Sunday Post February 19, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 20, 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.

They determined that Heather had a bad UTI and prescribed an antibiotic. The antibiotic was helping with the infection but she had an adverse reaction to it. Hopefully they will get her a different drug by Tuesday. 
I felt better through the week and got work done, including settling a case that was coming up for trial in March. Now we just have to tweak the written agreement and get it signed.

Thursday night our church held a ladies event with a speaker on self defense. There was too much chocolate!

Thursday night I came home to critters near my front door -
deer and bunny caught in the headlights. 

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer atmosphere in 2023. Special prayers this week for the community of East Palestine, Ohio, and for the revival spreading from Asbury University.

Our weather is getting nicer. A couple of chilly days last week, rain on Friday, but Saturday and Sunday were lovely.  The low for this coming week is expected to be 45 tonight to a high of 85 next Saturday during the day.

I finished two audios (again) and posted three reviews with my memes.

I visited 16 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to GIMMETHATBOOK. Kyle Wendy shares some interesting books and "Reviews of what you should be reading next".

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

• Sunday Post February 12, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 13, 2023.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Darkest Winter, Savage North Chronicles, Book 1, by Lindsey Pogue; Genre: Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Heaven's River, Bobiverse, Book 4, by Dennis E. Taylor; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: To the Far Blue Mountains by Louis L'Amour; Genre: Adventure, Colonial Fiction, Historical Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 19, 2023 - Walk in Him!
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Blind Search
Written by Paula Munier
Narrated by Kathleen McInerney
Run Time 12h 10min
I liked the first book in this series and I was looking for a “B” title.
Source: March 2021 Chirp purchase $3.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Her Cowboy Deputy
Written by Lacy Williams
Narrated by Lara Asmundson
Run Time 6h 27min
I wasn't yet into the sci fi and I wanted to finish a second book this week. I am glad I pulled this one for "the cowboy".
I totally enjoyed the easy listen romance,
which I went through in one day.
Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $0.99.
Publisher Description
She’s a reclusive homesteader who hoped to never see him again. But when she rescues the deputy, she might just be stuck with him…
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She rescued him from drowning…will the cowboy rescue her heart?
In the aftermath of a terrible storm, sheriff’s deputy Matt White is injured and becomes stranded on a remote homestead with a lovely young woman and her grandfather. The reclusive duo intrigues him, but he’s got a duty to the town. He can’t believe it when they refuse to help him return to Bear Creek.
Catherine Poole stays away from town for a reason. She has no time to play nursemaid to the injured lawman-but she also can’t let him suffer. As she cares for the man who stirs up old memories, she discovers Matt’s kind heart and love for his family.
But there’s no hope for a relationship with a man so tied to town…is there?

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2)
By: Richard Fox
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: Exiled Fleet, Book 1-2
Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins
This was slow starting but I got engaged after several chapters. I am half way now.
Source: May 2022 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Galactic Forge
Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
By: Alex Guerra
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
Series: Galactic Forge Series, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
I choose this "G" title in a new series to try.
Source: February 2021 Audible Plus.
Publisher's Summary
Former Marine Arthur Holland’s destiny begins when an aircraft crashes on his property in the mountains of Colorado. He moves to investigate and to help any survivors, but the closer he gets the less control he has of his movements.
An unknown force urges him to open the door of the mysterious craft, discovering the secret that lies within: a dead, alien pilot and a peculiar, otherworldly crystal. If that wasn’t enough, the crystal feels like it is alive. That’s when he hears a single word inside his mind: run.
An enemy vessel approaches overhead in pursuit of the downed ship, leaving Arthur little time to make his escape.
Guided by this strange voice, Art is propelled through a hidden portal, arriving somewhere unknown. On the other side of the galaxy, without a means of returning home, he has no choice but to move forward and help the crystal accomplish its mission: upgrade the ancient derelict ship, recruit new allies, and help the Galactic Conglomerate fight the Vael Empire.
It may be destiny that’s called him, but it’s the choices he makes that will forge his future.
©2018 Alex Guerra (P)2019 Podium Publishing

Again, I might change my mind when I get to the next book. :-)

February 19, 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 am 20 days into the excellent 21 day plan: The Sauce: Seek First.

I finished two audio titles and reviewed three so I am still making progress. I am now only behind 4 reviews for February.  I might get caught up in another week...or two.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
My ebook on NetGalley was on my old phone and will expire before I finish it.
I plan to listen to one of the two audiobooks in the next two weeks. - Oh I have to do that soon.
I still have the two old ebook titles.
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 selected my VIP from Audiobooks.com
I purchased three books at Chirp.
I found three Audible Plus titles to add to my TBR shelf.
I didn't get any free Kindle titles again this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

2/19/2023 Chirp Purchases – its hard to resist getting three books for less than some people pay for coffee.

Lady Helena Investigates
Written by Jane Steen
Narrated by Elizabeth Klett
Run Time: 11h 30min
$14.99 $1.99

Lady Odelia's Secret
Written by Jane Steen
Narrated by Elizabeth Klett
Run Time: 13h
$14.99 $0.99

Second Chance Ranch
Written by Liz Isaacson
Narrated by Becky Doughty
Run Time: 6h 34min
$1.99 $0.99

Free

2/19/2023 Audiobooks.com VIP

Impostor: An Alexander Gregory Thriller (The Alexander Gregory Thrillers Book 1): The Alexander Gregory Thrillers, Book 1
Series: #1 of Dr. Alex Gregory
Written by: Lj Ross
Narrated by: Hugh Dancy
Duration: 7 hours 4 minutes

Week ending 2/19/2023 Audible Plus Catalog

The Number of Love
By: Roseanna M. White
Narrated by: Susan Lyons
Series: The Codebreakers, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins

The Radium Girls
The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women
By: Kate Moore
Narrated by: Angela Brazil
Length: 15 hrs and 52 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-02-17

A Conspiracy in Belgravia
The Lady Sherlock Series, Book 2
By: Sherry Thomas
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: Lady Sherlock, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins


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 Encouragment February 19, 2023 - Walk in Him!

Our Sunday School was interesting this morning. Instead of going forward with the study in James, our teacher opened discussion on the movement of God going on at the “2023 Asbury Revival”, the ongoing Christian revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky that started February 8 and is drawing people from all over the world. It is wonderful that so far it is a clear movement of the Spirit without any celebrities or apparent man-made manipulations.

One of the students questioned said something that will make us think: “Make a list of everything you want. Then ask if there is anything on that list that you want more than the Holy Spirit.” Now that will tell you where your priorities lie.

Another important thing about this revival is that it started with the students, young people. This fulfills a prophesy made in the past couple of years that the next big revival would be led by the young people.


We shared in wonderful worship and praise. Our Pastor’s sermon was “Walk in Him” based on Colossians 2:6-7.

First, God calls the people, then those who will, surrender. Faith is our response to God’s invitation of love and a personal relationship with Him. Keep in mind that each person is provided with a measure of faith. Romans 12:3. This is our starter kit (like sourdough starter). But faith increases by hearing and studying His word.

The text today is broken down like this:
1. As we received Christ Jesus -- by grace through faith. Accepting the gift of God.

2. Walk in Him -- By grace through faith. Every breath is a gift of God. All that you have is a gift. Grace might not change the mess you’re in, but grace will change you and help you through the mess.
When the Biblical text says that you will be healed or blessed or delivered, the “be” is the present participle or active “being”. So we are being healed, being blessed, being delivered. The action in ongoing.
Pastor shared how God has controlled a degenerated disc in his back for many years. I can claim that too as I had a diagnosis of a degenerated disc low in in my back in 2000. After prayer, God has controlled that issue. I know it is not gone because I occasionally lift a box I shouldn’t, bend the wrong way, or sneeze too hard without support and I will be bent over for a day or two. But I am ever so grateful that God has controlled the disc and I have not needed any other treatment.
As Paul said, he ‘”fought the good fight”. 2 Timothy 4:7. It is an ongoing fight. Keep on walking.

3. Firmly rooted and built up. Roots are the foundation that pull the nutrients in. We need to have our roots anchored in God and soak up the Spirit. It has been noted that growing churches have different leaders - some skilled preachers and others not so much. But what they do have are congregants who have hearts that are hungry for God. Don’t be drawn away or deceived by the world. Colossians 2:8.
Built up means there needs to be strength above the surface as well. The canopy of a tree is proportional to the root ball. This part will be visible to others. If the tree appears weak, it is not a problem of production but a problem of consumption – it is not getting enough nutrients.

4. Established in your faith. Anchor yourself in Him.

5. As instructed. We have to learn. Remember, God’s word specializes in people who aren't good enough!

6. With gratitude. Abounding, always being thankful.
Sometimes we need to historically remember all the good God has done; be always mindful of all His benefits.

After enjoying a dozen or so videos I chose this one for today’s message.
I think if we Walk in Him, we can be “Living in the Overflow.”

Verses for Today:
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Spiritual Fullness in Christ
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

I thank you Lord for You have been so good to me all my life. Continue to be with me and help me to continue to Walk in Your Spirit.

Audio Book Review: To the Far Blue Mountains by Louis L'amour

This story is full of swashbuckling sea battles and Indian filled land battles.

To the Far Blue Mountains
Written By Louis L'amour
Narrated By: John Curless

Duration: 9 hours 19 minutes
Release date: 12-19-05
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Adventure, Colonial Fiction, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
Baranabas Sackett is wrapping up his business as he prepares to leave England to make his way in the New World, America. Unfortunately, he learns that he is being pursued under a royal warrant that claims he has found and possesses a royal treasure. Now Barnabas must go on the run instead of directly leaving with his intended on her father’s ship. His pursuers may well capture the ship he was intended to take so they aren’t safe either.

Barnabas will find allies and betrayers as he flees as a royal fugitive. Even if he is able to get to Raleigh and Jamestown on the American coast, Barnabas expects to remain a target for his pursuers. Also, he has past enemies, hostile and friendly native Indians to deal with in the New World. He faces swashbuckling battles on land and sea to save himself, the woman he loves, and the men who choose to go with him. All along, the goal is to reach those ‘far blue mountains’ beyond the east coast.

I had thought more of this story would be on land, but a good bit of it is sea travel and battles. The last portion of the book moved quickly through the life of Barnabas and his family. Since there are more books in the series featuring the Sackett sons, I don’t think its much of a spoiler to note that the family grows in the wilderness.

L’Amour was a skilled writer making the historical settings, clothing, and activities come alive for the reader/listener. Barnabas was well developed as the central character of the first (Sackett's Land) and second books. The rest of the family is introduced with some distinct character traits but all carrying their father’s strength and tenacity. I do plan to read more in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical adventure full of primitive action fitting the period.

Audio Notes: John Curless does a wonderful job with the British accents and the other voices. He also delivers strong energy. His narration enhances the listening experience.

Source: 9/17/2022 One Credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Location, and 2023Color goals.

Audible Book Review: Heaven's River, Bobiverse, Book 4, by Dennis E. Taylor

I enjoyed the entertainment of this space adventure.
Heaven's River
Bobiverse, Book 4
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Bobiverse, Book 4
Length: 16 hrs and 57 mins
Release date: 09-24-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.75.

About This Audible Original
Civil war looms in the Bobiverse in this brand-new, epic-length adventure by Audible #1 bestseller Dennis E. Taylor.
More than a hundred years ago, Bender set out for the stars and was never heard from again. There has been no trace of him despite numerous searches by his clone-mates. Now Bob is determined to organize an expedition to learn Bender’s fate — whatever the cost.
But nothing is ever simple in the Bobiverse. Bob’s descendants are out to the 24th generation now, and replicative drift has produced individuals who can barely be considered Bobs anymore. Some of them oppose Bob’s plan; others have plans of their own. The out-of-control moots are the least of the Bobiverse’s problems.
Undaunted, Bob and his allies follow Bender’s trail. But what they discover out in deep space is so unexpected and so complex that it could either save the universe — or pose an existential threat the likes of which the Bobiverse has ever faced.
Heaven’s River is the fourth installment in the blockbuster Audible Original Bobiverse series—which has sold more than 1 million copies.
©2020 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC
.

Review:
Bob was the original human brain loaded up to become an AI entity to head into space. A hundred years later, Bob’s organization has expanded to the 24th replicative generation. That presents its own problems, but Bob’s first level replicate, Bender, hasn’t been heard from since he set out to explore the distant galaxies a hundred years ago. Bob has never let go of the idea of finding Bender even as the Bobiverse continues to move out to deep space.

Bob suddenly comes across a new world where he thinks Bender may be found. Now the goal will be to infiltrate the complex megastructure with a ‘river’ environment, in order to determine if Bender is a prisoner or something else. A handful of Bob’s generational ‘children’ are excited to help in the challenge to get into the structure and then move among the beaver like society that has been forbidden to use former technology.

While Bob and friends are pursuing the quest to find Bender, other replicant families are involved in an ideological argument. There are those who insist that the Bobs have no right to interfere with the societies that they come upon…even if it means watching societal genocide. This creates a second story line with some interesting discussions and actions.

I enjoyed the virtual settings, the creative societies, and the ideological arguments. There is plenty of humor in this series, including fun references to movies, books, and authors that sci fi fans will recognize. I recommend starting the series at book 1 to get to know the main Bob replicates. I recommend this series as an easy and entertaining listen.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter delivers the narrative with his usual excellent presentation and spot on voicing and energy. His narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: October 17, 2021 - September 2021 Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Location goals.

Audio Book Review: The Darkest Winter, Savage North Chronicles, Book 1, by Lindsey Pogue

I liked the supernatural element that added to this post-apocalyptic survival story.

The Darkest Winter
A Post-Apocalyptic Adventure
Savage North Chronicles
Written by Lindsey Pogue
Narrated by Sarah Ruth Thomas & Luis Bermudez

Run Time 15h
Release Date: October 8, 2020
Publisher: Lindsey Pogue
Genre: Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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.

Review:
A virus has killed Billions. But some survived. Of those who survived the fevers, some are realizing they have unusual, super human abilities. Elle is one of these. She set off to find her sister but instead she stumbles upon four orphans struggling to survive the trauma of losing everyone around them. Elle feels compelled to be the adult who must step up to help them. But she needs to protect them from her own secret.

Jackson has lost his wife and unborn child not to the virus but to a crazed intruder. His initial reaction is to drown his sorrows in a bourbon bottle. He finds his friend and begins to come back to life. He is intent on meeting his friend at a designated point, but along the way he finds Elle and her young charges. Reluctantly he realizes he must help them if they are to survive. He agrees to escort them, at least part of the way, sharing his survival knowledge with them.

Elle and Jackson had no intent to seek a relationship but it is hard to avoid when they find themselves thrown together trying to protect a small group of survivors. Elle learns that others have new abilities and that she may have to rely on her own ‘powers’ to fight back. How will her charges and Jackson react when they see her powers in use?

I liked the different personalities of the main and minor characters. They also get aid from a family in the wilderness that lives totally off the grid that gives a new perspective to the dangers of society. I felt there were areas of unrealism in the travels but it was overall a good story. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic who would also like the paranormal elements.

Audio Notes: This is a story where dual narration worked well. Sarah Ruth Thomas & Luis Bermudez did a good job with the female and male voices. They both delivered distinct character voices and appropriate emotional energy. I enjoyed the audio entertainment.

Source: April 18, 2021 purchased at Chirp for $3.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Season goals.