Sunday Post September 17, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 18, 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.

We continue to work away at the office working on new files and closing out older ones. All three of my staff are new since April. They are cross training in skills for the office and they are doing well. I'm pleased and thankful.

Last week I had a sweet picture from my backyard.
This week is a not so sweet picture from my TV/family room.
A week or so ago I found a small piece of snakeskin when emptying my vacuum dirt.
I thought it was just a small snake until my son spotted this under a chair in the back of the room.

In case you can't see it real well, here is another picture.
My Shark robotic vacuum apparently only got a piece of the tale.

So, clearly  I'm not so happy to have this type of visitor, especially in my house!
This is next to a fire wood door that goes outside.
I have to get some 'snake away' out around the house.

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.
Adding prayers this week for those suffering from damage and outages from Cyclone Lee.

I think our weather is shifting cooler a bit. This coming week is predicted to have highs of 87 and evening lows of 60.

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

I visited only 12 blogs last week. I'll try to do better.
Shout out this week to BOOK BY BOOK.  Sue has a busy book blog and says she enjoys "travel, the outdoors, and reading."

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

• Sunday Post September 10, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 11, 2023.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dragons, Fantasy, Growing Up; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hunted, A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1, by AD Starrling ; Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 17, 2023 - Encouragement by Refuge.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Dragon and the George
By: Gordon R. Dickson
Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
Series: Dragon Knight, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
This is a good dragon, magic adventure.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking
Author T. Kingfisher
Narrator: Patricia Santomasso
Duration: 8 h 30 min
I totally enjoyed this charming story of a 14 year old magical baker.
Source: May 5, 2022 Two for One Deal Credit use at Audiobooks.com.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Kindle App on Smartphone (A2023)

Con Crazy
by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh
I am at 80% and will finish this week.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

299 Days
The Preparation, Book 1
By: Glen Tate
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
I picked this as a 'prepper' book and a book for my number challenge.
Source: 3-3-2022 Audible Sale Purchase $3.74; (Regular Price: $24.95).
Publisher's summary
Meet Grant Matson: lawyer, father, suburbanite husband who awakens to the fragility of modern society and embarks on a personal journey that introduces him to a world of self-reliance and liberation. 299 Days: The Preparation, the first audiobook in the 299 Days series, depicts the inner struggles Grant must face as he exists in a social system he recognizes as unsustainable and on the verge of collapse, but one in which he has built his life around. What begins as a return to his roots, self-sufficiency and independence, becomes a full blown move to prepare for what may come.
Engaging, insightful, and a bit suspenseful, follow Grant's transition from a self-perceived "sheeple" to a full-blown "prepper". Will his fears come true? Is he an extremist? What if nothing happens? What if something does?
©2012 Glen Tate (P)2014 Sellerman and Sweeney, LLC

3. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

What If It's True?
by Charles Martin
Narrated by Charles Martin
Run Time 9h 55min
I picked this for my nonfiction book this month.
Source: December 2020 Chirp $4.99.
Publisher Description
See the Bible come to life before your eyes as New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin uses his storyteller imagination to present the Bible as a novel to help you engage with your faith in new ways.
Years ago, Charles Martin cracked open his Bible and began wrestling with a few fundamental questions: What if every single word of Scripture is absolutely true and I can trust it? How do I respond? Something in me should change, but what? How? This book is the result of that exploration.
In What If It’s True? Martin brings key moments from the life and ministry of Jesus to life through his descriptive, novelistic words. This unique book:
Fosters a stronger appreciation, love, and respect for Jesus. Covers topics including rejection, sexual sin, generational curses, and forgiveness. Draws on Old and New Testament references as well as cultural background information includes a prayer at the end of each chapter
Martin shares key moments from his own journey as a disciple—and bondservant—of Christ and a mentor to others. The result is an exploration of truth that will help you not just think differently but live differently—starting today.
Includes a song written by Charles Martin’s son, only available in the audiobook edition. Appendices that include topical verses from Scripture are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

September 17, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". This week my readings have moved into the New Testament with Matthew- full of good life lessons!

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

NETGALLEY STATUS--
No change- 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 picked my August 2 Credits from Audible.

I found 3 Audible Plus titles last week and three more this week.
No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

9/17/2023 Two August Audible Credits. These are both authors/series I like.

The Josiah Manifesto
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Lake Silence
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins

Free

9/3-10/2023 Audible Plus Catalog

Jonathan Cahn Prophetic: The Mystery Of Barbie, Ishtar, and Smashed Babies!
Aug 15 2023 Podcast
Length: 26 mins




I have books one and two in this series and found these free too.

Revelation
The Holy War Series, Book 3
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Armageddon
The Holy War Series, Book 4
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins


9/11-16/2023 Audible Plus Catalog - I liked the book by this author and found these free.

Paladin's Grace
Saint of Steel Series # 1
By: T. Kingfisher
Narrated by: Joel Richards
Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Swordheart
By: T. Kingfisher
Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky
Length: 14 hrs and 32 mins

Bryony and Roses
By: T. Kingfisher
Narrated by: Justine Eyre
Length: 5 hrs and 51 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 17, 2023 - Encouraged by Refuge!

Our ‘substitute’ Sunday School teacher shared a video on Psalm 88. The message was “How to Deal With Dark Times” by Pastor Tim Keller. Summing up the lesson is to tell people that Jesus understands our pain in the darkness.

We had a guest US missionary speak during Service as our Pastor and his wife were away for a weekend of restoration. His message was from Paul’s experiences described in Acts 27:40- 28:6.
Paul had already experienced trouble in arrests and shipwrecks. These verses tell of another shipwreck. When the ship ran aground, everyone on board made it to land.

Believers will always face opposition. When the snake bit Paul, some said he must be bad and ‘he deserved what he got’. After he suffered not harm, they said he was a God. Opposition may come from different points of view, inside and outside.  We have to know not to stop the journey when there is trouble.

God is faithful to us in calm and storm. In word and action. How many times has Jesus helped you? Preach the word l, be sensitive to the Spirit.

You don't lie in discouragement, but you recognize it. You recognize the one who can help – Jesus. Jesus carries us to the end. Call on His name and He will see you through your circumstances. Don't give the devil any credit, but rather give praise to God.

The island where they landed was Malta which means refuge. Many times the scriptures tell us that God is our refuge: Psalm 46:1, 99:1, Psalm 57:1 and more.

Get into God's presence and wait. God will lift us out of the miry clay and He brings us to a place of refuge. Then He provides our needs.

Our refuge is also a place of restoration. In between times of immersion in God's presence there may be struggles. Paul went to work gathering wood for the fire because it was in his nature to serve.

The enemy wants to keep God's children beaten down, unable to do God’s work. We must remember that God gives us rest when we are burdened. Matthew 11:28. Jesus is the bread of life to sustain us. Christ lives within.

Satan attacks again as the snake. But we are told, ‘no weapon formed against me shall prosper’.
Paul shook the snake off and suffered no harm. He had the peace of God described in Philippians 4:7.

Satan tries to keep you from refuge. Don’t let him. Seek God and Be Encouraged.
The message concluded telling briefly of a story from Nehemiah where the people near the rebuilding work showed interest in the things of God. They made more room in the house for those who were interested.

I like this song of Refuge for today:

Verses for Today:
Acts 27:40 – 28:6. NIV
40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

28
1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.



Jesus/God, help me to remember that You are Always my refuge!

Audio Book Review: Hunted, A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1, by AD Starrling

This is full of action and I liked it.

Hunted
A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1
By AD Starrling
Read by Michael Bower

Run Time 10h 2min
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Publisher: AD STARRLING
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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!

Review:
Soul is a half-breed of two immoral races. The races, Bastian, his mother’s family, and Crovir, his father’s clan, have been at war for hundreds of years. Soul has already spent 350 years running from Hunters as the clans hate him as a half-breed and because he is one of the few known immortals who can permanently kill other immortals.

Recently, the Hunters have found Soul again and an attack has resulted in Soul's 15th death. Since the immortals only get 17 deaths before being permanently dead, Soul decides to turn on the Hunters and find out why they are after him again. Soul is joined in his quest by his friend and human PI business partner Reid, a former US Marine.

The investigation takes Soul and Reid racing from New York to Paris, Prague, and more, ultimately planning a raid on a private Mediterranean island. Soul is searching for a professor who was studying immortality and a female companion. Soul and Reid are one step behind the Hunters who set up scenes to make Soul and Reid appear to be murderers. As Soul finally catches up with those he is seeking he faces revelations about his own past and they uncover a diabolical plot that could wipe out the majority of the immortals leaving only a tyrannical elite to rule the world.

I enjoyed the action and intrigue in this story. There is plenty of violence and there are twists that keep the reader moving forward in the suspense. I had previously listened to one of the short stories and I may pick up more of the series in the future. I recommend this to fans of suspenseful fast-paced action.

Audio Notes: Michael Bower does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and empathetic energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source 2019 Chirp Purchase. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland

I enjoyed this dragon story which had good lessons for children although there was violence.
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
Release date: 07-01-12
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Dragons, Fantasy, Growing Up
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

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 . . .

Review:
Five unique dragonets have been raised together hidden deep underground. The five are supposed to be the elements of a prophecy to end the continual wars between the seven dragon tribes. There are problems though because these five dragonets are not all of the intended original babies. At least two of the selected eggs had to be replaced.

The dragon ‘nannies’ have been faithful, although a bit harsh, in trying to train the young dragonets whom they deride and often seem frustrated by and disappointed in. Each of the dragonets has their own strengths but it is not clear they will be able to survive once they enter the world and face the threats of many dragon tribes who don’t want peace.

There is a set time that the dragonets are supposed to venture out in accordance with the prophecy but the young friends fear one will be killed if they don’t escape, especially after another of their friends has been taken out by his tribe leader. It doesn’t take long before the escaped dragonets are being chased by warring dragons seeking to destroy them.

This first story focuses on Clay, a mud dragonet. Clay is quiet and hasn’t been able to learn to fight in spite of his trainers abusively pushing him. It is sweet to watch Clay take a position of leadership among his friends even though he doesn’t seek that responsibility.

This has been on my TBR for a while and I pulled it out since my granddaughter was reading it too. I liked the unique characters of the dragonets and watching them discover their talents. There is violence in the forceful training and more out in the world when the young friends face the warring dragons. But the reader can see that the dragonets are willing to seek alternatives to avoid the extreme violence. The next stories are intended to tell the stories of each of the five dragonets but the series is now up to book 15. I think they would be interesting, although I may not jump to get more. I do recommend that fans of dragon fantasy characters should try this series.

Audio Notes: Shannon McManus does a good job providing distinct voices for the characters. There is also clear energy although there is some girly sound in the early part of the book. Overall I did enjoy listening to this story.

Source: 7/5/2018 won with 7 other titles from Audiobook.com through Beth Fish Reads. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post September 10, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 11, 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 feel a little out of touch with the office since I have been home with family.
I enjoyed having my son, my sister and b-i-l in town the past four days. We worked hard around the house doing small repairs, pressure cleaning, and painting. The jobs that were done made a big difference in appearance. We filled my garbage can and three more big bags to go, plus five new boxes to go to yard sale. I have several empty cupboards! 

If I do move from my current house I will miss scenes like this baby nursing from her mother in my backyard.

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 Morocco.

Our weather has been mostly sunny and hot- high 80s and 90s.  At least the evenings have been in the low 70s. These temperatures will continue this coming week.

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

I visited 14 blogs again last week.
Shout out this week to ECHOS OF BOOKS.  Ryna is a book enthusiast who also has a passion for photography, coffee, and blogging.

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

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

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Etched in Bone, A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop; Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Shifters; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon; Genre: Christian Romance, Contemporary; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• MBS August 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Contact Front, Drop Trooper, Book 1 by Rick Partlow; Genre: First Contact, Military, Space; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 10, 2023 - Five Enemies to Growth.

Finished Reading:
1. 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
I enjoyed this dragon story which had good lessons for children although there was violence.
Source: 7/5/2018 won with 7 other titles from Audiobook.com through Beth Fish Reads.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Hunted
A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1
By AD Starrling
This wasn't quite what I expected. It is full of action and I liked it.
Source 2019 Chirp.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Kindle App on Smartphone (A2023)

Con Crazy
by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh
I have made progress slowly. I am 45% in and still waiting to see the full con.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Dragon and the George
By: Gordon R. Dickson
Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
Series: Dragon Knight, Book 1
I've been wanting to read a "dragon" story and I picked this from my TBR shelf.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's summary
Through no fault of his own, the once human Jim Eckert had become a dragon. Unfortunately, his beloved Angie had remained human. But in this magical land anything could happen.
To make matter worse, Angie had been taken prisoner by an evil dragon and was held captive in the impenetrable Loathly Tower. So in this land where humans were edible and beasts were magical - where spells worked and logic didn't-- Jim Eckert had a big, strange problem.
©1976 Gordon R. Dickson. ©2004 the Estate of Gordon R. Dickson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking
Author T. Kingfisher
Narrator: Patricia Santomasso
Duration: 8 h 30 min
I wanted something a little fun to listen to and this looks fun. Source: May 5, 2022 Two for One Deal Credit use at Audiobooks.com.
Publisher's summary
Fourteen-year-old Mona isn't like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can't control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter, and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt's bakery making gingerbread men dance.
But Mona's life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona's city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona's worries....
©2020 T. Kingfisher (P)2021 Tantor

September 10, 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 2 Chronicles following the kings of Israel and Judah.

I finished two 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 found 3 Audible Plus titles but I will show them next week.
No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

I did have some Audible Plus titles but I will list them next week as it is late when I am getting to finish this post.

No new title added to Kindle library.  Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.