Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB #459: Marjorie asked: Do you have a favourite television show that you enjoy watching?? Here were the responses:
Marjorie likes Seinfield reruns, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, and Alone.
Fredamansis a Real Housewifes Junkie!
Elaine G doesn't use a book light.
Ashfa hardly watches TV anymore.
And I am watching news, Blacklist, and NCIS.
The Winner from SBB #459 comments is #2 FREDAMANS. Please let me know your choice by completing theWINNER FORM.
I have chosen to conclude this meme. I've had five (5) or fewer responses since January. Thank you all for participating! I will be emailing everyone over the next week or so with the win numbers to send out PayPal or Gift Cards. Please watch for the emails and respond. Or feel free to email me directly.
This crime thriller has good twists. If Angels Fall
By: Rick Mofina
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Series: Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski, Book 1
Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 12-22-15
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Crime Fiction, Suspense My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
Review:
Tom Reed’s was once a star crime reporter. But a year or so ago his aggressive approach resulted in a potential child killer committing suicide. This event tumbled his career and sent him to the bottle causing the further deterioration of his marriage and his work. Now Tom is trying to report on a new round of child kidnappings.
Meanwhile the head detective on the case is homicide inspector Walt Sydowski who struggles with the fact that he wasn’t able to save the child a year before. The current case isn’t a homicide yet but the authorities recognize he may have some additional insight from his previous investigations. Sydowski and Reed were friends before Reed crossed the line. Now they are a bit standoffish. When Reed has additional information and suspicions, he is reluctant to take them to Sydowski.
The reader/listener is also offered a few of the gritty villain. There is a good progression from his traumatic event, through his continued pain, to his twisted plan. It is creepy and had me routing for Sydowski and Reed.
After a slower start, the story proceeds with good pacing and building tension. I enjoyed the police procedures and the twist in events that brings the story rushing to a suspenseful conclusion. I will be glad to read more by Mr. Mofina and I recommend this to fans of intense crime thrillers.
Audio Notes: Christian Rummel is the voice of another series that I love (D.J. Molles sci fi). I had a few moments of surprise hearing his voice in a different genre. Then I was pleased to hear his distinct voices for the characters and the spot-on emotional input for the story.
Source: July 2023 started as Audible Plus (finished at $1.99). This qualifies for 2023Audiobook goal.
I liked the arguments but this might be a book that is better in print, although even then I think it will be dry.
Evolution Impossible
12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth
By: Dr. John F. Ashton
Narrated by: John McLain
Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 03-14-17
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Apologetics, Nonfiction, Spirituality My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0
Review:
The author presents one theory after another that purports to support evolution. He then proceeds to debunk the evolutionary arguments, explaining why it has no factual proof or how the supposed scientific support falls short. There is no transition evidence, no mutation evidence, and no fossil evidence that supports the theory of evolution. There also are proven errors in age dating.
I have read numerous works favoring creation or debunking evolution and even taught on creation at church many years ago (in the 1980s). Clearly, I already believe these arguments against evolution, but I do like to read current works since there is always new material, including archeological findings that support the Bible, and studies that support the theory of a young earth.
I enjoyed the author’s topics but found the work to be dry, like a school treatise. This lessened my enjoyment, and I was disappointed since the cover made it look like it would be more engaging. One of the later chapters shares scholarly scientists who support the theory of creation rather than the theory of evolution. This is a lot of listing references. I noted there are many reviews that reject the arguments, but they are not open-minded. I do recommend this be read with an open mind.
Audio Notes: John McLain does a good job on the narration. He provides a clear performance with energy which tries to add to the dry nature of the material. After thinking more about this, I think I am glad I listened to this.
Source: September 2022 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook and Nonfiction goals.
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 a quiet Fourth at home, watching fireworks on the TV. I am working at the office and coming home to work some more. I will talk to two new potential workers this week. That is to fill staff and doesn't relieve me from the legal tasks.
Saturday I was planning to do computer work but I ended up cooking in the morning. First croissants, four regular and four with Brie Cheese; then I added sour cherry jam. After brunch I made oatmeal cookies.
At dinner I heated some hot dogs in the air fryer and used croissants as buns.
My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prays for family and church.
I didn't notice the heat while I was in the AC last week. This coming week will be hot again in at least mid 90s each day.
I finished three audios this past week but only posted two reviews and my memes.
I visited 14 blogs last week. Shout out this week: LIBRARY MATTERS. Cherie has a lovely Free Verse Friday Post I recommend checking out!
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.
ANG2023: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Leila Nugget Mystery: The Case with No Clues by Deserae Brady, Dustin Brady; Genre: Children’s, Chapter Book, Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb; Genre: Action & Adventure, Coming of Age, Epic Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
Evolution Impossible
12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth
By: Dr. John F. Ashton
Narrated by: John McLain
Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins I liked the arguments but this might be a book that is better in print, although even then it will be dry.
Source: September 2022 Audible Plus. Click on book title for full description.
2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
If Angels Fall
By: Rick Mofina
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Series: Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski, Book 1
Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins This is a crime fiction author I have eyed for a while. It has good twists. Click on book title for full description.
3. NetGalley App Smartphone (A2023)
Flop Dead Gorgeous: An Andy Carpenter Mystery
By David Rosenfelt
Narrator: Grover Gardner
Length: 6hr 43min This is another good Andy Carpenter legal thriller that was a quick listen.
Source: June 2023 NetGalley. Click on book title for full description..
The Poisoned Princess: Warders Book 1
by Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michele Babb
Length: 6hr 16 min The narrator offered this and I enjoy the author and narrator. Source: July 8 Audio Code for Spotify from Narrator.
Forced to leave the elven forest because of his barbarian heritage, half-elven Toran finds work in a rundown tavern in Eridan’s thieves’ quarter. Combining his keen elven senses and barbarian battle skills, he thwarts an assassination attempt on a visiting princess and earns an invitation to join the secret protectors of Eridan, known as the Warders.
I think I know what I will choose next but I'll wait till I get there. :-) July 9, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan:The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". Now the readings have moved into Lamentations.
I have enjoyed the seven day study titled I Witnessed It.
I finished three audio titles and posted two reviews. I have the three current reviews due and one I am holding. I have written the review for Never
Ending End of the World but thought I would save it for a few weeks to be closer to the
release date.
NETGALLEY STATUS-- I have one newer audio and an older one on my 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. One review audio title from the narrator. I bought one Audible and three audios from Chirp. I got another six new audios from Audible Plus this past week.
No free Kindle title last week. Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
Royal Assassin, Farseer Book 2
Written by Robin Hobb
Narrated by Paul Boehmer
Run Time: 29h 18min
($2.99) Continuing the series after I enjoyed book 1.
A Cornish Summer's Kiss
Written by Jo Bartlett
Narrated by Emma Powell
Run Time: 5h 20min
($1.99) This looked like a fun romance.
Free
July 5 through July 8 Free on Audible Plus:
A Different Mirror
A History of Multicultural America
By: Ronald Takaki
Narrated by: Peter Berkrot
Length: 18 hrs and 35 mins
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
By: L. Frank Baum, Paul Magrs - adaption
Narrated by: Jim Broadbent, Lydia West
Series: Oz , Book 1, Dramatized Adaptation
Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins
Assassin's Creed: Gold: An Audible Original Drama
By: Anthony Del Col
Narrated by: Riz Ahmed, John Chancer, Ray Fearon, Anthony Head, Tamara Lawrance, Gemma Lawrence, Danny Wallace
Series: Assassin's Creed
Length: 4 hrs and 40 mins
Locke & Key
By: Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez
Narrated by: Haley Joel Osment, Tatiana Maslany, Kate Mulgrew, full cast
Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
Our Sunday School lesson continued in James 1:16-18 with the message that Grace is connected to temptation; it is a good and perfect gift. Grace needed for sin. Gods unmerited favor is a higher level than forgiveness and mercy. Christ is the vehicle of that grace. Through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, death is swallowed by triumphant life. Sin, guilt, and death are gone. Romans 5:20-21. God sees us cleansed and as righteous with our final right standing to be revealed in our eternal lives.
We celebrated communion, remembering the sacrifice of Christ through the symbolism of the body (bread) and blood (wine/juice). We also celebrated our Pastor’s first year anniversary.
Pastor’s message was from 1 John 4:1-4, titled “Our Great God”. We are involved in spiritual warfare in this world. We have to test the spirits and teaching of any who present them as speaking for God.
Don't be misled by a charismatic person. Instead, ask if their message brings conviction. Preaching is sometimes a hard word in today’s worldly culture. Revelation 2:20-23. The church of Thyatira was scolded for tolerating the teachings of Jezebel instead of following God. [Note messages to the other churches also talk about false teachings. Revelation 2:2 and 2:14-15.]
Compare the acts and teachings of leaders and preachers to determine if it is consistent with the Biblical true. Does the teaching confess that Jesus is from God. Does it acknowledge our personal relationship with God?
We must discern what is of God. Antichrist has been in the world since the days that Adam and Eve were misled. We each must grow in faith by reading the Word daily.
Don't be deceived. “Feelings” are not reliable for decision making. There is a truth to stand on.
Once a believer has accepted Christ as his or her savior, the God dwells in that believer. ‘Dear children you are from God and have overcome’ the spirits of the world. ‘He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’ 1 John 4:4.
No weapon formed against you can prosper. Don't compromise. Truth has not changed. Be biblically true rather than culturally correct. Anchor yourself in the Word, and be in a church that teaches Biblical truth.
We become Godly temples and must resist the upside-down teachings of the world.
I like this song for today:
Verses for Today:
1 John 4:1-4 NIV
On Denying the Incarnation 4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
God my Father, Christ my Savior, Spirit my Guide, please keep me on your path and protect me from being deceived by the antichrist spirits of the world.
