Sunday Post August 30, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 31, 2015

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! at Book Journey may be active again in September.

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 am mostly feeling better. I actually got out and walked three mornings this past week! 
I am still juggling to get caught up at work. Instead of work on Saturday I attending an End Time Prophesy Conference.  I learned new information that was good. 

I had a good reading week - finished three books: one ebook, and two audibles. I posted four reviews and the usual memes.

Yay - I got to visit early in the week!
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 23, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 24, 2015.

• Audible Review: Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley; Historical Romance; my rating 4.0.

• Audible Review: The Remaining by D. J. Molles; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.25.

• Friday Pick Giveaway August 28, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/3/2015.

• Book Review: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi Military, Space Opera; my rating 5.0.

• Audible Review: The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13 by Kim Harrison; Fantasy, Paranormal; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #217 Comment Giveaway for August 29, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 9/5/2015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 30, 2015.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible

Resurrecting Home: A Novel
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
This is a good continuation of the series.
This is from my own Audible library.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible

Waking the Bear: Broken Chains, Book 1
Written by: Kerry Adrienne
Narrated by: Jason P. Hilton
This was enjoyable for a quick listen.
I received this from Barclay Publicity.
I will review it this week.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm (Once in a Lifetime)
by Rebecca Raisin
This is a sweet, small town contemporary.
I selected this at NetGalley.
I plan to post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. Audible/MP4

The Empire's Corps
Written by: Christopher G. Nuttall
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
This looked like another sci fi military I would like. I am enjoying the action.
This was from my Audible Library. 
Publisher's Summary
You should never speak truth to power…
The Galactic Empire is dying and chaos and anarchy are breaking out everywhere. After a disastrous mission against terrorists on Earth itself, Captain Edward Stalker of the Terran Marine Corps makes the mistake of speaking truth to power, telling one of the most powerful men in the Empire a few home truths. As a result, Captain Stalker and his men are unceremoniously exiled to Avalon, a world right on the Rim of the Empire. It should have been an easy posting....
Well, apart from the bandits infesting the countryside, an insurgency that threatens to topple the Empire's loose control over Avalon, and a corrupt civil government more interested in what it can extort from the population than fighting a war. The Marines rapidly find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of political and economic chaos, fighting to preserve Avalon before the competing factions tear the world apart. They're Marines; if anyone can do it, they can.
The battle to save the Empire starts here.
©2012 Christopher G. Nuttall (P)2014 Podium Publishing

2. eBook/Kindle

The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 1)
by Jeff Wheeler
I am only 15% into this but this is engaging.
I received this through NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle

Death of the Blue Flower
by Roxann Hill (Author), Paul Wagle (Translator)
I am looking forward to reading this.
I picked this up from NetGalley.
Working in an exclusive, high-end rehab clinic in Germany, ex-con Alicia Petersen does her job well enough to get through the day. Battered by life, she’s generally not one for conversation, escaping her dreary existence through daydreams of her childhood. These dreams and the friendship of Miriam Morgenroth, an elderly patient, are all that keep her going.
One day, Miriam disappears without a trace. But patients do walk away from rehab time and again, so no one suspects foul play—no one except Alicia. Determined to conduct her own search, she asks for help from a chemo-ravaged police detective, Chris Winkler, who jumps at a chance to put his dormant expertise to use in the investigation.
From the Bavarian Alps to the northern German Coast, the two follow a bloody trail into a world of betrayal, revenge, and murder, with motives that reach far back into an appalling past. As Alicia and Chris grow closer, they soon discover that Miriam had many secrets—the sort that threaten the lives of those who attempt to bring them to light.
Will they be able to uncover the truth before the past catches up with them?

4. Print Book

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story, O'Malley Series #1
By Dee Henderson
I picked this up on sale for my ladies' book club. 
I may finish it by Saturday which is our next meeting.
Product Description
It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley.
The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, Texas, and meeting and falling in love with surgeon Tom Peterson is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce Tom to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.
She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested, and in a way she didn't expect. The results will soon transform her entire family.

June 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning.. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.

I posted four reviews last week which left just the three new for this week. I hope I will be able to catch up this week. 
I finished another NetGalley and am reading two books from NetGalley. I added one new book so my waiting NetGalley shelf remains at five.
I still want to pull in more books off TBR shelves, print and digital. 

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: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I picked up one new NetGalley title this past week although I have been eyeing others.
I forgot to list my Ladies Book Club book which is added here now.
I adding more free kindle titles to my library.

(I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I selected one title at NetGalley this week.

Nirvana (Nirvana Series Book 1)
by J.R. Stewart
Nirvana is the first installment in the three-part “Nirvana” series, a fast-paced, page-turning young adult trilogy that combines elements of the romance, mystery, and science fiction genres. This first novel introduces readers to a heroine who refuses to give up on the man she loves, even if it means taking on an entire government to do so. Are you ready to enter Nirvana?

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked this book up for my Ladies Book Club. See above under current reading for full details.

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story, O'Malley Series #1
By Dee Henderson

Free

Over the past week I added 52 (again) free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 30, 2015

I have had a blessed weekend in God's word. Saturday we attended an end-times prophesy conference and one of the presenters spoke at our church this morning. Eric Broome who shares Revelationship Ministries. God uses the sun, moon and stars for signs (Gen 1:14) of His glory and His control of events. (Luke 21:25.)

Knowledge has increased (Dan 12:4) and so has lawlessness (Matt 24:12). We are watching and anticipating things to occur soon (much going on in September) and in the next few years. I believe, with many others, that Christ's return is imminent. I feel the need to share the message; be a watchman (Ez 33). We are called to act - not only to stand firm but to take the offensive - pushing against the enemy.

This morning our choir sang this song which fits today's message:

Let the Church Rise ... and move the gates of hell!
(Sorry I didn't find a version with lyrics written.)

A Verse for Today:
Luke 21:11 (NIV)
11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

It was nice to be back with our church family this morning. It is refreshing to have the fellowship.
Since I shared on the end-time message above I didn’t get to do an update on the Haiti mission we are supporting. God preformed a miracle by supplying a larger container trailer after title problems arose with the first trailer. We are very excited about the supplies being shipped and the upcoming missions trip. (Unfortunately Bob and I will be away on prior arrangements when the trip takes place.) For more info on the project here is the new facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Band-of-Brothers-Ministries/1059116097464768?fref=ts

Sharing Beyond Books #217 Comment Giveaway for August 29, 2015

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
I finally feel mostly better although I still have some congestion. I am thinking maybe I am experiencing some allergy issues. Ah well.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
12 of us collect bookmarks and Faith Hope Cherry Tea makes bookmarks. Two people collect coffee mugs and a couple like them, as well as T Shirts which were mentioned a couple of times. The unique items mentioned were: Poetrynleaves wants to collect tattoos; Carol L likes to collect quotes; and Gaby II collects book related jewelry.

~~~~

The regular Winner from SBB #216 comments is: #14 Rubynreba who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices this week. Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #217 (One Question.)

My question this week:  When did you first get a computer and what kind was it?

I know this dates me. I got my first computer (for my law office) in 1982. It was an Osborne. It was a rather ugly thing (looked like a bulky suitcase) but it changed my work life! It used 5 1/4" floppy disks and as I recall the computer program I had to learn was C Basic.

Image found at Vintage Everyday.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:

My question this week: When did you first get a computer and what kind was it?

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the  Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday September 5, 2015 at 5 PM central.

Audible Review: The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13 by Kim Harrison

This is a satisfactory conclusion to an engaging series.
The Witch with No Name: The Hollows, Book 13
Written by: Kim Harrison
Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins
Series: The Hollows, Book 13
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-09-14
Publisher: Harper Audio
Genre: Fantasy Paranormal
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
After 10 years and 13 adventures, at last the triumphant conclusion to Kim Harrison's number-one New York Times best-selling Hollows series!
In 2004, Kim Harrison made her debut with Dead Witch Walking, an electrifying urban audiobook novel full of action, mystery, romance, and humor, which introduced bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan. Over the course of 12 books, Rachel confronted numerous threats, vanquished a range of cunning and powerful enemies, risked her heart, suffered haunting loss, and nearly lost her life. Now, in The Witch with No Name, Kim Harrison brings back her wildly popular heroine for one final, epic battle.
Rachel Morgan's come a long way from the klutzy runner fleeing a bad job. She's faced vampires and werewolves, banshees, witches, and soul-eating demons. She's crossed worlds, channeled gods, and accepted her place as a day-walking demon. She's lost friends and lovers and family, and an old enemy has become something much more.
But power demands responsibility, and world-changers must always pay a price.
That time is now.
To save her best friend's soul and the rest of the living vampires, to keep the demonic ever-after and our own world from utter destruction at the hands of fanatics, Rachel Morgan will risk everything.
©2014 Kim Harrison (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Rachel Morgan, a human born demon, raised witch has no people who will claim her. The witches (except for her mother) have long since banned her. The humans seek her help in time of crisis but want nothing else to do with her. The elves shun her because she is a demon. And the demons won’t accept her because she is the only one of their kind who can walk in the free world while the rest are trapped in the ever-after subject to summoning or the occasional foray on the surface. Rachel has overcome (at least on a temporary, in a crisis basis) all sorts of dangers and threats from the various Inderlander (supernatural) species.

The head of the vampires and most powerful man in Cincinnati, Rynn Cormell, is threatening Rachel’s best friend, Ivy, a living vampire. Either Rachel finds a way to restore the souls of the vampires or Ivy dies her first death. Rachel twists and turns trying to get out of the problem but there is no way out. In desperation she calls Trent, a former billionaire and top dog in town until his associations brought him down because the other Elves refused to condone his connections with Rachel and demons. The Elven spiritual leader, and maybe Trent’s ex fiancé, have already pushed Rachel to a point where she was almost consumed by the Elven Goddess (The Undead Pool).

Trent has realized that money and power are not as important as embracing those you love. He plans to stand by Rachel no matter the cost. The only people more important are his girls, Lucy and Ray. Together they have to figure out how to fight the Elves who are seeking to destroy the vampires, trap the demons and leave themselves in power.

This story isn’t as full paced action as some of the priors but it still moves along well. There are physiological issues interwoven with the action. And there is enough action to keep it exciting. Rachel, with the help of Trent, Jenks (the pixy), Biz (the Gargoyle) and finally Al (Rachel’s demon mentor), faces major danger and pushes through the challenges.

The epilogue is a bit anti-climatic but it is cute and works. I enjoyed the intensity and the creative wrap up to the series. This is a satisfactory conclusion to an engaging series.

Audio Notes: Marguerite Gavin has become the voice of the Hollows for me and many fans I am sure. She gives personality to the characters and her narration enhances my enjoyment of the story.

This was in my Audible Library from Sept. 2014. This is part of my Audio Challenge. 

Book Review: To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1) by H. Paul Honsinger

I really loved this book that is packed with danger, action, resourcefulness and honor.

To Honor You Call Us (Man of War Book 1)

by H. Paul Honsinger

• File Size: 1151 KB
• Print Length: 453 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477848894
• Publisher: 47North (February 18, 2014)
• Publication Date: February 18, 2014
• ASIN: B00DQUKZMY

Genre: Sci Fi, Military, Space Opera

My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

The Terran Union is engaged in a vast interstellar war against the Krag, ruthless aliens intent on exterminating humankind. In 2315, the wily Max Robichaux is given command of the USS Cumberland, a destroyer with state-of-the-art capabilities but a combat record so bad, she’s known as the “Cumberland Gap.”

Capt. Robichaux’s first mission: to take his warship to the Free Corridor, where the Krag have secretly been buying strategic materials, and to seize or destroy any ships carrying enemy cargo. Far from the fleet and under enforced radio silence, Max relies only on his determination and guile…and the support and friendship of his chief medical officer, the brilliant Dr. Sahin.

Because even as he deals with the ship’s onboard problems and the stress of carrying out her risky assignment, Max and the doctor discover that the Cumberland and her misfit crew are all that stands in the way of a deadly Krag attack that threatens to end the war—and humanity—once and for all.

A far-future story in the tradition of “ships of wood, men of iron” novels, To Honor You Call Us and the Man of War series combines the adventure of exploration, the excitement of war, and the dangers of the unknown through the eyes of a ship and her crew.

Review:
Max Robichaux is a young, bold officer who thinks fast on his feet and pushes the edge of authority. Fortunately for him and his crew mates, he has a lucky streak that more often than not helps pull his backside out of the fire. Some ‘by-the-book’ superiors might not appreciate Max’s ingenuity but in a war where human forces are dwindling, brave and creative Captains may be just what is needed. Max has been promoted to command his first ship for just these reasons.

The ship, the Cumberland, has developed a reputation of failure and the nickname of the Cumberland Gap. It will take strong leadership to get the demoralized crew to believe in themselves and their ship again. Knowing this, Max’s commander assigned a great group of sharp officers to help him turn the crew around. His XO, Garcia, is a bright, alert young man who quickly recognizes Max as a worthy leader. The new medical officer, Dr. Ibrahim (Bram) Sabin, is a brilliant physician who believes in the best care for each patient. He is an extraordinary man who knows at least five languages that could be very helpful on their mission. There are other officers, old and new, who are given the chance to improve their specialties under Max’s skillful direction and delegation. Weaknesses are uncovered in the crew along the journey and remedial action and training is a high priority as they prepare to face their enemy, the brutal Krag.

The ship’s mission is to move stealthily into neutral territories to find where the Krag have been illegally sneaking through cargoes of precious supplies. Although part of the task is intelligence gathering, Max is quick to take advantage of the opportunity to capture a few prizes. This is a big boost to the crew and one they are going to need when Max stumbles upon a treacherous enemy plot to annihilate another, neutral, species. The species doesn’t welcome any combat vessels into its borders and it is going to take every thing Max and Bram can think of to get into the space, save the planet and stay alive.

I loved the technical and tactical military details and elements of this story as well as the fast-paced, non-stop, breath-holding action. When there isn’t an active battle there are internal issues (i.e. crew lack of skills, sabotage and drug trafficking) to be addressed or character history blended in. The characters are well developed even at the secondary level. This became a team or family that I was rooting for and I empathized with the losses and joys of the crew.

I was sorry when the book came to an end and immediately bought the next book in the series so I could read it soon. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy strong military space opera.

I am glad I received this title at NetGalley. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge.