Audible Book Review: To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

This is a lovely, character driven Civil War romance and I will get more books by this author.
To Whisper Her Name
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Series: A Belle Meade Plantation Novel, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 11-30-12
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Civil War, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
From best-selling author Tamera Alexander comes an exquisite historical novel set against the real history of Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, that explores the struggles of real people of the post-war South and the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.
Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Hardings’ head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth’s husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.
Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn “the gift” that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.
As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for fighting against the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.
…
This inspirational historical romance can be listened to as a stand-alone novel or enjoyed as the first audiobook in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series.
Audiobook length: approximately 125K words. Includes discussion questions for book clubs and a note from the author.
©2012 Tamera Alexander (P)2012 Zondervan

Review:
Olivia is a proper Southern lady whose marriage was arranged for her by her father. She soon learned that her husband was not the Southern Gentleman that he pretended to be. But she had no idea of the actions he was taking that resulted in him being executed as a traitor to the South. She now bears the stigma that leads to her being shunned by proper society. Fortunately, she is taken in by an “aunt”, Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. She thought she would help the household as head housekeeper but instead, Confederate General William Giles Harding was willing to allow her to stay only in a different capacity. Olivia is willing to take on the alternate duties but knows that the position is likely to be temporary and that the General has other plans to direct her remarriage.

Ridley Adam Cooper is a man from South Carolina who choose to fight for the Union. He has dreams to develop land as a homesteader in Colorado. But before he goes further west, he is seeking to learn about horse training from Bob Green, a former slave and the head trainer at Belle Meade. Ridley and Bob ‘met’ during the war but must keep that a secret. General Harding would never allow a Union soldier to work with his horses and would most likely put Bob out for the secret he has harbored and for being willing to help Ridley.

Although Ridley doesn’t have the same touch and patience as Bob, he does have a knack for handling the ranch hands. He soon gains respect from all but the most disgruntled of the men and General Harding promotes him to foreman.

Ridley stumbled upon Olivia the first day they arrived at the Plantation. She had been trapped in an overturned carriage and he rescued her in spite of her protests. He was kind even as she was bristly. As the days go by, Ridley and Olivia realize that they have a common position as wounded outsiders. Slowly a friendship and warmer feelings develop although Olivia plans to remain in Tennessee and Ridley is set on going west.

Olivia’s character grew in strength and confidence as Ridley baited her and encouraged her. I liked both of these main characters and was rooting for them to work things out. Bob Green is another wonderful character, and the members of the Harding family are well developed and fitting characters of the era. There is excellent historical detail of the black community on the plantation, including struggles to open freedmen schools. They are welcoming to Ridley and Olivia but there is still clear prejudice, anger and disdain shown by the General and his friends.

I enjoyed the faith aspect to the story that is lightly developed and embraced. I will seek more books from this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Civil War stories and sweet romance.

Audio Notes: Tavia Gilbert does a beautiful job with the narration. She conveys the personalities of the characters and provides the appropriate energy. I enjoyed the audio experience. CAVEAT – The prologue is an important element of the book but was left out of the audio. It can be read through the “Look Inside” Kindle format.

Source: February 2018 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post April 16, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 17, 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.

Our new employee is doing very well and brings a positive attitude to the office.
Heather seems to be doing much better this week. The ob/gyn has suggested some changes in medication and a review in a month or so after some testings.

Our GFWC Marianna Woman's Club got to usher at 75 Years of Chipola Music at our local college theater at the end of the week. It was a great program with several of my church family, including our pastor, joining in the Alumni Choir.
(I'm third from left (at the table) with glasses on my short hair.)

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival.
I am still praying for God's clear direction on the business end.

We had several storms last week but otherwise the weather seemed good. (I was inside a lot so maybe didn't notice so much.) The temps this week are predicted to be pretty nice: low at night 44; high during day 87.

I finished two audios this past week and posted three reviews, a Tour feature, and my memes.

I visited only 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to THE EDGE OF PRECIPICE. Rachel is "passionate about books and movies" (and married to a cowboy!

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

• Sunday Post April 9, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 10, 2023.

• IRead BookTours - The Registration.
  

• ATour2023: IRead Book Tour Audio Book Review: The Registration by Madison Lawson; Genre: Dystopian, Psychological; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Purgatory's Shore, Artillerymen, Book 1 by Taylor Anderson; Genre: Alternate History, Military History; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• Author2023: Book Review: The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It? by Joshua J. Watson; Genre:Eschatology, Christian Prophesy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #457 Comment Giveaway April 15, 2023. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/20/2023.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 16, 2023 - A Spiritual House.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

To Whisper Her Name
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Series: A Belle Meade Plantation Novel, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins
This is a  lovely, character driven Civil War romance and I will get more books by this author.
Source: February 2018 Audible Sale $5.95.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Werewolf Cop
By: Andrew Klavan Narrated
by: Andrew Klavan
Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 03-24-15
This is a dark story but has a positive ending.
Source: 10/31/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Renegades
Expeditionary Force, Book 7
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
I enjoy this series with the snarky AI and the pirate crew who manage to pull off miracles. I have less than 6 hours left.
Source: 7/31/2022 July Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
Includes special bonus note from the author.
©2018 Craig Alanson (P)2019 Podium Publishing

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Fifth Victim
The Cherokee Pointe Series, Book 1
By: Beverly Barton
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
I thought a romantic suspense would be good and it is a number title.
Source: 6/10/2021 Free from Audible Plus.
Publisher's Summary
Some things shouldn't be seen....
Cherokee Pointe, Tennessee. Deep in the Smoky Mountains, the victim lies, sacrificed on a makeshift altar - the gruesome work of a killer who has evaded the authorities in state after state. FBI agent Dallas Sloan knows the scene all too well - just as he knows the killings won't stop until there are four more bodies.
Some warnings won't be heeded....
Genny Madoc's "sixth sense" has brought many of Cherokee Pointe's residents to her isolated log cabin, looking for help. But now it's Genny who needs help from the disturbing visions she sees - images that are getting stronger and more violent day by day.
Some fears can't be stopped....
Thrown together by necessity, drawn to each other by desire, Dallas and Genny must band together, searching the darkest heart of a town's hidden secrets before a twisted killer can complete a sinister plan that will make one of them the fifth victim.
©2018 Beverly Barton (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

I will get to a third book and I will decide when I get there.

April 16, 2023 - I continue to enjoy another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".
I didn't do an extra study last week. I hope to select one this week. Maybe a NetGalley title.

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

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have two audio and one newer ebook on my NetGalley shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer. (I need to look back and see which one this is.)
(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 review titles and no wins last week.
I picked one free Audible Plus Catalog audio book.
I got one free Kindle title last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

4/16/2023 Selected two Audible Credit picks for March.
The first sounds like fun and the second is a series continuance. I like both authors.

The Wizard's Butler
The Wizard's Butler, Book 1
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Cold as Hell
Black Badge Series, Book 1
By: Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle
Narrated by: Roger Clark
Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Free

4/11/2023 Audible Plus Catalog

Plays Well with Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong
By: Eric Barker
Narrated by: Roger Wayne
Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins

4/10/2023 Free Kindle (from author newsletter):

Finding his Heart's Destination: A Historical Western Romance Book
Aurora Hanson




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 16, 2023 - A Spiritual House

I was a little slow this morning so I missed Sunday School. The only plus was I was early for church and got to greet many people.

Pastor finished up the sermon series started before Easter. The scripture was 1 Peter 2:1-6.
Sometimes independent people say they want “nothing to master me or control my life”. And sometimes God is speaking to us and we aren't listening. The question is whether we are willing to listen and allow God to guide our lives.

As a new baby longs for milk, so we should long for the things of God. 1 Peter 2:2. Each believer is a part of God's kingdom and church; part of the body of Christ. Once we accept Christ, we enter a building process. God is building a place for himself. He is weeding out the bad characteristics.

Our lives should change as we experience God. A person who must yield when they come to Jesus. It is more than a decision, it is an experience. There is a new beginning as the new believer is made new. Jesus works a transformation, from inside out. To be transformed, you must allow Christ control of your life.

The believer becomes a living stone. There will always be some people who will reject God. But Jesus is precious. He is worthy to be worshiped. To follow Jesus, He must become the centerpiece of our life.

The living stone will allow God to build a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5. God specializes in breathing life into death. It is essential to let God be the builder. As the contractor works with supplies, it isn’t enough just to buy the materials. The raw material needs to be cut and fit into the planned design. Each person is the equivalent of just a 2 x 4.

The destiny of a Christian is to live a life for God, not be the most popular on the Internet. It is not really important to get the credit as the credit really belongs to God. Do we let God direct our service?

God is building a Holy Church, a Holy people. We each should be seeking holiness, not worldliness. God created you to worship, to glorify Him. We each are to give spiritual sacrifice. 1 Peter:2:5. When we recognize that we are not satisfied to be on our own, then we become willing to sacrifice to be part of His Kingdom. Our Pastor had to lay down music to be what God wanted him to be – a preacher and a teacher.

Some people are looking for a church where they want to be instead of letting God use them where He wants them to fit. The Body of Christ needs each part. Are we willing to allow God to fit us where he wants us? Are we willing to be built into a spiritual house?

I found this song and think it is wonderful for today’s message. First Things First.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 2:1-6 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.
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”


Lord, I pray that You remain the center of my life and fit me, use me, where You want me. You are worthy of my humble sacrifice.

Sharing Beyond Books #457 Comment Giveaway April 15, 2023

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB #456: Miki asked: Do you want goodies (mug, pillow, etc?) from your favourite series or do you prefer when author sticks to books only??
Here were the responses:

Kristin likes swag, favorite fuzzy socks.
Marjorie likes books with bookmark.
Fredamans prefers books only; she doesn't buy literature merchandise.
Elaine likes swag; her niece collects and buys art and boxes of favorite authors.
Anonymous would like bookish subscriptions but doesn't live in US. She would like T-shirts or a scarf of her favorite series.
My reply is in the original post. (I'm giving away most swag I've gotten over the years other than special bookmarks or a handmade gift.)

The Winner from SBB #456 comments is #1 KRISTIN who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the (outdated) ARC/Review titles or Love and Christmas titles OR pick a book from the prior Friday Pick List - all linked near the end of the post. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #457

(One Question.)

BN100 asks: What do you think is too much to pay for an ebook (depending on number of pages)? For example, saw an author price a 32 page ebook for $10.

I have to note that I am much more apt to buy audiobooks than print or ebooks. I rarely even pay $.99 for an ebook although I sometimes pay $1.99 or even up to $4.99 so I can get the matching audiobook at a discounted price.  If the audiobook is $7.99, I am still paying $9.98 or $12.98 for both formats.

Image found at Self Publishing Lab.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them.
April question was provided by BN100 who gets a half book credit and can pick from the last Friday Pick List .

Your turn to share. BN100 asks: What do you think is too much to pay for an ebook (depending on number of pages)? For example, saw an author price a 32 page ebook for $10.
SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles and from the prior Friday Pick List .

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
The deadline is a month, until May 20, 2023.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It? by Joshua J. Watson

I like to study End Times and appreciated reading these arguments in support of Pre-Tribulational Rapture.

The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It?
by Joshua J. Watson

Publication date‏ : ‎ October 30, 2022
Genre: Eschatology, Christian Prophesy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

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.

Review:
This treatise reads easily and quickly. There are 23 specific chapters all of which present strong, persuasive arguments that speak against a Post-Tribulational Rapture, and particularly favor a Pre-Tribulational Rapture. There are several sections I particularly liked. I don’t recall having seen the description of The 7 Feasts in other works and the chapter on The Departure presents another good argument. Also, I liked the discussion on the source of the word “Rapture”.

I do agree that the catching away or Rapture of the Church occurs as a separate event before the Return of Christ to set up His kingdom on earth, which occurs after the Tribulation events. I am still undecided as to whether the Rapture occurs Pre-Tribulation but I do believe it is, at the latest, Pre-Wrath. I totally like the reassurance of the arguments wrapped up in Mr. Watson’s Conclusion which give hope to all believers.

The book is not flashy in format and I felt there was a little bit of repetition. But these issues really didn't distract considering the shortness of the book and the very clear explanation of the arguments in each chapter. I recommend this book to anyone interested in discussions of the Church (believers) Rapture.

Source: March 2023 Author supplied PDF. This qualifies for 2023Author Review goal.