Book Review: Her Kind of Sheriff by Ellen Knightley

This is a pleasant historical western romance.

Her Kind of Sheriff
by Ellen Knightley

150 pages
Publisher: Ellen Knightley
Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Sweet
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

Life in Black Shaw is a constant struggle for Eve Stanton, between helping her mother with her six siblings and working as a seamstress. When her father approves a marriage proposal she has no interest in without even asking her, Eve is horrified. Barely eighteen, she’s not ready to commit to a life without romance. Making matters worse, a false accusation made against her suddenly turns her into an outcast. In the midst of her despair, she finds an unlikely ally in the handsome new sheriff. She can’t allow herself to hope he could ever be interested in her, but she also can’t seem to stay away from him. With her life in turmoil and her would-be husband looming, will Eve be brave enough to go after what she truly wants?
Logan Andrews has always dreamt of being a sheriff, so when an opportunity opens up in a small town of Texas, he jumps at the chance. Being a man with a strong sense of justice, he has a burning desire to put away all the criminals that have been terrorizing the town of Black Shaw. However, when he locks up a man who has everyone convinced he’s a hero, Logan becomes the town’s number one enemy. His only support comes from a beautiful and captivating young seamstress, with dazzling blue eyes he can’t stop thinking about. While he doggedly works to prove his worth and change people’s minds, will he also allow himself to give in to a love that could change his life forever?
Logan and Eve find common ground when their place in town is threatened and their integrity is questioned. Having each other to rely on, they struggle to regain everything they’ve lost while their feelings intensify beyond measure. With everything against them and their feelings intensifying, will their tender love survive the trials coming their way? Will they manage to stand up for what they believe in without losing each other in the process?

Review:
Eve is a sweet young woman who has had the burden of helping her mother raise her six siblings. Their father is out drinking his sorrows most of the time. Now that Eve is eighteen, her father decides that she should marry, and he has approved her marry the wealthy banker in town. Eve isn’t ready to marry anyone, much less a man she doesn’t love. It isn’t fair her father thinks she should marry to get a wealthy relative. When Eve turns down the offer of marriage to the banker, she sees a touch of anger. She has no idea how the rejection will impact her reputation in town.

Logan is a new sheriff in town. He was pleased to move up from a deputy position at another town but he has an extra reason for coming to Black Shaw. Logan has studied the patterns of robberies over the past six months, and he suspects that there is an outlaw ring leader in Black Shaw or its neighboring towns.

Logan has occasion to ‘rescue’ Eve from an aggressive discussion with the town banker. The banker is well liked in town and has developed a large group of favors from other town members. When Logan spots the man meeting two other strangers late at night and in stealthy circumstance, Logan begins to suspect the man is not as upstanding as everyone thinks.

After Logan arrests the banker he faces hostility from the townsfolk. Meanwhile, Eve has lost her job over accusations of theft and she is struggling to get another job in light of the false accusations. Logan and Eve become friends in their outcast situation. Their interaction leads to a developing friendship. When the banker escapes jail, can Logan keep Eve safe from the angry man?

I liked the personalities of Eve and Logan and the slow development of their relationship. The plot of the story, although not new, is one that is plausible. My biggest struggle with this book is the writing which was choppy, totally predictable, and seemed unskilled. I still liked the story and characters but hope that the author works on her writing skills to make for a smoother read with a little more intrigue and build up. Readers who like sweet, clean, historical romance should enjoy this story.

Source: November 2022 Bookfunnel download from Newsletter This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023eBook goals.

MBS 2023 Fraterfest Readathon - #2023FraterfestRAT

 This is being hosted again by Caffeinated Reviewer.

The rules are fairly easy:
Between Midnight October 12th and ending at 11:59 pm October 16th; read or listen to thrillers, mysteries, paranormal, horror, supernatural, witchy, ghostly or serial killer novels and novellas.

This time frame seems shorter than previous years. I estimate I might get in 15 hours listening time and a little bit of ebook time.

8 books (5TBR and 3 current) completed for FRATERFEST 2018
10 TBR titles for FRATERFEST 2019
6 books (2TBR and 4 current) for FRATERFEST 2020
10 books (7TBR and 3 current year) for FRATERFEST 2021
7 books (6TBR and 1 current year) for FRATERFEST 2022

I am going to try to stick to TBR books except for one of the NetGalley titles. I am going to try to stick to TBR books except for one of the NetGalley titles.
I've listed some books I can choose from. Those highlighted are favored.

eBooks:

The Messiest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks (NG2023)
Ghosts of Chernobyl (Tales from the Spirit World Book 3) 17pgs 5/2011
The Tutor: A Ghost Story 27p 2/2019
The Experience Machine 39pgs 10/2019
The Bell by Steve Lockley 87pgs
Behold the Child by Harry Shannon 88
Freddy’s House 92pgs 10/2013
Come to the Cemetery 105pgs 1/2017
Caged View 108pgs 5/2012
Sixtus--A Suspense Thriller 108pgs 6/2012
Outage (Boxed Set) book 1 154pg 2/2016

Audios:

The Horror of the Heights by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 0h 44m (ATBR ABC)
Deep Dark Joe Ledger Book 1.3 by John Maberry 50m (ATBR)
Material Witness Joe Ledger Book 1.2 by John Maberry 1h 16m (ATBR)
The Roommate The Cormac Reilly Series, Book 0.7 by Dervla McTiernan 2h 23m (ATBR)
Second Skin, Audible Original Novella by Christian White 2h 28m (ATBR)
An Open Spook, A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery Book 4.5 by E.J. Copperman 2h 32m (A2023)
Carnival Row: Tangle in the Dark By: Stephanie K. Smith 3h 8m (ATBR)
Eli Carter and the Ghost Hackers Books 1-3 Series Boxed Set by Angela Pepper Book 2 (ATBR Chirp)
Limbus Inc., Three Guys walk Into A Bar by Jonathan Maberry 3h 20m (ATBR ABC)
The Original by Brandon Sanderson 3h 30m (ATBR ABC)
The Snow, #1 of Whiteout by Flint Maxwell 4h 13m (ATBR ABC)
The Cuckoo's Cry An Audible Original Novella 4h 43m (ATBR)
A Death at Eastwick by L.C. Warman 5h 4m (ATBR Chirp)
Last Ones Left Alive A Novel by Sarah Davis-Goff 5h 34m (ATBR Chirp)
Cut 1/2986, Book 1 by Annelie Wendeberg 6h 4m (ATBR Chirp)
The Ghost Hunter Next Door Beechwood Harbor Ghost Mysteries, Book 1 by Danielle Garrett 6h 22m (ATBR)
The Darkwater Bride: An Audible Original Drama by Marty Ross 6h 45m (ATBR)
Trick or Treat Murder #3 of Lucy Stone by Leslie Meier 7h 17m (ATBR ABC)

CODE: ATBR - Audible TBR

             ABC - Audiobooks.com
             Chirp - audio on Chirp
Strike through xxx - I read them between 10/11 to 10/16

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.