First Book of the Year 2023: The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn

I enjoy participating in the event hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

I have participated in First Book (links to my posts) since 2014 with these books:
2014: The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn (audio and print)
2015: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney (ebook)
2016: X Minus One 3 short story Vintage Sci Fi (audio)
2017: All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life by Mark Batterson (print)
2018: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List?: 52 Ways to Make the Most of Every Day by Jay Payleitner (ebook)
2019: The Prayer of Jesus by Kevin Jackson (ebook)
2020: The Possibility of America How the Gospel Can Mend Our God-Blessed,God-Forsaken Land by David Dark (ebook)
2021: The Harbinger II The Return by Jonathan Cahn (audio and print)
2022: The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel (audio)

This is an author I am always glad to return to for a First Book choice!

The Return of the Gods
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Source: 12/3122 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
In The Return of the Gods, Cahn takes the listener on a journey from an ancient parable, the ancient inscriptions in Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia that become the puzzle pieces behind what is taking place in our world to this day, specifically in America.
The mystery involves the gods. Who are they? What are they? And is it possible that these beings, whose origins are from ancient times, are the unseen catalysts of modern culture?
Is it possible that these gods lie behind the most pivotal events, forces, and movements taking place in our nation and around the world at this very moment? Are the gods at this very moment transforming our culture, our children, our lives, and America itself?
Could this mystery have even determined the exact days on which Supreme Court decisions had to be handed down?
What is the Dark Trinity?
Is it possible that what we in the modern world take as nothing more than ancient mythology could actually possess a reality beyond our fathoming?
Who is the Possessor? The Enchanter? The Destroyer? And the Sorceress?
Could a sign that has appeared all over America and the world be linked to the gods of Mesopotamia? And if so, what does it actually mean?
Could the gods have returned to New York City and an ancient mythology played out on the streets in real time?
Is it possible that the gods lie behind everything from what appears on our computer monitors, our televisions and movie screens; to the lessons given in our classrooms; to the breakdown of the family; to wokism; to the occult; to our addictions; to the Supreme Court; to cancel culture; to children's cartoons; to every force and factor that has transformed the parameters of gender; to that which appears in our stores, on our T-shirts, and on our coffee mugs—to that which is, at this very moment, transforming America and much of the world? Is it possible that behind all these things are ancient mysteries that go back to the Middle East and ancient Mesopotamia? This and so much more, most of which we can't even reveal in this description, will be uncovered.
Is it possible that the gods are even affecting your life right now? How can you recognize it? And what can you do about it?
The Return of the Gods is not only one of the most explosive books you'll ever listen to but also one of the most profound. It will reveal the most stunning secrets and truths behind what is happening before your eyes in America and the nations. You will see things, even in your world, in a whole new light. With such chapters as “The House of Spirits,” “The Avatar,” “The Masters,” “The Deep Magic,” and “The Day of the Goddess,” The Return of the Gods will take listeners on a fascinating, unforgettable, and mind-blowing journey that will leave them stunned and with the ability to see the world as they never have before.
Be prepared to be blown away as you open up Jonathan Cahn's most explosive book ever, The Return of the Gods!
©2022 Jonathan Cahn (P)2022 Frontline

I had to manage an awkward selfie since this was a last minute choice and I didn't have someone to take a picture.

No Friday Post - Traveling

Happy Friday! 

Due to my D-I-L having to have surgery again, our family plans switched from Matt and family coming to me to me traveling to them. I am happy to have the company of another granddaughter on the trip. However, I have to travel Friday in the very cold temps after the storm. I allowed extra time to deal with possible road delays  so we did a very short leg of the trip tonight (Thursday). I have limited internet access and my computer mouse is packed.

It is likely I won't get any reviews posted for the week and maybe not even my Sunday Post.

If that is the case, I wish everyone a safe and joyous Holiday weekend!

Sunday Post December 18, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 19, 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.

Heather was able to stick it out in the office this week. It was a push as we had several closings at the end of the week and to close early next week..

We had our office party on Friday which was a chance to share in joy.

We are blocking the tree but it is in the second picture.

This little gem is the daughter of the young lady in green in the first picture.

Our Marianna Woman's Club (MWC)  had a cookie exchange today.
There were lots of yummies and fun fellowship.

I made my first home made cookies: Lemon Pound Cake Cookies and Pecan Bites, which are on the table behind my right shoulder.

My prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations. In spite of all the busyness, I remind myself to enjoy the hope, peace, joy and love of the season, keeping in mind the "reason for the season".

We had pretty nice weather all week, even today in the 40s. But tonight is going down to 31 for a couple of hours so I covered the plants on the back porch. The men from church will be coming by mid week to help cover our citrus trees. 

I hope everyone will have a meaningful Christmas and beautiful Holiday, cold or not.

This week I finished five sci fi audios which I thought would be unavailable after 12/20/22.  I posted three reviews and my regular Memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
No Shout outs this week or next. But I hope you enjoy visiting blog friends.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were the posts last week:

• Sunday Post December 11, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 12, 2022.

• MBS November 2022 Reading List Wrap Up.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Last Stand: The Complete Box Set by William Weber; Genre: Dystopia, Military, Post-Apocalyptic, War; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick December 16, 2022 Giveaway. Open Worldwide. Ending 12/22/2022.
  

• A2022: Audible Book Review: 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Fost; Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #453 Comment Giveaway December 17, 2022. Open Worldwide.
  Ending January 14, 2023.

• A2022: Audible Book Review: Icequake by Crawford Kilian; Genre: Climate, Environment, Techno thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 18, 2022 - God So Loved!
  

Finished Reading: Last week my Audible Library was saying several of the plus catalog titles were only available through 12/20/22 so I went on a binge to listen to several of those. As of Saturday this week, they no longer have that message.
1. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

This Fallen World
By: Christopher Woods
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: The Fallen World, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
I liked the action in this story.
Source: 11/5 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Don't Call Me Ishmael
By: Chris Kennedy
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: The Fallen World, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
This is another story in The Fallen World series.
I'll be picking up more in the series.
Source: 11/5 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1
By: C. R. Daems
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Series: Tasmanian SFG Series, Book 1
I enjoyed the strength of this female protagonist in the vein of GI Jane.
I’ve already picked up book 2.
Source: 12/14/22 Audible Plus Catalog. (This was another title that showed a deadline of 12/20.)
Publisher's Summary
Jolie was 3 when she found she was ugly and deformed.
She was 5 when she found she was a subhuman and an outcast. She was 7 when five boys and two girls dragged her out of the orphanage and beat her unconscious, leaving her lying bleeding and broken in the street.
She was content to lie there and die, tired of being hated and abused. But a frail old man with wispy white hair and a long beard wasn't content to let her die. He not only saved her, but he adopted her and passed on his unique martial art to her.
She was 20 when she headed to Delphi, the center of the United Systems of Perileos (USP) and the planet of her birth father, to find her place in his society.
Based on her unique upbringing, she decides to join the USP military, requesting to be assigned to the Tasmanians SFG, an elite all-male unit. The military brass is reluctant to deny her request and admit their enlistment contract permits bait-and-switch assignments. Instead, they agree to let her enter the school, thinking she couldn't possibly succeed - a Chihuahua competing against Rottweilers — and plan to make an example of her when she fails.
Although Jolie is small, she is not what she appears. But can her adopted father's art enable her to survive the treachery of the military brass, the grueling of the school, the prejudices of the instructors, and the testosterone of an all-male class.
And if she succeeds, can she thrive in the high-octane and all male environment of the Tasmanians?
©2019 C. R. Daems (P)2020 Podium Publishing.

4. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

The Legion Awakes
The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
By: J. R. Handley
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
This has some interesting military involvement but there was some confusion.
Source: 12/15/22 Audible Plus Catalog. (This was another title that showed a deadline of 12/20.)
Publisher's Summary
A century ago, all but two members of Lance Scipio's unit were executed for bringing dishonor to his regiment.
Now, he is woken into a strange new time, and tasked with whipping into shape the worst squad of misfits in the entire Human Marine Corps.
The price of failure: Death!
AD 2565. Tranquility-4 near the frontier of the White Knight Empire. Guided by mysterious orders, the authorities at the Human Marine Corps base of Beta City thaw Lance Scipio. In 2441, an entire Marine company was executed with the exception of Captain Grimgerde and Sergeant Lance Scipio, the usual punishment for running in the face of the enemy. But these two were preserved...as if they would be required in the future.
Scipio is not expected to escape execution for long, but he has been given a slim chance. For a Marine, a chance can be all that's needed to change the fate of worlds.
The Sleeping Legion is an action-filled sequence of military science fiction novels set in the worlds of the hit series The Human Legion by Tim C. Taylor.
©2016 J. R. Handley (P)2017 Podium Publishing.

5. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

TFS Ingenuity
The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1
By: Tori L. Harris
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
This has an interesting dilemma – trying to determine who is friend or foe in first contact aliens.
Source: 12/17/22 Audible Plus Catalog. (This was one more title that showed a deadline of 12/20.)
Publisher's Summary
It's the year 2277. For 50 years, Earth has received mysterious data transmissions from random locations in deep space. The streams include advanced technology, allowing humans to achieve faster-than-light travel virtually overnight. As we prepare to take our first tentative steps into interstellar space, we know almost nothing about our alien benefactors, and their motivations remain unexplained.
While completing their shakedown cruise, Captain Tom Prescott and the crew of the first Terran Fleet Command starship, TFS Ingenuity, stumble into a first contact situation. They learn that Earth is not the first civilization granted access to the stars before their time - and how this Faustian gift has inevitably led to centuries of interstellar war. Humanity's existence hangs in the balance as a powerful alliance assembles a preemptive military strike, believing it to be their only option to protect themselves...from us. Prescott and his small, initially unarmed starship must serve as our only line of defense. Ingenuity is our only hope.
©2015 Tori L. Harris (P)2016 Podium Publishing.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Joy to the Wolves
By Terry Spear
Narrated By: Mackenzie Cartwright
Duration: 10 h 28 min
I am ready for another Christmas title.
Shifter wolves is a plus.
Source: 9/26/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Summary
As Christmas approaches, red-wolf shifter Brooke Cerise unexpectedly inherits an antique shop in Portland, Oregon. But when a missing reindeer calf turns up on her property, she becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case and the primary suspect of far-too-intriguing shifter Detective Josh Wilding. Josh doesn't intend to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, but Brooke gets under his skin from the moment they meet, and he can't help his instinct to protect her. These red wolves are both on the hunt for love, but there's a mystery to solve before they can enjoy their holiday happy-ever-after.

2. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21
I'll be seeing my grandchildren soon so I am reading book 2 in this series so I will be able to talk about this with them.
Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten....
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can listen to together, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library.

December 18, 2022 -  I was startled today when I noted I was on day 352 of 358. Almost finished another year. I have to decide what version I will read/listen to in 2023.  I have totally enjoyed 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.

I read five audio titles and reviewed three. I am sort of up to date with 5 reviews due (plus 7 children's books). Considering this is Christmas week, I am not sure if I will get to all of the reviews.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have two new titles from NetGalley.
I still have 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.

I tend to fill up on titles in December so they will qualify for TBRs in 2023.
I received two new review titles this week through NetGalley and might look for more.
I selected my two November credit books at Audible.
I used another Two for One credit for two audios from Audiobooks.com.
I only got one free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Two books from NetGalley:

A Hard Day for a Hangover: A Novel (Sunshine Vicram Series Book 3)
by Darynda Jones
I saw this at several other blogs and was able to get it before it was archived.

The Last Saxon King
A Jump in Time Novel, Book 1
By: Andrew Varga
Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin
Series: A Jump in Time Novel, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
This doesn't release until March so I will probably not read it right away.

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/17/22 Two November Audible Credits: Both series titles - one the end(?) and the other, book 2 of a series I discovered this past week,.

Commune 5
Commune, Book 5
By: Joshua Gayou, Devon C. Ford
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 19 hrs and 29 mins

Devils to Me
Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 2
By: C. R. Daems
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins


12/18/2022 Two for One Credit Deal on Holiday Romance at Audiobooks.com

An Ivy Hill Christmas
Series: #3.5 of Tales from Ivy Hill
Written by: Julie Klassen
Narrated by: Elizabeth Jasicki
Duration: 7 hours 35 minutes

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Written by: Milly Johnson
Narrated by: Colleen Prendergast
Duration: 10 hours 22 minutes

Free

KINDLE TITLES:

Christmas Cookies with a Side of Murder (Daley Buzz Treasure Cove Cozy Mystery Book 7)
by Meredith Potts


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 December 18, 2022 - God So Loved!

I had trouble with my eyes this morning. They felt scratched and instead of immediately soothing them I rubbed them. It is probably due to the heater running all night. I ended up watching service online.

We celebrated with the Fourth Advent candle representing The Love of God.
Pastor's Message was from John 3:14-17 which includes one of the best known verses of the Bible.

“God so loved” – is the only way He can love. Some scholars interpret the passage as ‘God loved the world, SO He gave….’
When you are at your worst, God loves you.
When you are in rebellion, God loves you.
God doesn’t love our sins, but He loves us.
We often struggle to serve as God wants us to, but He still loves us.

John tells us that God is Love. 1 John 4 (verse 16 but read the full chapter)!

The enemy will try to tell us that our behavior and our thoughts make us unlovable; that God can’t love us. These are lies. God loves us in spite of our issues.

God’s love does not condemn. There is a difference between conviction and condemnation.

We do not deserve God’s love. We cannot earn God’s love. God loves as His nature. He loves us by His Grace! The coming of Jesus has nothing to do with who we are, but with who He is.

“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

God isn’t arrogant. God doesn’t get irritated with us. He isn’t resentful
God does not need our worship, nor need our relationship. He is complete in who He is. But He desires our worship.

Contrast God’s love to man’s love of others: Jonah didn’t want to take God’s message because he thought Nineveh should be punished. Jonah was judgmental and then resentful. But God loved even the sinful Ninevites and He gave them a chance to repent.

Trust God’s love. His love bears with our failures. He always wants what is best for us. He may be rejected, but He still loves.

This sweet song fits this message: Love’s Pure Light.

Verses for Today:
John 3:14-17 NIV
14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Heavenly Father – I give thanks that You loved me so much that You sent your only son to save me from my sins. Thank you for the example of Your unconditional Love. Help me to show Your Love to others.

Audible Book Review: Icequake by Crawford Kilian

This is a story of survival against blizzards and the treacherous conditions of ice flow.
Icequake
By: Crawford Kilian
Narrated by: Tim Campbell
Series: Icequake, Book 1

Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 10-30-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Climate, Environment, Techno thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A group of 27 scientists and explorers are stranded in Antarctica.
Residing in a station known as Shackleton, they are studying the seismic activity of the region. An eruption of the nearby volcano, Mount Erebus, soon sends quakes throughout the continent with devastating results.
All radio communication has been disabled by the breakdown of the magnetic field. Evacuation is unlikely. No one knows whether they survived the icequake, and their station is now moving two kilometres north each day with the strong aftershocks. They are on their own, with limited food and resources.
Do they stay put and risk being caught in the next series of icequakes and avalanches? Or do they pack up and trek over dangerous territories to the neighbouring station?
Icequake is a gripping prophetic sci-fi disaster novel, full of excitement and danger in every chapter.
©2017 Crawford Kilian (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
A group of scientists are preparing to leave Antarctica when they are stranded first by a bad storm and then by a major land – or ice – shift. One of the scientists had predicted a very dangerous icequake. He is gratified to be right although he is not thrilled with the timing. The main group is at the Shackleton station but there is another community even closer to the nearby volcano, Mount Erebus. All communication is down and it is too dangerous to travel as the ice continues to move. Fortunately, there is a plane that allows some reconnaissance, but there isn’t enough fuel to travel to the mainland.

The interaction among the men and women is part of the drama in the story. Most of the danger is outside, from the elements, but there are some men who are struggling to remain civil. And romance has a different level when there are scientists who care more about their studies than their partners.

Of course, the scientists suspect that the mainland is suffering too from the rising level of waters, loss of crops and other difficulties. But the scientists won’t know the full extent unless they can get back to the mainland.

I saw this was only available free through 12/20/2022 so I chose to read it sooner rather than later. I found it interesting if not overly exciting. The scientific elements surrounding an icequake and its impact are interesting and are shared well through the story rather than preaching. I recommend this to readers who would find the climate issues interesting with the drama of survival against the elements.

Audio Notes: Tim Campbell does a great job with the narration. He provides distinct voices for the variety of characters. The energy and pacing is good considering the survival plods at times. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 11/5/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.