Sunday Post November 18, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 19, 2018

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.

We are slowly getting set up in the new office so we don't have to wade through water when raining and work in mildewy conditions. I'll share a couple of pictures this week showing the problems.
My hubby is still chaffing at not being allowed to drive or do much. He seems to be feeling a bit better.

My listening and reading was good but seemed slow. I will soon have to start using the Fire Kindle as my old one dies way too often. I finished two audio books and one ebook again. I posted four reviews on blog, one with Giveaway. I didn't get any reviews up at Goodreads but I plan to do that this week. I am back to posting my usual memes.

I got to visit 23 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Tattooed Book Geek. Drew, another blogger from UK, reads some similar genres. If you are brave, check out his Fun and Inappropriate Covers and Titles links.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 11, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 12, 2018.

• eTBR-LBC- Book Review: The Evidence (The Mars Hill Classified Series) by Austin W. Boyd; Christian, Fantasy, Sci Fi; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Extinction Cycle Boxed Set, Books 1 - 3, by Nicolas Sansbury Smith; Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi, Zombies; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall and Audio.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 16, 2018.

• A2018- Audible Book Review: The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson; Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

• Sharing Beyond Books #356 Comment Giveaway November 17, 2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review with Print Giveaway: The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3 by John Scalzi; Colonization, Genetic Engineering, Sci Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 18, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (AB2018)

Elite
Written By: Mercedes Lackey
Narrated By: Amy Landon
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Date: September 2016
Duration: 10 hours 12 minutes
I enjoyed continuing this series and will pick up book 3 soon. :-)Source: Audiobook.com Credit Purchase November 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Cartwright's Cavaliers
The Revelations Cycle, Book 1
By: Mark Wandrey
Narrated by: Craig Good
Series: The Revelations Cycle, Book 1
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Source: May 2017 Audible Credit Purchase. 11/12-15.
Publisher's Summary
Heir to one of the leading "Four Horsemen" mercenary companies, Jim Cartwright is having a bad year. Having failed his high school VOWS tests, he's just learned his mother bankrupted the family company before disappearing, robbing him of his Cavalier birthright.
But the Horsemen of eras past were smart - they left a legacy of equipment Jim can use to complete the next contract and resurrect the company. It's up to Jim to find the people he needs to operate the machinery of war, train them, and lead them to victory. If he's good enough, the company can still be salvaged.
But then again, he's never been good enough.
©2016 Mark Wandrey (P)2017 Mark Wandrey.

3. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

Kill Shot: A Novel (White Knights Book 2)
by Susan Sleeman
This Christian romantic suspense has all the elements I like.
Source: 2018 NetGalley. 11/7-18.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

29 Gifts
How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life
By: Cami Walker
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
I thought this was appropriate for the week going into Thanksgiving!
It is very well done. I am on day 27 so will finish it soon.
Source: June 2017 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. 11/16-___.
Publisher's Summary
At age 35, Cami Walker was burdened by a battle with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition that made it difficult for her to walk, work, or enjoy her life. Seeking a remedy for her depression after being hospitalized, she received an uncommon prescription from an African medicine woman: give to others for 29 days.
29 Gifts is the insightful story of the author's life change as she embraces and reflects on the naturally reciprocal process of giving and receiving. Many of Walker's gifts were simple - a phone call, spare change, a Kleenex. Yet the acts were transformative. By day 29, not only had Walker's health and happiness improved, but she had created a worldwide giving movement.
The book also includes personal essays from others whose lives changed for the better by giving, plus pages for the reader to record their own journey. More than a memoir, 29 Gifts offers inspiring lessons on how a simple daily practice of altruism can dramatically alter your outlook on the world.
©2009 Brightside Communications, Inc. (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle Fire (TBR)

Christmas at Draycott Abbey (Draycott Abbey Romance)
by Christina Skye
I am starting this tonight.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle; "C" title.
As Christmas draws near and darkness veils the haunted English abbey, a tale of loss and love betrayed begins.
As cold closes in, old hatreds spring to life, bringing danger to a vulnerable woman betrayed by those she trusts most. Wounded and lost, Clair Haywood will seek haven within the abbey's ancient granite walls. But her enemies are closer than she knows.
Only one man can save her. And he has been dead for 200 years.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Uncommon Protector
Living an Extraordinary Life One Day at a Time
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated by: Nan Gurley
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
I picked this sweet romance to enjoy
as a "U" title for 2018.
Source: October 2018 Credit Purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict - a man who's just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one-year post.
The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her 200-acre ranch as best she can.
When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.
Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he's in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn't pay a few fines. Laurel's offer might be his only ticket out. Though she's everything he ever dreamed of in a woman - sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong - he's determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he's free again.
But when cattle start dying and Laurel's life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn't long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He's a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom - he needs her love and care, too.
©2017 Shelley Shepard Gray (P)2017 Zondervan

4. eBook/Kindle and Smartphone (NG2018)

Somewhere The Bells Ring (Somewhere in Time Book 3)
by Beth Trissel
I thought I'd get this NetGalley Christmas title in.
Source: NetGalley 2018.
Ghosts aren't real, are they?
December 1968: Caught with pot in her dorm room, Bailey Randolph is exiled to a relative's ancestral home in Virginia to straighten herself out. Banishment to Maple Hill is dismal, until a ghost appears requesting her help. Bailey is frightened but intrigued. Then her girlhood crush, Eric Burke, arrives and suddenly Maple Hill isn't so bad.
To Eric, wounded in Vietnam, his military career shattered, this homecoming feels no less like exile. But when he finds Bailey at Maple Hill, her fairy-like beauty gives him reason to hope--until she tells him about the ghost haunting the house. Then he wonders if her one experiment with pot has made her crazy.
As Bailey and Eric draw closer, he agrees to help her find a long-forgotten Christmas gift the ghost wants. But will the magic of Christmas be enough to make Eric believe--in Bailey and the ghost--before the Christmas bells ring?

November 18, 2018 - I am up to date and enjoying the One Year Bible plan reading through You Version App. Although I am on track on my smartphone I haven' t been steady for each morning and find myself finishing the reading at the end of the day instead of beginning. I need to get back to starting my day with scripture.
I am up tp date on the additional reading plan started 11/12: Names of God, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am looking forward to this reading too!
[You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted four reviews. I still have 14 reviews to post!
Obviously I have all of these reviews to add to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible so I am way behind again. I still have older ones to catch up on too.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 9 as I am reading one and added 1 title. I still have one author title in queue - I think. Still many 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: 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 added one new review title through NetGalley.
I picked up two Audible Credits, one Audible Daily Deals and my two free November Originals.
I didn't pick up any Kindle paid titles.
I only picked up seven free kindle titles as I was pretty busy just treading emails. (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

This is a Christmas book I picked through NetGalley.
A Chance at Christmas
by Beppie Harrison
"Will this chance to share a wondrous sparkling Christmas not only provide a glorious holiday but a new turn in their futures and the astonishing possibility of romance?"

Won

NONE

Purchased

11/14/18 Daily Deal $3.95
Dread Nation
By: Justina Ireland
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins
I like alternate history stories and this was on my wish list.


11/17/18 Two Credits:
Uncommon Protector
Living an Extraordinary Life One Day at a Time
By: Shelley Shepard Gray
Narrated by: Nan Gurley
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
This sounds good to me and it is a "U" title.


Zoe's Tale
Old Man's War, Book 4
By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Length: 10 hrs
I want to continue this series and it's good for a "Z" title.

Free

These are the two Free Audible Originals I picked:
Patti Smith at the Minetta Lane
Words and Music
By: Patti Smith
Narrated by: Patti Smith
Length: 1 hr and 23 mins
I found her interesting as a poet and musician who became a hit in the 70's - during my college years.

Laurie Berkner's Song and Story Kitchen
By: Laurie Berkner, The Laurie Berkner Band
Narrated by: Laurie Berkner, Josiah Gaffney
Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
I picked this one to share with the Grandkids. It sounds cute. :-)

I added just 7 free titles to my Kindle library over the past 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 18, 2018

I am always refreshed by Sunday mornings! Our Sunday School teacher continued the lessons in 1 Corinthians 4:1-21. Paul continued to address the division among those ‘following’ Apollos and those ‘following’ Paul. His point is that all leaders are “servants of Christ” (v1.) who should not be evaluated and judged by others or even self, but whose work will be judged by God. (1 Corinthians 4:2-5.) Paul describes the role of the apostles particularly and notes that the proof of their leadership will be in shown by the power of their words, not just their charismatic speaking. 1 Corinthians 4:20-21.

Our Worship was moving, led by our youth. Our youth pastor noted that we have to step forward and put action to our faith so that if we believe in healing, we need to speak it over others. The last song in the set was a heartfelt hymn, “It Is Well”.

Pastor’s Sermon was titled “Risky Conversations”. He noted how often we avoid the hard discussions that might hurt others. Sometimes we pray that God will deal with the situation … or the other person. But that doesn’t usually resolve the issue. Then Pastor asked, “What if that ‘risky conversation’ we need to have is with God?”

Sometimes God has to rip off a bandage because sometimes we need a breakthrough. The scripture lesson came from 1 Samuel 1:1-19. Hannah was hurt by being barren and being taunted by her husband’s other wife. (Pastor noted that there is a lot of strife revealed in the Bible due to multiple wives.) Hannah prayed in desperation. 1 Samuel 1:10-19.

Point: If we want to be made whole by God, we must be willing to be broken.

We cannot rely own actions when we need more – we need to rely on God. Why do we struggle? Sometimes it is sin in our lives and other times it is circumstances. We may experience pain, physical or emotional, but there is a purpose in it that we don’t always recognize. Scripture tells us that God has a reason: The more we suffer, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. Once we have been brought through a difficult situation with the comfort of the Spirit, we have a comforter to share with others. A daring prayer, sometimes of deep anguish, can allow God to move us to a place he wants to use us.

Why are you avoiding the risky conversation? When you face that situation will you draw closer to God or run away? We can hope that we draw closer and then emulate Hannah's song of praise. 1 Samuel 2: 1-10.

This wasn’t the song I was looking for but it came up and it speaks to me:

Who Can Compare to You?

Verses for Today:
1 Samuel 2:1-3 (NIV)
1 Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.

Lord, I give thanks that I can place my assurance in You as You have all things in control.

Audible Book Review with Print Giveaway: The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3 by John Scalzi

I really enjoy the snark and action in this series.
The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3
by John Scalzi
Narrated by: William Dufris

Series: Old Man's War, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-13-08
Language: English
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Colonization, Genetic Engineering, Sci Fi
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Retired from his fighting days, John Perry is now village ombudsman for a human colony on distant Huckleberry. With his wife, former Special Forces warrior Jane Sagan, he farms several acres, adjudicates local disputes, and enjoys watching his adopted daughter grow up.
That is, until his and Jane's past reaches out to bring them back into the game - as leaders of a new human colony, to be peopled by settlers from all the major human worlds, for a deep political purpose that will put Perry and Sagan back in the thick of interstellar politics, betrayal, and war.
Listen to Old Man's War .
©2007 John Scalzi (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Review:
John Perry, his wife, Jane, and their adopted teenage daughter, Zoe, with her unique alien guards, Hickory and Dickory, are living quietly as farmers on a distant human colony planet. John is the local authority and has to deal with community issues including disputes over goat propagation between feuding brother.

Then a General from their CU (Colonial Union) past calls them to lead a group of colonists on a planet named Roanoke. The colony is to bring together races from many human peoples who are seeking new colonies. The races all wanted to be the only colonists, but the CU authorities decided there had to be a gathering. These means there are already hostilities and jealousies and not all the colonists are happy to have John and Jane take leadership.

When the ship takes its final time slip to reach its destination, they discover they are not at the planet they expected. The colonists learn that they are a target for attack by another galactic group, the Conclave, who issued a decree banning any new colonies that did not get permission from them. One of the groups of colonists are Mennonites who do not use modern technologies. There was a larger amount of old fashion tools in the supplies for a reason. The colony has to learn to build and farm using minimal technology so they won’t be detected by the Conclave.

The colony is actually being used as bait as the CU has set them up to draw out the Conclave. John and the new colonists are shocked at the betrayal but now they have to figure out how to avoid destruction by the Conclave. They also have to determine who is they can trust.

I enjoyed the snarky rapport that John has with other characters. It makes the story fun listening. Zoe is beginning to appear as a more important character and I enjoyed the nature of her guards. John is able to use their devotion to help protect not just Zoe but the other colonists too. There are tensions and battle scenes with good action that are well balance with the intrigue and personal stories.

This is the third book in the series and I am still enjoying the creative world and characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy solid space opera with a good touch of humor.

Audio Notes: I enjoy the narration of William Dufris. He brings in the personalities of the characters with distinct voices. His narration makes the story more enjoyable for me.

Source: December 2017 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:

One winner.

Gently used Paperback Book (US or 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

or

(b) comment on the author's website

* This contest is open to US or Canada for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) December 1, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Sharing Beyond Books #356 Comment Giveaway November 17, 2018

Hello again and Welcome back to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
We had nine commenters who haven't started Christmas shopping yet and seven who have, with four who shop year round.

The Winner from SBB #355 comments is: #15 Elizabeth who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #356

(One Question.)

This is a question from bn100: What's the longest you've waited for a book sequel?

This was hard to answer. I am always waiting for a Taylor Anderson sequel (The Destroyermen series), and a Mercy Thompson sequel (by Patricia Briggs). I think I have had to wait a year or so for some sequels. I'm sure there are more but I can't think of them right now. I'm pretty sure my son would say the Game of Thrones next book has been the longest wait.

Image found at Epic Reads.

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.
Elizabeth and bn100 provided the questions in November and get $2.50 Credit/half a book credit.

Your turn to share. bn100 asks: What's the longest you've waited for a book sequel?

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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 December 1, 2018 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson

This is an engaging dystopian with a different twist.

The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson
Narrated by: Jayme Mattler
Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-02-18
Language: English
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A captivating tale of humanity pushed beyond its breaking point, of family and bonds of love forged when everything is lost, and of a heroic young woman who crosses a frozen landscape to find her destiny, this debut novel is in a postapocalyptic tradition that spans The Hunger Games and Station Eleven but blazes its own distinctive path.
Forget the old days. Forget summer. Forget warmth. Forget anything that doesn't help you survive in the endless white wilderness beyond the edges of a fallen world.
Lynn McBride has learned much since society collapsed in the face of nuclear war and the relentless spread of disease. As the memories of her old life continue to haunt, she's been forced to forge ahead in the snow-drifted Canadian Yukon, learning how to hunt and trap and slaughter.
But her fragile existence is about to be shattered. Shadows of the world before have found her tiny community - most prominently in the enigmatic figure of Jax, who brings with him dark secrets of the past and sets in motion a chain of events that will call Lynn to a role she never imagined.
Simultaneously a heartbreakingly sympathetic portrait of a young woman searching for the answer of who she is meant to be and a frightening vision of a merciless new world in which desperation rules, The Wolves of Winter is enveloping, propulsive, and poignant.
©2017 Tyrell Johnson. All rights reserved. (P)2017 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Review:
Lynn was sixteen when her family walked away from their home in Alaska society to live in the Yukon wilderness. Her father was dead and her mother, brother, uncle and a friend seek to escape the threat of nuclear war and the more present threat of a deadly flu virus. Lynn has had to learn to live off the land by honing her hunting and trapping skills. She also has to deal with unscrupulous neighbors who steal game and make unwanted advances. Rarely do strangers come near their small community (four cabins) so she is surprised to stumble upon an injured man with a dog.

Lynn is fascinated by Jax who brings excitement of tales from the world beyond. But he also brings danger as there are forces who are chasing him. And once they learn about Lynn, they will want to capture her too.

I enjoyed how this post-apocalyptic/dystopian story developed with a natural disaster which is different from zombie and . It is told from Lynn’s first person view so you have the struggles and memories of a young woman who has no real society other than her family. She struggles with being isolated and seeks to learn more about those who survived the pandemic. But she soon learns that she may not be safe…and she may be special.

The story is engaging and kept me interested until the end as I rooted for Lynn and Jax. The writing is lovely, clear and direct with strong descriptions. I also liked the chapter opening quotes from Walt Whitman. I recommend this to readers who enjoy young adult, natural dystopian.

Audio Notes: Jayme Mattler is a new to me narrator. She does a spot-on job with the narration, providing the appropriate aged voice for Lynn. She also does a good job on Jax and the other characters. She carries the energy of the book and the narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2018 Audible Sci Fi Sale $4.95. This qualifies for 2018 Audiobook Challenge.