Sunday Post January 7, 2024/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 8, 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 started the month medium busy. I enjoyed my Monday at home and took my time going into to the office at about 10am each day. Now I do stay usually until 6 (or later).  I do plan on trying to go in earlier this week but I'll probably still come home at 6 or later.

I'll be busy this week with some signings and one staff member out two days for personal business.

I started chair yoga and am enjoying the streching exercising.

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

We have some warmer days Friday and Saturday but then the rain brought in the cold again. I won't complain about my 50 degree weather when those in the west and north are having snow.

I've finished two audios this week. I have one review posted this week and the other I will review this coming week.

I visited only 11 blogs last week. Shout Out this week to D'ANN MATEER. D'Ann is an author (published through Bethany House Publishers), editor, and reader. Check out her website and blog.

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

• Sunday Post December 31, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 1, 2024.

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

• MarthaE Cooking #3.

• First Book of the Year 2024 - Audible Book Review: The Josiah Manifesto by Jonathan Cahn.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 7, 2024 - Burden and Prayer.

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

The Josiah Manifesto
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
I did enjoy this as my FIRST BOOK of 2024.
Source: 9/17/2023 August Audible Credit.
Click on link above for description and review.

2. NetGalley on Smartphone (NGA2023).

The Fish of Small Wishes
by Elana K. Arnold
Narrated by Erin Ruth Walker
Pub Date: 30 Jan 2024
This is a charming story.
Source: 12/11/2023 received at NetGalley.
 Description
Fall in love with a modern fairy tale inspired by a Jewish family memory in this magical picture book by award-winning picture book creators Elana K. Arnold and Magdalena Mora.
Once, there was a girl named Kiki, who found a fish on the asphalt.
The fish was very hot and very dry.
But when Kiki put it in the bathtub, it started swimming, and growing, and . . . speaking?
"I want to grant you a wish for saving me," it said.
A wish-granting fish!
Alas, this fish was only a fish of small wishes, and Kiki’s wish was too big.
Unless . . . there was a way for both their dreams to come true.
Follow Kiki and the wish-granting fish in this contemporary fairy-tale perfect for fans of A Big Mooncake for Little Star and Carmela Full of Wishes.

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
I have a little over an hour left and have laughed out loud at times but am holding my breath near the end as a serious battle occurs.
Source: 11/16/22 October Audible Credit.
Click on link to see full description.

2. NetGalley App on Smartphone (NGA2023)

Deep Freeze
by Michael C. Grumley
Narrated by Scott Brick
Pub Date: 09 Jan 2024
Archive Date: 16 Jan 2024
I'm not too far in yet but this is intriguing.
Source: 12/11/2023 received at NetGalley.
Description
From the bestselling author of the Breakthrough series: In his next near-future thriller, Michael C. Grumley explores humanity’s thirst for immortality—at any cost...
“A fast-paced juggernaut of a story, where revelations pile upon revelations, building to a stunning conclusion that will leave readers clamoring for more.” —James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sigma Force series
The accident came quickly. With no warning. In the dead of night, a precipitous plunge into a freezing river trapped everyone inside the bus. It was then that Army veteran John Reiff’s life came to an end. Extinguished in the sudden rush of frigid water.
There was no expectation of survival. None. Let alone waking up beneath blinding hospital lights. Struggling to move, or see, or even breathe. But the doctors assure him that everything is normal. That things will improve. And yet, he has a strange feeling that there's something they're not telling him.
As Reiff's mind and body gradually recover, he becomes certain that the doctors are lying to him. One-by-one, puzzle pieces are slowly falling into place, and he soon realizes that things are not at all what they seem. Critical information is being kept from him. Secrets. Supposedly for his own good. But who is doing this? Why? And the most important question: can he keep himself alive long enough to uncover the truth?
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Forge.

3. 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)
This looked like a good Sci Fi. I am engaged but it is reading slowly compared to my audios.
Source: December 27, 2023 NetGalley.
Archive date 1/11/24 I have it downloaded so hope I will be able to continue to read it.
Evil comes in many layers…
The Planet Galiza is under siege from an alien threat that blocks out every ray of light from the sun and twinkle from the stars. Scrambling to find a means of defense against the invaders, the humans conjure a solution by manipulating the biology of an alien corpse retrieved from the Lunar Clash.
Through the utilization and advancement of quantum suits, fueled by the blood of the invaders, the humans have steadily come to match the speed and fighting tactics of their cosmic adversaries. But even after two years of war, both sides appear to be at a stalemate.
After an aerial combat that nearly almost bests him, Amat Luciph Criptous has been granted a way to regain control of his own psyche.
With the help of his cousins and sister, Lara, Amat devises a plan to offer salvation to the greater part of his kin left to rot and fend for themselves in the wasteland that is Galiza. Together, the four of them conceal Skivs and Warvs within the various underground militia bases. A luxury granted only to those tied to the militia.
When the Diramal discovers Amat has slipped from his grasp, the devious tyrant has no choice but to relay his findings to an even greater enemy set before Amat. One who would seek to use Amat as a means to grow his grand army, forcing the rival foes of the Jinn-hid and the Diramal to work together.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2023.

January 7, 2024 - I am enjoying a new Bible in a year study on the YouVersion App called The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble. (The link is to the plan online.)
I also enjoyed a four day study New Year, Same God.

I finished two books, one review is linked above and the other will be reviewed this coming week.  

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have finished one audio; started another audio and ebook. I still have 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.

One new review title from NetGalley.
I've listed 12 of the 35 (or more) Audible Plus titles picked up in December. 

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

Review Titles

1/4/2024 One new title from NetGalley:

The Wild Lavender Bookshop
by Jodi Thomas
Pub Date 23 Apr 2024 | Archive Date 07 May 2024

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Here are twelve of the Audible Plus titles I picked up in December.

Deathstalker
By: Simon R. Green
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
Series: Deathstalker Series, Book 1, Deathstalker, Book 1
Length: 22 hrs and 45 mins

The Color of Law
A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America
By: Richard Rothstein
Narrated by: Adam Grupper
Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Dragon Heart
By: Kirill Klevanski, Valeria Kornosenko - introduction, J. Kharkova - translator, R. Mansurova - translator, E. Kornilova - translator
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
Series: Dragon Heart Series, Book 1: Stone Will
Length: 17 hrs and 1 min

Hunted by Shadows
By: Erin O'Kane
Narrated by: Anais Inara Chase
Series: Shadowborn, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Zeb Carter
By: Ty Patterson
Narrated by: Adam Verner
Series: Zeb Carter Thriller Series, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Warstrider: Warstrider, Book 1
By: Ian Douglas
Narrated by: David Drummond
Series: Warstrider, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins

Doomsday Book
By: Connie Willis
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
Series: Oxford Time Travel, Book 1
Length: 26 hrs and 20 mins

Forged by Desire
By: Bec McMaster
Narrated by: Alison Larkin
Series: London Steampunk, Book 4
Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Blue Moon Rising
By: Simon R. Green
Narrated by: John Keating
Series: Forest Kingdom, Book 1
Length: 19 hrs and 25 mins

Blood and Honor (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
By: Simon R. Green
Narrated by: full cast, Terence Aselford, David Coyne, Andy Clemence, Richard Rohan, Elizabeth Jernigan, Nanette Savard, Michael John Casey, Kate Foster, Peter Stray, Eric Messner, James Konicek
Series: Forest Kingdom, Book 2 [Dramatized Adaptation] Part 1
Length: 5 hrs

Blood and Honor (2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
By: Simon R. Green
Narrated by: full cast, Terence Aselford, David Coyne, Yasmin Tuazon, Andy Clemence, Richard Rohan, Scott McCormick, Tim Getman, Michael John Casey, James Konicek, Michael Glenn, Eric Messner
Series: Forest Kingdom, Book 2 [Dramatized Adaptation] Part 2
Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins

Down Among the Deadman [Dramatized Adaptation]
By: Simon R. Green
Narrated by: full cast, Terence Aselford, Michael Glenn, Yasmin Tuazon, Elizabeth Jernigan, Danny Gavigan, David Coyne, Andy Clemence, Joseph Thornhill, Casie Platt, Tim Getman, Mort Shelby
Series: Forest Kingdom, Book 3
Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins

More Audibles to be listed later. 

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 Post January 1, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 2, 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.

Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a lovely two weeks while I was away from computer visiting family. I only opened the computer to assist Heather with a couple of work related files.

I drove to Illinois to visit my son and his family since my d-i-l is having surgery for the returned cancer on January 3. It was too much for the five of them to drive down.
My eldest granddaughter here in Florida went up with me. She just had her 15th birthday so doesn't have her learners driving permit yet but maybe next visit she can help drive the 787 miles.
I took three days up and back instead of the usual two. Going up I was worried about driving in snow and ice. Fortunately, the highways were cleared and I had only a short time driving through light snow flurries. Coming home was not so nice as we drove several hours through rain. 

The only bad snow was at our hotel the second night. This made it hard to walk the dogs!
Long haired and fluffy Bear almost played in the snow, but short haired Princess could barely keep her feet down.

My Illinois grandchildren each gave me a special gift - a "beautiful Grandma" cup for my daily coffee or tea, a make-up sponge to help me look better, and a fluffy pen because "Grandma writes a lot".

Have you made any New Year Resolutions? Mine is: more decluttering, which may include less computering. I'll be setting up some goals for reading but may do less blogging.

My prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer atmosphere in 2023.

I am so glad to be home. I drove a short two hours the storm day (Thursday 12/22) but that meant I set out to face 5 and 1 degree weather (-9 wind chill) and snow - brrrr.
It warmed up after Christmas and I returned home to temps in the 60s with a range this week from low of 37 to  high of 76.

I wish everyone a Year full of health, peace, and love - which are the best features of prosperity!

I finished five audios plus my 2022 Bible plan. I barely turned on the computer this trip so I could spend more time with the family and less online.

I did no visiting over the past two weeks.
No Shout outs until I get settled in to computing again. I hope you continue to enjoy visiting blog friends.

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

• Sunday Post December 18, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 19, 2022.

• No Friday Post - Traveling.
  

• First Book of the Year 2023: The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 1, 2023 - God's Expectations.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (A2022)

Joy to the Wolves
By Terry Spear
Narrated By: Mackenzie Cartwright
Duration: 10 h 28 min
I enjoyed the mystery and the distrust turning to romance elements.

Source: 9/26/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Crisis Shot: The Line of Duty, Book 1
By: Janice Cantore
Narrated by: Alice Anne English
Series: The Line of Duty, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
I enjoyed this Christian police procedure thriller and will want to get more in the series.
Source: 1/2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
Tess O'Rourke dreams of becoming the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. As commander of the East Division, she is well on her way...until the night she responds to an officer-needs-assistance call and fatally shoots an unarmed teenager. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury, Tess is so hounded by the public that she takes a job in Oregon to escape the bad press.
Winning over the residents of Rogue's Hollow might be more difficult than adjusting to her new role as police chief in the small backwater town - especially when her closest friend, the pastor's wife, goes missing and the woman's cousin is found shot. Tess finds an ally in sheriff's deputy Steve Logan, but as they track down Rogue's Hollow's first murderer, she worries that she's breaking one of her rules and getting too close to him.
©2017 Janice Cantore (P)2017 Two Words Publishing LLC

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21
This was good adventure and I was able to watch the earlier book (now a series on Angel Studios) with my grandchildren.
Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

4. YouVersion Bible App on Smartphone (2022)

BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus
358 Days
I started this in January 2022 and continued to complete it.
Source: YouVersion Bible Plan.
One Story that Leads to Jesus is a plan designed by BibleProject to inspire and equip you to read through the entire Bible in one year. This plan incorporates over 150 animated videos to engage you in the Bible’s brilliant literary design and flow of thought. Choose this one-year reading plan for an epic learning journey that helps you experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.
Publisher
We would like to thank BibleProject for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://bibleproject.com

5. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Secret, Book & Scone Society
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
Series: The Secret, Book & Scone Society, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
I had seen mixed reviews but I enjoyed this easy listen mystery.
Source: 5/6/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Publisher's Summary
Miracle Springs is a place of healing. Strangers flock there hoping that the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. And, if none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That's Nora's special talent: prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person's deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.
But when a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, he's found dead on the train tracks before he can keep their appointment. Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman's demise, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, and, as the society works to untangle the web of corruption surrounding the murder, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge.
©2017 Ellery Adams (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

6. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Navigating the Stars
Sentinels of the Galaxy, Book 1
By: Maria V. Snyder
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
Release date: 01-17-19
I loved other series by this author. I don’t know why it took me so long to enjoy this well written start to another series.
Source: 1/15/2020 December Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
“The answer is no, Lyra”, my mother utters her favorite - I swear - phrase.
No means I have to travel with them to another planet - again.
No means leaving all my friends 50 years in the past. Thanks, Einstein.
Seventeen-year-old Lyra Daniels can’t truly blame Einstein or her parents for their impending move across the Milky Way Galaxy. It’s all due to the invention of the Q-net, which made traveling the vast distances in space possible - with one big caveat: the time dilation. But that never stopped Lyra's ancestors from exploring the Milky Way, searching for resources and exoplanets to colonize. What they didn’t expect to find is life-sized terracotta warriors buried on 21 different exoplanets...Make that 22.
As the Galaxy’s leading experts on the warriors, Lyra's parents are thrilled by the new discovery, sending them - and her - 50 years into the future. Her social life in ruins, she fills her lonely days by illegally worming into the Q-net. The only person close to her age is the annoyingly irresistible security officer who threatens to throw her into the brig.
After the planet they just left goes silent - meaning no communications from them at all - security has bigger problems to deal with than Lyra, especially when vital data files go missing. But that's just the beginning, because they’re not as alone as they thought on their new planet...and suddenly time isn't the only thing working against them.
©2018 Maria V. Snyder (P)2019 Maria V. Snyder

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Return of the Gods
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
I chose this for my First Book of 2023.
Source: 12/3122 Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
In The Return of the Gods, Cahn takes the listener on a journey from an ancient parable, the ancient inscriptions in Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia that become the puzzle pieces behind what is taking place in our world to this day, specifically in America.
The mystery involves the gods. Who are they? What are they? And is it possible that these beings, whose origins are from ancient times, are the unseen catalysts of modern culture?
Is it possible that these gods lie behind the most pivotal events, forces, and movements taking place in our nation and around the world at this very moment? Are the gods at this very moment transforming our culture, our children, our lives, and America itself?
Could this mystery have even determined the exact days on which Supreme Court decisions had to be handed down?
What is the Dark Trinity?
Is it possible that what we in the modern world take as nothing more than ancient mythology could actually possess a reality beyond our fathoming?
Who is the Possessor? The Enchanter? The Destroyer? And the Sorceress?
Could a sign that has appeared all over America and the world be linked to the gods of Mesopotamia? And if so, what does it actually mean?
Could the gods have returned to New York City and an ancient mythology played out on the streets in real time?
Is it possible that the gods lie behind everything from what appears on our computer monitors, our televisions and movie screens; to the lessons given in our classrooms; to the breakdown of the family; to wokism; to the occult; to our addictions; to the Supreme Court; to cancel culture; to children's cartoons; to every force and factor that has transformed the parameters of gender; to that which appears in our stores, on our T-shirts, and on our coffee mugs—to that which is, at this very moment, transforming America and much of the world? Is it possible that behind all these things are ancient mysteries that go back to the Middle East and ancient Mesopotamia? This and so much more, most of which we can't even reveal in this description, will be uncovered.
Is it possible that the gods are even affecting your life right now? How can you recognize it? And what can you do about it?
The Return of the Gods is not only one of the most explosive books you'll ever listen to but also one of the most profound. It will reveal the most stunning secrets and truths behind what is happening before your eyes in America and the nations. You will see things, even in your world, in a whole new light. With such chapters as “The House of Spirits,” “The Avatar,” “The Masters,” “The Deep Magic,” and “The Day of the Goddess,” The Return of the Gods will take listeners on a fascinating, unforgettable, and mind-blowing journey that will leave them stunned and with the ability to see the world as they never have before.
Be prepared to be blown away as you open up Jonathan Cahn's most explosive book ever, The Return of the Gods!
©2022 Jonathan Cahn (P)2022 Frontline

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

At Love's Command
By: Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate
Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
I am enjoying this Historical Romance.
I started this on the drive home but set it aside to listen to First Book.
12/18/2021 November Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. 
They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving. Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue. 
Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything - even his team - to save her.
©2020 Karen Witemeyer (P)2020 Recorded Books

I am still trying to decide if I want to read older TBR, pick from alphabet or go with all the favorites in series I have waiting! I have to start organizing my 2023 reading lists. 


January 1, 2023 -  I have started a new plan in YouVersion.  I totally enjoyed watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen" .  I have never done a Chronological reading before. I think I will enjoy it.

I finished five audio titles and reviewed none. I am now behind 10 reviews (not likely to get to the 7 children's books any time soon). I plan to work on year end posts and maybe a review in between.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have five titles from NetGalley.
I still have the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(Plus a few that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I tend to fill up on titles in December so they will qualify for TBRs in 2023.
I picked three new (listen now) review titles this week through NetGalley.
I selected my two December credit books at Audible.
I found two titles at Chirp that I purchased at $.99 each.
I got two free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Three books from NetGalley:

Iconoclasm
A Survival Guide in the Post-Pandemic Economy
by Tony Zorc
Narrated by Tony Zorc
Listening Length: 3 hours and 41 minutes
This business/leadership book sounded interesting to me.

The Prayer Warrior
by Traci Wooden-Carlisle, D. Tina Batten
Narrated by Anita Faye Thomas
Listening Length: 5 hours and 33 minutes
I enjoy Christian spiritual intrigue.

Coup de Grâce
by Paul L. Centeno
Narrated by Rob Jones UK
Listening Length: 10 hours and 40 minutes
This is steampunk adventure and I’ve enjoyed this author before.

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/31/2022 Two Year end purchases at Chirp for $.99 each.

Christmas at Cozy Holly Inn
Written by Meredith Summers
Narrated by Hollis McCarthy
Run Time: 7h 9min
This is my last Christmas title pick for 2022.

Saltwater Cove
Written by Amelia Addler
Narrated by Amy Dannenmueller
Run Time: 4h 36min
I liked the sound of this contemporary, second chance romance.


12/31/2022 Two December Audible Credit picks:

The Return of the Gods
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
See above - I chose this for my First Book of 2023.

The Great Reset
Joe Biden and the Rise of Twenty-First-Century Fascism
By: Glenn Beck, Justin Trask Haskins
Narrated by: Glenn Beck
Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
I’ve been meaning to read this so I picked it up to be a TBR going into 2023.


KINDLE TITLES: I honestly can't recall where I saw these.
12/19/22

Cold Star: The Carina Series (The Carina Reality Book 1)
by R C Ducantlin




12/27/22

The Meaning in Mistletoe: A Heartwarming, Holiday Romance (Book #4) (A Poppy Creek Novel)
by Rachael Bloome



Two new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Post January 8, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday January 9, 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.

Thanks for the well wishes and prayers for my DIL. We will get an update on prognosis next week. She has been battling this rare form of sarcoma cancer for six years. It is generally treatable only by surgical removal each time it returns and this was the fourth surgery. Chemo and drug treatments are in testing stages and the doctors are watching the testings closely to determine if they are successful and worth trying. My DIL did have chemo after her first surgery not for the tumors above her ear but when they found cancer in her lungs. That has not returned.

Work has started off well. We all seem to be getting focused with work getting done.

I have some additional photos from our trip to the cold.
We visited the St. Louis Zoo for their night show.
We were early so we got to see some of the animals but I didn't get any good pics of them.
Everyone was pretty impressed that the waterfalls were still frozen.

I always get a goodby photo (and my son took a couple of me too).

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer atmosphere in 2023. Plus, I just learned tonight that one of our community friends lost her teenage son to suicide this weekend. How devastating!

We had a couple of nights at 35 and 37 but the days have been pretty lovely at 55 to 75.

I finished three audios and posted four reviews with my memes. I have chosen to end the Friday Pick Giveaway after 13 years.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to LIFESTYLE OF ME. Kelly Lyn shares books and other things. I learned about washi under her About Me posts.

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

• Sunday Post December 18, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 19, 2022.

• Wrap Up MBS 2022 Reading GOALS.
  

• Wrap Up MBS 2022 Audiobook Challenge.
  

• MBS 2023 Reading GOALS.
  

• MBS 2023 Audiobook Challenge.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: First Book of the Year, Audible Book Review: The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn; Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.
  

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick January 6, 2013.
  

• A2022: Audible Book Review: This Fallen World by Christopher Woods; Genre: Adventure, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• A2022: Audible Book Review: Don't Call Me Ishmael by Chris Kennedy; Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Superhero; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
  

• A2022: Audible Book Review: Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1 by C. R. Daems;Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement January 8, 2023 - Alignment, Balance, and Focus.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

The Return of the Gods
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson
Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
This is quite remarkable. My review is linked above.
Source: 12/3122 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

At Love's Command
By: Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate
Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
This is a lovely Christian Historical Romance.
12/18/2021 November Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Soul Taken
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 13
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
I enjoyed the latest in this series which is one of my favorites.
Source: 8/28/2022 Audible August Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
The vampire Wulfe is missing. Since he’s deadly, possibly insane, and his current idea of “fun” is stalking me, some may see it as no great loss. But, warned that his disappearance might bring down the carefully constructed alliances that keep our pack safe, my mate and I must find Wulfe—and hope he’s still alive. As alive as a vampire can be, anyway.
But Wulfe isn’t the only one who has disappeared. And now there are bodies, too. Has the Harvester returned to the Tri-Cities, reaping souls with his cursed sickle? Or is he just a character from a B horror movie and our enemy is someone else?
The farther I follow Wulfe’s trail, the more twisted—and darker—the path becomes. I need to figure out what’s going on before the next body on the ground is mine.
©2022 Patricia Briggs (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Currently Reading:
I plan to listen to these two on NetGalley before they are archived.
1. NetGalley App on Smartphone (NG2022)

Coup de Grâce
By: Paul Centeno
Narrated by: Rob Jones UK
Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
I like SteamPunk and this sounds like a good adventure.
Source: December 2022 NetGalley.
Publisher's Summary
The world has changed. Gone are the old gods. Nature withers and dies beneath the growing bane of machines and industry. Desperate to prevent their world from dying, citizens turn to science and sprawling cities of steam ruled by the Imperium. Kaimo de Morté has never known another life. He is an optometrist by trade but too poor to open an optical boutique. Forced to work in the mines, Kaimo has no idea how his life is about to change. A chance encounter with insurgents thrusts him into a battle for the very future of mankind. One he is ill prepared to fight. Kaimo uncovers hidden truths, forms alliances stretching to the highest halls of power, and becomes the catalyst for either saving the world or watching it end.
©2022 Paul Centeno (P)2022 Paul Centeno.

2. NetGalley App on Smartphone (NG2022)

The Prayer Warrior
By: Traci Wooden-Carlisle, D. Tina Batten
Narrated by: Anita Faye Thomas
Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins
I like spiritual warfare stories so I am looking forward to this.
Source: December 2022 NetGalley.
Publisher's Summary
There is a thin line between the natural and the spiritual realm.
Ms. V., a humble servant of the Lord, has been placed on assignment at Center of Hope Christian Academy.
By day, she serves as a trusted counselor for students, giving them a safe haven to pour out their innermost feelings while providing professional and honest truth wrapped in a firm kindness and love that inevitably draws them closer to Jesus. Not to be outdone, the faculty also bends her ear from time to time.
By night, Ms. V. enters the spiritual realm and takes her place on the battlefield as one of God's faithful prayer warriors. She wields her whispering sword, slicing through the enemy's plans to bind the precious hearts under her charge.
Her assignment's burden on her physical body is taxing, but can she withstand the strain and remain victorious?
Saving souls is her true mission, but at what cost?
Listeners are in for a journey of spiritual intrigue and biblical insight as they experience the ramifications of each character's life-altering decision.
Note: The digital and paperback versions come with a reader's-choice alternate ending. We chose the ending for you in this audiobook for uninterrupted listening pleasure. Enjoy.
©2021 D. Tina Batten and Traci Wooden-Carlisle (P)2022 D. Tina Batten and Traci Wooden-Carlisle.

I will decide on the next book when I get there. :-) 

January 8, 2023 -  I am enjoying this new plan in YouVersion. I am excited to have my son and daughter signed up too. They may not get to read everyday yet but signing up is a plus! I totally enjoyed watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen" .  I have never done a Chronological reading before. I think I will enjoy it.

I finished three audio titles and reviewed four. I am now behind 9 reviews (not likely to get to the 7 children's books any time soon). I continue to work on these.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have three titles from NetGalley plus the two under current reading..
I still have the two old ebook titles. I went ahead and said "no feedback" for A Place Called Armageddon as a DNF.
I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(Plus a few that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

After I fill up on titles in December so they will qualify for TBRs in 2023, I try to hold off on buying any new titles in the early part of the new year.
I will pick my VIP selection before the end of the month at Audiobooks.
I won't have new credits at Audible until the 19th so I won't select those until after that.
Unless I find something at NetGalley or free on kindle, I might go three weeks with nothing new!
I got no free Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

NONE


No new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.