Audible Book Review: A Springtime to Remember by Lucy Coleman

This is a nice romance, rich on description of the gardens at Versailles.
A Springtime to Remember
By: Lucy Coleman
Narrated by: Lucy Scott

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 12-26-19
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Family Life, Romance, Women’s Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
Paris and the Palace of Versailles have always meant a lot to TV producer Lexie. Her grandma Viv spent a year there, but her adventures and memories were never discussed, and Lexie has long wondered why they were a family secret.
When work presents the perfect excuse to spend springtime in Versailles, Lexie delves into Viv’s old diaries and scrapbooks, and with the help of handsome interpreter Ronan, she is soon learning more about the characters that tend to the magnificent gardens, now and in the past.
In amongst the beauty and splendour of the French countryside, a story of lost love, rivalry and tragedy unfolds. Can Lexie and Ronan right the wrongs of the past, and will France play its tricks on them both before Lexie has to go home? Will this truly be a springtime to remember?
Let Lucy Coleman sweep you away with this perfect feel-good love story. Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Sue Moorcroft and Heidi Swain.
©2019 Lucy Coleman (P)2019 Boldwood Books

Review:
Lexie is thrilled to have the chance to do a production at the Palace of Versailles. Her grandmother spent a year working in the gardens there before coming home to marry the love of her life. Lexie and her camera partner, Elliot, decide to work on a miniseries themselves which they will then market. That puts them on a tight budget and time schedule, but they are convinced it is well worth it.

Lexie meets handsome interpreter, Ronan, who has done several research projects on Versailles. When Elliot has to take an emergency trip home, Ronan is able to step in as the photographer. The two grow close as they work together on the project, but they are also working on the mystery of Lexie’s grandmother’s year at the gardens. Lexie’s mother sent her a package of her grandmother’s journals which are leading to the possibility of an old romance.

I admit I wasn’t overwhelmed by the characters, but I did enjoy the details about the gardens and the budget difficulties the palace went through. There are a few twists in the history and interaction of the characters. The romance and light mystery make this an easy listen. I recommend this to fans of light romance and Paris settings.

Audio Notes: Lucy Scott does a nice job with the narration. The voices and energy are clear. This was only available through 8/10/23 so I am glad I had the chance to listen.

Source: 12/9/2022 from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post August 13, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 14, 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 spent my week playing "catch up" of course. And I had a low grade fever the end of the week getting to 100.6 on Saturday. No fever Sunday morning so hopefully that is done now.
I have plenty of pictures to share of our time together. I got plenty of walking steps in (not just in the airports).

Here are family shots from our lunch at Fritz' where they deliver the food basket by train!
It was fun and the food was good.

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.

We are still having very hot weather and I am glad to work indoors. The highs this coming week are supposed to be in the mid 90s again with heat warnings already being issued.

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

I visited 14 blogs last week.
No shout out this week. I had a visitor today so I am late finishing my post.

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

• Sunday Post August 6, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 7, 2023.

• MBS July 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.

• NG2023: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: For the Loot, Goblin Mode, Book 1 by Han Yang and Pearce Adams; Genre:Fantasy, GameLit, LitRPG; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75 (due to language); Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: 1984: New Classic Edition by George Orwell; Genre: Classic, Dystopian, Literary Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 13, 2023 - Dealing With Absalom.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

A Springtime to Remember
By: Lucy Coleman
Narrated by: Lucy Scott
Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
This is a nice romance, rich on description of the gardens at Versailles.
Source: 12/9/2022 from Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (A2023)

The Summer House
By: James Patterson, Brendan DuBois
Narrated by: Ari Fliakos
Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
I was totally drawn in by this crime/police procedural!
Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Black Sheep
A Space Opera Adventure (Flight of the Javelin, Book 1)
By: Rachel Aukes
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 06-16-20
This was a satisfactory sci fi if not overwhelming. 
Source: 12/27/2020 Audible Two for One Credit Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Ranch (A Legacy of Violence)
The Legacy Series, Book 2
By: Sean Liscom
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
I was in the mood for action and I chose a continuing series.
Source: 3/3/22 Audible Sale $3.74 (Regular Price: $24.95).
Publisher's summary
Post-Apocalyptic Fiction by Sean Liscom
Jason Sterling had a simple life by all accounts. He had worked the same job his entire adult life, he had never married and he had no children. He was used to doing things on his own. His comfortable life was shaken to the core the day he learned of his fathers death. It was a mysterious meeting that set life altering events in motion and the allure of a new life was too great to walk away from. When an Electromagnetic Pulse brings the modern world to its knees, Jason's choice proves to be the right one.
Excerpt:
“I’d tell you boy’s good luck but you’re going to need a whole lot more than that. Divine intervention maybe. Stack your magazines deep, keep your powder dry and be ready to fight the devil himself,” It abruptly ended there. “What the hell?” I said looking up at my brother. That's what my father wrote in his journal. It was ominous, sinister, menacing.... All the words that raced through my mind when I read it. No matter which word I chose to use, they all meant the same thing. Something bad was on the horizon.
©2019 Sean Liscom (P)2020 Creative Texts Publishers, LLC

I have not decided which book is next. I have several in mind.


August 13, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". Reading last week was in Ezra and now starting Nehimiah.

I finished three audio titles and posted two reviews. I am up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I still have three new audios 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.
 

I received no review titles this week.
I selected three free audios from Audible Plus Catalog.
I will be picking my July 2 Credits at Audible this week.
I got no free Kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

August 6- 13 Three Titles from Audible Plus Catalog.

Love Potion for the Alpha
By: Alice Coldbreath
Narrated by: Victoria Aston
Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

And Then She Vanished
Joseph Bridgeman, Book 1
By: Nick Jones
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Legend of Tal
Volume I: Books 1-2 (Legend of Tal)
By: J.D.L. Rosell
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Series: Legend of Tal, Book 1-2
Length: 24 hrs and 14 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 August 13, 2023 - Dealing With Absalom

We are praying for friends and family members in our Sunday School class. One of our brothers has been diagnosed with widespread cancer tumors. He is 89 and is choosing not to have any treatment. His family has been to the hospital to see him and it is not clear how long he has to be in hospital or if he will return home under Hospice care.

Our Pastor started the service asking us to pray for our college students and local students going back to school this week. He then introduced his sermon as “Dealing with Absalom” based on the scripture from 2 Samuel 15:1-6. Last week Pastor addressed the spirit of Jezebel.
When you hear a message on Jezebel pray for yourself and others rather than making a list of those you would point fingers at.

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Even Christians can operate under the influence of evil spirits. This hurts the church body. We are told: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11.

These evil spirits are active in today's society.

Absalom was under spirits. He killed his half-brother who raped Tamar because David didn't deal with it. Absalom got offended by the action of his half-brother and held onto the offense to redirect the offense and disrespect to his father, King David. Absalom took matters into his own hands.
#1. Don't walk in offense.
When we get offended and stay there, we are taking the bait of Satan. We justify sin by the offense. If we have to justify our behavior, our attitude is wrong. We are not allowing God's justice. Don't step in to try to fix offended parties because they both may reject you!
We have to trust God and take it to Him in prayer.
Beware of offense in marriage, in friendships, in work, in church and in life.

Absalom was in rebellion. This is the equivalent of witchcraft. Rebellion is consistent with bitterness and contention. We can influence others, especially the innocent. Absalom was gathering support for his agenda.
The Church is theocracy not democracy.
Absalom stole the hearts of the people. His actions were undermining his father’s authority.
#2.Resist the devil.
If you have to tear someone down to advance yourself, there is wrong approach.
Don't be impressed or deceived by a leader who is being critical or undermining his or he opposition.
Look what TV programs have done to tear down the respect for parents.
Humble yourself and resist. Seek God's Wisdom and Will.

Cleanse your hands...
#3. Give honor where it is due. Even though King Saul, David’s predecessor was trying to kill David, David honored his King.

In today’s society there is a huge spirit of criticism. And there is much disrespect through social media.
#4. Think on good things. Philippians 4:8. Speak positive and encouraging things…or stay quiet and pray for God to handle it.

I found this song which declares that Fear is Easy, Love is Hard.

Verses for Today: 2 Samuel 15:1-6 NIV
Absalom’s Conspiracy
15 In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” 4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”
5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.



Lord, Please help me turn to you if I begin to be critical or want to take someone else's position or joy.

Audible Book Review: 1984: New Classic Edition by George Orwell

Chilling - Oh yes- doublespeak abounds today and opposing views are censored as thought crimes.

1984: New Classic Edition
By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length 11h 22m
Release date: 12-31-06
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Classic, Dystopian, Literary Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Blackstone Publishing presents a new recording of this immensely popular book.
One of the most celebrated classics of the twentieth century, Orwell’s cautionary tale of a man trapped under the gaze of an authoritarian state feels more relevant now than ever before.
George Orwell depicts a gray, totalitarian world dominated by Big Brother and its vast network of agents, including the Thought Police, a world in which news is manufactured according to the authorities’ will and people live tepid lives by rote.
Winston Smith, the hero with no heroic qualities, longs only for truth and decency. But living in a social system in which privacy does not exist and where those with unorthodox ideas are brainwashed or put to death, he knows there is no hope for him. He knows even as he continues to pursue his forbidden love affair that eventually he will come to destruction.
The year 1984 has come and gone, yet George Orwell’s nightmare vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is still the great modern classic of negative Utopia. It is a prophetic and haunting tale that exposes the worst crimes imaginable: the destruction of freedom and truth.
©1949 Harcourt Brace and Company, renewed 1977 Sonia Brownell Orwell (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Review:
Winston Smith’s job is to replace the past with a new narrative. He knows that Big Brother and the Thought Police are watching at work and at home. He has reason to suspect that life is being controlled by those in power, especially since one of the authoritarian tenents is “He who controls the past, controls the present. He who controls the present, controls the past.” Even the dictionary is constantly being changed with the deletion of some words and addition of Newspeak words. But Winston can’t control the thoughts in his head, and he is increasingly inclined to think there is a rebellious group that might challenge the control of Big Brother.

In search of the forbidden, Winston begins a love affair with a young woman. He knows their time together is limited and a risk, but they are committed to their secret, stolen time. They meet a superior who convinces them that there is a rebellion, and they can participate if they will follow the leader’s instructions.

I had not read/listened to this classic since my college days, so it was good to revisit. I admit that I didn’t remember the ending. I vaguely recall in the 1970s that this was a scary future but now, fifty years later, it is scarier that some of the matters of censorship and thought manipulation are apparent in our own leadership and society. If you have never read this, I recommend that you do. If you read it long ago, I recommend that you read it now. Enjoy and fight the Big Brother control!

Audio Notes: Simon Prebble does a superb job with the narration. He captures the voices and the oppressive nature of the world. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Titles. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and my 2023Number goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review For the Loot, Goblin Mode, Book 1 by Han Yang and Pearce Adams

This is a fun story but I didn't like the foul language.
For the Loot
Goblin Mode, Book 1
By: Han Yang, Pearce Adams
Narrated by: Evan Sibley

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 07-25-23
Publisher: Dreamscape Lore
Genre: Fantasy, GameLit, LitRPG
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75 (due to language); Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Bogart casts aside his humble origins, becoming an adventurer. He must gain levels in the guild and fight alongside his allies, both within and outside the law. For fame and fortune! Maybe even to save the world. But mostly for fame and fortune!
You only get one chance at the big leagues, and nobody knows it better than Bogart. He's going straight from the badlands to the top of the world, or he'll gladly die trying. If only he knew the truth about the life he's chosen. There are wars, dark gods, and eldritch horrors on the horizon. And nothing is as it seems. Join Bogart as he quests for riches!
©2023 Royal Guard Publishing LLC (P)2023 Dreamscape Lore

Review:
Bogart’s clan of Goblins is attacked by a small group of adventurers, and he is one of the few survivors. He plans to follow them to steal their loot. Instead, he ends up joining the adventurers to pursue further loot.

They run into struggles along the way and have to find and rely on the skills for each. Bogart adds his stealth and thieving skills to the existing group. Freya is a paladin with healing powers and the ability to fight with special weapons. The others are a half-orc barbarian and a human spellsword, all led by the spellcasting gnome, Lang.

There are plenty of battles with creepy and unique villains. This isn’t strictly LitRPG but there are opportunities to increase powers and upgrade weapons. I enjoyed the success of the little goblin, especially since goblins are considered on the level of rats. The adventures were fun but the ugly, foul language turned me off. This might have been cute for middle graders but not with that language. Because of the language, I will probably not continue with the series. I recommend the fun adventure to GameLit fans who do not mind the bad language.

Audio Notes: Evan Sibley does a great job with the narration. I enjoined the energy and voices given to each character. I appreciated the opportunity to listen to this through NetGalley.

Source: July 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.