Book Review: The Letterbox by Layton Green

This ghostly thriller brings some soul searching.
The Letterbox
by Layton Green

File Size: 2336 KB
Print Length: 368 pages
Publication Date: September 2, 2016
ASIN: B01LHMCTSA
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

What if you had the chance to uncover tangible evidence of the divine? How far would you go, what dangers would you brave, in pursuit of the greatest mystery of all?
Four companions of varying beliefs, on a journey to the forgotten corners of Europe, are about to find out.
On a desolate English moor, a team of scientists unearths a two-thousand-year-old wooden box, preserved in silver and inlaid with a map of patterned gemstones. A set of runes inscribed on the box claims the map is a pathway to God.
In an attempt to decipher the map, a wealthy New Orleans collector assembles an unlikely team: a specialist in cultural antiquities who dabbles in the occult; a jaded attorney searching for meaning; a brilliant linguist who loathes organized religion; and a Catholic historian with a reputation for acquiring pieces no one else can or will.
Shackled by secrets and hidden motives, pursued by a sinister religious order, driven by an insatiable desire for answers, the four companions trek across Europe as they search for a connection among the ancient sites revealed by the map. As the hunt for truth takes them deeper into the unknown, their lives and perhaps their souls in peril, they must determine whether the letterbox is part of an elaborate, centuries-old deception—or the answer to mankind’s ultimate questions.
From critically acclaimed and bestselling author Layton Green, The Letterbox is a thrilling new mystery that weaves danger, exotic locales, breathless suspense, romance, and ancient secrets into the tapestry of an unforgettable novel.

Review:
A unique artifact is found on a desolate English moor. A wealthy New Orleans collector, Lucius, is hired to retrieve the letterbox and investigate its origins and purpose. The collector calls in a brilliant linguist, Lou, an atheist, who drags along his best friend, Aidan, an attorney who is disgusted with his work and seeking some greater meaning to life. Lou determines that runes on the box may be interpreted as the “God path”. Not all the writing and mosaic work on the box matches the described or expected setting and historic time which adds to the puzzle. Lucius’ assistant, Asha, who dabbles in the occult, joins the team and they head off to Dubrovnik to pick up the team guide, Jake, a Catholic historian skilled in collecting, and protecting, rare pieces.

The four are quickly drawn in and committed to the search by individual drives and secret motives. Even as strange visions, ghostly apparitions, threatening druids and dangers stalk them across Europe, they cannot let go of the quest. Will the map lead them to a hidden treasure, druid secrets concealed centuries ago, or an encounter with God? It is a quest that may steal their lives if not their souls.

This is a fascinating mystery guided by a puzzle that might have readers thinking of The Da Vinci Code while the quest is reminiscent of a modern day Indiana Jones adventure traveling to spiritually rich sites. The history, action and danger of the quest are engaging, but I was anxious to discover the end result. I found the four varied reactions to the revealed ending to be consistent with their beliefs and preset attitudes, which provides an interesting psychological argument.

The writing is strong with unique and well researched settings. The story is told from Aidan's view which worked well since he is the one seeking meaning without a preset belief system. I recommend this as engaging reading to those who like a puzzling thriller with a touch of soul searching.

I received this from the author for an honest review.

Audio Book Review: Virus: Earth's Last Battle by Ray Jay Perreault

This is an entertaining, full of action Sci Fi.

Virus: Earth's Last Battle
By: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrator: George Napier

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-25-17
Publisher: Ray Jay Perreault
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
This is the second book in the Virus series, which parallels the SIMPOC series.
A suspicious virus has killed 99.99997 percent of the people. A ruthless warlord who moved into the White House attacked the government at Camp David. The president moved the remaining government to an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic and left a military unit to deal with the warlord.
The decimated US Navy is still functional. They must defend themselves from the remnants of militaries with a grudge against the US that use the opportunity to get revenge.
Joan Herl and her remaining space station Oasis crew returned to Earth, and a computer playing by different rules attacked them. Their only ally was the first thinking computer SIMPOC and his surrogate Alpha. Dr. Julius, who was one of the moon colony crew members, steals the research for thinking computers, and with his expertise he creates another computer that rivals SIMPOC and who starts making its own plans.
Eventually, they all find out why the virus started and who is responsible.
©2015 Raymond J Perrealt (P)2017 Raymond J Perreault

Review:
A sudden, world-wide plague has killed over 99% of the people on earth. It was not a slow infection but simultaneous outbreaks throughout the earth that spread rapidly before there was a chance to identify and try to contain the virus.

The President and some staff support have been holed up at Camp David after a warlord and thugs took over the White House. A handful of survivors find themselves stranded on a naval ship. They are able to make contact and get support from the US Navy which still has some ships manned by uninfected survivors. There were some military attacks as certain power seekers tried to take advantage of the decimated forces. The Admiral fought off the initial attacks and is gathering what strength remains. They plan to move the President to a ship where they think he will be safer.

Joan Herl and the crew from the Oasis space station have returned to earth and are monitoring things from the space center in Florida. They received help from a sentient, growing computer known as SIMPOC, and his mobile assistant, Alpha. There are concerns about whether the computers will remain helpful since Dr. Julius stole the technology and created a rival computer that has no compunction about harming humans. This concern has cause to be addressed when Alpha steps in during a deadly attack by rogue humans who are intent on stealing Joan’s resources.

Meanwhile a group on Mars and another on the Moon try to decide if they should evacuate. There is no likelihood of supplies in the near future especially since the last shuttle out with relief staff and supplies is stranded in space as it is unknown if they carry the virus.

The story follows numerous threads of action which keep it moving and interesting once the reader/listener distinguishes the settings and groups. Unfortunately, this is a second book and it seemed to pick up where the first book ended and it was hard to tell quite what was missed in the first installment. Much of the society infrastructure is gone but radio or computer communication remains although it is not clear how unless it is because it is computer aided. It was also unclear why some pockets of people survived the virus.

Some of the storyline falls in the line of super hero/villain mode, which made me think of XMen. Still, I liked the action and am curious how the different groups survive the next wave of villain computer threat.

Audio Notes: George Napier does a good, if not stellar, job of narrating although some of the voices, particularly the women, seemed immature to me. There are background sounds that give the performance more of a movie element. I enjoyed the quick listen which I found entertaining.

I received this audio from the author. It qualifies for my Audio Book Challenge and as part of Sci Fi Month.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 24, 2017

Happy Friday!
I've had a strong, productive week and still have plenty to work on. Our weather is cool with beautiful clear skies.

Don't forget that I celebrate this event for the four weeks in November by selecting FOUR random winners! So be ready to make your picks to give books a new home or get a GC to spend toward book purchases!

We have been away this week enjoying visiting with family for the Thanksgiving holiday. 
I hope everyone had a lovely week!

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the November 17 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 17 Pick:
ELIZABETH gets To Tame a Highlander Warrior;
LINDA gets a GC;
MARJORIE gets a GC;
and
RITA gets Treasure Me..

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

If anyone is starting to shop with Black Friday, don't forget to give books!
Image found at North Gate Mall.

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017 (37 titles)
24 in the top picture and 13 in the lower picture. Not sure that you can read the titles so I will try to list these soon.

Finger Licken' Fifteen
How to Tame a Highland Warrior

New Book Group #75 September 29, 2017

SINGLES:

JoAnn Ross: Confessions
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
Morning Song
Daring

Named of the Dragon
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing

New Book Group #74 August 25, 2017

SINGLES:
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio Cassettes
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman


New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
SINGLES:
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016-- All Gone
The Champion by Heather Grothaus

New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,122+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers 11/2/17 I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

MBS Giveaway for 7th Annual Black Friday Giveaway Book Bonanza Hop

Welcome to the 7th Annual Black Friday Book Bonanza Blog Giveaway Hop.
This event is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer and Marlene @ Reading Reality.

I love sharing the blessings I get through the blogging community!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope you enjoy the blog hop to kick off the giving season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing those celebrating (and those who want to give thanks) a Very Blessed Thanksgiving Day.

Who do we give thanks to? I will give thanks to my gracious heavenly Father, God.

May everyone have a wonderful day while you share an attitude of gratitude!

Book Review and Giveaway: Patched Together: A Story of My Story by Brennan Manning

This is inspirational and surprisingly enjoyable.
Patched Together: A Story of My Story
By: Brennan Manning

File Size: 2385 KB
Print Length: 146 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; Original edition (January 1, 2010)
ASIN: B005S2D8BS
Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Religion
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Product Description
For everybody who's stumbled, fallen, or turned away from God, here's a touching story of grace and forgiveness. Follow Willie Juan as he moves from orphaned boy to prodigal adult to ragamuffin friend of Abba---and experience the joy of our heavenly Father's unconditional love. A moving parable by a master storyteller! Foreword by Amy Grant. 144 pages, hardcover from Cook.

Review:
Willie Juan is a young Mexican boy with a crippled leg and scars from an accident. The other children are cruel, making fun of him and embarrassing him even as he tries to believe they will be his friend. He has a wonderful, Godly grandmother who tries to impress him always with her love and the love of God.

One festival day Willie meets the Medicine Man who is the first stranger to ever befriend him. The man gives him a vial of medicine to use to help deal with his lameness and scars. It implies that there will be help, but doesn’t say the medicine will cure him. Willie Juan’s grandmother encourages him to go to a local cave that is considered a place for a vision or dream quest. Willie Juan has an encounter with the Man of Sorrows – God – and it changes his life.

The story is broken into three sections: Morning, Noon and Night. The author follows Willie Juan’s revelations, growth, success, downfall and finally surrender. Willie Juan’s experience is an allegory for everyman’s experience of longing, rebellion and redemption. The story is touching and moving and provided me with a central point for my devotion for the Ladies Book Club: do we recognize and accept that we are a beloved of God?

This was a quick, inspiring read. All of the ladies in book club loved the story and recommend it to anyone who is seeking God or seeking to find peace and acceptance in who they are to God.

I picked this up on sale earlier this year for Ladies Book Club which we discussed 11/11.

GIVEAWAY:

TWO WINNERS!

Paperback Book (US and Canada Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) December 2, 2017.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Sunday Post November 19, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 20, 2017

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

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 worked hard all week as we had multiple closings and I had to clear my desk so we could go south for Thanksgiving. I have a briefcase of files with me in case I can get to any of it.

My reading/listening was really good. I read short titles for the HoHoHo Readathonnchallenge. I finished 14! books for the week: 12 ebooks and two audios. I posted three reviews on the blog and seven at Goodreads; plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 33 blogs during the week and again there are more I would like to visit.
No shout out this week but I am Thankful for all the wonderful blogs I visit!
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 12, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 13, 2017.

• A-Narrator- Audible Review: Fight like a Man: A Post Apocalyptic Thriller by L.L. Akers; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.

• Wrap Up Post for HoHoHo Readathon - Great Fun! #hohohorat.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review Hey, Santa: SciFi Alien Holiday Romance (An Alien for the Holidays) by Jessica E. Subject. Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0

• ATBR- Goodreads Book Review: Christmas Present (The Chronicles of St Mary's #4.5) by Jodi Taylor; Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Chasing Christmas Past: An Airship Racing Chronicles Short Story Prequel (The Airship Racing Chronicles) by Melanie Karsak; Sci Fi, Steampunk; my rating 4.0.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: Christmas, Corpses, and Clockwork Kittens by L. A. Nisula; Clockwork, Mystery, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: A Ninja Dinosaur Christmas!!! by Sonya Saturday; Children, Sci Fi; my rating 3.0.

• ATBR- Goodreads Book Review: A Literary Christmas Anthology; Classics, Holiday; my rating 4.0.

• eTBR- Goodreads Book Review: A Christmas Tale (Pepper and Longstreet) by J.T. Lewis; Ghost, Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• e-Author Book Review: Book Review: Mistletoe Kiss by Marie Landry; Christmas, Holiday, Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 17, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/23/2017.

• eNG Book Review: Always Gray in Winter by Mark J. Engles; Military, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #329 Comment Giveaway November 18, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/25/2017.

• HoHoHo Readathon Challenge Holiday Sentence Results + Winner.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 19, 2017.

Starting November 1 I am reading and listening to Sci Fi stories for #RRSciFiMonth.

I am also participated in HoHoHo Readathon

from November 8 through November 15.

Finished Reading:
During #hohohorat 1-11!
1-3 finished last week - The Snow Owl linked through image; other reviews linked above.

4-6 reviews linked above.

7-8 reviews linked above.

9-10 reviews linked above; 11, last title to be reviewed.

12. eBook/Kindle (Author)

The Letterbox
by Layton Green
This is an engaging, ghostly thriller.
I received this from the author.
Click on book title for full description.

13. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Tech World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
I felt like picking up this fun series from my Audible TBR. I may have stayed up too late listening. :-)
Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder. In the third book in the series, James McGill is deployed on another alien world. His third interstellar tour is different in every way. Rather than meeting up with a primitive society, this time he’s headed to an advanced world. Tau Ceti, better known as Tech World, is the central trading capital of Frontier 921. McGill figures he’s lucked out. The assignment looks dull but luxurious. Tau Ceti boasts a planet-wide city with a trillion inhabitants, all of whom are only interested in making a few credits. But all is not well on Tech World. The Empire is crumbling, an invasion is coming, and McGill’s easy ride through life and death has come to an end.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

14. eTBR/Kindle (NG)

Oberon's Meaty Mysteries: The Squirrel on the Train
by Kevin Hearne
This is a very fun quick story/mystery.
Received from NetGalley
Oberon the Irish wolfhound is off to Portland to smell all the things with canine companions wolfhound Orlaith and Boston terrier Starbuck, and, of course, his human, ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan. The first complication is an unmistakable sign of sinister agendas afoot: a squirrel atop the train. But an even more ominous situation is in store when the trio plus Atticus stumble across a murder upon arrival at the station. They recognize Detective Gabriela Ibarra, who’s there to investigate. But they also recognize the body—or rather that the body is a doppelganger for Atticus himself. The police, hampered by human senses of smell and a decided lack of canine intuition, obviously can’t handle this alone. Not with Atticus likely in danger. Oberon knows it’s time to investigate once more—for justice! For gravy! And possibly greasy tacos!
Alongside his faithful Druid, Oberon and the other loyal hounds navigate by nose through Portland to find a bear-shifter friend with intel, delicious clues at the victim’s home, and more squirrels. Always more squirrels!
But will our hungry band of heroes be able to identify the culprit before someone else is murdered? Will there be mystery meat in gravy as a reward or tragedy in store for the world’s (or at least the Pacific Northwest’s) greatest dog detective?
Like its predecessor The Purloined Poodle, the latest of Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries, The Squirrel on the Train, is not to be missed by fans of Kevin Hearne’s New York Times best-selling Iron Druid series.

Currently Reading:
I am continuing titles for #RRSciFiMonth.

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Welcome to Outcast Station
by Jeanne Adams,‎ Nancy Northcott
I am just starting this Colonization "duo".
Received from NetGalley.
Welcome to Outcast Station
Even outcasts deserve a shot at redemption.
~
The Accidental Plague by Jeanne Adams
Outcast Station is a backwater, but for BVax Scientist Ravinisha Trentham, any posting is better than washing dishes. Ravi is top in her graduation class, but only Outcast would hire a McKeonite. Someone on the station wants her dead, but when a plague breaks out, Ravi may be their only hope. If the murderer gets to her first, everyone will die.
The New Badge by Nancy Northcott
Deputy Marshal Hank Tremaine crosses the wrong person and lands at Outcast Station, the armpit of Terran space. His hostile boss promptly assigns him to a backcountry murder. Solving it will help redeem his reputation and get him posted somewhere more civilized. But failing to find the killer will bury his career once and for all.

2. Audible/MP3(TBR)

We Are Legion (We Are Bob)
Bobiverse, Book 1
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
I started this Sunday and am 75% done!
Great entertainment from my Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
There's a reason We Are Legion, We Are Bob was named Audible's Best Sci-Fi Book of 2016. Unique, hilarious, and utterly addictive, Dennis E. Taylor's debut novel kicked off an Audible-wide obsession among sci-fi diehards and new listeners alike.
Bob Johansson has just sold his software company and is looking forward to a life of leisure. There are places to go, books to read, and movies to watch. So it's a little unfair when he gets himself killed crossing the street.
Bob wakes up a century later to find that corpsicles have been declared to be without rights, and he is now the property of the state. He has been uploaded into computer hardware and is slated to be the controlling AI in an interstellar probe looking for habitable planets. The stakes are high: no less than the first claim to entire worlds. If he declines the honor, he'll be switched off, and they'll try again with someone else. If he accepts, he becomes a prime target. There are at least three other countries trying to get their own probes launched first, and they play dirty.
The safest place for Bob is in space, heading away from Earth at top speed. Or so he thinks. Because the universe is full of nasties, and trespassers make them mad – very mad.
Listener-favorite narrator Ray Porter (14, The Fold) brings the many Bobs into being in all their glory, delivering a performance that listeners have described as "outstanding," "nuanced" and a "dizzying tour de force."
©2016 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Terms of Enlistment
Frontlines, Book 1
By: Marko Kloos
Narrated by: Luke Daniels
Series: Frontlines, Book 1
This is another TBR sci fi title from my Audible Library.
Publisher's Summary
The year is 2108, and the North American Commonwealth is bursting at the seams. For welfare rats like Andrew Grayson, there are only two ways out of the crime-ridden and filthy welfare tenements, where you’re restricted to 2,000 calories of badly flavored soy every day. You can hope to win the lottery and draw a ticket on a colony ship settling off-world, or you can join the service. With the colony lottery a pipe dream, Andrew chooses to enlist in the armed forces for a shot at real food, a retirement bonus, and maybe a ticket off Earth. But as he starts a career of supposed privilege, he soon learns that the good food and decent health care come at a steep price…and that the settled galaxy holds far greater dangers than military bureaucrats or the gangs that rule the slums.
The debut novel from Marko Kloos, Terms of Enlistment is a new addition to the great military sci-fi tradition of Robert Heinlein, Joe Haldeman, and John Scalzi.
©2014 Mark Kloos (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

4. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Kristian's War (The Searcher Series Book 1)
by Peter Wisan
This looks like a post-apocalyptic I will like.
Received from the author.
Kristian Anders, a dirt-poor farmer, lives in a land where evil forces take the form of men. The sins of his past weigh heavily on his mind. When a stranger directs him to take a new path, Kristian begins the journey of a lifetime towards a distant King who is rumored to solve all problems. But then a ruthless soldier is dispatched by the ruler of the dark land to capture or kill Kristian. Everything leads to one final fight, where Kristian must defeat the demons of his past or die.

Marine Corps veteran Peter Wisan delivers a gripping, tactical take on the spiritual journey in a blend of heart-stopping action and heart-rending loss. Order a copy now…if you have what it takes to join, KRISTIAN’S WAR.

November 19, 2017 - I am still up to date in the One Year Bible reading. I have been reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed 14 books and posted/linked 10 reviews. That still leaves me five reviews pending.
Most reviews are linked to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 10. I still have two committed author titles in queue and many through InstaFreebie.

We're working on two more fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.

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 (yours truly).
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I received no new review titles last week.
I bought one credit title, one Audible daily deal and one special audio. I also received two free books from Audible.
I resisted buying Kindle titles.
As usual, I picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I used my second October credit to purchase:
Credit Purchase 11/14/17
The Smear
By: Sharyl Attkisson
Narrator: Sharyl Attkisson
Duration: 11 hrs and 19 mins


I picked up a Daily Deal and a special:
11/16/17 DD $3.95
The Hobbit
By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Rob Inglis
Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 10-09-12


11/17/17 Celebrating 20 years of Listeners Membership Perk $2.00 #audible20
Society's Child
My Autobiography
By: Janis Ian
Narrated by: Janis Ian
Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 06-07-12

Free

I received two free Audio books:
11/16/17 Celebrating 20 years of Listeners Membership Perk Free #audible20
Anne of Green Gables
By: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Narrated by: Rachel McAdams
Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 11-22-16

11/18/17 Celebrating 20 years of Listeners Membership Perk Free #audible20
I Am Legend
By: Richard Matheson
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 08-14-07


Since I was traveling and had bad internet Sunday night I was unable to link any of the free kindles this week.

I added 60! free Kindle titles to my library this week. 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 November 19, 2017

We will be traveling on Sunday to visit family for Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a lovely Sunday!

I selected this song to begin the Thanksgiving week.

A Verse for today:
Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

I pray Lord that you will make me mindful each day of Your MANY blessings and that I will share those blessings with others.