Audible Book Review: The Plus One Pact by Portia MacIntosh

This is a sweet story with conflict from miscommunications.

The Plus One Pact
By: Portia MacIntosh
Narrated by: Karen Cass

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
Release date: 05-21-20
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
What if your plus one could be the one?
Cara has officially run out of men. Her most recent dates have gone from bad to worse, and when her dating app informs her there is no one left in her area to choose from, she is at a dead end.
But with a summer of events ahead of her, she needs to find a solution, fast; someone to keep her company at the never-ending weddings, family gatherings and gender-reveal parties that she can’t face going to alone. So when she meets handsome, confident, Millsy on a night out, she may be in luck. They could not be more different in personality, but he, too, has a summer of events ahead and is desperate to get his family off his back about finding a ‘nice girl’. What if they made a pact to help each other out and be a plus one for the summer? Just as friends of course?
A brand-new romantic comedy from best seller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Zara Stoneley, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane.
©2020 Portia MacIntosh (P)2020 Boldwood Books

Review:
Cara is getting low on the available men on her dating app. After she escapes from a ‘babysitting” date, Cara is at the bar waiting to meet the latest man…who doesn’t show up. Instead, a handsome man steps over to offer to sit with her so she doesn’t have to continue to sit alone. Although a little wary, Cara and Millsy seem to be immediately comfortable with each other. She has given up on men and Millsy is reportedly a ‘player’ who is willing to just be there as a friend for Cara.

Millsy takes Cara out for a makeover and slowly her confidence begins to grow. They agree to be each other’s ‘plus one’ for the summer events especially his best (girl) friend’s wedding and her cousin’s wedding where she refused to be a bridesmaid in a dress that they wouldn’t allow her to alter to fit and where her former boyfriend is expected as a special guest.

Their friendship is moving along really well and Millsy even provides a spare room to live in when Cara’s replacement apartment falls through. Then they get to the awkward moments, without an agreed plan, of “how did you meet?”, “how long have you been dating?”. There are more concerns when meeting each other’s family and Cara is pursued by Millsy nemesis, his handsome brother.

This is a fun romantic comedy. There is easy camaraderie and fun, light conflict. Although there is a bit of sexual references on the side, there is no actual engagement until late in the story. I appreciated the style and lightness of the story. I recommend this to fans of light romantic comedy.

Audio Notes: Karen Cass does a good job with the narration. I am she manages different voices to distinguish the characters, most of which are British. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2/19/2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 22, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
I sent a batch of GC emails to winners last night. I have four more emails to do tonight. Please watch for the emails. I will start to pull books together for mailing next week.

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.

INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the July 15, 2022 Pick. There was no automatic win this past week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was no title blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS to two winners:
Random.org picked Winner from July 15, 2022 Pick:
ASHFA gets a GC
and
MARJORIE gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

More Summer reading!
Image found at Ebook Friendly.

New Book Box #96 June 10, 2022

PAIR:
Liz Carlyle: Three Little Secrets and My False Heart
Johanna Lindsey: Brave the Wild Wind and Fires of Winter
SINGLE TITLES
Against the Sky by Kat Martin
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

The Eagle and the Dove by Jane Feather
Heir to a Dark Inheritance by Maisey Yates
The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour
A Legacy of Secrets by Carol Marinelli
Marry in Secret by Anne Gracie
No Greater Treasure by Ellen Kelley
One Minute Out by Mark Greaney
Texas Born by Diana Palmer
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (Illustrated Classic Edition)
While Others Sleep by Helen R. Myers


New Book Box #95 November 7, 2021

I'll add the titles through the week (16 including 2 doubles, 1 pair).
(on top) (Two) Rancher's Wild Secret and Hold Me Cowboy by Maisey Yates
(on top) Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl
(Two) The Taming & The Conquest by Jude Deveraux
My Darling Caroline by Adele Ashworth
Love's Surprise by Karen Ball
Manhunt by Wayne Barton and Stan Williams - Audio CDs
After the Light by Kimberly Clark Sharp (Hardback)


New Book Box #94 May 28, 2021 (10 books)

Three One Audio CD Books:
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
SINGLE TITLES
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale
The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale

New Book Groups #92 and #93 November 13, 2020.
#92 (15 books):

A Most Unsuitable Man by Jo Beverley
The Tender Stranger by Carolyn Davidson
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart
Heart's Desire by Ruth Ryan Hagan
The Deputy's Duty by Terri Reed

Box #93 (14 books)

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
There's Only Been You by Donna Marie Rogers (personally signed)
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper
The Irish Bride by Alexa Harrington
When We Met by Susan Mallery
All of Me by Lori Wilde

New Book Group #91 October 2, 2020 - Suspense themed

SINGLES: Ten books in this box:
Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder


PICK TWO  your choice (listed below the picture) Nora Roberts:

Born in Fire Audiobook Cassettes
Montana Sky
Valley of Silence


New Book Group #90 June 19, 2020
Quite a few mysteries in this box.

SINGLES:
Alias by Smy J. Fetzer
Hot Sex by Janet Evanovich (Audio cassettes)

New Book Group #89 March 6, 2020

Singles:
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holoquist
Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

New Book Group #88 November 8, 2019

Singles:
A Lady Never Tells by Candace Camp
Dawn of Redemption by Starla Childs

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

SINGLES:
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES

New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
Christmas Haven
King Harold's Snow Job

New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

SINGLES:
Killing Time by Linda Howard
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018
All Gone

New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
SINGLES:
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham

New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
Too Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes

New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018
All Gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff

This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three One more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four One books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost TWELVE years I have posted 91 groups of mostly 16 books plus an additional 21 totaling approximately 1,535 books available to find new homes! (As of November 26, 2021).

I am happy to say that so far at least 1,402 books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, TWRP, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors, your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to faraway places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audible Book Review: Man of War by T. J. London

This is strong, engaging historical fiction.
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
Release date: 07-05-22
Publisher: T.J. London
Genre: Action and Adventure, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

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

Review:
Dane Merrick McKesson is the youngest of three brothers who was emotionally and sometimes physically abused by his eldest brother, James. When their father died, James threw 14-year-old Dane off the family property. The whole family was disgraced when Merrick revealed to the English that his eldest brother, James, was plotting with the Scots to overthrow King George.

Dane, the young teen, was conscripted into the Royal Navy and managed to work his way up through the ranks to become a Lieutenant. When the ship, the HMS Boudica, is attacked by a pirate ship, Merrick becomes the new captain. He manages to repel the attack and salvages the stores and survivors from the capsizing pirate ship. One of the last second survivors is a fiery, red-haired young woman who was clearly abused and shackled in the hold. 

Although the young woman is relieved to be alive, she wants no man to touch her and isn’t ready to thank Merrick or his men. It is clear she is a woman of the aristocracy, but she refuses to reveal her identity. Merrick names her “India” and she convinces him that she can reward him if he helps her uncover and get revenge on her torturer. India struggles to overcome her self-doubt as she was once under the thumb of her mother who promised her as a bride to a supposedly wealthy older nobleman living in New York. That resulted in her traveling with a rich dowry and being brutally abused by the French pirate.

Merrick loves his ‘queen’, the HMS Boudica, and is intent on becoming her permanent captain. But he slowly begins to love the fierce India, not knowing how far out of his reach she really is. Will they be able to help each other or find insurmountable obstacles?

I mistakenly thought this was an American Revolution story but it is actually set right before war broke out between England and France in 1756. I am thankful I got the chance to listen and share my thoughts. 

I enjoyed the richly described historical setting and the battles on the high seas. I was totally drawn in by the two primary characters. They are both strong, hard-headed, and determined. The plot is fueled with political conspiracy and intense intrigue. I recommend this to those who love swashbuckling action and historical fiction.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the multiple voices and sound enhancement of this audio production. It is well done and contributed to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: June 2022 audio received from the Author for Caffeinated PR Tour Blitz and Review. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook and 2022Author goals.

Sunday Post July 17, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 18, 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've felt some stress trying to get caught up this week. Fortunately another of my litigation files settled and two are moving forward well.
We have some employee applications but need time to interview. Then we will need time to train. It is a never ending cycle.

I was home after 7:30pm every night last week. That is adding to my fatigue I think.
I attended our women's club Summer Charity Tea on Saturday. I enjoyed it a lot but, again, it made me tired.

I cooked patty pan squash again, this time sauteed with onions and spinach, and sprinkled with mixed cheese and a touch of Parmesan. That was a veggie dish with my pigs in a blanket wrapped with Havarti cheese. I do love my cheeses!

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

We did have some heavy rains this past week. The coming week is scheduled to be a little hotter (low 90s) with more thunderstorms likely.

I continue to enjoy my audios. I finished two audios and well into a third. I posted two reviews, and my usual memes.

I visited 16 blogs last week.
A Shout Out today to CAROLE'S RANDOM LIFE. Carole loves to read and loves a surprise in her reading. I like the image on her 'About' page. Go by, check it out and say "Hello."

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 July 10, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 11, 2022.

• MBS June 2022 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 15, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/21/2022.

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Just Tyrus: A Memoir by Tyrus; Genre: Biography, Memoirs; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: End of Summer by S.M. Anderson; Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 17, 2022 - Guard Your Heart.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audioble 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
This is strong, engaging historical fiction.
Source: June 2022 audio received for Blitz and Review through Caffeinated PR.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

The Plus One Pact
By: Portia MacIntosh
Narrated by: Karen Cass
Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
This is a sweet story with some miscommunications.
Source: 2/19/2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
(The availability to listen expires 7/27/2022.)
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone(AT2022)

Christmas Every Day
By: Beth Moran
Narrated by: Helen Keeley
Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins
This is a sweet (but emotional) story I picked this week because it will no longer be available after 7/26.
Source: October 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. (The availability to listen expires 7/27/2022.)
Publisher's Summary
When Jenny inherits her estranged grandmother’s cottage in Sherwood Forest, she has nothing to lose - no money, no job, no friends, no family to speak of, and zero self-respect. Things can only get better....
Her grumpy but decidedly handsome new neighbour, Mack, has a habit of bestowing unsolicited good deeds on her. And when Jenny is welcomed into a rather unusual book club, life seems to finally be getting more interesting.
Instead of reading, the members pledge to complete individual challenges before Christmas: from finding new love and learning to bake to completing a daredevil bucket list. Jenny can’t resist joining in, and soon a year of friendship and laughter, tears and regrets unfolds in the most unexpected ways.
Warm, wise, funny and utterly uplifting. What one thing would you change in your life before Christmas comes around?
©2019 Beth Moran (P)2019 Boldwood Books Ltd

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Forget Nothing
By: Jason Anspach, Michelle C. Meyers
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Length: 4 hrs and 46 mins
I am ready for a Space Adventure.
Source: 6/20/2020 a free Audible title.
About This Audible Original
She Chose the Hardest Way
The daughter of a Legion war hero, fighting was in Andien Broxin's blood. But the battles Republic marines face on strange and alien worlds are a far cry from the vaunted, brutal, no-holds-barred conflicts fought at the edge of the galaxy by the elite legionnaires.
Until a devastating war erupts right in the Republic’s stellar backyard.
Newly stationed on a mid-core planet being harassed by terrorist revolutionaries, Andien and her fellow "hullbusters" find themselves right in the middle of a desperate fight for survival. All their training, standards, discipline—all the hard paths—have led to this. If she and her fellow marines are to come out of this alive, Andien will have to find out who she truly is...and what she can become.
Best-selling military science fiction author Jason Anspach and USMC/US Army veteran Michelle C. Meyers explore the rigors of combat, survival, and the human will in this edge-of-your-seat account set in the Galaxy’s Edge universe.
©2020 Galaxy's Edge, LLC (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

After It Happened
Publisher's Pack 3
By: Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
I want to read more Post-Apocalyptic and I am continuing a series that is part of my TBR.
Source: June 2021 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
This publisher's pack contains Sanctuary (book 5) and Rebellion (book 6) of the After It Happened series.
Set in the UK in the immediate aftermath of a mysterious illness that swept the country and left millions dead, the series follows the trials facing a reluctant hero, Dan, and the group he forms around him. They must battle the elements, find sufficient supplies and equipment to survive, and protect themselves against the most destructive force on the planet: other people.
Sanctuary, book 5: Scattered, the group must come to terms with their new reality. They face more danger than they can deal with. They have no idea if they can win the race against time before one of them becomes critical. Meanwhile, back at home, a plan is hatched to overthrow a tyrannical rule.
Rebellion, book 6: Steve, now recovered from his horrific injuries, forms a plan to restore the balance of power in their camp, but his opposition is also playing a dangerous game. Meanwhile, Sanctuary reveals its secrets to Dan and the others, and they find safety and comfort behind the high walls. But safety is an illusion, and there are forces converging on them with a malevolence that they have not battled before.
©2017 Devon C. Ford (P)2018 Podium Publishing

July 17, 2022 - I am continuing on track and continue to enjoy the informative videos in The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
I finished and enjoyed the seven day plan: Seek in Seven.

I completed two books and have two reviews to write and post again this week. 
NETGALLEY STATUS-- 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.
No new review or NetGalley titles this week.
I selected my two June Audible credits and used a $7.00 credit for another audio.
Only one free Kindle title added again to my Kindle TBR library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/17/2022 I used my two June Audible Credits for these two titles, one in a series and one thriller:

Krondor the Betrayal
Book One of the Riftwar Legacy
By: Raymond E. Feist
Narrated by: Peter Joyce
Length: 16 hrs and 16 mins
I've been drawn to dragons.

Sworn to Silence
A Thriller
By: Linda Castillo
Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney
Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
This thriller set in Amish country sounds good to me.


7/17/2022 I got a $7.00 credit so this book from my wish list ended up costing $.49 since I already had the Kindle copy.

Robinson Crusoe 2244
By: E. J. Robinson
Narrated by: Malk Williams
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
I have been eyeing this partially due to the title. :-)

Free

One free Kindle title this week:

A Summer of Surprises
Judith Keim
(Thanks to Cheryl at The Book Connection for this summer title.)

One Free title 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 17, 2022 Guard Your Heart

I attended church online this morning. I have been feeling overwhelmed and stressed on and off this week and Sunday mornings are proving hard for me.

Our Pastor’s message continued from last week’s message and was drawn from Proverbs 4:23:
“23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Solomon’s comment is addressing the inner man. Our hearts are dark and sinful, but God is the heart changer. Only He can change the heart. God can change a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19. Too often we want God to bless what we are doing instead of getting into what God is doing. We need to surrender to God to let him do the changes and give our lives proper direction.

Paul encourages us to ‘work out your own salvation’. Philippians 2:12. Working out our salvation means surrendering and letting God mold us.We have a treasure in hearts of clay and the power comes from God. 2 Corinthians 4:7.

We are the keeper, guardian, custodians of our own hearts. We can’t get to salvation on someone else’s coattails. It is our job to monitor what goes into our heart. We need to let God heal our hearts.

Do not let anything come in or flow out of our hearts that is not pleasing to God. Be careful what you let through your eye gate and ear gate, especially in this world of social media. Guard your heart, monitor it.

“Faith comes from hearing” the word of God. Romans 10:17. Monitor what comes in!
Keep your heart with all diligence. Do not spend time with negatives and things that drag you down. Maintain custody and vigilance over your heart. Make sure the things you watch and listen to are what is important in your walk with God.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight.” Psalm 19:14. Ask God, “check me out, search my heart.” Ask God to change you. Admit if your attitude is wrong. The attitude is the aroma of the heart.

Cains offering was rejected by God because of his attitude. He went on to kill his brother in anger. Genesis 4:1-8. Sin is crouching at your door. A bad attitude is a trap to wrong doing and considered scandal in the Bible. Matthew 18:7.

Sometimes we take offense too easily because we are not guarding our hearts. If we allow anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness in our hearts, then we need a change.

We each know people who live from hurt hearts and people who live out of joyful hearts. Your life is not contingent on what someone else did to you. It is contingent on what you allow God to do in you.

Do you have a right heart? How do you handle conflict? How do you handle things not going your way?

Surrender to God – first for salvation, then for a positive life attitude.

I believe the Spirit sent me to this song (new to me) today: Different.

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
“23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Psalm 19:14 NIV
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.


Lord, please guide me to guard my heart and keep it surrendered to You.