Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Good Dog, Bad Cop by David Rosenfelt

I enjoyed this entry in the K Team series.
Good Dog, Bad Cop
By: David Rosenfelt
Narrated by: Fred Berman


The K Team #4
Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 03-14-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Animals, Private Investigators
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.


For the K Team, playing "good dog," "bad cop" is all fun and games...until there's a body on the scene, in the next K Team Novel by bestselling author David Rosenfelt.
The K Team enjoys investigating cold cases for the Paterson Police Department. Corey Douglas, his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel, Laurie Collins, and Marcus Clark even get to choose which cases they’d like to pursue. When Corey sees the latest list of possibilities, there’s no question which one to look into next.
Corey’s former mentor, Jimmy Dietrich, had his whole identity wrapped up in being a cop. When Jimmy retired three years ago, his marriage quickly deteriorated and he tried–and failed—to get back on the force. Jimmy was left to try to adjust to life as a civilian.
Not long after, two bodies were pulled from the Passaic River. A local woman, Susan Avery, and Jimmy Dietrich. With no true evidence available, the deaths went unsolved and the case declared cold. This didn’t stop the whispers: an affair gone wrong... a murder-suicide committed by Jimmy.
Corey never believed it. With this case, the K Team has the opportunity to find the real murderer, and clear Jimmy’s name. Bestselling author David Rosenfelt returns in Good Dog, Bad Cop, where there’s little to go on, but that won’t stop Paterson, New Jersey’s favorite private investigators from sniffing out the truth.


Review:
The K Team has been hired by the Paterson, New Jersey, police department to work on cold cases. The team consists of former police detective Corey, his K-9 partner Simon, former officer Laurie, and the ‘hulk’ bodyguard, Marcus. They get to call in the help of computer hack wizard, Sam, and of course they get a little legal input and financial support from Laurie’s husband, Andy Carpenter.

The team has picked up a suspected murder-suicide case where the victims were found dead and adrift from a boat outing. The case involved Corey’s police mentor and a local woman who was the wife of  another police officer murdered earlier than this pair. Because the cases may be tied together, the team will look at all three.

Very quickly the team is able to pull records from a local restaurant that begins to give leads the detectives never followed. One lead moves to another and it isn’t long before Corey finds himself being attacked. Fortunately, he has Simon, and Marcus, as backup. Clearly the team is rocking the boat, and someone wants to stop them from digging deeper. This just gives them more incentive to push along the investigation even as it takes them to other states.

The story is told from the view and voice of Corey so it has the police/investigator perspective. I always enjoy these characters with their humorous banter and interaction. Then there are the plots that start locally but soon spread out to more nefarious conspiracies. This one twists and turns to a terrorist threat that drags in Homeland Security. I will continue to read, and enjoy, the novels by David Rosenfelt. I recommend this book and the series to fans of K-9 characters and private investigator mysteries.

Audio Notes:
Fred Berman does a good job with the narration. The character voices are clear and distinct. Berman also is able to deliver the narration with the underlying dry wit of the author’s work. The enjoyed the audio version and appreciate the opportunity to listen to this story.

Source: 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Occupation goals.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Audible Book Review: Terminus, Lee Harden, Book 6 by D.J. Molles

I enjoyed this series and will need to find a good replacement. Maybe one of Molles’ other series.
Terminus
Lee Harden, Book 6
By: D.J. Molles
Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Terminus Audiobook By D.J. Molles cover art

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 01-11-22
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.


Publisher's Summary
The only way out is through.
Greeley, Colorado lies before him. Griffin’s army presses at his back.
Lee Harden is out of options, and out of time.
Inside the city, Sam Ryder is trapped behind enemy lines, and Acting President Briggs still maintains his stranglehold on the country - and Lee’s destiny.
Choices. We are made by choices. And they make us. Choices are being made by every individual swept up in this conflict. Abby - Sam - Abe - Brinly - Angela - all of them making choices, with irreversible consequences.
And all of those consequences fall on Lee.
As Lee fights to adapt and maintain control amid the chaos of a city under siege, all of those choices will reach their terminus in this explosive conclusion to the Lee Harden series.
©2021 D.J. Molles (P)2021 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Lee Harden has had several years of struggling to keep civilians alive. That was his original mission: Survive, Rescue, Rebuild. He wasn’t given orders of how to rebuild America but thought he was on the way by developing Fort Bragg Safe Zone with leadership known as the United Eastern States (UES). The growing community was taking in refuges while defending against the infected ‘zombie’ hordes. But the tyrannical, self-proclaimed President of the United States, Briggs, based out of Greeley, Colorado, decided to take down the UES. Then the mindless hordes became Primals with reasoning and reproductive abilities.

Lee was hoping to raise allies, but US troops under the command of Briggs were willing to slaughter communities rather than allow them to help Lee and the UES. Ultimately the better armed and trained US forces, led by Colonel Griffin, attacked Fort Bragg and routed the UES partially by allowing the Primals to gain access.

Lee and a band of survivors set out to make a last ditch attack directly on Greeley. Lee has been placed in command, a job he never wanted. He is a soldier, trained to fight. It was hard enough to be responsible for a platoon of other soldiers. As he leads the rebellion into Greeley, a battered Lee now struggles with the burden of being responsible for not only his civilian companions but the innocent civilians caught in the middle of an unwanted power war.

This final installment features the tactical plans employed by Lee, his young protégé, Sam, and the US forces led by Griffin. Meanwhile, Lee’s friend and other Project Hometown Coordinator, Abe, is driven by vengeance to take out Briggs. There is depression, trauma, frustration, and a few moments of relief woven in between the active battles.

I like the action and the emotional realities. There were some twists that I appreciated for making the ending better than it might have been. Lee Harden was introduced in the Remaining Series which went through eight books before breaking into the six books of the Lee Harden Series. I have enjoyed it all and recommend it to readers who enjoy zombie type danger set in post-apocalyptic survival stories. My thanks to D. J. Molles for hours of entertainment!

Audio Notes: Christian Rummel has been the voice of Lee Harden and comrades. He provides unique voices for the characters and delivers the angst and emotional trauma that fills the story. I am so glad that I listened to the series (other that the short novellas in the Remaining series). The narration added to my enjoyment.

Source: 6/17/2022 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for TBR2023 and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Sunday Post March 19, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 20 2023

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.

Work stays busy.  I had busy days and evenings with two board meetings (Monday and Thursday), a wedding (Saturday), and an organization St. Patrick's Potluck lunch on Sunday.

Heather has completed her divorce and I hope that will help reduce stress for her.
One of my staff won't be in tomorrow because she is hand feeding newly born goats. Isn't it great to live in a rural community!

I recently participated in a photo session called Beautifully You.
One of my pictures was made with the blog in mind!
(The T-shirt reads: Love My Book Club!)

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations and a calmer social atmosphere. We have opened new prayer lists to include the youth revivals going on and for the young generations that will lead in the future. New prayers this week for safety for those 'enjoying' spring break.

I've had the heat on most of the week at night. I'm glad I'm not up north. Our temp tonight is 31 then it will start to warm up again.  30s again. I'm glad I didn't pack all the winter night clothes away. High during the days will get to 84.

I finished three audios this past week and posted two reviews with my memes.

I visited 17 blogs last week.
Shout out this week to SEEKING A LITTLE TRUTH. CyberKitten says "I have a burning need to know stuff and I love asking awkward questions."

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.
  • ATBR: Audible Book Reviews: Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim; Genre: Fairy Tale & Folklore Adaptations, Teen & Young Adult; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Finished Reading:
1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2022NGA)


Good Dog, Bad Cop
by David Rosenfelt
The K Team #4
Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
I enjoyed this entry in the K Team series.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.

Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)


Junkyard Pirate
By: Jamie McFarlane
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Series: Junkyard Pirate, Book 1 (4 books)
Length: 10 hrs
This was fun even if you have to stretch belief.
Source: July 2021 Audible $5.00 Sale (Regular Price: $19.95).

Click on book title for full description.



3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)
One Heart to Win  By  cover art


One Heart to Win
By: Johanna Lindsey
Narrated by: Meredith Mitchell
Series: Callahan-Warren, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins
I mostly enjoyed this western romance.
Source: 9/1/2021 Audible Plus Catalog.

Publisher's Summary
Johanna Lindsey, the number-one New York Times best-selling author, presents a passionate novel of hidden identities, family secrets, and love that transcends a 50-year feud set in the 1880s in the majestic ranchland of the Montana territory.
Some young ladies marry for money and social standing, a few lucky ones marry for love - but Tiffany Warren is marrying to end a feud. Honoring her mother’s promise, Tiffany reluctantly travels west to meet her estranged father and his enemy’s eldest son, rancher Hunter Callahan. Once the Warrens and the Callahans are united by marriage, both clans will stop squabbling over a disputed strip of land.
In the chaos of a train robbery Tiffany seizes a golden opportunity. By assuming the identity of her father’s new housekeeper she can live with the father she never knew and assess his true character, as well as that of the neighboring cowboy to whom she is betrothed. But, too late, Tiffany discovers that the rivalry between the Warrens and the Callahans has escalated when the Callahans steal the Warrens’ housekeeper as soon as she steps off the train!
Now, Tiffany, who is pretending to be Jennifer Fleming, finds herself living in the enemy camp, under the same roof as her fiancé. All too soon she learns her intended is a handsome, sweet-talking charmer whom she has to fight off because he can’t keep his eyes - or his hands - off Jennifer. After Tiffany’s charade is exposed she refuses to marry Hunter to end the feud. As Hunter goes about claiming his rightful bride-to-be, he knows that although he loves two women - proper, elegant Tiffany as well as spunky, passionate Jennifer - he has only one heart to win.
©2013 Johanna Lindsey (P)2013 AudioGO



Currently Reading:
1. NetGalley Audio Smartphone (2022NGA)


The Deadlands: Hunted
by Skye Melki-Wegner
Narrated by: John Pirhalla
Series: The Deadlands, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins v
This reminds me of Land Before Time and I am enjoying it.
Source: 2023 NetGalley.

Publisher's Summary
Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in this action-adventure middle grade debut series about five outcasts—and former enemies—who are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms from impending doom.
"My favorite middle grade book of the year.”—New York Times-bestselling author Amie Kaufman
Battle rages between the dinosaur kingdoms of Cretacea.
When the Fallen Star struck, it brought death and despair, ash and toxic rain. But some dinosaurs survived . . . and were changed. Their minds grew alert. They learned to speak. To dream. To wage war.
As the two remaining dinosaur kingdoms fight for territory, Eleri, the disgraced son of a prince, is exiled from his home for saving an enemy soldier. Banished to the merciless Deadlands, a terrifying desert full of tar pits, poisonous gas, and ruthless carnivores, he must join forces with a group of questionable allies—including the enemy soldier he saved—to avoid becoming prey.
When Eleri and his fellow exiles discover the horrific truth behind the war, the unlikely heroes must do all they can to save their kingdoms from a lurking predator. . . and a secret plot that might destroy them all.
A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.
©2023 Skye Melki-Wegner (P)2023 Macmillan Audio



2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)


A Useful Woman
A Rosalind Thorne Mystery, Book 1
By: Darcie Wilde
Narrated by: Sarah Nichols
Series: Rosalind Thorne Mysteries, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
This is a "U" title that I think I will enjoy.
Source: December 2021 Audible Plus Catalog.

Publisher's Summary
Inspired by the novels of Jane Austen, this new mystery series set in 19th-century London introduces the charming and resourceful Rosalind Thorne, a woman privy to the secrets of high society - including who among them is capable of murder.
The daughter of a baronet and minor heiress, Rosalind Thorne was nearly ruined after her father abandoned the family. To survive in the only world she knew, she began to manage the affairs of some of London society's most influential women, who rely on her wit and discretion. So when artistocratic wastrel Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in London's most exclusive ballroom, Almack's, Rosalind must use her skills and connections to uncover the killer from a list of suspects that includes Almack's powerful patronesses and her former suitor Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmain.
Torn between her old love and a growing attraction to a compelling Bow Street runner, Rosalind must unravel the mysteries surrounding Jasper's death, and the mysteries of her own heart as well.
©2016 Darcie Wilde (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.


Again, I am pretty sure I will get to a third book but I haven't chosen yet.

March 19, 2023 - I am enjoying this new plan on YouVersion. I totally enjoy watching the devotion videos so I am doing another BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen".  I have never done a Chronological reading before.
I am 10 days in a 15 day plan: Preparing Your Heart for Easter.


I finished three audio titles and reviewed two so I am at four reviews due.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I am listening to another NetGalley audio so that leaves two audios on my shelf.
I still have the two old ebook titles.
I have one author review 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 newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books last week.
I selected my two February Audible Credit titles.
I picked 3 more free Audible Plus Catalog audio books. 
No free kindle titles last week.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
NONE

Won
NONE

Purchased
3/15/2023 Audible Two February Credits:
Project Hail Mary
By: Andy Weir
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Existential
Crucible, Book 1
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins



Free
3/13/2023 Three Audible Plus Titles:
Time Wars Last Forever: Publisher's Pack
By: Craig Robertson
Narrated by: Scott Aiello
Series: Time Wars Last Forever, Book 1-2
Length: 14 hrs and 42 mins
Murder on Astor Place
Gaslight Mystery, Book 1
By: Victoria Thompson
Narrated by: Callie Beaulieu
Series: Gaslight Murders, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
Forget Nothing II
Galaxy's Edge Series, Book 0.7
By: Jason Anspach, Michelle C. Meyers
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
Series: Galaxy's Edge Series, Book 0.7
Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins


No new titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 19, 2023 - Unloading Docks.

Sunday School our teacher shared this video from Louie Giglio about Fruit Cake and Ashley, regarding the importance of sharing faith through love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sCvmaEUxFU

Our service was sparser than usual as many are out for spring break and the pastor’s family (a large group) were out after a very lovely wedding service for his eldest daughter yesterday. We had a guest evangelist who is a minister sharing the Holy Spirit.

He reminded us how Paul encouraged Timothy to be an evangelist. 2 Timothy 1:11-12; 2 Timothy 4:4-6When we are in the presence of Almighty God, we won't be able to stand under own power.
The Minister’s message was titled: The Unloading Docks based on Acts 21:1-3.
Paul had an assignment, and we still have that assignment today.

We are here for a reason and purpose. Our assignments get hindered by distractions because we live in a fallen world. But we have been called from darkness to light. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

We are to walk by faith, and by the Holy Spirit. It is a journey of faith and not everyone goes along with you. The people Paul had been ministering to did not want to see him go. Acts 20: 36-38. Paul had to wrestle away from his friends in order to follow God. Obedience is better than sacrifice. There are times when we have to tear loose from hindrance in order to move forward with our assignment.

We have to recognize that it is not enough to just get to heaven. It is not appropriate to just sit around when there is work to be done. We are to take someone with us to heaven!
Many can come up with excuses not to go to church: my back hurts, I have a headache, the kids want to go to the beach, it’s my only day to relax, etc.
The longer we stay put, the harder it may be to move. We need to be ready to push past the junk in our life to fulfill the assignment God has for each of us.
Too often we start and stop, start and stop. We decide to coast, we claim to be weary. Do not just sit. Get up and move. Follow God. Be steadfast to keep going. Move out in faith onto the open water.

Paul’s ship was ready to unload. We need to unload our burdens on God. Cast your cares on God.
Pour it all out. Coming to Christ is a place of repair. Whatever is needed there is a repair. Syria (where Paul’s ship went) means rock or stone. Don't carry too much, unload it. Isaiah 40:29-31.
When there are rivets to be repaired on the ship, you take it to the dock for repair. God will keep the ship afloat especially when you go to him for restoration. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus.

Don't let distractions remove you from your path to Jesus. And share with others to give them the opportunity to come to Christ. One thief next to Jesus on the cross accepted the offer of heaven, the other did not.
Don't look back. Release the old wine skin.
We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.
Unload your burdens on the one who carries you. Allow God to do his work while responding to do your assignment.

Verses for Today:
Acts 21:1-3 NIV
21 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo.



Lord, I thank you that I can unload my burdens on you, that you restore my strength, and that the Holy Spirit is available to direct me in the assignment you give me.

Acts 21:1-3 1 When we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a  straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara;  2

Sermons Archive | Christ Chapel Bible Church

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Sharing Beyond Books #456 Comment Giveaway March 18, 2023

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.  Sorry that I am a week late posting this month. In my brain it was set for mid month.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB #455: Life's Simple Pleasures asked: Has the pandemic turned you into a gardener? Be it flowers/leafy plants as a hobby or a vege gardener for food??
Two commenters added house plants during the pandemic but only one added indoor due to the pandemic. Two of us continued to work so had not new hobbies. One commenter has always had plants and needs to remember them now that she is working more hours. The sixth commenter indicated she lives in a condo so no veggie gardens.

The Winner from SBB #455 comments is #5 ASHFA 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 #456
(One Question.)
Miki asks: Do you want goodies (mug, pillow, etc?) from your favourite series or do you prefer when author sticks to books only??
I did enjoy goodies, even bookmarks, for a few years. Now I rarely enter giveaways and I am apt to send mugs and t-shirts to yard sale.

Image found at Ignited Ink Writing.
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.
March question was provided by MIKI who gets a GC credit.


Your turn to share.
Miki asks: Do you want goodies (mug, pillow, etc?) from your favourite series or do you prefer when author sticks to books only??

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.
The deadline is a month, until April 15, 2023.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 5 PM central.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails