#NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

This is a charming middle grade fantasy, light mystery.

The Lost Library
By Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
Narrators: Christopher Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Dircks

Length: 4hr 15min
Pub Date: 29 Aug 2023
NetGalley Archive Date: 05 Sep 2023.
Release date: 08-29-23
Publisher: Macmillan Young Listeners
Genre: Books, Cat, Magical Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).

Review:
The public library burned down years ago in the small town of Martinville. It surprises everyone when a mysterious little free library appears one morning. The small unit is apparently guarded by a large orange cat who watches all the goings on. Eleven-year-old Evan is quick to choose to books from the library and these trigger a mystery. The last check out of the books appears to be by a man who became a famous author but the date is important. The date is the day the library burned, an event that no one talks about.

Evan and his best friend, Rafe, start asking question as Evan is determined to solve the mystery of the fire. He isn’t happy about the facts that he uncovers and is insistent on pushing for answers.

The story is charmingly told by Mortimer, the cat, a ghostly librarian named AI, and Evan. It shares the importance of books and libraries, as well as the importance of being open minded to investigate and not jump to conclusions.

I totally enjoyed this quick, sweet story and would love to share it with my grandchildren. It has a good message and sweet characters. I recommend this to anyone who loves books and libraries.

Audio Notes: The three narrators, Christopher Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Dircks, do a lovely job delivering the story with clarity and empathy. I am pleased I had the chance to listen to this through NetGalley.

Source: 6/29/2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Eden's Gate: The Reborn A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1 by Edward Brody

I picked this for the LitRPG factor. It was engaging distraction while I was dozing on and off.
Eden's Gate: The Reborn
A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1
By: Edward Brody
Narrated by: Pavi Proczko

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 03-30-17
Publisher: Edward Brody
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, LitRPG
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
When Gunnar Long is transported into the first fully-immersive virtual MMORPG, he finds himself in a new world filled with magic, mystery, and adventure.
No more 9-to-5 job. No more studio apartment. No more reality TV.
Finally, he's in a place where he can call home, a place with people he can call friends.
But as more people want to trade their real world lives to get inside Eden's Gate, the government of the outside world wants the "game" shut down at all costs.
Gunnar must learn to survive, grow in power, and find a way to send a message back to his old home.
"We're fine. We're alive. Eden's Gate is real."
Eden's Gate is a LitRPG adventure.
©2017 Edward Brody (P)2017 Edward Brody

Review:
Gunnar is pretty much a loner except for his girlfriend. He enjoys role playing games (RPGs) and is excited when the latest fully immersive virtual game and headset tech are released. He and his girlfriend are quick to put the headsets on agreeing to compare notes in 30 minutes. Gunnar arrives in a cave and has to start fighting his way out. It doesn't take long before Gunnar discovers he can’t exit the game. He is frustrated by what he thinks is a glitch and contemplates how he can find his girlfriend.

Fortunately, a battered Gunnar stumbles into an NPC (non-playing character) who helps him recover and begins to explain the world he finds himself in. As time and challenges go by, it becomes more and more clear that Gunnar can die and be reborn at his last base spot but he can’t find a way to exit the game.

Interspersed with the adventures are ‘real life’ efforts to shut down the game before more people commit life suicide in exchange for a game life. Can the living authorities be convinced that the players are basically “alive” within the game before the plug is pulled?

I enjoyed the leveling up process even though there is a little too much repetition of stats for the RPG. I liked how Gunnar learns how to accept help, honor friendship, and work with others for successes. There are interesting monsters and allies as the adventure moves forward and there is an intense race to save the game from being shut off.

There is some foul language but not excessive. The world, characters, and battles are entertaining and I recommend this to fans of the LitRPG genre.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Pavi Proczko. His voice fits the primary character and he provided distinct accents for the other characters as well. The delivery is steady and the audio enhanced my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 3/31/19 High Five Audible Sale title - $5.00. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: The Ranch (A Legacy of Violence) by Sean Liscom

This had lots of action in a continuing series.

The Ranch (A Legacy of Violence)
The Legacy Series, Book 2
By: Sean Liscom
Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Series: The Legacy Series, Book 2
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

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

Review:
Jason Sterling has had to take over his father’s ranch to protect the survivors of an EMP strike. The ranch survived the first year with the aid of General Jackson who brought forces to save Jason at the last minute. Over the past year the Sterling ranch has created a training facility to prepare young men and women to serve under General Jackson. It is clear that there are more battles coming.

There is a ghost force traveling the roads that serves as a threat that Jackson’s troops have been unable to track. But there is a worse threat of military forces decimating the communities trying to survive and rebuild. How will the Sterling ranch and General Jackson protect the local community from the path of destruction?

I was in the mood for action and continuing in this series met the bill. There are relational issues, particularly with Jason and Jill, but others too, that fill in gaps so that it isn’t just a battle story. Some of the escapes and victories are rather contrived but it is still interesting. There is intrigue with questionable allies and some twists as this episode concludes. I will continue with more in the series. I recommend this series to fans of post-apocalyptic/dystopian.

Audio Notes: Christopher Lane does a good job with the narration. He provides sufficiently distinct voices and his delivery fits the energy of the story.

Source: 3/3/22 Audible Sale $3.74. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post August 20, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 21, 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.

My evening fever continued all week hitting a spike of 102.2 on Wednesday night. I was supposed to go to a convention on Thursday but canceled those plans and got in to my doctor. They ordered a prescription for tick bite and topical ointment. I spent the last four days dozing and reading. Lesson learned: don't ignore an infected bite.

Here are some photos from Great Wolf Lodge. I am still waiting for my son to share his photos as they had more of the water park.

Each evening they have a craft for kids in the lobby in front of this hearth.
I was lucky to get a shot almost clear of people.

My youngest granddaughter was brave enough to meet the squirrel.
We all got the wolf ears and some of us (including my son) wore them around a bit.

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.
Prayers this week for the families with loses in Maui.

At least I've been indoors this week. The highs were 96 feeling over 103. My downstairs temp hoovered in the 83 to 85 range which didn't encourage any heavy work anyway. But I spent a good part of the last four days sleeping upstairs.  
This coming week we are to have two days up to 103 with continued heat warnings.

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

I visited 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to SNAPDRAGON ALCOVE. Snapdragon declares "I am a reviewer of books, movies, graphic novels, manga, and anime. Gardener by day. Writer by night."

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

• Sunday Post August 13, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 14, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: A Springtime to Remember by Lucy Coleman; Genre: Family Life, Romance, Women’s Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Summer House by James Patterson, Brendan DuBois; Genre: Crime Thriller, Military, Police Procedural, Suspense; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Black Sheep by Rachel Aukes; Genre: First Contact, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 20, 2023 - Growing Up!

Finished 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
This had lots of action in a continuing series.
Source: 3/3/22 Audible Sale $3.74.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Eden's Gate: The Reborn
A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1
By: Edward Brody
Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I picked this for the LitRPG factor. It was engaging distraction while I was dozing on and off.
Source: 3/31/19 High Five Audible Sale title - $5.00.
Publisher's summary
When Gunnar Long is transported into the first fully-immersive virtual MMORPG, he finds himself in a new world filled with magic, mystery, and adventure.
No more 9-to-5 job. No more studio apartment. No more reality TV.
Finally, he's in a place where he can call home, a place with people he can call friends.
But as more people want to trade their real world lives to get inside Eden's Gate, the government of the outside world wants the "game" shut down at all costs.
Gunnar must learn to survive, grow in power, and find a way to send a message back to his old home.
"We're fine. We're alive. Eden's Gate is real."
Eden's Gate is a LitRPG adventure.
©2017 Edward Brody (P)2017 Edward Brody

3. Audible Smartphone (A2023)

The Lost Library
By Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
Narrators: Christopher Gebauer, Jennifer Blom, and Rob Dircks
Length: 4hr 15min
  This is a charming middle grade fantasy, light mystery.
Pub Date: 29 Aug 2023
Archive Date: 05 Sep 2023.
Source: 6/29/2023 NetGalley.
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Author Julie Klassen
Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki
Duration: 18 h 6 min
I am ten hours in and want to know the secrets although I do think it didn't need 18 hours.
Source: 5/27/2022 Audiobooks.com May VIP selection. (Also at Audible Plus Catalog in February 2023.)
Publisher's summary
Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her - a longtime friend - has fallen for her younger, prettier sister. When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for 18 years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play... The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem to know something about the manor's past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure. Hoping to improve her family's financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks.... or very real danger?
©2014 Julie Klassen (P)2014 Recorded Books

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Robinson Crusoe 2244
By: E. J. Robinson
Narrated by: Malk Williams
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
This is a post apocalyptic with a number title (my number challenge).
Source: 7/17/2022 I got a $7.00 credit so this book from my wish list ended up costing $.49 since I already had the Kindle copy.
Publisher's summary
Two centuries after mankind drove itself to the brink of extinction, a new civilization rises from the ashes of what was once Great Britain. But when deadly strife breaks out among their ranks, the teenage son of one prominent family finds himself fleeing in the dead of night, only to wind up shipwrecked on the forbidden continent of America. Armed with only his wit and the most unexpected of allies, the teenager struggles to survive in a wasteland filled with unspeakable horrors. In the end, he must uncover the one secret that can either save his own people, or spell doom for mankind forever.
©2014 Erik Robinson (P)2015 Erik Robinson

3. Kindle App on Smartphone (A2023)

The Marksman
By Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles
I am reading this on the phone app and hope it won't take too long.
Source: August 2023 Received two ebooks from Alyssia Gonzalez at Publicist, Level 4 Press
Jim Hanson, an ex-Marine sniper, was getting by in life as a rancher on the Arizona-Mexico border until his wife’s recent battle with cancer wiped him out financially and hollowed him out emotionally. Then he encounters a young Mexican boy, Miguel, and his mother as they are fleeing from a vicious drug cartel. Jim calls the Border Patrol but is soon confronted by cartel soldiers who demand he turn over the mother and son. Jim refuses and is drawn into a shootout, narrowly escaping with Miguel and his mother, who has been fatally shot. She begs Jim to take her son to the safety of his relatives in Chicago just before dying.
Now being pursued by the cartel’s relentless lead assassin, as well as Border Patrol Agents intent on sending Miguel back to Mexico (which is certain death), Jim finds himself as the boy’s protector in a desperate race from Arizona to Chicago. Jim and Miguel fight for their lives during this deadly road trip, becoming the most unlikely pair of fugitives and helping each other heal from deep loss along the way.

August 20, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". Reading this week went from Nehemiah to the wonderful story of Esther -- "for such a time as this" yet never the name of God mentioned!

I finished three audio titles and posted three reviews so I remain up to date.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have an older audio on my shelf as two of the books I thought I had downloaded while I was on vacation apparently didn't download and the time expired.
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 two review titles a week ago I forgot to list.
I selected my July 2 Credits at Audible this week and picked up a Daily Deal.
I got two free Kindle titles through author emails.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

August 2023 Received two ebooks from Alyssia Gonzalez at Publicist, Level 4 Press. I warned her it may take longer for me to read ebooks.

Con Crazy
by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh
This is an international crimme novel about an expert in European art and antiquities that is based on true events.

The Marksman
By Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles
This is a crime thriller that pulls on your heart strings.
See more information under Currently Reading.

Won

NONE

Purchased

8/17/2023 Two July Audible Credits - I chose two from new to me authors.

The Watchman
By: Arthur Bradley
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Earth Force Boxset: The Complete Series (Books 1-3)
By: Shemer Kuznits
Narrated by: Jeff Hays
Length: 45 hrs and 21 mins

8/20/2023 Audible Daily Deal $2.99.

Midsummer Mysteries
Tales from the Queen of Mystery
By: Agatha Christie
Narrated by: Hugh Fraser, David Suchet, Joan Hickson
Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Free

Two kindle books from author newsletters/links.

Recipe for Mr Right: Hilarious and heartfelt. The perfect romance! (Recipes for Love)
By Anni Rose

Shadow Soul a gripping Welsh crime mystery full of twists (DI Tudor Manx Crime Thrillers Book 3)
By Dylan H. Jones


Two 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 20, 2023 - Growing Up!

I am still recovering from my fever spikes and fatigue, so I attended church online. It was Pastor Appreciation Day and our Pastor preached on Ephesians 4:11-16 regarding God’s Call. I'm choosing to call the message "Growing Up!"

Christ called those to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. It is five-fold offices of God. The Lord gives a burden on the heart as a placement, but the call is in any of the gifts. It is for God’s purposes.

First, to equip and prepare the people of Christ to minister to others, to handle life. Each person is equipped to minister, not just to receive. We should not just hire ministers to do the work or to lead a corporate outreach instead of us doing individual work of ministry. You can’t be trained if you aren’t present to hear the messages or share in the studies.

Second is the “building up” empowering the body of Christ. Jesus didn’t live a perfect life, but He lived a sinless life, submitted wholly to God. We have to be submitted and present to God’s Word. God wants to convict and heal. If you have sinned or experienced broken relationship, Jesus came to save and heal. This is done through ministry. The Church suffers from having difficulty in humbling ourselves, in admitting we don’t have it all together. We think the sermon or lesson is for someone else. (Matthew 7:1-5 ‘Judge not lest you be judged…’) Religious people can be hypocrites when we need to be Authentic Christians. God wants you right on the inside, not on the outside.

Third is to reach unity and maturity. Unity does not mean we look the same, think the same, or do things the same. But we are in unity or accord to promote the Kingdom. Different styles are not important as long as we share and preach the same message. God wants us to grow up.

When we are mature:

1. We are not tossed to and fro, anchored in the faith; not deceived by messages that sound good but are not of God. Fads and styles can come and go.
2. We are less influenced by men and more influenced by God.
3. We love with the unconditional love of God. Sometimes we should not speak. Not everything needs to be said.
4. We grow in every way into Christ so every part of our life reflects Christ.

We are wired to revert to age of trauma… We need to pray that God matures us to understand love through His eyes. Also to know that the world doesn’t revolve around us.

We are to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Growing up in every aspect to allow God to choose what we get to be. (This is shown in the story of the potter and the clay. Jeremiah 18.)

The Body of Christ grows when we each mature and join together to allow God’s work. The Church gets healthy and healthy things grow. It is not the world or culture that is prohibiting the church, it is the lack of health in the churches. We need to be examples to show others how to handle life – with the Sprint and power of God.

As we grow and serve, the body “builds itself up in love…”

I found this song to fit today (and to make me cry) - It Starts Right Here:

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 4:11-16 New International Version
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.


Lord, Help me to be mature in mind, emotions and spirit so that I can be used by You to grow Your Kingdom. Mold me and use me.