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

I mentioned last week that I was boxing items for yard sale. Things are moving around in my life. I am looking at downsizing my home sometime within the next year. To do so I have to clear out not just the past 17 years of collections but boxes in the attic that haven't been opened since we moved to this house! Bit by bit I am boxing things that I know can go. I can eliminate various clothing, videos, CDs and cassettes, and some books and other items that I know my children don't need to review. Then there are other family items I need to wait to allow them to review.  And of course, it is hard to get rid of all my book collections. I suspect we will list some of those for sale at some outlet.

I was glad to see that one of our dogwood trees has survived the hurricane and the freeze.
It is still very scraggly.
None of our azaleas survived. The touch of color in the background is across the street.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer social atmosphere. We have opened new prayer lists to include the youth revivals going on and for the young generations that will lead in the future. I'm also praying for those in California with flooding.

Oh - checking the temps for the coming week we will have nights in the 30s again. I'm glad I didn't pack all the winter night clothes away. High during the days will be 78.

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

Only 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to JOY'S BOOK BLOG. "A Librarian writes about books." Joy has links to travels that are interesting in addition to her wide range of books.

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

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

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet by M. C. Beaton; Genre: Amateur Detective, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• MBS Febrary 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.
  

• NG2022: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Last Saxon King by Andrew Varga; Genre: Adventure, Teen and YA, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Kingdoms of Sorrow, Catalyst, Book 2 by JK Franks; Genre: Adventure, Genetic Engineering, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 12, 2023 - Hunger and Thirst.
  

Finished 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 really enjoyed this and hope to continue in the series.
Source: NetGalley 2023.
Click on book title for full description.

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
This is a wonderful fantasy. I have to get book two.
Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Terminus
Lee Harden, Book 6
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
I thought this would run into next week but I have an hour to go so I expect to finish it tonight.
I have enjoyed this series and will need to find a good replacement.
Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The only way out is through.
Greeley, Colorado lies before him. Griffin’s army presses at his back.
Lee Harden is out of options, and out of time.
Inside the city, Sam Ryder is trapped behind enemy lines, and Acting President Briggs still maintains his stranglehold on the country - and Lee’s destiny.
Choices. We are made by choices. And they make us. Choices are being made by every individual swept up in this conflict. Abby - Sam - Abe - Brinly - Angela - all of them making choices, with irreversible consequences.
And all of those consequences fall on Lee.
As Lee fights to adapt and maintain control amid the chaos of a city under siege, all of those choices will reach their terminus in this explosive conclusion to the Lee Harden series.
©2021 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Currently Reading:
1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2022NGA)

Good Dog, Bad Cop
by David Rosenfelt
The K Team #4
Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
I enjoy this series so I look forward to the cold case mystery.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.
For the K Team, playing "good dog," "bad cop" is all fun and games...until there's a body on the scene, in the next K Team Novel by bestselling author David Rosenfelt.
The K Team enjoys investigating cold cases for the Paterson Police Department. Corey Douglas, his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark even get to choose which cases they’d like to pursue. When Corey sees the latest list of possibilities, there’s no question which one to look into next.
Corey’s former mentor, Jimmy Dietrich, had his whole identity wrapped up in being a cop. When Jimmy retired three years ago, his marriage quickly deteriorated and he tried–and failed—to get back on the force. Jimmy was left to try to adjust to life as a civilian.
Not long after, two bodies were pulled from the Passaic River. A local woman, Susan Avery, and Jimmy Dietrich. With no true evidence available, the deaths went unsolved and the case declared cold. This didn’t stop the whispers: an affair gone wrong... a murder-suicide committed by Jimmy.
Corey never believed it. With this case, the K Team has the opportunity to find the real murderer, and clear Jimmy’s name. Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns in Good Dog, Bad Cop, where there’s little to go on, but that won’t stop Paterson, New Jersey’s favorite private investigators from sniffing out the truth.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Junkyard Pirate
By: Jamie McFarlane
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Series: Junkyard Pirate, Book 1 (4 books)
Length: 10 hrs
This sounds like a good sci fi... and it is a "J" title.
Source: July 2021 Audible $5.00 Sale (Regular Price: $19.95).
Publisher's Summary
Knocking at death’s door. Bargaining for a second chance. Seems like a heck of a way to find out about an alien invasion....
Vietnam vet Albert Jenkins is battling a bulging waistline and a passion for drink. So when a towering pile of scrap rocket parts falls and crushes the stubborn curmudgeon, he thinks it’s finally the end. But just as he’s about to take one final breath, a snarky alien parasite offers him a deal: His life in return for sharing his body.
With a little coaxing from his new pop-culture-loving inner resident, AJ’s broken carcass improves so much that even an old flame is impressed. But his bright outlook fizzles when he discovers he's at ground zero of a galactic conspiracy to strip Earth of precious resources humans don't even know exist.
Can the unlikely partners join forces and use AJ's rusty military skills to raise the alarm? Or, will the alien invaders put him down once and for all?
Junkyard Pirate is the first book in an imaginative space opera series. If you like grizzled soldiers, clever twists and turns, and intergalactic tactical pairings, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s fast-paced alien adventure.
Buy Junkyard Pirate to boot the invaders back to where they came from today!
©2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC (P)2019 Fickle Dragon Publishing LLC

I am pretty sure I will get to a third book but I haven't chosen yet.

March 12, 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 finished the16 day plan: Christ as Servant: A Study in Mark.
I am 3 days in a 15 day plan: Preparing Your Heart for Easter.

I finished three 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 am listening to another NetGalley audio so that leaves three audios on my shelf.
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.

No new review books last week
I selected my free Audiobooks.com VIP title.
I picked 3 free Audible Plus Catalog audio books.  I'll need to pick two Audible credits this week.
No free kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

3/7/2023 March Audiobooks.com VIP pick.

The Kiss Quotient
Written by: Helen Hoang
Narrated by: Carly Robins
Duration: 9 hours 37 minutes
I’ve eyed this as it looks cute.


3/5-3/10/2023 Three Audible Plus Titles:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
By: Simon Armitage
Narrated by: Bill Wallis
Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins
This is an old classic.. with a color and an occupation.

19 Souls
Sin City Investigations, Book 1
By: J.D. Allen
Narrated by: A.T. Chandler
Series: Sin City Investigations, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
This one fits my “numbers” challenge.

The Silent Corner
A Novel of Suspense
By: Dean Koontz
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
Series: Jane Hawk, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins
I read the prequel and like the main character. I was glad to have the chance to add this at no cost.


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 March 12, 2023 -- Hunger and Thirst.

This morning our Sunday School teacher shared an audio message by Dr. Lori Salierno (https://lorisalierno.com/speaking/) She founded the non-profit organization Celebrate Life International which promotes Teach One to Lead One. The message was based on the little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus who used it to feed 5,000. John 6:5-13. The point is that little is much in the hands of God. If we are living in the God space, we don’t focus on the little we have but we recognize that God it can be much if we allow God to use it. Are we willing to be available, to give God what we have available for His use?

Our service enjoyed opening worship and communion. Pastor continued his series on Living Stones with the second sermon from 1 Peter 2:1-3. Pastor reminded us that the Christ followers’ behavior and beliefs are to be based on God's word.

Verse 2(a): “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk…”
New born infants have strong hunger need. We are to be hungry for the spiritual word. We are to desire something from the Lord. When people are invited to join pyramid sales organizations, one of the key tools is repeated pep talks to feed the excitement.
We are told by Jesus himself: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6.
Why spend resources on things that don't satisfy? We need to seek what truly can satisfy.
Faith comes from hearing the message and hearing the message comes from systematically reading the Bible. Romans 10:17. His Word is what God wants you to hear.

Verse 2(b): “…so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,…”
The Greek word for “Grow” means ‘to attain power’, ‘to bear fruit’. By growing in spiritual power, we can bear fruit for God's kingdom. We are not perfect but we should be growing.
In the book of Galatians, Paul lists nine specific behaviors – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – that result from the work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. Galatians 5:22-23. These behaviors help show our faith and show Christ to others. They can lead to spiritual offspring.
God initially encouraged Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:22. Pass on the good things that Christ has done for you. Does your behavior show others what it is like to be a Christian?

Verse 3: “now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Those who know God by His touch in their lives know by experience that He is Good!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8.
The more mature Christian (i.e those who have lived longer) can share their experiences to encourage young believers to trust and know that God is good.

I had several lovely video song choices and decided on this one for today.
To Know and Make Known

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 5:6 NIV
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.


Lord, please keep me hungry and thirsty for You and Your Word. Show your love through my behaviors.

Audible Book Review: Kingdoms of Sorrow, Catalyst, Book 2 by JK Franks

This was an engaging continuation of the survival problems in post-apocalyptic America.
Kingdoms of Sorrow
Catalyst, Book 2
By: JK Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum

Series: Catalyst, Book 2
Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 07-18-17
Publisher: J K Franks
Genre: Adventure, Genetic Engineering, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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

Review:
This book picks up from book 1, Catalyst Downward Cycle. The story primarily follows three groups in the survival struggles. It has been five months or so since the solar flare took out the electrical grid and left Americans trying to survive pre-industrial conditions and marauding bands of criminals. Scott and Todd are in Harris Springs, Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico on the cruise ship that has been turned into a refuge home for 200 or so people seeking to rebuild community.

Jack, aka Preacher, is a former convict who is out on a working boat with four other men. Their job has been to forage supplies and trade with smaller farms or communities along the water ways. Things had been going well until they have to face pirate raids. Then they learn about the butchery by a large, supposedly religious group known as the Messengers. This cultish group is sweeping across the south giving people the choice to join and serve or die.

Skybox 5 is a new character. He is a special forces paramilitary operative in a very secretive group called the P-Guard. Before the electric went out, he and his team were on mission in Pakistan. They were tasked with retrieving an crucial scientist/virologist who was working in a remote university lab. Before they could get to the target, something went wrong and a deadly virus was released. Although there were efforts to contain the virus, the efforts failed miserably. Skybox is the only man who comes out alive as he is apparently immune. Now he is directed to get to the coast so he can be taken to scientists in America who can test his blood for a vaccine. Skybox ends up at a secret location that happens to include a personal friend of Scott's niece. Scott is recruited by an opposing military group to try to retrieve Skybox.

I like these characters and the mostly realistic struggles and battles. There is good character development and better action. The cult group is scary and adds additional tension and suspense. I will be looking to get the third book in the series and a side story too. Reading book 1 may not be necessary, but I think it provides better background to the characters and events. I recommend this to readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic survival stories.

Audio Notes: Steven Varnum does a good job with the narration. He delivers good character voices and I thought his energy input was better on this book than the first. I am glad to listen to this on audio.

Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Last Saxon King by Andrew Varga

I liked the history and mostly enjoyed this story (although there are young teen "flaws" IMHO).

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
Release date: 03-07-23
Publisher: Imbrifex Books
Genre: Adventure, Teen and YA, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

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

Review:
Sixteen-year-old Dan is home schooled by his professor father who has him studying all sorts of history. Dan has been sent out of the house so his father could have a private meeting at home. When Dan returns home a little earlier than expected, he finds his father in a physical sword fight. Dan stands in shock as his father tosses him a strange metal baton and tells him to “Run!” And then tells him to “say the rhyme” he has been taught since childhood. Dan doesn’t understand but will obey his father rather than give the device to this threatening man.

Dan is whisked off and finds himself in a strange land where his phone has no service. He is shouting for help when a young ‘Robin Hood’ steps out of the woods and tells him to be quiet. Sam tells Dan that he is in England in the year 1066. Sam explains that they are rare descendants of time jumpers. Sam had a brother trained for the task but Dan’s father didn’t tell him anything about the process and duties. Apparently, the time jumpers have to fix the time glitch and then can return home.

Dan isn’t physically trained but he has the historical knowledge to know the glitch when he realizes the situation. Now he has to step out and find a way to reach an Anglo Saxon king to give him battle advise. He doesn’t even have Sam to help although Sam will be hiding in the woods nearby.

I enjoyed the detailed setting and battle history and the adventures that Dan muddles through. I wasn’t crazy about the teen hormones acting up but I suppose that is realistic, especially for a boy who is probably considered a brainiac and has little social interaction at home. This also fits for the young teen target audience. On the other hand, I loved how Dan made friends along his journey and was loyal to fight for and with them. This is a fun listen and I recommend it to young teens and fans of history.

Audio Notes: Mark Sanderlin does a wonderful job with the narration. He is able to provide clear voices with distinct accents. I was glad to have the opportunity to listen to this in audio.

Source: 2022 NetGalley choice. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023NetGalley, and 2023Occupation goals.

MBS February 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

 MBS 2023 Reading List - FEBRUARY

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2023
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =
4.75 Stars = The Yankee Widow
4.5 Stars =  Cat o' Nine Tales, Her Cowboy Deputy

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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.
   
8. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Introducing Agatha Raisin: The Quiche of Death and The Vicious Vet by M. C. Beaton; Genre: Amateur Detective, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
   

This Month:
Total read = 8
TBR = 8
New Authors = 3
Audio/Audible = 8 (8 TBRs)
NetGalley = 0 (0 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0
Nonfiction = 0
eBook = 0 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 18 of 125
TBR to Date: 18 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 18 of 100
NetGalley to Date: 2 of 10
Author Reviews: 0 of 12
Nonfiction: 2 of 10
TBR ebooks or Print: 0 of 8

• Series: 12 of 75 (5 continuing, 7 new)
• New to me Series: 7 (3 Yes to continue; 3 likely to continue, 1 maybe, 0 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 1 (maybe? Not sure if the Bobiverse is done)

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 1 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Alphabet letters covered: (15 of 26) -- 9 January (A, C, D, F, H, L, P, R, S); 6 February (B, E, G, I, T, Y)

• Locations: 2 of 8

River, Mountains

• Numbers: 2 of 12

Forging Zero, Cat o’ Nine Tales

Groups of Five:
[Places and Numbers above]
• Times of Day: 0 of 5
• Occupations: 3 of 5

Warrior, Cowboy, Vet

• Colors: 1 of 5

The Far Blue Mountains