Audible Book Review: Dead Cat Bounce by Sarah Graves

Although I enjoyed the full story, it is a bit plodding.
The Dead Cat Bounce
By: Sarah Graves
Narrated by: Lindsay Ellison

Series: Home Repair is Homicide, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 08-01-09
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Women Sleuths
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 3.75.

Publisher's Summary
Since she bought her rambling fixer-upper of a house, Jacobia Tiptree has gotten used to finding things broken. But her latest problem isn't so easily repaired. Along with the rotting floor joists and sagging support beams, there's the little matter of the dead man in Jake's storeroom, an ice pick planted firmly in his cranium. Jake's unknown guest turns out to be local boy turned billionaire Threnody McIlwaine. When Jake's best friend, quiet and dependable Ellie White, confesses to the murder, cops and journalists swarm into the snowbound Eastport. Jake smells a cover-up, and begins poking into past history between McIlwaine and Ellie's family. But someone doesn't like nosy neighbors...and Jake's rustic refuge may become her final resting place.
©1997 Sarah Graves (P)2009 BBC Audio

Review:
Jacobia (Jake) had a successful career as a financial planner helping people salvage damaged accounts. Now she has chosen to retire with her teenage son to the insular community of Eastport, Maine where she invests her money in a damaged, fixer-upper house. While working on house renovations, a dead body is found in her storeroom. The dead man is a local playboy billionaire who has created many enemies along his flamboyant path.

The prime suspect is Jake’s best friend, Ellie, who is known as a caring, dependable woman who has remained single to live at home and take care of her loving father and bitter, demanding, mother. George, the local police officer who is first to investigate, has had a crush on Ellie but hasn’t been able to get her to leave her parents. George would do a lot to protect Ellie but he can’t do much when she confesses to the crime.

Jake doesn’t believe Ellie and is sure she is protecting someone. Jake sets out to investigate on her own, even making the authorities aware of her disdain for their failure to look for an alternative to Ellie’s quick confession.

There is family drama with both primary female characters. Ellie has her loving father who has doted on her nasty, bitter mother. Jake has to deal with her high-power ex-husband who wants to push their not so motivated son into Ivy League schools where he will struggle. Jake is also involved with a rugged, local man who is a water rescue specialist, Wade. Wade is very likeable while her ex is repulsive.

Unlike many cozy mysteries, the dead body was found early in the book, rather then far into it. However, the story still seemed slow in getting to the details and suspects. I enjoyed the setting and descriptions, but the writing, though clear, was more plodding than exciting. I found it interesting to learn the term "Dead Cat Bounce". I do have the second book from the plus catalog so I will listen to it sometime. Fans of light cozy mystery might want to check this out for themselves.

Audio Notes: The narration by Lindsay Ellison was clear and adequate but didn’t infuse any “oomph” to the story. I would still want to listen rather than read.

Source: 11/6/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 12, 2022

Happy Friday!
TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK.
Sorry I was unable to get a post up last Friday. I spent almost two weeks visiting my son's family, watching the children while my d-i-l rested after another cancer surgery on her temple.
I am traveling home today.
I still have some GC emails and payments to complete and books to pull for mailing soon.

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 29, 2022 Pick. There was one 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.
BN100 gets One Minute Out

CONGRATULATIONS to one winner (only 6 entries):
Random.org picked Winner from July 29, 2022 Pick:
ELAINE 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.}

I hope you celebrated by reading a book!
Image found at Reading Ladies Book Club.

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 1,403 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: Nomad, The Nomad Triology 1, by Matthew Mather

This apocalyptic, action story has interesting climate science elements.

Nomad
The Nomad Trilogy 1
By: Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Series: The Nomad Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 11-04-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Something big is coming...big enough to destroy the entire solar system...and it's heading straight for Earth. That's what Dr. Ben Rollins, head of Harvard's exoplanet research team, is told by NASA after being dragged out of bed in the middle of the night. His first instinct is to call his daughter and wife, who are vacationing in Italy: Something is coming, he tells them, a hundred times the mass of our sun. We can't see it, we don't know what it is, but it's there. They're calling it Nomad, and it's coming fast. In just a few months, the Earth may be destroyed.
The world erupts into chaos as the end approaches - and Ben discovers that his wife and daughter are trapped in Italy. The key to humanity's survival may rest in the final answers he pieces together in the midst of his frantic scramble to find his family before Nomad swallows the planet.
©2015 Matthew Mather (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
As a young scientist, Dr. Ben Rollins provided research predicting a collision in space. That research paper was declined for publication many years ago. Now Earth is facing a catastrophic solar event which is being hidden from the public even as it will soon be in position to be seen by amateurs. Nomad, as the event is called, doesn’t have to collide with Earth to cause a terrible impact. Instead, it has enough draw to pull planets out of orbit. There will be cataclysmic global warming, volcanic activity, tsunamis, and more extreme conditions that will remove society infrastructure as well as causing immediate deaths.

Ben is picked up by government/scientific authorities. He apparently has the only records that would help pinpoint the origin and trajectory of Nomad. He tries to have his family, ex-wife, Celeste, and daughter, Jessica, fly to meet him but they get trapped in Italy when the climate reactions begin.

Jessica and Celeste were touring a castle (“castello”) in Chantilly, Italy. Jessica is an expert extreme climber in spite of having a prosthetic leg. She captures the eye of the owner of the castle which provides her a place to seek refuge after getting mugged in Rome.

The pacing was good and I enjoyed the action moving the story along. The scientific descriptions of the events and consequences made this interesting. On the other hand, I wasn’t particularly drawn to the characters with their poor decisions. It is an interesting post-apocalyptic and I expect I may pick up more in the series sometime in the future.

Audio Notes: Keith Szarabajka did a good job with the various voices, including acceptable accents (a least to my untrained ear). I am glad that I had this title to listen to.

Source: June 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Tattered Loyalties by Carrie Ann Ryan

I enjoyed the shifter story but the romance is a bit spicier than I like.
Tattered Loyalties
Written by Carrie Ann Ryan
Narrated by Gregory Salinas

Series: Redwood Pack, Book 9, Talon Pack, Book 1
Run Time 7h 13min
Release Date: March 4, 2015
Publisher: Carrie Ann Ryan
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Shifter, Wolves
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
When the great war between the Redwoods and the Centrals occurred three decades ago, the Talon Pack risked their lives for the side of good. After tragedy struck, Gideon Brentwood became the Alpha of the Talons. But the Pack’s stability is threatened, and he’s forced to take a mate—only the one fate puts in his path is the woman he shouldn’t want.
Though the daughter of the Redwood Pack’s Beta, Brie Jamenson has known peace for most of her life. When she finds the man who could be her mate, she’s shocked to discover Gideon is the Alpha wolf of the Talon Pack. As a submissive, her strength lies in her heart, not her claws. But if her new Pack disagrees or disapproves, the consequences could be fatal.
As the worlds Brie and Gideon have always known begin to shift, they must face their challenges together in order to help their Pack and seal their bond. But when the Pack is threatened from the inside, Gideon doesn’t know who he can trust and Brie’s life could be forfeit in the crossfire. It will take the strength of an Alpha and the courage of his mate to realize where true loyalties lie.

Review:
Brie, daughter of the Redwood Beta, is a submissive wolf who has a special ability to give comfort and care to her packmates, whether in trauma or conflict. Brie saw Gideon when she was just a teen and suspected that he was her wolf mate. But she didn’t feel worthy or strong enough to become the mate of such a strong wolf who is now the Alpha of the Talon pack.

Gideon is struggling with tensions in his pack and some disgruntled members. When he meets Brie in a negotiation meeting, he is stunned to discover she is his fated mate. Although not everyone in his pack likes the idea, Gideon chooses to mate with Brie and secure a favorable relationship between their packs. In addition to disapproving members, Gideon doesn’t realize that he is about to face an enemy from the past waiting for a chance to take over the pack through brutality, threats, and tyranny.

I enjoyed the plot of the wolf threat and I liked Brie and Gideon as characters learning to be a couple. I found the sex a little too heavy for my tastes but otherwise I liked the story. I would recommend this to shifter fans who enjoy sexier romance.

Audio Notes: Gregory Salinas does a nice job with the narration. He provided distinct voices and appropriate emotions. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: January 2021 Chirp Purchase $0.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post August 7, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 8, 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 have had a lovely week with family and very limited work and computer time.
My d-i-l had another cancer bump removed on Tuesday. Because of the nature of the sarcoma she won't have pathology results for two weeks. I have been glad to help with a few meals and keeping the children occupied.
One night I made chicken breast Parmesan with the help of all three children. Another night I made the smokies in a blanket. Both meals were a hit.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

The temps here in Illinois have been as warm as (if not warmer than) home in Florida panhandle. I have spent a couple afternoons in the pool with the kids. Other afternoons we are inside playing card and board games.

I have been busy with my audios with added children's books. I finished seven audios over two weeks. I put out few posts the first week due to travel time, then a few more this past week. I posted four reviews, and some of my memes.

I didn't visit any blogs in the past 12 days.
No Shout Out today.

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

These were the posts over the past two weeks:

• Sunday Post July 24, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 25, 2022.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 29, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/4/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Christmas Every Day by Beth Moran; Genre: Action and Adventure, Historical Fiction; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

• 8/3/2022 Limited Posting Due to Travel, Vacation, and time with Grandchildren!

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Forget Nothing by Jason Anspach and Michelle C. Meyers; Genre: Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Audible Book Review: After It Happened Books 5 and 6 by Devon C. Ford; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Sidekick, Raptors, Book 1 by Jaime Castel and C.J. Valin; Genre: Action and Adventure, Comic, Teen and Young Adult; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 7, 2022 - Waiting for the Lord.
  

Finished Reading:
July 25 - July 31, 2022:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Sidekick
Raptors, Book 1
By: Jaime Castle, C.J. Valin
Narrated by: Jack Meloche
Series: Raptors, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
I found this to be a hero, comic book type story.
Source: 6/10/2021 3 books in the series Free from Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Chirp Smartphone (ATBR)

Tattered Loyalties
Written by Carrie Ann Ryan
Narrated by Gregory Salinas
Run Time 7h 13min
I enjoyed the shifter story but the romance is a bit spicier than I like.
Source: January 2021 Chirp Purchase $0.99.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Nomad
The Nomad Trilogy 1
By: Matthew Mather
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka
Series: The Nomad Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
I slipped this in as an apocalyptic, action story.
I will be reading more in the series.
Source: June 2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Something big is coming...big enough to destroy the entire solar system...and it's heading straight for Earth. That's what Dr. Ben Rollins, head of Harvard's exoplanet research team, is told by NASA after being dragged out of bed in the middle of the night. His first instinct is to call his daughter and wife, who are vacationing in Italy: Something is coming, he tells them, a hundred times the mass of our sun. We can't see it, we don't know what it is, but it's there. They're calling it Nomad, and it's coming fast. In just a few months, the Earth may be destroyed.
The world erupts into chaos as the end approaches - and Ben discovers that his wife and daughter are trapped in Italy. The key to humanity's survival may rest in the final answers he pieces together in the midst of his frantic scramble to find his family before Nomad swallows the planet.
©2015 Matthew Mather (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

4. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Dead Cat Bounce
By: Sarah Graves
Narrated by: Lindsay Ellison
Series: Home Repair is Homicide, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
This started slowly but I enjoyed the full story.
Source: 11/6/2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

Week August 1 - 7, 2022:

1. Audible Smartphone(ATBR)

The Breaking: The End Time Saga, Book 2
By: Daniel Greene
Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka
Series: The End Time Saga, Book 2
Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins
This seemed like a long 12 (almost 13) hours with a lot of brutality. I will read the next in the series but I won't be rushing to it.
Source: October 2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
The hunt is on to find Patient Zero...
Both the East and the West Coasts of the United States have collapsed, and the US military is in full retreat. All their attempts to stem the tide of the dead have failed.
Former counter-terrorism agent Mark Steele and his fellow survivors have been bushwhacked in the West Virginia hills. The fringe West Virginians are teaching him a valuable lesson in the new rules of the apocalypse. The mountain folk are as resilient as they are ruthless, and Steele must find a way out to save his people.
In a desperate gamble to stop the virus, retired Air Force Colonel Michael Kinnick has been entrusted with finding Dr. Joseph Jackowski, who's gone missing in West Virginia. Kinnick's depleted unit of Special Forces soldiers have reached the breaking point as the dead assault them at every step.
Outside of Pittsburgh, Dr. Joseph Jackowski's quest to find Patient Zero has stalled. Unwillingly conscripted into the National Guard, he has been enlisted into Colonel Jackson's rapidly depleting force. As the military quarantine disintegrates around Pittsburgh, death marches closer, and time is running out.
Steele is forced to go further than he ever imagined in order to save his loved ones, but when he is done, will anyone still recognize him? Will he recognize them? And will he recognize himself?
In this thrilling sequel to End Time, Daniel Greene continues his fast-paced and gripping apocalyptic saga. The Breaking transports us to a near future composed of death, honor, destruction, and hope as the United States falls and lives crumble before a devastating zombie virus.
©2018 Daniel Greene (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

2. Audio Chirp App Smartphone (ATBR)

The Accidental Guardian
Written by Mary Connealy
Narrated by Morgan Hallett
Run time: 8 hours and 17 minutes
I chose a break from action to listen to this lovely historical romance.
Source: 5/3/2020 Chirp $4.99.
Publisher Description
Trace Riley has been self-appointed guardian of the trail ever since his own wagon was attacked. When he finds the ruins of a wagon train, he offers shelter to survivor Deborah Harkness and the children she saved. Trace and Deborah grow close working to bring justice to the trail, but what will happen when the attackers return to silence the only witness?
When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he’d finally carved out a home and started a herd—while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He’d hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.
Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture, and their arrival is unsettling—yet enticing. Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together—yet every day approaches the moment she’ll leave forever.

READ WITH THE CHILDREN:

God Gave Us Heaven
By Lisa Tawn Bergren

May I Please Have a Cookie?
By Jennifer E. Morris

That's Not My Giraffe
By Fiona Watt

Ear Worm!
By Jo Knowles

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

What's Left of My World
By: C.A. Rudolph
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Series: What's Left of My World, Book 1 (7 books)
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
I like this post-apocalyptic, character driven story.
I will be getting more in the series.
(Also a "W" title.)
Source: 7/18/2021 Audible $5.00 sale on Sci Fi and Fantasy titles.
Publisher's Summary
Lauren Russell often wondered why her father had been so adamant about teaching her skills that most other fathers wouldn't even consider teaching their daughters. Ever since she was little, she had been taught how to live and survive outdoors, and how to use firearms to protect herself and those around her. Some of the training had been a bit extreme. Or had it been?
Many of her questions were answered the day the world as she knew it ended. Now, the skills she had been taught serve an essential purpose. They keep her and those she cares about alive. Even in the sparsely-populated mountains of West Virginia, where she and her family have been forced to relocate for their safety after the collapse, peril lurks around every corner. Normal life has taken on a whole new meaning for Lauren, her family, and the community they have become a part of. In this different world, the new status quo is self-preservation. There is no more middle ground. People either live, or they die.
Lauren's father didn't make it home on the day the world changed forever, and she misses him more than anything. Now, in What's Left of My World, she and her family must learn to endure life's horrors - without him.
©2016 C.A.Rudolph (P)2017 C.A.Rudolph

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Chirp App Smartphone (ATBR)

Elemental Thief
Written by Rachel Morgan
Narrated by Arielle Delisle
Run Time: 7hrs 46
I decided on a fantasy for a change of pace.
Source: 10/10/19 Chirp $.99 purchase.
Publisher Description
She’s a thief with forbidden magic. He’s the guy she just stole from. Now they’ll have to work together.
In a city where magic is outlawed, teenage thief Ridley uses her special powers to steal from the rich and give to those in need—until the night someone follows her home after a heist and ends up murdered outside her apartment. When her best friend is accused of the crime, Ridley is determined to prove his innocence.
But things get messy when the artifact Ridley stole turns out to contain secrets that could endanger many lives. Forced to team up with wealthy Archer—the guy she stole from—Ridley must hunt down the artifact before it winds up in deadly hands.
Which means following a trail into the hidden parts of the city …
… and hopefully not winding up dead.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Accidental Alchemist
By: Gigi Pandian
Narrated by: Julia Motyka
Series: Accidental Alchemist Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
This title will only be available until 9/4 so I am going to listen to this one.
Source: February 2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
From USA Today best-selling author Gigi Pandian comes a modern tale of ancient intrigue.
Unpacking her belongings in her new hometown of Portland, Oregon, herbalist and reformed alchemist Zoe Faust can't help but notice she's picked up a stowaway. Dorian Robert-Houdin is a living, breathing three-and-half-foot gargoyle - not to mention a master of French cuisine - and he needs Zoe's expertise to decipher a centuries-old text. Zoe, who's trying to put her old life behind her, isn't so sure she wants to reopen her alchemical past... until the dead man on her porch leaves her no choice.
Includes recipes!
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2015 Gigi Pandian (P)2014 Audible Inc.

I will probably pick a longer book to listen to on my return drive home. I just haven't decided what title yet.


August 7, 2022 - I am 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.
No new study this week.

I had three reviews to do before I left for vacation. I added 7 books read in two weeks, plus 4 children's books. I have only posted 4 reviews so I will need to catch up.

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 July Audible Credits.
One free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

7/31/2022 Two July Audible Credits used (to gain a $5.00 credit). Both continue series I like.

Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-26-19

To Serve and Protect
Onset, Book 1
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 10-24-17

Free

In Search of Love and Affection: An Inspirational Historical Western Romance Book
Lilah Rivers

One 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.