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

We celebrated my assistant's last day on Friday as she is heading out to start law school in August! She will be working online for the next few weeks and limited hours after school starts. She has been an important part of the office for 7 years and we will miss her!

Above is the office crew,
And below is the cake!

I am volunteering at our church VBS (Vacation Bible School) from 4-8pm Sunday through Thursday. I think I will be tired this week! I'll share some photos of this next week.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. There seem to be many things to pray for from mass shootings to floods. We are also continuing prays for family and church.

The temps were hot but not as hot as out west. We did have several bad storms that scared my dogs a bit. We are expecting temps in mid 90s again plus more storms.

I finished three audios and posted two reviews and my memes.

I visited 14 blogs again last week.
No Shout out this week. I'm late to get this posted and I'm tired so I'll pass on posting this tonight.

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

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

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Evolution Impossible by Dr. John F. Ashton; Genre: Apologetics, Nonfiction, Spirituality; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0

• A2023: Audible Book Review: If Angels Fall by Rick Mofina; Genre: Crime Fiction, Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books FINAL POST.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 16, 2023 - Our Great God!

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Age of Embers (A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller)
The Age of Embers, Book 1
By: Ryan Schow
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins
This is a good action, post apocalyptic title.
Source: 12/17/2020 Audible Sale – $5.00.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Murderer's Son
A Jackman and Evans Thriller
By: Joy Ellis
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
Series: Jackman & Evans (Published Order), Book 1, Jackman & Evans (Recommended Listening Order), Book 2
Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
I saw this title which is free but only to 7/28/2023. It is a good thriller.
Source: August 2022 Audible Plus.
Publisher's Summary
Twenty years ago: a farmer and his wife are cut to pieces by a ruthless serial killer.
Now: a woman is viciously stabbed to death in the upmarket kitchen of her beautiful house on the edge of the marshes.
Then a man called Daniel Kinder walks into Saltern police station and confesses to the murder.
But DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans of the Fenland Constabulary soon discover that there is a lot more to Daniel than meets the eye. He has no memory of the first five years of his life and has a rather unusual obsession with his mother....
Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you gripped until the shocking ending.
©2016 Joy Ellis (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

3. Spotify App Smartphone (A2023)

The Poisoned Princess: Warders Book 1
by Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michele Babb
Length: 6hr 16 min
I enjoyed this creative story.
Source: July 8 Audio Code for Spotify from Narrator.

NOTE: CamCat, the publishers of the Misaligned series by the same author, are doing a serialized podcast of Michele Babb's production of Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman.  If you want to live the adventures of Penny, Duncan and Simon (everyone's FAVORITE Cait Sith), be sure to check it out!

The plan is that they will play six daily installments, and then an interview with the author and some other commentary. After they've played the last installment, they will take down the last 3 or 4 installments, leaving the beginning up as a teaser.

You can listen at www.camcatunwrapped.comwhere you can find all their available episodes and the listening platforms they are on (such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and other major streaming sites). Or, you can listen on their YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@camcatunwrapped

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Perestroika in Paris
By: Jane Smiley
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
I chose this story for the #parisinjuly2023 event.
It's sweet but I fear it is going to be longer than I need.
Source: 4/5/2021 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Publisher's Summary
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Thousand Acres and the New York Times best-selling Last Hundred Years Trilogy, a captivating, brilliantly imaginative story of three extraordinary animals - and a young boy - whose lives intersect in Paris.
Paras, short for "Perestroika", is a spirited racehorse at a racetrack west of Paris. One afternoon at dusk, she finds the door of her stall open and - she's a curious filly - wanders all the way to the City of Light. She's dazzled and often mystified by the sights, sounds, and smells around her, but she isn't afraid. Soon she meets an elegant dog, a German shorthair pointer named Frida, who knows how to get by without attracting the attention of suspicious Parisians.
Paras and Frida coexist for a time in the city's lush green spaces, nourished by Frida's strategic trips to the vegetable market. They keep company with two irrepressible ducks and an opinionated raven. But then Paras meets a human boy, Etienne, and discovers a new, otherworldly part of Paris: the ivy-walled house where the boy and his nearly 100-year-old great-grandmother live in seclusion. As the cold weather and Christmas near, the unlikeliest of friendships bloom. But how long can a runaway horse stay undiscovered in Paris? How long can a boy keep her hidden and all to himself?
Jane Smiley's beguiling new novel is itself an adventure that celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, and the desire of all creatures for true love and freedom.
©2020 Jane Smiley (P)2020 Recorded Books

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Mountain Man
By: Keith C. Blackmore
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Mountain Man, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
I wanted something easy to listen to this week.
Source: January 2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
A man must survive the zombie apocalypse armed with only a shotgun, a Samurai bat, and the will to live among the unliving in this horror series debut.
It’s been two years since civilization ended in an unstoppable wave of chaos and blood. Now, former house painter Augustus “Gus” Berry lives a day-to-day existence of waking up, getting drunk, and preparing for the inevitable moment when “they” will come up the side of his mountain and penetrate his fortress.
Living on the outskirts of Annapolis, Gus goes scavenging for whatever supplies remain in the undead suburbia below. Every time he descends the mountain could be his last. But when Gus encounters another survivor, he soon realizes the zombie horde may not be the greatest threat he faces . . .
©2012 Keith C. Blackmore (P)2014 Podium Publishing

I don't really know what I will choose next.

July 16, 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 Ezekiel.

I finished three audio titles and posted two reviews. I have the four reviews to post 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.

No new review title this week.
I'll be making my 2 June Audible selections this coming week.
I selected three new audios from Audible Plus this past week.
No free Kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Week of July 9-16 Audible Plus Titles:

Beaks, Bones and Bird Songs: How the Struggle for Survival Has Shaped Birds and Their Behavior
By: Roger Lederer
Narrated by: Charles Constant
Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Rekindled
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrated by: Barbara McCulloh
Series: Fountain Creek Chronicles , Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

Between Jobs: City Between Series, Book 1
By: W.R. Gingell
Narrated by: Zehra Jane Naqvi
Series: City Between Series , Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins


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 July 16, 2023 - The Right Priorities

Our Sunday School teacher continued the study in James with James 1:19-21. James was telling the people to seek wisdom from God and to control temptations. In this morning’s verses the message is to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Anger operates similar to an uncontrolled fire which is destructive, or a controlled fire which can provide maintenance.

Anger is natural, but people need to find a positive way to express their anger. There is too much anger present in our society today. Human anger doesn't produce justice. Righteous anger produces just action. Stay in your lane. Exercise Control.

Today’s sermon was based on Matthew 6:33 and could be titled “The Right Priorities”. Matthew 6:25-33.

Even if we don't plan it, we all have priorities. Pastor reminded us of the movie Up where the dog, Dug, would be totally distracted by the squirrel. Believers shouldn't be distracted by the things of the world.
Believers need to be eternally minded. Matthew 6:19-21.

God knows what we have need of. He takes care of the plants and birds who do what they are designed to do. He will take care of His people, but we too need to do our work. Matthew 6:25-32.

Sometimes we say I need something when it's really a want. Believers should not be preoccupied with earthly matters. “Your Will be done” is the first thing we are told to pray after recognizing God as our father who is entitled to worship. Matthew 6:5-15.

We need to seek His Kingdom, Peace, and Joy. We get entangled with things of the world that take our attention. But if we seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, then everything else will follow. Seeking God is putting emphasis on the right relationship. Asking “God lead me”.
Seek peace by being in right relationship.
Seek joy though the Holy Spirit.

Make God’s Kingdom a priority and blessings follow. God provides for and rewards his followers. Submit to God and let the “Main thing be the main thing.”

This song came to mind right away: First Thing First:

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.


Lord, Help me submit to You, to Seek You and Your Kingdom!

Sharing Beyond Books FINAL POST

Saying Goodbye to Sharing Beyond Books.

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 the WINNER 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.

Stay Well!

Audible Book Review: If Angesl Fall by Rick Mofina

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.

Publisher's Summary
Tom Reed is a crime reporter with The San Francisco Star whose superb journalistic skills earned him a Pulitzer nomination. But years later Reed's life is coming apart. His editor wants him fired. His wife has left him to wrestle with his demons. Alone, Reed is tormented by the fear he may have caused the suicide of an innocent man suspected of murdering a two-year-old girl.
Reed's friend on the case is legendary San Francisco homicide inspector Walt Sydowski, who has one of California's highest clearance rates. He is also a lonely widower haunted by the fact he cannot solve the girl's heartbreaking death. Both men grapple with the past while they race the clock to learn the truth behind several new abductions that have anguished the Bay Area in this acclaimed thriller set in the late 1990s.
©2000, 2013 Rick Mofina (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

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.

Audible Book Review: Evolution Impossible by Dr. John F. Ashton

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

Publisher's Summary
One of the most compelling and authoritative rebuttals of evolution today, Evolution Impossible shows listeners how fossils are evidence of extinction, not evolution; why mutations never produce new genetic information; how the lack of transitional fossils undermines secular timelines; and why living cells and new classes of organisms don't form by chance.
Using recent discoveries in genetics, biochemistry, geology, radiometric dating, and other scientific disciplines, Dr. Ashton explains chapter by chapter in straightforward language 12 compelling reasons why Darwin's theory of evolution is just a myth.
Taking the evidence refuting evolution to a new level with a wide-ranging analysis, this is a must-listen book for all students, Christian educators, scientists, and anyone eager to defend a biblical worldview.
©2017 Dr. John F. Ashton (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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.