MarthaE Cooking #8

These are my HelloFresh meals (made seven dinners) from the end of February. 

HelloFresh Cranberry Thyme Chicken

with Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Carrots & Onion.

I am learning to enjoy the roasted vegetables!
The sauce for the chicken was good too.

HelloFresh Brown Sugar Bourbon Pork Chops,

with Apple Pan Sauce, Scallion Mashed Potatoes & Broccoli.
Mine doesn't look quite like the photo.
My apples were darker and I cut my meat in bite size pieces rather than the pretty slices.

And my broccoli was a bit too well done, although it was still tasty. 

HelloFresh Garden Spinach Ricotta Ravioli
with Zucchini Ribbons, Tomato & Creamy Lemon Sauce.
My servings never look quite like the photos but they are still good!
I only had one small tomato for this so it is lost in the picture. 
I enjoyed the zucchini but I didn't plate the ribbons as well. 
Still, this was a bit easier cooking and I sure liked the ravioli and sauce. 

Sunday Post March 3, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 4, 2024

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.

Work continues day to day.  I have surgery scheduled for 3/12. They will be doing a biopsy of what is believed to be a benign tumor as well as removing ducts due to an infection which has been causing the bleeding. 
I ordered the new computer when mine crashed during a Zoom trial hearing on Thursday. Fortunately I had another computer ready to go as originally I was going to have my witness on the separate computer but it was causing feedback. The computer continues to crash at least once a day. 

I don't have much new in photos except I want to show my orchard which is blooming so well with a second set of blooms!

I still have to restart the chair yoga. I don't understand why it is so hard to keep that in the routine... except for being tired at the time I should sit down to exercise. 

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

We've had lovely sunny days... except for the days of rain. Temps range from a high of 82 during the day to 56 at night. I can live nicely with this. 

I finished three audios and made a progress in one of my ebooks. I did short reviews at Goodreads.

I visited 11 blogs last week.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post February 25, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 26, 2024.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 3, 2024 - Not Like Many.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

The Upheaval
By: Erica Stevens , Claire Bloom
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
Series: The Survivor Chronicles, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
Genre: Disaster, Horror, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25. I was ready for an apocalyptic type tale and chose this as my "U" title. Link to my review at Goodreads.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus.
Click on link to see full description.

2. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

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
Genre: Action, Epic, Fantasy, Supernatural.
I’ve been wanting to start this series. I needed to read book 1 to get to book 2 for my alphabet challenge.
My Rating 4.5. I totally enjoyed both books.
Link to my review at Goodreads.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: November 2023 Audible Plus Catalog Pick.
Publisher's summary
There is more in our world than you know. Deep in the darkness of a government building, one man needs to find the perfect solution to a vampire’s request that the government satisfy the debt of honor owed him. If he falls short, the failure will be paid in the blood of the military.
He needs three uniquely qualified individuals. He can find only one. One woman, dying, might be the ace-in-the-hole he needs to appease the Vampire. But then, she might also be the one person needed to save humanity. If she is accepted, will she willingly change? If she is willing to change, will she pass the turning? If she survives the turning, will she be powerful? If she is powerful, what will she do to those who will now want her dead? The universe might forever be changed in her wake.
What you thought you knew about Vampires and Werewolves is wrong...so very, very, wrong.
Performed by Colleen Delany, Emily Beresford, Bradley Smith, Michael John Casey, Terence Aselford, Stephon Walker, David Coyne, Christopher Graybill, Nora Achrati, Richard Rohan, Alejandro Ruiz, Steve Wannall, Chris Genebach, Nick DePinto, Steven Carpenter, Eric Messner, Eva Wilhelm, Henry Kramer, Joel David Santner, Jefferson A. Russell, KenYatta Rogers, Patrick Bussink, Carolyn Kashner and Holly Vagley.
©2015 Michael Anderle (P)2020 GraphicAudio

3. Audible on Smartphone (A2024).

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
Genre: Action, Epic, Fantasy, Supernatural.
My Rating 4.5. I enjoyed both books 1 and two. Lots of action and good character rapport. Link to my review at Goodreads.
This was my "Q" title.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: November 2023 Audible Plus Catalog Pick.
Publisher's summary
The UnknownWorld is reeling from change.
Bethany Anne has started to make a difference in the first week of being awake. Now, America has been losing good men since their teams don't have a vampire to help them.
Frank is hoping Bethany Anne can, and will, help.
Further, the American Pack Council is having internal problems with their own young and dumb weres who want to ignore Michael's strictures. With no one seeing Michael, the fear of the Boogeyman is starting to recede.
That's fine with Bethany Anne; it means she will personally deliver the message there is a new vampire in town.
Immediately following the story of Bethany Anne from Death Becomes Her, Queen Bitch rides a roller coaster of action with a heavy dose of creative cussing. Bethany Anne starts to get a team in place to help her affect change.
Because, whether the UnknownWorld wants it or not, change is coming.
Performed by Colleen Delany, Emily Beresford, Bradley Smith, Danny Gavigan, Zeke Alton, James Lewis, James Konicek, Joel David Santner, Terence Aselford, Christopher Graybill, Jonathan Lee Taylor, Patrick Bussink, Nora Achrati, Darius Johnson, Ken Jackson, John Kielty, Steve Wannall, Chris Stinson, Mort Shelby, Rose Elizabeth Supan, Dylan Lynch, Scott McCormick, Steven Carpenter, Nanette Savard, and Shanta Parasuraman.
©2015 Michael Anderle (P)2020 GraphicAudio

Currently Reading:

1. Audible on Smartphone (TBR).

The Postman
By: David Brin
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly
Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
Genre: Adventure, Post Apocalyptic.
I like the movie and wanted to see how the book compares.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: 4/29/2023 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's summary
He was a survivor - a wanderer who traded tales for food and shelter in the dark and savage aftermath of a devastating war.
Fate touches him one chill winter’s day when he borrows the jacket of a long-dead postal worker to protect himself from the cold. The old, worn uniform still has power as a symbol of hope, and with it he begins to weave his greatest tale, of a nation on the road to recovery.
This is the story of a lie that became the most powerful kind of truth. A timeless novel as urgently compelling as War Day or Alas, Babylon, David Brin’s The Postman is the dramatically moving saga of a man who rekindled the spirit of America through the power of a dream, from a modern master of science fiction.
©2020 David Brin (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

2. eBook - NetGalley App on Smartphone (NGeB2024)

If the Boot Fits
By Karen Witemeyer
Pub Date 12 Mar 2024 | Archive Date 21 Apr 2024
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
This is a charming story. I am at 70% and hope to finish this week.
2024NetGalley, 2024Alphabet, and 2024ebook Goals. Source: 1/12/2024 ebook from NetGalley.
Click on link to see full description.

Sort of ON HOLD. Kindle (/NetGalley )App on Smartphone (NGeB2023)

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)
Genre: Alien Invasion, Space Sci Fi.
This is still reading slowly. I have reached 69%.
Although I am reading the other NetGalley ebook, I open this each day to read on the Kindle App.
Source: December 27, 2023 NetGalley.
2024TBR, 2024NetGalley, 2024Alphabet, and 2024ebook Goals.
Click on link to see full description.

I will be looking for titles with the letters O,  X, and Y for my next picks. I only have these 3 letters of the alphabet left. 

March 3, 2024 - I am enjoying the YouVersion App called The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble. (The link is to the plan online.) We are still reading in Numbers and I am learning more with each day's discussion. I appreciate how Tara Leigh Cobble's discussion points out each day that "God is where the Joy is."
I am 19 days into a 40 day study for Lent: Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival.

I finished three books, rated with mini reviews at Goodreads.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I continue on two ebooks. I still have another ebook and an older audio on my shelf I need to listen to.
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, and Me. Emma has retired so we are looking for another person willing to assist.

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

No new review titles.
I selected two for one Fictions deal at Audiobooks.com. I used all my credits but I get another on the 5th.

When I went to get the info to list the audiobooks, I realized I never listed four purchased in January and the January VIP so they are included today.

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

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

January 2024 Two for One Sci Fi deal at Audiobooks.com

Burrowed
Written By: Mary Baader Kaley
Narrated By: Ann Marie Gideon
Duration 12 Hours 14 Minutes

Wild Lands
Series: #2 Of New Frontier
Written By: Anthony Melchiorri, Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated By: Bronson Pinchot
Duration 12 Hours 23 Minutes


January Two for One Fiction deal at Audiobooks.com

Missing Molly
Written By: Natalie Barelli
Narrated By: Lucy Price-Lewis
Duration 7 Hours 57 Minutes

The Oceans and the Stars: A Sea Story, A War Story, A Love Story; The Seven Battles and Mutiny of Athena, Patrol Coastal Ship 15
Written By: Mark Helprin
Narrated By: Traber Burns
Duration 21 Hours 36 Minutes


3/2/2024 Two for One Fiction Deal at Audiobooks.com.

Hanging Falls: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery, Book 6
Series: #6 Of Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries
Written By: Margaret Mizushima
Narrated By: Nancy Wu
Duration 10 hours 10 minutes
Mystery, Suspense.

Encounters in the Woods: Volumes 1-4
Written By: Ethan Hayes
Narrated By: Justin Price
Duration 11 hours 41 minutes
Genre: Medicine & Naturopathy

Free

1/2024 January VIP at Audiobooks.com.

Sons of Valor
Series: #1 Of The Sons Of Valor Series
Written By: Jeffrey Wilson, Brian Andrews
Narrated By: Ray Porter
Duration 12 Hours 5 Minutes
Genre: Action, Military

I still have many Audible Plus titles to list from January and February 2024.

No new free titles 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 March 3, 2024 - Not Like Many.

I was so happy to have my eldest granddaughter (16) attend church with me this morning.
This morning was Mission Sunday where the young children in BGMC collect change (and dollars) for missions around the world. Among these missions that received funds is the Convoy of Hope which has been to our own community, for Hurricane Michael in 2018 and again last month for the tornado that ravaged homes in our community.

Pastor continued his messages from Nehemiah with a sermon from Nehemiah 7:1-5 which he titled “Not Like Many”. The book of Nehemiah was written by Ezra and tells of the remnant returning to rebuild. These actions are the fulfillment of prophecies given by Isaiah and Jeremiah. We are reminded that the rebuild doesn't look like the way it was. It is a new season.

The enemy continues to obstruct the efforts as he always does in three ways: criticism, confusion and discouragement.

God always makes a way for His will to be accomplished. He who has begun a good work will be faithful to complete it. Philippians 1:6.

As the wall was being completed, Nehemiah looked to appoint leaders to continue the work; who could be entrusted with God's work. The man is described as “a faithful man and honored God with fear more than many.” Nehemiah 7:2 NLV. A faithful, trustworthy man; more than the many. Faithful means consistent, honest, and stable, with integrity. The job was not for doubters or the wishy-washy. God wants men who will be good and faithful servants. Matthew 25:21.
The trusted leaders were faithful, trusting God. and God-fearing, not man-fearing.
The mother of Zebedee’s sons asked for favorable position for her sons. But Jesus responds that “Whoever wants to be first among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:20-28.

Nehemiah was a servant leader. He chose others who were faithful and God fearing.
Leaders, 1 Timothy 1:18-19; and helpers, 1 Timothy 3:9-10. Titus 1:7-9.
The work that God has done is too precious to leave in the hands of those who aren't faithful and God fearing. It is certain that the enemy will come back. Good leaders are to guard the work. Nehemiah 7:3.

The city large, but people were few, no houses rebuilt. Nehemiah 7:4. God was looking for a remnant. He will work through the remnant.

God provides the vision, not man. God ‘put it into [the] heart’ of Nehemiah to take gather the people and note their names. Nehemiah 7:5.  How did he hear from God? Nehemiah was praying. It is hard to be spirit-filled if we are not in prayer. Worshipping is more than music. Our honor to God should be from our hearts, it should be spirit worship. Seek Him in secret and He will use you.

God sees everyone. No one is beyond His sight and notice. Everyone has a place. We all have a part in the Kingdom. A broken bone/body part hurts the whole. When a member is broken it hurts the whole Kingdom.

I like this song video for today.

Verses for Today:
Nehemiah 7:1-2 New Life Version
7 When the wall was built and I had set up the doors, and the gate-keepers and singers and Levites were chosen, 2 I gave my brother Hanani, and Hanaiah the captain of the strong place, the work of watching over Jerusalem. For he was a faithful man and honored God with fear more than many.


Lord, I pray that you direct a strong remnant to complete your good work!

Sunday Post February 25, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 26, 2024

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 continue to feel productive at work. I'll miss a lot of Monday as I have the doctor appointment in the morning and then dog vet appointments at the end of the day. 
I am hoping to put off buying a new computer for another few weeks at least. (Just as I finished that sentence, the computer crashed. *Sigh*)

February 16 a handful of my woman's club group served as judges for the local Responders Chili Cookoff. The offerings were varied and delicious. The cornbread was excellent too!

I did a little walking last week but I still want to restart the chair yoga. 

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

Our weather warmed up pretty nicely this past week. The days were windy but temps were mostly in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. Should be the same this week. 

I finished three audios and made a progress in two ebooks. I did short reviews, two at Goodreads.

I visited 11 blogs last week.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post February 18, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 19, 2024.

• MarthaE Cooking #7.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 25, 2024 - Do the Work With God.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

Prodigal
A Supernatural Crime Thriller
By Judy K. Walker
Book #1 Dead Hollow
Read by Alex Knox
Run Time 9h 46min
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller.
My Rating 4.25. This read quickly and had interesting characters.
I did a short review at Goodreads.
I needed a change from space so I picked this thriller for my “P” title.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook Goals.
Source: 12/4/2021 Chirp purchase $1.99.
Click on link to see full description.

2. Audible on Smartphone (A2024).

Redacted Affairs
By: Kevin Ikenberry, Kevin Steverson, Chris Kennedy - editor, Mark Wandrey - editor
Narrated by: James Anderson Foster
Series: Rise of the Peacemakers, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Genre: Fantasy, First Contact
My Rating: 4.25 I enjoyed this intriguing story full of alien and human characters working together to uncover corruption. The lead creature characters are newly appointed Peacemakers sent undercover. After observation and engagement on the planet they ultimately are joined by an interesting mercenary team who help when trouble erupts. I am glad book 2 is available and not expiring this month as I will listen to it too.
The narration is very well done with clear, distinct voices and energy that fits the story.
This is another Audible Plus expiring 2/29. It filled "R" title for my alphabet challenge.
2024Alphabet and 2024Audiobook Goals.
Source: February 2024 Audible Plus title.
Publisher's summary
Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry.
It is a time of upheaval throughout the Galactic Union. As the effects of the Omega War ripple outward, a Peacemaker falls silent at the outpost mining colony of Parmick. Sensing danger, the Peacemaker Guild dispatches two new graduates of the Academy to investigate and report. They are a new breed of Peacemaker, perfect for the clandestine infiltration mission.
Parmick is in chaos. The miners are planning to revolt, and the mine owner is rallying every mercenary and ne’er-do-well he can to protect his illegal mining operation; the Peacemakers soon realize it will require combat operations to free the citizens of Parmick. Meanwhile, the Peacemaker Guild also finds the mining operation is financing the actions of the disgraced Enforcer Kr’et’Socae. Honoring the threat, the Peacemaker Guild unleashes its Enforcers.
With the galaxy teetering on the edge of chaos, can the Peacemakers and their surprising new allies liberate Parmick, stabilize the Galactic Union, and unlock the next clue to find Snowman? From the minds of Kevin Ikenberry and Kevin Steverson comes a new set of heroes who will forever change the Peacemaker Guild and the course of the Galactic Union.
©2019 Kevin Ikenberry and Kevin Steverson (P)2020 Podium Publishing

3. Audio on Smartphone (A2024).

Trace of Doubt
Author Diann Mills
Narrator: Tara Langella
Duration: 8 h 50 min
Genre: Christian, Clean, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 I like romantic suspense and this has the plus of having strong Christian faith as part of the characters, not in a preachy way. It is a quick listen.
I did a review at Goodreads.
I selected this as a change to space/sci fi and as my "T" title.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: 7/9/2022 Audiobooks Two for One Credit.
SUMMARY
Bestselling and award-winning author DiAnn Mills delivers a heart-stopping story of dark secrets, desperate enemies, and dangerous lies.
Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.
FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.
But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby―and the truth―forever.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible on Smartphone (A2024).

The Upheaval
By: Erica Stevens , Claire Bloom
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
Series: The Survivor Chronicles, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
Genre: Disaster, Horror, Suspense
I was ready for an apocalyptic type tale and chose this as my "U" title.
2024TBR, 2024Alphabet, and 2024Audiobook goals.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus.
Publisher's summary
The first tremors of the earth were felt at 7:22 EST. time. Every single person felt the rumbling and experienced the tremors that would forever alter the course of history. Most did not survive. These are the accounts of some of those who did.
Following three sets of people, The Upheaval is filled with heartbreak and hope. The day starts out like any other but soon goes to calamity. From earthquake to fire to tsunami, they must face disaster from every angle - the world they once knew has shattered in a just a few hours.
©2018 Erica Stevens (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Skyboat Media, Inc.

2. eBook - NetGalley App on Smartphone (NGeB2024)

If the Boot Fits
By Karen Witemeyer
Pub Date 12 Mar 2024 | Archive Date 21 Apr 2024
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
I am still enjoying this - reached 50%
2024NetGalley, 2024Alphabet, and 2024ebook Goals. Source: 1/12/2024 ebook from NetGalley.
Click on link to see full description.

Sort of ON HOLD. Kindle (/NetGalley )App on Smartphone (NGeB2023)

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)
Genre: Alien Invasion, Space Sci Fi.
This is still reading slowly. I have reached 67%.
Although I am reading the other NetGalley ebook, I open this each day to read on the Kindle App.
Source: December 27, 2023 NetGalley.
2024TBR, 2024NetGalley, 2024Alphabet, and 2024ebook Goals.
Click on link to see full description.

I will be looking for titles with the letters O, Q, X, and Y for my next picks. I only have these 4 letters of the alphabet left. 

February 25, 2024 - I am enjoying the YouVersion App called The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble. (The link is to the plan online.) We are reading in Numbers now. I appreciate how Tara Leigh Cobble's discussion points out each day that "God is where the Joy is."
I also started a 40 day study for Lent to Easter: Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival. 

I finished three books, rated with mini reviews at Goodreads or in comments above.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I continue on two ebooks. I still have another ebook and an older audio on my shelf I need to listen to.
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, and Me. Emma has retired so we are looking for another person willing to assist.

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

No new review titles.
I selected a two for one Dystopian deal at Audiobooks.com.

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

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

2/24/2024 Two for One Credit Dystopian Deal at Audiobooks.com.

A Longer Fall
Written By: Charlaine Harris
Narrated By: Eva Kaminsky
Series: #2 Of Gunnie Rose
Duration 8 hours 9 minutes
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Sci Fi

The Last Exit
Written By: Michael Kaufman
Narrated By: Emily Woo Zeller, J. D. Jackson
Duration 10 hours 58 minutes
Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Police Procedure

Free

These are the last 8 Audible Plus titles acquired on 12/30/2023.

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter
By: Lisa Patton
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin
Series: Dixie Series, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins

Living Lies
By: Natalie Walters
Narrated by: Morgan Hallett
Series: Harbored Secrets, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Murder's a Witch
By: Danielle Garrett
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

The Tower of Ravens
By: Kate Forsyth
Narrated by: Elle Newlands
Series: The Rhiannon’s Ride Series, Book 1
Length: 16 hrs and 51 mins

The Shining City
By: Kate Forsyth
Narrated by: Elle Newlands
Series: The Rhiannon’s Ride Series, Book 2
Length: 19 hrs and 8 mins

A Christmas Dinner on Marshall Street
By: Jacie Middlemann
Narrated by: Virtual Voice
Length: 1 hr and 58 mins

When You Least Expect It
By: Haley Cass
Narrated by: Lori Prince
Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show
By: Orson Scott Card, David Farland, Tim Pratt, James Maxey, David Lubar, Eric James Stone, Ty Franck, Scott M. Roberts, Peter Orullian, Rachel Ann Dryden
Narrated by: J. Paul Boehmer, Cassandra Campbell, Emily Janice Card, Mark Deakins, Don Leslie, Rosalyn Landor, Stefan Rudnicki
Series: The Enderverse
Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

I still have many Audible Plus titles to list from January and February 2024.

No new free titles 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 February 25, 2024 - Do the Work With God.

Pastor continued his series today in Nehemiah with Chapter 6. The enemy is pressuring Nehemiah. The enemy seeks to stop God’s plan – then and now.

Beware as some of God’s enemies have silver tongues and appear harmless or good. But a discerning spirit will sense something wrong. Enemies can have a good reputation. They want to get their agenda done. Nehemiah 6:17. They made their attack personal. The enemy will destroy you with distraction and negative thoughts.

The enemy tried to call Nehemiah out four times but he refused to leave the work to go to their meeting. They were attacking his integrity. Nehemiah 6:5-7. The enemy will accuse others of motives they have (transference). Titus 1:15.

Nehemiah resisted the challenges and impulse to fight them directly. Nehemiah 6:8. Don’t take vengeance in your own hands. Stick with your job and let God deal with the enemy. Our job is to build the Kingdom: win the lost, minister love and peace; share the hope of Christ. Don’t get caught up so you become more political than spiritual.

They used intimidation. Nehemiah 6:9-10, 17-18. Nehemiah said, “No.” Nehemiah 6:11-14. Sometimes the enemy uses false prophets. Shemiah was a false prophet encouraging Nehemiah to go into the temple when he was not sanctioned to do so. We must be discerning. People who lack wisdom can be led astray. 2 Timothy 3:1-7.

Nehemiah prayed each time and asked God to give him wisdom and strength and for God to deal with the enemy. The work was accomplished with the help of God. Nehemiah 6:16. We are to set our mind on the work of God, not the work of the world. 2 Timothy 3:12-15.

There are evil people and agendas surrounding us. The church has to do its mission in order to show the enemy that the work of God is being done with His help. You will reap a harvest… keep on focusing on God’s work. God knows there is opposition, but He says continue to follow me and do my Will. He will handle the enemy but wants His followers to show His love and life.

We will ultimately win on our knees, not in the political battle. Pray – intercede for those who may be under attack. God will win!

I like this song for today: The Battle is Yours.

A Verse for Today:
Nehemiah 6:16 NIV
16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.


Lord, help me stay focused on Your Will, to do your work and trust you to win the battles.