I am suffering through another week without internet at home. UGH.
Limited time at office as we made the move back to renovated office this week so couple days without phones and internet. We are fully online again but have boxes everywhere. (This image is for my office - not for my blog.)
I am a good three weeks behind on legal work. Yikes!
I'll post (hopefully) over the weekend from the office.
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 am feeling much better having I worked from home through Wednesday and moved any appointments off another two weeks. No one else in the office got ill from COVID last week although one of the staff had a viral infection with cold symptoms.
We will be in between the two offices this coming week as we transition back. The plumbing was done by Friday and the phone people have pulled the line into the building. We have boxed our files and 'stuff' and the desks are ready to be moved. Next week I hope to have some "Finished Construction" photos.
This is the photo I wanted to share after my Illinois visit.
The family, including me, participated in the local library summer reading program. The Illinois crew have the blue "Read Beyond the Beaten Path" shirt. I got the "Reading Colors Your World" T-shirt since I was very late to the challenge.
The twins are on either end (standing on the deck). The elder child in the middle looks shorter because she is down on the sidewalk with the adults. My son managed to get the dogs in the photo too, even though they didn't read.
I continue with my previous prayer lists.
Repeat: Our temps are still running mid 80s to 90s with regular showers.
I enjoyed two more audios. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.
I visited 16 blogs last week.
Shout Out today:FIRST OF ALL. Victoria says she "When I share with my readers, I share my personal experiences and hopefully give them 'news they can use.'"
ATBR: Audio Book Review: Elemental Thief by Rachel Morgan; Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
ATBR: Audible Book Review: Wolves by D. J. Molles; Genre: Dystopian, Horror, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
Written by Karen Barnett
Narrated by Ann Richardson
Run Time 10h 9min This is a nice Christian fiction with gentle romance and just a little suspense.
Source: 9/5/2021 Chirp $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.
2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
Commune: Book Four Commune Series, Book 4 By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins This kept me up when I should have been sleeping.
Source: 11/18/2021 Audible October Credit.
Click on book title for full description.
Currently Reading: 1. Audio Audiobooks App Smartphone (ATBR)
Spellsinger [Dramatized Adaptation]
By Alan Dean Foster
Narrated by: Multi Duration: 8 hours 1 minutes This is a fun fantasy listen.
Source: 3/14/2021 Two for One Young Adult Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com.
Summary:
Snatched through a portal into a land of magic, a young musician must use a mysterious, multistring duar to rescue the world into which he has fallen before he can return to his own. Jonathan Thomas Meriweather is a typical college student, interested in girls, music, and an occasional taste of reefer. But when a journey through an interdimensional portal lands him in a world of talking animals and ominous sorcery, he finds he is on a very different trip indeed. Here, when he plays a strange instrument called a duar, peculiar things happen: powerful magic that may be the only way to stop a dark force that threatens his new world-and his old one. Reluctantly, he finds himself teaming up with a semi-senile turtle wizard; a thieving, backstabbing otter; and a bewildered Marxist dragon to rally an army for the war about to come. Spellsinger, the first in Alan Dean Foster's eight-book Spellsinger series, introduces a world of magic and mayhem, where animals are people and plunging ahead no matter what the consequences may be the only way to survive.
I am sure I will get to another audio but I haven't decided yet. I am thinking mystery.
August 28, 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. It really soothes me to read the pieces each day. No new study this week.
I still have 5 books to review plus 7 children's books. I will have to push to catch up.
NETGALLEY STATUS-- One new short audio book. 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. One new Audio NetGalley title this week. I selected my two August Audible credit titles.
Seven free Kindle titles this week. Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
***ATTENTION: Mailbox Monday is looking for a new host! If you’re interested, please email savvyverseandwit AT gmail
***
Review Titles
8/27/2022 NetGalley Audio
Until Someone Listens
A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl's Mission
by Estela Juarez; Lissette Norman
Narrated by Estela Juarez
Won
NONE
Purchased
8/28/2022 Audible Two August Credits: (a favorite series and the 1st in a new-to-me series)
Soul Taken
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-23-22
A Borrowing of Bones A Mercy Carr Mystery
By: Paula Munier
Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney
Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 09-11-18
Free
8/22/2022 - Amazon find
Sea of Shadows (USS Towers Trilogy Book 1)
Jeff Edwards
8/22/22 Author email Notice
The Secret Diary of a Magnificent Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Charmed by Gracious Lords 2)
Norton, Aria
Amazon find
Her Glimmer of Hope: A Historical Western Romance Book
Carol Colyer
Amazon find
Without Sin (An Owen Day Thriller)
Rachel Ford
Facebook link
Gunner: A Fated Mates Paranormal Romance (Wolf Elite Shifters Romance Book 1)
Sedona Venez
8/24/22 Link notice from Author
The Shadow of a Ruthless Criminal: A Historical Western Adventure Book
Henry McConley
Amazon find
The Origins: A Scottish Medieval Romance (Crown & Crosses)
Violet Malvik
Our Sunday School lesson was focused on the wrath in Bowl 7, the destruction of Babylon – a world system. Revelation 16:17. We discussed the policies that are being sought that set parents against children and may give the schools the power to turn the parents in as abusers if they don’t support a child in gender transformation issues.
In all of this, the enemy is Satan seeking to deny and defy God. We see the enemy infiltration (and indoctrination) in government, politics, education, economics, health care, the entertainment industry, and social media. Christ followers may be saddened, and we may long for leaders who will make a change in our upside down, world. We cannot overcome God’s plan to handle this as He will. But we can pray, we can share the Good News of a future hope with others, we need to be in the Word of God so we are not deceived. The church needs to take a stand in prayer, in spiritual warfare, in peaceful example, and in resisting evil and deception.
Our church service started off with worship and then Child Dedication from an infant to teens. This represents a commitment by parents to raise their children under God’s truths and a commitment of the church to support the family.
Pastor continued his message on Spiritual Warfare from 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 and Ephesians 6:12. we struggle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers.
Satan attacks the minds of men. The enemy went after Jesus’ thoughts even as Satan goes after us. Matthew 4:1-11. Did God really say? Do you doubt? Jesus resisted each time with “It is written…” This comes from being in the Word, knowing the Word, and having it available to resist the temptations of the enemy.
We must know when we are in the midst of the battle, that God’s grace is enough.
Christ followers need to be aware of deceiving spirits. 1 Timothy 4. We are to study the word to divine the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.
Enemy retreats toa more opportune time but he does not go away. We must always be ready. The battle is not “one and done”. Christ followers need to be filled with the Word.
Evil takes possession of our minds if we let it. Matthew 12:43-45. There is a “Law of Vacuum” that says an empty space will fills back up. We need to be careful what it fills with. There are times we need to empty spaces of the old and useless to be ready to open to the fresh and useful.
How can we be ready with good things of God? We need to apply the directive of Paul in Philippians 4:7-9: think and practice good things.
You can have the God of peace during war.
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. Romans 12:2.
‘Bless the Lord and forget not His benefits’. Psalm 103 :1-5.
We are intended to be more than believers but disciples. We are meant to be disciples who learn and exercise discipline. Being disciplined doesn’t happen by thinking. We must act, practice, and exercise the right and good things.
The enemy will be whispering to you. Thank God for your current blessings and be ready. The Old Testament is full of stories of monuments that were built to remind the Israelites of what God has done. We must be ready to remember what God has done for us and what he will do again.
Faith comes by hearing, (think of ads saturation). Hearing comes by the word. Romans 10:17.
Our minds need to be ingrained, (indoctrinated) with God’s Word. We must meditate on God's Words daily!
Give yourself affirmations. The Lord will raise up a standard, spiritual weapons against the enemy. Recognize that God is with you… through all.
Daily prayer
Daily affirmations
Daily thanksgiving
The Apostle's Creed
The raging battle for our thoughts starts within each of us.
I like this song video today: “No Other Love”
Verses for Today:
Philippians 4:7-9 NIV 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Lord, be in Control in my life each day. Let me knot forget your Benefits!!
I like this author and narrator. This story is a bit brutal and sad - but engaging. Wolves
by D. J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 08-30-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Horror, Post-Apocalyptic My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
Review:
Huxley, his wife and daughter survived the collapse and got out of the city to set up a modest farm in the country. Ten years later he is working when Slavers arrive in his community. They take his daughter and kill his wife. Huxley sets out to find the slaver with a scorpion tattoo. Eighteen months later Huxley is about to die in the Wasteland dessert. But another man, Jay, offers him water and proposes a purpose to live.
Jay is clearly set on vengeance against those who took all from him. The men agree to follow the slavers east to a place of “blood and death”. Jay convinces Huxley to take a “no-holds barred” attitude to his ‘mission’. To be successful in their goals, they need to get weapons and supplies. So begins a journey of violence.
Along the way a mixed group of men and women join the two men, some seeking their own revenge and others for their own private reasons. The path becomes very brutal and more dangerous as it becomes clear that there is authority behind that slavers that has the real power. Huxley worries that if he finds his young daughter, she will not recognize the killer he has become.
This story is full of brutality and sadness. It is well written and includes some internal thought struggles for Huxley. I liked his daughter’s unique talent, and I did sense for most of the book that Huxley hoped to find his daughter as well as hoping to have the opportunity to kill the slaver who took his family.
I have now read/listened to Molles’ series Remaining followed by the Lee Harden series. I was interested to see if this standalone would feel like the other books. There is some of the same violence and internal debating, but this seemed darker and more disturbing. The world of the Wasteland and the surviving cities is not pretty, and I admit that I could have used a little shorter time in this dark world. I am likely to continue to read the books by this author. I recommend this as an engaging story to readers of post-apocalyptic.
Audio Notes: Christian Rummel does a wonderful job with the dark nature of the story. He is able to provide distinct character voices and energy. I have found that Rummel’s performance will contribute to my enjoyment of the story he narrates.
Source 9/18/18 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.
Review:
Zoe is an herbalist and a 'former' alchemist. While unpacking from her move to a deteriorating house in Portland, she is surprised to discover a box with a gargoyle statute. She is more surprised when she realizes the gargoyle is breathing and not a statute at all. Dorian explains that he was brought to life by an alchemist, and he needs an alchemist to help him read a centuries-old text and find a cure for his declining life. Although Zoe is a Vegan, Dorian is hungry and a master of French cuisine. He is willing to cook while she helps him with the deciphering.
Unfortunately, a local teen took a dare to inspect the “haunted house” and he saw Dorian moving and speaking. The local police officer, Detective Liu, is soon called in by the teen’s friends to ‘rescue’ him. Zoe and Dorian try to stress upon Brixton that he cannot tell anyone what he has seen. But of course, a 14-year-old just can’t resist telling his friends and then trying to get pictures to convince them.
Things get more involved when the contractor that Zoe hired is found dead on her doorsteps the next morning. Zoe puts herself in the line of suspects when she promptly tells Detective Liu that the man was poisoned. Zoe explains to Liu that her sense of smell is enhanced due to her plant alchemy and herbal skills but the authorities are skeptical.
I really enjoyed the characters of Zoe, Dorian and even the mysterious Detective Liu. Brixton, on the other hand, was annoying most of the book. The descriptions and prose are nicely done. I found the elements of plant alchemy very interesting. The murder plot is well laid out with a few red herrings. Foodies will enjoy the cooking descriptions. I will get more in the series and I recommend this to fans of cozy mystery and supernatural.
Audio Notes: Julia Motyka does a very nice job with the narration. I felt she captured the emotions and tones of the characters. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
Source: February 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.
![Spellsinger [Dramatized Adaptation], Alan Dean Foster](https://covers.audiobooks.com/images/covers/full/9781648810169.jpg)
