Audio Book Review: Moonshine & Magic by Bella Falls

This was a fun, easy listen which I really enjoyed.
Moonshine & Magic
Written By: Bella Falls
Narrated By: Johanna Parker

Duration: 7 h 59 min
Release date: 07-18-18
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Magic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Summary
Magic and mystery are only part of the Southern Charms of Honeysuckle Hollow . . .
Charli Goodwin doesn't expect her homecoming to go without a hitch-after all, she skipped town, leaving her fiance and family without a clue as to where she was going or why. Now that she's ready to return home, she plans to lay low and sip some of her Nana's sweet tea while the town gossips come out to play.
Unfortunately, on her first night back, Charli discovers the body of her crazy great-uncle, and suddenly finds herself at the center of a mystery that threatens the very foundations of Honeysuckle Hollow and the safety of every paranormal citizen in it-starting with Charli herself.
With the clock ticking, will Charli's special magical talents be enough to save not only the town but also her own life?

Review:
Charli Goodwin is returning home on her father’s rebuilt motorcycle until the engine dies as she hits the wards of her magical community, Honeysuckle Hollow. Charli expects some second glances, if not hostility, after having left without explanation a year or so before. She didn’t exactly plan it, but she is just in time for the community’s annual celebrations. After getting help from a gnome and ‘fairy godmother’, the first person Charli runs into is her quirky great-uncle. Uncle Tipper is rather paranoid, but he holds Charli as one of his favorite people.

Charli arrives at the evening festivities to witness the engagement of her former fiancé to a not so pleasant cousin. As Charli backs away to go home to Nana, Uncle Tipper’s crow, Biddy, directs Charli off the path to find Uncle Tipper dead. Now Charli, believed to be the last to speak with Tipper, is caught up trying to solve the mystery of his death and trying to find a cure for the curse that she stumbled into. There are many questions. Who will benefit by Tipper’s death since it will open a seat on the town governing board which is filled by someone from each founding family? Where is Uncle Tipper’s Last Will? Who was he cavorting with before his death? Charli has special skills that can help with some of the questions if she can survive the curse long enough to save the town from a group seeking development and finding the cure to save her own life.

While dealing with these issues, Charli finds herself getting attention from the current investigation Warden (detective), her Nana’s were shifter handyman, and even her former fiancé. The confusion of her emotions only adds to the strain of the curse that is sucking her magical energy.

I loved the quirky characters, including some villainous relatives. The story is an easy listen with some good twists. This is my second book by Bella Falls and I do like her different characters and light mystery plotlines. I recommend this to fans of magical, cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: I quite like Johanna Parker as a narrator. I have missed her voice since finishing the Sookie Stackhouse series so I am always glad to find books she has narrated. Her voice fits this type of fantasy and charm. The narration increased my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 7/29/2021 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Credit Deal. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and I am counting it toward a 2023Time of Day (or night) goal.

Audio Book Review: Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3 by Jamie Davis

I enjoyed book 1 although it isn't exactly gripping.
Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3
Written by Jamie Davis
Narrated by Roberto Scarlato

Run time: 20 hours and 16 minutes
Release Date: August 15, 2018
Publisher: MedicCast Productions
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
Monsters, Paramedics, and Street Medicine.
New paramedic Dean Flynn is fresh out of the academy. When he gets assigned to the unknown backwater ambulance Station U, he wonders what he did wrong. Then Dean learns that his patients aren’t your normal 911 callers.
Dean and his partner Brynne Garvey serve the creatures of myth and legend living alongside their normal human neighbors in Elk City. With patients that are vampires, werewolves, fairies and more, will Dean survive his first days on the new job? Will his patients?
Not all is well on the streets of Elk City either, and some humans are striking out at their mythical neighbors. Dean soon finds himself in the middle of a series of attacks on his patients, attacks that implicate a former member of Station U.
Come along on this ride with “Extreme Medical Services” - part one of the series by the same name, a paranormal medical thrill-ride with the paramedics of Elk City. Described by one fan as “like Grimm, but

with paramedics” this book is brought to you by best-selling author and real-life paramedic Jamie Davis. He crafts a book called an accurate, interesting, & fabulous page-turner.
Jump on the ambulance with Dean, Brynne and the rest of the team.

Review:
Dean Flynn is excited to be a new paramedic as he graduates from the academy. He knows he is a top student and expects the pick of assignments. He is therefore surprised when he is assigned to Station U, an unknown backwater ambulance station. It only takes a day to learn that Station U has “Unusual” 911 callers living in Elk City. They are creatures of myth and legend including a werewolf (struggling to maintain human form), a water fairy, a vampire (who reacts badly to sunscreen and glitter and has a jealous girlfriend), a siren (with a mesmerizing voice), and a deteriorating zombie.

Dean is trying to cope with all the newness he is experiencing and then he and his partner learn that someone is targeting the Unusual patients. The likely attacker clearly has information about the paranormal community which implies it may be a former employee.

The creatures are ‘fun’ and Dean’s reactions interesting. The mysterious attacker doesn’t stay hidden too long… at least from Dean. But there may be a larger group behind the attacks who will endanger Dean and his Station U teammates. These features provide engagement. There are flaws that detract a bit including too much telling and repetition of mundane actions. There is also a lot of diagnosis and treatment detail which is realistic and perhaps engaging, but a bit much for those of us who are mostly ignorant in the medical field. I think the telling instead of showing and repeated details made this a bit flat for me.

I am glad to have the boxed set, but I am not rushing back to continue the series as I like to vary my reading. I would recommend this to fans of paranormal stories and especially if the reader likes the medical input.

Audio Notes: Roberto Scarlato did a good job with the narration. He provides entertaining voices and does the best to give more life to the flat dialog and reading portions. I am glad I have the stories in audio format so the narration can add to the reading.

Source: 4/23/2020 Chirp $2.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post April 2, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 3, 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 had another busy work week especially with my assistant going on vacation after her birthday on Tuesday.

Thanks for suggestions last week regarding menu planning and shopping in smaller amounts. I try to menu plan but I can't use fresh vegetables fast enough. So I either have to go frozen or pick up veggies just a day or two before so they won't go bad.

We celebrated my assistant's 22nd Birthday. She is heading out to law school this summer!

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival.
I also pray for more families suffering from storms and tornadoes. As well as for the families and all those impacted by the latest school shooting.
I have personal prayers for health for Heather and Hui and business decisions for my office as we begin making staff changes.

Last week's weather was actually pretty nice other than a downpour or two. This week should be the same with a little more rain and temps moving to mid-high 80s.

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

I visited only 15 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to ALWAYS WITH A BOOK. Kristen is like me 'always with a book' and a big audio fan.

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

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

• NG2023: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner; Genre: Action, Adventure, Dinosaurs, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde; Genre: Historical Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Along Came Holly by Codi Hall; Genre: Romance, Contemporary; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 2, 2023 - Hosanna!

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3
Written by Jamie Davis
Narrated by Roberto Scarlato
Run time: 20 hours and 16 minutes
I enjoyed book 1 although it isn't exactly gripping.
Source: 4/23/2020 Chirp $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Space: 1969
By: Bill Oakley
Narrated by: Natasha Lyonne, full cast
Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
DNF - see comments at GR.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Moonshine & Magic
Written By: Bella Falls
Narrated By: Johanna Parker
Duration: 7 h 59 min
This was a fun, easy listen that I really enjoyed.
Source: 7/29/2021 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Credit Deal.
Summary
Magic and mystery are only part of the Southern Charms of Honeysuckle Hollow . . .
Charli Goodwin doesn't expect her homecoming to go without a hitch-after all, she skipped town, leaving her fiance and family without a clue as to where she was going or why. Now that she's ready to return home, she plans to lay low and sip some of her Nana's sweet tea while the town gossips come out to play.
Unfortunately, on her first night back, Charli discovers the body of her crazy great-uncle, and suddenly finds herself at the center of a mystery that threatens the very foundations of Honeysuckle Hollow and the safety of every paranormal citizen in it-starting with Charli herself.
With the clock ticking, will Charli's special magical talents be enough to save not only the town but also her own life?

Currently Reading:

1. Author Review (PDF)

The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It?
by Joshua J. Watson
I am taking my time to think on the arguments in this work.
Source: March 2023 Author supplied PDF.
Long debated is the timing of the Rapture. Will it occur before the Tribulation? After it's started? Or will the Church only be Raptured at its end? Most Christians believe the Bible is largely silent on the issue. However, as this book seeks to unveil, many overlooked passages let us know something very different - ie, that we can know when to expect it, and with confidence.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Purgatory's Shore
Artillerymen, Book 1
By: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: PJ Ochlan
Length: 22 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 09-21-21
I wanted a longer book and I finally got engaged by this new series.
22 + hrs and I only have 6 and a half to go!
Source: 2/5/22 Audible January Credit.
Publisher's Summary
On their way to fight in the Mexican-American War, a group of American soldiers are swept away to a strange and deadly alternate Earth in this thrilling new adventure set in the world of the New York Times best-selling Destroyermen series.
The United States, 1847. A disparate group of young American soldiers are bound to join General Winfield Scott's campaign against Santa Anna at Veracruz during the Mexican-American War. They never arrive.
Or rather...they arrive somewhere else.
The untried, idealistic soldiers are mostly replacements, really; a handful of infantry, artillery, dragoons, and a few mounted riflemen with no unified command. And they've been shipwrecked on a terrible different Earth full of monsters and unimaginable enemies.
Major Lewis Cayce, late of the Third US "Flying" Artillery, must unite these men to face their fears and myriad threats, armed with little more than flintlock muskets, a few pieces of artillery, and a worldview that spiritually and culturally rebels against virtually everything they encounter. It will take extraordinary leadership and a cadre of equally extraordinary men and women to mold frightened troops into an effective force, make friends with other peoples the evil Holy Dominion would eradicate, and reshape their "manifest destiny" into a cause they can all believe in and fight for.
For only together will they have any hope of survival.
©2021 Taylor Anderson (P)2021 Penguin Audio

3. BookFunnel Audio Smartphone (IRead Tour Audio)

The Registration
By: Madison Lawson
Narrated by: Kathleen McInerney
Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
I'm looking forward to this Dystopian.
Source: Author via Bookfunnel for IRead Tour.
My post will be 4/13.
Publisher's Summary
You can’t outrun the Registration.
Imagine it’s legal to commit one murder in your lifetime—if you Register the victim and accomplish the kill within fourteen days. So when Lynell Mize stands in line to Register the man who abused her as a child, she’s shocked to hear a stranger Register her to be killed. Why would anyone who doesn't know her squander his one legal murder on her? Desperate to survive the next two weeks, she must find out who wants to kill her—and why.
Easier said than done, as Lynell soon discovers that multiple strangers have used their Registration on her. Along the way, she reunites with her estranged husband who is determined to dig up a past Lynell prefers to keep buried. With only days left to live, Lynell is determined to uncover the truth and survive a destiny not of her choosing. Everyone she knows could be her killer. Any day could be her last.
©2022 Madison Lawson (P)2022 CamCat Books

I am pretty sure I will start a new book but I haven't picked it yet.


March 26, 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 the 15 day plan: Preparing Your Heart for Easter.
I finished the 3 day study: I AM - An Easter Devotional.
I started a 5 day study: The Grave.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed three so I am up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I added another NetGalley audio to the two on my NetGalley shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I expect to finish the two review titles this week and post both reviews next week.
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.

One new NetGalley review books last week.
I picked eight more free Audible Plus Catalog audio books - to be added later. 
I picked the March Prime Free Read title for kindle last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I Picked one NetGalley Title:

Leila Nugget Mystery: The Case with No Clues
Dustin Brady, April Brady (Illustrations), Taylor Meskimen (Narrator)

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free
I added eight new Audible Plus titles but it is late and I will list them later/next week.

March Prime Free Read at Amazon Pick:
A Girl Called Samson: A Novel
Amy Harmon



One new title added to Kindle library.
Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 2, 2023 - Hossana!

We had a lovely and busy Palm Sunday today. After a spirit filled Sunday School and service we had a family fest for our church and community in the afternoon.

Our Sunday School teacher shared a message for Palm Sunday. He reminded us that all of the events were at God’s direction, even the roles that Satan plays. After all, God could have sent Lucifer (Satan) straight to the pit; or He could have prevented the snake (Satan) from luring Eve and Adam. Why did God allow Satan to roam free and to participate in leading to the crucifixion of Jesus? God gave man the freedom of choice. If man couldn’t experience struggle and sorrow, and couldn’t see evil, how would man know success, joy, and good? Don’t we need spiritual opposition to make us choose God?
James 1:12 tells us that trials lead to promise: “12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Holy week was a true roller coaster from the triumphant entry on Sunday to death on the cross on Friday. But, hold on, cause Sunday (when Christ is risen) is coming!

Our Service opened singing Hosanna and our young folks coming in waving palm fronds. Pastor first gave an offering message on sacrifice and giving – by Jesus Christ and by believers.

2 Samuel 24:18-25 tells how King David bought a threshing floor to set up an altar. The owner offered the place, the oxen, and supplies to the king for free. But David responded that he could not accept the items free because “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

Salvation is a free gift from Jesus, but worship has a cost. Giving ourselves, our talents, and our resources is part of our worship.

Pastor then shared the message for Palm Sunday. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Coming into the city on a horse is a picture of a triumphant king. Why did the local men allow Jesus’s disciples to take the colt for their master? Mark 11: 1-9. When we accept Christ and follow him, we live in obedience. The job description for a Christian is “listen and obey.”

In the day of Moses leading Israel from Egypt, they celebrated the Passover sacrifice to signify their freedom. At the time of Passover, Jesus is the sacrifice for our sin and all of us have sinned. We deserve the death penalty for our sin. God the Spirit convicts us.
Before his death, Jesus reveals who he is. Riding on the colt is fulfillment of prophesy found in Zechariah 9:9. The people of the day wanted Jesus to be a political savior, but he came to be a spiritual savior.

Our cry of Hosanna is another act of worship.
“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40.

We need to allow Jesus to show us who He is. The book of Revelation is not about John, but about the reconciliation through Jesus. Jesus comes running to us. We can believe that God has greater things for us as we are promised eternal life.
But He also promises good things now, not always free from trouble, but abundant living.
Today we want God to make things work for us right now. But are we ready to surrender to do the right thing? The Will of God?
Jesus is more concerned about our eternal salvation than our earthly comfort. We need to be Spirit led rather than purpose driven!

We live in the ‘now and not yet’ kingdom.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil...to give us freedom. It is true that people can be demon possessed and oppressed. But Jesus can deliver us from the devourer. Jesus can save us now. God wants us whole. God wants us free from addiction. God wants us to live in the Kingdom – the King’s Dominion. When we seek His Kingdom come and His will be done, Jesus is ready to give us a crown of glory.

I liked this song for today: A Thousand Hallelujahs.

Verses for Today:
Mark 11:1-9 NIV
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”


Jesus, my Lord. Thank you for being my Sacrifice!

 

Audible Book Review: Along Came Holly by Codi Hall

This is a fun (if steamy) romcom.

Along Came Holly
By: Codi Hall
Narrated by: Veronica Worthington , Skyler Hutchinson

Series: A Mistletoe Romance, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 11-17-22
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Romance, Contemporary
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

About This Audible Original
How can Holly Winters, the Queen of Christmas Cheer, stand to be neighbors with her town’s resident Scrooge?
Holly owns the merriest holiday shop on Main Street. But right next door is the hardware store run by Declan Gallagher, the grinchiest man in all of Mistletoe, Idaho. With Christmas fast approaching, the small-town rivals engage in an all-out prank war, sending each other not-so-friendly season’s greetings.
But when Holly’s ambitious plan to win the town’s Festival of Lights falls apart, she has no one else to call but her handy sworn-nemesis. They say Christmas is a time for miracles, after all. As Holly and Declan work together, they slowly warm up to each other. They might just end up spending Christmas Eve cuddling by the fire.
Along Came Holly is the perfect enemies-to-lovers rom-com sure to warm hearts this holiday season. Curl up with a beau and a cup of hot cocoa and listen to the latest in A Mistletoe Romance series by author Codi Hall.
©2022 Codi Gary (P)2022 Audilble Originals, LLC

Review:
Holly is one of the Winter family who are a close family who enjoy Christmas. Holly herself is ‘Queen of Christmas Cheer’ and is at odds with her shop neighbor, Declan, who is a grinch in their charming town of Mistletoe, Idaho. Holly loves to play Christmas music but Declan bangs on the wall to get her to turn it off. Annoyed by his attitude, Holly sets off a prank war with Declan giving as good as he gets.

Holly is always an active participant in the town’s Festival of Lights. This year the company that is supposed to do the set up calls out sick. No one else has time to take on the job so her last resort is to ask handy man Declan to help put up her many decorations/lights.

Declan is a man with a chip on his shoulder. His mom left when he turned 18 and Declan blames her for tearing apart the family. He loved art and planned to open a studio after college but instead returned home to manage his father’s hardware store when his father broke his hip. Now there are other reasons Declan stays but he isn’t sharing his history with anyone. When it comes to helping Holly with her lights, Declan thinks he can handle it alone. He soon realizes he really can’t manage without help.

I enjoyed the clear tension between Holly and Declan that developed into a more than a light friendship. The bantering and family relationships are fun and engaging. I didn’t necessarily care for the blatant sexual innuendos but that didn’t overcome the fun in the story. This showed as only available until 3/31 so I chose to read it even though it is book 3 in the series and clearly a Christmas story. I’m glad I listened to it and will look forward to the first two books when I’m ready for more Christmas reading. I recommend this to fans of contemporary romance.

Audio Notes: Veronica Worthington, Skyler Hutchinson do a fairly nice job rotating the narration between the primary characters. My only complaint on the narration was that the male voice was joltingly loud. This did distract a little initially, but I adjusted for it. I was still glad to listen to the audio while it was available.

Source: 12/3/2022 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.