Sunday Post October 8, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 9, 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 are busy with title contracts coming in and legal work to do.

Saturday I was in Panama City and we found a new car for my daughter.

Here is an image of my GFWC Marianna Woman's Club group
that helped at Chipola Area Habitat For Humanity.
Some of us painted and others put cabinets together.
I helped with a coat of paint in one and a half bedrooms.
Not my usual activity.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prayers for family and church.
Definitely prayers for Israel this week!

Fall made itself clearly felt this morning with a brisk 56 degrees for church time. We are scheduled to have only half this coming week in the 80s during the days and nights will be cool, 60s all the way to 44.

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

I visited 14 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to BOOKISH BRON. Bron is an Australian book blogger and reviewer who says she is "an obsessive reader and bibliophile".

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

• Sunday Post October 1, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 2, 2023.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: What If It's True? by Charles Martin; Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Religious & Inspirational, Christian Living; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• eB2023: Book Review: Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story) by Deany Ray; Genre: Christmas, Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Not Alone by Craig A. Falconer; Genre: Aliens, First Contact, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 8, 2023 -Spirit Gives Life.

Finished Reading:

1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Her Kind of Sheriff
by Ellen Knightley
This is a pleasant historical western romance.
Source: November 2022 Bookfunnel download from Newsletter.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio App on Smartphone (ATBR)

Deadbreak
Author Jorge Sanchez
Narrator: James Fouhey
Duration: 10 h 59 min
This is a well written zombie survival story.
Source: 10/30/2021 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit Horror Audiobooks.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Outage Boxed Set: Books 1-3
(Outage Horror Suspense Series)
by T.W. Piperbrook
Oh boy, this is definitely horror, scary stuff.
I am in Book 2.
Source: 2/28/2013 free Kindle.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Army of Golems: An Unconventional Heroes Publisher's Pack
By: L. G. Estrella
Narrated by: Fred Berman
Series: Unconventional Heroes, Book 1-2
Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins
This is fun listening although I'm not sure I wouldn't have enjoyed it more split up. I have under 2 hours to finish.
Source: March 2022 Free Audible Plus.
Publisher's summary
Contains Books 1 and 2 of the Unconventional Heroes series.
Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf, book 1:
Two necromancers, a bureaucrat, and an elf - it sounds like the start of a bad joke, only the joke is on Timmy.
Timothy Walter Bolton - better known as Timmy - has spent most of his life as a necromancer. When he isn't terrorising his enemies, he's plotting inside his castle, which is built on top of lightless chasms filled with nameless horrors and beings of a generally malevolent and megalomaniacal nature. But after one of his latest creations, a zombie hydra-dragon-bear, tries to eat him, he decides that maybe it's time to find a new, less dangerous, career.
But that's easier said than done. He's a wanted criminal with no shortage of powerful (and crazy) enemies, and he has a bone or two to pick with the Everton Council of Mages.
It's a good thing that he's got some help: an obnoxious 10-year-old apprentice who thinks that pink glasses are appropriate for a budding necromancer and a bumbling bureaucrat who may or may not make it through their first real fight without puking his guts up. Wonderful.

Two Necromancers, an Army of Golems, and a Demon Lord, book 2:
Two necromancers, an army of golems, and a demon lord - it sounds like a recipe for trouble, and for Timmy, it definitely is.
To earn his pardon and avoid horrible torture and/or gruesome execution, Timmy has to complete every mission the Council throws his way, most of which seem to involve extremely scary things trying to kill him. At least he’s got help - sort of. His help consists of an apprentice with designs on his castle (and her plans may or may not involve overthrowing him), a bureaucrat whose two greatest skills are fainting in the face of trouble and using people (usually Timmy) as human shields, and an elf with the world's worst case of pyromania and enough magic to level a mountain.
Somehow, Timmy's got to get this bunch of unconventional heroes to work together. Trouble is coming, and it's trouble of the kind that only a necromancer like Timmy could possibly find himself in the middle of.
©2014 L. G. Estrella (P)2020 Podium Audio

I will be signing up for #Fraterfest 2023 that starts 10/12. I plan to include this as one of the books.  I'm still planning the rest of the list.

3. NetGalley App on Smartphone (NG2023)

The Messiest Monster on Mill Street
by Sarah Sparks
This looks so cute and perfect for #Fraterfest!
Source: October 2023 NetGalley.
Description
Max's messes are legendary—paint on the walls, spills on the floor, crumbs in his fur, and toys scattered everywhere. Max never intended to be messy; there was simply too much to do and too much fun to be had. Until one day, his mess becomes an uncontrollable monster of its own!
With lively illustrations and playful rhymes, each book in the Monsters on Mill Street series follows an energetic and lovable monster on an adventure filled with chaos and unexpected challenges. Every child will recognize a piece of themselves in Max and the colorful cast of characters on Mill Street.
But wait, there’s more! Because the Monsters on Mill Street series is specifically designed to assist children in developing executive functioning and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, it’s a treasure trove for parents, grandparents, and educators who are looking to inspire young readers and empower them to overcome life’s challenges.
Your child will enjoy these books so much, they won’t even realize they’re learning!

October 8, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". My readings are now in Romans which is a wonderful book recognizing God and the sacrifice of His son, Jesus.
I started a 7 day study: Bolder - The Audacious Faith of Imperfect People.

I finished two books and posted three reviews.  I remain caught up.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I added one title which I will be reading later this week.
I have an older audio on my shelf I should listen to soon.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles, one is horror so I hope to read it after Fraterfest.

Other Sources: I have a dozen or so books that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests. plus many titles through InstaFreebie over the past few years.

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.

One new review title from NetGalley.
No Purchases.

I picked up another Audible Plus titles but am not listing them now.
One new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

One from NetGalley - See Current Reading for
The Messiest Monster on Mill Street.

Purchased

NONE

Free

I did download several "horror" titles from Audible Plus Catalog but I am too tired to list them tonight. Maybe next week.

10/7/2023 Kindle title from Bookbub email:

Killing it in Paris: A heart-stopping thriller mystery set in Paris (The Claire Baskerville Mysteries Book 5)Susan Kiernan-Lewis



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 October 8, 2023 - Spirit Gives Life.

Our Sunday School message was “I Will if Thy Will”, based on James 4:13-17. We cannot boast of our plans because God may have a different plan. We need to give up our pride for humility and submission to His Will.

Our service concluded with Communion. The Message was on the Spirit Gives Life based on the scripture of John 6:51-56 and 60-63. Verse 60 notes this is a hard saying that offends people because it requires a surrender, an acknowledgement of God’s justice. Verse 63 reminds us that His words are spirit and life.

Christ is our living bread. He's bringing more than physical food to the disciples and the people. He reminds us we are in a covenant relationship. Under a contract, either side might default or leave the contract. A Covenant with God, that He established, cannot be terminated. Celebrating communion, we are reminded of the covenant and we are celebrating becoming one through the sacrifice of Christ.

We are able to put our hope and trust in God because He has already shown His willingness to fulfill the promises.

Philosophies are circumstantial, but our scriptural covenant is based on truth. No matter how you feel, the commitment has been made by God. He paid the debt that we owe and asks us to remember.

The believer has accepted the gift of Jesus. He has given us the Spirit through His death and through His Word. Do we live according to His word and His will?

We all need energy for life, the word gives us energy for our spiritual life. Through Christ’s blood we have life giving power.

Communion is a time to ask God: Search me, cleanse me.
He is faithful and just to forgive all. Let the life giving word transform us.
Christ lives in me and God has made us a peculiar people.
We have to change our diet. What are we feeding on?
The word is supernatural. Are we feeding on the word that gives us life?

After listening to many songs, I chose this one for today. Whisper (and remind me of your love)

Verses for Today:
John 6:51-56, 60-63 NIV
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.


Lord, I give thanks for the covenant You gave. And I thank you for calling me to You. Help me live by Your Word.

Audible Book Review: Not Alone by Craig A. Falconer

This first contact story is long but mostly engaging.
Not Alone
By: Craig A. Falconer
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

Length: 22 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 08-09-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Aliens, First Contact, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's summary
Aliens exist, the government knows, and Dan McCarthy just found the proof. When Dan McCarthy stumbles upon a folder containing evidence of the conspiracy to end all conspiracies - a top-level alien cover-up - he leaks the files without a second thought. The incredible truth revealed by Dan's leak immediately captures the public's imagination, but Dan's relentless commitment to exposing the cover-up and forcing disclosure quickly earns him some enemies in high places. For his whole life, Dan McCarthy has searched for a reason to believe. Now that he finally has one, he might soon wish he didn't.... Not Alone is a stand-alone tale of contact and disclosure for the 21st century. ©2015 Craig A. Falconer (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dan McCarthy is a sensitive, intelligent, but socially awkward man working two jobs to make ends meet. He stumbles upon proof that aliens have been on earth and a US agency has been hiding the truth. Rather than turning the information into officials, Dan releases it anonymously through the internet. His identity is soon exposed, and his efforts are condemned by a few but applauded by many. Dan could be overwhelmed by the media while he waits for his former military brother to get home to help him.

But suddenly a PR expert, Emma Ford, shows up to guide him. Emma doesn’t necessarily believe in aliens, but she has been assigned to take charge of the story for as long as it is worth news. Emma is sure Dan sincerely believes and as Emma lines up interviews, she slowly begins to accept that Dan may be right.

The American agency leader denies the story, calling it a hoax. Political figures, particularly the British Prime Minister and American President begin to take sides. Soon more evidence appears that supports Dan’s version of the facts. And Dan hasn’t revealed everything he found yet.

There is interesting worldwide discussion by experts and public reaction ranges from fear to excitement. There is political involvement and twists as the story continues. The public responses and political involvement may be a little overdone, but they are within the realm of possibility.

There is minimal alien activity and conflict. The story is focused on the characters and the author does a strong job of sharing the personal touches of the main character. The story is long at 738 Kindle (740 pint) pages and almost 23 hours of audio. Although the writing seems cliched and amateurish at times, the character driven story kept me engaged. I recommend this to die hard fans of first contact stories.

Audio Notes: James Patrick Cronin does an excellent job with the narration. He clearly portrays the characters as drawn by the author, even to the peripheral friends. I appreciated having this on audio rather than trying to read through 700+ pages.

Source: 1/27/19 Audible Daily Deal Rewind Sale $1.99. This qualifies for2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Book Review: Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story) by Deany Ray

This is a short, fun Christmas disaster turned to joy story.

Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story)
By Deany Ray
Charlie Cooper Mystery #4.5

File Size ‏ : ‎ 2462 KB
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 15, 2018
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07K1LWD2Y
Genre: Christmas, Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

This is a holiday SHORT story, but long enough for you to enjoy it with a glass of eggnog...or two glasses...*wink*
The holiday season has arrived in Springston…and at the Coopers’ house. Soft snow outside, creamy eggnog inside – it’s the perfect Christmas Eve for Charlie Cooper, the town’s most clumsy undercover detective.
Not to mention the yummy turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, thick gravy and all the other delicious dishes made by Charlie’s mom for the whole family and Charlie’s two best friends and crime fighting partners, Marge and Celeste.
With such a perfect Christmastime in sight, nothing could really go wrong. Or could it? Well, there’s nothing like being held at gunpoint on Christmas Eve to bring joy into your heart.
When the food gets mysteriously ruined, the Christmas tree almost wrecked and apparently having a nice holiday feast just isn’t about to happen, Charlie wonders about that so-called Christmas spirit.
One thing is for Charlie will always remember this year’s holiday as “barely surviving Christmas at the Coopers’ house”.

Review:
Charlie Cooper is an undercover detective with her business partners and friends, Marge and Celeste. Charlie is looking forward to her friends joining her family for Christmas dinner. Charlie, whose cooking skills are minimal, has made a pie for dessert. Her mother, who is a wizard at food, has made a smorgasbord of dishes. The house is decorated, and everyone is ready.

The Cooper men, father and sons, are outside cooking chestnuts on the grill when things start popping. Next thing they all know, there appears to be an intrusion and attack on the festivities. Before the family and friends can sit down to the wonderful spread of food, one misstep after another takes the food to the floor.

Can Charlie figure out who is the culprit? And how will the family save Christmas dinner?

The story is full of quirky characters and humor from the outset. I realized that this is book #4.5 of the series but I was still able to enjoy the characters and the fun. The writing is straightforward and makes for an easy read. I was pleased that the disastrous dinner turned into a joyful event shared with more than expected. I expect that I will read more by this author and I recommend the story as a light, fun mystery that shares the joy of Christmas shared.

Source: I received this from the author newsletter sign up in June 2021. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023ebook goals.

Audio Book Review: What If It's True? by Charles Martin

Charles Martin shares an emotional and strong argument for faith in Jesus Christ.
What If It's True?
by Charles Martin
Narrated by Charles Martin

Run Time 9h 55min
Release Date: January 29, 2019
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Tags: Christian Nonfiction, Religious & Inspirational, Christian Living
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
Charles Martin touched my heart with this study. Martin makes the story of Christ come alive through fiction based on the scripture. Then he studies the details in the time setting with the other people involved. Finally, he applies the passages to everyday living, particularly his own life, often sharing his own raw emotions. He concludes each section with a prayer that can be shared by the reader.

I enjoyed a fiction book by Martin a few years ago and was glad to try this one. It is informative and very moving. The studies strengthened my beliefs and faith. Martin is willing to expose his own thoughts and emotions to share the message. I recommend this to nonbelievers who are seeking, and to believers who would enjoy a chance to strengthen their understanding and faith.

Audio Notes: Charles Martin, as the author, does an effective job of narration. He presents his arguments and emotions in a clear and heartfelt voice. I made a point to pay attention to the audio so that I could absorb the message better. I enjoyed the audio version.

Source: December 2020 Chirp $4.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.