MBS October 2022 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2022 Reading List - OCTOBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2022
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =
4.5 Stars = Night Shift Witch, Dark of Night, A Skeleton in the Family, and The Warded Man.

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
2. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Galvanism and Ghouls, Book 2 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Gaslamp, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
3. ATBR: Audible Book Review: A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore; Genre: Occult, Satire, Supernatural; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.
4. ATBR: Audible Book Review: An Univited Ghost by E.J. Copperman; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Ghosts, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
5. NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Review: Santa's Little Yelpers by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Animals, Lawyer, Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
6. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Ghostly Undertaking by Tonya Kappes; Genre: Ghost, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Werewolf's 15 Minutes by Jonathan Maberry; Genre:Fantasy, Horror, Werewolf; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
8. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Night Shift Witch by Cate Lawley; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Ghost, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.25.
9. A2022: Audible Book Review: Dark of Night, A Joe Ledger Novella, by Jonathan Maberry and Rachel Lavin; Genre: Action, Horror, Zombie; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
10. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers, Book 1 The Cat Who Went Bump in the Night by Angela Pepper; Genre: Cozy, Fantasy, Private Investigator, Supernatural; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
11. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Women Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
12. ATBR: Audio Book Review: What Lurks Beneath by Ryan Lockwood; Genre: Horror, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
13. ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett; Genre: Adventure, Epic, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Total read = 13
TBR = 11
New Authors = 8
Audio/Audible = 13 (11 TBRs)
NetGalley = 1 (1 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0 (0 TBR)
Nonfiction = 0
eBook = 0 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 118 of 125
(COMPLETE) TBR to Date: 91 of 90 total
(COMPLETE) Audio to Date: 106 of 100
(COMPLETE) NetGalley to Date: 14 of 10
Author Reviews: 3 of 12
Nonfiction: 9 of 12
(COMPLETE) TBR ebooks or Print: 12 of 12

• Series: 81 of 75 (30 continuing, 51 new)
• New to me Series: 51 (16 Yes to continue; 16 likely to continue, 16 maybe, 3 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 3

Special Goals
•(COMPLETE) Seasonal title: 4 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn

• Alphabet letters covered: AUDIO SERIES: 4 Jan, 3 Feb, 7 March, 3 April, 4 May, 2 June, 0 July, 1 August, 1 September, 0 October (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, Z) (24 of 26)   
Remaining: X, Y
• Alphabet letters covered: MIXED MEDIA (focus on stand alones but can be series): 2 Jan, 6 Feb, 3 March, 7 April, 3 May, 2 June; 1 July, 0 August, 0 September, 0 October (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, W, Y, Z) (24 of 26)
Remaining: V, X

Sunday Post November 20, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 21, 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 am still making progress at work but have plenty to do. We're looking forward to Thanksgiving.

I came home late during the week and I was cold so I didn't do much on the computer during the nights.

Last weekend I made my first sloppy joe meal by scratch from a recipe a friend shared. It was a nice flavor with some sweet peppers included.

Saturday I decided to stay at the house. Mid-day I made asparagus, beef (my hamburgers fell apart), and asparagus soup. (This cup has Parmesan cheese melted on top.)

Sunday I agreed last minute to prepare mashed potatoes for church dinner. I found a recipe that included cream cheese so they weren't just box potatoes. They taste pretty good.

(I forgot to take a picture when it was full.)

My prayers include prayers for more unity in our nation. And a sense of Gratitude for our many, many blessings.


My downstairs AC has not been working but I tried the heat Saturday and was glad that it worked. I'm not sure we got as low as 31, but it did get close. The low this coming week is only 36. Day time temps in the 60s will still have me wearing sweaters and jackets. 

This week I enjoyed three more audios. I posted two reviews and my regular Memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to A NOVEL START. Amy is returning to book blogging so stop by and give her a welcome!

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 November 13, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 14, 2022.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick November 18, 2022 Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/24/2022.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: White Wasteland by Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross; Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome; Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #452 Comment Giveaway November 19, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/17/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 20, 2022 -The Most High!
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Last Stand: The Complete Box Set
By: William Weber
Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell
Series: Last Stand (Weber), Book 1-4
Length: 24 hrs and 50 mins
I went deep in my TBR and chose this post-apocalyptic.
I finished book 2 this week. I haven't figured out how to put this on Goodreads. I may have to finish 3 and 4 before the year's end to take full credit.
Source: 11/3/17 Audible Purchase for $1.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Murder in Her Stocking
by G. A. McKevett
Read by Mil Nicholson
Run Time 9h 36min
This is an easy listen, cozy mystery.
Source: 12/16/2021 Purchased at Chirp for $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
By: Nancy Campbell Allen
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
Series: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
This is an enjoyable romance with supernatural characters and mystery.
Source: May 17, 2021 free from Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Like the classic Beauty and the Beast, this steampunk romance features an unlikely love story.
The Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles, is plagued by a family curse that changes him into a shape-shifting wolf every month during the full moon.
Lucy, a smart, attractive, and well-respected botanist, travels to Blackwell Manor to take care of her sick cousin, Kate, who is married to Miles' younger brother. For Lucy, the trip is a welcome respite from her work and recent discovery of a breakthrough serum that could eliminate the scourge of vampires from London. But Lucy finds more than she bargained for when she arrives at the Manor.
Miles, who is brash and inhospitable, does not take kindly to visitors. He is still unsettled by the mysterious death of his newlywed wife. And then there's Marie, Miles' sister, who was attacked and murdered just weeks earlier. Miles is horrified to think that he might be to blame for the deaths. And who is the ghost that haunt the halls?
Lucy is convinced that the death of Miles's wife and sister - as well as her cousin's mysterious illness - are tied together, but how? Lady Charlesworth has her eye on inheriting Blackwell Manor for her family. Could her daughter, Candice, or her son, Arthur, have had a hand in the mysterious deaths? The clues make a vampire suspect highly likely. During her investigation, Lucy finds herself caring deeply for Miles, but he fights to keep his distance in order to protect Lucy from his family's secret. And, yet, he feels attracted to the woman who is able to look past the fearsome-looking scar that has marred his handsome face. With no other option, Miles and Lucy must work together if they are to find the answer to the mysteries at the manor.
But that's not all Lucy wants to solve. There's a deeper mystery behind Miles. Can she solve that too? Ultimately, she must decide if she can love the man - beast and all.
Includes bonus novella, Marie's Story.
©2016 Nancy Campbell Allen (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis
I thought this might be relevant to current events.
Also, it is my Vintage Sci Fi read for the year.
Source: 7/10/19 Chirp Purchase $3.99.
Publisher Description
First published in 1935, when Americans were still largely oblivious to the rise of Hitler in Europe, this prescient novel tells a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and offers an alarming, eerily timeless look at how fascism could take hold in America.
Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor, is dismayed to find that many of the people he knows support presidential candidate Berzelius Windrip. The suspiciously fascist Windrip is offering to save the nation from sex, crime, welfare cheats, and a liberal press. But after Windrip wins the election, dissent soon becomes dangerous for Jessup. Windrip forcibly gains control of Congress and the Supreme Court and, with the aid of his personal paramilitary storm troopers, turns the United States into a totalitarian state.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

You Can Thank Me Later, A Novella
By: Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 10-31-19
I've been trying to pick longer books but this one covers a) Thanks, b) a "Y" title, and c) several years on the TBR.
Source: 11/25/19 Free Audible Originals.
About This Audible Original
A short and sweet audio novella that’ll leave listeners wanting second helpings, You Can Thank Me Later follows an unforgettable family over the course of three Thanksgivings.
When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie’s happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she’s gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn’t show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.
From the best-selling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, this heartwarming novella embraces the spirit and gratitude of the holiday, and shows how a family’s love can endure anything.
©2019 Kelly Harms (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

November 20, 2022 - I am continuing up to date and love that I learn new things each time I read/listen to the scriptures. 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 three audio titles and reviewed two. Now I have 5 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 review 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 selected audios for my two October Audible Credits.
I purchased four audios at Chirp for under $7.
No free Kindle titles again this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

11/16/22 Two October Audible Credits (author series I want to continue):

Hell's March
Artillerymen, Book 2
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan
Length: 22 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 09-27-22

Armageddon
Expeditionary Force, Book 8
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 51 mins
Release date: 11-05-19


11/19/22 Purchased 4 audios at Chirp for under $7.00.

Ten Feet Tall
Written by Wayne D. Overholser
Narrated by Ramiz Monsef
Run Time 6h 22min
$16.95 $1.99

The Forgotten House on the Moor
Written by Jane Lovering
Narrated by Rose Robinson
Run Time 8h 8min
$20.99 $1.99

Pygmalion
Written by George Bernard Shaw
Narrated by Harriet Seed
Run Time 3h 19min
$9.99 $1.99

Wildburn
Written by John Stonehouse
Narrated by J. Rodney Turner
Run Time 3h 8min
$6.99 $0.99

Free

NONE

No 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 November 20, 2022 - The Most High!

Our Sunday School teacher continued in Revelation 20, reminding us that someday we will have eternal bodies. We discussed the fact that men have a longing to go to heaven. And that the atmosphere of heaven is beautiful with no evil.

Our Pastor taught his message from Psalm 91:1.
The “Most High” is greater than any threat we may face.
We think of high places as lofty, places for leaders. But the Most High is ruler of it all.
Our God cuts every threat down to size. Nothing comes close to him.
We have grown desensitized to the supernatural. Demons do exist, just as God exists.
Spiritual powers exist but God is greater.
He made a public spectacle of them. (“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15.
God rules Supreme.

And the supreme ruler offers us shelter... He may not always calm the storm, but He provides a shelter.
Pastor shared a story his wife told to their young children. A mother bunny told her little bunnies to stay close to her in the thicket. But the bunnies wandered into the meadow. Then they saw a dark spot circling them. One looked up and saw a hawk. Then they all had to rush for the thicket and shelter. Mama Bunny explained that they are hidden from the hawk only as long as they stay close, within the thicket.

We have an adversary. Don't run from the storm where you are exposed…Instead stay close and shelter.

Abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
We are told to abide in Christ and when we stay close, we will bear fruit. John 15:4-7. fruit depends on closeness.
Believing in Christ is not just fire insurance. It is a commitment to long time protection.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10 ESV.

This is the song video I found today: Speak to the Mountain.

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 91:1 NIV
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Heavenly Father, I give thanks that You, the Most High, care to shelter me.

Sharing Beyond Books #452 Comment Giveaway November 19, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books. (Note - I am going to continue to post monthly now, probably through the end of the year. This one runs through November 19, 2022.)

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB #451: Elizabeth asks: Where do you keep track of books that you've read, as well as want to read? Any online suggestions??
Four of us use Goodreads; three don't keep track of the books they read.

The Winner from SBB #451 comments is #2 ELAINE (lucky week!) who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #452

(One Question.)

Alina asked: What are some of your favorite holiday traditions??

I love Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I like to go around the table and give thanks for Thanksgiving. We aren't sure what we will do this year since Bob isn't here to help cook. Heather and the girls were sick again last week so she doesn't feel like cooking. I am going to suggest we get together even if we have pizza! Its about family more than food.

For Christmas, first, I like putting out at least one of my nativity decorations. Then, I love having sentimental ornaments. I have collected ornaments on our cruises so they bring a nice memory. I will miss the hot cider my hubby made for Christmas time. Heather and I will have to figure out the recipe.

Another thing I love is filling stockings with little things - candy, gum (maybe), chapstick, soap or lotions, and at least one toy like a small Lego or special coloring book.

My son and his family are coming from Christmas - yay! I volunteered to go there since it is only one of me and five of them. But the kids really want to come here.

Image found at Granite Bay Today.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.
November question was provided by ALINA who gets a GC credit.

Your turn to share. Alina asked: What are some of your favorite holiday traditions??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
THE deadline is a month, until December 17.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audio Book Review: The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome

This is a delightful Christmas story sharing new and hopeful beginnings!
The Clause in Christmas
by Rachael Bloome
Read by E.L. Beckett

Run Time 8h 15min
Release Date: January 6, 2020
Publisher: Secret Garden Press
Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher Description
An unexpected inheritance. A pesky clause in the will. And 25 days to avoid falling in love…
Cassie Hayward hates Christmas. Especially this year.
No job. Flat broke. And an ex most definitely on the naughty list.
The unexpected inheritance of a charming Victorian cottage in the small town of Poppy Creek may be the Christmas miracle Cassie needs.
Except for one itty-bitty problem: a clause in the will.
To inherit the house, Cassie must complete a series of festive tasks every day in December leading up to Christmas. All overseen by the handsome, Christmas-loving lawyer Luke Davis.
Luke is as strong and steady as the bespoke furniture he crafts as a hobby. He has to be. Stepping into his late father’s shoes as the town lawyer comes with a sleigh full of responsibilities. Which means the captivating stranger collecting her inheritance is a distraction he can’t afford.
As the unlikely pair complete the daily tasks, their hearts begin to soften. But will the wounds from their pasts—and an unexpected visitor—steal what little hope they have left?
Find out in this heartwarming holiday romance.

Review:
Cassie hasn’t had a good year and she isn’t looking forward to a joyful Christmas season. She had never celebrated Christmas with her mother who ‘raised’ her. Raised is a stretch since her mother is an alcoholic who was able to provide a roof over their heads but let Cassie mostly handle the home chores. Cassie’s only hope this year is the unexpected inheritance of a Victorian cottage from her maternal grandmother. She hopes she can sell it quickly and get back to her tiny apartment in San Francisco.

Cassie meets the handsome, small-town attorney, Luke, who tells her that there in a clause in the will that conditions her inheritance on her fulfilling her grandmother’s Christmas Calendar of activities. Luke will oversee the tasks which is no problem for him since he loves Christmas as do most of the folks in Poppy Creek. It starts as a problem for Cassie, especially as she struggles to get a good cup of coffee in town.

Luke took over his father’s law practice and no one knows that he’d much rather craft hand made furniture. As he watches the Christmas Calendar activities change Cassie’s attitude, he contemplates whether he should make some changes in his own life. And the whole town is surprised when Cassie changes the life of one recluse as she tries to get good coffee from him.

I was charmed by the calendar activities and Luke’s consistent optimism. He shares simple joy in life. The town people rally around Cassie and offer her support and enthusiasm, especially Luke’s mother and sister. The coffee expert is a wonderful addition. I loved how the story moves long to recognize the dreams of several of the characters. I want to read more in this series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy small town romance and all things Christmas (and coffee too).

Audio Notes: E.L. Beckett does a spot on job with the narration. She brings the text to life with the emotions of the characters. I enjoyed the audio experience.

Source: 12/16/2021 purchase at Chirp for $1.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.