Three Short Reviews for Ghostly #Fraterfest Reads: The Tutor by Rod A. Galino; A Wild Ghost Chase By E.J. Copperman; The Ghost Hunter Next Door by Danielle Garrett

This is a quick, engaging story and I would be willing to read more in the series.
#Fraterfest #4.
The Tutor: A Ghost Story
By Rod A. Galindo

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01IJASLSU
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wordwraith Books LLC; 1st edition (July 14, 2016)
Genre: Children’s Scary Stories, Ghosts
Source: February 2019 free Kindle.
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

"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...

Comments:
This free Kindle story introduces Claire who isn’t quite the tutor you might expect. The short story is complete with its own little twist.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I enjoy this ghostly cozy mystery series.
#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
Release date: 07-15-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Ghosts, Paranormal
Source: 11/5/2022 Audible Plus.
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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.

Comments:
While Alison struggles to deal with the living guests in the house, her ghostly occupants, Paul and Maxie, try to help a small ghost boy who claims to be a 300 year old Native American looking for his mother. Unfortunately, the boy’s story doesn’t match history and Paul, Maxie, and Melissa end up having to dig a little deeper to resolve the mystery.
The narration by James Patrick Cronin is clear and enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I enjoyed this ghostly cozy too. I will listen to more in the series.
#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
Release date: 03-26-19
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Ghosts, Supernatural
Source: 11/27/2022 Audible sale $2.99.
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

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

Comments
Scarlet wasn’t thrilled with her gift of seeing and hearing ghosts. But she has to give them a chance or she gets no rest at all. This time, Scarlet is called upon to help deal with an angry ghost who doesn’t want people filming or remodeling her old home. Can Scarlet figure out why Rose is so angry and help the situation before someone really gets hurt?

The character interaction is cute, and the story is well laid out. Amanda Ronconi does a good job with the narration, fitting all of the characters. I would enjoy listening to more books in the series.

Two Audible Book Reviews for #Fraterfest: Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story and Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story by Jonathan Maberry

I enjoyed the military and supernatural elements in this short story.
#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
Release date: 07-14-11
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
Joe and his team are trying to retrieve a material witness who is believed to have created the evil bioweapon that the US government is trying to keep under control. Joe meets the unusual, Native American Chief of Police and his deputy who offer to assist, but Joe rejects their help saying he and his team will handle it. When they get to the house where the witness is supposed to be, they realize they have walked into a trap with more than one enemy on the way in. Maybe they should have accepted help.

I enjoyed the action, the mystical elements, and the character interactions. I want to listen to more of this series. I recommend this to fans of the paranormal, military action genre.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter makes it easy to listen to this series. He does a superb job of narration as always.

Source: December 2021 Free from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

This next Joe Ledger ‘adventure’ deals with genetic mutations and is another strong short story.
#Fraterfest #2.

Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Joe Ledger, Book 1.3
Length: 50 mins
Release date: 07-14-11
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

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.

Review:
This story finds Joe and team entering a secret bunker facility which is supposed to be a secure testing lab. What they discover there is gruesome karma as the mutations the doctors have created turn on the staff. Do the mutants still have enough sentience to distinguish foe from friend? Can Joe and friends escape the carnage before an automatic shut down sets off a destruction code?

[Audio Notes: same as above.]

Source: December 2021 Free from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post October 29, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 30, 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.

It looks like I will continue to work remotely for November. My d-i-l next round of four days, 9 hours a day, chemo is outpatient starting 11/8. I can help with the driving and the week after. Then I may as well stay to share Thanksgiving before returning home in December.

Please excuse the photo as it includes a word I don't use much myself.
However, the circumstances were too good not to share.
If you are familiar with a site called WOOT, they run specials when you can buy a BOC or "bag of crap" because it is a crap shoot what you will get.
My son recently got one with some very good items in it including this bag which has to make you laugh --- and wish you could follow the instructions.

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.
I am praying that people would study the history of the Israel and Palistine nations more before they do all this protesting and particularly I pray that no one would seek the annihilation of another people. Prayers for Israel and Gaza and all the innocents who are being impacted by the war.

The weather here was beautiful until last night. Rain Saturday brought in the cold front so we went from a lovely 73 to 45 in a short time. It stayed rainy and cold all day. I didn't bring really cold weather clothes so I hope it doesn't get much colder.

I only finished one audio and I have an ebook and audio I hope to finish before the end of the month. I managed to post two reviews, my Sunday Encouragement post and last weeks' Sunday/Monday post
I hope to post my September Wrap Up early this coming week.

I visited 15 blogs last week but still no Shout out lined up. (The time went to posting all the incoming books below.)

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

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

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Army of Golems: An Unconventional Heroes Publisher's Pack by L.G. Estrella; Genre: Humorous Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• NG2023: #NetGalley Book Review: The Messiest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks; Genre: Children’s, Personal Growth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 29, 2023 - Discrimination and the Church.

Finished Reading:
1. 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 enjoyed many of the stories. Some were too full of bad language.
Source: July 2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
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
I am still working on this horror story.
I am into Book 3.
Source: 2/28/2013 free Kindle.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

Trick or Treat Murder
Author Leslie Meier
Narrator: Karen White
Duration: 7 h 17 min
This is my Halloween listen. I am not quite half way.
Source: 10/1/2022 VIP Audiobooks.com.
Summary
The locals in Tinker’s Cove are busy planning haunted-house parties and ghostly galas, and Lucy Stone is whipping up orange-frosted cupcakes, recycling tutus for her daughters’ costumes, helping her son with his pre-teen rebellion, and breast-feeding her brand-new baby. But amid the fun, something really scary is going on: An arsonist is loose, and when the latest fire claims the life of the owner of the town’s oldest house, arson turns into murder. While the townsfolk work to transform a dilapidated mansion into a haunted house for the All-Ghouls festival, the hunt for the culprit heats up. Trick-or-treat turns deadly as digging in all the wrong places puts Lucy too close to a shocking discovery that could send all her best-laid plans up in smoke...

3. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Upland Autumn: Birds, Dogs, and Shotgun Shells
By: William G. Tapply
Narrated by: Clay Teunis
I decided to read my Autumn title before it gets any colder,
since it is  already beginning to feel like winter to me.
Source: November 2020 Audible Plus.
Publisher's summary
Tales of New England bird hunting by an acclaimed novelist and sportsman.
In this collection of original stories, highly acclaimed novelist and outdoor writer William Tapply shares his finest stories of bird hunting in the Northeast country. Every season for over 30 years, Tapply has hunted the fields and backcountry of New England. Tapply’s warmth and knack for evoking the subtle, telling details of the places and hunts that he loves will stir a new appreciation and excitement in every listener.
With his dog Burt, Tapply takes the listener out to his best spots. These are hard-charging tales of success and disappointment, anticipation, and triumph - familiar feelings to any experienced hunter. Tapply combines passion, wisdom, and wit in the nearly twenty stories presented in Upland Autumn. With rich prose and Tapply’s strong eye for detail, this book is a fine testament to bird hunting, bird hunters, and the rugged country that they tread each and every season. For those who love to hunt and those who simply love great outdoor writing, this is Upland Autumn.
©2009 William G. Tapply (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

October 29, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". My reading this week was in Galatians - a wonderful book that reiterates we are saved by faith and not what we can do ourselves.

I finished one book and posted two reviews.  I am now behind only with 11 reviews to post. I plan to do short reviews for the Fraterfest books.

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 selected my Audiobooks.com VIP choice and used a 2 for 1 credit this week.
I found books on sale everywhere: two at Audible (Daily Deal and sale); 7 at Chirp; and 3 more at Audiobooks.com. 

I also picked up more Audible Plus titles which I will link in next week.
No new Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Purchased

10/28/2023 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.

For Whom the Book Tolls
SERIES: #1 of Antique Bookshop Mystery
WRITTEN BY: Laura Gail Black
NARRATED BY: Susan Boyce
DURATION: 8 hours 5 minutes
(Love this cover and title)

All Bets Are Off
SERIES: #2 of The Samantha True Mysteries
WRITTEN BY: Kristi Rose
NARRATED BY: Jennifer Stoneking
DURATION 8 hours 57 minutes
(I enjoyed book 1.)

10/29/2023 Daily Deal at Audible $1.99.

The Vanishing Hour
By: Seraphina Nova Glass
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins
(Looks like a good thriller.)


10/29/2023 On Sale at Audible $4.99.

You Have Been Judged
Series: Judge, Jury, & Executioner, Book 1
By: Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Chloe Cannon
Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins
(I like these authors and the blurb.)

10/29/2023 Chirp 7 books for $18.93.

Station Eleven
Written by Emily St. John Mandel
Narrated by Kirsten Potter
Run Time 10h 41min
$20.00 $4.99
(A dystopian I have wanted for a while.)

The Christmas Dress
Written by Courtney Cole
Narrated by Bailey Carr
Run Time 8h 24min
$24.99 $4.99
(This sounds like a nice Christmas read.)

Thornyhold
Written by Mary Stewart
Narrated by Jilly Bond
Run Time 7h 16min
$24.99 $3.99
(I started my avid reading with this author.)

Oath of Office (a Luke Stone Thriller—Book #2)
Written by Jack Mars
Narrated by K.C. Kelly
Run Time 8h 33min
$4.99 $1.99
(I got book 1 for free and it looks like a style story I will like.)

Deadly Delivery
Written by Hope Callaghan
Narrated by Naomi Rose-Mock
Run Time 4h
$14.99 $0.99
(I am planning ahead for next year's Fraterfest.)

Paranormals of Avynwood: Volume I
Written by Michelle Dare
Narrated by Sarah L. Colton & Troy Duran
Run Time 34h 10min
$25.00 $0.99
(I like paranormals and this has a variety.)

The Scrying Game
Written by Christine Zane Thomas
Narrated by Janina Edwards
Run Time 4h 54min
$8.99 $0.99
(This looks like another good title for next October.)

10/29/2023 3 books on sale at Audiobooks.com, 2 for $1.00 and the 3rd for $4.99

Black Star - Book 1
Series: #1 Of Black Star
Written By: Joakim Ersgård, Jesper Ersgård
Narrated By: William Hope
Duration 9 Hours 12 Minutes
(I've eyed this series a few times and thought I'd try it for $1.00)

Black Star - Book 2
Series: #2 Of Black Star
Written By: Joakim Ersgård, Jesper Ersgård
Narrated By: William Hope
Duration 9 Hours 17 Minutes

Witch Of The Federation I
Series: #1 Of Federal Histories
Written By: Michael Anderle
Narrated By: Jesse Vilinsky
Duration 19 Hours 26 Minutes
(I like the sound of this.)

Free

10/28/2023 Audiobooks.com VIP free selection.

The Numbers
SERIES:#6 of The Thomas Prescott Series
WRITTEN BY: Nick Pirog
NARRATED BY: Johnny Heller
DURATION 9 hours 32 minutes
(Says #6 but also says its the prequel so I thought I'd try it.)

10/29/2023 Chirp Free.

Any Means Necessary (a Luke Stone Thriller—Book #1)
Written by Jack Mars
Narrated by K.C. Kelly
Run Time 9h 7min
(A free thriller.)


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 October 29, 2023 "Discrimination and the Church"

I am still in Illinois and we go to church at 11am so the children can enjoy time in Kid's Church. I may be sharing some messages from past notes that I can prepare ahead of time.

Over the past several months our Sunday School teacher has been teaching from the Book of James. He titled his lesson from James 2 “Discrimination and the Church.”

Starting at James 1:26 to James 2:9, the teacher noted that favoritism breaks the royal law to love others as ourselves. Showing favoritism is sin. James 2:9. James is preaching with an evangelist’s heart, not a pastor's heart. He tells us all that we must be careful not to judge by outward appearance.

When we judge others, we may be judges with evil motives. James 2:4. But we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. James 2:8.

Each person has a gift they bring to the whole body. Romans 12:3-8. We must learn to intentionally accept others. Cloak yourself with tender hearted mercy and make allowance for others’ faults. Colossians 3:10-15.

Often it takes extra effort to know others, like in small groups and times of fellowship.
Apostle Paul tells us “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10.

The church should be one body with no division, no distinction. We are to take care of the full body [of believers]. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Love strengthens the church.
What the world needs now is love.... God says I am love. It is one of the best known characteristics of God. And remember that “Love” is an action. Romans 12:9-16.

I found this song video that is wonderful. That's What Love Looks Like

Verses for Today:
James 2:1-9
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.


Lord, it is not always a natural inclination, so please guide me to Love others in an active way.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Messiest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks

This is a cute story and was a nice gentler book for #Fraterfest!
The Messiest Monster on Mill Street
by Sarah Sparks

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CH1TJNSW
Publisher ‏ : ‎ ViaNova Productions, LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 2, 2023
Genre: Children’s, Personal Growth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

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!

Review:
Max is a very messy Monster. He just is too busy to pay attention to the mess he leaves around him. Until the day the mess overwhelms even him. Then he learns a bit of self-control.

This is a cute story with wonderful illustrations. The story does a good job of sharing a normal life problem and shows how one can take control to lessen the mess. I wasn’t fully convinced that it changed Max but it still has a good strong message to share with children to help them be aware of picking up after themselves. I would share this with my grandchildren and recommend it to be shared with children everywhere.

Source: October 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley goal.