Sunday Post March 5, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 6, 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.

Hard to realize it is March already!

Heather is still struggling with sinus infection. She worked too hard last weekend cleaning a rental house (for her significant other) and moving items from my pod which we are trying to empty out. She was at work but had to miss part of Thursday to oversee the installation of my new water heater.

I'm slowly boxing items for yard sale or maybe estate sale that we are contemplating. There is way too much stuff.

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

We had some cooler weather this weekend, back in the 50s and 60s at night. Day time highs will be going to 85 again.

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

I visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to BOOK GIRL OF MUR-Y-CASTELL. Blodeuedd and Carole are two book lovers in Finland who share their thoughts on books and movies.

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

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

• MBS January 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.
  

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Her Cowboy Deputy by Lacy Williams; Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Western; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2) by Richard Fox; Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Galactic Forge by Alex Guerra; Genre: First Contact, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 5, 2023 - Grow Spiritually.
  

Finished 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 liked the history and mostly enjoyed this story (although there are middle grade "flaws" IMHO).
Source: 2022 NetGalley choice.
Click on book title for full description.

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
This was an engaging continuation of the survival problems in post-apocalyptic America.
3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2023NGA)

Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1)
by Ellie Brannigan
Narrated by: Traci Odom
Series: Irish Castle Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
I picked this story for the dog on the cover, the castle and Irish.
Plus it is an "M" and location title.
Source: NetGalley 2023.
Fans of Hannah Dennison and Carlene O’Connor’s mysteries are in for a treat with Ellie Brannigan’s captivating debut cozy mystery, complete with a sharp and endearing protagonist.
Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she’s on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she’s inherited a run-down family castle. Uncle Nevin’s will contains a few caveats—for example, if Rayne doesn’t turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne’s uncle’s death wasn’t actually an accident, she can’t possibly go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it’s not just her reputation that’s on the line, it’s her life.
Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns befitting an old Irish village, the first in Brannigan’s mystery series transports us to a milieu as romantic as it is deadly.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Six Crimson Cranes
Six Crimson Cranes, Book 1
By: Elizabeth Lim
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
I wanted a number title and this one looks good.
Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse....
Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.
"A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling." (Stephanie Garber, New York Times best-selling author of Caraval)
Shiori'anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.
A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.
Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to forswear - no matter what the cost.
Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Elizabeth Lim has crafted a fantasy like no other, and one that will stay with listeners long after they've turned listened to the last minute.
"A stunning remake of a fairytale. Six Crimson Cranes is the perfect blend of whimsy and ferociousness, with twists and turns that will tug at your heartstrings." (Chloe Gong, New York Times best-selling author of These Violent Delights)
"Fast-paced excitement is balanced with a satisfyingly intricate plot that weaves in elements from Western fairy tales and East Asian folklore." (SLJ, starred review)
"A richly imagined landscape...vibrant, fast-paced." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
©2021 Elizabeth Lim (P)2021 Listening Library

March 5, 2023 - I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoy 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 did this twice, once on my own and once with family members.)
I am 13 days into a the16 Day plan: Christ as Servant: A Study in Mark.

I finished two audio titles and reviewed three so am back to three reviews due, which is where I like to be so I can complete them in a week.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I finished one NetGalley audio but added three more. I forgot to list another a week or so ago and I am listening to that one. Total audios currently on the shelf is 4.
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 received three NetGalley Audiobooks this week
I picked 9 free Audible Plus Catalog audio books.
I also added 3 kindle titles.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received three audio titles from NetGalley.

Titanium Noir
by Nick Harkaway

Good Dog, Bad Cop
by David Rosenfelt

The Deadlands: Hunted
by Skye Melki-Wegner

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Week of February 27 to March 4 I added 9 audios through Audible Plus Catalog.

The Snow Killer: The DI Barton Series, Book 1
By: Ross Greenwood
Narrated by: David Thorpe

Ghosts of Zenith: Lost Planet Homicide
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Series: Lost Planet Homicide, Book 2
(I have book one to listen to soon.)

Someone to Remember: A Westcott Novel, Book 7
By: Mary Balogh
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
(Plus books 1-3 in the series that I have already read.)
(Thanks to The Book Date who was reading a book in this series.)

Agatha's First Case: An Agatha Raisin Short Story
By: M. C. Beaton
Narrated by: Alison Larkin
Series: Agatha Raisin Mysteries, Book 0
(Plus books 3 and 4.)


2/28/2023 Kindle Free titles:
The Maid's Diary: A Novel
Loreth Anne White (Kindle Prime Read choice for February)

What Lies Beneath (Rutland crime series Book 1)
Adam Croft

No Justice
Nolon King, David W. Wright


Three 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 March 5, 2023 - Grow Spiritually

Although it creates a longer post, I am including my notes from both Sunday School and Sermon. It happens quite often, without planning, that the messages share elements of teaching! I love seeing God at work in this way through two teachers who listen to the Spirit.

Our Sunday School teacher wrapped up his thoughts from the Asbury revival with a discussion of the new movie, Jesus Revolution. First, he noted the childhood abuse suffered by Lonnie Frisbee, his struggle with sin, and his short time as a homosexual that resulted in the consequence of death by Aids. According to the biographies, Lonnie did renew his relationship with God, as well as having a restored contact with Greg Laurie and Chuck Smith shortly before Lonnie’s death.

Then, our teacher discussed similarities between the youth of the 70s and the youth of today.
The Jesus Revolution was deemed to come from the disillusioned youth of the 70s searching for meaning. Like the 70s, the youth of today are facing much disillusion and isolation. There is a high incidence of suicide among the youth of today. One third of youth aged 18-25 are dealing with mental and emotional issues. There are 3700 suicide attempts daily for high schoolers.

As shown in the movie, Pastor Chuck chose to preach only with the Word, separating Lonnie and the gifts of the Spirit (what Chuck viewed as emotional involvement) from Chuck’s services.
Teaching the Word without gifts of the spirit is educational and leads to knowledge, but it denies the power of God given in the gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31.
Paul warned Timothy to be careful of this in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
We are to be ever learning. God is a God of communication by Logos, the Word in text, and Rhema, the spoken Word. John 6:63.
How much of the Word is getting into you?
We each need a balance of the Word, Spirit, and prayer.

Our Service opened with worship that led to a call to allow God to test our hearts. We also had a testimony of a miracle healing for a child we prayed for early in the week.

Pastor’s message for giving this week was from Malachi 3 where the Lord asks, ‘will a man rob God?’ Verse 8. The Lord goes on to say, “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” and he will give overflowing blessing and protect the giver from “the devourer...” Verses 10-11.

Pastor started a new series with today’s sermon he called: Becoming Like Stones. The scriptures are 1 Peter 2:1-3 ESV. He reminded us that we are all called to ‘make disciples’. Matthew 28:16-20. But every denomination and every preacher uses their own approach. They each “Season the meat by their own vision.”

Chapter 2 verse 1* opens with “Therefore…” or “So…” That means you need to look back to the concept of the previous verses. The verses 22-25 of Chapter 1 talk about the living and enduring word of God. Things of men change but the Word doesn't change. We can be excited by the Word and the gifts of the Spirit. (See the Sunday School message!)
*(Pastor reminded us that chapters and verses were set out by men for study as they were not part of the original texts/letters.)

Now return to Chapter 2 “in light of God’s word….”

• Rid yourself of Malice…. Put away; Take off the carnal nature. “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:11-12. Cast off the works of darkness. There are things in our lives we need to get out of our lives. We all have sins (of commission or omission) that we need to confess. Then we need to repent; change our ways.
• Rid yourself of all Deceit… We need to be people of light not dark and deception. Deception is close to witchcraft. It is an attempt to manipulate the situation.
• Rid yourself of Hypocrisy... Too many people wear a mask instead of being real. We are not to pretend but to be authentic people. We all have issues. Our Image and identity have to line up.
• Rid yourself of Envy… Do not hold spite towards others. Rejoice with those who receive blessings. And acknowledge the blessings we each have from God and that “but for the Grace of God” our lives could have more trouble.
• Rid yourself of Slander… There is enough hateful and hurtful speech in the society without any coming from believers.

Believers need to allow God, through the Word and Spirit, to make us who He wants us to be.

I watched several song videos and liked this one to share today.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 2:1-3 NIV
2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.


Lord, help me to draw into your Word and your Spirit. Make me who You want me to be.

Audible Book Review: Galactic Forge by Alex Guerra

This is an entertaining sci fi with action and a 'kidnapped' human caught up with an AI entity.

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
Release date: 02-19-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: First Contact, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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

Review:
Arthur Holland is a former Marine running a car repair shop in Colorado. A strange aircraft crashes on his property and he is pulled to the crash to investigate. The closer he gets, the stronger the pull until he can’t control his own actions. He finds a dead alien pilot and takes a crystal from his hand. Next thing Arthur knows he is hearing a voice in his head telling him to “run!” The voice guides Arthur to a cave and a hidden portal that transports him to a strange, unknown place.

Arthur is in a closed room when he wakes up to learn he is in a spaceship on the other side of the galaxy. The crystal is an AI (Art names her Dotty) that begins to integrate with Art. She explains that she needs his help to find core drives for her ship so she will have power to continue. And, by the way, she doesn’t have the power to get him back home.

Art doesn’t have any choice but to go along with Dotty. As she hunts for power drives, they come across a young elfin looking woman who is under attack. Art rescues Seya and they proceed to a planet to allow her to reconnect with the Galactic forces. Soon Art finds himself in the middle of an intergalactic war between the Galactic allies and the Vael Empire. Art keeps getting hopeful that power cores will allow him to go home but then some other action is required. Step by step Art becomes a warrior and a hero, resulting in his new friends declaring that this is his destiny.

There were some unexplained matters that distracted me…particularly what happened to the enemy that chased the original spaceship to Colorado? Will that make earth a target for the Vael? And Art’s whining to get home is a little annoying. Other than that, I enjoyed the easy writing and the different character personalities. I liked the friendships that are developing for Art. I am engaged with the team matesand want to follow their next adventures as they face the enemy. I recommend this to fans of military space opera with a hero character.

Audio Notes: Paul Heitsch’s voice fits the story and the main character. I enjoyed the audio version of the story.

Source: February 2021 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Exiled Fleet Publisher's Pack (Books 1-2) by Richard Fox

I did like the action in this space opera once I figured out who was who.
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
Release date: 10-10-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Book 1: Albion Lost:
For centuries, the Daegon waited. They plotted. And now they are ready to strike.
The core worlds of settled space enjoy a tenuous peace, unaware and ill prepared for the threat building beyond the furthest reaches of humanity. The star kingdom of Albion stands as a shining light of justice and mercy in a harsh galaxy, and they will be the first to suffer the Daegon's fury.
Defying his low born status, and despite his self-doubt, Commodore Thomas Gage has risen through the ranks by sheer grit and determination, defending Albion from brutal pirate clans. And when the onslaught comes, Gage and his fleet may be Albion's last hope for freedom.

Book 2: The Long March:
Albion burns beneath Daegon rule.
Commodore Thomas Gage and his fleet, safeguarding the last of the Albion Royal Family, are on the run. Hunting them, a ruthless Daegon commander will stop at nothing to crush Albion's only remaining free force.
To find sanctuary beyond their enemy's reach, the battle-damaged fleet must cut through a hostile and dangerous region of space known as the Kigeli Nebula. But to secure passage, Gage must strike a deal with an old enemy who wants nothing more than to fulfill a vendetta and see the commodore dead.
Facing threats ahead, behind and from within, Gage must lead his fleet down the long march to freedom.
Exiled Fleet is a new military science-fiction series for fans of Honor Harrington, Earth Alone, and Old Man's War from the author of the best-selling Ember War Saga.
©2017 Podium Publishing; 2017 Richard Fox

Review:
The core worlds of settled space have mostly been experiencing peace so they aren’t prepared for war. Even though there are space pirates disrupting trade, the colonies are not even prepared to properly defend their planets.

No one remembers the Daegon and there is very little history, only myths, about them. They are an ancient alien race who have suddenly jumped into settled space attacking the main cities and announcing, “You will be ruled.”

Thomas Gage rose through the ranks to become a Commodore. Many military men respect him for his feats but there are those ‘family’ officers who are always ready to mock him and challenge his decisions, focusing on his troops who met their deaths. When the Daegon attack Albion and move to destroy all of the ruling royal family from King to youngest prince, Thomas ends up at the side of the dying King and the young child is placed in his care. Now Thomas, with two royal guards, has to escape the planet, keep the young prince safe, and find allies to fight the Daegon.

Tiberian, the Daegon commander who failed to eliminate all of the royal family, knows he will be demoted, if not punished, for failing his mission. He becomes obsessed with chasing Thomas to finish the job. Thomas and his handful of crew battle through the enemy lines and limp from one station to another. He needs to seek help from the pirate clans even though one of them has a vendetta death warrant out for him. If he can convince them to guide him across one of the most dangerous channels of space, can they navigate the channel safely while trying to stay ahead of the Daegon?

The royal guards are outfitted with almost sentient armor that enhances their capabilities. There are problems with the two guards with the prince. One of the guards is brand new, and the other has stepped into a dying man’s armor that doesn’t cooperate as it questions the man’s loyalty. And then there is Thomas’ main aid who reluctantly steps in to help the female guard ‘babysit’ the boy.

As the book started I struggled to figure out who was who. Once I got an hour or so in, I had the characters sorted out and was able to enjoy all of the action. I liked Thomas as a humble but skilled leader. He struggles with his decisions but is willing to make the hard calls even if it means fighting a personal enemy one on one to gain a deal. The supporting characters on his crew added interest for me. I’m not gripped by the series but may pick up the next two book pack in the series to continue the saga. Fans of military space opera may enjoy the action in this story.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a great job on the narration. His energy and distinct voices added to the entertainment value of the work.

Source: May 2022 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Her Cowboy Deputy by Lacy Williams

I totally enjoyed this easy listen romance, which I went through in one day.

Her Cowboy Deputy
Written by Lacy Williams
Narrated by Lara Asmundson

Run Time 6h 27min
Release Date: February 22, 2017
Publisher: Lacy Williams Books LLC
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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?

Review:
Sheriff’s Deputy Matt White is out tracking some suspicious characters when he gets caught in a river during a storm. He is rescued by a young boy who turns out to be a young woman he barely remembers from a time when she came to school. Catherine lives a very reclusive life tending a small farm with her grandfather. Matt asks them to help him get back to town, but they are afraid to leave each other or leave their property unprotected from neighbors who want to take control of their crops.

Catherine has painful memories of her few days at school, where she first met Matt. And then there was the awful day in town with her mother before she died. It suits Catherine fine to stay away from others as she cares for her grandfather who suffers from rough flashbacks and confusion dating back to the Civil War.

Catherine is willing to care for Matt as he recovers from his injuries. She learns of his love for his family, but that is a world she couldn’t know. Matt realizes that Catherine is a hardworking, caring young woman and he regrets how she was treated years ago at school. Now he wants to help her and even protect her…maybe he is growing to care for her.

I enjoyed the relationship of these characters who grow in friendship. There is tension with bad neighbors and a lovely charm with Matt’s strong family. This was a breath of fresh air for me between space battles and murder thrillers. I will look for more from this author and I recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet western romance.

Audio Notes: Lara Asmundson does a good job with the narration. She delivers distinct voices with fitting emotion. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this sweet story.

Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $0.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Occupation goals.