MarthaE Cooking #3

I have continued to cook through the holidays so here's what's been cookin' in my kitchen.
Before Christmas:

HelloFresh Tex-Mex Enchiladas.

Puff pastry Mini Cheesecakes, some plain and some with cherry topping.

I made package sugar cookies for Christmas too but forgot to take a picture. 
I gave them to the family in baggies as a stocking treat and they liked them enough to take the rest home!

Egg salad with avocado and cheese on the side.

I was surprised that I went to six cookbooks and could not find a recipe for simple egg salad. I ended up getting a recipe on line.

HelloFresh Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese
I made this Christmas Eve as a nod to my mother who always made a sausage dinner on Christmas Eve which could keep if my father was late doing his last minute Christmas shopping.

The Week after Christmas:

HelloFresh Sesame Soy Beef Bowl
and

HelloFresh Italian Chicken & Pepper Sandos

The cooking times are a bit longer for me since cooking is still new to me. But I am enjoying the time, creativity and good flavors. I am also learning cooking techniques and ingredients and seasonings. AND - I have lost eight pounds in the past month!

Sunday Post December 31, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 1, 2024 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We finished the last week with a lot of work! I had plans to spend Wednesday at the tag office transfering mobile home titles. That didn't happen as we got clear to close a transaction that had waited three months. Then I had three closings scheduled for Thursday. Both staff were in on Wednesday but one broke her arm at home Thursday morning. I had planned to be closed on Friday but ending up spending that day at the tag office. Still, I felt good when the week was over!

I did start the week out well with video chat with the Illinois family and then in person brunch with the Panama City crew.

It wasn't fancy but it was family.

These were the pastries and the casserole before it was cooked.

The table was festive.

 I continue to pray for the Advent messages:  Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

We did have some rain on Christmas but not bad. We are supposed to have rain again a few days this week. I was cold most of last week even thought it warms to high 50s during the days.

I've finished seven audios plus my Bible reading. I am doing short reviews for most of these on Goodreads. 

I visited only 10 blogs last week. I hope to start Shout Outs soon.

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

• Sunday Post December 24, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 25, 2023.

• MBS November 2023 Reading List Wrap Up.

• MBS - 2023 Audiobook Challenge Year-End Status.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 31, 2023: Give, Pray, Fast!

Finished Reading:
I continued working on the Audibles that expired 12/31. I have been doing the reviews at Goodreads so there will be links to those.
1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eB2023)

The Battle of Atlanta: A Captivating Guide to a Battle of the Atlanta Campaign That Changed the Course of the American Civil War
By Captivating History
My Rating 4.0. I enjoyed this and reviewed it at Goodreads.
Source: Offered and Downloaded through BookSprout.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

Raven's Peace
By: Glynn Stewart
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
Series: Peacekeepers of Sol, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
My Rating 3.75. It started well but I didn't get pulled in afterall. Reviewed at Goodreads.
Source: February 2023 Audible Plus Catalog, expiring 12/31.
Click on book title for full description.

3.  Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

Fortress Britain, Arisen, Book 1
By: Michael Stephen Stephen Fuchs, Glynn James
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Arisen, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
I had read a prequel in this series and enjoyed this one.
My Rating 4.0. Reviewed at Goodreads.
Source: December 2023 Audible Plus; expired 12/31.
Publisher's summary
A world fallen under a plague of seven billion walking dead. A tiny island nation the last refuge of the living. One team of the world's most elite special operators. The dead, these heroes, humanity's last hope, all have...Arisen.
When the Zombie Apocalypse came, one country had shut down its borders in response to a major terrorist attack. Now Fortress Britain is the last bastion of the living with 50 million beleaguered survivors facing down a world of 7 billion animated corpses. And when civilization fell, one international team of supremely elite special operators was being assembled for a nearly impossible mission, deployed out of the SAS barracks at Hereford. Supremely trained and armed, always the most skilled, resolved, and unstoppable amongst us, now the commandos of Alpha team are humanity's last best hope for survival. Searching through the detritus of fallen Europe, scavenging pharmaceutical labs for clues to a vaccine that might bring humanity back from the brink, now they are tasked with one last desperate operation. They must cross the Atlantic aboard the world's only remaining supercarrier, insert by air into the very middle of a dead continent, and then fight their way on foot through a city of 3 million ravening dead guys. But these Zulus will not be like any zombies they have ever fought before....
©2013 Michael Stephen Fuchs, Glynn James (P)2014 Podium Publishing.

4. Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

Shackled
An Aldoran Chronicles Prequel
By: Michael Wisehart
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Series: The Aldoran Chronicles, Book 0.5
Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins
“Dragons and Mythical Creatures” pulled me in.
I did like this.
My Rating 4.25. Reviewed at Goodreads.
Source: April 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. Expired 12/31.
Publisher's summary
Ferrin is no ordinary blacksmith.
He is born with magic in a world where it’s not only feared, but outlawed. Struggling to keep food on the table, Ferrin decides to use his gift to aid in his work. That decision brings the Black Watch to his doorstep.
Caged alongside a helpless band of half-starved wielders, Ferrin formulates a strategy to escape. Armed with nothing more than his sarcastic wit and a determination to never give in, he attempts the impossible.
©2020 Michael Wisehart (P)2020 Podium Publishing

5. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Level Up or Die!
Underworld, Book 1
By: Apollos Thorne
Narrated by: Graham Halstead
Series: Underworld, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
I like LitRPG stories now and then. This one was interesting but a bit heavy on the stats.
My Rating 4.0. Reviewed at Goodreads. 
Source: February 2022 Audible Plus Catalog. Expired 12/31.
Publisher's summary
Elorion has just finished a VR gaming session to find a monster waiting for him. With 19 other students who have also been kidnapped, he is now subject to the whims of a thousand year old succubus, and he must survive deep under the Earth in the lost realm of the Underworld.
Gifted with the ability to use magic and advance in power, he is given an ultimatum: Level up or die!
©2017 Apollos Thorne (P)2018 Podium Publishing

6. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Robots and Roommates: Star Kingdom, Book 0
Series: Star Kingdom Series, Book 0
By: Lindsay Buroker
Narrated by: Fred Berman
Length: 34 mins
I liked these characters and want to try the series.
My Rating 4.25. Reviewed at Goodreads.
Source: June 2022 Audible Plus Catalog. Expired 12/31.
Publisher's summary
Long before Casmir Dabrowski and Kim Sato leave their world for the epic adventures of the Star Kingdom series, long before they outwit terrorists and mercenaries and do battle on a galactic scale, long before they become best friends and roommates...they have to meet for the first time. This is that story.
©2019 Lindsay Buroker (P)2021 Podium Audio

7.  Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

I.C.O.N.
Wardens of Issalia, Book 0
By: Jeffrey L. Kohanek
Narrated by: Tim Campbell
Length: 1 hr and 8 mins
I liked this mini fantasy story.
My Rating 4.25. Reviewed at Goodreads.
Source: April 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. Expired 12/31.
Publisher's summary
A thief, a poisoned blade, and a monster on the loose.
Life as king is never easy. Subterfuge, assassinations, and Chaos magic take center stage as the rise of a new threat forces the King of Kantaria to take drastic action.
Discover the origin behind I.C.O.N. and learn more about the conflict to come in the Wardens of Issalia Saga.
©2021 Jeffrey L. Kohanek (P)2021 Podium Audio

Currently Reading:

1. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

Armageddon
Expeditionary Force, Book 8
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 51 mins
This is a series I like and I decided to start towards my 2024 Alphabet Challenge.
Source: 11/16/22 October Audible Credit.
Publisher's summary
After the Renegade mission by the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman, the UN Expeditionary Force thought Earth was safe for hundreds of years, at least.
After there was trouble on the home front and the president had to authorize a nuclear strike on an American city, UNEF decided they did need the Merry Band of Pirates again.
So, the Flying Dutchman is sent out on a simple recon mission. But for the pirates, nothing is ever simple, and their mission will become Armageddon.
©2019 Craig Alanson (P)2019 Podium Audio

2. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

The Josiah Manifesto
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
I always enjoy this author and this is my pick for FIRST READ of 2024.
Source: 9/17/2023 August Audible Credit.
Click on link to see full description.

There will be more but I haven't decided on which ones next. 

December 31, 2023 - I finished the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". Now I am deciding which new plan for 2024. Review at Goodreads.

I finished seven books, plus the Bible, all of which I reviewed at Goodreads.  

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have two new audios as well as an older audio on my shelf I should listen to (next year).
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 Emma at Words and Peace. Emma is retiring so we are looking for another person willing to assist.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

One new review titles from NetGalley.
I picked my December Audiobooks.com VIP plus Two for One Credit Holiday Romances.
I also picke my Two December Audible credits to make them TBR.
I still have 25 35 (or more) Audible Plus titles picked up over the past several weeks. I will list them another day.

Three new Kindle titles this week - 1 purchased, two free.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

December 27, 2023 NetGalley. This looks like a good Sci Fi.

The Altered Moon 2: The Tyrant of Unity
By James McGettigan, Jingjing Huntley (Photographer), Fabiana Granado, Kyle Davis, Jason Frank, Serena Lucatero, Jacqui Corn-Uys (Editor), Anthony McGettigan (Editor), Judy McGettigan (Editor)
(I have started reading this.)

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/31/2023 Year end two December Audible Credits
This looks like a series I would enjoy.

Torrent Witches Cozy Mysteries Complete Box Set: Books 1-10
By: Tess Lake
Narrated by: Natalie Duke
Length: 65 hrs and 31 mins



I have listened to book one and wanted to continue this series.

Drop Trooper Books 1-4
A Military Sci-Fi Box Set
By: Rick Partlow
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
Length: 33 hrs and 12 mins


12/31/2023 Audible Purchase $1.73. I saw this on the Kindle Free Reads gift and purchased the Audible since I chose a different gift book.

Resting Scrooge Face
A Short Story
By: Meghan Quinn
Narrated by: Carly Robins, Aaron Shedlock
Length: 1 hr and 42 mins


12/30/2023 This was a Kindle December First Read. I thought I was getting it for free but I think my prime account has expired as it was through my Husband’s credit card and I have not renewed it. Purchase for $1.99.

Scorpio (Frontlines: Evolution Book 1)
Marko Kloos





12/30/2023 Purchased the Audible version to go with the free Kindle $1.99.

Androne
By Dwain Worrell
Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann
Series: Androne, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins


 12/30/2023 Audible Daily Deal purchase $1.99.

The Killing Room
By Robert Swartwood
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
Series: Killing Room, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins


  12/27/2023 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit Holiday Romances.

Under the Texas Mistletoe: A Trio of Christmas Historical Romance Novellas
By Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by Barbara Mcculloh
Duration: 11 hours 32 minutes

Holiday Homecoming Secrets
By: Lynette Eason
Narrated By: Rachel Dulude
Duration: 5 hours 57 minutes

Free

12/27/2023 Audiobooks.com December VIP

Vanishing Hour
By Laura Griffin
Narrated by: Julia Atwood
Duration: 9 hours 17 minutes



12/30/2023 Kindle free gift with First Reads (purchased Audible).

Androne
By Dwain Worrell





12/30/2023 Free Kindle notice through Bruce Beckham author newsletter. Available through 1/3/23.

The Adventures of Pearl and Dean: When city girl meets country boy
By Lee Thatcher





More Audibles to be listed later. 

Two new free titles added to Kindle library.  Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

MBS First Book of the Year 2024 - The Josiah Manifesto by Jonathan Cahn

I enjoy participating in the event hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

I have participated in First Book (links to my posts) since 2014 with these books:
2014: The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn (audio and print)
2015: Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney (ebook)
2016: X Minus One 3 short story Vintage Sci Fi (audio)
2017: All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life by Mark Batterson (print)
2018: What If God Wrote Your To-Do List?: 52 Ways to Make the Most of Every Day by Jay Payleitner (ebook)
2019: The Prayer of Jesus by Kevin Jackson (ebook)
2020: The Possibility of America How the Gospel Can Mend Our God-Blessed,God-Forsaken Land by David Dark (ebook)
2021: The Harbinger II The Return by Jonathan Cahn (audio and print)
2022: The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel (audio)
2023: The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn (audio)

Once again I have picked the newest book from this author I am always glad to return to for a First Book choice!

The Josiah Manifesto
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
Publisher's summary
Is there an answer, a guide, a blueprint that reveals what you need to know to survive, to stand, and to prevail in view of what’s coming in the days ahead?
Has it been revealed to us in the appearing of a sign from an ancient mystery playing out in modern times before our eyes?
After seven explosive New York Times Bestsellers, Jonathan Cahn now releases his newest blockbuster—THE JOSIAH MANIFESTO - The Ancient Mystery & Guide for the End-Times—as mind-blowing as all his bestsellers—and with something different: the Blueprint, the Answer—the Manifesto!
The Josiah Manifesto opens up the stunning mysteries that lie behind the dramatic events of recent times that have changed our world—and the message hidden within them with regard to what lies ahead.
Could a 3000 year-old calendar of appointed days provide the secret to the most dramatic year of our lives—even ordaining a plague, a national lockdown, days of fire, and the changing of the Supreme Court?
Could an ancient temple, an ominous prayer, and a mysterious template lie behind the event that overtook Capitol Hill and shook the nation?
Could an enigmatic ancient king reveal the secret of a modern American president?
Could an ordinance given in the middle of a desert 3000 years ago have determined the rise and fall of a Latin American dictator?
Could an ancient array of mysteries from the Middle East have converged on Washington DC in a single hour to change the history of America?
What does the future hold? Is America heading for calamity? Is the world?
Is there hope? Have we been given a last chance? Is it possible to change history?
And is there a blueprint for what you need to know to survive and stand with regard to what is yet to come—even a guide to the ‘end-times’?
The Josiah Manifesto will take you on a prophetic journey from a Caribbean island to the Washington D.C. to the ancient Valley of Hinnom to the Supreme Court to a desert mountain to an ancient Middle Eastern temple to the gates of America—to uncover an ancient puzzle that lies behind the events that have altered our lives—Including …
The Island of Mysteries – The House of Fallen Children – The Heavenly Court – The Child of the Nile – The Agents of Heaven on Earth – The Stranger in the Living Room – The Mystery of Days … And Much, Much More!
And could these mysteries give you the key to what you need to know to prevail in the days to come—even a guide to the end times?
It will all be revealed in THE JOSIAH MANIFESTO – The Ancient Mystery & Guide for the End-Times!
The book you can’t afford not to listen to!
©2023 Jonathan Cahn (P)2023 Frontline


Again I had to manage an awkward selfie since I didn't have someone to take a picture.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 31, 2023: Give, Pray, Fast!

We started the service with lovely worship. Then Pastor shared his message from Matthew 6:1-21. Give, Pray, and Fast.
Our church participates in 21 days prayer and fasting which will start a week. Pastor reminded us that God still works, so get ready for 21.

God calls us to righteousness not justice. He expects us to do the right things. He doesn’t ask us,
God tells us.
V2 When you give to the needy (alms)…
V5 -7 When you pray…
V 16 When you fast…
V19-21 where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

God does things in His timing. He rewards obedience.

Giving to others in need puts money in its place. Our heart goes where we spend time or invest.

Pray in secret place. Public spiritually is an offshoot of private spiritual life. Prayer is a conversation with God. Simplicity is recommended.

V9 Jesus gave us the model prayer, The Lord’s Prayer. Prayer aligns us in God's will in mercy and grace. Pray puts our will in place with His Will.

Fasting is giving up food. Fasting puts flesh in place. Be mindful when you are fasting to invest the time in the Kingdom – read and study scripture, listen to praise and worship. Fasting is the intentional practice of acknowledging our weaknesses and relying upon God's grace.

Consider your time, talent, and treasure. We are made to give from our overflow so we must be filled spiritually to do this. Psalm 23:5 …my cup overflows.

I found this video song to fit today’s message. Walk With Jesus.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


Lord, help me each day to follow your command to Seek You First.

MBS - 2023 Audiobook Challenge Year-End Status

It's time for year end check in on the Audiobook Challenge hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer & That's What I'm Talking About. 

My goal was the 100 Club level and I am at 120 audiobooks with one more expected to be finished by 12/31.
I have read 145 books to date so for sure the majority of my reading is on audio.

My reading lists and reviews are linked HERE (or in the blog header under "Reading Lists") and at Goodreads.