Sunday Words of Encouragement December 3, 2023 - Unlikely People.

I attended church online this morning. Pastor delivered a message from Matthew 1:1 regarding the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:1 NIV
1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

The message noted that God uses unusual, unlikely, and imperfect people. When you review the genealogy of Christ, there are some surprises.

V3: Tamar engaged in deliberate sin to disguise herself as a prostitute and have sex and bear a child by her father-in-law.
V5: Rahab was not of the Israelite tribe, and she was a prostitute. But she helped the Israelite spies escape from Jericho.

This is not a family line you would boast about. But it shows that God can use those with “junk” and failure in their past. God is in the business of redemption and restoration.
We have an advocate with the father, and he restores us to a right relationship.

V5: Ruth, the Moabite, follows Naomi back to Israel. She marries Boaz and is part of the ancestry of Christ. Moabites were dark, descendants of Lots daughters. There line was started by incestuous relationship.

V6: The wife of Uriah – Bathsheba. David took another man’s wife in adultery, then killed her husband. The first child died but she gave birth to Solomon who is in the ancestry line.

V16: Mary was a teenage mother.

Even in the apostles it is clear that God uses unlikely people to do His work. God redeems human weaknesses which He then uses for His Glory. How many of us need to move beyond the failures of our past to allow God to use us now for His purposes.

We are mindful too that today is the first Sunday of Advent – the week of Hope.
This video song speaks to both the message of God’s work in us and our hope for the future:
Fear is Not My Future.

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 1:1 NIV
1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:


Lord, I am thankful that You use unlikely people. I am especially thankful that you redeem our past and give us a new future and a Hope!

MBS October 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2023 Reading List - OCTOBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2023
* Completed Challenge

Favorites for the month:
5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =  Gossip and Gorgons (Manners and Monsters)
4.5 Stars =  Deadbreak, Two Necromancers, Material Witness, and Deep Dark

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Not Alone by Craig A. Falconer; Genre: Aliens, First Contact, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
2. eBTBR: Book Review: Her Kind of Sheriff by Ellen Knightley; Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Sweet; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Death at Eastwick by L.C. Warman; Genre:Mystery, Whodunit, Young Adult, My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.5.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. A Wild Ghost Chase by E.J. Copperman
11. The Ghost Hunter Next Door by Danielle Garrett
12. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace; Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.
13. The Experience Machine by Jason Werbeloff
14. Patient Zero, The Joe Ledger Novels, Book 1, by Jonathan Maberry
15. Book 2 "The Paramedic's Angel", Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3 by Jamie Davis
16. Nights of the Living Dead An Anthology, Jonathan Maberry - editor, George A. Romero - editor, Gabrielle de Cuir - director

This Month Total read = 16
TBR = 14
New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 12 (11 TBRs)
NetGalley = 1 (0 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0
Nonfiction = 0
eBook = 2 (2 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)
DNF - 0

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month)
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 114 of 125
*TBR to Date: 91 of 90
*Audio to Date: 104 of 100
*NetGalley to Date: 16 of 10
Author Reviews: 7 of 12
Nonfiction: 7 of 10
TBR ebooks or Print: 4 of 8
New Authors to date: 71

• *Series: 82 of 75 (23 continuing, 59 new)
• New to me Series: 59 (24 Yes to continue; 12 likely to continue, 18 maybe, 5 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 2 (maybe? Not sure if the Bobiverse is done)

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 3 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, (Autumn)

• Alphabet letters covered: (22 of 26) -- 9 January (A, C, D, F, H, L, P, R, S); 6 February (B, E, G, I, T, Y); 5 March (K, M, J, O, U) 1 April (W) 1 May (N) 0 June
NEED: Q, V, X, Z

• Locations: 11 of 8
      River, Mountains, Kingdoms, Castle, Junkyard, Deadlands, Shore, Paris, Park, Ranch, Harbor

• Numbers: 10 of 12
      Forging Zero, Cat o’ Nine Tales, Six Crimson Cranes, One Heart to Win, The Fifth Victim, The Fourth Monkey, 1984, Robinson Crusoe 2244. 299 The Preparation, Two Necromancers

Groups of Five: (Places and Numbers above)
• Times of Day: 4 of 5
      Moonshine, Morning, Midnight, Nights
• Occupations: 10 of 5
      Warrior, Cowboy, Vet, King, Cop, Pirate, Instructor, Wizard, Sheriff, Tutor
• Colors: 5 of 5
      The Far Blue Mountains, Six Crimson Cranes, Silver Dollar Duke; Altered Carbon, Black Sheep

MBS September 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2023 Reading List - SEPTEMBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2023
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =
4.5 Stars =  Hope Harbor, A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, What if It's True?

1. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon; Genre: Christian Romance, Contemporary; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Contact Front, Drop Trooper, Book 1 by Rick Partlow; Genre: First Contact, Military, Space; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
3. ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dragons, Fantasy, Growing Up; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
4. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hunted, A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1, by AD Starrling ; Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
5. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Dragon and the George by Godon R. Dickson; Genre: Classic, Epic, Sword & Sorcery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
6. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher; Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade, Mysteries; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review:  299 Days, The Preparation, Book 1, by Glen Tate; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Prepper; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
8. eB2023: Book Review: Con Crazy by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh; Genre: Crime, Humor, International Mystery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
9. eB2023: Book Review: Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story) by Deany Ray; Genre: Christmas, Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
10. ATBR: Audio Book Review: What If It's True? by Charles Martin; Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Religious & Inspirational, Christian Living; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

This Month Total read = 10
TBR = 9
New Authors = 7
Audio/Audible = 8 (8 TBRs)
NetGalley = 0 (0 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 2
Nonfiction = 1
eBook = 2 (1 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)
DNF - 0

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month)
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 98 of 125
TBR to Date: 77 of 90
Audio to Date: 92 of 100
NetGalley to Date: 15 of 10
Author Reviews: 7 of 12
Nonfiction: 7 of 10
TBR ebooks or Print: 6 of 8
New Authors to date: 61

• Series: 70 of 75 (17 continuing, 53 new)
• New to me Series: 53 (23 Yes to continue; 11 likely to continue, 14 maybe, 5 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 2 (maybe? Not sure if the Bobiverse is done)

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 3 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, (Autumn)

• Alphabet letters covered: (22 of 26) -- 9 January (A, C, D, F, H, L, P, R, S); 6 February (B, E, G, I, T, Y); 5 March (K, M, J, O, U) 1 April (W) 1 May (N) 0 June
NEED: Q, V, X, Z

• Locations: 11 of 8
      River, Mountains, Kingdoms, Castle, Junkyard, Deadlands, Shore, Paris, Park, Ranch, Harbor

• Numbers: 9 of 12
      Forging Zero, Cat o’ Nine Tales, Six Crimson Cranes, One Heart to Win, The Fifth Victim, The Fourth Monkey, 1984, Robinson Crusoe 2244. 299 The Preparation

Groups of Five: (Places and Numbers above)
• Times of Day: 3 of 5
      Moonshine, Morning, Midnight
• Occupations: 8 of 5
      Warrior, Cowboy, Vet, King, Cop, Pirate, Instructor, Wizard
• Colors: 5 of 5
      The Far Blue Mountains, Six Crimson Cranes, Silver Dollar Duke; Altered Carbon, Black Sheep

Sunday Post November 26, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 27, 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.

I wrapped up my several closings last Monday and finished up on Tuesday. I enjoyed time with the children on Wednesday and finally cooked the spaghetti pie I'd been meaning to share. Sadly, we forgot to take a picture. The family liked it and were even happy with leftovers for lunch on Friday.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving hosted by church friends of my son and d-i-l. There was delicious food and my grandchildren had fun playing with the hosts' grandchildren.

My son suspected my computer hard drive was failing so he installed a new one. The hard drive cloned fine but, unfortunately we then had trouble booting up. I was without computer Friday and Saturday.  Then I was driving home Saturday and Sunday, expecting to be back midday Monday.

Last Sunday night I watched the kids rehearse their SheepStuff Christmas Play.

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. And continuing prayers for Israel and Gaza and all the innocents who are being impacted by the war.

I am thankful that we didn't have very many really cold days while I was in Illinois. I am back in Florida and warming up my home here.

I've finished four audios but posted no reviews.
Maybe I'll get to September and October Wrap Ups this coming week with November!

I visited about 10 blogs last week and still no new Shout Outs lined up.

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

• Sunday Post November 19, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 20, 2023.

• Happy Thanksgiving 2023!

Finished Reading:
1. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

Christmas in Three Rivers
Written by Liz Isaacson
Narrated by Becky Doughty
I enjoyed these easy Christmas romances.
Source: January 2021 Chirp $.99
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

The Singularity Trap By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins
This was an okay sci fi.
Source: 7/24/2019 Audible Daily Deal $4.95.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Wizard's Alley
By: James Haddock
Narrated by: Daniel Wisniewski
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I mostly enjoyed the wizard adventures in this story but it needs a sequel.
Source: 1/26/2022 Audible $5.00 Sale.
Publisher's summary
Scraps, a gutter child, is sitting in his hiding place in a back alley, waiting for the cold thunderstorm to pass. Suddenly, lightning strikes in front of him, and then a second time. The two lightning bolts become men — two wizards — one from the Red Order, the other from the Blue.
The Red Wizard, chanting his curses, throws lightning bolts and fireballs. The Blue Wizard, singing his spells, throws lightning bolts and ice shards. So intense is their fighting, they become lightning rods. It seemed as if God himself cast his lightning bolt, striking the ground between them and consuming both wizards in its white blaze. Scraps watched as the lightning bolt gouged its way across the alley, striking him.
Rain on his face awakens Scraps. The only thing left of the fighting wizards is a smoking crater and their scattered artifacts. He feels compelled to gather their possessions and hide them and himself. The dispersed items glowed red or blue, and he notices that he now has a magenta aura. Magenta, a combination of both red and blue, but more powerful than either.
Scraps then does what he has done all his life to survive. He hides. And unknowingly, he has become the catalyst for change in the Kingdom.
©2019 James A.Haddock III (P)2020 James A. Haddock III.

4. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

The Forever, Books 1-2
By: Craig Robertson
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Series: The Forever Series, Book 1-2
Length: 17 hrs and 22 mins
I chose a longer book for the drive time.
I finished book 1 and 7 chapters of book 2.
Although reasonably entertaining,
I am switching to another book for now.
Source: April 2022 Audible Plus Catalog
Publisher's summary
Contains books one and two of The Forever Series.
Jon Ryan is irreverent, cocky, funny, and walks with a swagger. He says what he means, he says what he wants to, and, in fact, he says what needs to be said.
The cocky fighter pilot turned astronaut is also Earth's only chance for survival. The planet Jupiter, thrown off orbit, will destroy Earth in less than a century. Jon volunteers for the most ambitious, desperate mission ever conceived: His consciousness must be transferred into an experimental android host, where he'll live an immortal - and lonely - life. Jon's only companion on his 50-year voyage is his ship's irritable AI.
After successfully journeying for decades and locating a suitable human resettlement, Jon begins to discover the wonders life can hold, including the power of family and, for once, true peace. But no good deed, or good man, goes unpunished.
The US president wants him dead and is willing to sacrifice his own people to eliminate Jon. An alien species has vowed a holy war to eliminate all humans, either on Earth or wherever they might run. Only Jon can protect humans from their enemies.
With the best planet for colonization ruled by an ancient, malevolent species, there may be no hope for humans in a crowded galaxy. The limits of human technology may not be sufficient. The limits of Jon's endurance may not be enough. His endless enemies may prove to be unstoppable.
Jon may have forever, but does humanity have any future at all?
©2016 Craig Robertson (P)2018 Podium Publishing

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

Harvest Wishes (Starlight Inn)
by Jessica Anne Renwick
I am still moving on and am now at 85% so I do expect to finish this week.
Source: 6/12/22 Free on Kindle.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

Existential
Crucible, Book 1
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
I can listen to some of my 2023 acquisitions now
and I have wanted to listen to this series.
Source: 3/15/2023 Audible February Credit.
Publisher's summary
The Alaskan wilderness holds a nightmarish secret that threatens all of humanity in this epic sci-fi horror thriller. An audiobook so scary that it requires a warning label and a global phenomenon that is on track to sell more than one million ebook copies.
It was supposed to be just another mission.
Buried deep in the rugged Alaskan wilderness lies a secret that could alter the future of mankind - a secret that billionaire Elizabeth Grey has invested millions in solving. But when the dig goes silent and all attempts at making contact fail, an elite team of battle-hardened military contractors is brought in led by former Marine Max Ahlgren, a warrior haunted by his past.
While the mission to make contact and rescue a team of scientists and engineers working on an “archeological” project seems like an easy payday, once on ground, the team discovers the grizzly truth that this is no ordinary rescue. Max and his men find themselves in the fight of their lives against a nightmarish enemy like nothing they have ever seen. In what quickly becomes a struggle for survival, the world’s greatest soldiers will encounter the universe’s ultimate terror in a battle that puts all of humanity at stake.
No backup. No escape. No hope.
Terrifying, visceral, and deeply moving, Existential is a novel that will haunt you forever.
Pick up your copy now and embark on an epic journey that will leave your heart pounding with every chapter. The perfect combination of science fiction, explosive action, and intense horror, Existential is a roller-coaster ride of terror!
Warning: This audiobook contains intense scenes of violence and horror. It isn't for the faint of heart. Listener discretion is advised.
©2018 Ryan W. Aslesen (P)2018 Podium Publishing

I am sure I will get to another audio but I have not decided which one yet. 

November 26, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". I enjoyed the readings in James and 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.

I finished two books and posted no reviews, putting me further behind.  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 have 26 Audible Plus titles over the past two weeks. I am listing ten this week.

No new Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

I am listing 10 Audible Plus titles from 11/13 to 11/18/23.

The Vanishing Hour
By: Seraphina Nova Glass
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

You Have Been Judged
Judge, Jury, Executioner, Book 1
By: Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Chloe Cannon
Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Junkyard War
By: Faith Hunter
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Series: Shining Smith, Book 3
Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Bond of a Dragon: Publisher's Pack
Bond of a Dragon, Books 1-2
By: AJ Walker
Narrated by: Ben Farrow
Length: 22 hrs and 58 mins

Zombified: Real-World Lessons from Fictional Apocalypses
By: Athena Aktipis, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Athena Aktipis
Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins

Is Atheism Dead?
By: Eric Metaxas
Narrated by: Eric Metaxas
Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins

The Neighborhood
By: Matthew Betley
Narrated by: George Newbern
Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins

The Path of the Crooked
Hope Street Church Mysteries Series #1
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Dungeon Worlds
Reborn Online Series, Book 1
By: Aurora Weiss
Narrated by: Travis Baldree
Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Starship's Mage Omnibus
Starship's Mage Series #1
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 10 hrs and 58 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.

Happy Thanksgiving 2023!

No matter that we have problems and struggles, we are BLESSED!

Psalm 95:2-3: "Let's come before him with thanks! Let's shout songs of joy to him! The Lord is a great God, the great king over all other gods."