Book Review: The Marksman by Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles

I was glad to keep coming back to this Cartel horror of a story.
The Marksman
By Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BZB6FR3F
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 29, 2023
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level 4 Press, Inc.
Genres: Crime, Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

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.

Review:
Jim Hanson is an ex-Marine sniper who has fallen emotionally after losing his wife to cancer. Months later, he is struggling to keep his ranch on the Arizona-Mexico border fighting his own destructive behaviors as well as the harsh land that isn’t easy for raising cattle.

One morning Jim is near the border when a woman and child run from through the fence, followed by men in a black SUV. The brutish cartel men demand that he turn over the mother and child and when Jim refuses gunfire is exchanged. Jim kills one of the men while they kill the mother. Before she dies, the mother insists that Jim take her son, 11-year-old Miguel, to relatives in Chicago. She claims if the boy returns to Mexico he will be killed for the actions of others. Initially Jim turns the boy over to Border Patrol but something makes him go to the station the next morning where he is alarmed to see the black SUV and men coming to pick up the boy. Jim manages to sneak Miguel out and he goes on the run.

Jim is traveling with a quiet, scared boy and wondering why he is doing this. The cartel men are on his trail and the border patrol, where his stepdaughter works, are out to get him to return the boy to Mexico. It takes Jim a day or two to realize how the cartel SUV is using corrupt contacts to find him and he increases the anger of the leader by leaving a trail of death each time they get too close.

Finally, as Jim and Miguel develop a strange friendship, Jim decides that he will deliver Miguel to Chicago. But the cartel leader has contacts in Chicago and is prepared to call in favors, unknown to his boss. Can Jim get Miguel safely to his aunt in Chicago? And what will Jim do once the mission is completed?

I was horrified by the extent of the cartel violence and corruption with contacts throughout the States. Sadly, it is very believable. Jim is a flawed hero, and I can imagine Liam Neeson playing the brooding man. I was impressed with the writing that flowed well and kept me coming back to read more. I am glad I was offered this book to read. I expect I will watch the movie sometime in the future. I recommend this book to fans of crime thriller action.

Source: August 2023 Received two ebooks from Alyssia Gonzalez at Publicist, Level 4 Press. This qualifies for 2023Author and 2023eBook goals.

Audible Book Review: Robinson Crusoe 2244 by E. J. Robinson

This dystopian post-apocalyptic is interesting though not gripping.

Robinson Crusoe 2244
By: E. J. Robinson
Narrated by: Malk Williams

Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 05-27-15
Publisher: E. J. Robinson
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Teen & Young Adult
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

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

Review:
Robinson Crusoe is a teenage son of Tiers, a prominent family in the new regime of New London a community behind the Wall that keeps out the monsters. The One People have rules that help maintain peace, health, and security by controlling the classes, prohibiting weapons, and restricting freedoms. If you violate the rules, you may be executed in public to send a message to others.

Robinson is now turning of age and graduating from school when he will be expected to apprentice under his executive father. Robinson has caused mischief all of his young life and his latest antics are causing embarrassment. But there is other trouble in the wings as some of the Tiers seem to be plotting a campaign of rebellion. Events take a tumultuous turn forcing Robinson to flee his Regen and travel to the far distant land of America. His landing isn’t secure and he soon is struggling to survive in a wasteland filled with Renders, the mutated remnants of humanity. And he suspects that he has uncovered a huge secret that concerns his own family. He latches onto an old man who teaches him how to hide and hunt. And then he learns about other monsters who show up once a month.

Robinson finds a friend in a mutated dog that is friendly rather than vicious. And when the old man disappears, Robinson rescues a caged young woman who is more of a fighter than he is.

Clearly the title and text has parallels to the original 1719 book, Robinson Crusoe. But this story veers with the dystopian world, monster beings, and political scheming. I found the story entertaining with danger, action, secrets, and intrigue. I liked how Robinson grows to survive the struggles he faces, but there were plot issues and character developments that seemed contrived to move the story forward. I might continue the story in the future, but it is a must move forward series for me. I recommend this to fans of dystopian with teen heroes, especially readers who might enjoy the tie to Robinson Crusoe.

Audio Notes: Malk Williams does a good job with the narration. The British accent fits the story and he provides distinct voices for the characters. He also gives clear intonation to the descriptions that make it visual. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

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. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Number goals.

Audio Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

I enjoyed this Christian historical romance which I think has gothic elements.
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Author Julie Klassen
Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki

Duration: 18 h 6 min
Release date: 12-12-14
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christian Historical, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

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

Review:
Abigail Foster takes responsibility for an investment her father made that turns bad. This is a blow after her long time childhood friend, who she expected to offer her marriage, seems to show interest in her sister before leaving for a year of school abroad. As the family is faced with downsizing and moving from their home, they are offered the opportunity to move to a country manor house that has been abandoned for 18 years. Abigail and her father go to the country to prepare Pembrooke Park while her mother and younger sister remain in town so her sister can attend her first society season.

Abigail is surprised by the condition of the house, which looks like it was suddenly abandoned and then left that way. As she works to clean up the home and make it livable she begins to hear rumors and then is warned of trespassers who may come seeking a secret room and treasure. If they had 18 years of vacancy to search, why would someone show up now that the house is occupied again? But she hears footsteps at night, catches a glimpse of a hooded intruder, and has to deal with a surly butler who makes inappropriate comments. Abigail receives anonymous letters hinting at the location of the secret room and she begins her own secret search.

The nearby curate begins a friendship with Abigail, but he is frustrated that he does not have a living to support himself, much less a wife and a family. Then a suave, estranged cousin of the Pembrooke family arrives, and Abigail’s father invites him to stay. Although both men show interest in her, Abigail feels no man choose her since she is the less lovely sister and has no dowry to bring to a marriage. Can Abigail find the secret room and perhaps a treasure to help her family? Or will the searching bring danger from others who want the treasure for themselves?

I did enjoy the very prevalent Christian scripture and messaging. I also liked the detail, the historical, sweet romance, the secrets, and the gothic like elements. I did feel the story was drawn out longer than it needed to be but at least it was enjoyable. I recommend this to fans of Christian, historical romance.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Elizabeth Jasicki once I settled in on her voice. She follows the story and presents it well. I am glad I had the audio to listen to.

Source: 5/27/2022 Audiobooks.com May VIP selection. (Also, at Audible Plus Catalog in February 2023 available to 9/12/2023.) This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post August 27, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 28, 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 am finally back to full health. We are working away at the office as another employee prepares to go on maternity leave in ten days. We have been training our newer staff members on all aspects of the title closings in addition to legal tasks. My former assistant is enjoying law school and getting in about 10 hours of work each week.

Here are more images from the Science City at Union Station, Kansas City.
The twins spent time in the several rooms of model trains.

Dad and daughter enjoyed posing in the helicopter.

My oldest Illinois granddaughter was brave enough to ride this bike on a wire.

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 in Maui and for safety from the storm this week.

We had several days of High Heat Advisory weather "feels like" 111.
My downstairs temp made it up to 87 this week - I have to call the repair company before company comes in September.  
This coming week we are watching the storm Idalia which is threatening to hit the Gulf coast as a hurricane.

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

I visited 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to LEVEL UP.  I thought I would link this for those who are newer to the LitRPG genre. 

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

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

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Ranch (A Legacy of Violence) by Sean Liscom; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Eden's Gate: The Reborn A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1 by Edward Brody ; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, LitRPG; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• NGA2023: #NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass; Genre: Books, Cat, Magical Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 27, 2023 - Spirit of Python
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Author Julie Klassen
Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki
Duration: 18 h 6 min
I enjoyed this Christian historical gothic romance.
Source: 5/27/2022 Audiobooks.com May VIP selection. (Also at Audible Plus Catalog in February 2023.)
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Robinson Crusoe 2244
By: E. J. Robinson
Narrated by: Malk Williams
Length: 8 hrs and 1 min
This dystopian post apocalyptic is interesting though not gripping.
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.
Click on book title for full description.

.

3. Kindle App on Smartphone (A2023)

The Marksman
By Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles
I was glad to keep coming back to this Cartel horror of a story.
Source: August 2023 Received two ebooks from Alyssia Gonzalez at Publicist, Level 4 Press
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Etched in Bone
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins
I decided to pick a series that I really like. I am enjoying the story and only have 4 hours left.
Source: 10/17/22 Audible September Credit.
Publisher's summary
New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop returns to her world of the Others, as humans struggle to survive in the shadow of shape-shifters and vampires far more powerful than themselves….
After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders - a primitive and lethal form of the Others - the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no man's land beyond their borders - and the darkness....
As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery's shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.
With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end: with her standing beside a grave.
©2017 Anne Bishop (P)2017 Penguin Audio

2. Kindle App on Smartphone (A2023)

Con Crazy
by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh
This releases this week and looks like a read I will like.
(I read the first ebook in one week so we'll see if I can do it again.)
Source: August 2023 Received two ebooks from Alyssia Gonzalez at Publicist, Level 4 Press.
The con is on.
Prewitt Patry is an expert in European art and antiquities, and he used to be the best con artist in New York City. But fate has left him divorced and broke, with his glory days behind him.
Then a golden opportunity falls into his lap.
Ranger du Courtemanche is the aging patriarch of the centuries-old French aristocratic Courtemanche family. The family resides in their ancestral chateau and they haven’t been outside the property in years. Enter Prewitt, who cozies up to the reclusive family—Ranger and his two sisters—and warns them that their chateau and wealth have been targeted by an obscure secret society. Panicked and desperate, Ranger enlists Prewitt in the fight to defend his family’s honor and fortune. Et voilà! The trap is set.
With his team of eccentric Parisian con artists, Prewitt gets to work. But the closer he gets, the more the con unravels. Ancient betrayals, priceless jewels, and forbidden loves . . . the Courtemanches turn out to be a lot more than Prewitt bargained for.
Inspired by the outrageous true story of a wildly audacious con.

3. Audible Smartphone (A2023)

Hope Harbor
By Irene Hannon
Narrator: Therese Plummer
Duration: 9 h 45 min
I am working on my older TBR and found this one.
Source: 2018 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 credit.
Publisher's summary
Come home to Hope Harbor - where hearts heal...and love blooms. Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life - and love - altered her plans. Now she's home again - with a floundering farm to run...a tragic secret...and a wounded heart. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets and devastating regrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help with a project that is close to her heart, winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives - including their own.
©2015 Irene Hannon (P)2015 Recorded Books

August 27, 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 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.

No new review titles this week.
I selected my Audiobooks.com August VIP free title.

I found 8 Audible Plus titles.
I picked my First Reads August Pick at Amazon Prime.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

8/26/23 Audiobooks.com August VIP.

Little Ghosts
By: Gregg Dunnett
Narrated by: Katie Villa
Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins



8/20 to 8/26/23 Audible Plus Catalog
(Thanks to Kathy at Inside of a Dog who indicated these Peters titles were available.)

The Curse of the Pharaohs: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 2
By: Elizabeth Peters
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

The Mummy Case: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 3
By: Elizabeth Peters
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Lion in the Valley: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 4
By: Elizabeth Peters
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Murder at Morrington Hall: A Stella and Lyndy Mystery, Book 1
By: Clara McKenna
Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Master of Sorrows: The Silent Gods, Book 1
By: Justin Travis Call
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
Length: 19 hrs and 16 mins

Competitive Grieving: A Novel
By: Nora Zelevansky
Narrated by: Katie Schorr
Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins

Surrender, New York
By: Caleb Carr
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
Length: 23 hrs and 47 mins

No Good Tea Goes Unpunished
By: Bree Baker
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
Series: Seaside Cafe Mysteries, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins


August First Read Free Prime at Amazaon

Redemption (Eva "Lightning Dance" Duran Book 1)
By: Deborah J Ledford

One new title 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 27, 2023 - Spirit of Python

Our Sunday School teacher shared special memories today. His family was closely involved in a church in a neighboring county that was burned down by arson this week. The old building was not actively in use, but it held years of family stories since being built in 1949. It was the first church our teacher attended – from his birth through his own marriage and births of his children.
The memories were beautiful and poignant. We all recognize that the building itself is not the church which is the body of believers. On the other hand, even God gave the tabernacle as a center for the body to gather together for worship, praise, fellowship, and teaching. The loss of the building hits many with grieve as in a death.

Our pastor’s sermon this morning was from Acts 16:16-18 titled Spirit of Divination” or “Spirit of Python."
A few weeks ago Pastor spoke on the Spirit of Jezebel – manipulative and deceptive spirit that seeks to tear apart relationships. Then two weeks ago he spoke on the Spirit of Absalom – a spirit of rebellion.
Luke spoke to the spirit of divination or python which guarded the stone representing the oracle of Delphi. It is like a ventriloquist voice speaking for dummy. In the passage of scripture, it is a young girl who serves as a fortune teller. A voice may change in a demon possession, but not always. But it is apparent in the way the voice speaks out – in reverse or derision.
This spirit is real especially in more pagan settings.

Mental illness can be demon possession but mental illness without demon possession is very real too. Evil spirits are an enemy, not the neighbor or mentally ill.

The believers are to have nothing to do with fortune tellers, which includes horoscopes and psychic readings which are forms of witchcraft according to scripture.
We must be careful to be led by the Holy Spirit, not other things.
The young girl was speaking truth, but it was not of God.

Be careful because Spirits will manifest where they are allowed control.
God is omnipresent and omnipotent. Demonic spirits are not.
A spirit may appear with similar characteristics. They masquerade and deceive.
They can be and will be scared away from things of God.

We believe in the supernatural and we know that our God is greater within us than the evil spirits that attack us. But we have to stay close to God. And sometimes, like Paul, who became ‘greatly annoyed’ in the scripture passage, the demon spirit has to be dealt with.

We need discernment. Is there peace which comes from the Spirit of God?
We have to stand firm in the Holy Spirit. We need to pray against demonic spirits and take authority over them in the relationships of our lives: home, family, work, and community.
Worship and prayer to allow Kingdom of God to advance and push back the enemy.
We are the people of God and we can pray and invoke God’s power, through Christ, to cast out demons. The scripture says the spirit left her "that hour" which can be interpreted as ’that moment’.

The same supernatural God of the Bible works today. When the believer accepts Christ as savior, they need to surrender, yield, to allow their behavior to go through life changing transformation.

I like this song for today’s message: Don’t Tread on Me.

Verses for Today:
Acts 16:16-18 NIV
16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.


Lord, I invoke Your power to protect my family members and remove any evil and deceptive spirits from their circumstances.