Sunday Post October 13, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 14, 2019

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.

Last week was busy as I was pushing through work on my desk which is what I do when I go out of town. Even if I'll only be out of office for three days. We are off on a weekedn cruise with our children and six grandchildren. I've set this post up early so I suspect there will be more reading to show next week that didn't get in this week.
We are still haveing hot weather back home although a couple of morenings were quite lovely.

I had a good week of reading/listening. I am very happy that my Kindle with new battery is working! Yay! At the time I was preparing this post I had finished three audiobooks and one NetGalley. I posted two reviews on the blog and the usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Eater of Books. Alyssa appears to like all things fantasy... and hard work too.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 6, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 7, 2019.

• MBS September 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Death in the English Countryside by Sara Rosett; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Fledgling by Molly Harper; Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Teen & YA; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 11, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/17/2019.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 13, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Ghost Talkers
By: Mary Robinette Kowal
Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 08-16-16
I enjoyed this ghosting tale.
Source: 8/2/18 Sci Fi Sale $4.95 each.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Yours Truly, Thomas
by Rachel Fordham
This is a sweet story similar to Signed Seal and Delivered.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Monster Men
By: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Narrated by: Sean Murphy
Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins
Release date: 09-05-18
I picked this TBR for FRATERFEST.
Source: 2018 December Audible Purchase $.82.
They called him Number Thirteen, the latest and best of Dr. von Horn's attempts to create life from chemicals. He found himself an almost-human on von Horn's hideaway jungle island off the coast of Borneo. He saw the monsters that had preceded him and grew used to those dreadful travesties of humanity.
Not until Number thirteen met the American girl who was von Horn's prisoner did he realize how different he was from the others. Then, monster or not, he turned against his master and his "brothers" and threw in his lot with the girl in a desperate attempt to escape the island of terror.

4. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Lullaby
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Length: 37 mins
Release date: 10-04-18
Another TBR for FRATERFEST
Source: 10/29/2018 Free Audible Original.
About This Audible Original
The fears and horrors of being a new parent take on a shocking dimension in in this heart-stopping original story, only from Audible. A young married couple, Matt and Gillian have just bought a gorgeous house located next to a lake in the Catskills. They want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to raise their baby girl, Hope, in relative peace and quiet. When night falls, however, their dream home becomes a house of nightmares. Matt and Gillian soon learn that darkness takes many forms. And sometimes, darkness is hungry.
New York Times best-selling author and Bram Stoker Award winner Jonathan Maberry delivers a haunting Audible Original that will give listeners the Halloween creeps all year round. Scott Brick, the man with the golden voice, perfectly captures the experience of hearing a classic ghost story told around the campfire.
This product features adult language and themes.
©2018 Jonathan Maberry (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)
I'm not sure what I'll be listening to by the time this posts. Maybe a children's book since I'll be with the grandkids or maybe another TBR for Fraterfest.
Here are two for Fraterfest or October
FREE: Crackanory Too Cracked for TV - 1h 38m 2017
Alien: Out of the Shadows 4h 28m left 2016


2. eBook/Kindle (TBR)
I selected some "horror" titles for FRATERFEST and hope to read one or two even while with the kids.
These are nine short titles I may pick from:
Jupiter’s Revenge: An Amber Cook Sequel (The Horror Diaries Vol.18) (2018) 19pgs
Awaken: A Horror Short Story (2018) 20pgs
DARK REALITY-A Horror Tale by Billie Sue Mosiman (2012) 27
Trial by Fury (A Righteous Novella) (Righteous series) (2011) 29
Investing Isobella: A Sci-Fi Horror (2018) 38
Zombie Betrayal by Robert DeCoteau (2011) 43
Fated Hearts (A Paranormal Romance Novella) (2012) 46
Turned at Dark: A Bonus Shadow Falls Short Story (2011) 53
The MacKinnon Curse (The Beginning novella) (MacKinnon Curse novel Book 4) (2012) 55


3. Audio CD/Car (A2019)

The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
Tom Parks (Narrator)
I am engaged by this. (At disc 5 of 7.)
This is our Ladies Book Club reading to be discussed 10/19.
Source: Print books for book club; I picked up the Audio CD for about $7.00 ($1.64 plus 5.46 shipping).
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

May It Be So Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer
by Justin McRoberts; Scott Erickson
I am doing this for the 40 days so it will be listed for a month or so.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

I'm continuing to pick titles from my list of TBR audiobooks under 10 hours.
I am deciding as I get to the next one although I have lined up some for Fraterfest (October 10-15).


October 13, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I didn't do another study but spent some time on May it Be So. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed four books and posted three reviews. I have four reviews to post this week.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon, and Audible. (Eventually, I will add older reviews.)
No change to author queue again this week.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 7 unread. I added another review and got my feedback ratio to 94%.
I am still working on titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I have three author ebook titles left in queue. I plan to get caught up on these too- I better start soon.
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: 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.
No new review titles.
Three audios from Chirp.
One kindle title this week. (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 had a hard time didn't resisting these for $.99 each at Chrip

Elemental Thief
Written by Rachel Morgan
Narrated by Arielle Delisle





A Fistful of Evil
Written by Rebecca Chastain
Narrated by Elise Arsenault





Break the Rules
Written by Claire Boston
Narrated by Kathryn LaPlante

Free

I added at least 1 free Kindle title to my Kindle 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 October 13, 2019

Earlier in the year our Sunday School assistant teacher started a new study entitled Renewing Your Mind.

He reminded us that we were Chosen as part of God’s plan.
God's plan is a mysterious plan. His plan came even before He created man.
Man cannot thwart God's plan.
God wants your life, your mind, your soul because He redeemed it.
See for example Proverbs 8:22-23; John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:7; and 2 Timothy 1:9 …

This is a song shared with the message:

Do you feel the world is broken, we do.

A Verse for Today
2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 11, 2019

Happy Friday! We're off today for a short cruise with our children and grandchildren. We are excited to spend time with all the family.

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 October 4, 2019 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 October 4, 2019 Pick:
CAROL L gets a Touch of Texas
and
NATALIJA gets a GC.

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.}

I love smiling with books, don't you?
Image found at Pinterest attributed to Carmel Trebes.

New Book Group #87 August 23, 2019

PAIRS:
Joan Johnston The Bodyguard and The Bridegroom
Nora Roberts: The MacGregor Grooms (1998) and The MacGregor Brides (1997)
SINGLES:
Siren's Song by Trish Albright (personally autographed)
Dawn Encounter by Jennifer Blake
Flame Lily by Candace Camp (spine creasing)
The Wedding Promise by Carolyn Davidson
The Devil's Daughter by Lara Drewry
Touch of Texas by Tracy Garrett (now Texas Gold)
Captain's Paradise by Kay Hooper
Open Season by Linda Howard AUDIO CASSETTES
Innocent as Sin by Elizabeth Lowell (hardback)
Tempt Me by Lucy Monroe
Abandon by Carla Neggers
The Perfect Gift by Christina Skye


New Book Group #86 June 7, 2019
Another group of variety from my shelves.

SINGLES:
Forged in Steel by Maya Banks
The Scam by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett
Eco-Sisters: The Car by P. Ryan Hembree and Mary Ann Gustin
Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
Preaching to the Corpse by Roberta Isleib
Show No Fear by Marliss Melton
Pursuit by Karen Robards
Murder at Granite Falls by Roxanne Rustand
A Question of God's Balance (Vol 1) by Joseph Thek
King by Right of Blood and Might by Anna L. Walls


New Book Group #85 March 22, 2019
A variety from my shelves.

Roxanne Becknel: When Lightning Strikes
SINGLES:
Summer Skies by Judith Christenberry
Windfall (two stories) by JoAnn Ross
Daddy's Little Cowgirl (two stories) by Judith Bowen and Kimberly Raye
Almost Forever by Linda Howard
The Forever Year, Cold Pursuit, Lover's Lane and Temporary Sanity (Reader's Condensed)
ToxiCity by Libby Fischer Hillmann

New Book Group #84 December 15, 2018
Here are some Christmas titles to pick from.

One PAIR:
Susan Wiggs: Snowfall and Fireside
SINGLES:
A Family for Thanksgiving
On this Holy Night
A Rancher for Christmas
Christmas Haven
Christmas Homecoming
King Harold's Snow Job


New Book Group #83 November 30, 2018

(Starting bottom left and continuing up then down)
SINGLE
Seductive Secrets by Lynne Connolly
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich - Audio Cassettes
A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein Audio Cassettes
Three Reader's Digest Condensed Books - each hardback:

Cold Harbour and The Courtship of Peggy McCoy
The Things We Do for Love, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Murder Artist and Night Train to Lisbon
Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, The Quiet Game and Second Wind

New Book Group #82 November 9, 2018

Stella Cameron: Key West
SINGLES:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Killing Time by Linda Howard
Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee
The Wedding Night by Barbara Dawson Smith

New Book Group #81 August 17, 2018

There are three audios at the top:
Kisscut is Cassettes
SINGLES
Best Laid Plans by Allison Brennan
Darkness Tell Us by Richard Laymon
Cooking Most Deadly by Joanne Pence


New Book Group #80 August 17, 2018

Note: The Final Judgment and
The Book of Fate are Audio Cassettes
PAIRS
James Patterson NYPD Red 2 and NYPD Red 3
SINGLES:
Summer’s Moon by Lacey Baker
The Final Judgment by Richard North PattersonAudio Cassettes
Firebird by Janice Graham
No Getting Over a Cowboy by Delores Fossen
The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #79 July 13, 2018
I found this box of books buried under some other boxes.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox by Maggie O’Farrell
P.S. by Helen Schulman
Her Sexiest Surprise by Dawn Atkins (personally autographed)
The Maverick Preacher by Victoria Bylin (personally autographed)
Dakota Child by Linda Ford
Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
Promises, Promises by Amber Miller
This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
A Daughter’s Legacy by Virginia Smith
Another Man’s Baby by Kay Stockham


New Book Group #78 April 27, 2018

SINGLES
Blackberry Bush
Breaking Point
A Tangled Affair
To Wicked to Love
Roses are Red Audio Cassettes


New Book Group #77 February 16, 2018- All gone

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017
13 books remain of the original 37:

I finally Have them Listed!
Boots & Booties by Kristine Rolofson
Saucer the Conquest by Stephen Coonts
The Scorpion Seducer by Bonnie Vanak
Hell On Earth by David L. Porter
White Night by Jim Butcher
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton
Crisscross by Harmon Henkin
Maelstrom by Anne McCaffrey
Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
101 Commonsense Rules for the Office by John R. Brinkerhoff


This shelf of 35 books are what is left from Groups #1 (11/27/09) through Group #75 September 29, 2017

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 14 titles.)
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing
Named of the Dragon
Daring by Jillian Hart
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
JoAnn Ross: Confessions
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven

(Title list reads left at bottom to right at top - 21 titles.)
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
*Four books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I found.
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

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 82 groups of 16 plus an additional 21 totaling 1,333 books to find new homes! (as of November 9, 2018).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,278+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A year 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!

#NetGalley Book Review: Fledgling by Molly Harper

This is another fun adventure filled with magic and mystery.
Fledgling
by Molly Harper

File Size: 3440 KB
Print Length: 267 pages
Publisher: NYLA (July 23, 2019)
ASIN: B07SPGBSRW
Genre: Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Teen & YA
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

“Molly Harper’s Changeling is masterful fantasy—a spunky Cinderella story with a heroine who’s equal parts compassion, determination, and pure magical delight.” —Rachel Vincent, author of the Soul Screamers series and The Stars Never Rise, on Changeling
Days away from completing her first year at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies, Changeling-born Sarah Smith might just get away with posing as an upper-class Guardian girl named Cassandra Reed.
But strange visions of a Lightbourne destroyed by Miss Morton’s revenant army keep Sarah from enjoying her achievement. Plus, the Mother Book, Sarah’s one secret advantage and the ultimate entrée in Guardian society, suddenly stops revealing itself to her…putting her in a precarious position with the Guild. On top of all that, her former lady’s maid left Miss Castwell’s, and the new hire is, well, taking some getting used to.
If it weren’t for her two best friends, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel, who will do anything to protect her secret, Sarah doesn’t know if she’ll make it another year. When the three girls take summer holiday with Alicia’s family (chaperoned by an exacting and very disapproving Mrs. McCray), a relaxing vacation in Scotland is the last thing they’ll find.
Mrs. Winter is thrilled that Sarah is spending time with the influential McCray family, but Sarah can’t help but feel that her real purpose is to find other Changeling children like her, and free them to realize their own magic. Can she find genuine satisfaction in her accomplishments when she knows there are others like her out there who need her help? Will the three girls uncover the deeply-held secrets they’re looking for in the mysterious mountains of Scotland? Will the Mother Book finally start talking to her again? And will Sarah come to understand the importance of her connection with Ivy and Alicia, and the true nature of her own power…before it’s too late?

Review:
Sarah was born a Snipe expected to remain in the serving class like her parents. But she possesses magical skills that only the Guardian class are supposed to have. Her parents’ employer, society influencer, Mrs. McCray, took Sarah on and transferred her into a Guardian girl, presenting her to society as a niece, Cassandra Reed. (Book One Changling.)

Sarah/Cassandra has almost completed her first year at the elite Guardian school, Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies. This term she has strengthen her friendship with Ivy and Alicia. She has also made other friendships with a ‘room’ study group while she waits for the Mother Book to talk to her again.

Sarah discovers someone else who may have a surprising connection to the Mother Book. That reminds her that she needs to intensify her efforts to locate other Changling Children who have powers like her. Sarah discovers a location for a training school of Changling Children and she, Ivy and Alicia make plans to visit the place during summer holidays.

They will have to be creative to escape Alicia’s strict mother and to stay away from other threats. Their adventures are filled with magic and tension.

This is a good sequel to the first book. I enjoyed Sarah’s quick thinking in times of danger. She tries to protect her friends, not realizing how much she needs their help. The strong loving friendship of the young women is engaging. I am interested to see what will happen in the next book. I recommend reading the books in order and enjoying the adventures.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Audible Book Review: Death in the English Countryside by Sara Rosett

This was an easy cozy mystery with a hint of romance.

Death in the English Countryside
Murder on Location Series, Book 1
By: Sara Rosett
Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen

Series: Murder on Location Series, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-20-18
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25

Publisher's Summary
Location scout and Jane Austen aficionado Kate Sharp is thrilled when the company she works for lands the job of finding locations for a new film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, but then her boss, Kevin, fails to return from a scouting trip to England. Kate travels to England to salvage Kevin's and the company's reputation before word gets out that he is missing.
Things go from bad to worse when Kate arrives in Nether Woodsmoor, a quaint village of golden stone cottages and rolling green hills, only to find no trace of Kevin except his abandoned luggage. Even the rumpled, easygoing local scout they consulted, Alex, doesn't know where Kevin might be.
Increasingly worried about Kevin and with an antsy director waiting for updates about the preproduction details, Kate embarks on a search that includes a pub-crawl and cozy cottages as well as stately country manors. But Kevin remains missing, and she begins to suspect that the picturesque village and beautiful countryside may not be as idyllic as they seem.
©2014 Sara Rosett (P)2018 Tantor

Review:
Kate Sharp, who has a solid background on Jane Austen, is thrilled when the location company she works for is engaged to find locations for a new film adaption of Pride and Prejudice. Her boss and mentor, Kevin, traveled to England to scout properties but he didn’t return when scheduled. Kate flies to England to try to locate Kevin. Initially she tries to keep it quiet that Kevin is missing but it is hard to keep secrets in a small English village.

After Kate tours the local pubs, she begins to work with local contact Alex. He is more than happy to show her the beautiful manor properties that he and Kevin were looking at. Kate meets the affable owner, the arrogant and resistant property manager and a seductive, jealous owner.

Unexpectedly Kate and Alex uncover evidence of foul play. The local DCI is quick to focus on Kate as a suspect, questioning ever movement since she arrived in town. Kate determines to investigate herself trying to discover what secrets are hidden in this lovely village.

This is an easy cozy which takes a little bit of time to build into the mystery. Kate has relationship baggage that makes her not a particularly warm character. On the other hand, Alex, who happens to be an America who has relocated to the area, tends to be welcoming and gracious, although a bit mysterious himself. The building friendship between Kate and Alex is a very soft romance element.

The mystery clues are pursued with Kate’s plodding persistence. The DCI is a wonderful intense character who adds to the story along with the quirky property owners. I liked the location scounting element and the setting provides beautiful descriptions. The tie to P&P gives a touch of interest for Austen fans. The light with just a touch of romance makes a nice cozy for fans of the genre.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Sarah Mollo-Christensen. She manages the British and English accents well and helps the story move along by keeping Kate’s introspective moments from dragging. The narration helps to make this an easy listen.

Source: 9/29/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.