Audible Book Review: Kindred by S.J. West

This is interesting fantasy, but a romance that drags.
Kindred
By: S.J. West
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Series: The Watcher Chronicles, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 11-01-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
In the second book of The Watcher Chronicles series, Jess finally learns where her father has been since the Tear first opened. While Mason tries to keep his distance from her, Jess continues to search for the other vessels with Chandler by her side.
This series is intended for a mature audience. Recommended for ages 17 and older due to sexual situations and adult themes.
If I were to use the movie rating system, I would rate this series an R.
©2013 S.J. West (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jess has met her father and learned more about the history and workings of the Tear. Jess is looking for more of the special guardians, like Chandler. They each have a crown, a special artifact and an angelic being who is their guide. They need to find all seven in order to have a chance to close the Tear.

Meanwhile, Jess wants to continue her growing friendship with Mason, but he is convinced that he will only put her in danger so he stays away… until he accepts that she will be in danger with or without him. Maybe he can help protect her.

I do enjoy the underlying storyline, but the romance is pervasive and just too frustrating. It detracts from the story. I’m not sure why the author says this would be rated R as there is no active sex. However, there is description of sexual abuse in the past. There is intrigue that ends this story and leads to Book 3, Oblivion. I may pick that title up in the future. Like Book 1, Broken, I recommend this to fantasy readers who like slow building romance.

Audio Notes: Brittany Pressley continues to do a nice job with the narration. I am glad I had the story on audible.

Source: May 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Nine Lives: A Lily Dale Mystery by Wendy Corsi Staub

I enjoyed this lighter mystery set in a psychic community.

Nine Lives: A Lily Dale Mystery
By: Wendy Corsi Staub
Narrated by: Melanie Ewbank

Series: Lily Dale Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs
Release date: 10-27-15
Publisher: Crooked Lane
Genre: Cozy, Mystery, Psychic, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
After the death of her husband, Bella Jordan and her son need a fresh start. But on their way to stay with family in Chicago, they stop in Lily Dale, New York, and a storm forces them to spend the night.
Brimming with kooky psychics and mediums, Lily Dale is just the kind of quirky little town Bella's late husband always talked about settling down in. So when the local hotelier, Leona, passes away, Bella agrees to step in and help temporarily. The longer she and Max stay there, the more Lily Dale starts to feel like home.
But for Bella, finding a home means finding danger, too. Leona was murdered, and it's up to Bella to track down the killer before her sanctuary comes crashing down in Staub's warm and witty new series debut.
©2015 Wendi Corsi Staub (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Bella has struggled financially after losing her husband to expensive illness and then her job. Her landlord gave her notice, so she is leaving her family home with her five year old son, Max. She isn’t happy to be headed to Chicago to stay with her unpleasant, judgmental mother-in-law. She has little money so plans to camp out each night. The first night, she sees a sign for a campground that puts her in the direction of Lily Dale, New York. A storm and broken down car have her spending the night at an inn whose owner recently died. The neighbor convinces Bella to stay on and take care of the Inn, at least until the car is fixed, although she is implying that Bella is supposed to be in Lily Dale.

Bella soon learns that the town is full of psychics and mediums who profess to speak to spirits. She isn’t quick to believe the avid seers but even her son, Max, is starting to make predictions. Bella is caught between wanting to get out of town and wanting to find a home that is positive for Max and herself. Could Lily Dale be such a home? But it seems she is in danger if she can’t figure out who killed the previous owner.

I enjoyed the quirky community of Lily Dale. Bella doesn’t’ fit in as a psychic, but she does have pretty good instincts and the place grows on her. I enjoyed Max getting to make friends and a few possible future romantic friends for Bella too. I read Wendy Staub years ago and thought that I recalled she provided sound romantic suspense. I enjoyed this lighter mystery and I plan to listen to more in the series. I recommend it to cozy mystery fans who like psychic elements.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Melanie Ewbank perfectly fine. Her voice seemed to match Bella’s character and nature. The audio made it an easy listen for me.

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

#NetGalley Book Review: Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway

This is a different mystery, sci fi mix, which I enjoyed.
Titanium Noir
by Nick Harkaway

Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 16, 2023
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Knopf (May 16, 2023)
Genre: Cyber Punk, Genetic Engineering, Mystery, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

Cal Sounder is a detective working for the police on certain very sensitive cases. So when he’s called in to investigate a homicide at a local apartment, he is surprised at first to see that the victim appears to be a rather typical, milquetoast techie. But on closer inspection, he finds the victim is over seven feet tall. And even though he doesn’t look a day over thirty, he is actually ninety years old. Clearly, he is a Titan—one of this dystopian, near-future society’s genetically-altered elites. There are only a few thousand Titans worldwide, all thanks to Stefan Tonfamecasca’s discovery of the controversial T7 genetic therapy, which elevated his family to near godlike status. A dead Titan is big news... a murdered Titan is unimaginable.
But Titans are Cal’s specialty. In fact, his ex-girlfriend, Athena, is a Titan. And not just any Titan—she’s Stefan’s daughter, heir to the Tonfamecasca empire. As Cal digs deeper into the murder investigation, he begins to unweave the complicated threads of what should have been a straightforward case, and it soon becomes clear he’s on the trail of a crime whose roots run deep into the dark heart of the world.
A virtuosic mash-up of Philip K. Dick and Raymond Chandler by way of Marvel—the story of a detective investigating the murder of a Titan, one of society’s most powerful, medically-enhanced elites, Titanium Noir is a tightly woven, intricate tale of murder, betrayal, and vengeance.

Review:
Cal is a detective with a specialty in “sensitive” cases that involve Titans. Titans are genetically altered elites who go through a process that makes them larger than normal humans. These people have enough wealth to obtain the medicine, surgery, and treatment that is necessary to survive the transition to giant status. Cal is familiar with the Titans because his ex-girlfriend, Athena is the Titan daughter of the head to the Titan’s, Stefan Tonfamescasca, who discovered the genetic therapy that allows the procedure.

It is very rare to find a dead Titan as they can usually get the treatments necessary to regenerate their bodies. So to find a murdered Titan is remarkable. Cal has been called into the investigation of a death that appears, at first, to be a suicide. But Cal isn’t so quick to accept appearances and he is prepared to dig even if it ruffles the tempers of the highest Titans. Needless to say, Cal soon finds himself facing assassination attempts.

This is a twisty, sci fi murder mystery. It is more complex and intense than a cozy mystery and took attention to follow. I liked Cal’s character with his determination and resistance to Athena’s invitations to become a Titan himself. The interesting world of the Titans and the twists of the mystery kept me glued to the story. I am impressed with the high level or writing and would be interested to read more by this author. I recommend this to readers who like an intense mystery woven with sci fi elements.

Source 3/4/2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post May 21, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 22, 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 week went pretty well. We had some closings, including the sale of my own secondary property. That has brought mixed feelings.
I don't feel like I am stressed but I am working to 7:30pm or 8pm each night. I've made a decision I need to leave before it gets dark because twice I had to wait for a rain storm or drive home in the rain and dark. That just isn't comfortable for my eyes.

Saturday this week I got up to travel an hour east to a fun 'fashion tea' at another woman's club.

Our members posed for a group picture.

When I returned home I was tired and I felt exhausted all day. I did some laundry and cleaning (sweeping all uncarpeted floors). Next I'll finish dusting and vacuum.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also praying for family and church.

We continue to have heavy thunderstorms often at the end of the work day. The forcast includes thunderstorms for the coming week. Temps will be a little cooler though, only reaching the high 80s and a nice dip at night into the low 60s.

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

I visited 14 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week: THE ARTSY READER GIRL. The first part of Jana's profile intro says: "I’m a 30-something graphic designer, MLIS, singer, book lover, avid world traveler, cat whisperer, whale watcher, and art enthusiast." And there is more! Go check out her blog.

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

• Sunday Post May 14, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 15, 2023.

• MBS April 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice; Genre: English, Historical Romance, Regency; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Broken by S.J. West; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #458 Comment Giveaway May 20, 2023. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/17/2023.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 21, 2023 - God's Choice.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Kindred
By: S.J. West
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Series: The Watcher Chronicles, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
This continued to drag the romance along. There is another new development leading to book 3 which was free but will also expire 5/23.
I may read it in the future but I didn't jump into it before the deadline.
Source: May 2023 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Wild Fire
New Frontier, Book 1
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Anthony Melchiorri
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
Series: New Frontier, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
I was hunting a post apocalyptic on an app other than Audible and found this. I enjoyed the full on action.
Source 3/23/2023 Two For One Credit Audiobooks.com.
Summary
From the embers of a burned America rises new hope … and a new threat.
Two years after an attack brought down the electrical grid across the United States, the recovery effort is well underway. A new network of armored trains carry supplies and industrial equipment crucial to rebuilding the country.
But along the rails, one area of America is still mired in darkness, violence, and danger. Some call it the Badlands. Others the Wild West. The government simply refers to it as the New Frontier.
Retired Marine Sergeant Sam “Raven” Spears makes a living tracking down people and treasures in this lawless void. When raiders target a supply train in the New Frontier, Colorado Sheriff Lindsey Plymouth asks Raven to work with ex-Navy SEAL Calvin Jackson to secure the train’s vital cargo. All is going to plan until one fateful disaster changes everything.
As the trail heats up to find those responsible, a mysterious virus starts spreading across the New Frontier. Raven soon realizes the two events might be connected.
If he doesn’t find the insidious forces behind this conspiracy, the entire country will go up in flames.
Listener Note: New Frontier is a brand-new series set in the bestselling Trackers universe by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. For listeners of Trackers, this spin-off written with Anthony J. Melchiorri takes place two years after the end of Trackers 4. While Trackers was an EMP/war story about the destruction of the power grid in America and the chaos that followed, New Frontier is a story about the aftermath. For new listeners, you can dive into New Frontier without reading the four Trackers books.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Dare to Lead
Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
By: Brené Brown
Narrated by: Brené Brown
Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
I'm listening to this about half hour to an hour a day as I need to concentrate on it.
My son recommended this and I am finding it inspirational.
Source: May 15, 2022 Audible 2 April Credit picks.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Altered Carbon
Series: #1 of Kovacs
Written by: Richard K. Morgan
Narrated by: Todd McLaren
I am committing to working on my older TBR shelves.
I am seven+ hours in and enjoying this sci fi detective story.
Source: July 2018 Audiobooks.com Bundle win through Beth Fish Reads.
Summary
In the twenty-fifth century, humankind has spread throughout the galaxy, monitored by the watchful eye of the U.N. While divisions in race, religion, and class still exist, advances in technology have redefined life itself. Now, assuming one can afford the expensive procedure, a person's consciousness can be stored in a cortical stack at the base of the brain and easily downloaded into a new body (or 'sleeve') making death nothing more than a minor blip on a screen.

Ex-U.N. envoy Takeshi Kovacs has been killed before, but his last death was particularly painful. Dispatched one hundred eighty light-years from home, re-sleeved into a body in Bay City (formerly San Francisco, now with a rusted, dilapidated Golden Gate Bridge), Kovacs is thrown into the dark heart of a shady, far-reaching conspiracy that is vicious even by the standards of a society that treats 'existence' as something that can be bought and sold. For Kovacs, the shell that blew a hole in his chest was only the beginning. . . .

'Morgan's debut novel, the first in a series, combines noir mystery with ultra-high tech science to create a complex sf thriller. Featuring a hard-nosed antihero with his own sense of personal honor and ethics, this is highly recommended for sf collections.'-Library Journal

I haven't decided on the next book, but maybe one of the new NetGalley titles.


May 21, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".
No new separate study yet.

I finished two audio titles and only posted two reviews.  I still have four reviews to post to be totally up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I now have four audios on my NetGalley shelf so I will probably listen to one this week. Two are shorter (under 6 hours) and the two new ones are midlength (11 to 20 hrs).
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.

A smaller mailbox this week.
I went to NetGalley and stopped at two new review titles for the next week or so.
I used my two credit picks at Audible.
No free Kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Two audiobooks from NetGalley (one Listen now and one Request approved):

Sci fi and Fantasy:

The Never-Ending End of the World
By: Ann Christy
Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer, Ari Fliakos
Length: 13 hrs and 19 mins

Wolves & Roses
Fairy Tales of the Magicorum
By: Christina Bauer
Narrated by: Christina Bauer
Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Won

NONE

Purchased

5/19/2023 April 2023 Audible Picks; both of these are continuing series I like.

The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set, Books 4–6
Extinction Evolution, Extinction End, and Extinction Aftermath
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
Length: 32 hrs and 54 mins

Counterstrike
Black Fleet Trilogy, Book 3
By: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Free

NONE

No new titles 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 May 21, 2023 - God's Choice

We enjoyed a lovely Sunday School and service today. Our substitute SS teacher provided a lesson from 1 Samuel 14 on Jonathan’s acknowledgment and trust in God to fight the Philistines. It also speaks to Saul’s foolishness and failures in leadership that impacted the people.

During service, we celebrated nine high school graduates. And then a fitting sermon from our youth pastor. First he noted that ‘we fight not against flesh and blood but against principalities’. Ephesians 6:12. Pastor J focused his message on this quote by missionary (martyr) Jim Elliott: God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.

Pastor J went on to tell the story of how he met his future wife 10 or so years ago. He prayed to God for a special way to propose to her. He heard God tell him (twice because he wasn’t sure the first time) to propose on the stage of Rock the Desert in front of an audience of 3,000.00. He wasn’t sure of this because his wife was shy. After God reiterated the suggestion, Pastor emailed the organization and asked if they could help him. .The event organizer took it all and hand and it happened. Pastor J trusted God’s choice and God made the arrangements. His wife realized too that God had them in his plans! Instead of choosing his own way, Pastor J chose God's way.

The supporting scripture that Pastor J used is Proverbs 3:5-6. (See below the video.)

1. Trust the Lord with all your heart.

The heart is the seat of all emotions, not just a source of life. The Lord doesn't want us to trust in our own hearts, but to trust in the Lord with all our heart. We trust when we know and believe someone loves us. No one loves you more than God.

2. Lean on God.

Lean on God, not yourself. You cannot always protect yourself or know how tosolve the problem at hand. But you can lean on God. Pastor J told of a story of a child on the ladder who trusted his spiritual leader to catch him even when he heard his voice far away across the stage. The boy fell when told to and was caught by another helper who was there at the ladder. God is always there to catch us when we fall.

3. Acknowledge God.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him.” The world wants to restrict where God is. The enemy (the devil) tells lies saying, “Oh you might go to church but surely you can have a good time in the shadows during the week.”

Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. We need to be ready to accept God’s love for us in all things.

Pastor J and his wife have suffered great loss. They have two daughters they love, but they lost two sons at ages 10 months and 8 months due to a rare genetic illness passed through sons. God has made all creation subject to Him (and the man He created). “Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them/Him”… Hebrews 2:8-9.  Jesus paid for all healing when He was raised from death. All believers, and the children, will be healed when we/they are raised from death. We just haven’t seen it yet.

Pastor J shared what his mother shared with him during his hurt: ‘We don't always understand God’s hand, but we can always trust His heart (His love for us).’

Pastor J also shared an incident from the book Miracle of Courage by Monica Dickens. An three year old boy had to go through the extreme pain of a spinal tap. The mother explained that the doctor would have to hurt him in hopes of helping him. When the procedure was finished, the boy looked at the doctor and said, “Thank you for my hurting.”

Remember: God is good. We can trust who He is.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

We can (and should) pray: “God, help me to know how much you love me.”

Oh boy- What do you think about this song to fit today? Close.

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Lord, I do pray for you to give me wisdom and help me to trust you and to choose Your Way!