Ever since I read the short story, "What Child Is This" by Rhys Bowen I knew I wanted to read more from her. This was a great story and even though itEver since I read the short story, "What Child Is This" by Rhys Bowen I knew I wanted to read more from her. This was a great story and even though it's part of a series it can be read as a standalone with no problem. I loved the Irish detective, Molly Murphy Sullivan! This was perfect for the season and I chose to listen to the Audible. The Irish accent was sweet and put a smile on my face ☘️...more
I usually love Emily Henry's books and I especially love her writing style. This one IMO is not one of her best. I listened to the audio narrated by tI usually love Emily Henry's books and I especially love her writing style. This one IMO is not one of her best. I listened to the audio narrated by the great Julia Whelan. The narration was top-notch as always.
This story started off strong but quickly lost its appeal for me. Harriet and Wyn were once engaged but have broken it off recently. They are both part of the same friend circle and go to their groups annual meet-up at a cottage in Maine aka their "Happy Place." They haven't told their friends they've broken up so they must play the part of still being together. This had potential but I did not really care for the couple (moreso Harriet) and their friend group did not feel close.
It just seemed to drag on and it was a bit of a chore to finish. Bonus points that the, "Beach Read (which I loved) characters were mentioned! ...more
☘️I've started my St. Patrick's Day Reading with this gem of a story☘️
This is my first book by Carmel Harrington but it definitely won't be my last. L☘️I've started my St. Patrick's Day Reading with this gem of a story☘️
This is my first book by Carmel Harrington but it definitely won't be my last. Loved the story! I listened to the Audio and the two narrators were perfect. I was fully immersed!
This was so perfect in so many ways for me. If you're looking for an Irish story this is a great one!
Bea O'Connor comes from an Irish family in NYC (not especially big but loving.) She grows up living with her Grandparents and Father and Uncle Mike as her Mother died when she was a baby. She has always heard about the stories from back home in Ireland by her Grandparents. Plus the whole family was always deeply involved in the NYC Irish community. There's even a chapter on the family's yearly outing to the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Although she calls New York City home she has a very special place in her heart for Ireland ...more
Sloan is a librarian who encounters a grumpy elderly man named Arthur at her library. Through her encounters with Arthur we also meet Maisey, Gre3.5 *
Sloan is a librarian who encounters a grumpy elderly man named Arthur at her library. Through her encounters with Arthur we also meet Maisey, Greg and Sloane's co-worker Matteo. They come together because of Arthur and form a bookclub.
The narrator is in top-notch form. She does different voices for each character throughout the chapters. The writing is good and for the most part I enjoyed the story. There were definitely some heartfelt moments but part of the story was a bit on the slow side.
Ultimately, it's a heartwarming story about lonely people. Each one of them has been hurt in the past. Now as they grow closer together they will all discover the true meaning of friendship. It's a sweet story and book lovers will enjoy the references to many books.
*One book referenced was, "The Joy Luck Club." It's made me want to read it!...more
Bravo to Rachel Keller Croft on a very good debut novel...soon to be made into a tv series. I listened to the Audible Audio and it only enhanced my woBravo to Rachel Keller Croft on a very good debut novel...soon to be made into a tv series. I listened to the Audible Audio and it only enhanced my wonderful experience!
Bea, was raised by a Con Artist Mother. Now, she finally has everything she ever wanted in her grasp and she just may pull off her first big solo Con!
Not many likeable (if any) characters in this novel but in this case it works and makes the story even better!
The ending may have been a little rushed but it's a solid 4 stars by me! I enjoyed it a lot!...more
This is a book that was originally released in 2009 in German and now translated to English. It has recently been released on audio. I enjoyed the narThis is a book that was originally released in 2009 in German and now translated to English. It has recently been released on audio. I enjoyed the narration and it's a relatively short book at 6 hr 50 mins.
The premise is good. Clara, has been dealing with the unexpected death of her boyfriend, Ben. As part of her coping mechanism she decides to leave messages on his old cell phone. Unbeknownst to her the number has been reassigned. Now, a man named Sven is receiving the messages and is intrigued.
The story is told alternately between Clara and Sven. I enjoyed Clara's part a lot more. Sven fell a little flat for me. I did think the story at times was only worthy of 2.5 stars but I feel the author did a good job building up Clara's grief and describing her pain so I will stick to the 3 stars. I've seen some of the GoodReads reviews and I feel some are very unfair. For me a 1 star rating is not only a book that I did not like BUT would also have to have major writing or structural problems. I don't feel this story had that. I just think the chemistry was missing with the main characters.
I was interested in listening to this book as there is a Netflix movie coming out soon called, "Love Again" based on this book. It stars Priyanka Chopra, Sam Heughan AND the great Celine Dion making her first ever appearance in a movie! I have a feeling this time that the movie will be better!
The sun was shining brightly today and the snow has all melted and this was a great little audio for my morning walk.
A cute story about a Valentine's The sun was shining brightly today and the snow has all melted and this was a great little audio for my morning walk.
A cute story about a Valentine's event mix-up that leads to romance. The narration was fun and this put a smile on my face this Valentine's Day!...more
I just spent a very extremely cold weekend away. So I was in the mood for a wintery story. At just a little over one hour this was perfect for my mornI just spent a very extremely cold weekend away. So I was in the mood for a wintery story. At just a little over one hour this was perfect for my morning walk on a thankfully much milder day. Thanks to my GR friend Jayme for drawing my attention to this one.
This was so entertaining! With a full cast and dramatized sound effects the story really comes alive! ❄️
It's a heartwarming story! I loved the message it was sending! It doesn't matter what part of the world we are all from. We are all just trying to fit in and find our purpose and a little happiness. Plus everyone just wants love ❤️
Amy, an American, is travelling on a train in Northern Italy through the Alps on Christmas Eve. She is trying to get to Paris. She meets Martjin, from Finland, on the train and strikes up a conversation. All of a sudden there is an announcement. The train will cease operations and travel back to the previous station as there is a snowstorm ahead and the tracks are becoming dangerous. They are stuck on Christmas Eve in a charming little Italian Alps town. An adventure awaits.
This is a sweet story that features much kindness and affection from others. Will Amy and Martjin make it to Paris for Christmas Day? You'll have to listen to their story to find out!
What writing! What feeling in this story! An exceptional debut!
I listened to the audio and the narration is perfect!
I'm glad I stuck with this story aWhat writing! What feeling in this story! An exceptional debut!
I listened to the audio and the narration is perfect!
I'm glad I stuck with this story as in the beginning I was starting to think this one might not be for me. It's quite depressing at first.
Maddie Wright lives in London. Her family is originally from Ghana and she has lived a pretty sheltered life. Her Father has Parkinson's Disease and at 25 she is his primary care giver. When she was still quite young her mother left the family to go back to Ghana and only briefly returns to London from time to time. Her older brother too has left the home and does not really help Maddie with her Father. She pretty well does it all on her own while working full time. Her childhood nickname "Maame" can mean many things but basically means, woman. She is everything to her family. One day her Mother announces she has returned from Ghana and Maddie decides to move out of the family home and leaves her Father in her Mother's care. Now Maddie is on a new path in life. Living on her own for the first time she gets a new job and a boyfriend for the first time.
Maddie's story has many different elements to it. It's sad, frustrating, and a touch funny at times. She's stronger than she thinks. I must admit it reminded me a little bit of, Eleanor Oliphant only less humorous. I liked Maddie. She was insecure and sweet. A real people pleaser who is a survivor. Does Maddie get her happy ending? You need to read the book to find out!
A ReadWithJenna selection for the Month of February....more
Another THRILLING book by new author and ex Flight Attendant T.J. Newman.
Oh gosh this one had me on the edge of my seat AND had me tearing up and cryiAnother THRILLING book by new author and ex Flight Attendant T.J. Newman.
Oh gosh this one had me on the edge of my seat AND had me tearing up and crying as I listened. An excellent audio.
What a concept this story was. Coastal Airways Flight 1421 has just taken off from Honolulu and six minutes into its flight loses an engine and must "ditch." Meaning an emergency landing on water that is almost always fatal for all. The plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean and the engine catches fire. The ones that are alive and still inside decide to close the doors. The plane then sinks to the bottom of the ocean with some survivors still on board! Oxygen is running out quickly. Can the survivors be saved?
Like her last book, "Falling" (which I enjoyed a little bit more) I hear this one will be made into a movie too. It's got all the exciting elements for it that's for sure. If you want an adrenalin rush pick this one up! ✈︎⌚︎
What can I say? Most of my friends loved this one. I admit I really thought I would too. Such a great premise and great characters BUT this was just tWhat can I say? Most of my friends loved this one. I admit I really thought I would too. Such a great premise and great characters BUT this was just too slow for me. While the audio helped and the characters did make me chuckle quite a few times I also found this one very confusing. Too much going on with each character and too much side story.
I'm glad this one was popular with a lot of people but it looks like I'm in outlier land here....more
This one started off very promising. Joe and Amber are attending their High School Prom in 1997. Joe is still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and Amber iThis one started off very promising. Joe and Amber are attending their High School Prom in 1997. Joe is still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and Amber is feeling unwell. He continues to hang with his friends while she goes to their hotel room. The next day Amber awakens with blood everywhere and a baby that is dead beside her. Explosive beginning! Just what happened?
Well, the story then takes us to over twenty years later and Joe is a successful Real Estate developer and married to Meredith who is a Plastic Surgeon. Amber comes back to town and Joe and her begin to interact.
The story goes from the 2019-2020 time frame and goes back and forth between Joe, Meredith and Amber's lives. Most of it takes place during the early Covid days and there's much talk about it as well as the Political climate in the U.S. around that time. Personally, I don't care for both topics in my stories as I'm always trying to get away from the current news and just enjoy a good story.
I listened to the audio and the narrator did a good job with the material she had. It's just a slow building story and all the characters are not very likeable most especially Joe! There's a few twists at the end and we finally find out what happened in the hotel room. This to me is not Laura Lippman at her best....more
I admit I was first attracted to this book because of its title. Second, I have always wanted to read a Jennifer Chiaverini book.
I'm so glad I read thI admit I was first attracted to this book because of its title. Second, I have always wanted to read a Jennifer Chiaverini book.
I'm so glad I read this one! It's part of a series but I think it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone with no problem.
It's so heartwarming and I loved hearing about the quilting (which I don't know a lot about!) This was mainly the Master Quilters story. Her name is Sylvia Bergstrom Compson. She is preparing a New Year's quilt for her daughter-in-law and is reminiscing and recalling many of her New Year's celebrations and traditions as a child. I loved listening to her backstory!
The book has a wonderful message of love and forgiveness. It's filled with warmth and joy. Perfect for this time of year. The narration was lovely....more
I love a good Regency Christmas story! This is Christian Lit but I'd consider it light. It had all the Goodwill and Tidings that one would expect 3.5*
I love a good Regency Christmas story! This is Christian Lit but I'd consider it light. It had all the Goodwill and Tidings that one would expect from it ...more
If you are a fan of the HBO series, "The Gilded Age" I think you will enjoy this story! I enjoyed it very much!
Eliza works as a ladies maid for an ariIf you are a fan of the HBO series, "The Gilded Age" I think you will enjoy this story! I enjoyed it very much!
Eliza works as a ladies maid for an aristocratic family in London, England. She is told about a letter that her employer has received from her father. He is a wealthy and prominent businessman in New York City, USA. He fell in love with her mother on a visit to England many years ago but their different class backgrounds did not allow for a union between the two and her father returned to America. Now Eliza's mother has recently passed and she is summoned to go and live in New York with her father's family.
This was a wonderful story and the descriptions of the New York City society and all the people and places of that time were vividly portrayed. I felt like I had slipped back in time. It had everything from a high society class family, to a big old NY Italian style family portrayed throughout. I very much enjoyed the writing style. I understand this is Pamela Kelley's first historical fiction novel but she does have quite an extensive back catalogue of books set in a modern day Nantucket Beach and Restaurant series that I am interested in checking out. The narration was just lovely and perfect for the story.
I absolutely loved Ms. Kelley's "Nonna's Ravioli" recipe at the end of the book. A nice added touch!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for granting me access to this Advance Listener Copy....more
I loved the first book! It really caught me by surprise. I was eager to read the second one!
I listened to the Audio and once again it was an exce3.5 *
I loved the first book! It really caught me by surprise. I was eager to read the second one!
I listened to the Audio and once again it was an excellent narration by Erin Mallon. She perfectly brings out the character of Gemma!
We left Josh and Gemma in a good place in the first book. Things were finally coming together. I liked the concept of this second book. It was interesting and the turn of events took me by surprise in the beginning. Things wavered a bit in the middle but I still liked this one. I'm not sure if it was needed but their love has certainly been solidified by the telling of this story. As far as a happily ever after one just never knows with Josh & Gemma!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for granting me access to this Advance Listener Copy....more
This one blew me away! 5 Glowing stars! The audio was fantastic!
This is a beautifully written story although it is horrific and heartbreaking.
Smita isThis one blew me away! 5 Glowing stars! The audio was fantastic!
This is a beautifully written story although it is horrific and heartbreaking.
Smita is an Indian American who is a journalist. She's summoned to India, her country of birth because her journalist friend Shannon is having surgery. Once there she finds out the real reason she has been summoned. Shannon was working on a powerful story that Smita must now take over. It's a horrific story about a woman named Meena. She is a Hindu who lives in a small village but has married a Muslim man. Her brothers feel she has dishonoured the family and one day they burn her home alongside her husband. Her husband dies and Meena is badly disfigured from the fire. She has been left alone with her small child and her mother-in-law. Meena seeks justice from the court system. Throughout all this we also learn Smita's heartbreaking story.
While there is a lot of sadness in the story there is also hope and reflection. If you're looking for a powerful and moving story I highly recommend this one!...more
The author is a poet and her writing is lovely and worthy of 5 stars. This is a debut book and the story is qA very engrossing and heartbreaking book.
The author is a poet and her writing is lovely and worthy of 5 stars. This is a debut book and the story is quite good. Most of the story was a full 4 stars for me but it did dwindle in certain parts to a 3.5.
It's a story about three generations of Southern black women who have lived, some left and then returned to their home in Memphis. There's really no plot. It's just their stories and how they have coped with life and the hardships and good times they have encountered. The stories go back and forth in time and are non-linear. I listened to the audiobook and it was wonderfully narrated. I did not have a problem with following along.
This one was impressive and I'd certainly read or listen to anything else from this author. The acknowledgments at the end were read by the author herself. It read like poetry and it was lovely to hear. It felt like a little treat. This is an author to keep your eye-on.
I don't always follow Celebrity Bookclubs but this was one I'd been meaning to read. It was Jenna Bush Hager's pick-of-the-month for April 2022....more