Sunday Post September 3, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 4, 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.

Happy September and Happy Labor's Day!

We have Monday off but are going in for a luncheon shower for the staff member going out on maternity leave. Her son is due the end of September.
The office dynamic is changing with three new employees - the longest 4 months. But it is a good group and I think we will move forward well.

My son comes in town on Wednesday and my sister and b-i-l arrive Thursday evening. We are all going to be working on repairs around my home. I am looking forward to sharing time with them!

My son shared the group of photos from our vacation I have been waiting for.
This is one of the videos my d-i-l took of the five of us (and others) getting the water dumped on us.

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 continue for the families in Maui and we are praying for those suffering after hurricane Idalia.

We had heavy rains the day before Idalia made landfall and some rain the day after.
I did get my AC fixed - the repair man came the same day I called and fixed the capacitor. (Under $200.00 thankfully.)

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

I visited 14 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to LIBRARY CHICKEN.  Beth has a well organized book blog and shared an article about the Cybils Awards.

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

• Sunday Post August 27, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 28, 2023.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen; Genre: Christian Historical, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Robinson Crusoe 2244 by E. J. Robinson; Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Teen & Young Adult; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• eB2023: Book Review: The Marksman by Robin G. Mercier, Danny Kravitz, Chris Charles; Genre: Crime, Thriller; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 3, 2023 - Come For Rest!

Finished 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 do like this creative series.
Source: 10/17/22 Audible September Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Hope Harbor
By Irene Hannon
Narrator: Therese Plummer
Duration: 9 h 45 min
This is a nice story with second chance romance and family redemption.
Source: 2018 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Contact Front
Drop Trooper, Book 1
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 8 hrs
I wanted a space story and I liked the action and interaction in this military space.
12/17/2020 Audible Sale – Four for $5.00 each.
Publisher's summary
Go to war or go to jail.
For small-time street hustler Cam Alvarez, the choice is simple. He has no family, no friends, no place in the world...nothing to lose. When his latest con results in the death of a cartel hitman, Cam opts to join the Marines and leave Earth to fight a vicious alien enemy.
Drafted into the Marine Drop-Troopers, Cam discovers there’s one thing he’s even better at than running street-con games, and that’s killing the enemy. Wrapped in an armored battlesuit, Cam finds purpose amidst the horror and destruction of the war, and the opportunity for a new sort of friends and family...if he can break the habits of a life spent alone, trusting no one.
And, if he can survive....
Rick Partlow returns with another kickass military sci-fi epic. It's perfect for fans of Jay Allan, Jasper T. Scott, and Scott Bartlett.
©2020 Aethon Books (P)2020 Aethon Audio

Currently Reading:

1. Kindle App on Smartphone (A2023)

Con Crazy
by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh
I am 25% in this and curious as the Con is being set up.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1)
Series: #1 of Wings of Fire
Written by: Tui T. Sutherland
Narrated by: Shannon McManus
Duration 8 hours 32 minutes
My Granddaughter is reading this so I thought I would too since it is another from the older TBR.
Source: 7/5/2018 won with 7 other titles from Audiobook.com through Beth Fish Reads.
Summary
A thrilling new series soars above the competition and redefines middle-grade fantasy fiction for a new generation!The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy -- a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice.Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war.But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when the select five escape their underground captors to look for their original homes, what has been unleashed on the dragon world may be far more than the revolutionary planners intended . . .

3. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Hunted
A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1
By AD Starrling
Again, I am choosing from the back of my TBR Shelf. This is the oldest unread title on my Chirp app.
Source 2019 Chirp.
After over a century being hunted, Soul, a half-breed of two immortal races, treks across the world to uncover the mystery behind the target on his back. Can he stop a terrible war before he dies his seventeenth — and last — death? An action-packed, heart-pounding listen!

September 3, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". This week the readings have been in 1 and 2 Chronicles. Not the most exciting but sticking to the positive aspects of David and his son Solomon so far.

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

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have an older audio on my shelf I should listen to soon.
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 two Chirp audios available at discount only through today.

I found 2 Audible Plus titles.
No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

9/3/2023 Two books at Chirp, $1.99 each.

Forgotten, A Novel
Book #4 from the series: FBI
By Mariah Stewart
Read by Julie-Ann Elliott
Run Time 9h 59min

Ripple of Doubt
Book #4 from the series: Agent Victoria Heslin Series
By Jenifer Ruff
Read by Stephanie Dillard
Run Time 8h 52min

Free

9/1/2023 Audible Plus Catalog. I am planning to listen to an audio in this series from my TBR and I found these novellas.

Trouble's Child
An Angela Constantine Novella Book 0.5
By: Terry Goodkind
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
Length: 2 hrs and 3 mins

Crazy Wanda
An Angela Constantine Novella
By: Terry Goodkind
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins


No 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 September 3, 2023 - Come For Rest!

Our Sunday School teacher shared a good lesson from James 3:13-18 he called “Just How Wise Are You?”

We did our monthly collection at the beginning of Service for BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge). It is always a joy to watch the children smile as they collect the loose change and dollars in their little cups. We also did a special collection for hurricane relief. We are mindful how traumatic it was for us in 2018. We have a team of people from multiple churches who will travel to Taylor County to help the clean up there.

Pastor’s message, “Come for Rest”, was from Matthew 11:28-30. In verses 25-27 Christ acknowledges the authority he is given. He then proceeds to invite us to come to Him. We cannot receive until we come to Him. He calls, we come, He blesses.

Circumstances in life should not be overwhelming if we are relying on God. When we get weary and worn at life, our faith may slack too.

He came and He calls. Will we surrender? If someone you love or care about (spouse, child, friend, workmate) interrupts your activity and calls you... do you surrender your immediate intent and respond?

Samuel was called and his elder, Eli, recognized God was calling. Eli told Samuel go back to bed but if He calls again say “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3.

We need to be mindful to make God (the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) a priority in our lives. Jesus say “Take my yoke…” He wants us to partner with Him, to surrender to a common purpose – His purpose, not our own. We are to be yoked and then to learn His agenda, not ours. After that a blessing can come.

God called Israel a harlot because the people were not yoked to God. They wanted the blessings without the partnership. We need to be committed, united with Christ.

The farmer yokes a young mule (or ox) with an old mule (or ox) so the younger can learn from the older. Often dog trainers will put pups with “a good old dog”.

We are to learn the nature and character of God. Knowing Him through scripture and prayer brings knowledge but that knowledge should be joined with submission.
Spend time with God. Where is your treasure?
Come to Him. Fall in love. Learn His nature. And find rest.

Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord “restores my soul”. That is your unique personality and mind.
Mental health is often a reflection of our spiritual or soul health.
He will give you strength.
Our life burden is heavy before we come to Jesus. Once we partner with Him, the burden becomes light.

I had several good song choices but I like this one! Lord of All.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 11:28-30 English Standard Version
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”


Lord, I thank you for inviting me to come and for teaching me that You are Lord of All!

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.