Karin Slaughter is one of my favorite authors. Pieces of Her has been sitting on my TBR pile for about a year now. I finally got sick of staring at itKarin Slaughter is one of my favorite authors. Pieces of Her has been sitting on my TBR pile for about a year now. I finally got sick of staring at it on my shelf but I have not had time in my schedule to read it. So I picked up the audiobook instead. It is narrated by Kathleen Early. As always with Karin Slaughter, the book begins quite dramatically. Andrea goes out to lunch at the mall with her mother, Laura. The area explodes with bullets. Andrea watches people die and her mother get shot. However, her mother is able to distract the shooter and take him down. This event triggers a series of events that have Andrea on the run and learning that her mother is not who she has known her whole life.
If you haven’t heard this book is going to be a series on Netflix! I think that this book will translate wonderfully into a series. The beginning starts off strong and ends strong. The story consists of multiple points of view. The timeline also jumps from the present to the 80s. Between the switching of points of view and the time jumps, I have to admit the pace does slow down quite a bit. However, Karin Slaughter is pretty much the queen when it comes to weaving the story together. All the points that I thought were needless and drawn out ended up coming together in the end. I wasn’t a huge fan of Andrea, but she did grow on me. I hated Jane at first, but her character development is just superb! I can’t wait to see who they cast for the characters.
As far as the narrator goes, Kathleen Early does a marvelous job. She captures the suspense and fear in each character. I discovered that she narrates most of Karin Slaughter’s works. Good to know!!
I am so excited to see the book adapted into a Netflix series, now can they do the same for the Will Trent series!! I rate this audiobook 4 out of 5 stars....more
This book had me at Lin Manuel Miranda. When I saw Gmorning, Gnight! I clicked, “borrow” as fast as I could. If you are not on Twitter then you may noThis book had me at Lin Manuel Miranda. When I saw Gmorning, Gnight! I clicked, “borrow” as fast as I could. If you are not on Twitter then you may not be familiar with Lin Manuel Miranda’s encouraging tweets. The man behind Hamilton and all his other gifts he has given to us uses Twitter to write little words to his followers. One for Gmorning and one for Gnight. The words aren’t extravagant, they are simple, and just what people need to hear when they wake up and when they lay their heads down to go to sleep.
We do not deserve Lin Manuel Miranda. He understands emotions and his words truly make you feel his caring nature. I am one of his followers and I am not alone when I say, that I look forward to those words every morning and night.
This is the audiobook version and quite honestly, there are not enough words to describe how much I recommend this version. Lin Manuel Miranda narrates the book himself. I want to record clips of it and set it as my alarm ring so I just wake up to positive words. It is the perfect way to start and end the day. The only downside is that the book is only 45 minutes long. I never wanted it to end. This book obviously gets 5 out of 5 stars!...more
My bookclub’s first book club selection of 2020 is The Joy of Missing Out by Tonya Dalton. We wanted something inspiring and motivational to kick off My bookclub’s first book club selection of 2020 is The Joy of Missing Out by Tonya Dalton. We wanted something inspiring and motivational to kick off the new year. The majority of us are moms so we can totally relate to the content of this book. There are so many things to juggle between sports schedules, school, work, etc… This book shows readers how to prioritize the important items in life-how to put what is important, front and center. With this overwhelming world, we often lose belief in ourselves and we lose focus on what really matters. We begin to limit ourselves and find that our lives are defined by our choices. Tonya Dalton gives examples and provides many different scenarios within the book. The focus is to use our most precious commodity, time, more wisely.
I was so so excited about this book and honestly, it is great. Especially for those who struggle with organizing their time and just feel like they could barely keep their head above water. Unfortunately, nothing in this book is really groundbreaking. It says the same old thing other self-help books have said but just focuses on motherhood. That being said, I have implemented many of these techniques LONG before I knew this book existed. Many times I found myself waiting for the “AHA” moment. It never came. The book starts off incredibly strong and ends beautifully. The middle left me struggling to pay attention. The examples she uses are not relatable. Sorry, but I don’t plan to be Warren Buffet, nor do I want to be. I just want to successfully get through each day feeling like a great person and a great mom. I often found that the examples and the scenarios were a little privileged. This book is not for the mom who has to work 2 or 3 jobs and has to choose between bills and food. I have been in that situation and if I would have read this book then— I would have thrown it across the room.
The author is the narrator and I know she hosts a podcast. But honestly, the narration was a problem for me. She accented certain words. For example, “We are LIMITING ourselves.” or “LET’s focus ON what REALLY matters.” It drove me nuts, so I probably won’t be listening to the podcast. It just wasn’t for me. Since the podcast is successful, I am assuming it is just a me thing. Anyway, I almost rated this book 2 stars based on my enjoyment. But then I thought about it. The ideas and tips are great and could be helpful. I just already do most of what is suggested. This book also comes with a reading guide for readers to help put these tools to the test. So I actually rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I hope this book helps others to find their North Star....more
I have been spending too much money on audiobooks recently, so I decided to give the app, Libby a try. I love it. It connects to your library card andI have been spending too much money on audiobooks recently, so I decided to give the app, Libby a try. I love it. It connects to your library card and there are many electronic ebooks and audiobooks available. I found A Dance of Silver and Shadow by Melanie Cellier, narrated by Esther Wane on Libby and I was immediately drawn to the cover. It is gorgeous. AND it is a fairytale retelling. Not just any fairytale, it is a 12 Dancing Princesses retelling. That is one of my favorite fairytales and I rarely see it as a retelling. This story is the first book in the Beyond the Four Realms series. Apparently, there is also a Four Realms series, which I already purchased the first book. Anyway, this book begins with twin princesses, Liliana and Sophie arriving on a diplomatic trip to the country of Marin. Upon arriving, they are forced to participate in an ancient tourney called by the cursed prince of Palinar. No one knew this tourney would be called, but they have to abide by the ancient laws or lose their life. No one but the princesses know what the tourney involves and they are sworn to secrecy. However, no one knows that Liliana and Sophie have the gift of telepathic communication. The princess who wins the tourney will be engaged to the cursed Prince of Palinar. Each event will test their strength, wit, courage, and compassion. Liliana is determined to win to spare her sister and the other girls from an unwanted marriage, even though it will break her heart to also lose the man she soon falls in love with…
I LOVE fairytale retellings. Are they unique? Definitely. Are they predictable? Of course. But I still love them. This version is not that different but I love it. It really highlights how there are more to these girls than pretty dresses and ballroom knowledge. These girls are fierce, smart, clever, and they care deeply for one another. I also love how the men respect them and know they are more than just a pretty face.
My favorite part is the connection between Lily and Sophie. They are sisters, twins, and already have that connection but their gift takes it a step further. They have always been together and connected. This tourney will test them and show them that they are individuals as well. They have to learn independence if they are going to thrive. As I said, I already purchased the first book in the first series so I can go through and read them all. They are quick reads or in this case, listens. Oh! That brings me to the narrator, Esther Wane. She is a wonderful narrator. She expressed the perfect amount of emotion and grasped each individual character. Bravo!
Overall, this is an entertaining read! I rate this audiobook 4 out of 5 stars....more
And just like that, it is the end of January, but I listened to this lovely book back during Christmas. A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss is written by PaAnd just like that, it is the end of January, but I listened to this lovely book back during Christmas. A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss is written by Paula Quinn and narrated by Carrington MacDuffie. This is the fifth book in the Highland Heirs series. I believe this is my first Paula Quinn book, which is surprising because I see her books everywhere in Romancelandia. I have a weakness for historical romance, especially when Highlander’s are involved. What can I say? I like a brooding man in a kilt. This story introduces one brooding Highlander named Cailean Grant who is a Black Rider. The Black Riders are pretty much swords for hire. He never meant to become this, but heartbreak throughout his life led him on a path on anger and retribution. This path eventually leads him to Linavar, where Temperance Menzie lives with her grandmother. Her father was killed by the hands of the Black Riders. When Cailean Grant ends up needing her care due to an injury, she can’t help but fall for the mysterious man. Cailean has never met anyone like Temperance before but will he lose her when she learns the truth about him?
If you are looking for a steamy romance for Christmas time, then this is a lovely choice. Does it have its flaws? Absolutely. But I enjoyed listening to it by the tree regardless of some of the issues. One great thing about this book is the characters! I loved all of them. Even the antagonist. I loved to hate him. That is always fun. The book starts off pretty heavy when Temperance’s father is murdered before her eyes. The writing really captures the emotion in this scene. However, it is Temperance’s spirit and determination that is truly inspirational. She wants revenge no matter the cost, but is still there for those around her and does not seem to lose her trust in those she loves. Then there is Cailean. Brooding-check. Well-built-check. Not looking for love but finds it anyway-check. He is complicated and broken and only Temperance can heal his heart. But my dude gets way ahead of himself all the time. He falls in love so quickly, starts making plans to marry Temperance before he even tells her who he really is. I wanted to go full Genie on Aladdin status by screaming, “TELL HER THE TRUTH!!” God, it was excruciating to keep listening. This sounds like it added suspense…no. Just frustration…and not the good kind.
That brings me to my first issue. Some of the writing and dialogue was a little…cheesy. I feel like the author was trying to add so much to the characters that the story got lost. For instance, Cailean is not only an amazing fighter but loves to cook and write. Those things honestly felt forced and did not add much for me. Then there is Temperance’s love for farming and gardening. She actually says she can’t move to the Highlands because she can’t live without gardening. Hey, that is totally fine, I love gardening too and there are some things I can’t live without. But again, it felt forced. Then there were the awkward descriptions. For instance, Temperance misses his flawless jaw? I actually had to rewind to make sure I heard the narrator right. Now, I haven’t seen my husband’s jaw in over a decade because of his beard, but it wasn’t actually something I ever noticed. To each their own?
Now for the narrator. Sigh. The narrator was good, but probably not the best choice for this book. The voice sounded older than the characters, except for Temperance. The Scottish accent was great, but the accent for Temperance did not work for me. Temperance’s voice is so high pitched she sounded like a 12-year-old. So it sounded like an older brooding man sweet-talking a child. IT. WAS. WEIRD.
I will probably go back and read the book rather than listen to it. But it made for a lovely Christmas read/listen. It is filled with enough action to keep my interest and I loved the characters and the romance. The voicing is the major issue for me. So I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars....more
I read Circe and was completely bewitched so I jumped at the chance to listen to The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, read by Frazer Douglas. For I read Circe and was completely bewitched so I jumped at the chance to listen to The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, read by Frazer Douglas. For those who are familiar with the Iliad, then the name Patrocles will ring a bell. The story is set in Ancient Greece and we meet Patrocles. He is a young child and not the boy his father imagined. After an accident leaves a boy dead, Patrocles is exiled to Phythia. He will live in the halls of King Peleus. He becomes friends with Prince Achilles, who is the son of a sea nymph, Thetis. Their bond grows more and more as they grow up together. Achilles is training to be the greatest warrior of his time, but Patrocles is always beside him. Soon Helen of Sparta is kidnapped by Paris of Troy and war has been declared. Achilles is lured by the prospect of glory. Patrocles cannot let the love of his life go without him, no matter the cost.
Another win for Madeline Miller! I was absolutely captivated from the first page. Madeline Miller’s education in Greek literature is obvious. Her writing completely immerses readers in the Greek world. What makes this story even more special is Patrocles. I loved him from the very beginning. At first glance, he may seem weak or a coward. But he isn’t. He is aware of his place from the very beginning and succumbs to it. That is until he meets Achilles. He never has experience with compassion or love, so what he has with Achilles is everything to him. But his relationship with Achilles challenges to discover more about himself and what he is capable of. Their relationship isn’t perfect. There is Thetis who strives for Achilles to become a God and has a complete and utter disdain for Patrocles. She pretty much is the Mother-in-Law from hell with supernatural abilities. However, because Patrocles is amazing, he understands the complexity of her relationship with Achilles.
When the war in Troy begins, both Achilles and Patrocles go through so much development. They pretty much go from boys to men throughout the course of the war. Then comes my next favorite character…Briseis. I loved her and Patrocles. Patrocles may not have been physically strong but he had a bigger heart and more courage than any hero.
Now, let me say this…this book will rip your heart out. The emotions drawn in this story hit every feel in my heart. I sobbed and sobbed. So be warned. This story is utterly beautiful and tragic. Also, I forgot to mention the narrator, Frazer Douglas does an absolutely perfect job at reading this story. He captures all the emotion and love. This book gets 5 perfect stars. I will be buying it (I borrowed from Libby) so I have a copy to reread again and again, just like with Circe....more
I have been in a thriller mood for months. When selecting my next book, I lean towards a murder mystery, crime novel, or a thriller. So it is no surprI have been in a thriller mood for months. When selecting my next book, I lean towards a murder mystery, crime novel, or a thriller. So it is no surprise that I picked up Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, narrated by Helen Duff at the library. I enjoyed the last Lisa Jewell audiobook, so I had high hopes for this one as well. The book is broken up between “Then” and “Now” and follows the points of view of multiple characters. The main character is Laurel, the mother of three teenage children. They say parents don’t have a favorite, but Laurel does. Her golden girl is Ellie. She is clever and has her whole life before her when she goes to the library, but never returns. There are never any leads and it destroys her family. Years later, Laurel meets a charming man in a cafe. They begin a whirlwind romance and Laurel is shocked when she meets his daughter, Poppy. Poppy looks exactly like Ellie. There is something suspicious happening. What happened to Ellie and why does this charming stranger feel like he is linked to her disappearance?
I am very particular when it comes to multiple points of view in books. If it is not done correctly then I find the book tedious. This book transitioned from each point of view smoothly. The pace never slowed down and I was always interested in the story. Now, there are a ton of “missing girl” thrillers out there. This book definitely has a unique spin on that trope. I did find the twists very predictable. I felt that they were actually pretty obvious relatively early. However, I am actually surprised by how dark the story became. A lot of authors flirt with the disturbing line and Lisa Jewell had no problem tap-dancing on that line–which I appreciated. It kept the pace moving and it exposed more about the characters.
Speaking of the characters, they are absolutely fantastic. At first, I was not sure about Laurel. I found her typical and selfish. However, as the story goes on, her development is quite extraordinary. I love how even as her children are older, she is able to discover how to be a better mom and she learns from her mistakes.
I am still not sure how I feel about the narration. The narrator does a good job with all the different accents in the story. However, I did not like some of the voices for different characters. For instance, her voice for Laurel’s other daughter Hannah. It is very deep and low. There were times that I almost couldn’t understand what Hannah was saying because it was not enunciated as well. So overall, I rate this audiobook 4 out of 5 stars. Between the predictability and narration issues, I could not give it a perfect score. Although, I do recommend this book for those who enjoy thrillers. ...more
I know, it took me long enough. I have actually only read one Gillian Flynn book and that is Gone Girl, which I really enjoyed. It has been years but I know, it took me long enough. I have actually only read one Gillian Flynn book and that is Gone Girl, which I really enjoyed. It has been years but I remember being slightly disappointed in the ending. When Sharp Objects became available on Libby, I just had to get it. This audiobook is narrated by Ann Marie Lee. *WARNING* POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
The story begins with an extremely troubled journalist, Camille. She doesn’t exactly have the greatest family. So much so, she dreads being sent to her home town to cover a story of one girl that was killed and another missing. Her mother is like royalty in this small town and Camille hardly knows anything about her step-sister, Amma. She stays with her family, just until she is done with her story. However, even one day would be too long. Turns out Amma is not a typical 13-year-old girl. She acts one way for their mother and is a monster out in public. Soon, the other missing girl turns up. She has been murdered too. The cases both point to a serial killer and her family seems way too close to it. Camille is determined to get this story, but her past issues start to come back, making it difficult to do her job.
This book is Mommy Dearest: The Next Level. Goodness, the dysfunction in this family is something. Really something. There were points where it is so twisted, it wasn’t actually believable. However, it did make for great suspense. Ann Marie Lee, the narrator, also did a fantastic job of conveying that suspense.
This book throws many serious topics at the readers: self-mutilation, mental illness, bullying, depression, alcoholism, abuse, assault….the list goes on. Somehow, all these topics don’t weigh down the story but just add to the suspense. I never felt bored, mostly shocked. Gillian Flynn really flirts with that twisted line.
Besides the not believable storyline, the other thing I wasn’t a fan of is the characters. Quite honestly, I hated every single one. There is not one single likable character. I just needed one. Just one. However, the ending is not all that predictable which is a win for me. So overall, I rate this audiobook 3 out of 5 stars! I definitely intend to watch the show soon!...more
You all probably know by now that I have a weakness for audiobook thrillers. So it is no surprise that I picked And Then You Were Gone by R.J. Jacobs You all probably know by now that I have a weakness for audiobook thrillers. So it is no surprise that I picked And Then You Were Gone by R.J. Jacobs and read by Amy McFadden. The story introduces Emily Firestone, a child psychologist and who is also bipolar. One weekend, she and her boyfriend Paolo go sailing. When she wakes up after a deep sleep, Paolo is gone. There is no way he drowned, but then what happened to him. His assumed death is linked to his work as a scientist coming up with a vaccination for a deadly disease that had taken the life of Emily’s father when she was younger. However, due to her instability, she immediately becomes a suspect. She recruits the help of Paolo’s best friend, but more mysterious deaths begin to happen. Can they find answers before it is too late?
UGHHHHHHH! I had high hopes for this book. I saw that fans of Alice Feeney would enjoy this book. Welp. I did not enjoy it. Where to begin? First of all, I love when authors discuss mental illness to reduce the stigma. When they first mention that Emily is bipolar, I was thrilled. They discuss what she experiences and how everyone is different. That is absolutely wonderful. I started listening to the book thinking that this book will be phenomenal. As the book went on, I discovered that Emily’s bipolar disorder is the only thing that defines her. I feel that discussing mental illness is one thing, but those who suffer from any mental illness are not defined by it. It felt like she mentioned bipolar every single time she spoke. I struggle with OCD and anxiety. It wreaks havoc on my life daily. But it is not the only thing about me. Emily is not the only character that lacks dimension. It seems like all the characters in the story are very similar. Also, for how much Emily claims she isn’t an alcoholic, she sure drinks a lot. She seems like she is always drinking and even gets a DUI. But nope, alcohol is not a problem. (sarcasm)
I have not quite decided what the problem is with my next issue. I can’t tell if it is the dialogue, the narration, or perhaps both? The author was trying to give Emily wit and sarcasm and it just came off cheesy and cringeworthy. The narration did not help it. I can’t quite describe it but the way Emily’s voice was portrayed, came off annoying.
Lastly, the pace of this novel is unbelievably slow. And the twist? Predictable. So, unfortunately, I have to rate this book 2 out of 5 stars. I appreciate what the author was trying to do with shedding light on mental illness but it was not executed well.
Oh! Merry Christmas! Sorry, this is not a more positive and happy blog post! I hope you all have a wonderful time filled with happiness and joy beyond measure!...more
“But wealth isn’t a magic lamp that suddenly erases all your problems. Imagine being a large bird in a tiny—but golden—cage. … I’m free here. Having t“But wealth isn’t a magic lamp that suddenly erases all your problems. Imagine being a large bird in a tiny—but golden—cage. … I’m free here. Having the freedom to choose is better than having everything you want.”
A WHOLE NEW WORLD What if Jafar summoned the Genie first…instead of Aladdin? A Whole New World by Liz Braswell is a Twisted Tale of Aladdin. Agrabah is a beautiful place to live for some, but it is also full of hardships for others. Jasmine lives her life in a gilded cage and yearns for freedom. Aladdin scrapes by for food and watches the people around him struggle to survive. Meanwhile, Jafar is determined to find the lamp and with the help of Aladdin, he gets what he wants. Instead of Abu taking the lamp like in the story we know, Jafar summons the Genie first and uses his first two wishes. Jasmine and Aladdin become revolutionaries to stop Jafar from destroying everything and everyone around them.
Ok. So this isn’t the WORST Twisted Tale book that I have read. They have mostly been misses, especially the Sleeping Beauty Twisted Tale, Once Upon a Time. My favorite so far is the Beauty and the Beast Twisted Tale, As Old As Time. But this one falls somewhere in between those two. I would have liked to see more of the Genie—I mean, that is really who we all want to see right? A larger-than-life personality, great one-liners, yeah he was in this book for a grand total of 5 minutes–Which is strange because there are several scenes that are word for word from the movie.
I did love Jasmine’s transformation. She becomes a leader. She gets to be among the people and see what they truly need from their leader. However, the writing just fell a little short, there is more to this culture than the baklava. Although, the narrator, James Patrick Cronin did a wonderful job getting into every character! So overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars....more
“When you’re young, you think the world will make room for who you are and what you want…. And then you find the world of adults is even more limiting“When you’re young, you think the world will make room for who you are and what you want…. And then you find the world of adults is even more limiting than the world of children. With no room for adventure, much less yer own thoughts.”
STRAIGHT ON TILL MORNING Straight on till Morning by Liz Braswell is one book in Disney’s Twisted Tales series. This book, if it isn’t obvious, is a twist on Disney’s Peter Pan. The tagline for this book is, “what if Wendy first traveled to Neverland with Captain Hook?” Wendy’s parents are exhausted with her. They love her but she is different and she keeps writing stories in her journal. But now they see they have no choice. They are sending her to Ireland to care for some cousins, in hopes it helps her grow up. She refuses to be sent away, but where should she go? The only place she could think of is Neverland, but how could she get there. Peter Pan left his shadow with her but hasn’t returned in years. So she makes a decision she will regret. She makes a deal with Peter Pan’s enemy…Captain Hook. She gives him the shadow in exchange for passage to Neverland.
Why don’t I ever learn? My first Twisted Tale book was As Old As Time -a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I absolutely loved it. Then I tried the Sleeping Beauty retelling, Once Upon a Dream and I was so disappointed, especially since Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney movie. But I didn’t give up. I then read Conceal, Don’t Feel -a Frozen retelling, and Part of Your World– A Little Mermaid retelling. And each time I have been disappointed. My hopes weren’t completely high for this book because Peter Pan was never one of my favorites, but the tagline did catch my attention and I have a thing for pirates. Pirate stories are always interesting. And I stand by that when it comes to this book. I really enjoyed reading about Wendy’s journey aboard Captain Hook’s book. But everything else was just dull. I did love how it tried to be inclusive. I also loved the descriptions of Neverland. But I just couldn’t bring myself to be really invested in this story. So I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
The audio narrator, Lorna Bennett did a lovely job. Now you are probably wondering if this is my last Disney Twisted Tale book. Probably not. There is still A Whole New (Aladdin), Reflection (Mulan), Mirror Mirror (Snow White), So This Is Love (Cinderella), UnBirthday (Alice in Wonderland), Go The Distance (Hercules), and What Once Was Mine (Rapunzel) –so I should keep trying, right? RIGHT?!...more
Here is another Chirpbooks discovery! Little Darlings by Melanie Golding and narrated by Stephanie Racine is a chilling psychological thriller! LaurenHere is another Chirpbooks discovery! Little Darlings by Melanie Golding and narrated by Stephanie Racine is a chilling psychological thriller! Lauren Tranter gives birth to beautiful twins boys, Morgan and Riley. The birth is extremely traumatic and she is immediately thrown into challenges of motherhood. She is tired and struggling with nursing her two boys. That night in the hospital she looks up to see a woman in torn clothing, with a basket. She starts singing and talking about taking Lauren’s boys. Lauren panics but the hospital can’t find any evidence of the woman and puts her on some psychotic medication. She traps herself in her house, and her husband worries. He encourages her to go out. That day, she makes a mistake… she falls asleep. When she wakes up her boys are gone. When they are found, the babies may look like her babies, but Lauren knows that they are not hers. Where are her babies? And what are the things that took their place?
Oh, baby! This audiobook gave me the chills. I was driving home one night by myself and I actually had to turn it off because it freaked me out! This is what I call a psychological thriller! Is Lauren suffering from a mental breakdown or is she telling the truth? Could that witch have taken her babies and switched them with changelings?
First of all, Lauren is a phenomenal main character. The emotion is so descriptive and really pulls at the heartstrings. However, there is always that shadow of doubt…which I love! I hate when books are predictable and this book is definitely not predictable. With Lauren, one of the things that I really appreciated is the accurate depiction of a first-time mom or just motherhood in general. The stress, the exhaustion, the judgment…and she has twins! So it is double the stress and exhaustion. Her husband, Patrick, is a piece of crap. God, if I could reach into this story and punch him in the face, I would! He is not supportive, understanding, or loyal. Lauren deserves better, in my opinion. There is also Detective Harper, who believes Lauren. Thank heavens, Lauren needs someone in her corner! She is smart and clever and I would definitely like to see her in another mystery novel.
I did love the mystical aspect of the story as well. There are lots of references to The Brothers Grimm and changelings. It really challenged the reader’s logical thinking of reality.
Now for the star…Stephanie Racine, the narrator! I have listened to her narrate other audiobooks before and I must say she is my absolute favorite. She really channels in the emotion and the personalities of all the different characters. She is absolutely marvelous and I plan to just find all the books she has narrated.
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 spectacular stars. Can this please be made into a movie??...more
Well, I am all caught up. Sword of Kings by Bernard Cornwell is the 12th book in the Saxon Stories series. BooPOSSIBLE SPOILERS! I AM WARNING YOU NOW.
Well, I am all caught up. Sword of Kings by Bernard Cornwell is the 12th book in the Saxon Stories series. Book 13 is expected to come out this year, and time cannot go fast enough. Uhtred has been in this position before and he didn’t expect to be in it again. Life finally started to make sense. Then King Edward dies. Now the two possible heirs to the throne are at war and once again, Uhtred must choose a side. Only one can be King and the other will die.
Normally I say that Uhtred can’t catch a break. He is always being pulled into every battle and war against his wishes. Normally his life or his loved ones’ lives depend on it. This time, Uhtred could have stayed home. He could have minded his own business. But Uhtred made an oath, and he takes those very seriously. Even his BFF, Finan said screw the oath! But Uhtred doesn’t listen to anyone, occasionally the Gods-but that is why we love him.
Again, the history and the battle sequences are unrivaled. They are perfection, as they always are with Bernard Cornwell’s works. I have now read 13 of his books and I can honestly say they are some of the best historical fiction I have ever read. Matt Bates is the narrator again and once again, he nails it. He really gets into the story and becomes all of the characters. Another 5 out of 5 stars for Bernard Cornwell....more
Chirp books has struck again! I am obsessed. This time I bought Black Flags, Blue Waters by Eric Jay Dolin and read by Paul Brion. You all know how I Chirp books has struck again! I am obsessed. This time I bought Black Flags, Blue Waters by Eric Jay Dolin and read by Paul Brion. You all know how I can’t resist anything about pirates, especially pirate history. This book is the epic history of America’s most notorious pirates. In this book, the author goes into as much detail about the pirates, society and economics that affected pirates, and those in the American colonies who supported pirates. There are details of Captain Kidd, Edward Teach (also known as Blackbeard), Sam Bellamy, and many more! There are also many historical figures who come into play, like Benjamin Franklin. The time period of this nonfiction spans the Golden Age of Piracy which goes from 1600 to the early 1700s.
As I said above, I love pirate history…well, anything to do with pirates. I think what I find most fascinating is how pirates came to be. Belonging to a place, at that time, was a sense of pride. Pirates seceded from their place and pillaged and exactly violence in many different nations. It is not hard to figure out why they came to be though. They are a product of their society. Men who had debts were often press-ganged into the navy, which didn’t exactly have the best conditions. They depended on commerce and trade to make their living. Even though they were not popular at the time, their deeds inspired stories, legends, and lore.
The book can be a little slow-paced, especially for someone who may not find the topic interesting. However, since this is something I am interested in, the pace did not bother me. A few years ago, I was able to see the Whydah treasure in San Diego’s Natural History Museum. It really brings the stories to life when seeing something like that in a museum.
The narrator does a fantastic job of reading the story. He has a clear and firm voice that even adds a bit of suspense, especially when reading about the battles. Overall, I rate this audiobook 4 out of 5 stars!...more
I really enjoy Meg Gardiner! I loved Into the Black Nowhere. So when I discovered that my library had Random River I just had to have it. Ransom RiverI really enjoy Meg Gardiner! I loved Into the Black Nowhere. So when I discovered that my library had Random River I just had to have it. Ransom River written by Meg Gardiner, read by Angela Dawe is a thrilling suspense story. This book goes back and forth between two time periods: the present and 20 years prior. In the present, Rory Mackenzie is a juror on a high-profile case. She did not want to come back to her hometown but circumstances have led her back. The case involves a police shooting and is already getting a lot of heat. That is… until two gunmen storm the court room and hold everyone hostage. After the hostage situation is over, the police think that Rory had something to do with it. With help from her ex-boyfriend, Seth, she needs to figure out why she is being singled out in this event. The evidence leads them to a robbery that took place 20 years before…
Meg Gardiner flawlessly ties up all the ends in her stories and misdirects her readers. I could not predict the ending, as the plot had kept twisting and turning. Another thing is the pace kicks off right away. There is never a lull in the pacing. There is a constant sense of danger and suspense. The connection of both the crimes is actually brilliant. The jumping back and forth between the time periods did get a little tedious, especially when it focused on Rory’s cousins. I cringed every time Rory’s cousins entered the story. I am grateful they weren’t the only antagonists. However, I really enjoyed Rory’s character. She is strong, smart, and brave. I did love her relationship with Seth. It is flawed and relatable.
The narrator, Angela Dawe did a fantastic job at reading this book. She is able to display the emotion and tension. Overall, it is definitely worth listening to Ransom River. The crime and the suspense are phenomenal. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars....more
Oh, Chirp Books, how I love thee. It gives me a chance to go back and revisit my favorite classics. I got a copy of Persuasion by Jane Austen on audioOh, Chirp Books, how I love thee. It gives me a chance to go back and revisit my favorite classics. I got a copy of Persuasion by Jane Austen on audio, narrated by Greta Scacchi. If you haven’t read this one, you absolutely must. Anne Elliot was once betrothed to Frederick Wentworth. However, she is convinced by her family friend, Lady Russell, that it is not a good match. So Anne breaks the engagement. Eight years later, she is consumed with disappointment and regret. Frederick Wentworth returns from the navy as a successful captain. Anne realizes her feelings are still there, but has he forgiven her? Is the love they once had for each other still there?
“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you.”
-Captain Wentworth, Persuasion
If that line doesn’t make you swoon, then nothing will. That line is utterly iconic and is probably one of the most romantic classic scenes ever. I love everything about this book. The emotions are so strong and realistic. The characters are delightful. Anne is a wonderful heroine. She is kind, thoughtful, and usually thinks of others before herself. Of course, Captain Wentworth is perfect. He struggles with anger, confusion, and jealousy, but those emotions make sense with how he was treated.
I have read this book many times and I feel it is very under-appreciated in comparison to Pride and Prejudice. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars....more
The Deep by Rivers Solomon with Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathon Snipes is something so magical and quite unique. It is based on the song, TThe Deep by Rivers Solomon with Daveed Diggs, William Hutson, and Jonathon Snipes is something so magical and quite unique. It is based on the song, The Deep by Clipping which was nominated for a Hugo Award. Think of The Little Mermaid, but something more emotional and raw. Yetu is a young mermaid. She holds the memories of her people. Every. Single. Emotion. She is what her people call, “This Historian.” The memories of her people are difficult and traumatic. They are descendants of those pregnant enslaved women who were thrown overboard during the slave trade. These memories are sometimes more than she can bear, so she flees to the surface and learns even more about her people.
““We must each be where we belong.” “What is belonging?” we ask. She says, “Where loneliness ends.”
THE DEEP This is a beautiful novella. This read felt like it was over too quickly. I would have loved a full novel. The language, the history, the people—they had so much depth and it was over so fast. I can see how many would think that the pacing is slow in this book. But the development is everything. Yetu is bestowed with pain and trauma, so that is all we know about her. When she flees and learns more about the beginnings of her people, we start to see her shine and grow.
I don’t want to say much more because that may give away the ending and some spoilers. But I would also suggest listening to the song as well. Both together are just something magical, emotional, and unique.
Do I really need to comment on Daveed Diggs as a narrator? Because I think we all know that he is amazing and should just narrate every book that ever existed for all time. But I digress. This book gets 5 out of 5 stars....more
I know I have mentioned this before but I LOVE Chirp. It is so nice to be able to listen to an audiobook when you don’t have the time to reread any moI know I have mentioned this before but I LOVE Chirp. It is so nice to be able to listen to an audiobook when you don’t have the time to reread any more books. I just listened to Emma by Jane Austen, read by Jenny Agutter. This is not my favorite Jane Austen novel, but I still adore it.
Emma Woodhouse thinks herself as a successful matchmaker and also thinks very highly of herself. After one success at matchmaking her governess and a dear friend, she continues to insert herself in the lives of her friends…but as it turns out, she is quite oblivious as those around her.
This Jane Austen classic touches on subjects that were in the wealthier society of England. The societal rules and formalities can make one’s head spin. There is also the concept of the wealthier being involved with those in lower classes and soon the lines begin to blur. But the star is Emma. She is the center of everything. She represents a woman who is self-assured and educated who is not afraid to be herself in a time when women were considered to be beneath men. Romance is somehow not a huge theme even though the story involves couples coming together. I love that deep down it is about women friendships, confidence, and finding oneself in a man’s world.
I love, love, love the narrator, Jenny Agutter! She really captured the voices and tone of the novel. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! If you love Jane Austen or classics, then this one is a treasure!...more
“Dinosaurs had been around for over 150 million years when their time of reckoning came. They had endured hardships, evolved superpowers like fast met“Dinosaurs had been around for over 150 million years when their time of reckoning came. They had endured hardships, evolved superpowers like fast metabolisms and enormous size, and vanquished their rivals so that they ruled an entire planet…
Then, literally, in a split second, it ended.”
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE DINOSAURS The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Stephen Brusatte has been on my radar for some time. In fact, I had it on hold on Libby for quite some time when it finally came in! The audiobook is narrated by Patrick Lawlor. Now, before I dive into the synopsis of this book and my thoughts, let me say, science does not come easy to me. I have always loved learning about all kinds of scientific aspects involved with Earth, it just takes a little longer for me to fully grasp the more complex theories. In fact, when I was little I wanted to study earthquakes and volcanoes and chase storms. But then I fell in love with history. Thankfully this book blends history and science so perfectly! Stephen Brusatte is a paleontologist who specializes in the evolution of dinosaurs. So he is the perfect person to write a brief history from the beginning of time to the end of the dinosaurs…well what we know as dinosaurs. One of the things he is very insistent on is that dinosaurs still exist today. They are everywhere and we see them every day. They are birds. They survived and flourished! But the T-Rex, triceratops, raptors… the dinosaurs that come to mind when we think of dinosaurs going extinct 65 million years ago.
I remember taking an ancient history class back in college. We started at the beginning with the first appearance of humans, but to fully understand the timeline, we went back to the beginning. Our teacher had said something to the effect that if the history of Earth was a 24 clock, humans don’t appear until 11:58 p.m. It was just his way of putting the history of Earth into perspective. This book reminded me of that class. Stephen Brusatte goes through the different eras, periods, and mass extinctions. Throughout these discussions, he also shares the scientists, researchers, and educators who have devoted their lives to the study and excavation of dinosaurs.
There are several aspects that I loved about this book. First, the author is very passionate about this subject. This subject could easily become dry and dull, but he brings a lightheartedness to it. There are also quite a few pop-culture references as well. I did love the section on the T-Rex. But the most fascinating part was learning about the different mass extinction events. He goes through the details of the Permian-Triassic extinction event, as well as the event that killed the dinosaurs. Overall, it was a wonderful read and I learned so much! I rate this audiobook 5 out of 5 stars....more
“The ghosts, she had sobbed. The ghosts wouldn’t like it…”
THE TURN OF THE KEY The Turn of the Key is my third Ruth Ware book and so far I believe it is“The ghosts, she had sobbed. The ghosts wouldn’t like it…”
THE TURN OF THE KEY The Turn of the Key is my third Ruth Ware book and so far I believe it is my favorite. Plus it is again narrated by Imogen Church who is a powerhouse narrator!
The book is written like a very long letter. More importantly, a letter to a lawyer. The person writing the letter is desperate for representation on her future court case and says that the only way to describe her innocence in the death of a child is to go back to the beginning. Rowan Cain stumbles upon an ad for a position that is just too good to be true. It is for a nanny position in the country and the pay is just outrageous and it is loads better than her current job. She is overjoyed when she is selected for an interview. She arrives at Heatherbrae House which is a beautiful country estate. The house is old, but everything is updated with the latest technology. The family seems utterly perfect. That is… until they aren’t. The parents whisk off to their jobs immediately, but not before the husband can make a pass on Rowan. But the children are obviously distraught with their parents’ frequent absences. The children are difficult, but the technology is even more difficult as she never has privacy from the cameras and the lights and music turn on and off constantly. Then there is the pacing in the attic above her room at night. Something or someone is behind the door.
This is all the twisty and eerie goodness that I wanted! Rowan’s character is completely flawed but honestly not a horrible person. But is she responsible for the death of a child? You will just have to read it to find out! What I really loved is how a lot of eerie books start with an eerie house, right? Well, yes, the house is old but that isn’t what’s eerie about it. It is the technology and how unpredictable it can be and how dangerous it can be when in the wrong hands. There are cameras everywhere and EVERYTHING is controlled by a tablet. Give me a light switch any day.
I saw many complaints about how slow the book is but I didn’t feel that way at all. It did take a while for her to finally get to the mystery of the door but the building suspense kept me on my toes and well as I said earlier, Imogen Church could never make a book boring.
The parents are despicable. Who just leaves their kid with a stranger after only meeting them once and NOT doing a thorough background check? It broke my heart how obvious it was that the children came in last when it came to their jobs. I lay all responsibility for the events in this book on the parents. Maybe if you go through 4 nanny’s in a matter of months there is something very, very wrong and maybe time to actually be a parent.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think it would make an excellent Netflix series! I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!...more
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