Sunday Post January 29, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 30, 2023

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.

My d-i-l had to go to the hospital this week to deal with swelling that wouldn't ease up. They kept her several nights to give her stronger antibiotics. We won't have any news on her cancer until her next appointment in late March. Due to the nature of the cancer all they can do is revisit the area every three months to determine if they need to cut it out again. Such a difficult situation for a young family.

Business continues with all of us juggling. We expect a bit of a slow down so right now we are glad to be busy.

I was away when we had the night of hard freeze in December. The citrus trees (in the back of the picture) were too big to cover and they don't look too good a month later. Some of the palms are starting to get some green in the center so I am more hopeful for them.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer atmosphere in 2023.

We've had rain but I haven't had to run through it yet. They temps weren't as cold as they predicted. As far as I could tell it only went down to 36 one night. It is supposed to warm up this coming week but with rain several days.

I finished two audios and posted three reviews with my memes.  (I have posted all reviews through 2022.)

I visited only 15 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to CABOODLES OF COZIES. Meezan shares about books, movies and TV shows with an emphasis on cozies. I always love seeing the cozy covers.

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

• Sunday Post January 22, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 23, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams; Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2 by Andrew Peterson; Genre: Action and Adventure, Growing Up, Family Life, Religious Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Navigating the Stars by Maria V. Snyder; Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Space Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 29, 2023 - Hungry for God!
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

How Great Science Fiction Works
By: Gary K. Wolfe, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Gary K. Wolfe
Series: The Great Courses: Genre Fiction
Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
This showed as expiring on 2/8/23.
I am glad I listened and got the pdf.
Source: September 2022 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

The Darkest Winter
A Post-Apocalyptic Adventure
Savage North Chronicles
Written by Lindsey Pogue
Narrated by Sarah Ruth Thomas & Luis Bermudez
Run Time 15h
I was cold and decided I wanted to listen to a"winter" title.
I liked the supernatural element in this post-apocalyptic survival story.
Source: April 18, 2021 purchased at Chirp for $3.99.
Publisher Description
The Virus spread. Billions died. The Ending began.
A group of orphaned misfits.
The wildlands of the last frontier.
Superhuman abilities, harrowing adventures, and heartbreaking secrets.
Elle - Haunting shadows are nothing new to Elle St. James, she’s been running from them all her life. But since the outbreak spread from the lower forty-eight, new monsters lurk in the darkness. After Elle wakes from the fever, capable of horrific deeds, she fears she’s one of them. When she stumbles upon four orphans, Elle’s forced to discover what happens when her greatest fear becomes her darkest secret and her only hope of surviving.
Jackson - After the world goes mad and takes his family with it, Jackson Mitchell tosses aside his badge and decides a bottle of bourbon and the depths of despair are preferable to any semblance of living. All of that changes, however, when a group of young survivors are in dire need of his help and Jackson sacrifices his blissful oblivion in order to keep them safe. As they trek further away from the collapsing cities, Jackson must rely on his knowledge of the backcountry and the traditions of his people, or succumb to the dangers of the Alaskan wilderness.
Brought together under the worst possible circumstances, Elle and Jackson must face the inexplicable realities of the new world. Their past lives are over, and the arctic isn’t all that’s savage anymore.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Heaven's River
Bobiverse, Book 4
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 16 hrs and 57 mins
I'm two-thirds through and enjoying the entertainment of this space adventure.
Source: October 17, 2021 - September 2021 Audible Credits.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

To the Far Blue Mountains
Written By Louis L'amour
Narrated By: John Curless
Duration: 9 hours 19 minutes
I enjoyed book one of this series and
this one gets me a color.
Source: 9/17/2022 One Credit at Audiobooks.com
Summary
In To the Far Blue Mountains, Louis L’Amour weaves the unforgettable tale of a man who, after returning to his homeland, discovers that finding his way back to America may be impossible.
Barnabas Sackett was leaving England to make his fortune in the New World. But as he settled his affairs, he learned that a royal warrant had been sworn out against him and that men were searching for him in every port. At issue were some rare gold coins Sackett had sold to finance his first trip to the Americas—coins believed to be part of a great treasure lost by King John years before.
Believing that Sackett possesses the rest of the treasure, Queen Bess will stop at nothing to find him. If he’s caught, not only will his dream of a life in America be lost, but he will be brutally tortured and put to death on the gallows.

Again, I will decide on the next book when I get there. :-)

January 29, 2023 -  I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoyed watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen" .  I have never done a Chronological reading before.
I added Matthew so I could follow along with my son who is reading with the BOBs (Band of Brothers). I will add the applicable New Testament book to read along.
I did another five day study during the week that was good: Living Changed: Spiritual Warfare.

I finished two audio titles and reviewed three so I am still making slow progress. I did finish all of 2022 reviews but I am still behind 8 reviews for January.  I'll continue to work on these.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have three current titles from NetGalley, two audio and one ebook.
I still have the two old ebook titles. I went ahead and said "no feedback" for A Place Called Armageddon as a 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 newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I had no purchases other than two for one credit at Audiobooks.com.
I also made my VIP selection at Audiobooks.com.
I didn't get any free Kindle titles again this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

1/28/2023 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com.

The Valentine Proposal
Pine Valley Holiday Series, Book 1
By: Beth Pugh
Narrated by: Emily Durante
Duration: 7 h 38 min

Winter’s Secret: Clean Wholesome Mystery and Romance
Series: #1 of Northern Intrigue
Written by: Lyn Cote
Narrated by: Rudy Sanda
Duration: 9 h 31 min

Free

1/28/2023 Audiobooks.com VIP free audio.

Winterkill
Series:#3 of Joe Pickett
Written by: C. J. Box
Narrated by: David Chandler
Duration: 11 h 27 min


No new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 29, 2023 - Hungry for God

Our Sunday School teacher led this morning’s lesson from James 1:5-8 which he titled If You Need Wisdom. He distinguished wisdom from knowledge, noting that wisdom involves the proper use of knowledge. And part of Biblical wisdom is seeing the situation from God’s point of view. Going through trials helps refine us, to get out impurities.

We had a lovely time of praise and worship and then celebrated Communion.
Pastor’s message this morning was from 2 Kings 2:1-14 regarding being Hungry for God and the double blessing. You can't tell anything to a person who knows everything. It is hard for such a “know-it-all” to hunger for more when you think you have it all. But when you have an open, teachable spirit, you can recognize the many acts of Grace in your life.

When Elijah first invited Elisha to follow him, he went by and threw his mantle (cloak) on Elisha and kept moving. Elisha responded by chasing after Elijah. He wanted Elijah to mentor him. We all need mentors. We have to pursue and follow after wise and experienced believers who will help us grow in our relationship with God.

After Elijah defeated the pagan god, Baal and battled with Ahab and Jezebel, he was tired. As he knew he was going to meet God, Elijah took Elisha to three places where he told him to stay. First was Bethel which was considered a “house of God”, a good place. But Elisha said he would not leave his mentor. They then went to Jericho a place of victory. Again, Elisha would not stay. Elisha went on with Elijah to the Jordan, the place of transition. When Elijah asked what Elisha wanted, Elisha asked for a “double portion” of his spirit. Elisha wanted more. Elijah said that was a difficult thing, but to watch and if he saw him go, then it would be given. This was to acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

Part of the goal of fasting and praying is to seek more of God and more of our relationship with Him. We need to have a teachable spirit. Don't just be settled where you are. Don't be satisfied with your current level. Don't be so attached that you can't grow. Don't resist learning. Don't be too proud to learn.

Are you hungry? When you are hungry, you don't need a great cook. We count our hardship with joy. James 1:2-4. God is moving forward. Are we ready to move forward too? Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up the gift. 2 Timothy 1:6.

Our Pastor stated that he believes our church is at transition. We need to press in for more.
Are we hunger for more? Ask for the move of His Spirit.
Grace abounds greatly in a world full of sin.
Don't give up or grow weary...
Stay committed. Keep on doing. 2 Kings 13:15-18.
Stay committed. God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,...” Ephesians 3:20. Press in and Believe God for more.

I like this song for today’s message. I Need You More.

Verses for Today:
2 Kings 2:9-10 NIV
9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”


Lord, I pray that You keep me hungry for more of You.

Audible Book Review: Navigating the Stars by Maria V. Snyder

I loved other series by this author. This is a well written start to another series.

Navigating the Stars
Sentinels of the Galaxy, Book 1
By: Maria V. Snyder
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 01-17-19
Publisher: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Space Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
“The answer is no, Lyra”, my mother utters her favorite - I swear - phrase.
No means I have to travel with them to another planet - again.
No means leaving all my friends 50 years in the past. Thanks, Einstein.
Seventeen-year-old Lyra Daniels can’t truly blame Einstein or her parents for their impending move across the Milky Way Galaxy. It’s all due to the invention of the Q-net, which made traveling the vast distances in space possible - with one big caveat: the time dilation. But that never stopped Lyra's ancestors from exploring the Milky Way, searching for resources and exoplanets to colonize. What they didn’t expect to find is life-sized terracotta warriors buried on 21 different exoplanets...Make that 22.
As the Galaxy’s leading experts on the warriors, Lyra's parents are thrilled by the new discovery, sending them - and her - 50 years into the future. Her social life in ruins, she fills her lonely days by illegally worming into the Q-net. The only person close to her age is the annoyingly irresistible security officer who threatens to throw her into the brig.
After the planet they just left goes silent - meaning no communications from them at all - security has bigger problems to deal with than Lyra, especially when vital data files go missing. But that's just the beginning, because they’re not as alone as they thought on their new planet...and suddenly time isn't the only thing working against them.
©2018 Maria V. Snyder (P)2019 Maria V. Snyder

Review:
Lyra’s parents are excited when exploration on a distant planet uncovers the 22nd set of buried, life-sized terracotta warriors. This is their specialty, and they are eager to go and excavate the treasure in person. But seventeen-year-old Lyra doesn’t want to go on a voyage to a far off planet, because she will be leaving her friends behind. Due to time travel, she would remain a teenager while all her friends would age. But, of course, Lyra, doesn’t get to choose.

On the spaceship Lyra continues her schooling in an awkward situation where the only other youth her age is a sullen young man, Niall, who turns out to be the son of the ship chief security officer. Naill, born and raised on the ship, has no desire to make friends with a passenger. And as a junior security officer, he isn’t even willing to look the other way when he realizes that Lyra is hacking the Q-net, the governmental computer system. Hacking the system will normally earn time in the brig… but soon the security officers realize Lyra has a special skill ‘worming’ the system. When the planet they came from goes silent and data files related to the excavation team go missing the authorities fear threats from space pirates. they determine they need to train and fine tune Lyra’s skills to help protect the exploration.

In addition to trying to uncover the attacks on the Q-Net files, the crew will soon face space pirates. Lyra develops a relationship with the Captain and the Security team, including a growing friendship with Naill. Then someone sets their sights on Lyra when they recognize her special skills.

I loved the Study and Storm Series by Ms. Snyder and I am sorry I waited this long to get into this series. Snyder delivers likeable characters and a plot full of suspense and emotional situations. I’m not always drawn to stories of teens who tend to be a bit self-absorbed, but I was pulled into the story and it read very quickly as I pushed to find out what would happen. I will be continuing with the other books in the series. I recommend this to fans of well written science fiction suspense.

Audio Notes: Gabra Zackman does an excellent job with the narration. She conveys most of the characters with spot on emotions and personality. The voices are strong and distinct and the narration increased my enjoyment of the entertainment.

Source: 1/15/2020 December Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2 by Andrew Peterson

This is book 2 of an engaging children’s series.

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
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Action and Adventure, Growing Up, Family Life, Religious Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby are still on the ‘run’ with their mother, grandfather and a few other adult guardians. There are enough dangers on the journey but there are also petty squabbles among the children who have not yet accepted, much less understood their roles as the royal Lost Jewels of Anniera.

There are also dangers from betrayal as it is hard to distinguish friend from foe. Some foes are natural but others are willing to trade loyalties for financial gain or promises of future power. There are new allies but losses to deal with too.

The characters are well defined with good uniqueness. I enjoyed the active adventures experienced by the family. I am listening to this series so I can enjoy the stories with my grandchildren. I was not thrilled with all of the violence and dishonest issues but I think it is good for parents/adults to read/listen to with children so these issues can be discussed. The series is now available to watch through Angel Studios. https://www.angel.com/ I recommend this adventure series to families.

Audio Notes: The author, Andrew Peterson, does a wonderful job on the narration. He delivers distinct voices, appropriate energy, and pacing that fits. I am glad I got to listen to the audio version.

Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness My rating 4.25

Audible Book Review: The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams

I had seen mixed reviews but I enjoyed this easy listen mystery.
The Secret, Book & Scone Society
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart

Series: The Secret, Book & Scone Society, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 11-03-17
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Miracle Springs is a place of healing. Strangers flock there hoping that the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. And, if none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That's Nora's special talent: prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person's deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.
But when a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, he's found dead on the train tracks before he can keep their appointment. Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman's demise, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, and, as the society works to untangle the web of corruption surrounding the murder, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge.
©2017 Ellery Adams (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Nora Pennington is the owner of Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, a town known for resting and healing. The bookstore is in the old train station and her tiny home is a former caboose. Nora has a special talent for getting patrons to share their stories while she picks just the right books for their situation. She has become known as a local “bibliotherapist”. She isn’t trained in psychology, but she is well trained in observation and empathy, especially after experiencing a traumatic event in her own past that left her emotionally and physically scarred. Although she welcomes sharing stories in exchange for book ‘therapy’, Nora tends to remain on her own with books as her best friends.

Nora has just met a visiting businessman and is anticipating his visit to the bookshop. Instead, the man is found dead, having been pushed onto the train tracks. At first Nora is afraid the police department will treat the incident as a suicide. Then she is concerned when they arrest a local woman.

Nora soon gathers several other local shop owners or employees into a group they name ‘Secret, Book and Scone Society’. Hester runs a bakery across the street and makes "comfort scones," that fit the customers. Estella is a trashy hair stylist, with a blatant tendency to flirt. June works at the hot springs hotel where tourists are attracted. These women are initially a loose group willing to help investigate and solve the murder. Along the way they agree to share their own secrets and solidify their friendship.

The women get some help from other locals. One is a nice paramedic who, to her surprise, seems to be interested in Nora. Another it a town deputy who is involved in the case but is willing to listen to the conjectures of Hester and the other ladies. Finally, there is a bartender who expresses great affection for Estella.

I enjoyed the characters and their unique ‘abilities’ which might be a bit magical, or just insightful and led by experience. The mystery winds around with greed and corruption and one of the evil does stands out pretty quickly, while another appears in a twist. I enjoyed the mystery and plan to read more in the series. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries and small town settings.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Cris Dukehart. The voices are sufficiently clear and distinct for each character. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 5/6/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.