Audio Book Review: Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

This is a nice story with second chance romance and family redemption.
Hope Harbor
By Irene Hannon
Narrator: Therese Plummer

Duration: 9 h 45 min
Release date: 07-07-15
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christian Romance, Contemporary
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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

Review:
Tracy Campbell grew up in Hope Harbor and came back after being away at college. Although she is glad to be back with her Aunt and Uncle taking care of the cranberry farm, she has survived a tragic loss, and is struggling with the decline of the farm. She is focused on the farm and not ready to open herself to new hurt.

Michael Hunter has come to Hope Harbor due to a long desire of his deceased wife. His visit is intended to be short term while he tries to focus his life dealing with regrets after her death. He bumps into Tracy and soon finds himself helping her and making friends in the community. Michael is also drawing his new landlord out of her self-imposed seclusion of many years.

I liked how both Tracy and Michael slowly begin to recognize that their meeting is not mere coincidence, and perhaps God has a different plan for their future. The romance is sweet and the underlying faith messages of healing, hope, and forgiveness are encouraging. I recommend this story (and author) to fans of clean, Christian romance.

Audio Notes: Therese Plummer is a lovely narrator. She delivers clear voices and energy that fits the characters and plot. Her narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 2018 Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Location goals.

Audible Book Review: Etched in Bone, A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop

I do like this creative series.

Etched in Bone
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 03-07-17
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Shifters
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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

Review:
The human communities are struggling to rebuild after the Elders of the Others brutally ended a human rebellion which was directed at killing the Others. Lakeside Courtyard has reached a delicate balance between the shifters and humans, but there are new arrivals and outsiders who threaten the peace.

Lieutenant Montgomery is a human officer who has worked well with the community. His Mother, sister and her children have moved to Lakeside and are settling in. His mother especially has found friends and a good work position. His sister is having more of a struggle, and unwittingly, has led an estranged brother, Jimmy, to think he can make an easy move to the Courtyard. Montgomery warns Simon Wolfgard that Jimmy has an unsavory past and is likely to cause trouble. Simon would like to deny Jimmy entry to the community but the Elders direct him to allow the man in so they can watch how a troublemaker behaves and impacts the pack.

Jimmy arrives with his wife and two children. His wife has no desire to work or contribute in a positive way to the community, but she does want Jimmy to bring home food and money. Their son is bullying his sister and cousins as he follows in his father’s footsteps. They may only be one family but the disruption and danger they bring is more than the Elders expected.

I enjoyed this continuation of the series. The abusive situations were hard to read and there are interesting group and family dynamics addressed in the conflicts that Ms. Bishop creates for the characters. I found the hints of future connections among the characters, particularly Simon and Meg, interesting. I recommend a reader start this series at the beginning and then they can enjoy the interaction better.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a wonderful job with the narration. She provides clear character voices and energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 10/17/22 Audible September Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

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.