The Dress Shop of Dreams: 5 STARS

The Dress Shop of Dreams: 5 STARS

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Written by: Menna van Praag

Narrated by: Jane Carr

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05/05/2016

Publisher: Lamplight Audio

Source: Purchased Copy

5 STARS

Publishers Summary

Since her parents' mysterious deaths many years ago, scientist Cora Sparks has spent her days in the safety of her university lab or at her grandmother Etta's dress shop.

Tucked away on a winding Cambridge street, Etta's charming tiny store appears quite ordinary to passers-by, but the colourfully vibrant racks of beaded silks, delicate laces and jewel-toned velvets hold bewitching secrets - with just a few stitches from Etta's needle, these gorgeous gowns have the power to free a woman's deepest desires….

Review

A Serendipitous Purchase ...

This book is so very different to my usual crime fiction picks that even I wondered why I bought it. The thing is, I was in a bit of a reading slump, the audiobook on my app was awful, in both content and quality, so I returned it to Audible, something I rarely do.

I opened my Audible Australia page ready to spend my new credit and there, floating along on the slider, was this book entitled “The Dress Shop of Dreams” and I was, quite simply, drawn to it. 

A whimsical turn in behaviour for me I can tell you!

I was rapidly immersed in this entrancing story of clever Cora the scientist who lived for two things; her work and to discover the truth surrounding the death of her parents. Her Aunt Etta who, in her own special way, liked nothing better than to make right the troubled lives of others, and Walt, hapless Walt who had loved Cora since childhood.

The most fascinating aspect of the story is Etta’s Gift. She would just know if any of her customers were in need, she would sew her little red star into a dress and persuade them to try it on. Immediately they would feel transformed, and able to do whatever it took to change their lives for the better.

The story is, in fact a little more complex than it at first seems, there’s a little magic, a little love and a little mystery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this heart warming story and was very happy to sit back and let the mystical tale wash over me.

Narrator

Narrated by the fabulous Jane Carr, a voice that most listeners will recognise. Jane Carr has an acting resume as long as your arm including many popular television series.

I can’t fault her performance, she is a true professional . Every character is given a distinct and appropriate voice, eliminating any doubt as to who was speaking, that is a huge plus. Pacing is perfect, and she brings a sparkling vitality to the words and so bringing the story to life

I’m glad that I disregarded the “chicklit” label!

This book earned 5 Stars for the sheer enjoyment and pleasure it brought.

Book source: Own Copy

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The House by the Lake

The House by the Lake

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

• Written by: Ella Carey

  Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt

  Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

  Unabridged Audiobook

  Release Date:03-29-16

  Publisher: Brilliance Audio

  3 STARS

  Anna leaves her business in San Francisco to undertake a mission for her elderly grandfather. Seems he came from a wealthy family who owned a large estate in Prussia. They lost everything and were forced to leave during World War ll. Grandfather Max left something behind, he wants Anna to retrieve it

  Off she goes to Germany to find the precious possession, but getting access to the old house is proving difficult, everywhere she goes she is met by a cold unhelpfulness. She finds out that her beloved grandfather is certainly not loved in his home town, nobody though will tell her why.

  Eventually finding some help, Anna finally gains access to the house and to the secrets of the past, in doing so, she makes makes a new friend and ally.

  Review

  An interesting enough story, but I thought it was a bit lightweight. I don't feel I got to know Anna very well at all, her character could have done with a bit more back story to make her less one dimensional. There were a couple of moments when it seemed she might become interesting but those moments passed.

  The story is told by switching between the time periods and I enjoyed Max's era more so than Anna's. The characters seemed stronger and more vibrant, these periods had emotion and impact and were well written. One part in particular sticks in my mind, something I really wasn't expecting!

  At the end, everything fell into place very quickly and, I must say, a tad conveniently.

  I'd liken this to reading two stories, one is interesting, the other is not quite so interesting.

  Narrator
  

  Excellent narration by Teri Schnaubelt who injected life into the somewhat dull parts of the story. Teri mastered so many accents, flowing from one to the other in seamless fashion, making it seem easy. I would guess that the "Max" period was quite a challenge, so many accents, age and gender changes, those emotions! All beautifully delivered. Great job.

  Audiobook provided by the producer, author or narrator in return for an unbiased review.

  
  

  
  

 

 

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A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald. Natasha Lester

A Kiss from Mr. Fitzgerald. Natasha Lester

Monday, 16 May 2016

• Written by: Natasha Lester

  Narrated by: Kelly Burke

  Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins

  Unabridged Audiobook

  Release Date:26/04/2016

  Publisher: Audible Studios

  Source: own purchased copy

  5 STARS

  Publishers Summary (extract)

  It's 1922 in the Manhattan of gin, jazz and prosperity. Women wear makeup and hitched hemlines - and enjoy a new freedom to vote and work. Not so for Evelyn Lockhart, who is forbidden from pursuing her passion to become one of the first female doctors. Chasing her dream will mean turning her back on her family: her competitive sister, Viola; her conservative parents; and the childhood best friend she is expected to marry, Charlie.

  My Review

  The first thing to attract me to this book was the beautiful cover, it just screams "Roaring Twenties". I don't normally read anything romantic but the blurb mentions the Ziegfield Follies and medicine so, with that enticing cover also in my mind, I thought I'd give it a go.

  The first part of the book describes Evies' life being lived in the way expected of her, by her parents and by society, but something happens, something which completely changes her world view. Evie makes a life changing decision; she will become a doctor, an obstetrician. Her family refuse to help her in her outrageous ambition. Finally accepted into medical school Evie must find a way to support herself and she does so with style by working at the Ziegfield Follies.

  Nothing could have prepared Evie for the struggles to come, both in her work and in her personal life, but this is interspersed with a few joyful moments. There are some wonderful descriptions of the fashions of those times (visit the authors website to read more) and of the fantastic Follies costumes. The reader can't help but get swept up into it all, the glamour of the good times and also the somewhat gruesome bad times.

  I wondered what it was about this particular tale that I found so engrossing, as to be honest, there are plenty of stories out there where the protagonist has similar qualities to Evie. You know the sort of girl, rich and beautiful, multi talented, brave, clever and having the ability to overcome all odds with grace. You just know that all will be well in the end. What then makes this one so different?

  This book has a quality that endears, it provides escapism, and is wonderful, satisfying entertainment. Only one reason for that .......

  It's the writing, it is beautiful, flowing and it is thoughtful

  Narrated by Kelly Burke who is new to me. What a wonderful narration, this could not have been an easy task, what with the diverse cast of characters and length of the recording. Kelly gives a distinct and consistent voice to each and every character, male and female the old and the young. Kelly has a pleasant voice and she speaks with a lovely rhythmn and cadence. I love the way she conveys emotion, the sadness, anger, happiness and pain, all without overdoing anything. A thoroughly enjoyable, realistic and consistent performance

  This audiobook is my own copy.

  
  

 

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Marrying Stone by Pamela Morsi Kevin Clay

Marrying Stone by Pamela Morsi Kevin Clay

Friday, 4 March 2016

• Written by: Pamela Morsi

  Narrated by: Kevin Clay

  Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

  Unabridged Audiobook

  Release Date:01-07-16

  Publisher: Kiel Publishing

  Audible

  Outline

  It's the early 1900s and musicologist J. Monroe Farley (Roe) has travelled to the Ozarks. He has a theory and wants to study the music of the area.
  He meets up with the Best family, daughter Meggie believes he is the Prince Charming she has dreamed of for so many years. With both coming from completely different backgrounds, Meggie being raised in the Ozarks and Roe educated at Harvard, they certainly don't share the same life view. It is their different outlooks and different life expectations that provide the story with plenty of scope, some quite humorous.
  I found it quite slow to start, consequently it took me a while to become involved in the story, but I did like the way the characters slowly developed and moved towards an appreciative realisation of each others differences.
  I quite enjoyed the book and though I appreciate the quality and style of the writing, as it is a romance, albeit historical, I don't think I quite fit the intended readership, but the music helped it along.

  Narrator

A fine narration by Kevin Clay, I enjoyed the wonderful rhythmn and tone of his voice, very easy to listen to. His vocal gender changes and characterisations are excellent, the listener won't be left guessing at who is speaking. For me, he made the story more interesting, he carries it along at the right pace and his timing is spot on. I enjoyed the accents, being non-American I can't vouch for the accuracy but they sounded pretty good to me.

Disclaimer: audiobook provided by the narrator in return for an honest review
 
 

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Elective Procedures: Elle Harrison

Elective Procedures: Elle Harrison

Monday, 18 January 2016

• Written by: Merry Jones
• Narrated by: Cindy Piller
• Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-22-15
Publisher: Oceanview Publishing
Audible
3 Star Review

Publishers Summary

Elle Harrison is back! She and her pals Jen, Becky, and Susan travel to Mexico where Jen has arranged cosmetic surgery, after which she will recover in a plush hotel suite. But more is going on at the hotel than tummy tucks. Soon after they arrive, Elle sees the woman in the suite next door fall from her sixth floor balcony. When the room is later occupied by another patient, Elle finds her brutally mutilated body on that same balcony. Police question Elle as the last person to see these women alive. Their doctor also takes an interest in Elle; a woman staying at the hotel asks Elle to help her fend off a creepy stalker; a veiled woman sneaks into Elle's suite at night; and her late husband, Charlie, reappears (or Elle imagines that he does) when Elle gets pushed under water in the ocean and nearly drowns. As dangers swirl and intensify, Elle is forced to face her unresolved issues with Charlie, even as she races to find the connections between killings before more patients - including Jen - can be murdered. And before she herself becomes prey.

©2014 Merry Jones (P)2015 Oceanview Publishing

My Review

The story begins in Mexico where we discover Elle in a very dangerous, perilous predicament, we then flash back to several days prior to the trip, Becky and Elle are on their way to a girls night out, Becky has the hankering to consult with a fortune teller who tells her she is about to meet her special man. Against her better judgement, Elle was persuaded to also have a reading where she was given a strange but vague forecast:

"If you are wise, you will protect yourself", Elle immediately assumes the fortune teller is referring to the dead.
"You are stronger than you think, this is why they come to you"

Back to Mexico, where, as the blurb tells us, Jen has undergone her plastic surgery, despite having a private nurse to attend her, she constantly calls upon her friends to pander to her real and imagined needs. Jen is a bit of a fool, or else her surgeon omitted to gain an informed consent because she seems to have had no idea that undergoing invasive surgery, by its very nature, involves a degree of post operative discomfort. She does not suffer it well and there are some amusing passages involving her petulant demands and the begrudging responses of her friends!

The scenario set, the story then takes us back to the opening passage of the book, which, as it turns out, is Elles' attempt to save the life of the female stranger in the adjoining hotel room, a failed attempt. The woman's death quickly turns in to a police inquiry, where Elles explanation of the sequence of events is viewed as being an unlikely story by the investigating officer. Many strange occurrences follow, she can't help but recall the fortune tellers prediction. Sometimes it seems easy to believe that Elle is, indeed, quite mad, she has conversations with her dead ex husband (who is, as it happens, quite the voice of reason). She reports some strange goings on, both to her friends and to the police,which are always disproved or discredited to the point where even she wonders what is real.

Amidst all the mystery, Elle finds herself attracted to a very handsome fella, Jens' surgeon, and he gives every indication that she is very special to him, yet Elles' lack of self esteem prevents her from believing his feelings are genuine. Meanwhile, Becky, having found her dream man is getting on everyone's nerves by vacillating between her euphoria and her fears of losing him.

This story has many layers, many threads, A little humour, a nod to the paranormal, romance, moments of trepidation and, of course, mystery. I didn't, however, feel much affinity for Elle, some of her actions seemed out of sync with her character as I understood it. She certainly made some unexpected, not to say slightly improbable moves, to be truthful, I'm not sure I really liked her all that much. The group of girls worked well I thought, with their differing characteristics and, despite their little squabbles, all came through for each other, just as friends do. I'd be happy to read more of their adventures.

Narrator

Read by Cindy Pillar who I have previously had the pleasure of listening to. I said "read" but Cindy is more than a reader, she knows how to tell a tale and, as such, does any author the huge favour of making the best of the characters. She has a pleasing, easy to listen to voice, excellent characterisations, I particularly enjoyed our petulant patient, Jen. Cindy does a good creepy and chilling too!

This audiobook was provided by the publisher, author or narrator in return for an honest review

 

 

 

 

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The House on the Shore

The House on the Shore

Wednesday, 8 July 2015

 

• Written by: Victoria Howard

  Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

  Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

  Unabridged Audiobook

  Release Date:08-25-14

  Publisher: Jeanette Woodall

  Available from Audible.com

  4 STAR REVIEW

  SUMMARY

  Terror haunts a remote Scottish Glen. Heartbroken Anna MacDonald leaves Edinburgh to find peace at the edge of a Scottish loch. Safely ensconced in her late grandmother's cottage, she can finally heal her heart and write the novel that has burned inside her for years.
  Her peace is short-lived. When debonair artist Luke Tallantyre's yacht gets stranded in the loch, he seeks help at the nearest residence - Anna's croft. She finds him annoying. He instantly dislikes the stunning, but cranky hermit.
  But there's indisputable evidence that a hit man is on the prowl in the village. Is he after Anna? And what is Luke keeping from her that could deepen the danger? Against their wills, they join forces and embark on an adventure neither ever imagined... including a chance at true love

  MY REVIEW
  This story gives us mystery suspense and romance all in the magnificent setting of the Scottish
  Highlands. The author describes the wonderful settings beautifully, allowing the reader to envisage the various locations with clarity which certainly enhances the listening experience. What I particularly liked about this story is that we are also given an insight of the effects of modern day life and of how it impacts those who live in this remote area.
  Those readers who love romance will not be disappointed, nor will those who like a bit of mystery and suspense, in fact it gets quite "shivers down the spine" on occasion. Anna is stubborn, and this trait does put her in danger, she scoffs at her friend Morag who has "the sight" and foretells danger ahead.......You must read or listen to the book to discover more. An enjoyable read, perfect for taking on holidays with you.

  
  

  NARRATOR
  Ruth Urquart captured a lovely lilting and authentic sounding Scottish accent for us to enjoy. Ruth has a good voice with cadence and rhythm which enhance the listening experience, add her characterisations and gender transition skills and we have a lovely performance.

 
 

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Ring of Lies. Victoria Howard

Ring of Lies. Victoria Howard

Monday, 29 June 2015

Author Victoria Howard

Narrated by: Michelle Ford

Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-23-13

Publisher: BookRite Books

Available from Audible.com

3 STAR REVIEW

Publishers Summary

When English accountant Daniel Elliott dies in a car accident one rainy night, his widow, Grace, is overcome with grief... and panic. Daniel was controlling and their marriage loveless, but he always took care of the sheltered Grace. Or so she thought. She soon discovers Daniel kept secrets: an alias, mob ties, a list of numbers, a mysterious beach house in Florida... and a girlfriend who looks like Grace.

Swallowing her fear, she flies to Miami to claim the house Daniel left her. But the price of her curiosity is peril. Underworld figures stalk her. The other woman has left a damning trail of evidence pointing her way. And handsome, troubled FBI agent Jack West has crossed precarious paths with Grace before. He could be her savior or her damnation. All she knows for certain is that she longs to be in his arms.

With little to go on and danger at every turn, Grace must depend on Jack to help her navigate the criminal world of south Florida, and find the truth behind the Ring of Lies.

©2010 Victoria Howard (P)2013 Victoria Howard

My Review

I don't usually go for the Romance genre, but the Suspense tag caught my attention and it's good to read something different. The story starts off quite well; Grace is in the throes of shock and grief over her husbands fatal car accident, and, as the blurb states, she is finding out bit by bit that her husband was not the person she thought she knew. Seemingly abandoned by her sister and with no one to help, her thoughts turn to Jack, an American whom she met during his trip to the UK, they'd had a minor flirtation but nothing more. The real adventure begins when Grace decides to go to Florida to try to unravel a few mysteries, she seeks out and meets up again with Jack, she needs his help, fortuitously, he is an FBI agent.

I really didn't know how to rate this book as despite really enjoying the story I was too irritated by Graces' intensely annoying personality to become fully engaged. She would have a panic attack at the drop of a hat - and she kept having them! How Jack put up with her hysterics I don't know, especially when they endangered life and limb. Also, I couldn't understand her thinking processes, at one point they are hiding out in the marshes from a would be killer, Grace is being lacerated by sawgrass, a snake crawls over her leg and the 'gators are out there, so, at risk of discovery, she decides to have a panic attack. Jack manages to control her, just! Yet, in this state of mental anguish and physical discomfort she decides that sex might be a good idea - remember, the killer is still out there! Weird, plain weird, I just didn't get along with her at all. Anyway, as the mystery begins to unravel slowly, we find out who the other woman is in Daniel Elliot's life and then, finally, we discover his secret life.

Jack has a story to tell too, which lends some added interest to the tale, he has his troubles, in fact he has a whole lot more than he thought but he comes through. I would have liked a few more clues about Daniels dirty deeds a bit earlier in the story, it all came out in a bit of a rush at the end. All in all, a pleasant light story, ideal for beach reading, but silly Grace spoiled it for me.

Narrator

I enjoyed Michelle Fords narration, I admire the way she portrayed Graces' hysterics without being over the top dramatic. Her skilled characterisation and gender changes are excellent and well differentiated and she sure knows how to portray a bitch! I was never in any doubt about who was who in the story. Lovely voice with good pace and timing, an all round quality recording.

This audiobook was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

 

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The Sound of Glass

The Sound of Glass

Monday, 15 June 2015

• Written by: Karen White
• Narrated by: Therese Plummer
• and Susan Bennett
• Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-12-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Available from Audible.com

5 STAR REVIEW

Publishers Summary

The New York Times best-selling author of A Long Time Gone now explores a Southern family's buried history, which will change the life of the woman who unearths it secret by shattering secret.

It has been two years since the death of Merritt Heyward's husband, Cal, when she receives unexpected news - Cal's family home in Beaufort, South Carolina, bequeathed by Cal's reclusive grandmother, now belongs to Merritt. Charting the course of an uncertain life - and feeling guilt from her husband's tragic death - Merritt travels from her home in Maine to Beaufort, where the secrets of Cal's unspoken-of past reside among the pluff mud and jasmine of the ancestral Heyward home on the Bluff. This unknown legacy, now Merritt's, will change and define her as she navigates her new life - a new life complicated by the arrival of her too-young stepmother and 10-year-old half brother.

Soon, in this house of strangers, Merritt is forced into unraveling the Heyward family past as she faces her own fears and finds the healing she needs in the salt air of the Low Country.

©2015 Harley House Books, LLC (P)2015 Recorded Books

My Review

It actually took a few chapters before the book hooked me, as to be honest, I did find the early part of the story a little confusing and I had to re listen so as to sort out who was who. That done, I didn't look back and was soon immersed in this intriguing tale of Merritt and the family who were strangers to her. She was barely in the door of her new home when who should arrive on her doorstep but her stepmother Loralee with her ten year old son Owen, Merritts half brother. Loralee, the young, beautiful ex flight attendant with the big hair, who never faced the world without her lipstick and a big smile. This was the woman whose marraige to Merritts' father had been the cause of the deep rift between them, the woman Merritt dismissed as trailer trash, an airhead out for what she could get. Loralee and Owen had come to stay awhile. Much as she craved solitude, Merritt felt she could hardly refuse so grudgingly permitted them to stay, making it clear that it was only to be for a short while.

Merrit had also been unaware of the existence of a brother in law, Gibbes, he hadn't lived in the old house for years and wanted to retrieve a few of his boyhood possessions. Gibbes proved to be a far different man than Cal, his brother and Merritts late husband. This is how the relationships between the four of them began, of Merritts growing love for her nerdy little brother and her realisation that, after all, they are both grieving for the same daddy. Of her unquestioning acceptance of his attempts to become "cool" when he announces that he now wants to be known as Rocky, not Owen. Of how Gibbes proves himself to be so different to his abusive troubled brother, and of how Merritt grudgingly comes to accept Loralee as she truly is. Then, of course, there is the mystery and suspense! Exactly what secrets does that old attic hold? Well, you must read the book to discover how the mysteries are unravelled and of how the relationships develop.

I just love a good story, one where part of me wants to rush on to find out what comes next, but yet another part of me doesn't want it to end because I'm enjoying it too much and author Karen White knows exactly how to write such a story. Mystery, intrigue, pathos, romance, it's all here, just a warning though, this book does speak of spousal abuse, something which the publishers summary omits to mention, so should you find the subject to be distressing, be warned. In summary, this is beautifully and sensitively written and is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Narrators

Narrated by Susan Bennett and Therese Pummer who both did a wonderful job, so easy to listen to with their lovely voices. Both masters of pace and timing, I'm not American, so am not qualified to judge American accents, but they sounded really good to me. I thought both age and gender changes were totally believable, I had no trouble in differentiating the characters. I'm not sure why two narrators were thought to be necessary though, as both seemed more than capable of telling the whole story as a solo performance, nevertheless, this audiobook is a quality production.




I purchased this audiobook from Audible.com, this review is my honest opinion.

 

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Dr. Pepper Prophecies

Dr. Pepper Prophecies

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

 

Written by: Jennifer Gilby Roberts
Narrated by: Elan O' Connor
Length: 7 hrs and 27 minsSeries: Chocoholic Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:08-20-14

Publisher: Jennifer Roberts
Chocoholic Series 1

Available from: Audible.com

Publishers Summary

Twenty-five-year-old Mel Parker has a few tiny problems: Her job is terrible. She's been dumped yet again. Her ex is now her boss. The one good thing in her life has always been her best friend, Will, who has seen her through every crisis from lost toys to pregnancy scares. But his girlfriend (who's prettier, better-dressed, more successful, and secretly evil) is determined to replace Mel as the woman in his life, and how is Mel supposed to compete?

My Review

British Chick Lit, so you know there will be chocolate. There is chocolate, tedious amounts of it. Mel is an annoying little whinger who constantly, well, whinges! This, like the chocolate becomes tedious. Her life is in a bit of a mess, a 25 year old woman (who holds a degree in administration) is working a poorly paid job where she deals with telephone complaints. She hates it of course, Then her workplace is made even less tolerable by her ex boyfriend, who due to a promotion, has become a pompous little prat overblown with self importance.
Melanie decides to help others by straightening out their lives for them, she is not good at it, not good at all. Finding herself jobless, loveless, short of money and forlorn, her life just lurches from one disaster to another. Her bestest friend Will has a serious girlfriend and she wants Melanie out of his life. On realising that she wants more from Will than friendship Melanie's chocolate consumption reaches alarming proportions.
I thought the story was well written and amusing in parts but it was too long, too many words, too many internet messaging conversations which may have worked better in print.
It was nice though to be reminded of all the British chocolate bars, particularly Yorkie, with its trucker sized chunks. When I finish my review I will read a few others in the hope of discovering the reason for the "Dr. Pepper" in the title - I don't understand!
If you like the modern "vaguely Jane Austin" format, you might like this

Narrator
Elan O' Connor certainly sped the whole thing up, I thought I had mistakenly put the speed on to 1.25, but no, she just talks fast! Pleasant voice, good characterisations, she does an excellent pompous little prat voice. I'm not so sure that the Standard British accent she used is the one she was raised with though! If it's not, then she did a darned good job. Sound quality and editing are up to scratch. I'd certainly be happy to listen to more of Elans' work.
This audiobook was gifted to me in return for this, my honest opinion
I give Elan 5 stars and the story 3 stars

 

 
 

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Drop Dead Divas

Drop Dead Divas

Saturday, 14 February 2015

 

Drop Dead Divas: Dixie Divas Mysteries, Book 2

• Written by: Virginia Brown
• Narrated by: Karen Commins
• Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
• • Series: Dixie Diva Mysteries, Book 2
• Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-15-12
 

• Publisher: Belle Books, Inc.
• Audible.com

Publishers Summary

"What happens with the Divas, stays with the Divas."
Welcome to a genteel world of pimento-cheese finger sandwiches, tall libations in frosted glasses, stiletto heels, aging southern-belle sisterhood, and murder....

In Dixie Divas, Trinket Truevine, her pal Bitty and their raucous diva friends in the historic small town of Holly Springs, Mississippi, solved the murder of Bitty's ex-senator husband, Phillip. Now, in Drop Dead Divas, the Divas are sleuthing again. Town bad girl Naomi Spencer has been accused of murdering her fiancé, drag-race champion Race Champion. Soon, Naomi turns up dead, too. Talk about a fly in the martini...

Join the bawdy fun as Trinket, Bitty and the gang unravel another small-town mystery.

Virginia Brown is the acclaimed author of more than 50 romance and mystery novels.

©2010 Virginia Brown (P)2012 Bell Bridge Books


My Review

Here they go again! .....

Bittys' late husbands girlfriend now has a brand new fiancé. Bitty insists on referring to him as her late husband despite being oft reminded by Trinket that, as they were divorced when he was murdered, he is her ex husband. Anyway, back to the story, Naomi, the girlfriend, being truly stupid, (bless her heart) sees no reason why she and Bitty can't now be friends, after all, the Senator, Bittys' late ex husband, is dead, so what's to gripe about? While Trinket, Bitty and Chitlin' are enjoying tasty treats at the cafe, Naomi decides it would be a good time to kiss and make up, so she shows off her engagement ring. Bittys response : "oh there it is dear, it looks almost real"

This is so typical of the wonderfully facetious Divas, and there is so much more to come.

There does, though, have to be a murder, and the first to go is Race Champion, Naomi's fiancé, the next victim is found on one of Bittys remote properties. Once again the Divas must band together and solve the murder, before Bitty gets herself arrested.

At one point, when Bittys circumstances are somewhat reduced, Trinket decides to teach her how to shop - in Walmart!

This series is chock full of fun, there's also a little bit of romance, all pure entertainment and should be first line treatment for anyone down in the dumps.

I first met the Divas in a Book one freebie from narrator Karen Commins, all I can say to all you authors and narrators out there is this: Freebies work! If joyed it so much that bought this second audiobook in the series from Audible with my one and only precious monthly credit! It didn't let me down!

Narrator

Karen Commins is a star in this series, to me, her Southern accent is just perfect. She has a wonderful sense of comic timing which really does justice to the writing. Divas without Karen would be unthinkable.

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MusubiMurder

MusubiMurder

Sunday, 1 February 2015

 

The Musubi Murder

Written by: Frankie Bow
 
Narrated by: Nicole Gose
 
Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
 
Unabridged Audiobook
 
Audible.com
 

Publishers Summary

Small town life, big academic egos, corruption, revenge, and Spam musubis! The Musubi Murder is the first campus crime novel set in Hawaii, and the perfect gift for mystery lovers, Hawaii expatriates, disillusioned academics, and anyone who fancies Spam (the meat). Renowned Hawaii-born voice-over artist Nicole Gose brings her spot-on vocal characterizations and impeccable comic timing to this reading.
 

My Review

Frankie Bows' first Professor Molly Barda Mystery provides a good platform for the introduction of both the setting and the characters of her new series.
 
I enjoyed the setting, a university campus which, due to financial restraints has a deteriorating infrastructure and decor. The academic staff have also suffered the indignity and frustration of losing all authority over students. Heaven forbid a student be upset, offended or reprimanded lest they should leave, taking their uni fees with them! This situation contributes to some quite comical efforts of self restraint on Molly's part, involving her trying to chastise and punish students for their misdemeanours without actually saying so! Molly has far more patience than I, I would soon be out of a job!
 
I like Mollys' house, OK not the smartest, but probably a whole lot more interesting than the modern hermetically sealed clean and tidy abodes of some people ... Mentioning no names!
 
Then there is the murder mystery, It wasn't too difficult to be a little ahead of the story, but I must say, there were some rather stomach churning inferences along the way regarding the mortal remains! Some of the situations Molly found herself in gave the listener some nail nibbling moments! Poor Molly becomes as bewildered as a teenager when romance - or potential romance - students politics, friends, doubt, money, science, fraud and murder are all thrown in to the melting pot. Luckily for us, it's all spiced up with a little humour, romance and a touch of pathos.
 
I'm just not sure about the ending though. Having said that, it is the first book in a series, and now that everyone has been properly introduced, I look forward to many more Molly Barda Mysteries.
 

Narrator

Nicole Gose is new to me, I enjoyed her work very much, she certainly is a talent. Her voice is very clear, she has good timing and tells a story well, this is so important. I loved the regional accents, reminded me a little of Maori English. I found one little fault, and even then I guess it's a personal thing, and that is the voice of Emma, it was a little high pitched for the comfort of my ears.
 
I'd say this book makes an excellent audiobook, Nicole Gose as narrator was well chosen, and sound quality and production are both of a high standard.
 
I think listeners would be happy to know that Nicole will narrate all future Molly Barda Mysteries, so let's hope she does.
 
 
 

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Chocolate on a Stick

Saturday, 31 January 2015

 

Chocolate on a Stick

• Written by: Carole Bellacera
• Narrated by: Angie Hickman
• Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:08-12-13
Publisher: Carole Bellacera
Audible.com
Publisher's Summary
Velma and Louie are in their 70s...and in love with each other. They met at the mailboxes in a retirement home in Memphis, Tennessee. But trouble is on the horizon for our sprightly senior citizens. The nursing home is closing, and their children are bound and determined to separate them - keeping Velma in Memphis with her nervous Elvis Presley-impersonator, car salesman son, Farvis, and sending Louie to South Carolina with his daughter, Jeneeva, who works in a sex toy factory pouring plastic into "pecker molds", as Velma calls it.
But Velma and Louie ain't gonna take this kind of treatment from their nutty offspring. They're "runnin' oft" In a red Corvette.
©2004, 2011 Carole Bellacera (P)2013 Carole Bellacera

My review

You've read the publishers blurb, but that can't possibly convey the sheer enjoyability of this book, it's a wonderful story, sheer entertainment, I just love it that in this ageist world of the young and beautiful, old people come out on top!
 
I seldom laugh aloud when listening, but this book changed that, it's so darned funny. As a bonus, there are some lovely heartwarming and tender side stories going on. Oh, and those Southern Sayins'! I would recommend getting the Whispersync book to, simply so you can look up again some of those gems.
 
On the slightly serious side, I believe this story can also teach us all a little, most importantly it shows how demeaning and humiliating it is to seize from someone their power of choice. Great stuff
 

Narrator

Think of all the superlatives you could apply to a narrator, well Angie Hickman deserves them all. I couldn't fault her in any way. This story is perfect as an audiobook and the author, Carole Bellacera chose the perfect narrator
 
 
 
I won this audiobook on the Eargasms Narrator Spotlight and was under no obligation at all to write this review, however, this review represents my honest opinion
 
 
 
 

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Jane and Austen

Jane and Austen

 

Written by: Stephanie Fowers
 
Narrated by: Andrea Emmes
 
Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
 
Unabridged Audiobook
 
Release Date:12-24-14
 
Publisher: Triad Media and Entertainment
 
Whispersync for Voice-ready
 
audible.com
 

Publishers Summary

Meet Jane and Austen. First there's Jane - an impractical, starry-eyed wedding planner; if love can't match what she's read in a book, she doesn't want it. And then there's Austen - a pragmatic, logical-to-a-fault financial consultant; even if he were interested in someone, he wouldn't know. The two have one thing in common: they can't leave each other alone. Jane believes that if Austen could just experience a fairy tale romance, he would secretly love it. And Austen's pretty sure that if one of Jane's beloved heroes escaped from the pages of her dog-eared novels, she'd run and hide. Both are about to be proven right. When the rivals are called on to help a friend plan the biggest wedding of the year, an entire resort full of colorful wedding guests descends upon them - many sharing uncanny similarities to characters in a Jane Austen novel. It doesn't take long before Jane gets everything she thinks she wants. After all, too much of a good thing can't be all that bad, right? But when Jane's life turns upside down, the only one she can turn to is Austen; though he's got his own troubles of the heart... and she's afraid that he's enjoying them more than he should.
 
©2014 Stephanie Fowers (P)2014 Stephanie Fowers.
 

My Review

Too much to soon! This story moves along so quickly that this listener was left wondering what on earth was happening! I couldn't keep up with it all, but then, it is a Young Adult story!
 
I couldn't maintain any interest in the characters, I found Janes' rather juvenile silliness to be very annoying and distracting rather than humorous, its here that I must admit, I also found Jane Ayre to be a bit silly, and that was many year ago!
 
In fact, although I did persevere to the end, I really didn't enjoy it at all, however, I do think I would have found the story and characters easier to follow and (possibly) enjoy had I read the book rather than listened to it.
 

Narrator

This was a huge undertaking and Andrea Emmes did a cracking good job, I don't know how she managed to keep a track of all the characters. I like how she doesn't overact, and in fact, she helped me stick with it. I love her voice, she understands timing, nuance and rythymn. OK, the British accents weren't quite perfect, but the sound quality is good, this is important to me, I wish more producers would pay attention to sound quality.
 
I would happily listen to more of Andreas work.
 
 
 
This audiobook was gifted to me in return for this, my honest opinion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Murderous Muffins

Murderous Muffins

Friday, 16 January 2015

Murderous Muffins: Chubby Chicks Club Cozy Mystery Series, Book 2

Written by: Loisa Lavrisa
Narrated by: Karen White
Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
Series: Chubby Chicks Club, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Audible.com
Publishers' Summary
Bezu is a beautiful southern belle with gentile manners. But her problems are anything but. Deep in debt, she's illegally taken in a few lodgers. A sweet stripper and her bodybuilder boyfriend, an Asian man loudly learning English through pop music, and a mysterious stranger with the most amazing blue-green eyes - and a secret. When one of them mysteriously dies and it looks like her muffins were the murder weapon, Bezu and her fellow Chubby Chicks Club member, Cat, must discover who the killer is before she ends up in jail...or worse. Will they succeed? Find out in Murderous Muffins, book two in the Chubby Chicks Club cozy mystery series.
©2014 Lois Marie Lavrisa (P)2014 Lois Marie Lavrisa
My Review
Probably the most entertaining and humerous audiobook I've reviewed this year. Bezu, the lovely Southern Belle, is entrancing, but her lodgers are, let's face it, a pretty peculiar bunch. Her house is falling down around her, the bills are piling up, yet must be paid, then along comes Cat, her friend, in need of a roof over her head.
With Southern hospitality stretching to the limit, beautiful Bezu finds room for her dear friend under her leaky roof. Now, with a house full to bursting, the adventures begin.
Swept into the story from the very start, I wanted to listen in one sitting, it is pure entertainment, I even laughed aloud, so be careful if you listen in a public place!
This story has everything a lighthearted read should have, murder and mystery seasoned with humour and a little romance.
If you are in need a few hours of good old enjoyment, then this will do the trick. Loved it, I have not read the first Chubby Chicks mystery, but I'll certainly be on the look out for more from the pen of Lois Lavrisa.
Narrator
Karen White could not, in my opinion, have done a better job than this wonderful narration, she simply tells a story so well. I loved the Southern accents, and all the characters are so clearly defined that one is never left to puzzle "who's that again?"
Karen never gives cause to detract the listener from the story, it all flows beautifully without interruption. Tip top job!

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Coming Home for Christmas

Coming Home for Christmas

Author Jenny Hale

Narrator Teri Schnaubelt

Length 8 hours 45 minutes

Unabridged, Audiobook

Published by Bookcouture, released 16/12/14

Audible.com

Publishers' Summary

Coming Home for Christmas is a beautifully observed story about the importance of family, the magic of Christmas, and falling in love one snowflake at a time.

Fans of Trisha Ashley, Susan Wiggs, Carole Matthews and Susan Mallery - and anyone who loves the sound of carols and the twinkling of lights on the Christmas tree - will adore Jenny Hale's feel-good debut.

Christmas is a time for family... isn't it?

Allie Richfield loves Christmas, so when she lands a job as House Manager for the amazing Ashford Estate - which includes organizing the Marley family festivities - she is in her element. With a budget bigger than her life savings and a team of staff, how hard can it be?

As one-by-one she meets the Marleys, she’s about to find out...

Allie’s new boss, Robert, might be gorgeous, but he’s also colder than the snow outside and refuses to come home for Christmas. Robert’s playboy brother, Kip, flirts with her relentlessly; and his sister, Sloane, arrives home with baggage - both the divorce-kind and the Louis Vuitton kind. Their ninety-two year old grandmother, Pippa, spends her day grumbling at them all from her mobility scooter.

With Robert intending to sell Ashford, it’s the Marley’s last chance to create some happy memories in their family home - and Allie is determined to make it happen... even if it takes a little Christmas magic! With the festive spirit in full swing, she might even discover a little happiness of her own...

©2012 Bookouture (P)2014 Bookouture

My Review

Enjoyable up to a point, but I didn't really take to Allie, she is an ex nanny, with a degree in Early Education, but one who doesn't seem to be very bright.

Finding herself jobless and living back in her childhood home, after much thought (and the flip of a coin) she takes a job that her sister finds her, as a house manager.

The main characters are: Robert, the rich, reticent absentee home owner, who suffered psychological trauma in childhood. Robert is Allies' employer, he demands daily email contact with her. Kip; Kip is Roberts younger brother, indolent and charming, he knows how to play the ladies, including Allie. Grandma Pippa; she who once ruled the roost, now powerless, old and disabled, costs Robert a fortune to keep at home. Oh, and a sister, Sloane, who's kids come in handy for the plot.

Robert intrigues Allie, determined to evoke some sort of response from him, she tries to achieve this by shooting off a series of ever more ludicrous emails. Somehow, his odd responses causes her to believe she can heal him - or something - and during this process she falls deeply in love with him.

Meanwhile, whilst all this is going on, she encourages and maintains a highly flirtatious relationship with Kip. This is where my interest in the story evaporated completely, she allowed Kip to spend nights in her bed!! All the while being in love with another man! Just for kisses and cuddles you understand, followed by a good nights sleep? The shameless hussy! Unbelievable, (really) and very unlikely, or maybe our playboy was tuckered out. So it all went on .... And on.

Anyway ..........

Of course, there has to be a happy ever after ending, which, I admit was nice, unfortunately it took the creation of a series of ludicrous and tedious scenarios to achieve this.

Since writing this, I checked out a few Amazon reviews, seems I am greatly in the minority, it feels like they all read/listened to a different story to me.

Narrator

Teri Schnaubelt did a wonderful job, causing a tedious story to be more easily tolerated, she has a pleasant voice. Her excellent characterisations leave the listener in no doubt as to which character was holding forth. Who could ask for more? Her performance was tip top, I will certainly be interested in any work she puts her name to.

She is now one of my "TTB" narrators, that is one who can tip the balance in favour of an audiobook when I am undecided

This audiobook was gifted to me in return for this, my honest opinion.

 

 

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