Audible Book Review: Commune, Book Three by Joshua Gayou

This is an engaging post-apocalyptic that I found hard to put down.

Commune: Book Three
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 11-15-18
Publisher: Joshua Gayou, Blue Heron Audio
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Having been bolstered with the supplies sufficient to carry them through the winter, the survivors of the Jackson commune must now hunker down and endure the bitter Wyoming snows, while to the south, factions are beginning to form, coalescing from the ashes of the dead world.
Out in Arizona, the leftovers of the US Military encamped in the last known surviving tent city: the Elysium Fields.
In Nevada, a clan of scavengers grows ever larger, each day bringing them a step closer to collapsing under their own weight.
Resources are becoming scarcer by the day as the world trudges on, and as it so happens, the folks up in Wyoming appear to be sitting on prime real estate....

Review:
The survivors of the Jackson commune are preparing for a long winter even as they begin plans for a green house in the spring. Slowly the visits down the mountain to the town are halted but not before Jake puts in a secret supply request. This turns out to be a wonderful surprise.

While the commune is hunkering down, two other groups are on the move. The leftovers of the US Military, under Captain Otter, are preparing to move the tent city from the Elysium Fields in Arizona to Jackson, Wyoming. Otter’s goal is to gather survivors wherever they may be so he can fulfill his mission to protect the US citizens. He will be returning Wang to the commune, but his goals may not be welcome by Jake and the other commune occupants.

Meanwhile a rough group of scavengers in Nevada is gathering survivors and struggling to provide for the growing group. There is a conflict between the leader, Clay, and a second level leader, Ronny. Ronny wants to push out to Jackson seeking revenge on the men who devastated his team out on the road. Clay is more interested in a place where he hopes to find a stockpile of weapons. Once they arrive at Clay’s destination, he is rewarded with more than the weapons.

The introduction/prologue of Book 3 indicates that this is Jake’s story. The reader does eventually learn more of Jake’s background through the length of the book. The first two books were presented from multiple character 1st person points of view. This story shifts to third person which makes sense since it is following other groups. I enjoyed the expanded world and characters, although Jake’s remarkable, but illusive character is still my favorite. Several other characters get focus too, revealing true to life personalities, some intriguing and some very ugly.

My only disappointment with this book is the extent of foul language. Some language is expected because you have military characters. But the worst of it comes from the ‘bad’ characters. I suppose that contributes to the ugliness, but I think the point could be made without the cussing. I still recommend this series to those who like post-apocalyptic stories that follow survivors.

Audio Notes: As always, R.C. Bray provides wonderful narration. There are diverse, clear, and fitting voices. I was engaged and my enjoyment of the story was enhanced by the narration.

Source: November 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Commune, Book One by Joshua Gayou 4.5
Audible Book Review: Commune: Book Two by Joshua Gayou 4.5

Audible Book Review: The Unwanted Heiress by Amy Corwin

This is a fun Regency romance & I will seek this author again.
The Unwanted Heiress
By: Amy Corwin
Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

Series: The Archer Family, Book 1
Release date: 03-16-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
An American heiress nobody wants; a duke every woman desires; and a murder no one expects.
As a young duke, all Nathaniel wants is to be left alone. So when he meets Charlotte, an outspoken American heiress, he is suspicious of her indifference. Too many women have sought - and failed - to catch him.
However, Charlotte is unimpressed by his title. She has no interest in English dukes. All she wants is to leave dreary England and travel to the sunny sands of Egypt to see the grand pyramids.
Unfortunately, a debutante seeking to entrap Nathaniel gets murdered, and his reputation as a confirmed misogynist makes him a suspect. On impulse, Charlotte comes to his aid, unaware that her actions place her in danger, too.
Neither Charlotte nor the duke know that a highwayman interested in rich heiresses is following Charlotte, and that another debutante lies dead in Nathaniel's carriage. And unfortunately, the evidence soon complicates Nathaniel's efforts to prove his innocence and convince Charlotte that he is worthy of her love.
Some nights just don't go as planned.
©2008 Amy Corwin (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Charlotte is an orphaned, outspoken American heiress. She has been passed from one distant family household to another when the fathers or mothers find her ideas unwanted. Charlotte has just been moved again, not realizing that she was lost/won in a card game. Lucky for Charlotte her new guardians, John Archer and Lady Victoria, are thrilled to have her and want her to feel wanted. Charlotte is surprised by this pleasantness, but her real hope is that perhaps they will help her fulfill her dream to travel to Egypt to work with an archeological dig. Meanwhile she is stuck attending the ton events even though she has no interest in finding a suitable husband.

Nathan is a young Duke who is not interested in finding a wife. Predictably, society is full of single women and their mothers who are determined to catch him. Rather unpredictably, these young women are willing to do anything, even if it means compromising situations. When Nathan meets his uncle’s new ward, Charlotte, he doesn’t trust the fiery redhead’s indifference. But before he can learn much about her, other than that she likes to study moths, one of the young ladies who chased him into the gardens during a ball is found dead. No one saw the murder, but another man is quick to direct suspicion at Nathan, noting that Nathan has a reputation as a misogynist since he keeps trying to avoid the ladies.

Uncle John talks Nathan into a rather crazy idea, or two, which don’t go well. The relationship between Nathan and Charlotte grows but gets greatly muddled. Meanwhile, more young ladies are found dead in situations implicating Nathan. Nathan has a limited time to clear his name before he is forced to meet one of the fathers in a duel.

Charlotte believes in Nathan’s innocence but that doesn’t mean she wants to enter into a fake engagement. No one realizes that a wicked fortune hunter is stalking Charlotte until she is kidnapped. Can Nathan find her before she is injured, and can he convince her that he wants her for real?

There are elements not totally believable in this story of reluctant, but growing, romance. The story moves along nicely with a fun plot and engaging characters. I really liked the secondary characters too, including Nathan’s friend from school who steps in to help investigate. I discovered that I have several other ebooks from this series, and I look forward to reading them. I recommend this to fans of clean, lighter Regency Romance.

Audio Notes: Ruth Urquhart’s narration provides an apt accent with voices that are distinct. I wasn’t enthralled with the narration but it worked fine for me. Listening moves faster for me than reading on my kindle so I appreciated having this on audio.

Source: 8/2/2021 Audible Plus Catalog (with a limited time availability). This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Sunday Post September 19, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 20 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.

I didn't have the best of weeks. I had a different staff member out sick on Monday (migraine), Wednesday (bad tummy bug) and Friday (tummy bug).  I haven't felt super myself but I did not get sick like the girls. 

I took this picture one evening two weeks ago as I was leaving my (still temporary) office.
I look at it as a promise that God has things under control.

We are still having half sunny and half raining days. We had a couple of hot days this week too. I am ready for fall. 

I enjoyed my reading last week, finishing two audiobooks and an ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited only 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to CINDY'S BOOK CORNER. Cindy's blog tag is: "Serious book addict reviewing clean reads across multiple genres."

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 September 12, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 13, 2021.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer; Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational, Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Who in the World is Carmen Sandiego by Rebecca Tinker; Genre: Children's Audiobooks, Literature & Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 17, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/23/2021.

• NGA2021- #NetGalley Audio Book Review: Striking Range (Timber Creek K-9 Mystery #7) by Margaret Mizushima; Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery, Police Procedures, Women Sleuths; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #430 Comment Giveaway September 18, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/2/2021.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 12, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

The Unwanted Heiress
By: Amy Corwin
Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart
Series: The Archer Family, Book 1
Release date: 03-16-17
I enjoyed this Regency romance. I saw that the free Plus Audio was to end 9/19 so I switched to listen to this before Commune Book 3.
Source: 8/2/2021 Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
An American heiress nobody wants; a duke every woman desires; and a murder no one expects.
As a young duke, all Nathaniel wants is to be left alone. So when he meets Charlotte, an outspoken American heiress, he is suspicious of her indifference. Too many women have sought - and failed - to catch him.
However, Charlotte is unimpressed by his title. She has no interest in English dukes. All she wants is to leave dreary England and travel to the sunny sands of Egypt to see the grand pyramids.
Unfortunately, a debutante seeking to entrap Nathaniel gets murdered, and his reputation as a confirmed misogynist makes him a suspect. On impulse, Charlotte comes to his aid, unaware that her actions place her in danger, too.
Neither Charlotte nor the duke know that a highwayman interested in rich heiresses is following Charlotte, and that another debutante lies dead in Nathaniel's carriage. And unfortunately, the evidence soon complicates Nathaniel's efforts to prove his innocence and convince Charlotte that he is worthy of her love.
Some nights just don't go as planned.
©2008 Amy Corwin (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Commune: Book Three
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 11-15-18
I was fully engaged by this; just sad there is bad language.
Source: November 2020 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

3. ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3)
by Mark Nolan
This is very good. I want to continue the series.
Source: Author 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (A2021)

Penny Preston and the King’s Blade
Misaligned, Book III
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-24-21
I enjoyed books one and two and
I look forward to this one too.
Source: Audible Credit from narrator.
Publisher's Summary
Eight-grader Penny Preston thought she knew how to handle the Bodach, the spirits from the fifth dimension. But suddenly something is attacking the structure of the multiverse. Left unchecked, the attack will tear the fabric separating the dimensions and destroy the universe in a cataclysmic cosmic crunch. As the stress on the fabric grows, higher-dimensional energy escapes into Piper Falls, NY, reenergizing the Bodach. Emboldened, they use their regained powers to wreak havoc on the small town. The extra energy draws several new higher-dimensional entities to Piper Falls. One of them, a former Bodach commander, seeks to rally her followers and avenge her defeat at the hands of King Arthur more than 1,600 years ago by reestablishing her rule. The energy also attracts an especially destructive ethereal Celtic spirit, which has a special taste for ancient artifacts and exotic nuclear particles. The last of the new arrivals is a mysterious and conflicted shape-shifter a spy known as Newiddyn.
The interactions of the newcomers and their empowered brethren with the town's residents results in chaos and brings paranormal researcher Darin Kolchak back to town. Teamed with the deputy sheriff, their high technology investigation leads them to the local lab conducting state of the art nuclear fusion experiments. The same lab where Penny's parents work. Penny and her friends must again dodge detection, as they sort out the capabilities and intentions of these powerful entities. One bad choice or wrong step risks unleashing the apocalypse of the Darkest Day.
Source: 8/26/2021 Audible Code Received from the Narrator for Review.
©2021 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

2. PDF/Compter (Author2021)

Palm Lines
by Jonathan Koven
I am looking forward to enjoying this debut Poetry Collection.
Source: 7/14/2021 I accepted an Author request to read and review.
These heartfelt poems speak to a transformative journey "to rediscover love as both a question and an answer." Seeking hope, honoring family, finding love, accepting time's passage, and understanding gratitude are all major themes explored in this dreamlike collection.

I expect to get to another audio but I haven't decided which - again.

September 19, 2021 - I am 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 have started a 3 day devotional titled "Living An Authentic Christian Life".

I completed three books to review this week.
NetGalley shelf is now at 1 new audio, 1 new children's title and 3 old ebooks titles. 
I have three author titles remaining in queue. I've been working on reading 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.

I selected one NetGalley children's title this week.
I have an ebook from an author I forgot to list two weeks ago.
I selected the 2nd August Audible credit.
I resisted other audios this week.
Seven 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

9/18/2021 from NetGalley

The Secret Halloween Costume
by Sophie Vaillancourt
“A Halloween story for little ones!”




Received from author team for review.

The Duke and the Spoiled Wallflower
by Tessa Brookman
I will be reading this one next.

Won

NONE

Purchased

9/18/2021 Audible August Credit:

Double Share
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 4
By: Nathan Lowell
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Release date: 09-13-16
I picked up this next in a series that I like.

Free

Seven Free Kindle Titles - most downloaded from Facebook posts.
Deal with the Devil (Forge Trilogy Book 1)
Meghan March

Sisters (Sun Valley Series, Book 1)
Kellie Coates Gilbert

Another Ridiculous Week in Bakersfield (or Archie, Elise, and the Class of 1997) (or Stage Fright!) (An Archie and Elise Mystery)
Grant Fieldgrove

Work in Progress: A House Flipping Rom Com (Cook Brothers Book 1)
BJ Harvey

Not the Faintest Trace: The Sergeant Frank Hardy Mysteries: # 1
Wendy M. Wilson

The Star Of The Desert (The Jason Green Series Book 3)
Gordon Wallis

We've Only Just Begun (Oregon Trail Dreamin' Book 1)
Kathleen Ball

Lady Victoria's Mistake (The Archer Family Regency Romances Book 7)
Amy Corwin

Beyond the Night (The Envy Chronicles Book 1)
Colleen Gleason, Joss Ware

Blood Claws (New York Paranormal Police Department Book 1)
John P. Logsdon, Ben Zackheim


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

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 19, 2021

Pastor advised that our donations for Fire Bibles this month would be to provide Bibles for Sri Lanka and Haiti. Pastor then continued his sermon series: "Walking with Jesus”.

When we accept God’s invitation to walk with Him, we have accepted His call to fulfill His Purpose. It is not as a part time, ‘in spare time’ thing. This must be a committed priority.
Pastor reiterated last week’s scripture passage Colossians 2:6-7, which tells us to be rooted in Christ.

God calls each person. We are
Called to salvation. Repent and be saved.
Called to follow. Trust God to lead.
Called to fulfill His purpose. This is our reason for being, living.

There came a time when Jesus began to preach “Repent of your sins, turn to God…” Matthew 4:16-17.
Jesus called Levi a tax collector to follow him. It would require a change of lifestyle for Levi to follow – from a probably prosperous position in the community to a less approved. But the religious leaders considered the tax collectors and other sinners as “scum”. Jesus’ response was: “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17.

Jesus called his apostles. First, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, were called to become fishers of men. They left their nets to follow Jesus. So too, James and John, left their nets, their boat and their father behind. Matthew 4: 18-22.
They had to sacrifice their current lifestyles.
His disciples (then and now) follow at different levels of closeness.

His purpose is to be the follower’s whole purpose. What was Jesus’ purpose?
Jesus declared himself the Good Shepherd. John 10:11-16. The Good Shepherd leads his sheep and expects them to follow. He protects them. Feeds them. Leads them to green pasture.
The Good Shepherd had to sacrifice – He laid down His life for His sheep. I have come so they (my sheep) may have life and have it to the full. John 10:7-10.

A full life needs to be connected to the other side of heaven rather than ‘prosperity preaching.’
He did not come so we could have a good life on earth, but in heaven. Eternal life is our full life.

If our purpose becomes His purpose, then we are here to make sure others can have life to the full too. How well are we fulfilling His purpose?
If we are disciples, are we active disciples?
Our purpose needs to be married to God’s purpose.
Have we been seeking life on the wrong side of heaven or are we actively moving others to repent and become followers?
Maybe we need to renew our ‘marriage’ to God’s purpose.
Maybe we need to get off the inactive list and get active in fulfilling God’s purpose.
The church should be following actively.

I think this video is good for today: My Soul Follows After You.

Verses for Today:
John 10:7-10 NIV
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

God, help me to renew my commitment and action to Your Purpose.

Sharing Beyond Books #430 Comment Giveaway September 18, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.
Another two weeks flying by. It is starting to get darker as I leave the office (6:30pm)

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#429 Rubynreba asked: Did you watch the Summer Olympics? If so, what was your favorite event??
I found it interesting that 7 commenters didn't really watch (although two checked medal ratings) and 7 did. For those watching, 2 watched lots, and favs mentioned included: 4 mentioned gymnastics, 3 mentioned volleyball, 1 watched hockey. Also mentioned were diving, track and field, bmx, basketball, climbing, rowing, and archery.

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#429 comments is #3 BN100 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. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

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

WEEK #430

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: What is your favourite place to visit on vacations?? (Expanded by my answer.)

Actually Elizabeth asked this question back in 2013 (SBB#99). So I thought I'd use it again to see if anyone has a) changed their answer or b) if vacations have been different due to Covid19 restrictions or c) anyone has a Dream Vacay they's like to share.
I would like to get a true vacation soon. We still love cruising and that is what hubby picks although I'm not sure if he would really go since he rarely goes out anymore. He is on oxygen full time now but could carry his portables for a trip.
More realistically we'd like to travel before year end to see our son and his family in Illinois.

Image found at Travel US News.

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.
September questions were provided by Rubynreba and Marjorie.

Your turn to share. Marjorie asks: What is your favourite place to visit on vacations??

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, October 2, 2021, at 5 PM central.