Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter by Armen Pogharian

This is an entertaining series – good for children and adults.
Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter
Misaligned, Book II
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 06-02-21
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Teens
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
When Penny solves the riddle of an unbreakable knot in time, she unwittingly releases two time travelers from the distant past into Piper Falls. The town is plagued by a series of baffling events related to the appearance of a strange elf-like creature. Penny's science teacher and mentor, Mr. Myrdin, recognizes him as the Coch Coblyn, an evil spirit from Celtic myth with a penchant for igniting city-destroying fires.
Compounding the mystery is the discovery of a prehistoric scepter, made of impossibly pure silver that's intertwined with Seneca creation myth and Master Poe's past. The silver scepter draws the sole survivor from the ancient civilization that created it to Piper Falls. After traveling forward thousands of years in time, he plans to take the scepter back to his own time and save his people from the cataclysm that destroyed them.
Stumped by the escalating pranks of the Coch Coblyn, the Deputy Sheriff contacts his good friend, Darin Kolchak, a paranormal investigator. Kolchak answers the call by bringing the latest in ghost-hunting technology to town in his refurbished U-Haul. Kolchak's methods may not be conventional, but they lead him dangerously close to the truth. Penny and her friends race to unravel the secrets of the artifact, dodge detection, and prevent either of the new arrivals from using it to return to power.
©2021 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Penny is continuing her efforts to keep time travelers from her local community. The banishing of the misaligned time lines is reasonably straight forward until she runs into a group that includes twisted, knotted lines that she has difficulty unraveling. She inadvertently releases two time travelers. Suddenly the town is hit by a series of mischievous pranks by an elf-like creature. But this is the biggest threat.

While trying to puzzle out the pranks and danger, Penny, Mr. Myrdin, and Master Poe learn that a powerful antique artifact, a silver scepter, has been fund nearby. This is a puzzle on its own as it doesn’t fit the era where it has been uncovered by the archaeologist. The second traveler is from an ancient civilization and seeks to control the scepter in order to change the past. Can Penny and her friends stop the two travelers from reeking time havoc?

Armen Pogharian has created a fascinating ancient history which is shared through the lives of survivors from a devastating natural disaster. The author shares in intermittent chapters the events that follow certain survivors. The lives of past and present characters are tied together as the book nears the end.

I find this series creative and entertaining. I enjoyed the dual time line as the historical characters added to the story. This is an easy listen and I like that this series is totally appropriate for children and adults. I recommend it as a good family read/listen for fans of mystery, time travel and a touch of magic.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a very nice performance for the audio. She manages to portray the different time characters with distinct and fitting voices. She handles the children’s voices as well as the prankster elf and evil ancient. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Source: Audible Code from the Narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and review goals.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman by Armen Pogharian. 4.0.

Sunday Post September 5, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 6, 2021

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.

Work is still moving along. Heather had one bad day when she took a pain bill that didn't agree with her.

Hubby continues to make me yummy Saturday breakfasts.

We had some heavy rains early in the week and then it calmed down. I think they worked on the roof so we will wait for the next rains to see how the leaks are doing.

My listening was good again this week, finishing two audiobooks, and I enjoyed the graphic ebook.  I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to FAITH TRUST AND BREAST CANCER. Miaismine shares "weekly posts with devotionals, adventures in quilting, crocheting, reading and life as a triple negative breast cancer thriver." I think we have things in common.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 29, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 30, 2021.

• A2021- Audible Book Review: The Bone Farm: A Jane Hawk Case File by Dean Koontz; Genre: Suspense, Thriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Infinity Blade: Awakening by Brandon Sanderson; Genre: Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 3, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/9/2021.

• NG2021- #NetGalley Book Review: The Keepers by Jeffrey B. Burton; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cadaver Dog, Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #428 Comment Giveaway September 4, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/18/2021.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 5, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter
Misaligned, Book II
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 06-02-21
This is an entertaining series.
Source: Audible Code from the Narrator.
Click on book title for full description.

2. ebook/PDF on Computer (NG2021)

Hematite
1. Serenade
by Script by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti and
art by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti
Europe Comics
I liked this YA graphic novel
Source 2021 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Dauntless
Written by Alex Kings
Narrated by Mark Boyett
Run Time 8h 34min
I enjoyed this action-packed space adventure, even though a bit far fetched.
Source: November 8th, 2020 Chirp Purchase $1.99.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3)
by Mark Nolan
I enjoyed book one of the series and
I am enjoying this book too!
Source: Author 2019.
Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life as a government assassin. Trained by the CIA, Jake now wants a new life of peace and quiet, living on a boat and practicing law. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.
Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim?
Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

A Worthy Pursuit
By Karen Witemeyer
Narrated By: Barbara McCulloh
Duration: 11 h 7 min
I am midway and enjoying this charming and suspenseful western historical romance.
Source: 6/3/19 Audiobooks.com 2 for one credit with May credit.
Summary:
A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear? Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts. Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them. When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim? Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Who in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
By: Rebecca Tinker
Narrated by: Kyla Garcia
Length: 4 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 01-22-19
I remember the computer game years ago and now play the card game with my grandkids.
I thought this spin off audio would be fun.
7/5/2019 Daily Deal $1.95.
About This Audible Audiobook
The globe-trotting thief in the red fedora returns! And now, the question isn't where—but who? In the role of Carmen Sandiego, award-winning performer Kyla Garcia reveals, for the very first time, the backstory of the ever-elusive master criminal whose whereabouts captured the imaginations of children everywhere— through educational video games, animated series, and a popular PBS "gameshow" for middle schoolers in the 1990s.
In this novelization based on the new Netflix animated series, you'll discover there's even more to the story. More action, more details, more twists. And you'll hear from Carmen Sandiego herself how the mastermind behind some of the most audacious capers ever conceived became the best thief on the planet. Don’t miss your chance to learn who in the world is…Carmen Sandiego.
©2019 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Carmen Sandiego and related characters are trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and used under license. Published by special arrangement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

I will probably get to another audio but I haven't decided which yet.

September 5, 2021 - I missed one morning but and back on track. I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. 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 plan to pick another study this week.

I completed three books to review this week.
NetGalley shelf is still at 3 old titles. 
Now four author titles are in queue. I've started reading from these.
(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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books this week.
I picked up One August Audible Credit; I'm still contemplating the second choice.
I picked up five audio titles at Chirp.
I also selected one audio from Audible Plus Catalog.
One 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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

9/2/2021 One August Audible Credit:

American Marxism
By: Mark R. Levin
Narrated by: Jeremy Lowell, Mark R. Levin
Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 07-13-21
We have this in print but Hubby likes to listen and read.


9/5/2021 Chirp Purchases - Five titles for $14.95.

A Solitude of Wolverines
Written by Alice Henderson
Narrated by Eva Kaminsky
Run Time 9h 38min
$4.99 - This sounds like a good thriller.

The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
Written by Karen Barnett
Narrated by Ann Richardson
Run Time 10h 9min
$2.99 - I have been eyeing this Vintage mystery series.

Last Ones Left Alive
Written by Sarah Davis-Goff
Narrated by Anne-Marie Gaillard
Run Time 5h 34min
$2.99 - I wasn't sure of this zombie type post-apocalyptic, but decided to try it.

Fleet of Worlds
Written by Edward M. Lerner & Larry Niven
Narrated by Tom Weiner
Run Time 9h 36min
$2.99 - I haven't read in this universe so this looked like an inexpensive way to try.

Bunker (Book 1)
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Narrated by Gary Tiedemann
Run Time 3h 46min
$.99 - I have had this series in my Wish List. I decided to try the first book before buying a bundle.

Free

One Audible Plus Catalog:

One Heart to Win
By: Johanna Lindsey
Narrated by: Meredith Mitchell
Series: Callahan-Warren, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
I was surprised, but pleased, to find this in the Plus Catalog.


One Free Kindle Titles

White Ribbon
Aleatha Romig




Other Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 5, 2021

We attended service online. After Worship, our Pastor reminded us that September is Fire Bible Month so we are to begin praying how much we can share (give) to get the Word of God to others. Last year our congregation raised almost $10,000.00 or 1000 Fire Bibles for Sri Lanka. They will tell us soon which country is the recipient this year.

Our youth pastor delivered Part 5, the Conclusion of the Rising Series.
Rising up means going up, ascending. It is not creation of something new but increasing what already exists. There is no ceiling as we are unable to reach the top.

This message is on Spiritually Raising Generations. God helped the Israelites leave their bondage in Egypt and begin to take the promised land. But another generation forgot the God of their ancestors. Judges 2:1-3; Judges 2:10-15. We learn in the Old Testament that God planned things and gave specific instructions to take the promised land by destroying or driving the people living there out of the land. Exodus 23:27-30; Numbers 33:52. The Israelites failed to do that. They made covenants with the people and often made them their slaves. They began to worship false gods.

God takes obedience seriously.
If you don’t want your legacy to go to waste, start obeying the Lord when He speaks to you.
There are consequences – lost generations – when believers fail to obey.
The next generation is closer than you think. Who is the next generation?
Not just our children but those who are ten to twenty years below us in age. The future rests in these young people.

After we pass from the earth, what great things are the children of today going to remember about God? What will stop them from becoming like the many current Christians who profess faith but don’t follow the precepts of God.

The relationship between Paul and Timothy show us there are three steps that are repeatable.
Phase One: Parenthood.
This doesn’t refer to (just) your children but to a spiritual relationship with others. Like Paul’s relationship with Timothy. Paul acts a spiritual father to Timothy (whose own father was a Greek, although his mother was a Jewish believer.) Particularly for young people, who acts as your spiritual mentor? For mature believers: who are your spiritual sons and daughters? Find at least one and be actively involved in their spiritual life.

Phase Two: Pace Setting.
Paul knew it was important to bring Timothy along for training. 2 Timothy 3:10-11. The next generation needs something to emulate, to copy. Do they see you serving in church ministry? Set the pace high for the next generation. Youth should take notice of service and to take up the pace. Like Nascar driving – they start with the pace car but then take off!! Go above and beyond for the Kingdom of God.
Adults should pay attention to the example you are setting for the next generation who are watching you.

Phase Three: Partnering.
Spiritual parenting looks like physical parenting. Eventually the ‘youth’ now becomes a fellow worker, a co-laborer. Now there are two to mentor two more. The whole reason for the Church is to continue this training process. It is disobedient to the Lord to think we shouldn’t be passing on the training and message of God.

It is time to rise up in faith, power, strength, and spiritually train the next generation so they can do even better, greater things in their lives.

Focus to make this our mission. Do not focus on the music, the singing, the AC, the sound system, the lighting. You weren’t called to come into the church building and be comfortable. You were called to testify of God’s touch in your life and to spiritually share with the next generation. Be active in setting a good example.

Start with your own faith and obedience to God!

I like this song video for this morning. Embark in the Service of God.

Verses for Today
Judges 2:10-13 NIV
10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. 12 They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger 13 because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.


Lord, help me to be a mentor and good example to the next, and following, generations.

Sharing Beyond Books #429 Comment Giveaway September 4, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.
Where did the last two weeks go?

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#428 AlyP asked: What book did you use to love when you first read it and after a reread you couldn't believe you actually liked it??
4 commenters didn't have any bad experience on re-reading; 5 have re-read, two only reading books they like and three have experienced changed, negative response. 3 commenters don't re-read.

For US participants: I need to update and refill the books available to US winners. I have used "Love" and "Christmas" titles as well as ARC titles. Since the supply is lower, I have author collections I could choose from, mostly romance - historical, suspense and some contemporary. What genres/books/authors would you like me to include?

The Winner from SBB#428 comments is #6 MIKI 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 #429

(One Question.)

Rubynreba asks: Did you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, what was your favorite event??

I'm sad to say I did not really watch any of the Summer Olympics. I did see a few short videos on Facebook and watched some of the paralympics on Facebook too. I was excited to see winners like Tamyra Mensah-Stock (second U.S. woman to win Olympic wrestling gold). I actually enjoy track and field but we never put on NBC.

Image found at Statista.

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. Rubynreba asks: Did you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, what was your favorite event??

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, September 18, 2021, at 5 PM central.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Keepers by Jeffrey B. Burton

This is an engaging and easy reading mystery.

The Keepers
by Jeffrey B. Burton

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08FZB2D45
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Minotaur Books (June 29, 2021)
File size ‏ : ‎ 3382 KB
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cadaver Dog, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Jeffrey B. Burton's The Keepers is the next installment of the Mace Reid K-9 series, featuring golden retriever cadaver dog Vira and her handler, Mason Reid.
Mason “Mace” Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection―that is, he trains dogs to hunt for dead bodies. He calls his pack of cadaver dogs The Finders, and his prize pupil is a golden retriever named Vira.
When Mace Reid and Vira are called in to search Washington Park at three o'clock in the morning, what they find has them running for their very lives. The trail of murder and mayhem Mace and CPD Officer Kippy Gimm have been following leads them to uncover treachery and corruption at the highest level, and their discoveries do not bode well for them . . . nor for the Windy City itself.
The Keepers is an exciting, fast-paced mystery filled with courageous dogs you'll want to root for.

Review:
Mace is a dog trainer who has a special golden retriever, Vira. Vira not only sniffs out the dead bodies, she also picks up the scent of the villains who delivered the death blows. The first scene involves a music artist and Vira is silent at the gruesome crime scene and at the funeral. Mace begins to wonder if Vira didn’t get the killer’s scent until Mace and Vira join CPD Officer Kippy to interview another suspect.

Shortly after solving the first murder, Mace and Vira are called in to find a missing person when foul play is suspected. Vira quickly finds the body which has clearly suffered a brutal death. Before leaving the area, Vira alerts to two men who arrive on scene. Mace calms Vira and gets out of the way because she has just focused the crime on members of the authority.

Mace is soon threatened, and he is ready to move to Alaska. Kippy and her partner talk Mace into a plan to take their suspicions to another arm of authority. But they don’t realize the deadly determination of the criminals they are trying to gather evidence against.

The story moves quickly and has good action. I cringed when several characters suffered injuries. I enjoy the easy mode of the writing and I like the gentle, developing relationship between Mace and Kippy.

I liked book one, The Finders, and book two. I will be glad to read more in the future. I recommend the series to fans of easy mysteries, especially involving dogs.

Source: NetGalley 7/11/2021. (Seen at Inside of a Dog.) This qualifies for 2021NetGalley goal.