Sunday Post February 26, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 27, 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.

Heather is doing better and was able to get to work everyday, except for a day for doctor visits for the kids.
I had a mediation this week and settled that case too. Sometimes it is better to offer some money toward resolution than pay that money to attorneys to keep battling with the stress of the case. 

When I came downstairs Thursday night I was barefoot. I stepped in wet and first thought the dogs had an accident but then realized it was too large an area. I investigated and found that the second water heater was leaking and it had soaked through a hall carpet in the 'basement' room into the walkway of the downstairs den. I was able to turn off the breakers and clear the water lines, getting enough hot water to take a bath before bed time. The plumber came midday Friday and the heater will have to be replaced. I am fortunate to have hot water from the other end of the house. I just had to clear the shower in the downstairs bathroom for use over the next few days.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer atmosphere in 2023. Special prayers this week for all the communities with bad snow storms.

I actually turned on an air conditioner today to cool the room down from 81.  The temps will continue like last week with the low expected to be 45 next Saturday to a high of 84 on Wednesday during the day.

I finished three audios this past week and posted three reviews with my memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to BECKY'S BOOK REVIEWS. Becky states her blog goal as "To promote the love of reading by providing teens, tweens, parents, teachers, librarians, fellow bloggers, and book lovers of all ages..."

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

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

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Cat o' Nine Tales by Faith Hunter; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Urban;My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller; Genre: Civil War, Historical Fiction, Saga; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Blind Search by Paula Munier; Genre: Crime Fiction & Mysteries, Mysteries & Thrillers, Police Procedurals; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 26, 2023 - More Than s Savior!
  

Finished 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
I did like this action in this once I figured out who was who.
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
This is an entertaining sci fi with action, and a 'kidnapped' human caught up with an AI entity.
Source: February 2021 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet
By: M. C. Beaton
Narrated by: Penelope Keith, Diana Bishop
Series: Agatha Raisin Mysteries, Book 1-2
Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
These amateur mystery stories were fun. It is an “I” title and has an Occupation in the title.
Source: 7/19/2021 I picked these from the Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely, and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest. Despite the fact that Agatha has never baked a thing in her life, she is sure the pie she has secretly bought from an upper-crust London quicherie will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when the judge not only snubs her entry―but falls over dead!
Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
Agatha Raisin hasn't quite adjusted to the slow pace of village life, or to the failure of her overtures to her handsome neighbor, James Lacey. Since the new vet in town is young and good looking, Agatha's perfectly healthy tabby endures a nasty physical exam in the name of romance. Unfortunately, his sacrifice is all for naught when the vet is soon found dead. The police call the death a freak accident, but Agatha convinces James that playing amateur detective might be fun. Unfortunately, just as curiosity killed the cat, Agatha's inept snooping is soon a motivation for murder.
©2016 M. C. Beaton (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Currently Reading:

1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2022NGA)

The Last Saxon King
A Jump in Time Novel, Book One
By: Andrew Varga
Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin
Series: A Jump in Time Novel, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
I was drawn to this Time Travel story so we will see how it goes.
Source: 2022 NetGalley choice.
Publisher's Summary
One jump to save all time.
Life is progressing normally for sixteen-year-old Dan Renfrew when he accidentally transports himself to England in the year 1066. He soon realizes that he’s trapped there, and that’s not his only astonishing discovery. Dan learns that he’s descended from a long line of time jumpers—secret heroes who travel to the past and resolve glitches in the time stream that threaten to alter subsequent history. The only way Dan can return home is to set history back on its proper course in the Anglo-Saxon age. This is no easy task. A Viking horde is ravaging England in the north while a Norman army threatens to invade from the south. In between and desperately struggling to hold on to his throne is Harold Godwinson, the newly crowned English king. Dan is fighting to ensure that events play out correctly when he finds himself plunged into an even more lethal conflict. To save history, Dan must battle a band of malevolent time jumpers whose lust for wealth and power threatens the entire future of the world.
©2023 Andrew Varga (P)2023 Imbrifex Books

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Kingdoms of Sorrow
Catalyst, Book 2
By: JK Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum
Series: Catalyst, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins
I look forward to this in a series I started a while back, and it is a "K" title.
3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74.
Publisher's Summary
The fight for survival continues in book 2 of the Catalyst series.
A murderous army, an unspeakable plague and an approaching hurricane. One man will risk it all to save his community. Cities, nations, and governments lie in ruins and billions have perished. In the wake of a global apocalypse, survival has become a way of life in a world that seems intent on wiping them all out.
Among the survivors are Scott Montgomery and his friends on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They have struggled to hang on better than most. But growing threats - both man-made and natural - leave their chances on a razor's edge. Now with the help of uncertain alliances they must face a new danger none of them saw coming. This group, "The Messengers", are like a biblical plague, destroying everything - and everyone - in their path.
Time is short for the survivors and another grim new discovery means the Messengers may not be the only thing they should fear.
Don’t miss out on the second installment of the best-selling Catalyst series.
©2017 J K Franks (P)2017 J K Franks

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

February 26, 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 Mark to continue following along with my son who is reading with the BOBs (Band of Brothers).
I finished the plan: The Sauce: Seek First.
I am 5 days into a new 16 Day plan: Christ as Servant: A Study in Mark.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed three so I didn't get further behind. I currently have 4 reviews to prepare 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 am listening to one of the two audiobooks this week.
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 have a totally empty mailbox this week - rather rare for me.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

NONE

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 February 26, 2023 - More Than a Savior

Our Sunday School teacher continued to speak on Revival noting that our youth and people need a sovereign move of God, not entertainment. What is happening in this revival (at Asbury University and Pursuit for NW, plus more) should be the normal where people are hungry for God. In true revival God recenters himself as the focus of our hearts. Revival is each day renewal, walking with God is daily, not just a Sunday event. We need to be careful not to get stuck doing church instead of worshiping.

Our Service began with wonderful worship and praise songs. In offering, Pastor reminded us to put God first and give Him the first fruits. He'll bless the rest.

The sermon was from Acts 2:36-41. I named it “More than a Savior”.
Verse 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Many Christians accept Jesus as their savior. But do they acknowledge Him as Lord? When we allow God to move in our life, others are watching and many respond. When we know for certain that God made Him [Jesus] both Lord and Christ, we recognize that He was specifically made for the office He grew into. He was made for an eternal purpose.

All creation is subject to the Lord's authority. He has all authority given from the Beginning. “All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17.
Eventually, every knee will bow and every tongue will “confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” Philippians 2:10-11.

We have all seen a bratty child throw a fit because they want to be out from under the authority of their parent or teacher.

God manages all the world (not just the neighborhood like Bruce Almighty or Evan Almighty).
When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, we accept His authority.

Pastor noted the story of the Shunammite woman. 2 Kings 4:8-37. God had blessed her hospitality to Elisha by giving her a son. When the son died in the field, the woman didn’t despair or seek help from her husband or Elisha’s servant. But she went to Elisha with her need, trusting that the God who gave the promise would be faithful to honor the promise. Elisha revived her son.

Believers are told we are bought with price and God owns us.1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Our position needs to be more than accepting Christ as Savior, but needs to allow Him to be Lord. We are slaves to sin until we become slaves of Christ. It is a complete act of surrender. We need to acknowledge a mindset that says “If the Lord wills....” We choose to live in God’s choice, under His plan.

Those listening to Peter “…were cut to the heart... “ Verse 37. They were told to “Repent… and be baptized…” Keeping in mind that repentance means more than saying, “I’m sorry”. It means making a 180 degree turn. Turn away from your own way to follow God’s way. Seek the Will of God.

I found this Song Video that fits today’s message. I Am Not My Own.

Verses for Today:
Acts 2:36-41 NKJV
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
A Vital Church Grows
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.


God, help me to remember every day to acknowledge Jesus as my Lord as well as my Savior.

Audio Book Review: Blind Search by Paula Munier

I enjoy the dog characters in this mystery series.
Blind Search
Written by Paula Munier
Narrated by Kathleen McInerney

Run Time 12h 10min
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genres: Crime Fiction & Mysteries, Mysteries & Thrillers, Police Procedurals
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0

Publisher Description
Former Army MP Mercy Carr and her retired bomb-sniffing dog Elvis are back in Blind Search, the sequel to the critically acclaimed A Borrowing of Bones. It’s October, hunting season in the Green Mountains—and the Vermont wilderness has never been more beautiful or more dangerous. Especially for nine-year-old Henry, who’s lost in the woods. Again. Only this time he sees something terrible. When a young woman is found shot through the heart with a fatal arrow, Mercy thinks that something is murder. But Henry, a math genius whose autism often silences him when he should speak up most, is not talking. Now there’s a murderer hiding among the hunters in the forest—and Mercy and Elvis must team up with their crime-solving friends, game warden Troy Warner and search-and-rescue dog Susie Bear, to find the killer—before the killer finds Henry. When an early season blizzard hits the mountains, cutting them off from the rest of the world, the race is on to solve the crime, apprehend the murderer, and keep the boy safe until the snowplows get through.Inspired by the true search-and-rescue case of an autistic boy who got lost in the Vermont wilderness, Paula Munier’s mystery is a compelling roller coaster ride through the worst of winter—and human nature.

Review:
Mercy and her bomb-sniffing Malinois, Elvis, are still enjoying the Vermont mountains while continuing to train and rehab through their PTSD. This time they are called upon to find a nine-year-old boy who wanders into the woods. Game Warden Troy and his search-and-rescue Newfoundland, Susie Bear, join in the search. Susie Bear is trained for ‘blind search’ which means searching by smell in the air rather than foot tracks. When the dogs find Henry, he is huddled under a table and clearly frightened. Henry is clearly a child with autism who doesn’t speak normally but he does latch onto the dogs. He wanders in the woods where his memory helps so he isn’t lost, although the adults think he is.

While Henry was out in the woods, a woman who was to join a hunting party at the nearby ski lodge, is found with an arrow in her heart. The hunting group has gathered to discuss the redevelopment of the lodge and not everyone agrees on the resort goals. The shot that killed the woman might have been a hunting accident, but that is unlikely. Because of Henry’s reaction, and willingness to stay with the dogs, Mercy and Elvis are hired to protect the boy.

Mercy and Troy don’t exactly trust the local homicide detective to solve the murder and, of course, they are told to stay clear. Mercy is only a civilian and has no authority to pursue the mystery, but that won’t stop her especially after she has an SUV trying to force her off the mountain roads. Meanwhile, Troy and Susie Bear are busy tracking some poachers who may also be drug or arm dealers and could be suspects. While the mystery pushes to a conclusion, Mercy and Troy’s relationship runs into a major obstacle.

I enjoyed the dogs and Henry as additional characters. I was a bit frustrated that Henry’s autism was never identified as such during the book. Henry’s father seemed clueless and Mercy seemed to handle the boy better than the doctor. The condition was quite clear, and I don’t understand why it was never named in the story.

I enjoyed the developing relationship between Mercy and Troy in the first book, Borrowing of Bones. I did think that Mercy may have overreacted a bit at the situation with Troy at the conclusion of this book. I will be interested to see how the author handles that in the next books. The story has short comings (Mercy’s investigation interference and Elvis’s disobedience), and a few repetitive phrases, but I enjoyed the overall story and recommend it to fans of K-9 dogs. I suggest starting with book one to get to know the characters and their backgrounds.

Audio notes: I found the narration by Kathleen McInerney to be comfortable. The voice distinctions could be better but they work sufficiently. The narration is clear and easy to follow. I am glad I had the story on audio.

Source: March 2021 Chirp purchase $3.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller

I really enjoyed the blend of history and romance in this story.

The Yankee Widow
By Linda Lael Miller
Narrated By: Jack Garrett

Duration: 14 h 37 min
Release date: 05-07-19
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Civil War, Historical Fiction, Saga
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Summary
A richly layered saga is set against the backdrop of the Civil War In The Yankee Widow, gifted storyteller Linda Lael Miller explores the complexities and heartbreak that families experienced as men took up arms to preserve the nation and defend their way of life. Told in a smart, assured and compelling voice, this is the story of Caroline, the young wife and childhood sweetheart of Jacob, who together live on a farm raising their daughter, Rachel, just outside of Gettysburg. When Jacob joins the Northern army to do his duty and help save the Union, no one anticipates he will not return. Caroline gets news that he is wounded and has been taken to Washington, DC, with his regiment, and so she must find her way there and navigate the thousands of other wounded soldiers to find him. Thus begins this novel that focuses on the strong women and men of both sides and both races who sacrificed so much and loved so well during this critical juncture in American history.

Review:
Caroline, a beautiful young woman, married her childhood sweetheart, Jacob. They were working together raising their five-year-old daughter, Rachel, on the family farm on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 24 year old Jacob stepped out to do his duty, joining the Union Army. Caroline knows that Jacob loves her deeply, and she has sorrow that perhaps she didn’t love him as passionately. But she was a good, strong wife. When Caroline gets word that Jacob has been injured she travels to Washington, DC to find him. She struggles to find his regiment through thousands of wounded soldiers. Finally, she gets help from a nurse and Captain Rogan McBride who are able to direct her to her husband’s bedside. She stays by his side until she can take his body home on the train.

At the farm, Caroline has help from a hired worker, Enoch, who was a slave rescued and freed by Jacob’s father. Caroline also has the support and help of her grandmother. But soon the community is facing the encroaching armies as the Union and Confederate forces gather to fight at Gettysburg.

Caroline is surprised when Captain McBride arrives at her farm. It is a coincidence, but McBride is glad to have the chance to meet the striking woman he met so briefly in Washington. McBride asks to hide supplies on her property and establishes an atmosphere of protection for her and Rachel.

Just before the battle begins nearby, Enoch discovers a pregnant runaway slave. Enoch has to deal with the men chasing the Jubie. Now the family is hiding Jubie until she can move on.

The battle soon rages in Gettysburg and the small family huddles while the weapons flash, the smoke of the battle rises, and the sounds of the rockets resound. As the battle is won by the North, McBride shows up at the farmstead with a wounded Confederate office. Captain Bridger Winslow is McBride’s best friend and McBride is reluctant to turn him over as a prisoner of war. He asks Caroline and Enoch to shelter Winslow until he can recover from his injuries. McBride is enchanted by Caroline and makes it clear that he wants to give her time to mourn her husband, but he plans to return once he has a chance to take a break from his military duties.

Meanwhile Caroline is at risk sheltering a Confederate officer, but her compassion won’t allow her to turn him away. Caroline is a bit affronted by a man who would fight in support of the institution of slavery. Winslow tries to explain that he does not agree with slavery, but he is fighting to protect his family in Georgia. They struggle to understand each other even as their attraction grows.

The story follows to reveal if all the primary characters will survive and how they interact. I always like the history of Civil War that is described in fiction. There is realistic horror in the war and a sense of loss and fear for civilians. I liked how Ms. Miller created likeable characters who struggle with personal tragedy and emotional conflicts of ideology in this period. I recommend this to readers who like the historical period.

Audio Notes: Jack Garrett delivers a wonderful narration performance. His voices were distinct and fit the era. His narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 5/8/2021 Two for One Credit Deal at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Occupation goals.

Audible Book Review: Cat o' Nine Tales by Faith Hunter

This is a great collection that gives the background of several of Jane's friends.
Cat o' Nine Tales
The Jane Yellowrock Stories
By: Faith Hunter
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Series: Jane Yellowrock
Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
Release date: 12-10-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Categories: Fantasy, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Urban
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
For the first time - in one Audible-exclusive collection - it's 13 stories of Jane Yellowrock, the shape-shifting skinwalker and vampire hunter for hire whose business card reads, "Have Stakes - Will Travel". Jane carries inside her the soul of her Beast, the mountain lion's soul which merged with hers when she accidently performed black magic as a child. Now, she and her Beast stalk the dark streets of New Orleans, bringing rogue vampires true death.
In Cat o' Nine Tales, you'll discover how Jane turned into a big cat for the first time; how she and Molly became friends; how Rick LaFleur got his tattoos. You'll go along on some of Jane's early vamp hunts. You'll even hear two short tales through Bruiser's eyes.
Once you experience these stories set in the fantastic world of this New York Times best-selling series, you'll surely agree with Kim Harrison that Jane Yellowrock is "smart, sexy and ruthless".
The stories included in Cat o' Nine Tales are:
"WeSa and the Lumber King"
"The Early Years"
"Cat Tats"
"Kits"
"Haints"
"Signatures of the Dead"
"First Sight"
"Blood, Fangs and Going Furry"
"Dance Master"
"Cajun With Fangs"
"Golden Delicious"
"Beneath a Bloody Moon"
"Black Water"
©2013 Faith Hunter (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
I have read a lot of Jane Yellowrock’s so I was only familiar with a few of her friends and associates. I enjoy Jane’s character – a skilled vampire hunter for hire, who happens to be a shape-shifting skinwalker. This collection provides the history of Jane’s Beast, a mountain lion, and the reader gets to see several other of her transformations.

I also enjoyed learning how about Jane’s friends. Molly is a witch who helps Jane in several situations especially after Jane saved Molly’s daughter. Jane’s sometimes boyfriend, Rick LaFleur, a former detective, got his tattoo in a situation that almost cost him his life, and brought him back into Jane’s life. Then there is Bruiser, the head enforcer for the local Vampire leader, who is drawn to Jane’s mysterious personality and assured confidence.

Having enjoyed the action, characters, and mysteries of this collection, I know that I will continue reading (listening to) more in the series. I think a new reader should read at least one or two of the Jane Yellowrock stories before enjoying this collection.

Audio Notes: Khristine Hyam does a wonderful job with all of the characters. I even enjoyed the voice of the Beast. I find the audio enhances these stories for me.

Source: April 2021 Audible Plus Catalog free audio. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Number goals.