You Have the Right to Remain Innocent; Aeon Rising; Murder by Magic
4.5 Stars =  Up to No Gouda; The Nothing Girl; The Smear; Three More Jack Reacher; See You Someday Soon; Shards of Honor; Holy Chow

MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List - JANUARY

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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List - FEBRUARY

1. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Up To No Gouda by Linda Reilly; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mysteries, Women Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Eight Winter Nights by Liz Maverick; Genre: A Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Defiant, Lee Hardin, Book 4 by D. J. Molles; Genre: Action & Adventure, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
4. ATBR: Audible Book Report: Just Before Sunrise by Carla Neggers; Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
5. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Mickey7 by Edward Ashton; Genre: AAdventure, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Space; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
6. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Dismantling America by Thomas Sowell; Genre: Conservatism and Liberalism, Political Commentary, Social Studies; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Eternal Frontier by Anthony J. Melchiorri; Genre: Adventure, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List - MARCH

1. NG2022: #NetGalley Audiobook Review: Citizen K-9: A K Team Novel by David Rosenfelt; Genre: K-9, Mystery, Private Investigator; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Junkyard Bargain by Faith Hunter; Genre: Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Chaos Rising, Edge of Collapse, Book 0.5, by Kyla Stone; Genre: Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.
4. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Gone to Dust by Matt Goldman; Genre: Detective Stories, Mystery, Private Investigator; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25..
5. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Home Coming, The Survivalist Series, Book 10 by A. American; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Survival; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
6. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill; Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Zero Tolerance by Jonathan Maberry; Genre: Horror, Suspense, Zombie; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5
8. ATBR: Audible Book Review: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson; Genre: Adventure, Children, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
9. ATBR: Audible Book Review:  On the Duty of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau; Genre: History, Nonfiction, United States; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 3.75
10. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story by Ryan W. Aslesen; Genre: Military, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
11. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Invasion: Alien Invasion, Book 1, by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant; Genre: First Contact, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.
12. A2022: Audible Book Review: Messenger, America Falls, Book 0.5, by Adam Barr; Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List - APRIL

1. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hide and Seek by Mary Burton; Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn; Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Werewolf; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Mavericks Expeditionary Force, Book 6, by Craig Alanson; Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
4. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Let Her Be by Lisa Unger; Genre: Domestic Thriller, Psychological, Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
5. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Inside Jobs, Tales from a Time of Quarantine by Ben H. Winters; Categories: Literature & Fiction, Anthologies & Short Stories; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
6. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Polar Vortex by Matthew Mather; Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0, Narration 4.25.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Legend: Four Horsemen Tales, Book 1 by Christopher Woods; First Contact, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
8. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor; Genre: Coming of Age, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
9. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Smear, How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think, and How You Vote, by Sharyl Attkisson; Genre: Politics, Writing; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
10. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher; Amish, Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
11. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Wild Swan: A Story of Florence Nightingale by Patti Callahan; Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

MBS AUDIO 2022 Reading List - MAY

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Into the Wild Warriors, Book 1 by Erin Hunter; Genres: Action and Adventure, Animal, Cats, Fantasy; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4, by James Howard Kunstler; Genre: Dystopian, Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1 by Neal Asher; Genre: Alien, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
4. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Unbowed, Lee Hardin, Book 5 by D. J. Molles; Genre: Action & Adventure, Military Sci Fi, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
5. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Quest of Heroes by Morgan Rice; Genre: Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Teen & Young Adult; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
6. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman; Genre: Classic, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Mythology; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
7. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Ripple In Time by Victor Zugg; Genre: Historical Fantasy, Time Travel; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
8. ATBR: Audible by Book Review: You Have the Right to Remain Innocent by James Duane; Genre: Civil Rights & Liberties, Constitution, Legal System; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.
9. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Redemption Bay by RaeAnne Thayne; Genre: Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 3.75.

MBS 2022 Reading List - JUNE

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Swing Shift by William D. Arand; Genre: Crime Thriller, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
2. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Aeon Rising: The Apocalypse Begins by Matthew Mather; Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Techno-thriller; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
6. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 3) Code of Honor by Jay J. Falconer; Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold; Genre: Fantasy, Military Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
   
   The next will get linked to reviews as posted.
   
8. A2022: Audible Book Review: Quake!: Disaster in San Francisco, 1906 by Gail Langer Karwoski; Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
9. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Holy Chow (Andy Carpenter #25) by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Animal, Cozy, Legal, Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
10. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Leila, The Perfect Witch by Flavia Z. Drago; Genre: Children, Siblings, Witches; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
11. A2022: Audible Book Review: Murder by Magic by Glynn Stewart; Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Urban; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Audible Book Review: Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold

This space sci fi has battles, dangerous enemies, and a conflicted, mild, romance.

Shards of Honor
Series: Vorkosigan Saga (chronological), Book 2
By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
Release date: 05-01-09
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Fantasy, Military Science Fiction,
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
Cordelia is the Captain of a scientific survey crew that is exploring an uninhabited planet. Cordelia and one of her men return to camp to discover it destroyed and her team gone except for one man who has been killed by a nerve disruptor.

Cordelia is next surprised to learn the attack was by a Barrayaran force that is now off chasing Cordelia’s ship in space. Then Cordelia and her Ensign are confronted by an enemy soldier. Her crewman is injured and Cordelia becomes the prisoner of Barrayaran Captain Aral Vorkosigan who has been shot and abandoned in an act of betrayal. Cordelia won’t leave her man behind so she convinces Vorkosidan to help drag him as they head off to a hidden Barrayaran base to get supplies.

This starts the beginning of an interesting, and ultimately beautiful friendship. Vorkosigan first saves Cordelia, then she saves him, and his friends, particularly a man soldier, Sargeant Bothari, will save her again. Along they way Cordelia learns dangerous secrets. Vorkosigan’s leaders are intent on attacking a nearby world, Escobar, to control the jump hole there. Cordelia must get home to warn her people and help prevent the attack on Escobar.

Cordelia is from a planet that is scientifically and technologically advanced. Barrayar is a warrior-race with an aristocratic/feudal type society. Cordelia slowly learns that there is a great deal of infighting and machination in the Barrayar leading class. Cordelia and Vorkosigan may have developed a certain respect and interest in each other but their ability to continue a relationship is greatly limited.

Cordelia eventually gets safely home only to have her superiors question her loyalties. Has her mind been altered to slip her back in her world as a double agent?

I enjoyed the characters, the danger, and the suspense. Bujold has created a complex world in the aristocratic juggling of the Barrayar society. As the title indicates, the characters struggle to find honor in their activities. Best, I was delighted by the very mild development of the romance. I thought this was book 1, but apparently it is book 2 in reading order. I am glad I have books 1 and 3 to continue this series.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is a wonderful narrator although I am accustomed to hearing him narrate other works (like the Andy Carpenter series). It took me a few minutes to adjust to his voice in this sci fi setting. Somehow I think Gardner’s voice matched Vorkosigan’s character.

Source: December 2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.