Sunday Post November 12, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 13, 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 is hard to believe I went 13 days without posting! I now remember why I went to work and had other people care for my children. And I was grateful my husband cooked!

Our office work suddenly got busy so we did five closings last week with me covering most of them by phone. I have been on the computer 9 to 5, then fixing dinner for the children, my son and me. My d-i-l eats mostly Chinese dishes and makes her own soups, Chinese vegetables, and other dishes so I can't help much with that. I'm helping with dish washing and laundry though, as well as entertaining the kids with card games. And the youngest twin has been sick with a high fever and sinus infection for a week.

I've been up by 6:30am to make sure the kids have breakfast before getting off to school then I shower and dress to work on the computer. At night I have been doing some legal work before going to bed around 10pm to a quiet house. Too tired to get on the computer to post.

Here is a fun photo of us dressed up for Halloween at the Church Fall Festival.

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

The weather got cold for a week and then Tuesday, a teacher's day off for the kids, we had a beautiful day of 80 degrees. The next day it started cooling again and today was in the high 40s where I expect it to remain with dips to 31 during the nights.

I've finished four audios and the ebook in the past two weeks. This week I posted two review posts covering 5 books.
Maybe I'll get to September  and October Wrap Ups this coming week.

I visited 13 blogs two weeks ago and 10 last week. No Shout out lined up.

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

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

• ATBR: Two Audible Book Reviews for #Fraterfest: Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story and Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story by Jonathan Maberry; Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• eb and ATBR: 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; Genre: Children’s, Cozy Mysteries, Ghosts; My Ratings: 4.25.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 12, 2023 - Serving in Action.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

Trick or Treat Murder
Author Leslie Meier
Narrator: Karen White
Duration: 7 h 17 min
I enjoyed this light mystery.
Source: 10/1/2022 VIP Audiobooks.com.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Outage Boxed Set: Books 1-3
(Outage Horror Suspense Series)
by T.W. Piperbrook
This is definitely horror.
Source: 2/28/2016 free Kindle.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Upland Autumn: Birds, Dogs, and Shotgun Shells
By: William G. Tapply
Narrated by: Clay Teunis
I enjoyed this warm, true stories collection.
Source: November 2020 Audible Plus.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audio on Smartphone (A2023).

Quant
Series: #1 of Colony
Written by: Richard F. Weyand
Narrated by: Derek Shoales
Duration: 7 hours 28 minutes
I found this AI assisted adventure interesting.
Source: 5/5/2023 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com.
Summary
SOME UNEXPECTED HELP WITH THE SINGLE-PLANET PROBLEM
Billionaire industrialist Ted Burke understands that humanity has always balanced on the edge of a knife. A single planetary cataclysm could wipe out the human race. As long as humanity only occupies one planet, the danger exists.
Computer genius Bernd Decker understands it, too. Together, Burke and Decker come up with a daring plan to send human colonies out to multiple other planets. Not least among their problems is that no one yet has solved the problem of interstellar travel.
Bernd Decker's computer project offers to help. But Decker doesn't realize that the Joint Artificial Neural Intelligence Computation Engine-JANICE-has crossed the Singularity.

5. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

A Study in Scarlet Women
By: Sherry Thomas
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Series: Lady Sherlock, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs
I am still working on some older TBRs and decided to listen to this one which is a first in a series.
I enjoyed the mystery and the twist on the characters.
Source: 4/29/17 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.
Publisher's summary
USA Today best-selling author Sherry Thomas turns the story of the renowned Sherlock Holmes upside down.
With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper-class society. But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.
When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She'll have help from friends new and old, but in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society's expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind.
©2016 Sherry Thomas (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

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

Harvest Wishes (Starlight Inn)
by Jessica Anne Renwick
I was ready for a holiday story and found this “Harvest” title for a Kindle read.
It is still warming up at 25% in.
Source: 6/12/22 Free on Kindle.
With her life in tatters after ending an abusive marriage, Madison literally falls into the arms of her ex-high school sweetheart—the only man she’s ever truly loved. Will she allow him to help mend the broken pieces of her heart, finally finding the love she deserves?
A failed marriage. No job. A looming court date to face her abusive ex-husband. Worst of all, she’s had to move back in with her parents. But just when Madison Talbot thinks things can’t get any worse, she bumps into her high school sweetheart—literally. Romance is the last thing Madison needs, especially with the man who once left her high and dry—so she keeps telling herself.
Dylan Stewart returned to Cedar Lake to be with his family after an unimaginable tragedy and is set on staying for good. When Madison moves back to town, he’s got one more reason to make his work-from-home arrangement stick. As the guy who broke her heart first, can he help her see him in a new light?
After reconnecting over festival planning at the Starlight Inn, old feelings between them spark to a flame. But between family meddling and the wounds from Madison’s traumatic past, the ties between them soon begin to unravel.
Can these two learn to face the world together, or are they doomed to repeat their past mistakes?

2. Audio on Smartphone (A2023).

The Cold Dish
By Craig Johnson
Duration: 13 h 20 min
This is the first in the Longmire series.
I decided to work on my VIP picks
starting with older ones.
Source 7/28/19 Audiobooks.com Free VIP pick.
Summary
Award-winning author Craig Johnson's critically acclaimed debut Western mystery takes listeners to the breathtaking mountains of Wyoming for a tale of cold-blooded vengeance. Two years earlier, four high school boys were given suspended sentences for raping a Cheyenne girl. Now, two of the boys have been killed, and only Sheriff Walt Longmire can keep the other two safe. 'Johnson, who lives in Ucross, Wyoming, knows the Western landscape well, and creates stunning and violent scenes of the Rocky Mountains.'-Bookmarks

Not sure if I will get to another audio. I have a few in mind.

November 12, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". My readings have gone through Paul's letters in Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philmon. Tomorrow I will start in Hebrews - a book of Faith.
I am on day 4 of a 7 day study: The Blessing Devotional Plan.

I finished five books and posted five reviews.  I am still 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.

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 also picked up more Audible Plus titles -7 posted here and 4 more which I will link in next week.
One new Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

10/31-11/3 Audible Plus Catalog Picks:

A Murder for the Books
By: Victoria Gilbert
Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley
A Blue Ridge Library Mystery, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins

Shelved Under Murder
By: Victoria Gilbert
Narrated by: Coleen Marlo
Blue Ridge Library Mystery Series, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins
Of course I am drawn to books about books... and murder.

Arctic Fury
By: Greer Macallister
Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
Historical, Women’s Crime Fiction

Rise of the Grandmaster
By: Bradford Bates, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Sean William Doyle
Rise of the Grandmaster Series, Book 1
Length: 20 hrs and 36 mins
This looks alike an Epic, Fantasy I would enjoy.

Death Becomes Her [Dramatized Adaptation]
By: Michael Anderle
Narrated by: full cast, Colleen Delany, Emily Beresford, Bradley Smith, Michael John Casey, Terence Aselford, Stephon Walker, David Coyne, Christopher Graybill, Nora Achrati, Richard Rohan, Alejandro Ruiz
Series: The Kurtherian Gambit, Book 1, Dramatized Adaptation, The Kurtherian Gambit Universe, Book 1, Dramatized Adaptation
Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
I’ve been wanting to start this series.

Queen Bitch (Dramatized Adaptation)
By: Michael Anderle
Narrated by: full cast, Colleen Delany, Emily Beresford, Bradley Smith, Danny Gavigan, Zeke Alton, James Lewis, James Konicek, Joel David Santner, Terence Aselford, Christopher Graybill, Jonathan Lee Taylor
Series: The Kurtherian Gambit Universe, Book 2, Dramatized Adaptation, The Kurtherian Gambit, Book 2, Dramatized Adaptation
Length: 4 hrs and 53 mins

Steel Dragon
By: Kevin McLaughlin, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Emily Beresford
Series: Steel Dragons, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 45 mins


11/11/2023 Audiobooks.com VIP free selection.

Sleepless City: A Nick Ryan Novel
Series: #1 of The Nick Ryan Series
Written by: Reed Farrel Coleman
Narrated by: Peter Giles
Duration: 11 hours 38 minutes


11/11/2023 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.

My Queendom for a Horse
Series: #1 of The Russian Witch's Curse
Written by: Bridget E. Baker
Narrated by: Cindy Gunderson
Duration: 9 hours 31 minutes

Dark Angel: A Military Action and Supernatural Warfare Thriller
Series: #2 of The Shepherds Series
Written by: Jeffrey Wilson, Brian Andrews
Narrated by: Macleod Andrews
Duration: 11 hours 10 minutes


11/5/2023 One Free Kindle

Servant of the Crown: An Epic Fantasy Novel (Heir to the Crown Book 1)
Paul J Bennett



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 November 12, 2023 - Serving in Action.

I am attending church with my son and family while in Illinois. His pastor and wife just returned from a missions trip to Africa where one of the local ministers, even in a situation of having little, noted: “We are blessed and we need to bless others.” The pastor then prayed over many Samaritan boxes that had been gathered by the church and will be mailed to bless children around the world.

The message was presented by a female Veteran. She noted that female veterans may often be overlooked. She served 30 years ago and has had to mourn the deaths of coworkers over the years. She learned last year as she had a series of losses that, ever (or especially) when mourning people others don't know, we shouldn’t mourn on own. It is an unhealthy place to bear losses alone. We are better off acknowledging and being accountable for the pain.

Veterans started their time of service by saying goodbye to families and friends. Once established in their new surroundings, they made new families and friends. They fought for freedoms, some at home and some in the field. Some faced emotional warfare, while others faced physical warfare. Most veterans share an unspoken bond. The Veteran honors did not come for free but had to be earned. Veterans go through huge changes in their lifestyles. Each veteran should stand tall and be proud. And we should all give thanks for the service of veterans and families.

The message then incorporated the lessons that have been the focus for the past several weeks: the Language of Worship. First there was Prayer as worship; then Praise; then reading the Word;
Serving, and finally, Giving. This week’s focus is on Serving. Even the Son of man, Jesus, came not to be served, but to serve. Mark 10:45. Acknowledge God and serve.
We are to be living stones to build into a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5.
Use the gifts of the spirit to build up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:10-12.
All Worship is a form of communicating with God. Ministry happens when we worship.

Even Jesus served for the Glory of God. He said in John 5:30 “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

Military service teaches taught the speaker these lessons:
1. Respect for authority which is non-negotiable. Withholding respect is a slight on your character, not the leaders.
2. Most leaders lead with a big picture. Each person in the assignment has to determine the details. They have to learn to “do the next right thing”. Commit to the vision of the mission. The worker’s attitude has to come into adjustment to meet the assignment. Learn God’s mind and will for the assignment.

We are to serve rather than seek high position or honor. Mark 10:35-45. Serve with humility, not seeking honor. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
Serving with humility brings us to the foot of cross, to the Spirit of Christ.

I think this song fits today: Spirit Lead Me.

A Verse for Today:
Mark 10:45 NIV
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Lord, help my attitude to seek Your Will for the every day assignments of my life.

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.