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Monday, April 5, 2021

MBS March 2021 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2021 Reading List - MARCH

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2020
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars = none
4.75 Stars = Chicken Talk
4.5 Stars = Black Ops, Frosted, Commune Book 2, Forever Phoebe, The Quakkas..., and Ever Winter

  1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Black Ops, Expeditionary Force, Book 4, by Craig Alanson; Genre: Military Science Fiction, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.
  2. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Chicken Talk Around the World by Carole Lexa Schaefer; Genre: Genre: Children's, Farm Animals, Multinational; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
  3. Author 2021- Book Review: Frosted (Regency Retold #2) by M.C. Frank; Genre: Fairy Tale, Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  4. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Wolf's Bane by Aimee Easterling; Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Shifters; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
  5. ATBR- Audibe Book Review: Commune: Book Two by Joshua Gayou; Genre: Action, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  6. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: Forever Phoebe by Chalon Linton; Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Regency; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hold Your Breath: A Novella by Wendy Walker; Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller & Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Outland by Dennis E. Taylor; Genre: Alternate World, Science Fiction,(time travel); My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  9. ATBR- Audio Book Review: The Golden Day by Ursula Dubosarsky; Genre: Historical, Mystery, Thriller; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Departure by A.G. Riddle; Genre: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Technothriller, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  11. NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Quokkas, the Snails, and the Land of Happiness by Eric Geiger and Evie Geiger; Genre: Children, Christian Values, Emotions; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Bluebird Memories by Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam; Genre: Arts & Entertainment, Audio Performances & Dramatizations; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
  13. NG2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Ever Winter by Peter Hackshaw; Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.


Total read = 13
TBR = 11
New Authors = 9
Audio/Audible = 9 (8 TBRs)
NetGalley = 4 (3 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 1
Nonfiction = 2
eBook = 2 (2 TBRs included in Audio and NG)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)


Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 39 of 124
TBR to Date: 34 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 25 of 64
NetGalley to Date: 10 of 24
Author Reviews: 4 of 12
Nonfiction: 4 of 12
TBR ebooks or Print: 5 of 24
• Series: 20 (8 continuing, 12 new)
• New to me Series: 12 (3 Yes to continue; 6 likely to continue, 3 maybe)
• Finished for me Series: 0

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 1 of 4: Winter
• Color in title: 4 of 8: Red, Black, Gold, Blue
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Mixed media: 10 Jan + 6 Feb + 2 March (18 of 26)
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Audio only (not the same): 1 Jan + 4 Feb + 7 March (12 of 26)

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Sunday Post April 4, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday April 5, 2021

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)
What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

.
I hope everyone who celebrates had a beautiful, blessed Easter day!

Heather still had days out this week with doctor appointments for her, her significant other and the children.
I had to do a rush hire for a new clerk this week so we had time spent on training. But I do feel we are getting work done, bit by bit. Have to do some bookkeeping these next two weeks for tax preparation.

Stock market started to pick up at the end of the week. I watch closely but am comfortable right now. 

We got to enjoy a few hours visit with our grandchildren Friday night! Saturday I took my granddaughters to the nail salon with me. They left earlier since I was getting pedicure too.
I wanted to get a picture of their nails too but right now I just have mine.
Pink toenails for spring (3 months) and
Easter egg nail colors for the next four or five weeks.

We are enjoying the cooler Spring weather. I did have to drag out the umbrella one night to get out of the office.

I had a good reading/listening week. I finished three audio books and one NetGalley ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 19 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Let Them Read Books. Jenny Q says “I love books! I love to read books, talk books, smell books, dream books! I love to escape into a different world,…”

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: Departure by A.G. Riddle; Genre: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Technothriller, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: Bluebird Memories by Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam; Genre: Arts & Entertainment, Audio Performances & Dramatizations; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

 
Ever Winter
By: Peter Hackshaw
Narrated by: Dan Stevens
Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 01-26-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
This is a suspenseful dystopian, revenge story with strong characters.
Source: 2021 NetGalley.

Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone and MP3 (ATBR)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe audiobook cover art


The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia
By: C.S. Lewis
Narrated by: Michael York
Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 12-26-04
I enjoyed listening to this Christian Classic.
Hubby and I look forward to discussing this with our granddaughter.
Source: 11/3/18 Audible Daily Deal $1.95.

Click on book title for full description.



3. Kindle App on/Smartphone (eTBR)
Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1) by [Dawn Lee McKenna]


Low Tide (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 1)
by Dawn Lee McKenna
This is a real to life mystery with a strong female protagonist. I look forward to discussing this with our woman's group readers.
Source: Free Kindle 2017.

Click on book title for full description.



4. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
After the Galaxy: The Unsung audiobook cover art


After the Galaxy: The Unsung
By: Scott Bartlett
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
Release date: 03-27-19
This is a mix up of sci fi ideas - with some strange twists.
Source: 9/21/19 Audible Daily Deal $3.95.

Publisher's Summary
The galaxy’s not big enough....
Commander Joe Pikeman has his share of demons. But after a long deployment, he just wants to enjoy some home leave with his daughter.
The galaxy has other plans.
His last assignment takes him to Earth, humanity’s deserted homeworld. There, he finds Earth’s last settlement littered with the bodies of the people who lived there.
As he hunts down those responsible, he runs head-first into some galaxy-shaking questions.
Why did humanity really abandon the galaxy for a computer simulation?
Who would want to start killing off the last real humans left?
There’s one thing Joe knows for sure. If they’re going after his neighbors...his family...his daughter....
They’ll need to go through him first.
If you like action-packed, run-and-gun military science fiction, you’ll love After the Galaxy. Fans of Firefly will also love After the Galaxy. Download this military space opera now and jump into the action.
©2018 Scott Bartlett (P)2019 Mirth Publishing



Currently Reading:
1. Print (TBR)
523306


The Faith of Condoleezza Rice
by Leslie Montgomery
I like how this started.
I expect to push into this more this week.
Source: February 2018 Discounted price at Christianbooks.com

Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
Book cover for Unforgettable by Eric James Stone with limited-time offer banner


Unforgettable
by Eric James Stone
This looks like one I will like.
Source: 8/30/2020 Chirp $2.99.

Publisher Description
In the near future, a fluke of quantum mechanics renders Nat Morgan utterly forgettable. No one can remember he exists for more than a minute after he’s gone. It’s a useful ability for his career as a CIA agent, even if he has to keep reminding his boss that he exists. Nat’s attempt to steal a quantum-chip prototype is thwarted when a former FSB agent, Yelena Semyonova, attempts to steal the same technology for the Russian mob. Along with a brilliant Iranian physicist who wants to defect, Nat and Yelena must work together to stop a ruthless billionaire from finishing a quantum supercomputer that will literally control the fate of the world.



3. Kindle App on/Smartphone or Fire Tablet (NG2020)


Rescuing Harmony Ranch
Jennie Marts
I expect to enjoy this clean romance.
Source: NetGalley 2020.

A bearded blacksmith
and a marketing exec
join forces...and sparks fly.

After her grandmother calls her asking for help, Jocelyn drops everything and heads back home to Harmony Creek, Colorado. Her grandmother runs a living history museum: a ranch and homestead where volunteers wear clothing from the early 1900s and demonstrate how things were done in the old West, from making soap to shearing sheep. The place is in financial trouble, and it needs the revenue from the annual festival to survive.
There’s just one thing that makes this a little awkward: Mack, who’s divorced, and who’s now the caretaker and blacksmith at the homestead. Jocelyn and Mack have their own shared history, which includes both stolen kisses and teenage rivalry.
Even as the past and present collide, they have to save Harmony Ranch. Matchmaking grannies, a meddling mutt, and a flood of fun festival activities might just be enough to overcome their differences and forge two broken hearts back together.
This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Turkey Sliders with Mac and Cheese.



April 4, 2021 - I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. (I got one day behind but and caught up again.)
I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I enjoyed another Easter study this week: Holy Week: Pause, Ponder, Pray.


I completed four books and plan to get those reviewed this week.
NetGalley shelf is still at 7.  I added one to the shelf and added one to reading this week.
Three author titles now in queue.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: 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.
A smaller mailbox this week which is just fine.
One new review book this week.
I had no purchases this week.
I didn't pick out any audios this past week.
I picked out March Prime First Reads and received one title from an author on Facebook.
I added no other free Kindle titles 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
Received from NetGalley Read Now:
55278284

The Madman's Library
The Strangest Books, Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History
by Edward Brooke-Hitching

This looks really interesting!


Won
NONE

Purchased
NONE

Free
I selected this title as my free Prime First Reads for March:

The Secret Stealers: A Novel
Jane Healey




I downloaded another book from author Facebook post:
44299285. sy475
Black Autumn: Surviving the Crash (The Black Autumn Series Book 1)
by Jeff Kirkham & Jason Ross

"Black Autumn is a survival/military thriller, post-apocalyptic saga."


No free titles this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 4, 2021 Happy Ressurection Day!

Our church celebrated three baptisms this morning. Then Pastor shared his Easter message of Celebration. 

Happy Resurrection Day eCard - Free Easter Cards Online
Celebration of new lives; celebration of secured lives. We Celebrate Jesus!
Jesus left the tomb without the captive.
Now we share in the celebration of the gift of salvation, not the Easter bunny.
The Good News was shared in all four gospels by the Apostles, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
They witnessed this event in person!

If Jesus had stayed in the tomb, His story would be over.  But here is the story:
John 19 and 20:1-18.

Jesus proclaimed: “It is Finished.” John 19:30.
Angels from Heaven said “Dear woman…” John 20:13. Jesus said to Mary: “Dear woman…” John 20:15.
Who is He calling today? “Dear woman” “Dear man” “Dear Child” He is calling each one. He is calling you!

You have a choice: return to the old promises of ashes to ashes with nothing more. Or choose the promise of the empty grave; choose the resurrected life!
Proclaim for yourself: “It is finished!” The work may not be complete in you yet, but the old life is finished, and you have a hope and a future. Celebrate in the Risen Lord!

I found this beautiful song video today. "It Was Finished Upon the Cross"
Verses for Today:
John 19:30
30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 20:17
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”


The Finished Work of Christ (John 19:30) - YouTube
 
What Does John 20:17 Mean?

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Sharing Beyond Books #418 Comment Giveaway April 3, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Last week SBB#417 BN100 asked: What do you think of authors claiming "exclusive giveaways" for newsletter subscribers only, but the only way to enter is via social media or buying a book??
6 commenters don't like having to buy a book. 2 commenters don't enter while 3 might enter with social media but wouldn't buy the book. 3 commenters view the matter as a choice for author and reader. Several international commenters indicate that giveaways are limited and one said they might enter.

The Winner from SBB #417 comments is #4 READER ! 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. -- [11/16/19 I plan to add some review books this week and maybe some new Christmas and Love titles as soon as I locate the box I put them in. 11/28/20 I have added a box of new books for SBB and will list them in the next week or so. I have to try to cross off books that have already been awarded. ]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #418
(One Question.)
Writer asks: Do weather/season changes affect your reading habits??
I think we have asked a similar question before especially regarding season. I do like to plan a book or two that fit the season but not so much weather. That is an idea for a future reading goal: sunny, cloudy, rainy, foggy, snowy, etc..
Image found at Virtually Read.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards 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 them.

Your turn to share. Writer asks: Do weather/season changes affect your reading habits??

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, April 17, 2021, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Bluebird Memories by Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam

This is an interesting cultural experience for me.
Bluebird Memories
A Journey Through Lyrics & Life
By: Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam
Narrated by: Common
Bluebird Memories Audiobook By Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam cover art

Series: Words + Music
Length: 1 hr and 21 mins
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Audio Performances & Dramatizations
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.


About This Audible Original
In a performance that combines the personal and poetic with the literary and the lyrical, Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning artist Common spins something entirely new and bold, for both his old-school fans and those new to one of hip hop’s most essential voices. This is Bluebird Memories, part of Audible's Words + Music that blends storytelling, music, and performance to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
Written and conceived by Common with Awoye Timpo and NSangou Njikam, originally recorded live at The Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City and backed by a world-class band including special guest appearance by Robert Glasper and ensemble of vocalists, Bluebird Memories tracks Common’s intimate journey from childhood to manhood. At its heart, serving as both an open letter to his estranged father, and a personal meditation on the quest for greater self-understanding, self-worth, and connection to the world that surrounds him.
As a young artist, introduced to the work of literary icons from James Baldwin and Gwendolyn Brooks to Rakim and Melle Mel, Common would grow to use their works as motivation and a high-water mark for what would become his life in words. In a performance that recounts stories about growing up in Chicago, discovering hip hop, longing for a consistent father, and his awakening into Black consciousness, the evolution of Common, as son, as man, artist, and activist is all here, unpacked and laid bare.
At just under two hours, Bluebird Memories is constantly in motion, soaring with emotion and pulsing with raw vitality. Seamlessly blending, stretching, and playing with forms, Common slides between poetry and candid conversation, kicks into one of his classic tracks, and backs out into a moment of nearly silent reflection. For those hip-hop heads, the treat of hearing Common bounce between bars of his own self-admitted cringey party raps, to rapturously reciting classic hip hop’s most revered verses is a joy to behold. (Yes, bumping human beatbox included). In a performance that calls forth the spirit and legacy of so many artists, thinkers, and heroes who informed both his artistry and personal philosophy, Common invites listeners to experience him in his totality. A finely tuned instrument capable of conveying a sweeping breadth of power, range and tone. Listen to a modern icon deliver at the top of his craft.
Note: Bluebird Memories contains adult language.
©2020 Common (P)2020 AO Media LLC


Review:
I had no idea who Common was as I don’t listen to hip hop. (Actually I listen to very little music as I am listening to audio books.) I picked this because I wanted to learn about the medium of hip hop and about this artist’s journey.

The author/artist presents this performance as vocal letter to his father, recalling their times together before his father abandoned the family and the long-time impact that had on him. Common shares from his heart s few times of joy, but more times of struggle through his growing years and an underlying pain of rejection. He also shares of young love and how that grew through the years to a point where he might seek to settle down after a wandering lifestyle.

I enjoyed the work and the hip hop poetry and prose that was shares. The words captured and conveyed the emotions of the artist. There was some foul language but fortunately it didn’t permeate the work. I recommend this to those who enjoy music variety and to those who are willing to experience a different cultural art.

Audio Notes: Common shares this work in performance mode, before a live audience. Clearly he is a skilled artist, both in word and presentation. I am glad I had the opportunity to experience this work and thank Audible Originals for making it available.

Source: Audible Plus August 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Color goals.

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