Sunday Post October 23, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 24 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 had another busy week. A little calmer but I got my flu shot Wednesday and either due to that or the cold weather that blew through, I spent the next two days working through a cold fog.

My post is ready early today as I am looking forward to a dinner visit tonight with my step mother (from South Florida) with her friend, and my (2nd) brother (from California) with his friend. Plus my daughter and granddaughters.

Here is a picture of our ribbon cutting at the Re-opening.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

I was surprised to hear some of the blog folks had snow during the week. {brrrr}
I was cold enough at our temps which dropped to 38 one night. We'll be back to 70-80s during the day and a low of 49 during the nights..

This week I enjoyed six audios for #Fraterfest. I posted four reviews at the end of the week and my regular Memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to BOOKSHELF JOURNEYS. I relate to Terrie with varied reading and her claim, "I'm one of those people who always has a book nearby...I read at mealtimes, while waiting in line or at the doctor's, before bed, and sometimes even while stuck in traffic!"  Check out her blog and her helpful reading lists.

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 last week:

• Sunday Post October 16, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 17, 2022.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick October 21, 2022 Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ending 10/27/2022.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Ruins of the Galaxy by J.N. Chaney and Christopher Hopper; Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Science of Sci-Fi by Erin Macdonald; Genre: Nonfiction, Science & Engineering, Science; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison; Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: One-Eyed Jax by R.A. Savatore; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 23, 2022 - Imitate God.
  

Finished Reading:
I read all week for #FRATERFEST and finished six audiobooks:

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Ghostly Undertaking
Author Tonya Kappes
Narrator: Tiffany Morgan
Duration: 5 h 39 min
This is a light, fun cozy mystery.
Source: 12/12/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Werewolf's 15 Minutes
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter, Dina Pearlman
Series: Audible Original Stories
Length: 1 hr and 42 mins
This is a perfect fit for #Fraterfest.
10/27-30/2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Night Shift Witch
Written by Cate Lawley
Narrated by April Doty
Length 3h 32m
This is another light cozy mystery that starts in a funeral home.
Source: October 27th, 2021 Chirp $0.99
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Dark of Night
A Joe Ledger Novella
By: Jonathan Maberry, Rachael Lavin
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Dead of Night, Book 2.5, Joe Ledger, Book 8.5
Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins
This is a good zombie survivors story that can be read outside of the series.
Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
The dead rose. We fell.
The survivors are trapped in a world of monsters who prey on the helpless. Some of them are zombies...but they are not the only predators who feed on pain and suffering.
Dark of Night is a story of worlds in collision. Three heroes who have survived the apocalypse are in a deadly race to save a busload of children from ravenous zombies and ruthless human scavengers.
This brand new novella brings together three of New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry's award-winning series. Captain Joe Ledger (Patient Zero and Code Zero), Officer Desdemona Fox (Dead of Night and Fall of Night), and Rachael Elle (Bits & Pieces) are caught between an endless wave of the living dead and an army of corrupt men who want to enslave the last human survivors.
©2016 Jonathan Maberry and Rachael Lavin (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

5. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers Books 1-3 Series Boxed Set
Written by Angela Pepper
Narrated by John Pirhalla
Run Time 10h 35min
I read Book 1 of this threesome.
Source: 9/11/2021 Chirp Purchase $.99
BOOK 1: Eli Carter is a smart (yet strange) guy trapped in a dead-end career. When he meets smooth-talking Khan Hart, a self-proclaimed necromancer, he's given the opportunity to become a hero. As soon as he takes the job working for Ghost Hackers, Eli's life takes a turn for the paranormal. For starters, something under his bed is trying to kill him. Now Eli must team up with Khan, face down his fears, and kick the butt of one very strange ghost.

6. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Skeleton in the Family
By Author Leigh Perry
Narrator: Katina Kalin
Duration: 7 h 57 min
This is fun cozy with a skeleton as the protagonists side-kick.
12/31/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Summary:
Most families have skeletons in their closets … Moving back into her parents’ house with her teenage daughter had not been Georgia Thackery’s “Plan A.” But when she got a job at the local college, it seemed the sensible thing to do. So she settled in and began reconnecting with old friends. Including Sid. Sid is the Thackery family’s skeleton. He’s lived in the house as long as Georgia can remember, although no one, including Sid, knows exactly where he came from and how he came to be a skeleton. Sid walks, he talks, he makes bad jokes, he tries to keep Georgia’s dog from considering him a snack. And he manages to persuade Georgia to let him leave the house. But when she takes him to an anime convention—disguised as a skeleton, of course—he sees a woman who triggers memories of his past. Now he is determined to find out how he died—with Georgia’s help. But their investigation may uncover a killer who’s still alive and well and bad to the bone …

Currently Reading:
I was confused and thinking #Fraterfest stopped Saturday night - but I have two more days!

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

What Lurks Beneath [Dramatized Adaptation]
Written by Ryan Lockwood
Narrated by Collected Narrators
This is a fully dramatized horror story.
I am looking forward to the adventure.
Source: October 27th, 2021 Chirp Purchase $3.99.
Publisher Description
A new breed of terror that rises from the depths of the ocean. To hunt. To devour. To kill.
The first attack occurs in the underwater caverns of the Bahamas. Two professional divers exploring the unknown. A monstrous flesh-ripping predator they never see coming.
Now the attacks are coming closer and closer to shore. A sun-soaked playground for sea-loving tourists. A human feasting ground for whatever lurks beneath.
Now, in a desperate race against time, Eric Watson, an expert on remote control underwater vehicles, and marine biologist Valerie Martell, must identify a savage new species of killer—and piece together one of nature’s most horrific mysteries. But the most terrifying discovery of all waits for Val and her team at the bottom of the sea. A discovery too shocking, to comprehend.
Because up till now, this creature existed only in mankind’s darkest nightmares. Not anymore.

If I have time I will do one more shorter title for #Fraterfest.
Once #Fraterfest is over, I will continue with October reads: mystery, dark or horror.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

The Warded Man
Written By: Peter V. Brett
Narrated By: Peter Bradbury
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: December 2009
Duration: 18 hours 16 minutes
I've chosen a longer audio since I am ahead on my GR challenge (and behind on posting reviews).
Source: 10/16/19 Audiobook.com VIP.
Summary:
Peter V. Brett has won accolades from critics, fans and fellow authors alike for this riveting debut novel. The Warded Man features a world where demons stalk the night, hunting humans who have long forgotten the magic of their ancestors. But all is not lost, as some hold out hope that a savior will release humanity from the demons' terrifying reign. 'Brilliant, with action and suspense all the way.' -Terry Brooks

This is a long choice so I may only get one this week.

October 23, 2022 - I am up to date again. I get excited watching the devotion videos. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read/listen to the pieces each day.
No new study this past week.

I read six audio titles and reviewed four so I made progress but still need to review: 11 books (plus 7 children's books). I keep working on these. :-)

NETGALLEY STATUS--
Back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I have one author reviews in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(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 titles this week.
I picked my two September Audible Credits.
Then I found three Audible Plus titles.
One free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

I'm expecting a gift card for a win at #Fraterfest Twitter pop-up post. Thanks Kimberly at Caffeinated Reviewer.

Purchased

10/17/22 Audible September Credits - two in series to continue:

Etched in Bone
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins

Captain's Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 5
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Free

10/19/2022 Audible Plus Catalog (future Fraterfest material).

The Nothing Man
By: Catherine Ryan Howard

The Lesser Dead
By: Christopher Buehlman

Tales of Terror
By: Edgar Allan Poe


One Free Kindle Title:

Displaced
Stephen Drake



One new 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 October 23, 2022 - Imitate God

I had some car troubles - my Prius needs a new auxiliary battery. I thought it was the key fob battery which also needed to be replaced, but it was more. My daughter left her car but it was running rough and hot. So I could have taken hubby's jeep this morning but it triggered grief so I stayed home and did church online. I am so grateful it is available online!

Pastor's message was based on Ephesians 4 and 5 - Imitate God.
We are created beings who are to reflect and be imitators of God’s nature. But the sinful nature causes us to fall short. It is not always good to imitate our earthly parents, siblings, or heroes. But when we love our parent, siblings, or heroes, we may imitate them. If we love God, we should want to imitate Him.

God hasn’t “asked” us to do things. We need to recognize that He directs or commands us to do things!
Do we look different than others in this world? We must not imitate the world, but imitate God. Ephesians 4:17-23.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The world knows that what we behold, or focus on, is what we become. So be careful what you dwell on.

“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.” Philippians 4:8.

Put off falsehoods, anger, stealing, unwholesome speech. Ephesians 4:25-28.
We need to be in the Word and prayer everyday so God can continually clean our hearts.
Be an honest contributor rather than only a consumer. V 28
Build up others with encouragement. V 29
Do not grieve the Spirit. V 30
Get rid of bitterness and every form of malice. V 31
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” V 32.

Spiritual gifts and position are not God’s stamp on character! Don’t imitate the man of God. Imitate Christ so others can see Christ in you.

The way we live ought to be worship to the Lord. Christ sacrificed Himself for us. Ephesians 5:2.
We should offer our bodies as a living sacrifice as proper worship to God. Romans 12:1-2.

I went to my 38 pages of lists of songs… Then I found this one online and just went “wow!”
So Will I and Do it Again.

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Holy Spirit, I pray that you help me to imitate Christ in my life.

Audible Book Review: One-Eyed Jax by R.A. Savatore

I enjoyed this short story with drows, dwarves, and elves facing the mystery of a 'sea monster'.

One-Eyed Jax: A Forgotten Realms Adventure
(Legend of Drizzt Series)
by R.A. Salvatore
Narrated by: Victor Bevine

Series: Legend of Drizzt
Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 06-03-21
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Conflicts will be decided with fisticuffs, card games will be played for the highest of stakes, and swords will be flashed in this rollicking Dungeons & Dragons adventure from New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore.
Maintaining stability in a city full of pirates is a delicate balancing act, particularly when one is motivated by making sure the common folk are taken care of instead of simple personal greed. Jarlaxle and his band of rogues known as Bregan D'aerthe are doing their best, stabilizing the city after warding off a terrible attack by demonic and gnoll forces.
But now three merchant ships have been destroyed and sent to the ocean floor - obliterated in such a quick and brutal manner that it makes little sense it’s pirates seeking plunder. Something is out there on or under the cold dark waters of the Sword Coast, and it threatens the trade Jarlaxle will need to bring prosperity to Luskan.
Fortunately, Jarlaxle has powerful and clever allies he can call upon to help him solve the riddle. But will they do it in time? And even if it's solved, can the perpetrator be defeated?

Review:
Jarlzxle is a drow mercenary leading a band of rogues. When three merchant ships are destroyed and disappear in the ocean there is concern regarding more than pirates. And the only witness had described a creature that no one believes exist.

Jarlaxle, or One-Eyed Jax, pulls together a group of warriors to take on the pirates … or dragon as the case may be. They each have interesting talents and usually need the right incentive, bribe or threat, to join the team. I really love the creativity of this author.

This is a short listen that includes characters from the other works of Salvatore. I have only read one or two others, but this was still a masterful short story that didn’t require knowing all the characters. Readers who like stories of drows, dwarfs and elves should enjoy this story.

Audio Notes: Victor Bevine does a fine job with the narration. He gives the characters distinct voices and brogues that add to the entertainment value of the story.

Source: 6/10/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

This is a sweet, light, friends to lovers romance.
Lovelight Farms
By: B.K. Borison
Narrated by: Pippa Jayne

Series: Lovelight, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 09-20-22
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
A pasture of dead trees, a hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons, and shipments that have mysteriously gone missing—Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.
In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, she enters a contest with instafamous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, she might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on the application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only there is no boyfriend.
Enter her best friend Luka Peters. He just came home for some hot chocolate, and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process.
Lovelight Farms is a romantic comedy featuring a handsome freckled data analyst, a messy, optimistic Christmas-tree-farm owner, and a small town with the best hazelnut lattes on the east coast.
This sweet and steamy romance is a holiday happily ever after and the first book in a series of interconnected standalones following the three Lovelight owners.
©2021 B.K. Borison (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Stella’s left the normal work world to pursue her dream of creating a magical winter wonderland at her Christmas tree farm, Lovelight Farms. She has invested all of her savings and would feel like things would be okay except for a run of bad happenings. Fencing is collapsing, one whole section of trees is dead, a family of raccoons seems to have taken over the barn, and a shipment of fertilizer keeps going astray. As a means to revive the tree farm, she enters a contest with a famous travel spot influencer to promote the farm as a romantic destination for the holiday. The publicity and $100,000.00 prize would be a great boon for her situation. The only issue is that she lied on the application saying the farm was co-owned with her boyfriend. But Stella doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Since the influencer, Evelyn St. James, is showing up soon to check out the farm, Stella has to come up with a serious boyfriend. Fortunately, her best friend, Luka Peters, comes in from out of town and agrees to play the part. Stella immediately begins taking walks with Luka so the townsfolk can see them together and get the picture they are serious.

Luka and Stella have been best friends since being childhood neighbors. It is clear to everyone, including the reader, that they have great affection for each other. But, having had a father walk out on her when she was young and a mother who bounced from relationship to relationship, Stella has always held men at a distance. She has been determined not to mess up her friendship with Luka by having a sexual relationship with him.

Luka has always cared for Stella but has not known how to show her how he truly feels. He doesn’t want to risk their friendship either, but he may not be able to continue without revealing his feelings.

Matters get more complicated as Evelyn arrives and loves the farm but suspects a problem. Then it becomes clear that the incidents of damage have not been accidental but have been sabotage. Luka may find it easier to help the town sheriff stop the harassment than getting Stella to acknowledge the feelings between them.

I did enjoy this sweet romance but got annoyed by Stella’s lack of courage. She seems totally blind to how much Luka, and her friends, love her and want to help. Someone really needed to wake her up! Luka was a great character and Stella had friends who were supportive too, especially once she let them in. I recommend this to reader who enjoy friends to lovers stories. And the Christmas magic is an extra bonus.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Pippa Jayne. Her voice fit the story and the character of Stella perfectly. She didn’t do as well on the male voices but it didn’t hurt the story. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for my 2022NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: The Science of Sci-Fi by Erin Macdonald

I found this interesting even if I didn't grasp all the true science.
The Science of Sci-Fi
From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel
By: Erin Macdonald, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Erin Macdonald

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 11-19-19
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Nonfiction, Science & Engineering, Science
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25

About This Audible Original
Science fiction allows listeners to go places they can only dream of seeing—other worlds, distant stars, entirely different galaxies. While not every story is concerned with the hard science behind space travel and other futuristic ventures, fiction can give listeners an amazing insight into what people could be capable of and what people dream of doing.
In the 10 lectures of The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel, Professor Erin Macdonald interweaves real science and the achievements of the imagination to reveal the truth that underlies favorite stories and sheds light on what the future may hold. From faster-than-light travel to journeys through time itself, science fiction makes humanity seem limitless. So, what scientific boundaries are people pushing against while seeking to fly among the stars?
Beginning with an overview of the physics of time and space, Professor Macdonald shows how stories extrapolate current knowledge to create visions of the future and how likely—or unlikely—these fictional journeys could be. What would happen if a spaceship flew into a wormhole, as it does in the film Galaxy Quest? Or, what would happen if someone fired a rocket launcher on the Moon like the soldiers of Mass Effect? Could someone ever break the bounds of light speed as they do in Star Wars and move across the universe without spending decades trying to make it to a distant exoplanet? Is the transporter technology of Star Trek really possible?
As listeners look closely at artificial gravity, inertial dampeners, tachyons, red matter, time dilation, and other sci-fi mainstays through the theories of some of science’s greatest thinkers, they will find that their favorite science fiction stories become even more astonishing.
©2019 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
It is clear the author not only understands the science, but she enjoys the interplay between real science and science fiction. She explains how some television shows and movies have used realistic and possible technology and sometimes use elements that aren’t so likely in real science. At least not that we know of.

Erin Macdonald delivers this course in 10 lectures/chapters that make it a bit easier to digest. She includes some history of science and great scientists, like Newton, Galileo, Einstein, Tesla and more. I clearly did not grasp all the scientific theory, especially the physics, yet she made it engaging by the examples and uses she shared. I really enjoyed the references to well-known and lesser-known fictional stories. This brought it to a level that the lay person, and sci fi fan, could relate to.

I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this as much as I did. I recommend this to any reader who is interested in what is real and what could be in the technology of fictional sci fi.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the author’s narration. Her energy and love of the subject enhanced my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 3/28/2020 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.