Sunday Post October 30, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 31, 2022

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 feel like I am in the "wash, rinse and repeat" cycle of busy weeks. Fortunately I started the week with a nice family visit for Sunday dinner and Monday lunch.

We remembered to get a pic after enjoying dinner.
My brother and his significant other are at the far end.
My stepmom's service dog, Sofie, fit right in for the picture.

My Stepmom, my local girls (daughter and granddaughters), and me.

Friday night I had a woman's event dinner to visit with a club state leader before Saturday's luncheon event held in the next town over.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.

We had some rain today but not stormy as expected. The church postponed a Family Festival event a week because we expected the weather to be much worse.
We'll be in low 80s during the days this week and lows in high 50s during the nights..

This week I enjoyed one last #Fraterfest audio and then a longer audio epic tale. I slipped in three review posts at the end of the week, and my regular Memes.

I visited 16 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to MY OWN BOOKSHELVES. It looks like the blog is primary on romance. Karen says: "I am passionate about reading. What you will find here are my thoughts on all things in literary world."

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were the posts last week:

• Sunday Post October 23, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 24, 2022.

• MBS September 2022 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Martha's BookShelf Friday Pick October 28, 2022 Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ending 11/3/2022.
  

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook; Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: Galvanism and Ghouls, Book 2 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace; Genre: Cozy Mystery, Gaslamp, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore; Genre: Occult, Satire, Supernatural; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 30, 2022 - Don't Grow Weary of Doing Good.
  

Finished Reading:

Final #Fraterfest title: 1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

What Lurks Beneath [Dramatized Adaptation]
Written by Ryan Lockwood
Narrated by Collected Narrators
This is an entertaining horror in the depths story.
Source: October 27th, 2021 Chirp Purchase $3.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

The Warded Man
Written By: Peter V. Brett
Narrated By: Peter Bradbury
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: December 2009
Duration: 18 hours 16 minutes
This is a very engaging Epic
Source: 10/16/19 Audiobook.com VIP.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

White Wasteland
A Black Autumn Saga (White Wasteland Series, Book 1)
By: Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins
I chose this for "Autumn" title and because I'm ready for a Post Apocalyptic. Source: 3/3/22 New-to-Me series purchased at Audible Sale for $3.74.
Publisher's Summary
As winter descends on a broken nation, the Homestead survival compound squares off against Mother Nature and an unstoppable wave of human suffering against a violent flu, coupled with desperate mobs and a fanatical warlord.
The Special Forces warriors and their civilian fight force face a moral collapse at home as the founder of the Homestead struggles with the demons of his own, while a secretive group of Homestead women follow their hearts into uncharted waters, tossing the fragile community into further turmoil.
Strange visions, precarious faith, and troubled dreams gnaw at the Homestead, but are keys to their survival buried in their inmost truths?
The saga of Black Autumn continues in book one of the White Wasteland Series.
©2021 Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross (P)2021 Jeff Kirkham, Jason Ross

2. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

The Clause in Christmas
by Rachael Bloome
Read by E.L. Beckett
Run Time 8h 15min
I'm ready to enjoy some Christmas reading.
Source: 12/16/2021 purchase at Chirp for $1.99.
Publisher Description
An unexpected inheritance. A pesky clause in the will. And 25 days to avoid falling in love…
Cassie Hayward hates Christmas. Especially this year.
No job. Flat broke. And an ex most definitely on the naughty list.
The unexpected inheritance of a charming Victorian cottage in the small town of Poppy Creek may be the Christmas miracle Cassie needs.
Except for one itty-bitty problem: a clause in the will.
To inherit the house, Cassie must complete a series of festive tasks every day in December leading up to Christmas. All overseen by the handsome, Christmas-loving lawyer Luke Davis.
Luke is as strong and steady as the bespoke furniture he crafts as a hobby. He has to be. Stepping into his late father’s shoes as the town lawyer comes with a sleigh full of responsibilities. Which means the captivating stranger collecting her inheritance is a distraction he can’t afford.
As the unlikely pair complete the daily tasks, their hearts begin to soften. But will the wounds from their pasts—and an unexpected visitor—steal what little hope they have left?
Find out in this heartwarming holiday romance.

October 30, 2022 - I am continuing up to date and love that I learn new things each time I read/listen to the scriptures. I get excited watching the devotion videos. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read/listen to the pieces each day.
No new study this past week.

I read two audio titles and reviewed three so I am making slow progress but still need to review: 10 books (plus 7 children's books). I keep working on these. :-)

NETGALLEY STATUS--
Back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I have one author reviews in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer.
(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 titles this week.
I picked two for one Credit deal on mystery thriller at Audiobooks.com.
I found two post -apocalyptic on Audible Plus.
One free Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

10/29/2022 Two for one Credit deal on mystery thriller at Audiobooks.com.

The Good Daughter, A Novel
By: Karin Slaughter
Narrated by: Kathleen Early
Series: The Good Daughter, Book 1
Duration: 17 hrs and 52 mins

Savage Run
A Joe Pickett Novel, Book 2
By: C. J. Box
Narrated by: David Chandler
Duration: 8 hours 51 minutes

Free

I found these two on Audible Plus. I have book one of the Extinction Cycle series.

Extinction Inferno: Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2
By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith , Anthony J. Melchiorri
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Extinction Cycle: Dark Age, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Whispers of Ash
The Whispers of Ash Series, Book 1
By: Adrian J. Smith
Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill
Series: The Nameless, Book 1
Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

One Free Kindle Title:
(Seen at The Book Connection through Mailbox Monday link.)

The Little Bookstore Murder (A Julia Greene Travel Mystery Book 3)
Linda Clayton

One new title added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 30, 2022 -- Don't Grow Weary of Doing Good!

Our Sunday School teacher advised us we only have another 3-4 weeks to finish our two year study of Revelation. 😊 This week’s lesson regarded the Millennium and what would be happening during that period.

The service started with some nice, older praise songs. Then, after encouraging our being obedient to share tithes, and offerings (don't rob God Malachi 3:8). Pastor preached on Doing Good. The message was based on Galatians 6:1-10.

“Weary” in the context of this scripture is beyond being tired. It means being disheartened or discouraged. Believers are told ‘Do not grow weary’. Recognize that the attack of discouragement is an attack of the devil.

‘In due season we will reap a harvest.’ Although many allergy-sensitive people are not happy at this season, Pastor loves the season of peanut harvest. This scripture tells us that ‘if you do good, you will reap a harvest in time.’ The harvests will be different and will come at different times (seasons) for different people.

You can't reap if you give up. Hang in like “Hair in the biscuit” (a rather yucky image).

How do we continue to do good?
1. Restore and minister to others. v1. Show grace. Not condemnation. (See v3.)
2. Bear one another burdens. v2. This doesn’t mean you have to help a lazy person (see v4-5) but we can help those who need extra or who are going through times of struggle. Believers are exhorted to show the love of God, especially to others in the ‘family’.
3. Self-evaluate and work out your own situation. v4. Don't be critical of others. We are reminded to stay in our own lane. Only the Holy Spirit can truly ‘fix’ others.
4. Bear your own load. v5.

When we sow goodness, we will receive a response of blessing that is recognizable. v6-8. The farmer plants a single seed, kernel of corn, or one peanut. He harvests a multitude: a spike, an ear of corn, and a peanut bush. Believers reap blessings and eternal life.

Stop and ask: What am I investing my time in? An old adage says: “You have time for what you make time for.”
Our God is a God of the harvest, especially an eternal harvest. Keep serving and doing good.

This is a song that speaks of God’s great goodness and faithfulness which I have seen in my own life.

Verses for Today:
Galatians 6:9-10 NIV
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.


Lord and Spirit – Please help me to keep on doing good … for Your Glory!

 

Audible Book Review: A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

This is a bit rough with language and reasoning, but it has some funny moments.
A Dirty Job
By: Christopher Moore
Narrated by: Fisher Stevens

Series: Grim Reaper, Book 1 (2 books)
Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
Release date: 01-01-06
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Occult, Satire, Supernatural
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Charlie Asher is a pretty normal guy. A little hapless, somewhat neurotic, sort of a hypochondriac. He's what's known as a Beta Male: the kind of fellow who makes his way through life by being careful and constant, you know, the one who's always there to pick up the pieces when the girl gets dumped by the bigger/taller/stronger Alpha Male.
But Charlie's been lucky. He owns a building in the heart of San Francisco, and runs a secondhand store with the help of a couple of loyal, if marginally insane, employees. He's married to a bright and pretty woman who actually loves him for his normalcy. And she, Rachel, is about to have their first child.
Yes, Charlie's doing okay for a Beta. That is, until the day his daughter, Sophie, is born. Just as Charlie, exhausted from the birth, turns to go home, he sees a strange man in mint-green golf wear at Rachel's hospital bedside, a man who claims that no one should be able to see him. But see him Charlie does, and from here on out, things get really weird.
People start dropping dead around him, giant ravens perch on his building, and it seems that everywhere he goes, a dark presence whispers to him from under the streets. Strange names start appearing on his nightstand notepad, and before he knows it, those people end up dead, too. Yup, it seems that Charlie Asher has been recruited for a new job, an unpleasant but utterly necessary one: Death. It's a dirty job. But hey, somebody's gotta do it.
©2006 Christopher Moore (P)2006 HarperCollinsPublishers

Review:
Charlie Asher is a normal, not particularly impressive guy; a rather hapless, beta male. He was fortunate to be running his family’s business, a secondhand store with some helpful, if weird, employees. And somehow Charlie landed a lovely wife, Rachel.

When Rachel goes into labor, Charlie’s narcotic behavior causes the nurses to run him out of the room. After Rachel delivers a precious baby girl, Charlie returns to the room to be surprised to see a stranger there. The stranger is surprised too as no one is supposed to be able to see him. The man is a deliverer of death or soul collector who claims the souls of those dying.

Charlie returns home with his daughter Sophie and struggles to get over the loss of his beloved wife. But soon he begins to see strange things, like red glowing items in his store and beyond. Next, people start to die near him. One of his employees, a goth girl fascinated by ghoulish things, takes a book sent to Charlie that tells him he is now a soul collector and what he is supposed to do. She doesn’t consider him worthy, so she wants to claim the book.

Meanwhile, Charlie continues with strange things, finding names and numbers on his bedside table, seeing giant ravens on the roof, spotting shadows on the street, and hearing challenging whispers from the street gutters. Eventually, Charlie learns what is going on and he begins to stumble through his new “job” as a deliverer of death and collector of souls. Still, powers of darkness are creepy forward and becoming more threatening.

The story goes off on a strange path with the soul collectors finally facing off against the demons which want to take over the souls of San Francisco. I am glad there was strong humor to offset some terribly strong language. There was also some clear stereotyping that could be offensive to some if they don’t appreciate the satire. I did like several of the secondary characters, including Sophie. I also liked the quotes at the beginning of the chapters. I am not sure if I will continue with the series, but I can recommend this to fans of occult who aren’t offended by the foul language.

Audio Notes: Fisher Stevens does a good job with the narration. His voice appropriately fits the crazy characters. I’m glad I had the audio.

Source: 7/18/21 Audible $5.00 sale on Sci Fi and Fantasy titles. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Galvanism and Ghouls, Book 2 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace

I like these characters and the mystery of this series.

Manners and Monsters Collection: A Regency paranormal mystery series
by Tilly Wallace
Narrated By: Marian Hussey

Duration: 23 hours 46 minutes;
book 2, Galvanism and Ghouls.
Book 2 Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
Release date: 03-03-21
Publisher: Tilly Wallace
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Gaslamp, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Galvanism and Ghouls
Publisher's Summary
Time reveals all secrets....
A new unnatural horror is about to rattle Hannah Miles' quiet existence, and it's not the short-tempered viscount prowling the hallways. Someone is creating a monster by stitching together pieces of different people. When a limb makes an escape attempt, Viscount Wycliff is called to investigate. All of London knows there is one mad scientist among them capable of creating such an ungodly monster...Sir Warren Miles.
Hannah's father is suspected of a most heinous crime, and she is determined to clear his name, even as Wycliff works to see the murderer hang. Buried secrets that touch all their lives will be brought to the surface. One such secret belongs to Hannah and could tear her world apart.
With Hannah and Wycliff on opposing sides, can they find the real monster, and will it be the hand that wields the scalpel or the creature hiding in the dark?
©2019 Tilly Wallace (P)2019 Tilly Wallace

Review:
Growly Viscount Wycliff is called out to investigate a “monster” terrorizing the public. He doesn’t immediately find the monster but he finds a dismembered arm and hand…that is still moving. Wycliff brings it back to the Miles’ household where Hannah and her father get to examine the specimen. Hannah realizes that the hand is sentient, and she makes a ‘pet’ out of it. Next thing, they are using the hand as a blood hound to search out the rest of its body!

As other citizens go missing and stitched up bodies are discovered, the public begins to call for the arrest of the scientist they believe capable of these atrocities – Hannah’s father, Sir Warren Miles. Wycliff has no choice but to allow the arrest of Sir Wiles. Hannah is horrified and now opposes the mysterious viscount more than ever.

But both Hannah and Wycliff are hiding secrets. When the secrets are revealed, will their animosity create a complete divide, or will they learn to empathize for each other? Meanwhile, what happens to the hand and the monster?

I enjoy the mystery and the humor of these characters and their situations. I like how the author is developing the relationship between Hannah and Wycliff. I suspect I will listen to book three, Gossip and Gorgons, sooner than later. I recommend this series to fans of paranormal and historical mysteries.

Audio Notes: Marian Hussey does a wonderful job with the narration. She provided distinct voices and I get caught up in listening. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 11/1/2020 Audiobooks.com Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook

This is a nice, easy listen, cozy mystery with just a hint of future romance.
Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 10-10-17
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
For fans of Miranda James and Jenn McKinlay comes an enthralling series debut featuring a librarian who solves mysteries with the help of a ghost in the stacks.
Carrie Singleton is just about done with Clover Ridge, Connecticut until she is offered a job as the head of programs and events at the spooky local library, complete with its own librarian ghost. Her first major event is a program presented by a retired homicide detective, Al Buckley, who claims he knows who murdered Laura Foster, a much-loved part-time library aide who was bludgeoned to death 15 years earlier. As he invites members of the audience to share stories about Laura, he suddenly keels over and dies.
The medical examiner reveals that poison is what did him in, and Carrie feels responsible for having gone forward with the program despite pushback from her director. Driven by guilt, Carrie is determined to discover who murdered the detective, convinced it's the same man who killed Laura all those years ago. Luckily for Carrie, she has a friendly, knowledgeable ghost by her side. But as she questions the shadows surrounding Laura's case, disturbing secrets come to light, and with each step Carrie takes, she gets closer to ending up like Al.
©2017 Allison Brook (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Librarian Carrie was ready to move out of town when she is offered the job to head the programs and events department. She is surprised to be encouraged to accept the position by the whispers of the (previously) rumored library ghost. Apparently, Carrie, and one child, are the only ones able to see and hear the ghost, Evelyn.

Carrie soon realizes she has to deal with the sabotage of a disgruntled co-librarian who wanted the job. But Carrie is ready to change her work situation, moving from ‘goth’ librarian to a conservatively dressed supervisor. She is also able to find a very attractive cottage at a ridiculously affordable price offered to her by a mysterious man who owns the property and asks her to handle his mail while he is away. Carrie is intrigued by her new landlord but also finds herself being pursued by the son of the 15-year-old murder victim.

One of the first major events is a presentation by the retired detective who has been determined to solve the murder of a beloved library aide 15 years ago. Unfortunately, before he can share his latest information, the detective collapses due to poison. Carrie is sure that the murders are related, and she is determined to investigate even though she is discouraged by the authorities.

The story isn’t particularly exciting, but it is a nice, light cozy mystery. I enjoyed the element of a ghost in the library and the fun ideas that Carrie brings to her event planning. Although the dialogue of the romance interests is a bit awkward, the touch of romance adds a bit of interest to encourage continuing with the series. Which I will do since I have the next two on audible. I think readers who like easy, cozy mysteries would find this story acceptable.

Audio Notes: Mia Gaskin’s voice seems to fit this light female character. She presents the narration in a fashion that makes it an easy listen. I am glad I was able to enjoy this free audio.

Source: 1/23/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.