Sunday Post October 22, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 23, 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.

Well that was a 'no post' for me week - first in a long, long time.
I worked late Monday to get ready for travel; went to bed early on Tuesday so I would be rested. Then drove Wednesday and Thursday to get to Illinois. I worked from the hotel on Wednesday night and rested after I arrived on Thursday.  I give thanks that the drive was clear and not overly crowded.
I have spent weekend time with the kids.

I plan to work remotely as the office staff "holds the fort". The kids will be in school 8 to 3 so I will have that time on computer.

My d-i-l is doing fairly well after the first round of chemo. She has had some nausea but is up several times a day and starting to eat regularly. She does have pain both in the area of the tumors and in her back. 

Here is a pic with son and twins from school festival on Friday.

And here are the children and me riding in their home creation of Hogwarts Express.

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.
Prayers for Israel and all the innocents who will be impacted by this war.

The weather here has been lovely. Not too cold yet and I have the warmest room.  

I finished one ebook and three audios but only posted last weeks' Sunday/Monday post
I am behind posting my September Wrap Up and I am going to be short on time this coming week.

I visited 13 blogs last week.
No Shout out this week.

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

• Sunday Post October 15, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 16, 2023.

Finished Reading:
I finished #Fraterfest 2023 on 10/16 with 8 reads.

1. Audio App on Smartphone (ATBR) #Fraterfest #7

Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey
Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes
I enjoyed this and will look for the next books in the series.
Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase.

2. Kindle App on Smartphone (ebTBR). #Fraterfest #8.

The Experience Machine
By Jason Werbeloff
Series: Obsidian Worlds #11
This was a fitting story for horror.
Source: October 25, 2019 free Kindle.

3. Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

Patient Zero
The Joe Ledger Novels, Book 1
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins
I read this right away as I enjoy Maberry's writing style. It was good timing to listen to for two days of driving.
Source: September 2023 Audible Credit pick.
Publisher's summary
From multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author Jonathan Maberry comes a major new thriller that combines the best of the New York Times best-selling books World War Z by Max Brooks and James Rollins’ Sigma Force Series to kick off the start of a new series featuring Joe Ledger and the Department of Military Sciences.
When you have to kill the same terrorist twice in one week there’s either something wrong with your world or something wrong with your skills - and there’s nothing wrong with Joe Ledger’s skills. And that’s both a good and a bad thing. It’s good because he’s a Baltimore detective who has just been secretly recruited by the government to lead a new task force created to deal with the problems that Homeland Security can’t handle. This rapid-response group is called the Department of Military Sciences, or the DMS for short. It’s bad because his first mission is to help stop a group of terrorists from releasing a dreadful bioweapon that can turn ordinary people into zombies. The fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Jonathan Maberry is the New York Times best-selling and multiple Bram Stoker Award–winning author of Ghost Road Blues, the first of a trilogy of thrillers with a supernatural bite. A professional writer and writing teacher, he has sold more than 1.000 articles, 17 nonfiction books, six novels, and two plays.
©2009 Jonathan Maberry (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

4. Audio App on Smartphone (ATBR)

BOOK 2 "The Paramedic's Angel"
Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3
Written by Jamie Davis
Narrated by Roberto Scarlato
(Run time: 20 hours and 16 minutes)
Book 2 Run time: 7 hours 7 min.
This is entertaining. I will read book 3 at some time.
Source: 4/23/2020 Chirp $2.99
Paramedic Dean Flynn is finally getting used to his Unusual ambulance patients, the creatures of myth and legend who live among us all. But with werewolves, vampires, fairies and more as his 911 patients, is he ready for an Unusual in his personal life?
Ashley Moore is not just an ER nurse, she is a heavenly angel on earth, sent to help Dean solve the mystery of the hate crime attacks on his patient community. The Cause is determined to undermine the Unusual community, scare them into a starting a race war, and expose them to their human neighbors.
Will Dean be able to juggle the professional challenges of serving his patients, the personal challenges of having an angel in his life, and still find those at the root of these crimes?

Currently Reading:

1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Outage Boxed Set: Books 1-3
(Outage Horror Suspense Series)
by T.W. Piperbrook
I am still working on this is horror story.
I am close to the end of Book 2.
Source: 2/28/2013 free Kindle.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Nights of the Living Dead
An Anthology
By: Jonathan Maberry - editor, George A. Romero - editor, Gabrielle de Cuir - director
Narrated by: full cast
Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins
I saved this one for October reading and I am enjoying the stories.
(It also is a title for my time of day challenge.)
Source: July 2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's summary
In 1968 the world experienced a brand-new kind of terror with the debut of George A. Romero's landmark film Night of the Living Dead. This was something new...and terrifying. Since then, zombies have invaded every aspect of popular culture.
But it all started on that dreadful night in a remote farmhouse.
Nights of the Living Dead returns to that night, to the outbreak, to where it all began. New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry teams up with the godfather of the living dead himself, George A. Romero, to present a collection of all-new tales set during the 48 hours of that legendary outbreak.
Nights of the Living Dead includes stories by some of today's most important writers: Brian Keene, Carrie Ryan, Chuck Wendig, Craig Engler, David J. Schow, David Wellington, Isaac Marion, Jay Bonansinga, Joe R. Lansdale, Joe McKinney, John Russo, John Skipp, Keith RA DeCandido, Max Brallier, Mike Carey, Mira Grant, Neal and Brendan Shusterman, and Sandra and Ryan Brown, plus original stories by Romero and Maberry.
Narrators include: Ray Porter, Stefan Rudnicki, Jonathan Maberry, Kasey Lansdale, Kristoffer Tabori, Rex Linn, Gabrielle de Cuir, Adenrele Ojo, Richard Gilliland, and Nicholas Guy Smith.
©2017 Jonathan Maberry and George A. Romero (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

I don't know what book will be next but maybe a lighter cozy mystery.

October 22, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". My readings Corinthians 2 with Paul encouraging all to belief in Christ and the promise of salvation.

I finished four more books and posted two reviews.  I am now behind with 12 reviews to post.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
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 I finish my current ebook.

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.

No new review titles this week.
I will be selected my Audible credits this week.

I have included the Audible Plus titles from a week ago.
No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Purchased

10/17/2023 Two Audible Credits

Patient Zero
The Joe Ledger Novels, Book 1
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins
See more info above under Finished Reading.

He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 1
By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
Narrated by: Heath Miller
Length: 28 hrs and 56 mins

I've eyed this LitRPG for awhile.

Free

Audible Plus Titles between 10/8 and 10/16.
(I might have to purchase the first books in this series but I loved these titles.)

Murder in the Locked Library
Series: Book Retreat Mystery series, Book 4
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Johanna Parker
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Murder in the Reading Room
Series: Book Retreat Mystery, Book 5
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Johanna Parker
Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Riders of the Purple Sage
The Restored Edition
By: Zane Grey
Narrated by: Mark Bramhall
Series: Riders of the Purple Sage, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Stories of the Golden West, Book 3
By: Jon Tuska, Louis L'Amour, Zane Grey, Max Brand
Narrated by: Christopher Lane, Tom Weiner
Series: Stories of the Golden West, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins


I know I saw Caught Dead Handed at The Book Date. Thanks, Kathryn!

Caught Dead Handed
Series: Witch City Mystery, Book 1
By: Carol J. Perry
Narrated by: C.S.E Cooney
Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Tails, You Lose
Series: Witch City Mystery, Book 2
By: Carol J. Perry
Narrated by: C. S. E. Cooney
Length: 8 hrs and 47 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 Post October 15, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 16, 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.

Sorry for last week. I apparently didn't enable comments until Wednesday night.

My office continues to be busy with a good mix of closing contracts and legal work.

My blogging may get sporadic this coming week. I will be driving to Illinois to help my son and d-i-l with my three grandchildren. My d-i-l did not get any good news from the second opinion in NY. She returned home and her regular oncologist put her into the hospital Thursday to start heavy chemo - 5-9 hours for 4 days in a row. Then she goes home on steroids followed by antibiotics so she can regain strength to go through the chemo for five more sessions three weeks apart. I plan to be there two weeks if not longer.

Some of my GFWC Marianna Woman's Club group had fun decorating pumpkins
to deliver to supporting advertising businesses in town.
I was pleased they delivered one to my offices.

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.
Prayers for Israel and all the innocents who will be impacted by this war.

I had the heat on one night a week ago. The days have been beautiful. I expect it to be a little cooler in Illinois. I plan to take warm clothing. 

I finished an two ebooks and six audios and posted two reviews with my memes. 
I am behind posting my September Wrap Up and I am going to be short on time this coming week.

I visited 14 blogs last week.
No Shout out this week.

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

• Sunday Post October 8, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 9, 2023.

• MBS 2023 Fraterfest Readathon - #2023FraterfestRAT

• eBTBR: Book Review: Her Kind of Sheriff by Ellen Knightley; Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Sweet; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Deadbreak by Jorge Sanchez; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy > Apocalyptic & Dystopian, Horror; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 15, 2023 - A Firm Foundation.

Finished Reading:

1. 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.
Source: March 2022 Free Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio App on Smartphone (ATBR)

A Death at Eastwick
Written by L.C. Warman
Narrated by Brooke Myers
Run time: 5 hours and 4 minutes
I was able to get this listen in before staring Fraterfest. I enjoyed the twist in the mystery.
Source: 3/21/2020 Chirp deal $.99.
When John Eastwick, Jr.’s father dies, he finds out about one family secret that will change his life forever. But a murder the night of the memorial service raises the question—what else was his beloved father hiding?
***
21-year-old John Eastwick, Jr., has lived a charmed and cozy life. The sole heir of the Eastwick family fortune, John is on the cusp of graduating from the renowned Montvale University out east before returning home to run his family business. But in late fall of his final year, John’s father dies of heart failure. Days later, his father is named as one of the disgraced moguls who bribed John’s way into his prestigious college.
Kicked out of school, John returns home to his distraught mother at their lakeside mansion to bury his father. There, John’s world continues to crumble beneath his feet: the will that the family lawyer reads bears no resemblance to the last version that the late John Eastwick, Sr. created. In fact, John Eastwick, Sr. has divided his estate not only between his son and wife, but the family chef, their loyal lawyer, his young secretary, and his estranged brother.
John wonders, is his father trying to atone for past mistakes--and what other secrets might he be keeping?
But that night, after the reading of the will, one among the group is murdered. And John Eastwick, Jr., must not only piece together who the threat is, but also face what else his beloved father might have been hiding.

I started #Fraterfest 2023 at 12:01am on 10/12. I got off to a very good start.

3. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR) #Fraterfest #1.

Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Joe Ledger, Book 1.2
Length: 1 hr and 16 mins
I enjoyed the military and supernatural elements in this short story.
Source: December 2021 Free from Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's summary
Here is another highly entertaining short story featuring Jonathan Maberry’s compelling hero, Joe Ledger.
This short thriller takes Joe Ledger into the mysterious, troubled town of Pine Deep, Pennsylvania, the setting for Maberry’s chilling Pine Deep Trilogy. In Pine Deep, nothing is what it seems.
©2011 Jonathan Maberry (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

4. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR) #Fraterfest #2.

Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Joe Ledger, Book 1.3
Length: 50 mins
I enjoyed Book 1.2 so much I went straight on to 1.3. This one deals with genetic mutations and is another strong short story.
Source: December 2021 Free from Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's summary
This chilling short story is the prequel to The Dragon Factory, the second installment in Maberry’s action-packed Joe Ledger novels.
Before Baltimore cop Joe Ledger goes up against two competing groups of geneticists looking to continue the master-race program in The Dragon Factory, he must battle another foe using human test subjects for his sinister plans.
©2009 Jonathan Maberry (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

5. NetGalley App on Smartphone (NG2023). #Fraterfest #3.

The Messiest Monster on Mill Street
by Sarah Sparks
This is a cute story and was perfect for #Fraterfest!
Source: October 2023 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

6. Kindle App on Smartphone (ebTBR). #Fraterfest #4.

The Tutor: A Ghost Story
By Rod A. Galindo
This is a quick, engaging story and I would be willing to read more in the series.
Source: February 2019 free Kindle.
"The Tutor" is Chapter One of "Claire", WINNER of the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Paranormal category.
Young Max hates Fourth Grade math. His teenage friend Claire is an ace with numbers, and is always eager to help him with his homework. Max adores her, and loves when she visits him in the old house on Hollow Street.
Claire can also weave a ghost story like no one else. But her favorite tale always sends chills down his spine, and hits a little too close to home...

7. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR) #Fraterfest #5.

A Wild Ghost Chase
By: E.J. Copperman
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Series: Haunted Guesthouse, Book 3.5
Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
I enjoy this ghostly cozy mystery series.
Source: 11/5/2022 Audible Plus.
Publisher's summary
Phantom PI Paul Harrison from the national best-selling Haunted Guesthouse mysteries returns with a tale of his own in a house full of ghosts, secrets, and spectacular oceanside views.…
Three years ago in a large Victorian house on the Jersey Shore in the town of Harbor Haven, fledgling private investigator Paul and his client, Maxie Malone, were murdered. Since then, recent divorcée and reluctant ghost whisperer Alison Kerby and her 10-year-old daughter, Melissa, have moved in and converted the place to a guesthouse, where Maxie and Paul are now checked in for an eternity and ready to solve any case that comes their way - or at least spook the guests (who love it). Alison’s got a lot on her plate at the moment, however, so when Paul discovers the 300-year-old ghost of a small boy in the house, he decides not to involve her in the case. The boy, named Eagle of the Sun, says he’s searching for his missing mother. Paul’s happy to help Eagle of the Sun find her, though something about the boy’s story doesn’t add up. But why would a lost little ghost lie?
Includes a preview of the next Haunted Guesthouse Mystery, Chance of a Ghost, available February 2013.
©2012 Jeffrey Cohen (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

8. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR) #Fraterfest #6.

The Ghost Hunter Next Door
Beechwood Harbor Ghost Mysteries, Book 1
By: Danielle Garrett
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
I enjoyed this ghostly cozy too. I will listen to more in the series.
Source: 11/27/2022 Audible sale $2.99.
Publisher's summary
The first rule of being a ghost whisperer: Don't tell anyone. Seriously. Don't.
Sure, it might sound harmless. A fun party trick, even. I assure you, it's not. How do I know? Well, let's just say that I've had a lot of experience with this sort of thing, and nine times out of 10, it turns into an all-consuming disaster.
Being plagued by needy ghosts 24-7 is one thing; being harassed by a horde of curious - or worse, grieving - flesh-and-blood people is an entirely different circus. I mean really, who wants to hold an impromptu seance in the middle of the cereal aisle? Not me, and the manager of the grocery store probably isn't too crazy about the idea, either.
So, that's it. If you're a ghost whisperer, just keep your mouth shut and act normal. Ghosts? What ghosts?
Now, if only I would start listening to my own advice....
©2017 Danielle Garrett (P)2019 Tantor

Currently Reading:

1. Audio App on Smartphone (ATBR) #Fraterfest #7

Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey
Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes
This is a fun series and I am enjoying the third story.
Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase.
I had to use a credit before 11/3 and was glad to pick up all three books in this series after enjoying Manners and Monsters.
One look could turn you to stone...
The newly married Lord and Lady Wycliff are cordially invited to a house party--to be mocked and ridiculed as entertainment. Wycliff insists on attending to discuss business with the host, while Hannah longs to hide in the library with its rare volumes on the Fae.
Bound to Wycliff even beyond death, Hannah wonders how she will survive the week--when a guest unexpectedly expires. A notorious cad is discovered turned into a statue in the garden. The dead lord had many enemies, including Lord Wycliff.
Hannah's accord with her husband is tested when a trail of footprints leads to their window. What secret is Wycliff hiding and does he know more about the magical death than he admits? Someone among the house guests has murder on their mind and the newlyweds need to determine who, before anyone else is immortalised as stone...

2. Kindle App on Smartphone (ebTBR). #Fraterfest #8.

The Experience Machine
By Jason Werbeloff
Series: Obsidian Worlds #11
I have just started this, but it is engaging so far.
Source: October 25, 2019 free Kindle.
The skullcap sits to one side of the chair. Its snaking wires and sensors throw a Medusa shadow against the basement wall. I touch its plastic. Stroke its wiry hair.
The Machine gives me everything I want. Or the one thing I want. Life in a woman’s body, under the tangerine glow of the Spiral Arm Nebula. But nothing remains the same for long, not even in the timeless worlds of the Experience Machine.
From the author of HEDON, The Experience Machine is a brutal story of identity found and lost. Plug in, baby. You won’t regret it.

I am picking for #Fraterfest as I go.

3. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR) On Hold until I finish #Fraterfest
unless I decide to count Book 3 (which I haven't started yet) as a #Fraterfest book.

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.

October 15, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". My readings are now in Corinthians with Paul 'lecturing' the church and reiterating the importance of loving others.
I enjoyed the 7 day study: Bolder - The Audacious Faith of Imperfect People.

I finished eight books and posted two reviews.  I was caught up but that is likely to change with eight reviews to do and more to come.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
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.

No new review titles this week.
No Purchases but I will be selecting my Audible credits this week.

I picked up more Audible Plus titles but I'm listing the ones from a week ago this week.
One new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

I downloaded these titles from Audible Plus Catalog before 10/8.

Last Command
By: Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: Fallen Empire, Book 0
Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins

A Haunting
The Horror on Rue Lane
By: L. I. Albemont
Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

An Open Spook
By: E.J. Copperman
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Series: A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery Book 4.5
Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins

Lady of Ashes
By: Christine Trent
Narrated by: Polly Lee
Series: Lady of Ashes, Book 1
Length: 15 hrs and 16 mins

The Parting of Ways
By: Glynn James, J. Thorn
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Series: Dustfall, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Joe Ledger: The Missing Files
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Joe Ledger, Book 3.5
Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins



10/14/2023 Kindle title

Hiding From The Sheriff (A Southern Kind of Love Book 1)
by Palmer Jones




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 15, 2023 A Firm Foundation.

Our Sunday School teacher took a break from out study in James to present a study on “Why is Israel Important.” It was a good study and reinforced our prayers for peace in Israel and the Middle East.

Our service opened with strong worship and praise songs. We then had a fine message from a healing missionary. DE has had his own journey of faith over the past year after he returned from a ministry trip in great pain that didn’t let up. When he had his blood work done, his PSA was at 380 when is should be no more than 5.When he got to see a doctor four weeks later the level was 800. After another few weeks when he got to the specialist, urologist the PSA was at 1100 and he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer throughout his body tissues and bones. DE stated there are specific things he recommends for such a health journey.

1. Establish a firm foundation, focus point, sure anchor. Philippians 3:12-14 – press on to the goal; Matthew 7: 24-27 build your house on rock for a firm foundation. When he first got sick, DE went to the Bible and was given the verse in Exodus 15:26 where God reminded that He is the “I Am” who is our healer, Jehovah-Rapha.

2. Once you have established an anchor point, be prepared to return daily to the sweet spot, refuge. Cry out and seek the higher rock, my refuge and strong tower. Psalm 61:2-3. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings. Psalm 57:1. Refuel your spirit regularly before you are empty. Find verses that speak to you and soak in God’s word. Part of being a Disciple includes discipline. By staying in the Word, you can know that you have a faithful God who never changes.

3. Face the fear. When you get past your fear, you can do anything.
DE was given no hope of cure since the cancer had spread throughout his body. The doctors questioned why he waited so long but he never had any earlier symptoms. When bad reports keep coming, refocus on your anchor. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You Psalm 56:3. Find strength in the God you know, the God who has never changed.
God knows our worries and pain. He records our misery and tears. Psalm 56:8.
When you push beyond your fear, you will find He gives you peace. When you move past your fear, anything is possible.

Don't expect the fear to go away. Don't be deceived. Satan is ready to defeat you and pull you away from God. There are levels – we grow from Faith to faith. You may have to break through levels of fear.
The apostles were in the room “with the doors locked for fear”. Jesus came and said “Peace be with you.”. John 20:19. Jesus comes in the place of our fear.

God can turn our fear to joy. Unlock the doors and windows and go to another level.
Although there was no medical plan for his treatment, DE did go through weekly treatment in Arizona. The cost was completely covered by donations. Ten months later there is now no evidence of cancer in his tissues and 25% is gone from his bones.

I like this song video for today because it speaks of God as our covering.

Verses for Today:
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Exodus 15:26 NIV
26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”


I am thankful that I have a firm foundation in GOD, in whom I trust.

Audio Book Review: Deadbreak by Jorge Sanchez

This is a well written zombie survival story.
Deadbreak
Author Jorge Sanchez
Narrator: James Fouhey

Duration: 10 h 59 min
Release date: 02-25-20
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy > Apocalyptic & Dystopian, Horror
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary
It's been three long years since Deadbreak. That's what everyone's calling it-the day the dead rose. Every day since then Jeremiah Reid has had one goal: to make his way back to his daughter. With his four-legged companion, Joe, Jeremiah has to travel a lawless wasteland teeming with zombies, bandits, and worse, like people who put anchovies on pizza (you know who you are). It's a new world out there and no one is safe. People are weary, cities are in ruin, supplies are scarce, and brains are on the menu. If he's going to have a chance, he'll need his wits, a little bit of luck, and lots of ammo.

Review:
Jeremiah wasn’t a military warrior when his world succumbed to a deadly virus when the dead began to rise. Jeremiah, his wife, and daughter, Penny, tried to make their way to safety. Along the way, Jeremiah lost his wife and gave his child to others to shelter her. But he promised to find his little girl. He has to find a way to Hawaii where the General took Penny. If planes aren’t available, Jeremiah will find a ship off the west coast. But he has to get to the coast first.

Initially Jeremiah’s only friend is Joe, a dog who senses the walking dead and is helpful in a fight. Jeremiah stops for a time in a community of survivors who are rebuilding their town. Jeremiah is able to help by scavenging badly needed items. Jeremiah becomes friends with the medical lead, a smart veterinarian named Jenny. Jeremiah isn’t interested in any relationship as his focus remains on his daughter. For some reason, the mayor of the town does not care for Jeremiah and wants him gone. Before leaving Jeremiah warns the mayor of vulnerabilities of the community. Instead of heading the advice, the community soon faces an attack … and not just from the zombies.

Many of the townsfolk, including the mayor, are taken prisoner. Jenny too gets captured, and Jeremiah and Joe have to find a way to rescue them. He is approached by some surprising allies…but people aren’t always what you expect in this brutal world.

Jeremiah is a character I liked although he is remarkably lucky and manages to have a never ending supply of bullets. He continually gets to the brink of death and has to be rescued by Jenny who is an excellent shot and a true warrior. Jeremiah’s humor reminded me of my husband who was always calling people by names that were close to right but not. It could be terribly annoying but eventually is humorous. I like how Jenny is a strong companion who won’t give up.

The story is well written and has plenty of action, some gruesome, and, as noted, some humorous. I would be glad to seek out more work by Mr. Sanchez. I recommend this to fans of zombie and post-apocalyptic stories.

Audio Notes: James Fouhey does a grand job with the narration. His character voices are fitting, clear, and distinct. He captures the desperation and humor, of the characters. I would enjoy his narration again. It enhanced this listening experience.

Source: 10/30/2021 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit Horror Audiobooks. This qualifies for 2023TBR amd 2023Audiobook goals.

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.