Discover the New Releases Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary

The Cartel Audiobook by Ashley & Jaquavis

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ashley & Jaquavis) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:51:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Cartel Author: Ashley & Jaquavis Narrator: Cary Hite Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 06-06-12 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. and Buck 50 Productions, LLC Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 950 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The port of Miami brings in millions of dollars worth of cocaine every year, and the Cartel controls 80 percent of it. The Diamond family is a force to be reckoned with, but all hell breaks loose when they lose their leader. The most ruthless gangster Miami has ever seen, Carter Diamond, leaves behind a wife, twin sons, a daughter, and a secret - his illegitimate son, Carter Jones. When young Carter learns of his fathers death, he comes to town and is introduced to the legacy of the Cartel. Miamor is a woman who uses her beauty to enhance her skill as a contract killer. She is the leader of the Murder Mamas. When her crew is hired to take down the Cartel, they slip up, and Miamor loses her sister in the process. She is determined to get revenge. Unknowingly, she meets the son of Carter Diamond - and he immediately catches her heart. She is sleeping with the enemy, and when she finds out, she is torn between love and revenge. Young Carter and Miamor lead two different lifestyles. They are on opposing teams, and when their worlds collide, the truth will be unveiled in an unpredictable ending. About the authors: Ashley & JaQuavis are the New York Times best-selling duo responsible for the popular Cartel series. They live in Flint, Michigan, where they are working on future projects. Critic Reviews: Their work has been regarded as some of the premiere titles that have led the way for this growing phenomenon of gritty tales. ( Urban Book Source) Members Reviews: exciting, thrilling, Would you listen to The Cartel again? Why? yes, on my way to purchase parts 2 & 3, can't wait to start listening. Who was your favorite character and why? Mecca, was my favorite, lots of drama in every scene he was in. never knew what frame of mind he was in Which scene was your favorite? when Breeze was abducted by the murda mama's and killed If you could take any character from The Cartel out to dinner, who would it be and why? NONE, I may not have made it home, they all seemed to be killers at heart. Any additional comments? this book reminds me of the Dutch trilogy, by Teri Woods, it was also a great audio to listen too, well worth the money. the narrator Cary Hite was great, reminds me of Erza Knight. Entranced and ready for more This book was such a thrill to listen to. I have been waiting for more Ashley and Jaquavis audiobooks because after I had listened to Murderville I was definately hooked on their story line and the way that these to authors draw their characters and play out their story with so many twists and turns throughout the book things you would have never imagined how things would turn out. Cary Hite is amongst one of my most favorite narrators, the way that he can change his voice and go in and out of character is amazing. It seems like there are a lot of uptight people who comment on books with a lot of sex scenes or harsh language, but I loved everything about this book. It was raw and uncut gives you a taste of the real world and that is another reason that the author's have captivated me. If you don't like to hear detailed sex scenes or murders or don't like crude language then dont listen to this book. I love all the gorey details and can picture the scenes in my head, pain and pleasure. My favorite characters were Money aka Monroe and Lena and that twist in the book. I never expected what happened to happen so once you hear that part you will know what I mean.

The Namesake Audiobook by Jhumpa Lahiri

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jhumpa Lahiri) — Fri, 26 Sep 2003 22:42:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Namesake Author: Jhumpa Lahiri Narrator: Sarita Choudhury Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 09-26-03 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1646 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Soon after they arrive in Cambridge, their first child is born, a boy. According to Indian custom, the child will be given two names: an official name, to be bestowed by the great-grandmother, and a pet name to be used only by family. But the letter from India with the child's official name never arrives, and so the baby's parents decide on a pet name to use for the time being. Ashoke chooses a name that has particular significance for him: on a train trip back in India several years earlier, he had been reading a short story collection by one of his most beloved Russian writers, Nikolai Gogol, when the train derailed in the middle of the night, killing almost all the sleeping passengers onboard. Ashoke had stayed awake to read his Gogol, and he believes the book saved his life. His child will be known, then, as Gogol. Lahiri brings her enormous powers of description to her first novel, infusing scene after scene with profound emotional depth. Condensed and controlled, The Namesake covers three decades and crosses continents, all the while zooming in at very precise moments on telling detail, sensory richness, and fine nuances of character. Critic Reviews: "This production is a treat for the sheer combination of Lahiri's striking, often enchanting descriptions and Choudhury's graceful rendering of them." (Publishers Weekly) "This poignant treatment of the immigrant experience is a rich, stimulating fusion of authentic emotion, ironic observation, and revealing details." (Library Journal) "This is a fine novel from a superb writer." (The Washington Post) "An effortless and self-assured bildungsroman that more than delivers on the promise of...Interpreter of Maladies." (Book Magazine) Members Reviews: My favorite book - in print and audio When I do recommend The Namesake to anyone wholl listen to me gush, I always warn them that not a lot happens in the book. But more importantly, I tell them that it doesnt matter - Jhumpa Lahiri is that good. She can make the everyday actions of a young man finding his way in the world as captivating as any whodunit with her simply gorgeous prose. This is a novel about real life about love and family, culture and assimilation and is just a beautiful story well-told by Lahiri and narrator Sarita Choudhury, who offers the perfect blend of Indian and American accents in her performance. Coming of age story I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about two generations of Bengali-Americans. Gogol, the main character, is born in the United States to Bengali immigrants. We follow him as he grows into a young man. As he grows up fails to understand the traditions of his Bengali parents. He even rejects the name they gave him. He is thoroughly American, but as he matures, his acceptance of his parents, their community, and his heritage grows. In many ways, the theme is similar to that in some of Amy Tan's writings about Chinese immigrants and their American born children. The difference is that the reconciliation between elder and adult child comes not through voyages or fantastic stories, but through the normal, believable experiences of parents and children living in the U.S. The narration is superb, with each character having a uniquely identifying voice and/or accent. Hit Home Wow! I'm a Bengali immigrant from India. It's amazing on how may levels this book hit home.

The Deal of a Lifetime Audiobook by Fredrik Backman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fredrik Backman) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 09:17:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Deal of a Lifetime Subtitle: A Novella Author: Fredrik Backman Narrator: Santino Fontana Format: Unabridged Length: 47 mins Language: English Release date: 10-31-17 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 223 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The number one New York Times best-selling author of A Man Called Ove and Beartown delivers an insightful and poignant holiday novella about a man who sacrificed his family in the single-minded pursuit of success and the courageous little girl fighting for her life who crosses his path. It all begins with a father telling a story to his son on Christmas Eve. But this isn't your typical Christmas story. The father admits to his son that he's taken a life but he won't say whose - not yet. One week earlier, in a hospital late at night, the man met a five-year-old girl with cancer. She's a smart kid - smart enough to know that she won't beat cancer by drawing with crayons all day, but it seems to make the adults happy, so she keeps doing it. As the man tells his son about this plucky little girl, he slowly reveals more about himself: while he may be a successful businessman, idolized by the media and his peers, he knows he failed as a parent. Overwhelmed by the responsibility of fatherhood, he took the easy way out and left his wife and little boy 20 years ago to pursue professional success. Now he is left wondering if it's too late to forge a relationship with his son, who seems to be his opposite in every way - prizing happiness over money, surrounded by loving friends in a cozy town where he feels right at home. Face to face with the idea that something is missing, the man is given the unexpected chance to do something selfless that could change the destiny of the little girl in the hospital bed. But before he can make the deal of a lifetime, he needs to find out what his own life has actually been worth in the eyes of his son. And so, he seeks him out and tells him this story.... Written with Fredrik Backman's signature humor, compassion, and "knack for weaving tales that are believable and fanciful" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), The Deal of a Lifetime reminds us that life is a fleeting gift, and our only legacy is how we share that gift with those we love. Members Reviews: Novellas Are Horrible!!!!! I never should have listened to this magically wonderful novella. I hate that it's over and I'll never hear anymore of this beautifully enchanting story. Fredrick Backman, please turn this into a full-length book!!!!!! Reflection Nice story, makes you think about your own life and what you would be willing to give up. Short but enjoyable. Recommend What was one of the most memorable moments of The Deal of a Lifetime? The ending. What about Santino Fontanas performance did you like? Very good performance. You could see what he was saying. If you could take any character from The Deal of a Lifetime out to dinner, who would it be and why? The son. I like his simplicity and easiness. Any additional comments? Short but really leaves you thinking. Very good Emotional Nicely written, emotional novella. The story was a bit convoluted initially, but it came together at the end. Loved the narration ! short and sweet well written and narrated. It makes you think of what matters in life, and what we get caught up in life.

Bel Canto Audiobook by Ann Patchett

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ann Patchett) — Wed, 11 Aug 2004 08:58:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bel Canto Author: Ann Patchett Narrator: Anna Fields Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 08-11-04 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3449 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: But what begins as a life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different. Friendship, compassion, and the chance for great love lead the characters to forget the real danger that has been set in motion and cannot be stopped. Ann Patchett has written a novel that is as lyrical and profound as it is unforgettable. Bel Canto is a virtuoso performance by one of our best and most important writers. Critic Reviews: "Patchett can be counted on to deliver novels rich in imaginative bravado and psychological nuance. This fluid and assured narrative...demonstrates her growing maturity and mastery of form." (Publishers Weekly) "Mixing art and politics can have unexpected results, but rarely are they so poignant....[Anna Fields'] performance is the essence of Bel Canto, easy, pure of tone, with an agile, precise vocal technique." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Opera Has Charms to Soothe the Savage Guerillas I have a 5-book history with Patchett. Bel Canto is a book that I volleyed in and out of my wish list for years. The premise seemed compelling: terrorists guerillas storm the home of a Latin American vice president while he is entertaining international dignitaries, including the beautiful opera diva Roxanne Coss and Japanese businessman Katsumi Hosokawa. During the following 4 month siege, separated from the world with the heightened sense of the fragility of life, the captives overcome their language barriers through music, i.e. Roxanne's opera, and delicate bonds of humanity bloom in spite of the hostile environment. Patchett is intent on proving music is the magical universal language, setting out to develop this construct into a novel by casting her stage with a diversity of characters from various origins. In attempting to relate the participants' individual reactions as they are forced to face their mortality, examine their mental constitutions, Patchett takes on a production that is just too grand for the time frame of the book she intends. It soon becomes clear, as you try to understand the suddenly incongruous behaviors of the characters she first presesnted you with, that it's impossible to give the reader the necessary internal dialogues of these people which validates their behaviors; their actions, even under the circumstances, do not follow from the personalities she invited to the party -- the dilemma of the non-sequitor behavior. The plot's integrity may have held together better had Patchett foregone the internal dialogues and psychological digressions, had she allowed the reader to ponder the inner machinations. The relationships could have been believable had I been able to imagine their progression instead of being jerkily forced into bed...the psychological build up is what creates atmosphere, intrigue, and logical involvement. So, I come again to my ususal criticism--the crux of my on-going struggle with Patchett...if I am being asked to suspend belief (which you must do when everything defies facts, reason and logic), give me great and beautiful flights of fantasy or anarchy--toy with logic, but don't mistake my eagerness to share your wonderful writing with an open ticket to negate intelligence. Creating a story that charmingly coaxes me to the *suspension of belief* is very different from insisting that I accept glaring flaws and deviations.

Larkspur Cove Audiobook by Lisa Wingate

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lisa Wingate) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:29:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Larkspur Cove Author: Lisa Wingate Narrator: Johanna Parker, Scott Sowers Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 04-26-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 239 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: When Andrea moves to Moses Lake, Texas, with her son, she hopes her job will provide purpose and solace from an ordeal that shattered her life and shook her faith. Mart, the new game warden, hopes to escape the constant reminders of a tragedy he cant forgive himself for. Soon a girls plight offers them both a chance for redemption and draws them closer than they ever anticipated. Critic Reviews: Rich characterization and strong sense of place. Highly recommended. (Coleen Coble, best-selling author) Members Reviews: Great start the series Lisa Wingate has written a wonderful story/romance filled with believable, imperfect characters complete with insecurities and shaken faith. I appreciated that the leads were genuine - they worked, they conflicted with their teen-age children, they had disagreements with relatives, and they cared about their community. The romance was sweet and just taking root when the book ended. I enjoyed the two voices in the audiobook. They did a wonderful job! Loved!! Loved this book , cant wait to start the next book in the series!! Enjoyed the story line. Larkspur Cove This is an engaging, sweet, romantic, mystery thriller, that is performed well. The readers sound like the characters in a first person story should. Writing, characters and narration are all winners This performance held my attention all the way through. I think most people could relate to the story line I'm so glad I found this author! Favorite so far The story, the language she used, the plot, the reading by the narrators- by far one of my top 3 Audible books so far! Amazing!!!!

Gravity's Rainbow Audiobook by Thomas Pynchon, Frank Miller (cover design)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Thomas Pynchon) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 10:57:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gravity's Rainbow Author: Thomas Pynchon, Frank Miller (cover design) Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 37 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 10-20-14 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 453 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Winner of the 1973 National Book Award, Gravity's Rainbow is a postmodern epic, a work as exhaustively significant to the second half of the 20th century as Joyce's Ulysses was to the first. Its sprawling, encyclopedic narrative and penetrating analysis of the impact of technology on society make it an intellectual tour de force. Members Reviews: "Time to touch the person next to you" Don't expect Thomas Pynchon's picaresque, burlesque WWII epic Gravity's Rainbow (1973) to tie up all loose plot strands and resolve the fates of all loose characters. Expect an experience that comically and disturbingly involves you in the intertwined urges of Eros and Thanatos and the creative and destructive missions of civilization. The book is an encyclopedic riff on paranoia, sex, death, rockets, history, politics, religion, racism, war, cartels, chemistry, plastics, science, probability, drugs, music, movies, zoot suits, the dodo, American culture (and Western civilization in general), and much more, and the connections between everything. The novel is divided into four parts. The first part centers on London in the later stages of WWII and introduces Pynchon's point of view characters working for or around PISCES (Psychological Intelligence Schemes for Expediting Surrender), a cryptic British organization operating out of an insane asylum called the White Visitation. The protagonist is the happy-go-lucky US Army Lt. Tyrone Slothrop, whom the Brits are observing because his sexual assignations with women seem to predict the landing sites of the German V-2 rockets that land and explode before you can hear them approach. (Or are his one-night stands only sexual fantasies!?) Part Two moves things to France, as Slothrop becomes aware of the ways in which They have been manipulating him since infancy and starts trying to get out of Their clutches. Part Three enters the Zone, comprised of the minor zones into which America, the UK, and Russia have carved up the freshly capitulated Germany. Here Slothrop is on a quest for the Unholy Grail, a mysterious uber-rocket with a "black device" payload and the serial number 00000, as the allies are racing around snapping up German rockets and scientists. Part Four introduces a valiantly ineffectual Counterforce, comprised of Their rejects and runaways who are trying irrationally to muck up Their rational plans. Those bare bones ignore Pynchon's extravagant character creation, plotting, and digressing, not to mention his brazen vamping, culture vulturing, grossing out, and turning on. This is a dense, outrageous, imaginative novel. In addition to some healthy sex scenes, like between Slothrop and the German witch Geli Tripping, and some comical scatological ones, like one involving an outraged Roger Mexico and a cabal of oil executives, there are plenty of cringe-inducing sequences not for the squeamish. There is, for instance, a surreal sequence of Slothrop traveling down a toilet (ala Alice down the rabbit hole) and sex scenes involving bestiality, incest, pedophilia, coprophilia, necrophilia, polymerphilia (?), and more.

Sophie's World Audiobook by Jostein Gaarder

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jostein Gaarder) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 23:57:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sophie's World Subtitle: A Novel About the History of Philosophy Author: Jostein Gaarder Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 03-28-07 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 922 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From that irresistible beginning, Sophie becomes obsessed with questions that take her far beyond what she knows of her Norwegian village. Through those letters, she enrolls in a kind of correspondence course, covering Socrates to Sartre, with a mysterious philosopher, while receiving letters addressed to another girl. Who is Hilde? And why does her mail keep turning up? To unravel this riddle, Sophie must use the philosophy she is learning - but the truth turns out to be far more complicated than she could have imagined. A riveting novel that is also an exploration of the great philosophical concepts of Western thought, Sophie's World, with more than 30 million copies in print, has fired the imaginations all over the world. Critic Reviews: "Gaarder pulls off the difficult feat of blending philosophy and entertainment in a way that will capture [young adults'] interest and make them eager to explore further." (School Library Journal) "First, think a beginner's guide to philosophy....Next, imagine a fantasy novel - something like a modern-day version of Through the Looking Glass. Meld these disparate genres, and what do you get? Well, what you get is an improbable international bestseller...[A] tour de force." (Time) "Sophie's World is sheer delight. How I wish I'd had it during my college freshman survey of philosophy!" (Madeleine L'Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time) Members Reviews: Great introduction to Western Philosophy If you're interested in the development of philosophical thought from the Greeks onwards but don't want to get bogged down in 'serious' reading this is the book for you. Well written, quite gripping and the narrator does a good job. Only criticism is that goes off at a strange tangent at the end. Enjoyable! This was assigned for a class which I took, so I was rather worried about it being dry and dreadfully boring. I was surprised that it's actually well written and presents an interesting overview. Recommended as a great introduction to the history of philosophy. Great learning, Good story, Interesting twist Where does Sophie's World rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? This is definitely one of my favorite audible books. Great learning, good story, and as the story continues there is an interesting twist to the plot. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? I wish I could have. Second best had to do, that is to say, as I was driving back and fort to work. Any additional comments? I found that the audio was broken in three places. In two places some audio was missing, in one place two sequences had been turn around. It hurt the story a bit but not too badly. Sophie's World The side story is kind of lightweight, and I almost put the novel down because of that, however, Sophie's narrative provides the little breaks in the philosphical passages that allow you to digest the ideas presented. Hardcore philosphy scholars will likely dismiss this as merely a broad overview of philosophic thought.

Everything We Left Behind Audiobook by Kerry Lonsdale

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kerry Lonsdale) — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 18:39:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Everything We Left Behind Subtitle: A Novel Author: Kerry Lonsdale Narrator: Timothy Andrés Pabon Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 07-04-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 570 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Everything We Keep comes the highly anticipated sequel. Told from one man's two perspectives, Everything We Left Behind effortlessly blends suspense, mystery, and romance in an exploration of loss, resilience, and the compelling need to protect the ones we love at all cost. Two months before his wedding, financial executive James Donato chased his trade-laundering brother Phil to Mexico, only to be lost at sea and presumed dead. Six and a half years later, he emerges from a dissociative fugue state to find he's been living in Oaxaca as artist Carlos Dominguez, widower and father of two sons, with his sister-in-law Natalya Hayes, a retired professional surfer, helping to keep his life afloat. But his fiancée, Aimee Tierney, the love of his life, has moved on. She's married and has a child of her own. Devastated, James and his sons return to California. But Phil is scheduled for release from prison, and he's determined to find James, who witnessed something in Mexico that could land Phil back in confinement. Under mounting family pressure, James flees with his sons to Kauai, seeking refuge with Natalya. As James begins to unravel the mystery of his fractured identity, danger is never far behind, and Natalya may be the only person he can trust. Members Reviews: I'm as Disoriented as Carlos. Not what I wanted Is there anything you would change about this book? The constant back and forth from past to present and going between "James" and "Carlos" (same person different personalities) confused and disrupted the story rather than enhanced it. Perhaps if the narrator had completed "Carlos" chapters with a Spanish accent it would have worked better. What could Kerry Lonsdale have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you? This book felt like sloppy seconds. We already know what happened to James to turn him into "Carlos" no more on that front needed... but that was what the book became about. Book 1 ended with "Carlos" waking up as James, and getting his memories back. This book should have covered that process. The struggles through getting his memories back, finding out what happened the last 6 years as "Carlos", what was next, how is life moved on. To some extent, that happened just not in a fluid way and much of what was most anticipated was skipped over. We start 6 months after he woke up and acclimated. It was a disappointment but even shelving my expectation. The story was weak and often became a droopy, plotless, romance novel. Any additional comments? This was my most anticipated novel of 2017, it pains me to write this after loving and devouring the first book. That book was top 20 last year. This book won't make my top 100 this year. The author has difficulty writing men. It felt unnatural, unbelievable---like a woman was writing a male character, which is true, but now how the experience should be. Another exciting read! Another exciting read! Quick moving. Just a little confusing back and forth with then and now. But very enjoyablw. Great follow-up. So after the first book I was really curious as to what happened next.

The Thirteenth Tale Audiobook by Diane Setterfield

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Diane Setterfield) — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 12:36:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Thirteenth Tale Subtitle: A Novel Author: Diane Setterfield Narrator: Bianca Amato, Jill Tanner Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 09-11-06 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7996 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Disinterring the life she meant to bury for good, Vida mesmerizes Margaret with the power of her storytelling. Hers is a tale of gothic strangeness, featuring the Angelfield family, including the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, and a devastating fire. Struck by a curious parallel between their stories, Margaret demands the truth from Vida, and together they confront the ghosts that have haunted them. The Thirteenth Tale is a return to that rich vein of storytelling that our parents loved and we loved as children. Diane Setterfield will keep you guessing, make you wonder, move you to tears and laughter, and in the end, deposit you breathless yet satisfied back upon the shore of your everyday life. Critic Reviews: "Bianca Amato is stunning as Margaret....[her] respect for the power of story and the written word is heard in every utterance. Jill Tanner accomplishes a tour de force as the enigmatic and mysterious Vida. In conversation her voice has the hesitancy and fragility of an elderly woman, but her voice takes on the strength and power of a master storyteller as she weaves her spellbinding life story." (AudioFile) "Readers will be mesmerized by this story-within-a-story tinged with the eeriness of Rebecca and the willfulness of Jane Eyre. The author skillfully keeps the plot moving by unfurling a new twist in each chapter and leaves no strand untucked at the surprising and satisfying conclusion. A wholly original work told in the vein of all the best gothic classics. Lovers of books about book lovers will be enthralled." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Simply Amazing Story--2 missing chapters This story is absolutely amazing. It is captivating and enthralling. However, the unabridged Audible copy of this story is missing two chapters near the end of the second file (as the story is so long that it requires two files). As it is, KEY story ending information is left out. Audible has been informed of this problem and I assume it will be corrected at some time. Ultimately this is not a story to be missed. However, if you are looking for an unabridged copy of the book, this is not currently it. Once you finish it, you'll listen again! I have never been a fan of gothic novels...and after listening to this for about 15 minutes, I wondered why I had gone against my intial instincts, and purchased this book . If I had actually been reading this,(instead of listening) at this point it would have been tossed! What a tragedy that would have been! For I would have missed the chance to be transported into Vida Winter's world. Like Margaret, for me the story took over, and I found my self unable to stop listening. Margaret herself grabbed hold of me, for I, too, understood her love of stories. When I finished it, I knew I had to hear it again, because now that I knew the story, I wanted to listen to the words and visualize the beautiful imagery that Ms. Setterfield created.(and besides I wasn't quite ready to let these characters go...) Barnes and Noble has created the word, "unputdownable" for this new book club they have created. I heartily concur! This particular delicacy is meant to be savored.

The Mistress Audiobook by Danielle Steel

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Danielle Steel) — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 06:16:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Mistress Author: Danielle Steel Narrator: Alexander Cendese Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 01-03-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 699 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Incomparable storyteller Danielle Steel illuminates rarely glimpsed precincts of unimaginable wealth and power, where love and freedom are the most dangerous desires of all. Natasha Leonova's beauty saved her life. Discovered on a freezing Moscow street by a Russian billionaire, she has lived for seven years under his protection, immersed in rarefied luxury, while he pursues his activities in a dark world that she guesses at but never sees. Her home is the world, often on one of Vladimir Stanislas's spectacular yachts manned by scores of heavily armed crew members. Natasha's job is to keep Vladimir happy, ask no questions, and be discreet. She knows her place, and the rules. She feels fortunate to be spoiled and protected, and is careful not to dwell on Vladimir's ruthlessness or the deadly circles he moves in. She experiences only his kindness and generosity and believes he will always keep her safe. She is unfailingly loyal to him in exchange. Theo Luca is the son of a brilliant, world famous, and difficult artist, Lorenzo Luca, who left his wife and son with a fortune in artwork they refuse to sell. Lorenzo's widow, Maylis, has transformed their home in St. Paul de Vence into a celebrated restaurant decorated with her late husband's paintings, and treats it as a museum. There, on a warm June evening, Theo first encounters Natasha, the most exquisite woman he has ever seen. And there, Vladimir lays eyes on Luca's artwork. Two dangerous obsessions begin. Theo, a gifted artist in his own right, finds himself feverishly painting Natasha's image for weeks after their first meeting. Vladimir, enraged that Lorenzo's works are not for sale, is determined to secure a painting at any price. And Natasha, who knows that she cannot afford to make even one false move, nevertheless begins to think of the freedom she can never have as Vladimir's mistress. She cannot risk her safety for another man, or even a conversation with him, as Theo longs for a woman he can never have. From Moscow to the Riviera, Paris, and London, The Mistress is a riveting tale of vast fortune, cruelty, creative genius, and daring courage, as uncompromising individuals chart a course for collision. Members Reviews: Repetitious An astonishing amount of repetitions. Very annoying! Disappointing that the writer and the editor dropped the ball on this book. Flat characters that perpetrate aweful sexism & stereotypes Women are portrayed as weak creatures that can't think for themselves and live to service men's sexual hunger... ugh. I thought that view was left in the past. The character are all so 1-dimensional... no depth. Absolutely Wonderful Really liked this very different cast of characters from her usual novels. Unpredictable in many ways. It is now one of my favorites from Danielle Steele. It could have been summed up in a short story This was my first Danielle Steel. For me, many parts of it was redundant. There was little dialog and way too much repetition. I will try her again because there was some story. I liked the depth of the mother and father figure storyline. But they had more depth than the main characters. It wasn't the best read but it was not a huge throw away. Narrator stoic Narrator told the story like a news reporter. This was why the overall rating was low

Improvement Audiobook by Joan Silber

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joan Silber) — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 05:19:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Improvement Subtitle: A Novel Author: Joan Silber Narrator: Ramiz Monsef, Cassandra Campbell, Adenrele Ojo, Kate Reading, R. C. Bray, Hillary Huber Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins Language: English Release date: 11-14-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 14 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: One of our most gifted writers of fiction returns with a bold and piercing novel about a young single mother living in New York, her eccentric aunt, and the decisions they make that have unexpected implications for the world around them. Reyna knows her relationship with Boyd isn't perfect; yet she sees him through a three-month stint at Riker's Island, their bond growing tighter. Kiki, now settled in the East Village after a youth that took her to Turkey and other far-off places - and loves - around the world, admires her niece's spirit but worries that motherhood to four-year-old Oliver might complicate a difficult situation. Little does she know that Boyd is pulling Reyna into a smuggling scheme across state lines, violating his probation. When Reyna takes a step back, her small act of resistance sets into motion a tapestry of events that affect the lives of loved ones and strangers around them. A novel that examines conviction, connection, repayment, and the possibility of generosity in the face of loss, Improvement is as intricately woven together as Kiki's beloved Turkish rugs, as colorful as the tattoos decorating Reyna's body, with narrative twists and turns as surprising and unexpected as the lives all around us. Members Reviews: A beautiful novel about the choices we make and how even ... A beautiful novel about the choices we make and how even seemingly small decisions can change the world around us. Silber is a gifted writer who does a lot in this short book, and it left me with the rare feeling of hope. One of my favorite novels this year. Beautifully connected stories. Outstanding Novel. IMPROVEMENT is the first novel of Joan Silburâs that I have read, and it will not be the last. She has taken three stories and seamlessly woven them together in a way that is so natural and yet so brilliant. Reading this book was an absolute pleasure for my mind. The cause and effect that one character has on another makes you think about the present and how what we do in our daily lives can make an imprint on another person, someone whom we might know, or who might be a stranger. Find out what Turkish rugs, Rikers Island, and cigarettes could possibly have in common, or rather how they commingle in this novel. There is a unique language to IMPROVEMENT that flows with such freshness. After each sentence, you eagerly await the next. From Turkey to New York, connections are made, wavering decisions dangle, and the intent to improve abounds. I count this book as one of my favorites of the year. The butterfly effect through a few degrees--and a generation--of separation IMPROVEMENT is a novel, mostly centered in New York, but also Berlin and Turkey, about people trying to improve their lives, despite the small or catastrophic tragedies that changed their position or outlook. The people in Silberâs cast are either related to each other by family; their circumstances; by a generation; or by several degrees of separation. In some instances, they are intimately associated with each other, or acquainted, but at times, it is only a casual or chance agency that is relevant.

Still Alice Audiobook by Lisa Genova

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lisa Genova) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:32:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Still Alice Author: Lisa Genova Narrator: Lisa Genova Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 01-21-09 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5047 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Alice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build. At 50 years old, she's a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children. When she begins to grow disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life - and her relationship with her family and the world - forever. At once beautiful and terrifying, this extraordinary debut novel by Lisa Genova is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease that is as compelling as A Beautiful Mind and as unforgettable as Ordinary People. Editorial Reviews: The heart-wrenching tale of 50-year-old Alice Howland and her early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis is narrated eloquently by author Lisa Genova. Alice, a successful linguistics professor at Harvard, is married to John, an equally esteemed Harvard professor, and together they have three grown children. Her biggest worry in life is her youngest daughter's move to L.A. to pursue acting until Alice starts forgetting things. It begins innocuously enough: misplacing her BlackBerry, missing unimportant appointments on her to-do list, searching her mind for tip-of-the-tongue phrases. But when she goes on her familiar daily run through Cambridge, and becomes disoriented just one mile from home, Alice knows something is terribly wrong. A battery of tests and multiple doctor visits later, her worst nightmare is confirmed she is in the first stages of early onset Alzheimer's disease. Told from Alice's perspective, it's a frighteningly keen insight to the slow deterioration of a debilitating disease. Every nuance of pain, frustration, fear, and sorrow is captured in Genova's voice and she expertly utilizes the pregnant pause, and short, choppy sentences to convey the confusion and pain of Howland's thoughts during testing and diagnosis. Genova's slight Boston accent lends authenticity to the story, and she doesn't oversell the emotion behind the words. Her transitions between character dialogue are smooth and subtle, but she so embodies the main character Alice, it's hard to remember that it is Genova, and not Howland herself, telling her story. Knowing its being read exactly as it was intended by the author creates an even stronger connection to the work. Equally present is the devastating effect this illness has on Alice's husband, children, and coworkers. And while there's obviously no happy ending in sight, Genova still manages to paint a story of hope, reminding listeners that even in the midst of great loss and suffering, love remains. Critic Reviews: "After I read Still Alice, I wanted to stand up and tell a train full of strangers, 'You have to get this book.'" (Boston Globe) "With grace and compassion, Lisa Genova writes about the enormous white emptiness created by Alzheimer's." (The Improper Bostonian) "A masterpiece that will touch lives in ways none of us can even imagine." (Alzheimer's Daily News) Members Reviews: Please pay for a professional Reader Would you try another book from Lisa Genova and/or Lisa Genova? yes What didnt you like about Lisa Genovas performance? Monotone. The author is a good writer but a horrible reader. I don't understand why a professional reader was not used. The flat and emotionless voice made the book unbearable to listen to at times.

Vanishing Acts Audiobook by Jodi Picoult

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jodi Picoult) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 23:44:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Vanishing Acts Author: Jodi Picoult Narrator: Jim Jenner, Robert Ramierez, Sharon Washington, Jonathan Davis, Julia Gibson Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 697 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Delia Hopkins has led a charmed life. Raised in rural New Hampshire by her widowed father, Andrew, she now has a young daughter, a handsome fiancé, and her own search-and-rescue bloodhound, which she uses to find missing persons. But as Delia plans her wedding, she is plagued by flashbacks of a life she can't recall. And then a policeman knocks on her door, revealing a secret that changes the world as she knows it. What happens when you learn you are not who you thought you were? When the people you've loved and trusted suddenly change before your eyes? When getting your deepest wish means giving up what you've always taken for granted? Vanishing Acts explores how life as we know it might not turn out the way we imagined; how doing the right thing could mean doing the wrong thing; and how the memory we thought had vanished could return as a threat. Members Reviews: One narrator put me off The story was good, and I enjoyed it. However I was unable to finish as one of the narrators drove me nuts. Constantly sucking up their split, licking their lips, not sure what. Cant they edit that stuff out? Not as good as most Jodi picoult is one of my favorite authors. This book was not a favorite. Didn't care about characters as much. Not sure what the point of her dad in jail story line was for. good story-terrible narrators i struggled to understand the story at its beginning ....it didn't look like i was able to pick up on who was who. but the narrators, especially Delia's character... absolutely horrible. stretching words and pronounciations...like she's constantly high... I struggled with wanting to quit listening. Mysterious & terrifying until the very end Who was your favorite character and why? I loved the father. He lied, cheated & stole for what was best for his daughter, the mark of a true parent in my opinion. He was willing to go to any length to ensure that his daughter was safe from her mother and her boyfriend. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? I must say, this book did cause me to shed a few tears, mainly because for me it hits very close to home. In my own childhood, my mother was an alcoholic & drug addict. I can recall coming home from school not being able to wake her, not knowing if she was just drunk or if I should call 911. My own mother would take us to her dealers houses in the middle of the night, not concerned with if we had school the following day or if she was putting us in harms way. In this sense, I identify with this book. The repressed memories are a very interesting subject that I look forward to learning more about, but also in a way, it is terrifying to think you could learn something that you may not want to know. To this day, my mother is a drug addict and alcoholic and even though I have forgiven her, I have no desire to forge a relationship with her. It's a strange feeling to know that you should have feelings for someone as special as your mother who should have walked to the edges of the earth for you, and yet feel the same as if you were passing a stranger on the street of a busy street. The ending of this book really threw me for a loop.

The Lovely Bones Audiobook by Alice Sebold

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alice Sebold) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:13:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Lovely Bones Author: Alice Sebold Narrator: Alice Sebold Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 07-31-07 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1287 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In the sweet, untroubled voice of a precocious teenage girl, Susie relates the awful events of her death and her own adjustment to the strange new place where she finds herself. It looks a lot like her school playground, with the good kind of swing sets. With love, longing, and a growing understanding, Susie watches her family as they cope with their grief: her father embarks on a search for the killer, her sister undertakes a feat of amazing daring, her little brother builds a fort in her honor, and they begin the difficult process of healing. This story of seemingly unbearable tragedy is transformed into a suspenseful and touching narrative about family, memory, love, heaven, and living. Critic Reviews: "A stunning achievement." (The New Yorker) "A keenly observed portrait of familial love...a deeply affecting meditation on the ways in which terrible pain...can be redeemed." (The New York Times) "A personal and artistic triumph." (Time) Members Reviews: Disappointing I've just been listening to this book and I'm completely underwhelmed by the author's reading. It's a monotonous and single voice reading of a book I was very much looking forward to. I don't know who told Alice Sebold that she was a good reader - she isn't. I'll be hard pressed to buy another book that is read by the author. An experienced reader could have done ten times the justice to the story that she's doing. Excellent Story - Poor Narration This is an excellent story though the author should not have been the narrator. As we all know, narrators bring the entertainment value to the books, but this author explained in the beginning she likes reading her books a loud before she publishes so apparently feels she is qualified to narrate to the masses. I have to say though that the story is excellent, the entertainment value was hurt by her desire to not pay a good narrator. Great! But authors should NOT narrate their books. Fabulous descriptive writing but the monotone of the author took so much away from the usual amazing audible experience. Lifeless Narration. A classic example that authors don't always make good narrators. Author as Narrator ruined Once I got past the painful first chapter, the rest of the story was just okay although it is hard to evaluate the story due to the fact that Ms. Sebold is one of the worst narrators I have ever heard. Her affect is flat and I think it would have been much more engrossing if just about ANYONE else had read it. Very disappointing.

The Book That Matters Most Audiobook by Ann Hood

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ann Hood) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 03:20:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Book That Matters Most Author: Ann Hood Narrator: Nina Alvamar Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins Language: English Release date: 08-09-16 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 271 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: An enthralling novel about love, loss, secrets, friendship, and the healing power of literature, by the best-selling author of The Knitting Circle. Ava's 25-year marriage has fallen apart, and her two grown children are pursuing their own lives outside of the country. Ava joins a book group, not only for her love of reading but also out of sheer desperation for companionship. The group's goal throughout the year is for each member to present the book that matters most to them. Ava rediscovers a mysterious book from her childhood - one that helped her through the traumas of the untimely deaths of her sister and mother. Alternating with Ava's story is that of her troubled daughter, Maggie, who, living in Paris, descends into a destructive relationship with an older man. Ava's mission to find that book and its enigmatic author takes her on a quest that unravels the secrets of her past and offers her and Maggie the chance to remake their lives. Members Reviews: A MUST read If you could sum up The Book That Matters Most in three words, what would they be? This is just a great feel book. I love the cast of characters. I love the twists and turns and surprises. But what i liked most was, it was real life. unpredictable and this is how we deal with life. If you could rename The Book That Matters Most, what would you call it? Perfect title lovely book good book. narrator was perfect for this novel. very easy to listen to. I would recommend, but don't know if I'd read again. Wow I would have never picked this book for myself, but as part of a book club it was suggested and it was interesting as the story is based on a book club. What an amazing book, so sad and so real. It is a beautiful story of life, tragedy, grief, and finding yourself. The performance by the narrator was amazing as well. Highly recommend this book to young and mature audiences. Wow Just wow. That's all I can say. Any information will spoil this book. You just have to read it (or listen to it). I Am Weeping Exceptional Ann Hood ...I want the hard copy to read the printed words...I am Weeping is all I can say...Ann has moved me to tears again. the narration got better with each performance of each of Anne's charecters. For any aspiring writers ..or even established authors..after u read this and all Anne's other novels, and her short stories, and memoirs about her lste dad. and her faughter who died so uoung. and then her book about character emotions named , Creating Character Emotions, something she is a master at, as well as inducing every emotion a reader can possibly ask of a masterpiece ... Rose Heredia, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY..August 14, 2016.

The Bluest Eye Audiobook by Toni Morrison

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Toni Morrison) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:11:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Bluest Eye Author: Toni Morrison Narrator: Toni Morrison Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 07-19-11 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 679 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The Bluest Eye, published in 1970, is the first novel written by Toni Morrison, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature. It is the story of 11-year-old Pecola Breedlove--a black girl in an America whose love for its blond, blue-eyed children can devastate all others--who prays for her eyes to turn blue: so that she will be beautiful, so that people will look at her, so that her world will be different. This is the story of the nightmare at the heart of her yearning and the tragedy of its fulfillment. Critic Reviews: So precise, so faithful to speech and so charged with pain and wonder that the novel becomes poetry. ( The New York Times) A profoundly successful work of fiction. . . . Taut and understated, harsh in its detachment, sympathetic in its truth...it is an experience. ( The Detroit Free Press) This story commands attention, for it contains one black girls universe. ( Newsweek) Members Reviews: Excellent but not an easy story. Would you listen to The Bluest Eye again? Why? Yes, it is a very well written story that touched and challenged me. Which character as performed by Toni Morrison was your favorite? All of the story was impressionable. The character, Pecola, was very strong for me. Any additional comments? This was a difficult story to get through but it was important. I plan to listen to it again after I let some time pass. It was a powerful story and had a lot to offer from different views. Toni Morrison at Her Best! A sad story, but it depicts a true reality. I was hoping for a happy ending. Instead I was given the gift of truth. READ LIKE ONE LONG BEAUTIFUL POEM! Ms. Morrison's narration was so melodically engaging. I could listen to her all day! Brava! And this story of not quite knowing how to come to grips with the YOU that you are is one that we all can relate to. One of my all-time favorite books. Loved reading it, adored listening to it. Great narrating, Ms. Morrison really brought the book alive. You might want to keep a box of tissues handy, there are parts that will break your heart . However, I still feel uplifted by this book. I highly recommend it. What an experience! Listening to Toni Morrison read her own work aloud honestly makes the experience even richer. This is a difficult book -- and at times disturbing. That being said, it had me 100% engaged the whole time! You really get to feel the cadence of her work in a new way. Highly recommend!!

Slightly South of Simple Audiobook by Kristy Woodson Harvey

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kristy Woodson Harvey) — Wed, 31 May 2017 02:36:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Slightly South of Simple Subtitle: Peachtree Bluff, Book 1 Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey Narrator: Shannon McManus, Janet Metzger Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 05-31-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 190 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From the next "major voice in Southern fiction" (New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand) comes the first in an all-new series chronicling the journeys of three sisters and their mother - and a secret from their past that has the potential to tear them apart and reshape their very definition of what it means to be a family. Caroline Murphy swore she'd never set foot back in the small Southern town of Peachtree Bluff; she was a New York girl born and bred and the worst day of her life was when, in the wake of her father's death, her mother selfishly forced her to move - during her senior year of high school, no less - back to that hick-infested rat trap where she'd spent her childhood summers. But now that her marriage to a New York high society heir has fallen apart in a very public, very embarrassing fashion, a pregnant Caroline decides to escape the gossipmongers with her nine-year-old daughter and head home to her mother, Ansley. Ansley has always put her three daughters first, especially when she found out that her late husband, despite what he had always promised, left her with next to nothing. Now the proud owner of a charming waterfront design business and finally standing on her own two feet, Ansley welcomes Caroline and her brood back with open arms. But when her second daughter Sloane, whose military husband is overseas, and youngest daughter and successful actress Emerson join the fray, Ansley begins to feel like the piece of herself she had finally found might be slipping from her grasp. Even more discomfiting, when someone from her past reappears in Ansley's life, the secret she's harbored from her daughters their entire lives might finally be forced into the open. Exploring the powerful bonds between sisters and mothers and daughters, this engaging novel is filled with Southern charm, emotional drama, and plenty of heart. Members Reviews: ENJOYABLE Loved it!! I had been listening to one other author's books but this book was as enjoyable! Beach read Pleasant book. Not much of a thinker, great for vacation. I loved the reader for the character "Ansley." Her voice was soothing and easy to listen to. Just about right for the sisters and mom relationships and personalities As a mother of three girls close in age and about this same age group, I had a number of chuckles and nods. It is an interesting story. A little disappointed in ending and I was not sure it held up in the middle as well as it could have. There were a few things I stumbled over and my willing suspension of disbelief faltered. I lived in Georgia for many years and I am a child of the south so I could relate. There were some great characters. Overall nicely done for what I believe is a first novel??? The readers were annoying I made it three quarters of the way through this book. The narrators are annoying and the story line is marginal great story great story. enjoyed every minute. narrator gave a true southern charm to the book. recommend

In the Light of the Garden Audiobook by Heather Burch

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Heather Burch) — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 00:41:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: In the Light of the Garden Subtitle: A Novel Author: Heather Burch Narrator: Amy Landon Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 02-13-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 254 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In the Light of the Garden is a novel about unearthed family secrets, the enchantment of past loves, and the indelible power of forgiveness. Inheriting her grandparents' island estate on Florida's Gulf coast is a special kind of homecoming for thirty-one-year-old Charity Baxter. Raised by a narcissistic single mother, Charity's only sense of a loving home comes from childhood summers spent with Gramps and Grandma. But piercing her fondest memories is her sharpest grief - the death of her beloved grandmother, when Charity stopped believing in the magical healing power of the weeping willow that still casts a shadow on their property. Now that Charity has returned, she's full of longing and regret, until she befriends her neighbor Dalton Reynolds, who has come to Gaslamp Island carrying his own heartache. As other exiles arrive - a great uncle harboring secrets, a teenage runaway - Charity begins to reconsider what makes a family. When her own estranged mother shows up in crisis, Charity is challenged to search her heart for forgiveness. But forgiving herself may require a little magic from the last place she'd expect to find it. Members Reviews: loved it i love it when i can find a book that i can listen to in front of my child without having to worry about harsh language or sex scenes. it was an interesting story that kept me interested the whole time. Excellent I havent read a book in years; partly because I have low vision and reading actual books is difficult. Audible has made it possible again and what a way to get back into reading by starting with, In the Light of the Garden. This book was AWESOME. I could not put it down. It made me laugh, cry and left me smiling. This book is a MUST READ!! Good but weak ending... Good plot and character development, but lesser characters drawn out so much that slowed story. Discovering truths of main character 's past was good, but bringing these out could have been done in a way to hold more interest. Ending left me disappointed that main plot not pulled together better. AN AWESOME STORY OF HOPE If you could sum up In the Light of the Garden in three words, what would they be? FORGIVENESS, HEALING & HOPE What was one of the most memorable moments of In the Light of the Garden? WHEN THEY REVEALED THE POWER THAT THE WEEPING TREE HAD ON EVERYONE Have you listened to any of Amy Landons other performances before? How does this one compare? NO MY FIRST If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? THE POWER OF HOPE Any additional comments? I TOTALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK IT WASN'T FULL OF CURSE WORDS AND FILTH WHICH I HAVE RAN INTO WITH OTHER BOOKS. Enjoyable The characters are interestingand the story has interesting twists and turns. I would read another one by this author.

The Jane Austen Book Club Audiobook by Karen Joy Fowler

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Karen Joy Fowler) — Wed, 12 May 2004 06:12:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Jane Austen Book Club Author: Karen Joy Fowler Narrator: Kimberly Schraf Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-04 Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc. Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 300 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Six Californians join to discuss Jane Austen's novels. Over the six months they meet, marriages are tested, affairs begin, unsuitable arrangements become suitable, and love happens. With her finely sighted eye for the frailties of human behavior and her finely tuned ear for the absurdities of social intercourse, Fowler has never been wittier nor her characters more appealing. The result is a delicious dissection of modern relationships. Dedicated Austenites will delight in unearthing the echoes of Austen that run through the novel, but most readers will simply enjoy the vision and voice that, despite two centuries of separation, unite two great writers of brilliant social comedy. Critic Reviews: "This exquisite novel is bigger and more ambitious than it appears. It's that rare book that reminds us what reading is all about." (The New York Times Book Review) "Sly wit, quirky characters, and digressive storytelling....Like Austen, Fowler is a subversive wit and a wise observer of human interaction of all stripes." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: agree with Lisa This book sounded interesting, so I downloaded the sample to listen to it. Though not a Jane Austen fan, necessarily, I am in a book club, and I thought it would be worth the read. Unfortunately, Lisa was right- the reader has a raspy, sing-song voice, which might be better suited to a light mystery, like one by Diane Mott Davidson. I decided I just couldn't listen to the entire book by this reader. Do the readers have to audition? This reader is more suited to selling laundry detergent or margarine. Her bizarre sing-song was ill-suited to the subject matter and made her sound as though she did not understand what she was reading. Surely publishers audition these performers before employing them. This book makes me think they do not. It was a terrible distraction from the material. Tried to like it, but couldn't I'm a big Jane Austen fan and I thought this book would bring her works into a more contemporary setting. The book started out slow, but I figured it would get better as it progressed. Unfortunately it didn't. There were snippets of each Jane Austen book and the themes were reflected in each chapter, but the whole concept didn't mesh very well. Too choppy at times as each character's story was being told. I had a hard time keeping everything straight. The narrator's voice didn't help either. She sounded condescending at certain points and just plain annoying the rest of the time. I'd like to give it another try, so I'll probably read it rather than listen to it. well written; not well read The Jane Austin Book Club is beautifully crafted. Interwoven stories of the club members construct a community that is compelling for me as a reader to enter into. Their stories are framed by Jane Austin's to make a socially and historically textured world. The characters are eccentric and the author's descriptive sensibilities are surprising at times and hip. However, the narrator's sing song inflection and high pitch is annoyingly inappropriate for the text. I had to fight against it to enjoy the book. Boring What can I say? I wanted to like this book, but I just didn't. I have a rule that if I get to page 100 of a book and don't care about the characters or what happens next I give up.

Alaska Audiobook by James A. Michener

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James A. Michener) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 20:50:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Alaska Subtitle: A Novel Author: James A. Michener Narrator: Larry McKeever Format: Unabridged Length: 57 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 08-04-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 491 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The high points in the story of Alaska since the American acquisition are brought vividly to life through more than 100 characters, real and fictional. Critic Reviews: "Few will escape the allure of the land and people [Michener] describes.... Alaska takes the reader on a journey through one of the bleakest, richest, most foreboding, and highly inviting territories in our Republic, if not the world.... The characters that Michener creates are bigger than life." ( Los Angeles Times Book Review) "Always the master of exhaustive historical research, Michener tracks the settling of Alaska [in] vividly detailed scenes and well-developed characters." ( Boston Herald) "Michener is still, sentence for sentence, writing's fastest attention grabber." ( The New York Times) Members Reviews: I KNOW ALASKA LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND THERE'S MUCH TO BE SAID FOR A LONG BOOK This is one of my favorite books by one of my favorite authors. When I first joined audible almost five years ago, the first thing I did was look up my favorite authors. I was totally bummed to find out there were no Michener Novels. Also confusing, since Michener's novels were some of the first to ever be recorded. I listened to this book and several others on cassette tape. I wrote to audible several times to ask them to get his recordings. I am now one happy camper. It will take years, but I hope one day to listen to all his books. THIS AIN'T AMERICA, THIS IS ALASKA This should be listed as Historical Fiction, not Fiction/Contemporary. No one writes history like Michener. Each chapter is really a book. If you find the size too much, just listen to a chapter and come back later for another chapter, although I am betting you will not be able to put it down. Besides history, James likes to throw in lots of science, but don't worry, he captures all the wonderment of science and you will learn with pleasure. THE GREAT LAND Michener starts at the beginning. He starts with plate tectonics and explains cool things like Alaska was once the true North Pole and it was once on the equator. He talks about the animals. For instance camels started in North America. Saber Tooth Tigers were nine times bigger then tigers of today. There were once Lions in Alaska. A Mastodon becomes one of his main characters in chapter two and we follow her and her herd through there daily lives. In chapter three we see how Alaska was settled by the Asians. Later chapters talk about the Russians and how they settled Alaska. All of this is done through storytelling. Much of it is done through characters and you will feel what it was like to live back then. If you like Jean Auel, you will love this. There are some great stories about the Gold Rush. The book continues up to the 1980's. The last stories feature a teacher who goes to teach at Desolation Point. There is mountain climbing, dog sledding, WWII invasion of the islands, etc. I HOPE THE MINISTER THAT MARRIED YOU TIED A TIGHT KNOT. I love Larry McKeever for these books. I would not want him to do a fast paced Zombie book or some high adventure, but he is perfect for Michener. I will have to admit I could be prejudice. You know how firsts are, perhaps your first girlfriend was a red head or had bucked teeth or both and now you have a special place in your heart for red headed bucked teeth women.

The Hawley Book of the Dead Audiobook by Chrysler Szarlan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chrysler Szarlan) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 09:41:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Hawley Book of the Dead Subtitle: A Novel Author: Chrysler Szarlan Narrator: Cassandra Campbell Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 09-23-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1014 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: For fans of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane and A Discovery of Witches comes a brilliantly imagined debut novel brimming with rich history, suspense, and magic. Revelation "Reve" Dyer grew up with her grandmothers family stories, stretching back centuries to Reves ancestors, who founded the town of Hawley Five Corners, Massachusetts. Their history is steeped in secrets, for few outsiders know that an ancient magic runs in the Dyer womens blood, and that Reve is a magician whose powers are all too real. Reve and her husband are world-famous Las Vegas illusionists. They have three lovely young daughters, a beautiful home, and what seems like a charmed life. But Reves world is shattered when an intruder alters her trick pistol and she accidentally shoots and kills her beloved husband onstage. Fearing for her daughters lives, Reve flees with them to the place she has always felt safest - an antiquated farmhouse in the forest of Hawley Five Corners, where the magic of her ancestors reigns, and her oldest friend - and first love - is the towns chief of police. Here, in the forest, with its undeniable air of enchantment, Reve hopes she and her girls will be protected. Delving into the past for answers, Reve is drawn deeper into her familys legends. What she discovers is The Hawley Book of the Dead, an ancient leather-bound journal holding mysterious mythic power. As she pieces together the truth behind the book, Reve will have to shield herself and her daughters against an uncertain, increasingly dangerous fate. For soon it becomes clear that the stranger who upended Reves life in Las Vegas has followed her to Hawley - and that she has something he desperately wants. Brimming with rich history, suspense, and magic, The Hawley Book of the Dead is a brilliantly imagined debut novel from a riveting new voice. Editorial Reviews: Editors Select, September 2014 - I have a feeling Im going to be a fan of Chrysler Szarlan for a long time The Hawley Book of the Dead grabbed hold of me within the first few pages, as it started - quite literally - with a bang. Reve Dyer and her daughters are forced to disappear from their Las Vegas home by the heart-wrenching and eerie circumstances surrounding her husbands murder. They move to Hawley Five Corners - her ancestors estate outside of Boston - in an effort to evade the killer that is stalking their family. Cassandra Campbell brings the suspense, romance, and magic of Szarlans words to life, creating a world worth re-visiting over and over. Members Reviews: Nice generational witch tale Not great literature, but nicely done and fun to boot. The romance isn't icky. The villains are interesting and the reveal is very intriguing. The title has almost nothing to do with the plot, but it doesn't matter to the story. It sounded like something I could really love..... I wanted to like this book. I really did. Everything about it sounded awesome. But somehow maybe a third of the way in I started to feel dread about continuing the book. That is never a good sign for me. It has elements of things I absolutely love in a book and yet somehow I was bored. The narrator was excellent. Spellbinding, really. But the actual book seemed like there was no payoff. I just kept waiting for it to get good and that never happened.

Against All Odds Audiobook by Danielle Steel

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Danielle Steel) — Tue, 02 May 2017 03:59:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Against All Odds Author: Danielle Steel Narrator: Dan John Miller Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 05-02-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 411 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Taking chances is part of life, but when you bet your future against the odds, it's a high risk game. Kate Madison's stylish resale shop has been a big Soho success, supporting her and her four kids since her husband's untimely death. Now they are grown and ready to forge lives of their own. And they all choose to play against the odds, to their mother's dismay. Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, is in line to make partner at her Wall Street firm, when she falls for a client she represents in a criminal case. She tells herself she can make a life with him - but can she? Julie, a young designer, meets a man who seems too good to be true and falls under his spell. She marries him quickly, gives up her job, moves to LA to be at his side - but is all what it seems? Justin is a struggling writer who pushes for children with his partner before they're financially or emotionally ready. Will the strain on the relationship take too high a toll? And Willie, the youngest, a high tech expert, makes a choice that shocks them all, with a woman 15 years older. Kate - loving, supportive and outspoken - can't keep her children from playing against the odds. Can the odds be beaten? Not often - as her children have to learn for themselves. For Kate, the hardest lesson will be that she can't protect the children she loves from the choices they make - but can only love them as they make them. Members Reviews: against all odds was a great book. loved it great book great narrator lovedthe story. loved the narrator would give 10 stars if i could awesome listening to this Against all odds Boring story! I'm so sorry to say that. Usually enjoy. Listened to to end to find out what happened to the characters. Hopefully I can get a recommendation for antother book? very entertaining. the book was very entertaining. it kept my interest and truly enjoyed the characters. it was not as predictable as you would have thought would be. Must Read! Excellent Read! Fabulous characters and wonderful development with exceptional story line for each one. I enjoyed this audio book immensely, in great part due to the narrator. So thank you narrator, and .... Thank you, Danielle Steel!! Great story! Loved it! A little bit different from her norm. I ebjoyed this book!

Thankless in Death Audiobook by J. D. Robb

biacuaduc@gmail.com (J. D. Robb) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 22:17:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Thankless in Death Subtitle: In Death, Book 37 Author: J. D. Robb Narrator: Susan Ericksen Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 09-17-13 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3392 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The year 2060 is drawing to a close, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's a time for loved ones to come together. But sometimes the deepest hatreds seethe within the closest relationships, and blood flows faster than water.... For Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the NYPSD, the job is a useful reminder of what she has to be grateful for this season. Hosting Roarke's big Irish family for the holiday may be challenging, but it's a joyful improvement on her own dark childhood. Other couples aren't as lucky as Eve and Roarke. The Reinholds, for example, are lying on the floor of their Downing Street apartment, stabbed and bludgeoned almost beyond recognition. Those who knew them are stunned - and even more heartbroken by the overwhelming evidence that they were murdered by their own son. Twenty-six-year-old Jerry hadn't exactly made a good impression on all the bosses who fired him or the girlfriend who dumped him - but they didn't think he was capable of this. Turns out Jerry is not only capable of brutality but taking a liking to it. With the money he's stolen from his parents, and a long list of grievances, he intends to finally make his mark on the world. Eve and her team already know the who, how, and why of this murder. What they need to pinpoint is where Jerry's going to strike next. Members Reviews: Violence vs. Sentiment Would you consider the audio edition of Thankless in Death to be better than the print version? I have stopped buying the print version of J.D. Robb's books because I really enjoy listening to them. I don't think it's better, just a matter of personal preference. I'll probably eventually buy the print version to complete my collection. Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How? Maybe not on the edge of my seat, but it certainly kept me engaged and interested. I didn't enjoy the overly detailed and graphic violence in this book and when I listen to it again I'll fast forward through those parts. But I loved the award ceremony and the family involvement. I am so involved with the characters in this series that the sentiment brought me to tears. I loved the way old characters were brought back and the changes obviously happening to Eve's character as she matures and is finding her personal side. I disagree with those who found this book lacking because of less interaction with the older characters. I think it's perfectly believable that in an investigation that only lasted a few days Eve would not necessarily interact with all of her old friends. The character of the murderer in this book was very strongly drawn and created a contrast between her two worlds. (But I still would like a bit less of the details of the violence.) Which scene was your favorite? The award ceremony and the follow up meeting with friends and family, closely followed by the scene where Nixie presented her gift. Both were moments of growth for Eve and were extremely well done. If you could take any character from Thankless in Death out to dinner, who would it be and why? I love Nixie and would like to meet her. But I'd invite Roark too so he could pick up the check! Any additional comments? I hope that Nora Roberts never tires of developing this character.

My Sister's Keeper Audiobook by Jodi Picoult

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jodi Picoult) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:58:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: My Sister's Keeper Subtitle: A Novel Author: Jodi Picoult Narrator: Carol Monda, Julia Gibson, Jennifer Ikeda, Richard Poe, Tom Stechschulte, Barbara McCulloh, Andy Paris Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 586 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: New York Times best-selling author Jodi Picoult is widely acclaimed for her keen insights into the hearts and minds of real people. Now she tells the emotionally riveting story of a family torn apart by conflicting needs and a passionate love that triumphs over human weakness. Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age 13 she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate - a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister - and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves. My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity. Members Reviews: Incredible!! My Sisters Keeper starts off slow but gradually becomes extremely riveting towards the climax. The plot twist at the end of the story will have you on the edge of your seat. This story made me cry multiple times!! I couldn't stop listening to it! I thoroughly enjoyed this heartbreaking book. The cast members were magnificent and Jodi's grasp of theme and story weaving is palpable. Lifetime movie material If you are interested in reading a lifetime movie instead of watching one, you are in luck. The vocal performances were passable, but brought too much schlocky subtext for my palate. That said, if you need a chill beach read and a good cry, have at it. So many emotions This book throws so many obstacles, points of view, feelings are all over the place. You will laugh, cry, relate. You can feel this book on a personal level. It makes you open your eyes to the fact that some people actually go through this everyday. Be thankful for what you have and the opportunity to read/listen to this book. Awesome book i loved that it wasnt just one voice reading the book. the voices REALLY added a lot to the book and brought it to life

Chasing Fire Audiobook by Nora Roberts

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nora Roberts) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:00:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Chasing Fire Author: Nora Roberts Narrator: Rebecca Lowman Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 04-12-11 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 5029 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Little else in life is as dangerous as fire jumping. Flying past towering pillars of smoke, parachuting down to the edge of an all-consuming blaze, shoveling and sawing for hours upon hours, days at a time, all to hold the line and push back against the raw power of Mother Nature. But theres also little else as thrilling - at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are one of the most exclusive firefighting squads in the nation, and the job is in Rowans blood: her father is a legend in the field. Shes been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home - even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering in the air. Fortunately, this years rookie crop is among the strongest ever - and Gulliver Currys one of the best. Hes also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids arcade. He came to Missoula to follow in the footsteps of Lucas Iron Man Tripp, yet hes instantly more fascinated by his heros daughter. Rowan, as a rule, doesnt hook up with other smoke jumpers, but Gull is convinced he can change her mind. And damn if he doesnt make a good case to be an exception to the rule. Everything is thrown off balance, though, when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last years tragedy. Rowan knows she cant complicate things with Gull - any distractions in the air or on the ground could be lethal. But if she doesnt find someone she can lean on when the heat gets intense, her life may go down in flames. Members Reviews: Good Story + Great Narrator If you could sum up Chasing Fire in three words, what would they be? compelling, evocative, Gulliver What did you like best about this story? I've read a lot of Nora Roberts' novels and many of them blend together for me, which means that they were less than compelling or memorable. Not bad, mind you. Just not exceptional in any way. A couple of her novels have stood out for me, and this I think is the one that I like best. I certainly admire Roberts' ability to make the perilous world of fire jumpers come into focus. A lot of research went into this, but (and this is the hard part) she never indulges the temptation to simply show off what she learned -- Roberts provides just enough detail to get a real sense of how physically and mentally challenging fire jumping is. I got a good idea of the current technology and how it's used, and maybe most important, I began to understand the mindset and priorities that would drive an otherwise sensible and intelligent human being to jump out of a plane into a raging fire. The primary romance is exceptionally good. Rowan, a veteran fire jumper, and Gulliver, a rookie. I find I can't resist the urge to use the totally predictable descriptive phrase: they generate tremendous heat. Which scene was your favorite? Rowan tells Gulliver the truth. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? The scenes between Rowan and her father were very well done. She realizes that he has been lonely, and that she doesn't want him to be lonely, no matter how much change scares her. Any additional comments? Tremendously interesting, and an alpha-hero who tempers near perfection with a good dose of self-awareness. Another winner by Roberts! I really enjoyed this book - and Rebecca Lowman did an excellent job of the narration.

I've Got Your Number Audiobook by Sophie Kinsella

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Sophie Kinsella) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:53:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: I've Got Your Number Subtitle: A Novel Author: Sophie Kinsella Narrator: Jayne Entwistle Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 02-14-12 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2231 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Ive lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasnt supposed to lose. My engagement ring. Its been in Magnuss family for three generations. And now the very same day his parents are coming, Ive lost it. The very same day! Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive :) !! Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her happily ever after begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect! Well, perfect except that the phones owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesnt agree. He wants his phone back and doesnt appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life. What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each others lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents... she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life. Critic Reviews: [Kinsella] continues to tickle funny bones and touch hearts. (USA Today, on Twenties Girl) "Hilarious... a breezy blend of romantic comedy and cautionary fairy tale. (New York Post, on Remember Me?) A fast, fun read that delves a little deeper. (The Plain Dealer, on The Undomestic Goddess) Members Reviews: i enjoyed it. cute story..enjoyable characters....it was a good book to pass the day with. i hope there is a book 2 Pure fun This is my first Sophie Kinsella book and it was very enjoyable. This is not anything that is going to challenge you as a listener, but sometimes I have to take a break from my usual thrillers and heavier fiction and just listen to something that's just plain fun. This fit the bill perfectly. Silly but good This was a light, amusing read. Lots of twists and turns to the plot. I recommend it. A Screwball Comedy for the Digital Generation Sophie Kinsellas latest novel is a like Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburns Bringing Up Baby, except instead of a lost baby leopard bringing the two protagonists together its a lost phone. As in the classic film, the lead female is an adorable bundle of neurotic zaniness whos just a little more out there than is socially acceptable, while the male lead is so uptight you dont even find him attractive at first. Poppy and Sam are both total caricatures, and you could never accuse the plot of being believable. Point in case- theres an impromptu sing-a-long involving some serious business-types (which also happened in the movie - I really think Im on to something here). But somehow this book is still utterly addictive and sucks you in as does the narrator, who I initially found grating but who I sort of fell in love with. Overall this was a charming listen. As someone who graduated college and joined the working world in the wake of the Bridget Jones-esque chicklit boom, Im a little sad to admit the obvious - that the genre is, if not dying, settling in for a long hibernation while speculative romantic fiction ravages the best seller lists.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe Audiobook by Fannie Flagg

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Fannie Flagg) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 07:39:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe Subtitle: A Novel Author: Fannie Flagg Narrator: Lorna Raver Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 10-19-10 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1143 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Folksy and fresh, endearing and affecting, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is the now-classic novel of two women in the 1980s; of gray-headed Mrs. Threadgoode telling her life story to Evelyn, who is in the sad slump of middle age. The tale she tells is also of two women - of the irrepressibly daredevilish tomboy Idgie and her friend Ruth - who back in the '30s ran a little place in Whistle Stop, Alabama, a Southern kind of Cafe Wobegon offering good barbecue and good coffee and all kinds of love and laughter, even an occasional murder. And as the past unfolds, the present - for Evelyn and for us - will never be quite the same again.... Critic Reviews: "The people in Miss Flagg's book are as real as the people in books can be. If you put an ear to the pages, you can almost hear the characters speak. The writer's imaginative skill transforms simple, everyday events into complex happenings that take on universal meanings." (Chattanooga Times) "This whole literary enterprise shines with honesty, gallantry, and love of perfect details that might otherwise be forgotten." (Los Angeles Times) "Admirers of the wise child in Flagg's first novel, Coming Attractions, will find her grown-up successor, Idgie, equally appealing. The book's best character, perhaps, is the town of Whistle Stop itself - too bad trains don't stop there anymore." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Better as audiobook Any additional comments? I read this book many years ago and recently saw the movie again on TV, which prompted me to look for it as an Audible title. Of course the story in the book is SO much richer than the movie - more enjoyable as an audiobook because of the wonderful reading by Lorna Raver - a very authentic old Southern lady's voice. I felt like Evelyn Couch sitting with Ninny, hearing her tell of Ruth and Idgie. This was a real treat, but I will caution readers not familiar with the story that there is racial content relevant to the early part of the 20th century that may be hard for some to take. If you can handle the social issues, this is a worthy read. Curious What was Left Out of the Movie Would you listen to Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe again? Why? I did, twice! What did you like best about this story? Endearing characters, everyone is so sweet. What does Lorna Raver bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? If you've seen the movie first you will hear the voice of Jessica Tandy and Kathy Bates probably because the narration is so good. I don't know if this audiobook was produced after the movie but the best moments sound like the movie which is high praise. The many scenes and parts left out of the film are also narrated with the perfect tone. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? Too many to count. Any additional comments? If you've seen the movie and liked it you will love the book. It's wonderful, sweet and entertaining and there is MORE of it. You can fall in love with "Idgy" Threadgood, Ninny Threadgood, and Evelyn all over again. You'll also finally understand why the Evelyn character yells "Towanda!" several times in the film. Fried Green Tomatoes Absolutely wonderful! I am a huge fan of the movie, but this book is much more delightful. It is hilarious! I laugh and laugh and laugh.

Rumpole: The Penge Bungalow Murders and other stories Audiobook by John Mortimer

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Mortimer) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 02:29:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Rumpole: The Penge Bungalow Murders and other stories Subtitle: Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations Author: John Mortimer Narrator: Benedict Cumberbatch, Timothy West, Jasmine Hyde, Cathy Sara, full cast Format: Original Recording Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 01-04-18 Publisher: BBC Digital Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young, feisty, devastatingly acute Horace Rumpole in this collection of cracking cases, also starring Timothy West as the older Rumpole. Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders: It is the '50s, and two war heroes have been shot dead. Defending the suspect is deemed hopeless, so the case is handed to a novice. But the novice's superiors didn't count on the tenacity and wit of the young and hungry Horace Rumpole as he defends the accused alone and without a leader for the very first time. This two-part adaptation of the novel by John Mortimer also marks the beginning of Rumpole's lifelong liaison with Hilda ("She Who Must Be Obeyed"). Rumpole and the Family Pride: We rejoin Rumpole and Hilda in the late 1950s, when they have been married for a year or two. Hilda's cousin lives with her husband, the 17th Baron Sackbut, in Sackbut Castle on the Yorkshire Moors. Hilda and Rumpole are invited to the castle when a body is found in the grounds. Meanwhile, in London, Rumpole defends a tramp who has confessed to a triple murder. Rumpole and the Eternal Triangle: When Rumpole and Hilda attend a concert performed by The Casterini Trio, Rumpole is surprised to be approached by Elizabeth Casterini - the trio's beautiful violinist. But then, the trio's cellist, Tom Randall, is murdered. Elizabeth's husband is arrested, and Rumpole agrees to defend him at the Old Bailey. Members Reviews: Dont start with this Rumpole - 5* Best start with some other BBC Rumpole dramatisations before this one. Why? Well in this release we find out how he met his wife, Hilda she who must be obeyed and listen to his eminent case the Penge Bungalow murders which he often refers to in other stories. [Search under BBC Rumpole; currently there are two other previous releases available on Audible.co.uk.] Its much more interesting finding out these things at a later stage. Lastly there are two Rumpoles in this production, not that the front cover eludes to that. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young Rumpole, and Timothy West is the elder incarnation. I assume due Mr Cumberbatchs higher profile, poor Timothy got bumped from the front cover. Both are equally superb. disapointing What would have made Rumpole: The Penge Bungalow Murders and Other Stories better? Two of the Chapters are repeats from other books What could John Mortimer have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you? Had New stories included in this book How did the narrator detract from the book? Best bit You didnt love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities? Early stories really good Any additional comments? waste of time dont buy

My Name Is Lucy Barton Audiobook by Elizabeth Strout

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elizabeth Strout) — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 01:07:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: My Name Is Lucy Barton Subtitle: A Novel Author: Elizabeth Strout Narrator: Kimberly Farr Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 01-12-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 1908 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: A new book by Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout is cause for celebration. Her best-selling novels, including Olive Kitteridge andThe Burgess Boys, have illuminated our most tender relationships. Now, in My Name Is Lucy Barton, this extraordinary writer shows how a simple hospital visit becomes a portal to the most tender relationship of all - the one between mother and daughter. Lucy Barton is recovering slowly from what should have been a simple operation. Her mother, to whom she hasn't spoken for many years, comes to see her. Gentle gossip about people from Lucy's childhood in Amgash, Illinois, seems to reconnect them, but just below the surface lie the tension and longing that have informed every aspect of Lucy's life: her escape from her troubled family, her desire to become a writer, her marriage, her love for her two daughters. Knitting this powerful narrative together is the brilliant storytelling voice of Lucy herself: keenly observant, deeply human, and truly unforgettable. Critic Reviews: "This story of family, poverty, aspirations, and obstacles is immediately gripping, thanks to the combination of Strout's high-quality prose and Kimberly Farr's nearly flawless performance." ( AudioFile) Members Reviews: Exquisitely Written...but Undeniably Sad 3.5 Stars. Beautifully written (Strout's gift with language is exquisite) but unstintingly sad, this rumination on life, love and family is almost painful to sit through. Oh, how I wanted Lucy Barton to have one (just one) moment of pure, unadulterated happiness. But, no. Lucy Barton narrates her life by focusing on memories. She tells us how she grew up poor (so poor), how she was locked in her father's truck all day because she was too young to go to school and they had no one to watch her, how her parents refused to accept her husband because he was German, how her mother comes to visit her while she's in the hospital for an unexplained illness (Lucy is happy about this but then her mother leaves, which makes her sad all over again). Through these stories, we get a glimpse of Lucy's life, from child to adult. I found the book almost oppressive in its sadness, despite the beautiful words created by Strout. The narrator did a very nice job. She was clear and easy to understand and really worked hard on bringing emotion to the story. Because we all love imperfectly. A character in My Name is Lucy Barton says "I like writers who try to tell you something truthful," and Elizabeth Strout has done just that. This book feels almost like the reader is being told a once-upon-a-time recounting of Lucy's life and relationships, in a personal, intimate conversation with her. It begins to feel like we are sitting at Lucy's bedside, along with her mother, as she recovers in the hospital. This experience is heightened by listening to the audiobook, with the excellent narration by Kimberly Farr. I write because I want the reader to read the book when they may need it, Strout wrote in an email. For example, when I first read Mrs. Dalloway, I thought: Wow, I really need this book! So I always hope that a reader will find the book when they need it, even if they didnt know they needed it. And I did. I felt like Elizabeth Strout, through Lucy Barton, articulated and explained things I knew but couldn't express myself.

The Course of Love Audiobook by Alain de Botton

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alain de Botton) — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 13:51:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Course of Love Subtitle: A Novel Author: Alain de Botton Narrator: Julian Rhind-Tutt Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 06-14-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 534 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: "The Course of Love is a return to the form that made Mr. de Botton's name in the mid-1990s.love is the subject best suited to his obsessive aphorizing, and in this novel he again shows off his ability to pin our hopes, methods and insecurities to the page." (The New York Times) The long-awaited and beguiling second novel from Alain de Botton that tracks the beautifully complicated arc of a romantic partnership, from the internationally best-selling author of How Proust Can Change Your Life. De Botton's essay "Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person" (The New York Times, May 28, 2016), which draws from The Course of Love, was the number-one most emailed article for days. We all know the headiness and excitement of the early days of love. But what comes after? In Edinburgh a couple, Rabih and Kirsten, fall in love. They get married, they have childrenbut no long-term relationship is as simple as "happily ever after". The Course of Love is a novel that explores what happens after the birth of love, what it takes to maintain love, and what happens to our original ideals under the pressures of an average existence. You experience, along with Rabih and Kirsten, the first flush of infatuation, the effortlessness of falling into romantic love, and the course of life thereafter. Interwoven with their story and its challenges is an overlay of philosophy - an annotation and a guide to what we are reading. This is a romantic novel in the true sense, one interested in exploring how love can survive and thrive in the long term. The result is a sensory experience - fictional, philosophical, psychological - that urges us to identify deeply with these characters and to reflect on his and her own experiences in love. Fresh, visceral, and utterly compelling, The Course of Love is a provocative and life-affirming novel for everyone who believes in love. Critic Reviews: "[Narrator] Julian Rhind-Tutt's voice is tender, seductive, secretive, or open, as needed. Whichever tone he uses, listening to him is always a joy.... Rhind-Tutt keeps the listening worthwhile and far from routine." ( AudioFile) Members Reviews: Amazing, much needed retooling of the expectations and realities of Love Everyone who is attempting romantic relationships should be required to read this book. I feel that the author has so eloquently articulated the feelings and revelations I have come to understand after decades of relationship experience. Young people would be well served to read this novel before attempting serious romantic connections, as the knowledge and perspective the author provides would seriously circumvent a lot of the angst, frustrations and heart aches common to relationships which are built around a society accepted, standard of irrational, untraceable goals for personal connection and commitment. This book helps outline a healthy, realistic course of a love between two people that serves as a better example than most we are given in the media / story telling available today. This book has changed my life!!! Interesting exploration... This book really nails the human experience. Worth a read to better understand how we process and how we are effected by life and love. Required reading This should be given to every pubescent child who begins to think of romantic love. And required to re read every 5 years hence forward.

Purple Hibiscus Audiobook by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:20:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Purple Hibiscus Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Narrator: Lisette Lecat Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 04-25-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 586 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a 2003 O Henry Prize winner, and was shortlisted for the 2002 Caine Prize for African Writing and the 2004 Orange Prize. In Purple Hibiscus, she recounts the story of a young Nigerian girl searching for freedom. Although her father is greatly respected within their community, 15-year-old Kambili knows a frighteningly strict and abusive side to this man. In many ways, she and her family lead a privileged life, but Kambili and her brother, Jaja, are often punished for failing to meet their fathers expectations. After visiting her aunt and cousins, Kambili dreams of being part of a loving family. But a military coup brings new tension to Nigeria and her home, and Kambili wonders if her dreams will ever be fulfilled. Adichies striking and poetic language reveals a land and a family full of strife, but fighting to survive. A rich narration by South African native Lisette Lecat perfectly complements this inspiring tale. Critic Reviews: "One of the best novels to come out of Africa in years." ( The Baltimore Sun) Prose as lush as the Nigerian landscape that it powerfully evokes. . . . Adichie's understanding of a young girl's heart is so acute that her story ultimately rises above its setting and makes her little part of Nigeria seem as close and vivid as Eudora Welty's Mississippi. ( The Boston Globe) "A sensitive and touching story of a child exposed too early to religious intolerance and the uglier side of the Nigerian state." (J. M. Coetzee) Members Reviews: Great Story Where does Purple Hibiscus rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? I liked Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun much better, but this book, once you get into it, is really good. What did you like best about this story? I love the fact that Igboland plays a prominent role in Adichie's stories. I'm from Tanzania, but Adichie makes me feel like I now know Nsukka and Enugu, though I've never been. It's refreshing to hear names and places that are historically accurate, and not generic. The story does an excellent job of telling a story, the foundations of which could be found in any culture, and making it a distinctly African story. Great job! Did Lisette Lecat do a good job differentiating all the characters? How? There were definitely times when her South African accent came through or when her pronunciation of certain Igbo words were a bit off, but it won't be noticeable to most listeners. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? I listened to it on a cross-country road trip, so, yes. A good book, a bit too dramatized The narrator was awesome, not only reading but using various techniques like voice modulation, pause, tone changes to add more value to the story. The story was very much focused on the dramatic side of the family's experiences, but all in all this is part of life. Amazing story! This story transported me to west Africa. It is an incredible story about complicated family relationships, politics and religion. I love to the audio version particularly for the pronunciation of the Igbo words and phrases that are sprinkled throughout the book. Could improve sound quality The book is very impressive, I could not stop listening until I finished. Still out of words... The only thing I did not like was sound quality.

A Land Remembered Audiobook by Patrick D. Smith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Patrick D. Smith) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:52:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Land Remembered Author: Patrick D. Smith Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins Language: English Release date: 11-29-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 933 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Patrick D. Smith here tells the story of three generations of the MacIveys, a Florida family who battle the hardships of the frontier to rise from a dirt-poor Cracker life to the wealth and standing of real estate tycoons. The story opens in 1858, when Tobias MacIvey arrives in the Florida wilderness to start a new life, and ends in 1968 with Solomon MacIvey, who realizes that the land has been exploited far beyond human need. Between is a sweeping story rich in Florida history. A best-selling novel of Florida historical fiction, A Land Remembered was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and received the states highest literary award from the Florida Historical Society, the 1986 Tebeau Prize for the Most Outstanding Florida Historical novel. Members Reviews: GREAT BOOK! If you could sum up A Land Remembered in three words, what would they be? Best Book Ever! What about George Guidalls performance did you like? No other narrator would have done as great of job. His voice was perfect for the book. Any additional comments? I enjoyed this book so much that I listened to it twice. By listening to this book as one of my first audiobooks, it ruined my taste for other books. There will never be a book as good as this one for me. I live in south Florida and I felt as though I knew where he was talking about all the time. I wish they would make a movie of this book. Evocative of a Time and Place This is a beautifully-written book that made me feel that I knew Florida before Disney and South Beach. This would be a great book to listen to as a family. It is filled with the joys, heartaches, and reminiscenses that are a part of many of our families' histories. My first 5-star book in some time. I didn't want this book to end! What made the experience of listening to A Land Remembered the most enjoyable? My 50 + years in Florida I've seen many changes some good but most not so good. The historic changes and sacrifices these families made to settle this land is very interesting. Any additional comments? One of the top ten books I've ever read or listened to -- well deserving of a pulitzer prize winner. This book is required reading in many school districts because of the historical aspects. The characters are also very well developed. Great story, history and family all in one. If you could sum up A Land Remembered in three words, what would they be? Family, Frontier, Florida What was one of the most memorable moments of A Land Remembered? The passage of time, beginning in frontier Florida, takes you through three generations of a pioneering family is the wilds of Florida. It's a wonderful tale and especially poignant if you are from Florida as I am. I never had an image of what life would have been like in Florida as one of the first settlers to the area. This was a great novel! What about George Guidalls performance did you like? Very lovely narration, easy to understand each of the characters different speaking styles. Any additional comments? Read it, you won't regret it! Excellent historical tale What made the experience of listening to A Land Remembered the most enjoyable? The story was set in a place that I have read little about. The characters were well developed and the story moved along at a good pace.

Postcards from the Edge Audiobook by Carrie Fisher

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Carrie Fisher) — Thu, 16 Dec 1999 21:49:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Postcards from the Edge Author: Carrie Fisher Narrator: Carrie Fisher Format: Abridged Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 12-16-99 Publisher: Phoenix Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 601 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In a stunning literary debut, Carrie Fisher chronicles the excruciatingly funny adventures of Suzanne Vale, young film star and drug addict, who survives a rehab clinic only to rejoin the equally harrowing world of Hollywood. Out there on the edge, despair flips into hilarity, and we're left laughing as Suzanne struggles to come to terms with her various fantasylands. Carrie Fisher's reading of her first novel evokes the deliciously irreverent humor that formed the lens through which she looked at life in the '80s - stardom, drugs, success, sex, and insecurity. Critic Reviews: "Carrie's book is savagely funny and savagely revealing. It makes Moby Dick seem like a big, fat, dumb book." (Steve Martin)

Wicked Appetite Audiobook by Janet Evanovich

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Janet Evanovich) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:38:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wicked Appetite Author: Janet Evanovich Narrator: Lorelei King Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 09-14-10 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1526 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Life in Marblehead has had a pleasant predictability, until Diesel arrives. Rumor has it that a collection of priceless ancient relics representing the Seven Deadly Sins have made their way to Bostons North Shore. Partnered with pastry chef Lizzie Tucker, Diesel bullies and charms his way through historic Salem to track them down - and his criminal mastermind cousin Gerewulf Grimorie. The black-haired, black-hearted Wulf is on the hunt for the relic representing gluttony. Caught in a race against time, Diesel and Lizzie soon find out that more isnt always better, as they battle Wulf and the first of the deadly sins. With delectable characters and non-stop thrills that have made Janet Evanovich a household name, Wicked Appetite will leave you hungry for more. Members Reviews: WAY BEYOND SILLY--- I thoroughly enjoyed the earlier Stephanie Plum books but found some of the later ones just okay, if not a bit silly...Well, this new series blows "silly" out of the water. Beyond ridiculous is more like it. A shame really as Diesel's search for the Seven Deadly Sins ancient relics could have been fun. I found the heroine, Lizzie, quite boring and the narrator used an irritating voice for her. I couldn't place the accent and her speech sounded like an older person with loose dentures that kept slipping and making a slight whistle on the S sound. Luckily, her accent came and went. The featured sin was gluttony but its relation to food was very much overdone to the point of grimacing. The mystery was scant, the unimpressive "bad guy" hardly made an appearance, and the romance was non existing. They'll have to look for the future sins without me. Fun Loving Good example of Evanovich humor with light romanctic undertones. Good to listen to while working. Fun, fabulous, loved it. wicked appetite Love Stephanie Plum but this is the same story line Diesel=Ranger Lizzie=Stephanie so on and so forth will not read the next in this series, can read plum series and get the same story. very diappointed thought evanovich would try something new great beginnings i really liked this the narrator is always great but at times i forgot i was listening to diesel and not stephiane, but i still liked it. i love carl he is my favorite animal character. cant wait for the next one, my mom and daughter loved it also. fast easy funny wow. a fun time Perfect story for driving. Makes you smile in the worst traffic. Easy to follow the storyline no matter how many times you have to turn the book off.

One Good Dog Audiobook by Susan Wilson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Susan Wilson) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:53:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: One Good Dog Author: Susan Wilson Narrator: Fred Berman, Rick Adamson Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 03-02-10 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1193 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Adam March is a self-made Master of the Universe. He has it all: the beautiful wife, the high-powered job, the glittering circle of friends. But there is a price to be paid for all these trappings, and the pressure is mountinguntil the day Adam makes a fatal mistake. His assistant leaves him a message with three words: your sister called. What no one knows is that Adams sister has been missing for decades...that she represents the excruciatingly painful past he has left behind...and that her absence has secretly tormented him all these years. When his assistant brushes off his request for an explanation in favor of her more pressing personal call, Adam loses it. And all hell breaks loose. Adam is escorted from the building. He loses his job. He loses his wife. He loses the life hes worked so hard to achieve. He doesnt believe it is possible to sink any lower when he is assigned to work in a soup kitchen as a form of community service. But unbeknownst to Adam, this is where his life will intersect with Chance. Chance is a mixed breed Pit Bull. Hes been born and raised to fight and seldom leaves the dirty basement where he is kept between fights. But Chance is not a victim or a monster. It is Chances unique spirit that helps him escape and puts him in the path of Adam. What transpires is the story of one man, one dog, and how they save each otherin ways they never could have expected. Critic Reviews: "Chance tells his story in his own words, which makes his mistreatment and return to the fighting pit powerfully disturbing. Combined with Wilson's unflinching portrayal of Adam's struggle to overcome his past, Old Yeller's got nothing on this very good man and his dog story." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: A cynic and a cynical dog - PERFECT!! I usually avoid dog stories, to be honest, I cannot bear most animal stories. They usually make me cry, they break my heart and I can never forget. Life makes me cry enough; I read to escape, to be enlightened, to find hope not to have my damn heart broken again. So, I bought this book promising myself that if it started to shatter my heart I'd stop reading. No problem. I'd just stop. THEN the warning signs appeared, a sad ending was in store for me, but...no...maybe not...just maybe.. I trusted my instinct and kept reading, the glorious author fooled me and turned what could have been a heart-wrenching end into a precious memory. No sad endings here. Just a good story, written the way someone who truly loves dogs would write it. A story a cynic can love. A story a big mush like me can treasure. Read it. You won't be sorry. I LOVED THIS BOOK! I had never read anything by this author, but I will be looking for more! I couldn't wait to see what would happen...and was sad when the book ended because it was over! The author did a great job of segmenting the story...alternating between letting the Dog, Chance, tell the story from his side, and the main character, Adam, tell the story from his side. Together, both sides make a great story! I'm serious when I say you HAVE to listen to this! What made the experience of listening to One Good Dog the most enjoyable? I loved the fact that the story is narrated from the human and dog perspective. Great having to narrators. The dog had such a great personality and seemed very real to understand his thoughts. Who was your favorite character and why? Chance, the dog.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Audiobook by Alexander McCall Smith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alexander McCall Smith) — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 01:24:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Author: Alexander McCall Smith Narrator: Lisette Lecat Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 11-21-03 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3841 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Mma "Precious" Ramotswe sets up a detective agency in Botswana on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, making her the only female detective in the country. At first, cases are hard to come by. But eventually, troubled people come to Precious with a variety of concerns. Potentially philandering husbands, seemingly schizophrenic doctors, and a missing boy who may have been killed by witch doctors all compel Precious to roam about in her tiny van, searching for clues. Chosen as a Top Ten Mystery by the Organization of Independent Booksellers, U.S.A., The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is that rare novel that imparts a sage wisdom while inspiring hearty laughter and lasting smiles. Critic Reviews: "One of the most entrancing literary treats of many a year...A tapestry of extraordinary nuance and richness." (Wall Street Journal) "An artful, pleasing novel...General audiences will welcome this little gem of a book just as much if not more than mystery readers." (Publishers Weekly) "Smart and sassy...Precious' progress is charted in passages that have the power to amuse or shock or touch the heart, sometimes all at once." (Los Angeles Times) Members Reviews: Transcends its Genre Sometimes a book that supposedly inhabits a certain genre breaks away and becomes literature. That is true of this book, which unveils an entire universe practically unknown to most of its readers: Botswana and Africa. This is a horizon-widening book, and to call it detective fiction is like referring similarly to Crime and Punishment. When describing it, one is tempted to describe it as hilarious, and it certainly has many hilarious aspects, but it also has moments of sadness and empathy, sometimes with the perpetrator of a crime. The love of Africa is another element that shines forth. The narrator seemed to me to be the Merryl Streep of naration, rendering accents with a musical, dead-on, laconic precision compared to the way I thought they should sound. I don't have time to finish this review, unfortunately -- I'm busy listening to The Tears of the Giraffe, the next in the series... an excellent piece of literature i have to admit that i purchased this novel thinking i would be getting a detective story along the lines of sherlock holmes or agatha christie. but this book is so much more than a detective story. it is a story of love and africa, the kalahari sun and simplicity, the joys and heartaches of a family, and the triumphs of the human spirit. the narrator is poignant and articulate and communicates very effectively the simplicity and unburdened hearts of her characters. her accents are impeccable and the listener can almost feel the sun on their brow and the dry wind at their back. a narrator can make or break a title, and i can't imagine reading this title as a book - the narrator brings out so many nuances that i would have missed simply with the written word. her efficacy ranks up there with the narrator of life of pi and why we buy. i was also surprised that, as character-driven as this book is, i held my attention through to the very end. the author is very skilled at offering little details and background settings that intrigue the listener and cause one to want to push further and discover if these little details are going to be important later on. rarely was i disappointed.

The Godfather Audiobook by Mario Puzo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mario Puzo) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:07:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Godfather Author: Mario Puzo Narrator: full cast Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 06-22-08 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1759 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The Godfather is an extraordinary novel which has become a modern-day classic. Puzo pulls us inside the violent society of the Mafia and its gang wars. The leader, Vito Corleone, is the Godfather. He is a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power. His command post is a fortress on Long Island from which he presides over a vast underground empire that includes the rackets, gambling, bookmaking, and unions. His influence runs through all levels of American society, from the cop on the beat to the nation's mighty. Mario Puzo, a master storyteller, introduces us to unforgettable characters, and the elements of this world explode to life in this violent and impassioned chronicle. A multi-voice production, including narrators Dan Price, Lorna Johnson, Don Stroup, Terry Bozeman, Richard Lavin, Amy Sunshine, Larry Brandenburg, Rose Nadolsky, Peter Syvertsen, Jane Brody, Bob O'Donnell, Joe Van Slyke, Marie Chambers, Si Osborne, Chuck Winter, Charles Fuller, and Malcolm Rothman. Critic Reviews: "Filled with the requisite valor, love, and rancor of a great epic, The Godfather is the definitive gangster novel." (Amazon.com) Members Reviews: Movie is Great, Book is Better This is an excellent production of the book, the cast performs brilliantly; it's like listening to an unabridged radio play. If you have only seen the film, you cannot appreciate the depth of the characters until you experience the book. It is a must read. Couldn't Disagree More... With the folks who gave this book (and the narrator) low ratings. Wow - were they listening to the same audio book I listened to? This is one of the few multi-voice audio books I've listened to and I thought they did a great job! I was a little surprised at how graphic the book is for the time period that it was written, but that's probably just my naivete. I thought the story was compelling and enjoyed the additional chapters on Johnny Fontaine (that was not carried into the movie). The scariest part is wondering how true to life the book really is, and whether the mafia really has this much power. Great book - lived up to its billing! Enticing until the end........... I loved the Charater narrators. It made a great book more like an "old time Radio" experience and helped develop the charaters even more. Brilliant! The Masterpiece of its Genre I read this in my teens and of course I've seen the movies. Listening to it after all these years gave me a new appreciation for Puzo's masterpiece as well as Audible. I simply didn't want the book to end. I was disappointed to learn Gofather 2 was not based on a sequel. The narration was superb, a difficult task for such a familiar story. EXCELLENT! Having never read this before and watched the movies over and over again, I was excited to get right into this. I was not disappointed. The added details and back stories make The Godfather better than ever. Highly recommend this. Great narration, best I have listened to yet.

True Believer Audiobook by Nicholas Sparks

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nicholas Sparks) — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 07:36:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: True Believer Author: Nicholas Sparks Narrator: David Aaron Baker Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 04-28-05 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 821 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Jeremy Marsh is the ultimate young New Yorker. He's also an expert on debunking the supernatural. When he receives a letter from Boone Creek, North Carolina, about ghostly lights appearing in a cemetery, he can't resist driving down to investigate. Here, in this tightly knit community, Lexie Darnell runs the town's library. Disappointed by past relationships, she is sure of one thing: her future is in Boone Creek, close to all the people she loves. From the moment Jeremy sets eyes on Lexie, he is intrigued. And Lexie, while hesitating to trust this outsider, finds herself thinking of him more than she cares to admit. Now, if they are to be together, Jeremy Marsh must do something he's never done before: take a giant leap of faith. A story about taking chances and following your heart, True Believer will make you, too, believe in the miracle of love. Critic Reviews: "Smooth as silk, and gloriously sweet." (Publishers Weekly) "Sparks is a modern master of fateful love stories and road-not-taken fables." (BookPage) "Nicholas Sparks knows how to tug at a reader's heartstrings." (Chicago Sun-Times) Members Reviews: A Great Read I finished this in two days, and two days later, I started listening to it again. I have read or listened to the majority of Nicholas Sparks' books, and this is one of the best! The plot it's self is a bit lacking, but the author makes up for it by how well the characters are written. I laughed in spots and was close to a tear in others. I would say this is a must read! Just OK I usually enjoy Nicholas Sparks to the fullest. Yet this book was not my favorite. It was just alright. I think I was spoiled by many of his others. This book was a little slow and not as captivating. It was an ok read. amazing i loved this book. i listened to it while i was cleaning my room, and i completely forgot what i was doing, and just listened. it was amazing, because usually it takes me forever to clean my room. this book was so good. the character development was very, very good. i would, and have, recommend this book to people. Ready...Set...YAWN. Nicholas Sparks is red-lining on the "Lifetime: Television for Women" one-dimensional scale. The characters are unlikeable and unremarkable. The interaction between Jeremy and Lexie is banal: "I think about you a lot," said Jeremy. "No, I think about YOU a lot said Lexie." "You're a schmoopie." said Jeremy "No YOU'RE a schmoopie." said Lexie. Take your $20.99 and spend it on corn starch -- trust me, it will much more satisfying. Good but not Great Just so so for me. Kept me interested but I dozed often.

Playing for Keeps Audiobook by R. L. Mathewson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (R. L. Mathewson) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:26:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Playing for Keeps Author: R. L. Mathewson Narrator: Fran Jewels Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 11-25-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 974 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to be sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of. The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but that notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only left is to convince her that this is anything but a game. Editorial Reviews: R. L. Mathewson's ear for witty dialogue and tension-filled scenes is on full display in her audiobook Playing for Keeps. Haley, young and easily pushed over, has finally decided she's had enough and it's high time she takes charge of her life. When she spies her annoying neighbor ruining one of her flowerbeds, she finds her first opportunity to take charge. The only problem is, Jason, the troublesome neighbor, has a look and physique that could melt a popsicle in January. Performed by Eileen Stevens with a sultry energy, Playing for Keeps is a perfect for remedy for those cold, late nights. Members Reviews: Immature characters I thought Playing for Keeps would be a fun read, but soon found the characters too immature to be engrossing. When 2 adults who teach high school can live next door and work in the same school & not be able to have 1 mature conversation about their differences in 5 years, I started to get bored. Then instantly they are best friends and sleeping together (without sex) and each is too insecure to believe he/she is lovable. Felt like a bad teen romance... What a fun sexy contemporary romance! This story was sweet, romantic, and fun!The characters were lovable & I enjoyed the playful interaction between them. The story line was simple, and although it wasn't action-packed, I did not want to put this book down. Jason Bradford loves women, just doesn't love them enough to start a relationship with him. After five years of getting the cold shoulder from his neighbor, he is delightfully surprised to find out she is a baseball fan, cooks sinfully delicious goodies, and a total blast to hang with. As a unique friendship develops, both Jason and Haley find themselves dating each other without actually dating one another, only time will tell if it will develop into something more. Jason and Haley are adorable, sweet and kept me laughing out loud throughout the entire book. Jason is absolutely delicious and his obsession for baked goods was freaken hilarious. Haley is your typical shy bookworm but she's got a lot of sass and fire underneath it all and it was really great to see her come out her own shell. The off the charts chemistry between these two was simply irresistible and steamy as hell.The characters are both wacky, and their behavior is off the charts unbelievable. This is a real feel good, pick me up type of book, that'll have you laughing in no time.

Winter Storms Audiobook by Elin Hilderbrand

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elin Hilderbrand) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 22:07:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Winter Storms Subtitle: Winter Street, Book 3 Author: Elin Hilderbrand Narrator: Erin Bennett Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-16 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 318 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Gather under the mistletoe for one last round of caroling with the Quinn family in this heartwarming conclusion to Elin Hilderbrand's best-selling Winter Street Trilogy. Some of the stormy weather of the past few seasons seems to have finally lifted for the Quinns. After a year apart and an ill-fated affair with the Winter Street Inn's old Santa Claus, Mitzi has returned to rule the roost; Patrick is about to be released from prison; Kevin has a successful new business and is finally ready to tie the knot with Isabelle; and, best of all, there's hopeful news about Bart, who has been captured by enemy forces in Afghanistan. That doesn't mean there aren't a few dark clouds on the horizon. Kelley has recently survived a health scare, Jennifer can't quite shake her addiction to the drugs she used as a crutch while Patrick was in jail, and Ava still can't decide between the two lovers that she's been juggling with limited success. However, if there's one holiday that brings the Quinn family together to give thanks for the good times, it's Christmas. And this year promises to be a celebration unlike any other as the Quinns prepare to host Kevin and Isabelle's wedding at the inn. But as the special day approaches, a historic once-in-a-century blizzard bears down on Nantucket, threatening to keep the Quinns away from the place - and the people - they love most. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough upheavals to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog in this touching novel that proves that when the holidays roll around, you can always go home again. Members Reviews: the Winter Street series is wonderful I can only say please can this story continue on. I fell in love with the whole Quinn family. Always great Always look forward to this series during the holidays. Love the warmth in which it is wriiten. Awesome holiday trilogy!!! I love all Elin's books, but this trilogy is one of my favorites! I'm sad it's over frankly. Warm scenes, expressions of love, her usual yummy recipes, detailed descriptions of Nantucket and this time even of the city I live in-Portsmouth NH!!! There's a scene in Sleepless in Seattle where Rosie O'Donnell says to Meg Ryan...you don't want to be in love. You wanna be in love in a movie!! Elin's books make me want to be in love in her books!!!!!! Enjoy this happy family story. just as wonderful as all here others. Wonderful finale to this 3-part series. The characters grow, and the plot expands. well done. Another great book by this author I am only giving 4 stars due the fact it was too short !!! Compared to the others. Loved the ending. Please please please keep the Quinn family story going on . I feel like they are family . Can't wait for your next book , any story is good with me. They are all 5 star!

Beautiful Disaster Audiobook by Jamie McGuire

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jamie McGuire) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:60:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Beautiful Disaster Author: Jamie McGuire Narrator: Emma Galvin Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 07-24-12 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2447 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesnt drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand. Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needsand wantsto avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abbys resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Traviss apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. Critic Reviews: " Beautiful Disaster is insanely addictive. Beautifully sexy, beautifully intense, and beautifully perfect. Jamie McGuire has written a damn good book." (Jessica Park, author of the New York Times best seller Flat-Out Love) Members Reviews: 5 things you should know before buying this book For the sake of transparency (so you know what your spending your credit on) I lined up 5 things I think you should know before you buy this book. 1. The main character Abby Abernathy (nicknamed 'Pigeon' by her love interest Travis 'Mad Dog' Maddox) is eighteen going on nineteen. She's just started out college with her best friend America (Mer). 2. The story is set in college but the dynamics between the students (and also between the main characters) seems more like high school. In other words: it's juvenile. If you're not a (very) young adult, you might end up rolling your eyes even more than Abby Abernathy does. 3. Travis Maddox has a temper (he's quite volatile) and is physically violent. Not against his 'Pigeon' or their friends, mind you. But pretty much against everyone else. Blood splatters quite often in this book. 4. Spoiler alert!: Somewhere past midway the book takes a turn and the cast goes to Vegas. 5. I should have stopped at the Vegas turn, but really I can't not mention this: Travis, the hero, sports tribal art tattoo's. And later he adds a new tattoo that declares his love for 'Pigeon'. In Hebrew. I'm not saying anything else. Zip. I didn't hate it. This novel is quite entertaining at times. But the storyline is all over the place (see 4) and overall it's very, very young adult. If you read all of the above and you're curious. Go ahead. Buy it. I dare you. Just don't say I didn't warn you! Dysfunctional College Love This book is a 3.5 stars for me. I enjoyed it, but it isn't a book that I would return to over and over again like Slammed. Abigail Abernathy was a young girl who went to a far away College (from Kansas) to get a new lease on life. She wanted to forget her past and reinvent herself in the new environment. She gets drawn into a friendship/relationship with the campus bad boy Travis Maddox. I don't know if I really think Travis is a bad boy, but he engages in underground fights to pay for schooling. He is academically smart, but a shameless womanizer. Abby's best friend America,is a relationship with Shep, Travis's best friend and cousin. So of course those two will get thrown together often.

Lone Wolf Audiobook by Jodi Picoult

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jodi Picoult) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:19:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Lone Wolf Author: Jodi Picoult Narrator: Natalia Payne, Nick Cordero, Andy Paris, Angela Goethals, Mark Zeisler, Louis Changchien, Celeste Ciulla Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 02-28-12 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1959 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In the wild, when a wolf knows its time is over, when it knows it is of no more use to its pack, it may sometimes choose to slip away. Dying apart from its family, it stays proud and true to its nature. Humans arent so lucky. Luke Warren has spent his life researching wolves. He has written about them, studied their habits intensively, and even lived with them for extended periods of time. In many ways, Luke understands wolf dynamics better than those of his own family. His wife, Georgie, has left him, finally giving up on their lonely marriage. His son, Edward, twenty-four, fled six years ago, leaving behind a shattered relationship with his father. Edward understands that some things cannot be fixed, though memories of his domineering father still inflict pain. Then comes a frantic phone call: Luke has been gravely injured in a car accident with Edwards younger sister, Cara. Suddenly everything changes: Edward must return home to face the father he walked out on at age eighteen. He and Cara have to decide their fathers fate together. Though theres no easy answer, questions abound: What secrets have Edward and his sister kept from each other? What hidden motives inform their need to let their father die . . . or to try to keep him alive? What would Luke himself want? How can any family member make such a decision in the face of guilt, pain, or both? And most importantly, to what extent have they all forgotten what a wolf never forgets: that each member of a pack needs the others, and that sometimes survival means sacrifice? Members Reviews: Typical Jodi Picoult plot, chik lit but good Ive read all of Picoults books. Some are better than others. This one is better than average. Sort of My Sisters Keeper meets Dances With Wolves. I dislike reviews that are, really, a synopsis of the plot but as the first reviewer I feel obligated to give a Non Spoiler brief of the story. Man with family becomes engrossed with wolves. Leaves family to fend for itself and devotes his early adulthood to research. Wife resents, divorces wolf man. Older gay son splits for 6 years and younger daughter resents this move, gets bratty, acts out. Dad has auto accident with daughter in car and has TBI. Son has authority to make life decisions about pulling dads plug. Daughter resents. As is typical for Picoult, each chapter is written from a different point of view, and the narrators vary in their ability. The dad, Luke, tells a good story. I didn't care for mom, Georgie, particularly. Cara and Edward, the children are pretty good. I wasn't bothered by the change in voice from chapter to chapter as I know that's Picoults style though others may find it difficult to deal with. It wasn't wonderful, but it was a thoughtfully written book about family situations none of us ever want to be a part of. Worth the credit but may appeal to women more than men. Typical, Not Picoult's Best What did you like best about Lone Wolf? What did you like least? The Wolf facts were fairly interesting, however this is the same Picoult formula. There is the social conundrum, the courtroom drama, the torn family, etc. This one was just more 'plain' than others have been. 'House Rules' was better.

State of Wonder Audiobook by Ann Patchett

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ann Patchett) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:45:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: State of Wonder Subtitle: A Novel Author: Ann Patchett Narrator: Hope Davis Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 06-07-11 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6384 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Ann Patchett raises the bar with State of Wonder, a provocative and ambitious novel set deep in the Amazon jungle. Research scientist Dr. Marina Singh is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson, who seems to have disappeared in the Amazon while working on an extremely valuable new drug. The last person who was sent to find her died before he could complete his mission. Plagued by trepidation, Marina embarks on an odyssey into the insect-infested jungle in hopes of finding answers to the questions about her friend's death, her company's future, and her own past. Once found, Dr. Swenson is as imperious and uncompromising as ever. But while she is as threatening as anything the jungle has to offer, the greatest sacrifices to be made are the ones Dr. Swenson asks of herself, and will ultimately ask of Marina. State of Wonder is a world unto itself, where unlikely beauty stands beside unimaginable loss. It is a tale that leads the listener into the very heart of darkness, and then shows us what lies on the other side. Editorial Reviews: Best-selling author Ann Patchett and accomplished actor Hope Davis make a stellar combination for Patchett's latest novel, State of Wonder, an homage to Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Davis deftly voices an international cast of medical researchers in the Amazon jungle. Her talents enhance Patchett's artistically descriptive prose, in many cases coiling the jungle imagery closer than you may want. Hope Davis voices Dr. Marina Singh's stoic professionalism as she, a pharmacologist, is sent to the Amazon jungle by her employer to seek information about the death of a colleague. Only months earlier Dr. Anders Eckman had also been sent by the pharmaceutical company to investigate the secretive research of formidable Dr. Annick Swenson. In a terse, unemotional letter, Dr. Swenson has announced Dr. Eckman to be dead and buried. Patchett's gift is to give characters multiple, very human layers, and Davis' gift is to bring those creations to life. Dr. Singh's reserve falls apart as she is plagued by unsettling nightmares and vivid memories of past medical mistakes. Dr. Annick Swenson's imperious personality has, through Hope Davis, the ability to intimidate through your earbuds. Dr. Swenson's arrogance keeps everyone quaking until, as the story unfolds, Davis' tone allows hints of humanity to ease through the doctor's sharp-edged exterior. Davis easily moves from dialects as the individual personalities - among them, a West African doctor, an Indonesian researcher, and a self-absorbed Australian couple - flow one from the other. Davis gives a brilliant performance of a prickly, uncomfortable argument between the married couple Alan and Nancy Saturn, making all who are listening want to distract themselves with the scenery. For fans of Ann Patchett, State of Wonder is all that one has been waiting for and more. The story has as many twists and turns as, well, the Amazon jungle itself. And Hope Davis takes the joy of a new Ann Patchett book to an even higher level of pleasure through her masterful performance. It is a fantastically compelling adventure trip without the hazards of incessant bug bites, poisonous critters, or sweltering heat. Critic Reviews: An expansive page-turner . . . Patchetts fluid prose dissolves in the suspense of this out-there adventure . . . that readers will hate to see end.

Paris in the Present Tense Audiobook by Mark Helprin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mark Helprin) — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 08:13:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Paris in the Present Tense Author: Mark Helprin Narrator: Bronson Pinchot Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 10-03-17 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 74 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The New York Times best-selling author of Winter's Tale and A Soldier of the Great War, Mark Helprin reveals a powerful, rapturous novel set in a present-day Paris caught between violent unrest and its well-known, inescapable glories. Seventy-four-year-old Jules Lacour - a maître at Paris-Sorbonne, cellist, widower, veteran of the war in Algeria, and child of the Holocaust - must find a balance between his strong obligations to the past and the attractions and beauties of life and love in the present. In the midst of what should be an effulgent time of life, with its days bright with music, family, and rowing on the Seine, Jules is confronted headlong and all at once by a series of challenges to his principles, livelihood, and home, forcing him to grapple with his complex past and find a way forward. He risks fraud to save his terminally ill infant grandson, matches wits with a renegade insurance investigator, is drawn into an act of savage violence, and falls deeply, excitingly in love with a young cellist who is a third his age. Against the backdrop of an exquisite and knowing vision of Paris and the way it can uniquely shape a life, he forges a denouement that is staggering in its humanity, elegance, and truth. In the intoxicating beauty of its prose and emotional amplitude of its storytelling, Mark Helprin's Paris in the Present Tense is a soaring achievement, a deep, dizzying look at a life through the purifying lenses of art and memory. Members Reviews: Greatest living "novelist". Top 10 narrator. Helprin is the only writer going who combines exquisite phrasing with exquisite and important thought, always within the construct of the classical novel form. There are writers who are great with phrasing, or rumination/philosophizing, or sometimes (but rarely) even both. But to be able to achieve both, and frequently, while staying within an important and compelling story, within the complete novel form.........that's a feat so rare that it's almost disheartening to read Helprin knowing that at 70, he may not have many/any left in him. God, I hope not. Pinchot is brilliant performing multiple accents across mixed dialogs, all with the proper cadence, emphasis, and heart. It's worth the listen just to hear a Texan talking with a Parisian over dinner! Incredible An wonderfully beautiful book. Pinchot does it justice with his masterful narration. Helprins prose flows like poetry. Like a classic symphony This is Helprin's best since A Winter's Tale. The story is multi layered, the writing positively lyrical, the characters so fully realized and accessible even on their uniqueness. I'll listen to this several more times and read the hard coy as well! Can't recommend it highly enough. If you love history, music, people in all their flaws, get this book Beiutfully written I enjoyed audible a great deal however I believe reading the written story would be a greater enjoyment. The author is extremely talented writer. In addition, the narrator is maybe the best I have experienced. Excellent performance! There are elements of the plot (romance between 25 year-old and 74 year-old, for example) that I found a bit hard to accept, the reader's performance is excellent! At times during conversations between strikingly different individuals, I would suddenly think, "Wait, I am listening to only one person.

The One-in-a-Million Boy Audiobook by Monica Wood

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Monica Wood) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 21:16:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The One-in-a-Million Boy Author: Monica Wood Narrator: Chris Ciulla Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 04-18-16 Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1347 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: For years, guitarist Quinn Porter has been on the road, chasing gig after gig, largely absent to his twice-ex-wife Belle and their odd, Guinness records-obsessed son. When the boy dies suddenly, Quinn seeks forgiveness for his paternal shortcomings by completing the requirements for one of his son's unfinished Boy Scout badges. For seven Saturdays Quinn does yardwork for Ona Vitkus, the spry 104-year-old Lithuanian immigrant the boy had visited weekly. Quinn soon discovers that the boy had talked Ona into gunning for the world record for oldest licensed driver. Despite himself, Quinn picks up where the boy left off, forging a friendship with Ona that allows him to know the son he never understood. Members Reviews: Very moving, thought provoking, I read true crime. I chose this book on a whim. I am so glad I stepped out of my genre. This book is powerful. It's a thought provoking exploration of relationships between friends, husbands and wives, parents and children, rekindled friendships and loss. The author tells the story from different perspectives, rotating back and forth, past and present in a way that she artfully weaves a tale that draws you in to the point that you don't want to stop listening. I love a book that really delves into how others think and why they behave the way they do and this book is all of that. Don't even get me started on the narrator. How many ways can I say he is INCREDIBLE. I would say that he really "makes" the book but that isn't true because the book is already made. The story and the narrator make a great combination. He did such incredible justice to the voices of each of the characters. Can't think of anything I could say that needs changing about any of this work. I loved it! Why isn't this book getting more attention? Any additional comments? This is the first book that I've listened to twice. It is very well written, it is humorous, addresses issues of older age and the feelings of older age people. It is also about loving, about young people who are outside of the norm and about grieving. I think the characters are very well developed and the story line unique. Wonderful book! Beautiful and memorable Although it was packed with sadness (and hope born of the sadness), the truth it reveals is poignant: we often can't see how we impact others until there's damage or loss. At times, the list reading annoyed me, but I imagine it would be like real life with a boy like this one (that's to say often sweet but sometimes annoying). The way the final chapter was delivered, however, was perfect and I admit I got teary. This story made me want to know someone 104 and actually hear their stories! Rare, riveting & heart-warming w/superb narration This is a rare story, uniquely told and superbly narrated, about an unusual boy, a centenarian Lithuanian immigrant, and the dreams and friendship they shared. It is an honest, if at times sobering, look at life, love, and what gives us meaning. If i were left on an island with only a few books, i would like this to be one of them. THE ONE-IN-A-MILLION BOY is so special and original, it's nothing short of a miracle. If you love heart-warming stories, you will love this one. Kudos to Chris Ciulla who brings every character fully alive! Loved it Wow! This book is both powerful and quiet.

180 Seconds Audiobook by Jessica Park

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jessica Park) — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 18:15:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 180 Seconds Author: Jessica Park Narrator: Arielle DeLisle Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 04-25-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 560 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Some people live their entire lives without changing their perspective. For Allison Dennis, all it takes is 180 seconds... After a life spent bouncing from one foster home to the next, Allison is determined to keep others at arm's length. Adopted at 16, she knows better than to believe in the permanence of anything. But as she begins her third year in college, she finds it increasingly difficult to disappear into the white noise pouring from her earbuds. One unsuspecting afternoon, Allison is roped into a social experiment just off campus. Suddenly, she finds herself in front of a crowd, forced to interact with a complete stranger for 180 seconds. Neither she, nor Esben Baylor, the dreamy social media star seated opposite her, is prepared for the outcome. When time is called, the intensity of the experience overwhelms Allison and Esben in a way that unnerves and electrifies them both. With a push from her oldest friend, Allison embarks on a journey to find out if what she and Esben shared is the real thing - and if she can finally trust in herself, in others, and in love. Members Reviews: Review: 180 Seconds, by Jessica Park Ive read most of Jessica Parks work and have been blown away by her writing. With her latest novel, 180 Seconds, this hasnt changed. Im not sure this author has a bad book in her. Its hard to come up with just one reason why this book made me want to keep reading and reading (even though, because of life, I couldnt do that). The characters were great. They probably top the list of reasons. They were so real, relatable, and knew they were flawed. I think that last part was what made me like them even more. They knew they werent perfect, and that worked into their actions. I also thought Park, like always, was able to work current trends and culture into the story, while still being able to keep the interest of a reader (me) who might not be up on what characters in college might be into and using the internet for. This book isnt all fun and games, though much of it is. Neither Allison nor Esben doesnt have a great past. Their present has obstacles. But its how they get through them and build on where they came from that makes this book a necessary addition to my top reads list. It just wouldn't end!! This book started off ok. Then.. there was a perfect place for an ending and it just kept going and going.... getting more and more depressing and weird... just.. NO. I want my time back. Couldn't finish it The first several chapters were depressing and unrelatable. Then, it got interesting with the 180 second experiment, but unbelievable results. Then, it just got eye-rollingly annoying. There are still 5.5 hours of the book left and I just can't do it. There is nothing great about the writing that has me buying into the characters or plot. Better than the Reviews Make it out to be I don't understand why people kept giving this negative reviews claiming it should've ended long before it did. A good book has conflict, it doesn't have a perfect happy story the entire time, that's boring. I think that is what frustrated people. I think it was very well done and it left me satisfied. I would recommend. Eye Rolling... I have always loved Jessica Park's books but I cannot even finish this one. CHEESE fest!! Everyone is so perfect and the cliches are bountiful. The social media and hashtag portrayal made me gag....

All the Little Children Audiobook by Jo Furniss

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jo Furniss) — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 08:02:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: All the Little Children Author: Jo Furniss Narrator: Fiona Hardingham Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins Language: English Release date: 09-01-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 251 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: When a family camping trip takes a dark turn, how far will one mother go to keep her family safe? Struggling with working-mother guilt, Marlene Greene hopes a camping trip in the forest will provide quality time with her three young children - until they see fires in the distance, columns of smoke distorting the sweeping view. Overnight, all communication with the outside world is lost. Knowing something terrible has happened, Marlene suspects that the isolation of the remote campsite is all that's protecting her family. But the arrival of a lost boy reveals they are not alone in the woods, and as the unfolding disaster ravages the land, more youngsters seek refuge under her wing. The lives of her own children aren't the only ones at stake. When their sanctuary is threatened, Marlene faces the mother of all dilemmas: Should she save her own kids or try to save them all? Members Reviews: AMAZING! All around Perfection! I don't know which was better, the story or the performance! Although not my usual Genre it Absolutely grabbed me from go and never let go! I lol'd and had cries in my eyes, My heart raced and I found myself shushing characters!! I will be looking for more from this Writer with this Narrator! Well Done and Thank You! left hanging Not my type of book, but kept me listening! The ending keeps you hanging though and I really dislike that Love this book for strange reasons! The main character angers me but I am still fascinated by her! Her choices bother me to no end as it could have been better! However in panic mode as she is I have to forgive her as she isnt thinking clearly. I keep searching for the happy endings to her choices. This book is not predictable by any means. Give it a shot and see for yourself! disappointed I enjoyed this book. However, it seems most books now have no ending they all set up for a sequel!!! Great read! Could not put down! Great story. Who we all hope we are in times of need.

A Dirty Job Audiobook by Christopher Moore

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Christopher Moore) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:27:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Dirty Job Author: Christopher Moore Narrator: Fisher Stevens Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 03-15-06 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7434 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: But Charlie's been lucky. He owns a building in the heart of San Francisco, and runs a secondhand store with the help of a couple of loyal, if marginally insane, employees. He's married to a bright and pretty woman who actually loves him for his normalcy. And she, Rachel, is about to have their first child. Yes, Charlie's doing okay for a Beta. That is, until the day his daughter, Sophie, is born. Just as Charlie, exhausted from the birth, turns to go home, he sees a strange man in mint-green golf wear at Rachel's hospital bedside, a man who claims that no one should be able to see him. But see him Charlie does, and from here on out, things get really weird. People start dropping dead around him, giant ravens perch on his building, and it seems that everywhere he goes, a dark presence whispers to him from under the streets. Strange names start appearing on his nightstand notepad, and before he knows it, those people end up dead, too. Yup, it seems that Charlie Asher has been recruited for a new job, an unpleasant but utterly necessary one: Death. It's a dirty job. But hey, somebody's gotta do it. Critic Reviews: "Moore's enthusiasm and skill make it convincing, and his affection for the cast of weirdos gives the book an unexpected poignancy." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Great Listen! This book was well written and REALLY well read. Is the narrator Fisher Stevens the actor? It would make perfect sense this book is so much fun - and the read was a big factor. I enjoyed the whole experience and would happily recommend you get this one. It is not often the reader will get me to laugh out loud ( I wonder what the other drivers on the road with me were thinking?) - This is an interesting and silly take on death and the transition of the human soul. If you have ever been a fan of Piers Anthony, you will surely enjoy this romp through the macabre. This author is a more mature writer. Please Note: This book not intended for anyone but an adult audience, so be sure you are not sharing with the kids. There are a few words the kids can wait to learn at least until after your mother-in-law comes to visit. I loved it! Awesome story of a beta male who becomes a death merchant, (collector of souls) Funny to the last page. Fisher Stevens does an outstanding job. Another great CM book I have never been let down by a Christopher Moore book, and this is no exception. This book is clever and preposterous, but not totally unbelievable. How can I say that a book about death coming to earth is believable? Well, that's just what Christopher Moore does. He takes the craziest stuff (I mean really crazy, like I must have been high when I thought this up kind of crazy) and makes you think that it's all possible. He does this by developing the characters into people that you like. People you could go have a beer with, or talk about shreiking ancient sewer dwelling goddesses over a latte with. And his pacing is right on. He never slows down so much that you lose interest, or speeds up so much that you're left scratching your head, saying, "Wha...?" So what I'm trying to say is, if you already like CM, this is one of his many great books. You'll like it. And if you've never read a CM book before, this is a good place to start.

Winter Street Audiobook by Elin Hilderbrand

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elin Hilderbrand) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 12:00:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Winter Street Author: Elin Hilderbrand Narrator: Erin Bennett Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 10-14-14 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 491 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In best seller Elin Hilderbrand's first Christmas novel, a family gathers on Nantucket for a holiday filled with surprises. As Christmas approaches, Kelley is looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time at the inn. But when he walks in on Mitzi kissing Santa Claus (or the guy who's playing Santa at the inn's annual party), utter chaos descends. With the three older children each reeling in their own dramas and Bart unreachable in Afghanistan, it might be up to Kelley's ex-wife, nightly news anchor Margaret Quinn, to save Christmas at the Winter Street Inn. Before the mulled cider is gone, the delightfully dysfunctional Quinn family will survive a love triangle, an unplanned pregnancy, a federal crime, a small house fire, many shots of whiskey, and endless rounds of Christmas caroling, in this heart-warming novel about coming home for the holidays. Members Reviews: Another Great Trilogy from Elin Would you listen to Winter Street again? Why? I would probably listen to this again in five years. I will remember everything about it so refreshing my memory in several years would be nice. What was one of the most memorable moments of Winter Street? Margaret coming home and heading to the bedroom with Kelly. Yikes! Talk about a modern divorce and getting along with your ex!! What does Erin Bennett bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? She is great at separating the characters with her voice. Who was the most memorable character of Winter Street and why? I like Kelly the best. What a great guy. He is so darn accommodating and understanding. Treats his ex wives well with little animosity. I did like when he punched George but other than that he is very calm and decent. Any additional comments? Am already well into the second book. Can't wait to read the third. Only problem is that I don't want these books to end! Another great read by Ms. Hilderbrand! loved it! Well read, reader put me in the scene and helped me feel the personality of each character. Love it Elin never disappoints I always love her stories and hope to go to Nantucket someday in person. Can't wait for the next book Loved it Great book, loved the characters and story. Loved the Christmas time of year in the book. Hilderbrand Gives Fans a Holiday Treat! Best selling author Elin Hilderbrands WINTER STREET is a delightful holiday novel that is just the gift readers should give themselves, and each other. WINTER STREET is Hilderbrands first Christmas novel and takes place in Nantucket, a favorite setting of hers. It is there that readers meet the Quinn family and are quickly caught up in the lives of this loving, compassionate, but also wacky family that just might resemble people readers really know. Each character is fully realized thanks to Hilderbrands expertise, thus drawing readers quickly in to all of their lives. I thought I really knew these people, and that kept me listening. I hated for the story to end. WINTER STREET is the name of a charming inn that the Quinn family has run for years. With father Kelley and stepmother Mitzi currently in charge, we are drawn in as Christmas approaches to see if all the children will come home for the annual festivities.

The Royal We Audiobook by Jessica Morgan, Heather Cocks

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jessica Morgan) — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:59:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Royal We Author: Jessica Morgan, Heather Cocks Narrator: Christine Lakin Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 04-07-15 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1149 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: "I might be Cinderella today, but I dread who they'll think I am tomorrow. I guess it depends on what I do next." American Rebecca Porter was never one for fairy tales. Her twin sister, Lacey, has always been the romantic who fantasized about glamour and royalty, fame and fortune. Yet it's Bex who seeks adventure at Oxford and finds herself living down the hall from Prince Nicholas, Great Britain's future king. And when Bex can't resist falling for Nick, the person behind the prince, it propels her into a world she did not expect to inhabit, under a spotlight she is not prepared to face. Dating Nick immerses Bex in ritzy society, dazzling ski trips, and dinners at Kensington Palace with him and his charming, troublesome brother, Freddie. But the relationship also comes with unimaginable baggage: hysterical tabloids, Nick's sparkling and far more suitable ex-girlfriends, and a royal family whose private life is much thornier and more tragic than anyone on the outside knows. The pressures are almost too much to bear as Bex struggles to reconcile the man she loves with the monarch he's fated to become. Which is how she gets into trouble. Now, on the eve of the wedding of the century, Bex is faced with whether everything she's sacrificed for love - her career, her home, her family, maybe even herself - will have been for nothing. Members Reviews: Very charming, but... I so want to give this book five stars. It's charming, well written, touching, and a lot of fun. I love the Fug Girls (the authors) and their website, and I found the story to be engaging. I also came to adore nearly all of the supporting players...including Lady Bollocks and Pudge. But my feminist heart just can't completely get on board with this book because I found Bex to be a really, really disappointing heroine. Here we've got a girl who arrives in England brave, smart, and independent. Over the course of the novel, she relinquishes nearly everything that makes her who she is, all for the sake of keeping a man. She loves him fiercely, there's no doubt about that, and the times they spend together are lovely. It's a running theme--the idea that Bex is losing herself. Maybe the reality is that to live that royal life, she'd have to give herself up completely (though I hope not; I hope Kate Middleton managed to hang on to her soul). But I can't get behind a literary heroine who does that, and by the end, what I really wanted was for Bex to leave her prince, go home, get a job, and recapture who she was at the start. Like real people, I feel like characters in stories should evolve into something new and better. Your 20-year-old self shouldn't be your best self. My favorite parts were when the group was at Oxford. I found all their shenanigans and adventures to be charming and fun. The stuff with Nick and his mother was wonderful and heartfelt, and I even didn't mind the soapy nature of the later twists and turns. If Bex had just managed to regain herself amid all the attacks and attempts to change her, I'd have loved it. But in the end, the message seems to be that to find true love and the joy that brings, you have to hide or even lose your soul. I just can't get behind that. That said, the reader was fantastic. Authors paid by the word? While looking for a light and fun book to listen to while doing different projects, I found The Royal We.

A Light in the Window Audiobook by Jan Karon

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jan Karon) — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 12:06:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Light in the Window Subtitle: The Mitford Years, Book 2 Author: Jan Karon Narrator: John McDonough Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 10-13-06 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1092 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: As you can see, Mitford's rector and lifelong bachelor, Father Tim, is in need of divine intervention. In this beautifully crafted second novel in the Mitford series, Jan Karon delivers a love story that's both heartwarming and hilarious. Only time will tell if the village parson can practice what he preaches. In A Light in the Window, you will find an affirmation of what some of us already know: Life in a small town is rarely quiet. And absolutely never boring. Members Reviews: Story of community Any additional comments? Another pleasure from Jan Karon and John McDonough. Positive, human, silly, and fun. All about finding your family all around you and trying to bloom where you are planted. A Must Read Series I love all of Jan Karon's books in this series. I have read all of then at least 3 times and listened to them on audio once or twice. Heaven will be just like Mitford- with out the pain of course. Perfection I love Mitford and Fr. Tim This is book two in the Mitford series and I just can't get enough. If this were a real town I would definitely want to live there. Fantastic story, excellant narration Where does A Light in the Window rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? This is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to since I joined Audible. Of course, the story is one of the best I have read in many years. Jan Karon, the author, has a way of writing that lets you step into the lives of the people of Mitford. I feel that I would recognize any of the characters if I met them on the street. This is a "slice of life" type story where you step into the lives of the characters and follow them through the months and / or years. Every character is vividly drawn. What was one of the most memorable moments of A Light in the Window? I think that my favorite moments include Father Tim's first meeting with Dooley Barlow, the time spent with Miss Sadie, and his introduction to Puny. What about John McDonoughs performance did you like? John McDonough was able to narrate the story in such a way that you can enter the world of the story and forget the narrator. John's use of the native idioms and accents was right on. If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be? Come enter the world of Mitford . . . you will never want to leave! Any additional comments? I am really looking forward to listening to the rest of the series. I read these books years ago and have been wanting to reread them for quite a while but have just been too busy. Audible provided the perfect way for me to do both. Charming! After more than a year away, it was a pleasure to return and visit Father Tim and his friends. After an action thriller and a political biography, the charming village that Karon has created was refreshing. I will certainly buy the next installment.

Anatomy of a Scandal Audiobook by Sarah Vaughan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Sarah Vaughan) — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 10:04:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Anatomy of a Scandal Subtitle: A Novel Author: Sarah Vaughan Narrator: Luke Thompson, Esther Wane, Sarah Feathers, Julie Teal Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 01-23-18 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: An astonishingly incisive and suspenseful novel about a scandal among Britain's privileged elite and the women caught up in its wake. Sophie's husband, James, is a loving father, a handsome man, a charismatic and successful public figure. And yet he stands accused of a terrible crime. Sophie is convinced he is innocent and desperate to protect her precious family from the lies that threaten to rip them apart. Kate is the lawyer hired to prosecute the case: an experienced professional who knows that the law is all about winning the argument. And yet Kate seeks the truth at all times. She is certain James is guilty and is determined he will pay for his crimes. Who is right about James? Sophie or Kate? And is either of them informed by anything more than instinct and personal experience? Despite her privileged upbringing, Sophie is well aware that her beautiful life is not inviolable. She has known it since she and James were first lovers at Oxford, and she witnessed how easily pleasure could tip into tragedy. Most people would prefer not to try to understand what passes between a man and a woman when they are alone: alone in bed, alone in an embrace, alone in an elevator...or alone in the moonlit courtyard of an Oxford college, where a girl once stood before a boy, heart pounding with excitement, then fear. Sophie never understood why her tutorial partner, Holly, left Oxford so abruptly. What would she think if she knew the truth? Critic Reviews: "A strong choice for book clubs. Former political correspondent Vaughan makes an impressive debut with this savvy, propulsive courtroom drama." ( Kirkus Reviews) "Vaughan offers gripping insight into a political scandals hidden machinations and the tension between justice and privilege.... Absorbing, polished." ( Booklist) "Skillfully interweaving the story of the unfolding scandal, Vaughan gradually reveals just how shockingly high the stakes are.... Sinewy...engrossing, twist-filled." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: A must read for 2018 Anatomy of a Scandal is an intelligent, compelling and exceedingly well written book. Cinematic in its scope, it examines how the perception of the truth can vary, with both the main and all secondary characters well developed with multiple layers. Kate Woodcroft is a tough, standoffish London barrister for the prosecution of violence of a sexual nature. Kate hates to lose, bringing a fierceness to every case. The stakes are especially high, when she is assigned the high-profile case of a charismatic Tory Junior Minister. James, is accused of raping his assistant, who he admits he had a short affair with. James was born with the proverbial silver spoon. A graduate of both Eton and Oxford he has it all, and knows it....including the friendship and confidence of the current Prime Minister who is an old college friend. A true narcissist, James is accustomed to getting what he wants and he expects his dutiful wife to stand by his side. Sophie, while she is devastated by her husband's infidelity, still wants to hold her family together. It is hard for her to reconcile the man she has loved since college, with that of a rapist.

Path of the Assassin Audiobook by Brad Thor

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Brad Thor) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:32:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Path of the Assassin Subtitle: A Thriller Author: Brad Thor Narrator: Armand Schultz Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 02-26-13 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3116 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: National bestselling author of The Lions of Lucerne Brad Thor and his indomitable hero Scot Harvath are back, raising the stakes and taking on one of the world's deadliest terrorist organizations bent on stoking a global holy war of apocalyptic proportions. After rescuing the President from kidnappers, Navy SEAL turned Secret Service agent Scot Harvath shifts his attentions to rooting out, capturing or killing all those responsible for the plot. As he prepares to close out his list, a bloody and twisted trail of clues points towards one man - the world's most feared, most ruthless terrorist, Hashim Nidal. Nidal has assembled an international league of Islamic terrorist networks in an ingenious plot to topple both Israel and America. Harvath and his CIA-led team must reach Nidal before it's too late. One problem remains - they have no idea what the man looks like. Only one person can positively identify Harvath's quarry - Meg Cassidy, a beautiful hijacking survivor. Together, Scot and Meg must untangle a maddening web of global intrigue stretching across four continents. From Macau, Jerusalem, and Chicago, to Libya, Capri, and Rome, Harvath and Cassidy find themselves locked in a desperate race against time to sort the pieces of a deadly puzzle that will test not only their physical and mental limits, but also the growing bond they feel for each other. Critic Reviews: "...[A] blood-soaked sequel to the presidential-kidnapping debut that so arrested critics....Thor leaves little to the imagination when it comes to the cut and thrust of terrorist-busting; the action is relentless and gory, the pacing sublime, as is the authenticity of everything from weaponry to locales." ( Ottawa Citizen) "If Thor's second international thriller had any more testosterone, it would grow hair....the well-choreographed action and thrills will keep readers engrossed." ( Publishers Weekly) "If Thor's second international thriller had any more testosterone, it would grow hair....the well-choreographed action and thrills will keep readers engrossed." (Dan Brown, New York Times bestselling author of The Da Vinci Code) Members Reviews: Does not measure up The storyline is okay but the author uses so much corny language that you wonder what generation he is from. THIS BOOK IS A JOKE Would you try another book from Brad Thor and/or Armand Schultz? I HAVE ALREADY READ SEVERAL BUT NO MORE. Has Path of the Assassin turned you off from other books in this genre? NO What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike? WE HAVE THIS STONE COLD KILLER IN SCOTT HARVATH. HIGHLY TRAINED AND KNOWLEDGABLE IN TERRORISTS AND TERROSISM. HE TAKES A TWIT OF A WOMAN WITH NO TRAINING WHATSOEVER ON A MISSION TO PAKISTAN AND SHE CONS HIM INTO SNEAKING INTO A TERRIORIST CAMP. SURPRISE,SURPRISE THEY ARE DISCOVERED. COME ON, I LOVE THIS GENRE BUT PLEASE MAKE IT SOMEWHAT BELIEVABLE. What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment? GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT. I REALLY LIKED THE SCOTT HARVATH BOOKS. Corny What disappointed you about Path of the Assassin? Thor is sadly no Vince Flynn. It may be that the author took a while to develop his craft but having purchased his first two, I am not keen to listen to any more.(I gave the benefit of the doubt and purchased this one after listening to his first in the series.) I did not finish this book.

Nowhere to Run Audiobook by C. J. Box

biacuaduc@gmail.com (C. J. Box) — Fri, 21 May 2010 21:42:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Nowhere to Run Subtitle: A Joe Pickett Novel Author: C. J. Box Narrator: David Chandler Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 05-21-10 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 982 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Joe Pickett's in his last week as the temporary game warden in the town of Baggs, Wyoming, but there have been strange things going on in the mountains, and his conscience won't let him leave without checking them out: reports of camps looted, tents slashed, elk butchered. And then there's the runner who simply vanished one day. Joe doesn't mind admitting that the farther he rides, the more he wishes he could just turn around and go home. And he is right to be concerned. Because what awaits him is like nothing he's ever dealt with, like something out of an old story, except this is all too real and too deadly. When he'd first saddled up, he'd thought of this as his last patrol. What he hadn't known was just how accurate that thought might turn out to be. Critic Reviews: "Box inexorably builds Joe's harrowing personal quest into a complex meditation on human greed and government corruption. A lone black wolf, possibly Box's symbol for the wilderness within and without the human soul, tracks Joe throughout this terrible, beautiful tale of courage and compassion and culpability." ( Publishers Weekly) " Nowhere to Run, the tenth in the series, ranks with his best books....Readers should take note of their surroundings before opening this book: once they start reading, they wont know what hit them." ( Booklist) Members Reviews: JP needs to go to Absaroka County with Longmire! I love Joe Pickett stories but I think the protagonist sheriff line needs to fade away. First it was Bud Barnam and now its McLanahan. There is always a real bad guy in these books why does the sheriff always have to be adversarial? It would be nice for Joe and family to move to Absaroka County (yes I know its fictional) and have Walt Longmire as Sheriff. Nate would get along great with Henry. I can picture Mary Beth and Vic chatting over lunch haha. Exciting If you are an hunter and outdoors person this book is for you. My wife and I have listened to all the Joe Picket books we can find. All have made me want more. Chandler helps to make these books great. The Best Yet As a Wyoming born and raised and now a 70+ yr old retired Law Enforcement guy I have enjoyed all of Joe Pickett's adventures. This one is the Best. I don't know how C.J. keeps coming up with great stories. One of Box's Best If you could sum up Nowhere to Run in three words, what would they be? Exciting. Action. Intrigue. What about David Chandlers performance did you like? Chandler's performance of Box's books is outstanding. Since he has done the whole Joe Pickett series, he is 'Joe Pickett' and the other characters. Well done on this one, as usual. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? The hunters, become... The hunted. No Where to Run Good story, I liked the way it was told. It was pretty close to how things go with the government and our freedom and rights.

The Sound of Glass Audiobook by Karen White

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Karen White) — Tue, 12 May 2015 07:35:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Sound of Glass Author: Karen White Narrator: Susan Bennett, Therese Plummer Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-15 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 4386 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's 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. Members Reviews: You'll LAUGH, LOVE, and maybe CRY a little In all honesty, I struggled getting into this book at first. Living in the South and loving Beaufort, SC myself, I figured this book was perfect for me to read. But, between the prologue and the first six chapters or so, I got so lost in the web of characters - who was attached to whom and how - my excitement to continue reading diminished. I had to put the book down and pick it back up at a later date, and write out notes to keep track of all the details that are front-loaded into the book, in order to really get into the book. AND BOY, AM I GLAD I GAVE IT A SECOND CHANCE! The author packs so much into this book - forgiveness, family, mystery, romance, secrets, fear, unknown connections, domestic violence, protecting each other, history, letting go, and Southern Charm - it's filled to the brim with thoughtful prose and conflicted characters. How are all these characters so elegantly tied to each other over the span of decades? I felt for Merritt and understood her fear and independence, but more so her distrust of those around her. I adored Loralee and her sweet nibblets of wisdom. I respected her ability to face a hurt and cold Merritt to try to build a relationship. I fell in love with Gibbes and how he never gave up. The story sucked me in with my voracious desperation to solve this mystery. It made me laugh and love and think, and it definitely made me cry. And by the end, I was so mad it was over because I wasn't ready to be done with these characters yet. The narrators did a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life and ensuring the pace of the book flowed properly. Heartbreakingly beautiful This novel surprised me from beginning to end. Wise, funny, colourful and so touching, I found myself rewinding passages again and again to glean its wisdom. Beautifully performed, this is the kind of audiobook that reminds me why this new art form takes the words on the page and brings them to life. It is so much more than I can describe here so please do yourself a favour and buy this book x Outstandingly excellent, impressive What did you love best about The Sound of Glass? The story is "real", I listened on my way to and from work and any book that can make you laugh out load, or cry, and touch on everyday issues is a job well done.

High Five Audiobook by Janet Evanovich

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Janet Evanovich) — Fri, 12 May 2000 11:52:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: High Five Author: Janet Evanovich Narrator: Debi Mazar Format: Abridged Length: 2 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-00 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1154 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: America's favorite bounty hunter is back behind the wheel in her fifth hilarious, high-octane thriller. Out of bail skippers and rent money, Stephanie Plum throws caution to the wind and follows in the entrepreneurial bootsteps of expert bounty hunter Ranger, engaging in morally correct and marginally legal enterprises. Okay, so a scumball blows himself to bits on her first day of policing a crack house, and the sheik she was chauffeuring steals the limo. But hey, nobody's perfect. Don't forget to download the rest of the series. ©1999 Janet Evanovich; (P)1999 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC Critic Reviews: "Evanovich tells her fast-paced and furiously funny story expertly. The action never stops, the dialogue is snappy and the characters are more than memorable. Readers can't miss with this one." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Content dampened by quality of reading. High Five is representative of all of the "Stephanie Plum" books -- it's light, funny, and contains just enough "serious" content to create a ghost of of plot. In short--it's perfect for listening to while driving too & from work, or doing odd jobs aroung the house. But I have to say -- I was disappointed in this particular reader. Two and a half hours of straight read in a heavy New York/New Jersey accent, with few variations in inflection, tone, or cadence almost turned this into a giant snooze session for me. Worst narrator - Hated Her Voice and Speed!! Would you listen to High Five again? Why? NO, I can't stand the narrator! Would you be willing to try another one of Debi Mazars performances? No, She has no variation in her characters voices and she sounds more like a young black girl than a white woman. She reads way to fast and I couldn't understand some of her words at all. I wanted to hear the book and since she was the only choice I pushed my way through it...that goodness it was the short version!! Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Not really We need a new reader!!!!!!!!!! This book would be good if Lorelei King were reading it. No one can read the Plum books like King. Great Story, Poor Deliverance I really enjoy Janet Evonovich's stories when I am driving, but this narrator made it difficult to enjoy this particular episode. Her thick accent, poor enunciation, and speaking too quickly all combined to make it challenging to understand the story at times. It's too bad, because the story itself made me smile and laugh out loud at times, the storyline was great, as always, and I loved the ending...I'll have to listen to the next book to find out which of the two men Stephanie chose. Terrible Narrator! Very disappointing afte listening to the first 4 in the series, narrated by C.J. Critt! This narrator is distracting - reads too fast, and I HATE her accent! Also, why is a 3 hour book so expensive!???? Think I'll return it, and I won't buy any more, because there aren't any more narrated by Critt, and I don't want to take any more chances on these narrators.

Breakfast with Buddha Audiobook by Roland Merullo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Roland Merullo) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:51:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Breakfast with Buddha Subtitle: A Novel Author: Roland Merullo Narrator: Sean Runnette Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 04-26-11 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3136 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: When his sister tricks him into taking her guru on a trip to their childhood home, Otto Ringling, a confirmed skeptic, is not amused. Six days on the road with an enigmatic holy man who answers every question with a riddle is not what he'd planned. But in an effort to westernize his passenger---and amuse himself---he decides to show the monk some "American fun" along the way. From a chocolate factory in Hershey to a bowling alley in South Bend, from a Cubs game at Wrigley field to his family farm near Bismarck, Otto is given the remarkable opportunity to see his world---and more important, his life---through someone else's eyes. Gradually, skepticism yields to amazement as he realizes that his companion might just be the real thing. In Roland Merullo's masterful hands, Otto tells his story with all the wonder, bemusement, and wry humor of a man who unwittingly finds what he's missing in the most unexpected place. Critic Reviews: "The skillful Merullo, using the lightest of touches, slowly turns this low-key comedy into a moving story of spiritual awakening." (Booklist) Members Reviews: a thoughtful and often hilarious journey This audiobook was a real pleasure--one I plan to come back to again and again. One reason is I love the performance as well as the voice of the reader, Sean Runette. I found it soothing yet compelling--you know, the type where you don't want to get out of your car and turn it off. Even at the end of the story, the characters rest with me--I have shared the better part of a week with Otto and his travelling companion and felt as if I was there with them. The plot is simple enough---a middle aged man travelling from his home NY to his childhood home, to the heartland settle the estate of his parents who were killed suddenly. However there is a rhythm to the book, a progression across geography, cultures and the thoughts of Otto--flowing out at first in a rapid stream of consciousness that had a bent to describe, label and judge, and eventually coming to a place of peace, home and family---and something more-- an interior voyage, to find his own heart, breath and soul. The entire concept of this book appealed to me, but I was afraid it would not be so digestible to my own middle aged husband. However, he really enjoyed this audio book as well. The rich imagery, descriptions of food so vivid that could almost taste it, and the humor....lots of humor appealed to my own Otto-like husband and will hopefully set him on a bit of a journey of his own. As for me, it gave me a lot of food for thought. I adored the Rimposhe's perception of the "real" America, his kindness even when in adversity, in fact, I loved loved how "stress" was dealt with in this story. So much to love in this book. A pleasant surprise with philosophical depth I was pleasantly sucked into the book. A curmudgeonly yet pleasant guy with a good life finds himself on a road trip with a sort-of Buddhist guru. The book is very male-oriented, but I enjoyed the philosophical discussions and was impressed with the teachings, which held surprising depths. Despite being a rather gentle book, it was surprisingly compelling, to me anyway. The ending was a little weak but it's setting up a trilogy so I guess that's OK.

Fitness Junkie Audiobook by Lucy Sykes, Jo Piazza

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lucy Sykes) — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 01:14:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fitness Junkie Subtitle: A Novel Author: Lucy Sykes, Jo Piazza Narrator: Jo Piazza, Susan Bennett Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 07-11-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 348 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From the best-selling authors of The Knockoff, an outrageously funny novel about one woman's attempt - through clay diets, naked yoga, green juice, and cultish workout classes - to win back her career, save her best friend, and lose 30 pounds. When Janey Sweet, CEO of a couture wedding dress company, is photographed in the front row of a fashion show eating a bruffin - the delicious lovechild of a brioche and a muffin - her best friend and business partner, Beau, gives her an ultimatum: lose 30 pounds or lose your job. Sure, Janey has gained some weight since her divorce, and no, her beautifully cut trousers don't fit like they used to, so Janey throws herself headlong into the world of the fitness revolution, signing up for a shockingly expensive workout pass, baring it all for Free the Nipple yoga, sweating through boot camp classes run by Sri Lankan militants, and spinning to the screams of a Lycra-clad instructor with rage issues. At a juice shop she meets Jacob, a cute young guy who takes her Dumpster diving outside Whole Foods on their first date. At a shaman's tea ceremony, she meets Hugh, a silver fox who holds her hand through an ayahuasca hallucination. And at a secret exercise studio, Janey meets Sara Strong, the wildly popular workout guru whose special dance routine has starlets and wealthy women flocking to her for results that seem too good to be true. As Janey eschews delicious carbs, pays thousands of dollars to charlatans, and is harassed by her very own fitness bracelet, she can't help but wonder: Did she really need to lose weight in the first place? A hilarious send-up of the health and wellness industry, Fitness Junkie is a glorious romp through the absurd landscape of our weight-obsessed culture. Critic Reviews: "I laughed out loud reading Fitness Junkie, which serves a heaping helping of hilarious satire, profiling the step-counting, calorie-obsessed New Yorkers who fill the cronut-shaped holes in their souls with workouts." (Jill Kargman, creator and star of Odd Mom Out) "Fitness Junkie is a deliciously fun romp through the bizarre and cult-like workouts of the superrich, from naked yoga to clay diets to private island wellness retreats. Funny, frothy and delicious." (Jane Green, author of Falling) Members Reviews: Vaguely entertaining with a complete plot This book was okay. It's not as sharply witty in its observations as the author thinks it is, but nevertheless the characters are sort of likable and the story goes full circle in a way that doesn't seem cheap or rushed. Entertaining Very funny and entertaining. The narrator was great at keeping the characters clear, and holding my attention. The book did not have a dull moment. This is a book I will recommend to friends looking for something light. Shallow characters with little development Shallow characters with very little development. The main character Janey met new people every chapter (she just happens to run into so and so at the workout and sos and so at the birthday party and so and so at the juice shop- are that many character needed?). I listened to the end because I wanted know the wrap up but goodness it was tough to sit through.

The Guardian Audiobook by Nicholas Sparks

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nicholas Sparks) — Fri, 04 Apr 2003 16:30:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Guardian Author: Nicholas Sparks Narrator: Isabel Keating Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-03 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1033 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Julie Barenson's young husband left her two unexpected gifts before he died - a puppy named Singer and the promise that he would always be watching over her. Now, four years later, 29-year-old Julie is far too young to have given up on love. She may be ready to risk caring for someone again. But who? Should it be Richard Franklin, the sophisticated, handsome engineer who treats her like a queen? Or Mike Harris, the down-to-earth nice guy who was her husband's best friend? Choosing one of them should bring her more happiness than she's had in years. Instead, Julie is soon fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by chilling deception and jealousy so poisonous that it has become a murderous desire.... Critic Reviews: "Sparks fans clamor for his brand of love story, and with the added punch of suspense, this one will be another best seller." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: The Guardian is all washed up... What can one say about a novel in which the main characters are weak and unable to solve any problems? I listened to the whole book just to see if it could get any worse, and unamazingly, it did. There were no heroes in this book, a slight heroine who rides out of the darkness a little late, but only very stupid people who hold inane conversations and unimaginative characters who get seriously injured. And then Sparks had the nerve to thank everyone in the world for this book, like it was an Academy award. Don't even waste your time on this one! the guardian I enjoyed this book very much. It tells of a very different sort of stalking than one thinks of when they hear of it. There are times when you just want to shake Julie and make her realize how she is being manipulated by this very devious person. The greatest disappointment that I experienced with it is that just when several points were going to be reconciled and explained a part of the book was missing. I couldn't believe that was the way the author wrote it so I sought out the book and almost 25 pages were not included in the narrative. Not only that but Audible has been unable to rectify this mistake at this point. Do yourself a favor and wait until the entire book is on the site before you listen to it otherwise you will be very frustrated with the lack of resolution of several questions. After the missing portion is included and I listen once again I feel I will be able to raise my review to at least four stars. No Fun...Only FRUSTRATION Some people may enjoy the "victim" attitude but I just get ticked off. This novel just made me angry at the "damsel in distress". I am not saying some listeners may not enjoy this novel but my personality doesn't allow me to do so. The plot was well developed and all the elements of a talented author are present. I am also one who likes to leave a novel with closure and although this one had a definite conclusion, I was still fumming after it was over. I have enough stress in my day, my novels need to help me unwind and not get wound up:) Worst Sparks Book Ever First, it would have been nice to know that this book is about a stalker. If I would have known that - I would never have started this book. So much for a nice imaginative story with which I could loose myself on my way home from work and relax. Instead, this book was like seeing a horrible car accident and not being able to look away, in hopes of seeing everyone come out alive.

Confessions of a Domestic Failure Audiobook by Bunmi Laditan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bunmi Laditan) — Tue, 02 May 2017 01:23:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Confessions of a Domestic Failure Author: Bunmi Laditan Narrator: Tara Sands Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 05-02-17 Publisher: Harlequin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 411 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From the creator of The Honest Toddler comes a fiction debut sure to be a must-listen for moms everywhere. There are good moms and bad moms - and then there are hot-mess moms. Introducing Ashley Keller, career girl turned stay-at-home mom who's trying to navigate the world of Pinterest-perfect, Facebook-fantastic, and Instagram-impressive mommies but failing miserably. When Ashley gets the opportunity to participate in the Motherhood Better boot camp run by the mommy-blog-empire maven she idolizes, she jumps at the chance to become the perfect mom she's always wanted to be. But will she fly high or flop? With her razor-sharp wit and knack for finding the funny in everything, Bunmi Laditan creates a character as flawed and lovable as Bridget Jones or Becky Bloomwood while hilariously lambasting the societal pressures placed upon every new mother. At its heart, Ashley's story reminds moms that there's no way to be perfect - but many ways to be great. Members Reviews: Ashley Keller is no Bridget Jones The main character ruined the book for me. I've read the comparisons to Bridget Jones, but they are viciously unfair to poor Bridget. Sure, she was a wreck, but she was a lovable, generous, wreck who only hurt herself. Ashley, though. Ashley has got to be the most selfish, self-entitled, self-righteous, judgmental protagonist to ever have been written into existence. If Bridget saw a homeless woman starving and cold, she would buy her a Burberry jacket and then bemoan her overdraft. If Ashley saw the same woman, she would envy her the ability to sleep through the night before accidentally having her arrested. Then find a way to blame her husband for it. I finished the book, but it was a hate read. A predictable hate read. I liked the narrator, and the story line was good, but somehow, compulsive self-indulgence and impulsiveness does not have the same charm when the end result is a homeless child. Narrator overacted... first book I've returned to audible The story could have been good had the narrator allowed the writing to do its own work. Unfortunately, the narrator had such an incredibly affected tone that I couldn't get through a full chapter. It was cringeworthy. Writing this comedic doesn't need so much interpretation from an overly dramatic narrator. Thankfully audible allows returns. This is my first book to fall into that category. I may try a non audio version at some point since the writing sounded like it had potential to be a good read. terrible all the first time mom cliches rolled into one terrible story. painful to get through Awesome Book This book was great! The imagery throughout painted detailed pictures of the characters. The main character Ashley was extremely relatable to me. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to a sequel ASAP! The narrator did a wonderful job and was very engaging, making the book hard to cut off. I read this book in one day between work and and home. If you haven't read it... It's definitely worth it! Like the story but the narrator The story was cute but the narrators mouth sounds too wet? Ive said this before about this particular narrator and other books she narrated.

The Last Song Audiobook by Nicholas Sparks

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nicholas Sparks) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:35:57 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Last Song Author: Nicholas Sparks Narrator: Pepper Binkley Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 09-08-09 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1195 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels - first love, love between parents and children - that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them. Members Reviews: Um... WOW! I've never been able to dig into a Nicholas Sparks book as much as I could with this one! I LOOOOVED this book! Couldn't stop listening to it! Incredible writing! And the Narration/Voices were perfect! My Favorite Nicholas Sparks Audio I've been on a Nicholas Sparks kick lately and I would have to say this one is a better story and listen than even "Dear John." As in Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper" format, the story is told from a variety of character viewpoints and I really enjoyed the work of the male and female narrators in this audio. The characters come to life and the ending was perhaps a little sappy and predictible, but the kind of happy, satisfying ending I prefer! Can't wait to see the movie. Nicholas Sparks at his best Loved the readers, the teenage view was right on, the story told so well, I was camping on the beach along with the characters. A box of tissues (we know Sparks after all!) a cup of your preference and you are good to go. soft and sweet just like the cover shows If you liked his other books then I am sure you will like this one too. The people reading have nice voices and I like that this is available in unabridged and abridged(I just hate when they leave out parts). I think you will really get into the characters and how it winds around. A light read, but I was hooked This is a sweet story. I was not disturbed by the religious overtones--I thought they fit the character and setting. I had not seen the movie and also tried to not think of Miley Cyrus as the main character, even though I knew she played her in the film. I would listen to another Sparks novel. It was entertaining, and I found myself looking forward to my exercise time. I also find this book appropriate for young readers, who would enjoy it as well and benefit from the message.

Pretending to Dance Audiobook by Diane Chamberlain

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Diane Chamberlain) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 22:50:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Pretending to Dance Subtitle: A Novel Author: Diane Chamberlain Narrator: Susan Bennett Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-15 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 665 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Molly Arnette is very good at keeping secrets. She and her husband live in San Diego, where they hope to soon adopt a baby. But the process terrifies her. As the questions and background checks come one after another, Molly worries that the truth she's kept hidden about her North Carolina childhood will rise to the surface and destroy not only her chance at adoption but her marriage as well. She ran away from her family 20 years ago after a shocking event left her devastated and distrustful of those she loved: Her mother, the woman who raised her and who Molly says is dead but is very much alive; her birth mother, whose mysterious presence raised so many issues; and the father she adored, whose death sent her running from the small community of Morrison Ridge. Now, as she tries to find a way to make peace with her past and embrace a future filled with promise, she discovers that even she doesn't know the truth of what happened in her family of pretenders. Told with Diane Chamberlain's compelling prose and gift for deft exploration of the human heart, Pretending to Dance is an exploration of family, lies, and the complexities of both. Members Reviews: Skip this. Liked the adoption aspect. Not a fan of teenaged sex, so I can't recommend the book. Enjoyable .... 2 minor issues Overall I thought the book was enjoyable BUT the main character came across as incredibly selfish for a large part of the novel. Which is fine you don't have to love the characters but it amazed me that none of her family said "grow up everything isn't about you". Only other thing was the narrator doing the male voice was annoying at times. SPOILERS!!! Was Very Disappointed! What disappointed you about Pretending to Dance? It had such high ratings, I was expecting more. The book description eludes to a lot of mystery. A mysterious death (I'm thinking a terrible murder, yes!). A dead mother (another yes! How'd she die?). A birth mother's mysterious presence? (Ooo, is she stalking the family? Does she want the child she gave up back?). All of this sounds so good! Molly ran away 20 years ago. For these reasons, I'm thinking awesome! The makings of an amazing story! I was ready to dive in! It revolved around a 14 year girl who was "coming of age". She was unsure of herself and naive. She is surrounded by family on family land (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, parents) on a mountain ridge in NC. Her father has extremely advanced multiple sclerosis and is confined to wheelchair, paralysed from the neck down. She was adopted by her stepmother but her biological mother lives within walking distance. She has a friend who is the total opposite of her, Stacey. Stacey is lacking parental supervision, does drugs, drinks and has a 17 year old boyfriend. She immediately introduces these things to Molly. She falls hard for the older boy who uses her and breaks her heart. I was fine with all of this. Like I said it part of it was a coming of age story. (This sounds awful and I hate to even say it, considering I'm the mother of 3 daughters, but the teen sex "coming of age" part of the book was the most interesting and realistic part of the book.) This book was terribly slow. It flips between 14 year old Molly in NC to 38 year old Molly in San Diego. I don't know who is more annoying, the 14 year old or the 38 year old.

The Choice Audiobook by Nicholas Sparks

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nicholas Sparks) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:44:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Choice Author: Nicholas Sparks Narrator: Holter Graham Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 09-11-07 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3570 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Despite his attempts to be neighborly, the appealing redhead seems to have a chip on her shoulder about him...and the presence of her longtime boyfriend doesn't help. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen. Spanning the eventful years of young love, marriage, and family, The Choice ultimately confronts us with the most heart-wrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive? Critic Reviews: "A tender and moving love story...Sparks' latest does not disappoint." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: an emotional tug While I did, in the end, enjoy this book at times it felt like the author was putting me through emotional extortion. He is tricky in his use of wording, so as to keep the reader constantly guessing where the end of the plot is going. He wrings every drop possible out of you and, at times it is annoying. The main part of the book is a very enjoyable love story. So, if you are up for an emotional roller coaster, go for it! The character development and setting are great. The narrator is very good. I'll look for him again in the future. Finally, I can't imagine anyone doing justice to this story in an abridged version. So, if you do listen to it, enjoy the long version. Wow The Choice is by far Nicholas Sparks' best book. I have listened to several, enjoying most. I was so into this book and the story, I couldn't believe it. Parts were a little dragged out but I realized I didn't mind since it prolonged the enjoyment of the book. If you like relationship books, it's a great listen. I highly recommend it. BTW, I've never taken the time to review any book before but this one was worth it. What a choice to have to face! Get a box of tissue for this one. What a great story! My new favorite. Good Read I generally like all of Spark's books, but this one was a good light hearted one with a twist. It touches on the daily trials and tribulations and I think that people can relate. A good read - the narrator is excellent. Great Book Loved the book. It had many surprises and I would highly recommend it. Mr. Sparks has created another great book.

The Far Pavilions Audiobook by M. M. Kaye

biacuaduc@gmail.com (M. M. Kaye) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:43:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Far Pavilions Author: M. M. Kaye Narrator: Vikas Adam Format: Unabridged Length: 48 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 12-27-12 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 763 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: When The Far Pavilions was first published 19 years ago, it moved the critic Edmund Fuller to write this: "Were Miss Kaye to produce no other book, The Far Pavilions might stand as a lasting accomplishment in a single work comparable to Margaret Mitchell's achievement in Gond With the Wind." From its beginning in the foothills of the towering Himalayas, M. M. Kaye's masterwork is a vast, rich, and vibrant tapestry of love and war that ranks with the greatest panoramic sagas of modern fiction. The Far Pavilions is itself a Himalayan achievement, a book we hate to see come to an end. it is a passionate, triumphant story that excites us, fills us with joy, move us to tears, satisfies us deeply, and helps us remember just what it is we want most from a novel. Members Reviews: Heroism, adventure, sadistic cruelty, and love. Any additional comments? This book is altogether, a gripping adventure, and a story about conflicting personal identity. I first read this book over twenty years ago and remembered it as one of my all time favorites. I was shocked to discover no reviews had been written for this wonderful novel. If you decide to listen to this book you will not disappointed. The descriptions of India are breath-taking and rival the tales of that country written by Bryce Courtenay. Surprisingly, listening to the audio version was better than reading it. The Indian accents used in the narration made it utterly enjoyable. It is the story of an English boy born to a father who studies the people and dialects found in the foothills of the Himalayas. He becomes orphaned during a cholera outbreak around age 4 and has only an Indian nurse to aid him in his survival. It is a huge book but worth every page and not difficult to get through. The Far Pavilions is simply one of the best epic novels ever written. There is a ghastly description of the practice of Suttee; the burning alive of high born Hindu women on their husband's funeral pyre. But it is not too descriptive and gives a fascinating glimpse into the practice of Suttee. If you like tales of heroism, adventure, cruelty, survival, and love, you will not be disappointed. Enjoyed every second of this 49 hour listen I read this once, long ago, and remembered loving it. I keep an eye out for M. M. Kaye on audible and was really excited to see this become available. I was worried that I had built the novel up in my head and wouldn't enjoy it as much the second time around, but my fears were completely unfounded. Gripping, well-written main story, interesting time period as a backdrop and great narration. You won't be sorry. Great Read I read this book years ago when if first came out and liked it then. Rereading, listening to it on Audible, prompted me to pick the book up again as well. I have recomended this book to a number of people who have no knowledge of "The Great Game" and it's relevance to the events of the last ten years in the former Raj. The story is one third romance, one third adventure, and one third serious history of the Second Afgan War. I have read quotes from a number of British officers from that war that sound like they could have been made today. THIS IS NO ORDINARY NOVEL!! What made the experience of listening to The Far Pavilions the most enjoyable? If there could be a perfect novel, or book, than this is it.

Forest Dark Audiobook by Nicole Krauss

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nicole Krauss) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 12:59:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Forest Dark Subtitle: A Novel Author: Nicole Krauss Narrator: Gabra Zackman Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 09-12-17 Publisher: Harper Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 89 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of The History of Love conjures an achingly beautiful and breathtakingly original novel about personal transformation that interweaves the stories of two disparate individuals - an older lawyer and a young novelist - whose transcendental search leads them to the same Israeli desert. Jules Epstein, a man whose drive, avidity, and outsize personality have, for 68 years, been a force to be reckoned with, is undergoing a metamorphosis. In the wake of his parents' deaths, his divorce from his wife of more than 30 years, and his retirement from the New York legal firm where he was a partner, he's felt an irresistible need to give away his possessions, alarming his children and perplexing the executor of his estate. With the last of his wealth, he travels to Israel with a nebulous plan to do something to honor his parents. In Tel Aviv, he is sidetracked by a charismatic American rabbi planning a reunion for the descendants of King David who insists that Epstein is part of that storied dynastic line. He also meets the rabbi's beautiful daughter, who convinces Epstein to become involved in her own project - a film about the life of David being shot in the desert - with life-changing consequences. But Epstein isn't the only seeker embarking on a metaphysical journey that dissolves his sense of self, place, and history. Leaving her family in Brooklyn, a young, well-known novelist arrives at the Tel Aviv Hilton, where she has stayed every year since birth. Troubled by writer's block and a failing marriage, she hopes that the hotel can unlock a dimension of reality - and her own perception of life - that has been closed off to her. But when she meets a retired literature professor who proposes a project she can't turn down, she's drawn into a mystery that alters her life in ways she could never have imagined. Bursting with life and humor, Forest Dark is a profound, mesmerizing novel of metamorphosis and self-realization - of looking beyond all that is visible toward the infinite. Critic Reviews: "A brilliant novel. I am full of admiration." (Philip Roth) "One of America's most important novelists." (The New York Times) Members Reviews: immediate Re-read Narration moving and non-intrusive to my imaginstion. Within 90 seconds of completing this audio book, I began it again. I have so much to re-think and to move through the Torah, secular literature, my life experiences, and what Nicole Kraus leaves to me to sense. This author is so intimate in her own self evaluation. I was so lucky to hear it between Rosh haShana and Yom Kippur. Terry Pristin Very disappointing. Unappealing characters, boring story. Dull writing. I expected more from this well-known author. Great book, poor performance I love Nivle Krauss' work, still need to ponder this one a little and review the different connections between the plotlines. The performance was disappointing tough, there are a lot of mistakes in the Hebrew pronunciation and the reader's voice sounds mechanical when she dubbs some of the characters. Interesting story line.... wanted more this is my first read of the author. I'm going to read "the history of love" and compare. I wish she developed more of the story lines. Not for me I loved Great House and The History of Love, and was excited about Nicole Krauss's new book.

The Bean Trees Audiobook by Barbara Kingsolver

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Barbara Kingsolver) — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:27:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Bean Trees Author: Barbara Kingsolver Narrator: C. J. Critt Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 05-19-09 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 797 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: But when she heads west with high hopes and a barely functional car, she meets the human condition head-on. By the time Taylor arrives in Tucson, Arizona, she has acquired a completely unexpected child, a three-year-old American Indian girl named Turtle, and must somehow come to terms with both motherhood and the necessity of putting down roots. Hers is a story about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in apparently empty places. Members Reviews: a dear favorite I have long been a fan of the story of Taylor and Turtle Greer and their search for family (this book and Pigs In Heaven, the sequel). I read these in hard copy when I was living abroad, and they made me so nostalgic for home that I cried. They may not be as grand and sweeping a tale as The Poisonwood Bible, but they feel true and real in a tangible way. Taylor is matter of fact, practical, insecure, and wryly funny. I feel a deep connection to her. I thought CJ Critt's narration was perfect for Taylor (despite the lack of a Southern accent) as her tone is perfectly humble, heartfelt, and sarcastic. These books are a great coming of age story and I'll re-listen many more times in my life. Barbara, can we have a "re-do?" Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? I wish Barbara Kingsolver would re-record this book in her own voice. Although C. J. Critt is great for Janet Evanovich books and many others, she just doesn't fit with this story. The main character is supposed to be in her 20's, and her roommate and the rest of her relatives are supposed to be from the south. Why does Ms. Critt insist on reading them with a Minnesota Accent? And there are these super long pauses at the chapter breaks. Sorry to be so negative, I just adore Ms. Kingsolver's writing and have listened to every unabridged book of hers Audible has to offer, and I just don't think I can finish this one. And one more thing Audible...quit bothering with abridged novels (many of Barbara Kingsolver's audio books on Audible are unfortunately...abridged.) I would never waste a credit on an abridged book! I felt invited to her journey from my armchair Where does The Bean Trees rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? The Bean Trees is a fantastic book covering a journey in life as well as over land in a car. An amazing read. What did you like best about this story? How the main character Taylor shares her feelings and thoughts, letting me both feel connected to her and to learn a new perspective. What about C. J. Critts performance did you like? Her accent and voice If you could rename The Bean Trees, what would you call it? Something about a journey and accepting what comes to you Any additional comments? Barbara Kingsolver writes uniquely, always close to nature and with a very open relationship, straight forward to people and to what it means being human. 2nd time around I read this years ago and loved it Now my daughter is reading it in school so I decided to take a listen. I am so glad I did. As a "real" adult with daughters this adds a different perspective with much more depth.

Change of Heart Audiobook by Jodi Picoult

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jodi Picoult) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 05:41:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Change of Heart Subtitle: A Novel Author: Jodi Picoult Narrator: Jim Frangione, Stafford Clark-Price, Nicole Poole, Danielle Ferland, Jennifer Ikeda Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 784 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The acclaimed number-one New York Times best-selling author presents a spellbinding tale of a mother's tragic loss and one man's last chance at gaining salvation. Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Is what we believe always the truth? One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen. For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now he has one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's 11-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child. Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish? Once again, Jodi Picoult mesmerizes and enthralls listeners with this story of redemption, justice, and love. Members Reviews: Story is buried in religious soup I have enjoyed two other Picoult books as she has a nice way to present moral situations and let the reader choose between good and bad. Her stories are usually strong with unexpected turns, but this one was only good until Chapter 3. After that there were too many non-rational religious considerations (with the required blkiblical references.) This is probaly acceptable to believers and very annoying to non-believers. Intensely satisfying Twists and turns of suspense, It was hard to to put this book down! I enjoyed every word and lesson it has taught me! It was ok The story was overly religious/ spiritual and too politically charged for my taste. I also found the character of Shay Bourne to be inconsistent. While that may have been the authors intent, it distracted me from the story line. Shay is introduced as an uneducated, borderline mentally challenged young man, however throughout the story his vocabulary is broad and his remarks filled with wit. The up side is that it challenged my thinking on real world issues and tugged a bit on the heart strings. I have enjoyed other titles by this author and although this is not my favorite, I look forward to reading more of her work. A really good book! Jodi, if you happen to read these comments, this is a book that deserves both a prequel and a sequel. Are you you game? it would be nice to hear about Clare and what became of her and her acquired gift (s), even of her somehow learning the real details of the circumstances of her father and sister's deaths. Bourne's character could be developed to let us in on what started his journey that led him to June's home. Jodi, so many of us are already invested in these characters that these books would also be best sellers. Good book This is a story about a huge dilemma faced by a mother. She was married and had a child, who were murdered - she was pregnant at the time. When her child is born, she has heart problems and eventually needs a heart transplant.

These High, Green Hills Audiobook by Jan Karon

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jan Karon) — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 04:60:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: These High, Green Hills Subtitle: The Mitford Years, Book 3 Author: Jan Karon Narrator: John McDonough Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 10-13-06 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 879 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Add a life-changing camping trip, the arrival of the town's first policewoman, and a new computer that requires the patience of a saint, and you know you're in for another engrossing visit to Mitford, the little town that readers everywhere call home. Critic Reviews: "A cozy and satisfying read." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Another pleasant read Any additional comments? I am enjoying the community of Mitford and its quirky characters very much. The series continues to be a positive, low stress listen. Terriffic !! I can't say enough about these Father Tim books. I live such a hectic stressed out life that I cherish the time I spend in Mitford. I never get tired of listening to these books. If your looking for something charming, kind and interesting to enjoy, like a sweet breath of fresh air, these books are it ! A joy! Always a joy for me to journey to Mitford, and this book did not disappoint. A Must Read Series I love all of Jan Karon's books in this series. I have read all of then at least 3 times and listened to them on audio once or twice. Heaven will be just like Mitford- with out the pain of course. Perfection These High, Green Hills Jan Karon has written a wonderful series of books. This is book 3 in the series. A Great Book! Read this and the others.

The Leisure Seeker: A Novel Audiobook by Michael Zadoorian

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael Zadoorian) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:10:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Leisure Seeker: A Novel Author: Michael Zadoorian Narrator: Judith West Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 01-23-12 Publisher: HarperCollins Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 76 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In Michael Zadoorian's The Leisure Seeker, the Robinas have shared a wonderful life for more than 60 years. Now in their 80s, Ella suffers from cancer and John has Alzheimer's. Yearning for one last adventure, the self-proclaimed "down-on-their-luck geezers" kidnap themselves from the adult children and doctors who seem to run their lives and steal away from their home in suburban Detroit on a forbidden vacation of rediscovery. With Ella as his vigilant copilot, John steers their '78 Leisure Seeker RV along the forgotten roads of Route 66 toward Disneyland in search of a past they're having a damned hard time remembering. Yet Ella is determined to prove that, when it comes to life, you can go back for seconds'' - even when everyone says you can't. Critic Reviews: "Ella's wise, feisty voice turns what could be a sappy melodrama into an authentic and funny love story." ( Publishers Weekly) " The Leisure Seeker is pretty much like life itself: joyous, painful, funny, moving, tragic, mysterious, and not to be missed." ( Booklist) Members Reviews: A perfect end! What a fantastic ending! I'm still in shock, and a good, amazed one. I absolutely loved this story, so poignant, so sweet (okay, maybe bitter-sweet here and there) so inspiring. I'm so happy for reading this book, the end was just perfect. The audible edition is superb. I was sure Judith West was in fact an olde lady, the way she narrated it all the way like Ella herself, but when she said "This is Judith West, we hope you've enjoyed..." I was taken aback! Her voice is young! How she managed to read an entire book sounding like an 80 year old woman is beyond me. This is talent, I tell you that! Wonderful I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, from the first paragraph to the last. It never sagged. This is a story about a couple, Ella and John Robina. They have been married over fifty years. They are both in their eighties. Both are sick: John with Alzheimers and Ella with cancer. So they must decide what to do with their lives. Yes, Ella was sure! They needed a vacation. What could be better than to take Route 66 again, that route that they so often traveled when they were young and the family was four, before the kids left home? While they travel they haul out their projector and slides and look again at their lives. They have cocktails, grill their food, snooze, take little naps and drive all the way to Disneyland in California. She has her little blue pills. Does that sound sad and depressing? Yes, I supposed it might, but think, they are both in their eighties and they have had good lives. It is not hard to believe that the book could prove to be thoughtful and down-to-earth and wise. But the author goes one step further and makes it very, very funny. I laughed on every page. I did. You laugh and you smile and you shed a melancholic tear occasionally. Mostly you laugh and maybe think a teeny bit about how you want to live your own life. The message is not all that astounding. What is astounding is the humor embedded in the story. Yes, I really did laugh out loud and exclaim as the events unfolded. You see the book is more about living and enjoying life than about its end. Ella and John and the characters they meet on their travels are very ordinary people. The conversations are so classically ordinary that you cannot help but smile.

The Fifth Gospel Audiobook by Ian Caldwell

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ian Caldwell) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:47:53 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Fifth Gospel Subtitle: A Novel Author: Ian Caldwell Narrator: Jack Davenport Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 03-03-15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1834 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In Ian Caldwell's masterful follow-up to his international sensation The Rule of Four, a lost Gospel, a contentious relic, and a dying pope's final wish converge to send two brothers--both Vatican priests--on an intellectual quest to untangle Christianity's greatest historical mystery. Now, after a decade of painstaking primary research, Ian Caldwell returns with a new intellectual thriller that confirms his place among the most ambitious popular storytellers working today. In 2004, as Pope John Paul II's reign enters its twilight, a mysterious exhibit is under construction at the Vatican Museums. A week before it is scheduled to open, its curator is murdered at a clandestine meeting on the outskirts of Rome. The same night a violent break-in rocks the home of the curator's research partner, Father Alex Andreou, a Greek Catholic priest who lives inside the Vatican with his five-year-old son. When the papal police fail to identify a suspect in either crime, Father Alex, desperate to keep his family safe, undertakes his own investigation. To find the killer he must reconstruct the dead curator's secret: what the four Christian Gospels-- and a little-known, true-to-life fifth Gospel known as the Diatessaron--reveal about the Church's most controversial holy relic. But just as he begins to understand the truth about his friend's death and its consequences for the future of the world's two largest Christian Churches, Father Alex finds himself hunted down by someone with vested stakes in the exhibit--someone he must outwit to survive. At once a riveting literary thriller, a feast of biblical history and scholarship, and a moving family drama, The Fifth Gospel is a novel about the depths of sacrifice and the power of forgiveness. Rich, authentic, erudite, and emotionally searing, it satisfies on every level. Critic Reviews: "Davenport offers a nuanced narration whether delivering Simon's secretive manner or Alex's pragmatic one.... Caldwell's uncluttered, thoughtful writing and Davenport's performance make worthwhile listening." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: A Necessary Review of a Masterpiece I have neither written many reviews nor read many. At times it seems futile. I've always found it simpler to read the summary to see if I'm interested and see how many people enjoyed the novel by checking out the star breakdown. I broke habit with this novel and I saw some ludicrous things. No review of this novel should include any comparison or even mention the name Dan Brown (I am hypocritical in order to make a point). There is nothing about this novel that resembles any work Dan Brown has ever done. Sure this is material that would fascinate Brown, but this novel provides a different type of magic. I love Dan Brown , he's my favorite airport author. I'll grab his latest before boarding and travel on the edge of my seat. But Caldwell is no airport novelist. His novels especially this one are cerebral, packed with adjectives and emotion. The religious conspiracy is actually the secondary topic. This is a novel primarily about complex family relations. A father and son, an uncle and nephew, an abandoned husbands attempts to cope with the reemergence of his wife and his sons glee, and more than anything its about two brothers. There is no basis for comparison.

Fractured State Audiobook by Steven Konkoly

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Steven Konkoly) — Tue, 17 May 2016 23:31:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fractured State Author: Steven Konkoly Narrator: Timothy Andrés Pabon Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 05-17-16 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 278 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In 2035, the southwestern United States is ravaged by drought, reeling from an environmental catastrophe that has left the landscape a chaotic, depleted ruin. California, still viably inhabitable due to its oppressive social controls, marshals state-of-the-art surveillance technology and totalitarian policies to preserve its fragile hold on rapidly dwindling resources and an increasingly unsettled population. After a prominent California congresswoman is assassinated for her support of the state's secession from the United States, Nathan Fisher - accidental witness to a clandestine military-style operation - is drawn into an unraveling conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power and threatens the lives of Fisher and his family. Hunted by ruthless killers seeking to ensure his silence, suspected by the authorities, and aided only by a loyal Marine officer with a mysterious agenda, Fisher and his loved ones must somehow stay a step ahead of their relentless pursuers, navigating a ruined world in a desperate search for sanctuary. Members Reviews: Warning: this novel ends in a cliffhanger The good news is that the second novel in the series will be released in 5 days. Fractured State is set in San Diego area of California in the year 2035. Parts of the state have water rationing and most of the state is in poverty brought on by leftist state and local governments. Politicians are being murdered. A state of war exists between those who want to secede from the US and those who want to remain a US state. The novel certainly is action and suspense filled. Good but doesn't tell the whole story Fractured State is an interesting story part eco warning, and part thriller with a bit of George Orwell mixed in. The writing is good, the story is well thought out and the characters are likable, but I had two issues with this book. First, it took a long time to get going. As a thriller, it didnt really have any action until about half way though, but from there it kept but a pretty good pace. Second is that this book doesnt tell the whole story. Youll need to get the second book (and possibly more?) to get the whole picture. Im a big Konkoly fan so I dont mind the investment but its a little bit of a pet peeve of mine. Overall, I enjoyed the story and cant wait to move on to the next book. The narrator does a great job with all the characters and really helps bring the story to life. Incomplete story, sterotypical characters The storyline is interesting, there is enough action to keep one listening. But I had two huge problems with the book. First, the story ends abruptly without any (even minor) conclusion. Its like the first episode of a multi part series. From the reviews of the second episode, even that doesnt conclude the story. I am not sure if I can commit to at least two more 10+ hours of books to get to the end. Its likely to be longer than that. The second is that both female characters (wives of the two key characters) are one dimensional, stereotypes. They do nothing more than whine and overreact constantly to a point where it becomes distracting. I nearly wished they would get killed so they would be out of the story. Spoiler alert, one of them does near the end. Action packed This was a fun listen.

Mother Night Audiobook by Kurt Vonnegut

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kurt Vonnegut) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:15:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mother Night Author: Kurt Vonnegut Narrator: Victor Bevine Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 08-11-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 925 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: American Howard W. Campbell, Jr., a spy during World War II, is now on trial in Israel as a Nazi war criminal. But is he really guilty? In this brilliant book rife with true gallows humor, Kurt Vonnegut turns black and white into a chilling shade of grey with a verdict that will haunt us all. Mother Night is a daring challenge to our moral sense. As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of Kurt Vonnegut's book, you'll also receive an exclusive Jim Atlas interview. This interview where James Atlas interviews Gay Talese about the life and work of Kurt Vonnegut begins as soon as the audiobook ends. Critic Reviews: "Vonnegut is George Orwell, Dr. Caligari and Flash Gordon compounded into one writer...a zany but moral mad scientist." (Time) Members Reviews: We are what we pretend to be We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. This is one of the most often quoted of Kurt Vonneguts writings and one of the central themes of this selection. Because it is revealed early in the book that the main character and storyteller pretends to be the broadcaster of Nazi propaganda during WWII, its not much of a spoiler. It is also revealed early on that he is an agent who sends coded messages to the Americans in his broadcasts. Therein is the tension in the book between the good and evil roles the protagonist must play. And, there are layers here to the good and evil dichotomy: do the ends justify the means and how does society and history deal with those individuals who do evil things to achieve righteous goals. This all sounds like a book that might be rather reflective and philosophical and, for some, this may turn out to but need not be the case. The book starts off simply enough and contains incidentals that are seemingly tangential but all of which interweave and come together in the end with a rather unexpected conclusion. The story is haunting from beginning to end. If you are anything like me, this is a tale that will stay with you for days after finishing it. This is simple and beautiful prose about some of the complexity of our human nature. The book is more meta-fiction than historical fiction. While the book has been characterized as black comedy, for me the book was deadly serious. I would not even call it gallows humor. When it comes to this time and place in history, I find nothing humorous nor do I think that the author intended that. The book does not seem to purport to dramatize, with any accuracy, core events that actually happened in way of the protagonist. The historical figures, places and things relative to WWII are there but, with regard to this Nazi propagandist, spy for the U.S. around whom the whole story revolves, no such person existed. One of the best narrators of audiobooks, Victor Bevine, reads the book literally with short bursts of .., he said, .., she said, .., he said that were totally distracting. If this were not such an incredible book, I would have been totally put off by this kind of nonsense production and I cannot help but forgive this shortcoming. In fact, Mr. Bevine is a great performer of different character voices and this kind of he said reading was not necessary. His performance of various characters in the Hyperion Cantos is almost without peer. This must have been a decision on the part of the producer or publisher Audible Modern Vanguard but it was a decision that did not do this wonderful book justice.

Picture Perfect Audiobook by Jodi Picoult

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jodi Picoult) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 21:45:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Picture Perfect Author: Jodi Picoult Narrator: Amanda Cobb, Brian Hutchison Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 08-02-16 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 223 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: To the outside world, they seem to have it all. Cassie Barrett, a renowned anthropologist, and Alex Rivers, one of Hollywood's hottest actors, met on the set of a motion picture in Africa. They shared childhood tales, toasted the future, and declared their love in a fairy-tale wedding. But when they return to California, something alters the picture of their perfect marriage. A frightening pattern is taking shape - a cycle of hurt, denial, and promises, thinly veiled by glamour. Torn between fear and something that resembles love, Cassie wrestles with questions she never dreamed she would face: How can she leave? Then again, how can she stay? Members Reviews: I LOVE Jody Picoult'S books, however... this is the only book by this author that I simply did not like. Not because of the subject matter. She always writes something provocative. This just didn't feel very well written or quite honestly well. It hurts me to say this, because she is one of my absolutely favorite writers. That said, the subject matter is personal, heartbreaking and important to discuss. Not my favorite I have been a fan of Jodi Picoult for quite some time. This book, though, I have to say was not a favorite. I think the narrators did a great job, but the story was kind of choppy. Usually her characters are so well developed, but they are lacking in this book. It's okay, but not fulfilling. Story was everywhere. Had a hard time keeping up the with stories going back and forth. I would have like to have more of Cassie and Will romance. No I wouldn't recommend thus book. So so so boring I had heard that this was a great author and so I read her recent book" small great things" and it was really good so I tried to read a few more. I hated the depressing book about elephants so I thought I would try one more and I could not even make it a quarter way through this book because it was so incredibly dull. Zzzzzzzzzzz hard hitting as always Once again she nails it like she has lived it! Lots of subjects can be told from actual events and passed off as novels and then there's Jodi, somehow someway she manages to envelope the reader into every story every life and make you ache for her characters... nail bitting suspense eith heart felt issues of life... by far my favorite author.

The Book of Polly Audiobook by Kathy Hepinstall

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kathy Hepinstall) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:09:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Book of Polly Subtitle: A Novel Author: Kathy Hepinstall Narrator: Jenna Lamia Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 03-14-17 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1107 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: With a kick like the best hot sauce, this is the laugh-out-loud story of a girl determined to keep up with her aging, crazy-as-a-fox mother. Willow Havens is 10 years old and obsessed with the fear that her mother will die. Her mother, Polly, is a cantankerous, take-no-prisoners Southern woman who lives to chase varmints, drink margaritas, and antagonize the neighbors - and she sticks out like a sore thumb among the young, modern mothers of their small conventional Texas town. She was in her late 50s when Willow was born, so Willow knows she's here by accident, a late-life afterthought. Willow's father died before she was born, her much older brother and sister are long grown and gone and failing elsewhere. It's just her and bigger-than-life Polly. Willow is desperately hungry for clues to the family life that preceded her, and especially Polly's life pre-Willow. Why did she leave her hometown of Bethel, Louisiana, 50 years ago and vow never to return? Who is Garland Jones, her long-ago suitor who possibly killed a man? And will Polly be able to outrun the Bear, the illness that finally puts her on a collision course with her past? The Book of Polly has a great blend of humor and sadness, pathos and hilarity. This is a bittersweet novel about the grip of love in a truly quirky family, and you'll come to know one of the most unforgettable mother-daughter duos you've ever met. Critic Reviews: "If you ever pined for a mother who would take a hunting falcon as her wingman to a parent-teacher conference, Polly is the gal for you. Delicious." (Mark Childress, author of Crazy in Alabama) "Narrator Jenna Lamia is just terrific as the outspoken Willow. She completely immerses herself in the child's perception and descriptions of Polly's life. When Polly takes over, Lamia is utterly convincing, showing her to be irreverent, outspoken, and cantankerous, with a take-no-prisoners attitude and a fondness for margaritas.... This story could have been sickeningly sweet, but Kathy Hepinstall's writing is crisp and never sentimental, and Lamia's character portraits are honest and engaging. Wonderful listening." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: The incredible Jenna Lamia! I always choose my next audio book based on the narrators. Maybe that's not always the best thing to do, but, for me, if the narrator is bad, the book goes back! We all have our favorites, and Jenna Lamia is one of mine. She brings the story to life with the southern elegance of a summer night in Georgia. This was my first book by Kathy Hepinstall, but will not be my last. The story kept my attention throughout, and never became boring. Each character had their distinct personality, which the reader comes to know and understand over time. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves the comfort of a southern drawl, and a warm and funny summer read. Great writing, characters, story, & audio narrator It took me about 2 hours to get into the story itself because until then it felt like a very well-written character study, but I kept listening because it was enough to keep me engaged. Once events started to happen, I was absorbed in it. Yes, one must suspend disbelief, but the writing is so strongwhenever I run into non-cliché, beautiful and interesting similes, metaphors, figurative language, etc., Im happythe characters so quirky, that it was a wonderful listen.

A Spool of Blue Thread Audiobook by Anne Tyler

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Anne Tyler) — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:15:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Spool of Blue Thread Subtitle: A Novel Author: Anne Tyler Narrator: Kimberly Farr Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 02-10-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 1997 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Brimming with all the insight, humor, and generosity of spirit that are the hallmarks of Anne Tyler's work, A Spool of Blue Thread tells a poignant yet unsentimental story in praise of family in all its emotional complexity. It is a novel to cherish. Critic Reviews: "Tyler show[s] once again that she's a gifted and engrossing storyteller." (Publishers Weekly) "...Tyler is as fleet and graceful as a skater, her prose as transparent as ice... We get swept up in the spin of conversations, the slipstream of consciousness, and the glide and dip of domestic life, then feel the sting of Tyler's quick and cutting insights into unjust assumptions about class, gender, age, and race... Tyler's long dedication to language and story [is] an artistic practice made perfect in this charming, funny, and shrewd novel of the paradoxes of self, family, and home." (Donna Seaman, Booklist) "It is wonderful to pick up a novel from a bonafide literary superstar. A Spool of Blue Thread is Anne Tyler's 20th novel and it shows in every flawless sentence... A stunning novel about family life which just rings so true - it depicts the bonds and the tensions, the love and the exasperation beautifully... A terrific novel." (The Bookseller, UK (Book of the Month)) "Narrator Kimberly Farr's experience with character-driven novels is evident from her nuanced performance of this compelling story.... One key to Farr's success with this audiobook is the wide range of emotions she employs to capture the characters' individual temperaments as they cope with marriage, parenthood, aging, and adult sibling rivalry." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: From a LONG Time Anne Tyler fan I believe I have read or listen to everything Anne Tyler has ever written. This book presents a few of her best and most often portrayed characters- the naive, slightly ditsy woman, the errant child and the place that is more a character than a setting. I loved this story and the people in it. Maybe it's time I started over and read them all again! The Sharp Edge Of Family It has been years since I have read a book written by Anne Tyler and this is the first one of her books that I have listened to as a recording. What a treat. Kimberly Farr's narration was excellent and added to the positive experience of the novel. I thought the timing and the general tone were perfect. Farr was able to capture the quirkiness and wistfulness of the story and characters beautifully. Thoughtful, heartbreaking, funny, multidimensional and insightful--the book is beautifully written. I just love the way Tyler describes each scene and paints the picture of the story--filling the book with rich color and detail. The dialogue and family interaction feels real to me and is engaging. All of these elements meld together and make for a wonderful novel. Worth the time spent listening and recommended if you enjoy a quirky multigenerational family saga. Sad When It Was Over Sad that the book was over, as it was a pleasure to listen to and to mull. And sad that the family's time together in their cherished house had to come to its inevitable end. Anne Tyler recaptures her early greatness with this lovely book that highlights her insights into family, life and the unstoppable passage of time.

Opus Oddessey: A Survival and Preparedness Story Audiobook by Boyd Craven III

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Boyd Craven III) — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:32:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Opus Oddessey: A Survival and Preparedness Story Subtitle: One Man's Opus, Book 2 Author: Boyd Craven III Narrator: Kevin Pierce Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 11-29-17 Publisher: Boyd Craven III Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 81 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Man's Best Friend Almost a year after Rick walked back into Tina's life, they find themselves at a virtual crossroads. It's time for Rick to meet Tina's family. Opus has healed from his gunshot, though he's a little older and slightly slower. Setting out to meet the parents becomes an epic adventure in Rick and Tina's mind. Because of timing, they decide to road trip across the USA. Tina chronicles their experiences with a camera and Facebook Live videos while interviewing Rick. Cryptic and threatening messages keep turning up, bad luck follows the couple on their trek across the country. To make matters worse, Rick fears a cyber breach, and somebody from both of their pasts is released from prison. Watching over them, one dog, who's used to protecting the humans he owns. Opus. He is happily along for the ride to make sure they don't do anything they would regret, but when the fur starts to fly, he comes out of retirement. When the bullets start buzzing through the air, and a mad dash across a desert landscape ends them up slightly lost, it'll take Rick, Tina, and Opus to work in concert to survive the ordeal. Unfortunately, that isn't the worst of it. They find themselves alone, cut off, stuck in the desert without their preps, hunted by a madman with no fear of death. Can the trio survive? Members Reviews: A Prepper-Thriller (if that's a thing) When I found out that Craven was writing a continuation of the first book in this series I was excited. And then I found out that Kevin Pierce was going to narrate the audiobook I was thrilled. The Opus' storyline isn't one of a typical post-apocalyptic book. There isn't an apocalypse to speak of, but it is about a prepper and the prepper lifestyle (and how it can help you in everyday life). Opus Odyssey is a great example of that. I would call this a prepper book first but then a thriller second. It was totally different than most of the books that I read and I loved it for it. Opus Odyssey tells the story of a cross-country trip to PrepperCon. Along the way, Tina is live streaming and providing social media updates to all of Rick's fans online. They are showing their routes and what they are doing as they meander their way across the country. Unfortunately, not everyone is a fan. The story itself was great, I found myself riveted throughout. I didn't realize this was going to combine my favorite parts of the first story and throw in some mystery and thriller aspects that I enjoy. It really took me for a ride. If you read the first book, you know that there are three main characters: Tina, Rick, and Opus. Opus is the best of these three. His personality is by far my favorite and reminds me of my dog (and other dogs I've met in life). Able to "answer" with different huffs and chuffs. All three have been set up well in the first book and then continued in Odyssey. (If you haven't read the first book in this series, check it out before jumping into this one). I, once again, appreciated the self-depreciation and introspection into the life of a self-published author in Rick. Those scenes were still some of my favorites. But, overall, if you like a good thriller then this book is for you.

The Hunted Audiobook by James Phelan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Phelan) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 12:07:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Hunted Subtitle: Jed Walker Series, Book 2 Author: James Phelan Narrator: Adrian Mulraney Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 03-14-17 Publisher: Hachette Australia Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 42 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: When the hunters become the hunted, ex-CIA agent Jed Walker is the man you need. In 2011, Seal Team Six killed Osama Bin Laden. Now, four years later, someone is eliminating Team Six - one by one they are turning up dead. Jed Walker, ex-CIA, is an outsider back in the game. He's been chasing down a sinister group code-named Zodiac that the big guns - MI5, CIA, the Pentagon - have failed to eradicate. But as Walker follows the trail of bodies, uncovering secrets and making connections he's not supposed to make, he finds the answers are closer to home than he ever imagined. Revenge is the obvious motive, but nothing is ever that simple in love or in war. Can Walker find who's responsible before the body count grows higher? Can he stop another terror attack before more innocent bystanders suffer? When the line between the good and the bad becomes blurred, when the hunters become the hunted, only one man can save us all. The Hunted is the second Jed Walker novel - a white-knuckled roller coaster of action suspense. James Phelan is the best-selling and award-winning author of 28 novels and one work of nonfiction. From his teens he wanted to be a novelist but first tried his hand at a real job, studying and working in architecture before turning to English literature, spending five years at a newspaper and obtaining an MA and a PhD in literature. For Hachette Australia, James has written five titles in the Lachlan Fox thriller series and the Alone trilogy of young adult postapocalyptic novels. The ex-CIA character of Jed Walker was first introduced in The Spy, which was followed by The Hunted, Kill Switch and Dark Heart. James has also written a 14-book adventure series for Scholastic, titled The Last Thirteen. He has been a full-time novelist since the age of 25 and spends his time writing thrilling stories and travelling the world to talk about them. Critic Reviews: "A terse, tense brand of hard-boiled action suspense...addictive." (The Age) "Jed Walker is right there in Reacher's rear-view mirror." (Lee Child) "Hard-boiled action suspense...addictive." (The Age on Kill Switch) "Walker's so tough he's got muscles in his spit...eminently enjoyable." (West Australian on The Hunted) "Vivid and suspenseful." (Sydney Morning Herald on The Spy) Members Reviews: Great Unpredictable Adventure Book 2 of Jed Walker Series had me re-listening to parts because I couldn't believe what I just heard. Twists and turns of who done it. Likable Characters with Lots of Action The plot is pretty good and there are a few twists I didn't see coming. The characters are well developed and likable. What prevented this from getting 5 stars were a few whiplash moments when our protagonist Jed Walker after playing so many things so smart, makes a really dumb mistake or after a long and complicated pursuit the ending seems odd - it doesn't fit well. It is a good story and over all I enjoyed listening to it, but the book is missing a smoothness that some authors have achieved that would earn it 5 stars. Loving this series Found the Jed Walker series by accident and really please I did. Ready to immerse myself in this exciting saga!

And the Mountains Echoed Audiobook by Khaled Hosseini

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Khaled Hosseini) — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:42:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: And the Mountains Echoed Author: Khaled Hosseini Narrator: Khaled Hosseini, Navid Negahban, Shohreh Aghdashloo Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 05-21-13 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3881 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: On May 21, 2013, the new novel from Khaled Hosseini: an unforgettable story about finding a lost piece of yourself in someone else. Khaled Hosseini, the number-one New York Times best-selling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, has written a new novel about how we love, how we take care of one another, and how the choices we make resonate through generations. In this tale revolving around not just parents and children but brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers, Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honor, and sacrifice for one another; and how often we are surprised by the actions of those closest to us, at the times that matter most. Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and choices and loves around the globefrom Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinosthe story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and powerful with each passing minute. Editorial Reviews: Editors Select, May 2013 - When its been six years since a best-selling authors last book, there is a heightened sense of anticipation and high expectations surrounding that next new release. And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini is the perfect example of this, and does not disappoint. An expansive family saga, both modern and mythic, the story begins in a small Afghan town in the 1950s and follows one family through time and across the globe to France, California, and Greece. While there is a broad sweeping sense of the effect of one generation on the next, its the personal relationships between siblings that I found the most memorable; in particular how Abdullah, a 10-year-old boy, becomes the caretaker to his three-year-old sister, Pari, and does so with love, skill, and absolutely no hesitation or resentment. Their forced separation is the catalyst that creates the conflict and momentum that propels the story beyond Afghanistan and into the larger world. I look forward to the audio (including the authors narration) and then to Hosseinis next book, regardless of when that may be. Members Reviews: Does the End Justify the Means Hosseini writes and narrates an amazing and morally complex novel, hooking you from the start. A dark fairytale sets the scene for the many stories to come. The reader is once again in Afghanistan, but the trip feels completely different from "The Kite Runner" which was a unlike "A Thousand Splendid Suns". You also travel to other destinations and times as the seemingly disparate stories tie together. What astounds me about this novel is how complex, thoughtful, and new are the scenarios and characters. While many authors churn out the same books year after year because the market supports this (i.e. Sparks or Piccoult), Hosseini took his time to create thought-provoking characters grappling with insurmountable odds. In the beginning, a father faces a devastating loss and must choose the right path for his children. A choice he'll remember and possibly regret for the rest of his days. The overall theme is of making difficult decisions and living with the consequences. It begs the question, "does the end justify the means"? I won't give more details as not to spoil the experience.

Carnal Innocence Audiobook by Nora Roberts

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nora Roberts) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:16:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Carnal Innocence Author: Nora Roberts Narrator: Tom Stechschulte Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 04-06-12 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2677 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: New York Times best-selling novelist Nora Roberts captivates millions of fans with her provocative blend of scorching passion and chilling suspense. With Carnal Innocence, she creates a gripping tale of murder, infatuation, and true love in a small southern town. After beautiful concert violinist Caroline Waverly breaks up with her conductor and lover Luis, she escapes to her late grandmothers home in Innocence, Mississippi. Instead of peace and tranquility, however, she finds the town torn with suspicion over two brutal murders. When she discovers a third victim in the murky waters behind her house, she turns to her dangerously handsome neighbor, Tucker Longstreet, for protection. But Tucker has a reputation for breaking hearts - even worse, the police count him their number one suspect. Youll want to lean back in your easy chair and let Nora Roberts steamy prose and Tom Stechschultes stirring interpretation transport you to Innocence where the nights are filled with promise and secrets are hard to keep. Members Reviews: The wait has ended Where does Carnal Innocence rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? this is one of Nora Roberts all time great ones. Who was your favorite character and why? Tucker Longstreet, his zest of life. Have you listened to any of Tom Stechschultes other performances before? How does this one compare? he is not the best reader,but he grows on you. Carolyn McCormick did the abridged version and she always does a great job. If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be? Don't cross the line! Any additional comments? I have waited 10 years for this full length version to be converted to download. Wonderful Listen! At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book but I am so glad I gave it a chance. It is a wonderful read. Full of mystery, compassion, warmth & love interest. It is truly a wonderful story. One I am sure I will reflect back on in the future. If you are a true caring & loving sole, a person with a good heart, you won't want to miss out on this book. Narration Brilliant! Wow...really good with lots of twists and turns Let me say, that I have just recently started listening to several Nora Roberts books. I'm truly impressed. The narrator is excellent and the twists and turns in this book are exceptional. The person who you think may have done it, didn't! You never have a clue as to who really "done did it" (smile). I really liked this audio and would highly recommend it not ony for the romance which is not over the top (don't like too syrupy) but would recommend this for the good mystery writing. Twists and turns galore In this story Caroline is a musician that was forced to grow up to fast, she learned the importance of responsibility at a very young age. Tucker has grown up in a wealthy family filled with quirks, he is lazy and loves it. Caroline moves back to her grandparents home after a breakdown and falls in love with the town and learns to cherish the people. Unfortunately, the easy life changes when a serial killer starts killing young women of the town. This story has lots of twists and turns, almost to many. It was a little overwhelming that so many events seemed to happen. I didn't care for it as much as some other mysteries by Sandra Brown but for Nora Roberts it was good.

Lucky Boy Audiobook by Shanthi Sekaran

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Shanthi Sekaran) — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:13:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Lucky Boy Author: Shanthi Sekaran Narrator: Soneela Nankani, Roxana Ortega Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 01-10-17 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 373 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: A gripping tale of adventure and searing reality, Lucky Boy gives voice to two mothers bound together by their love for one lucky boy. Solimar Castro Valdez is 18 and drunk on optimism when she embarks on a perilous journey across the US-Mexican border. Weeks later she arrives on her cousin's doorstep in Berkeley, California, dazed by first love found then lost - and pregnant. This was not the plan. But amid the uncertainty of new motherhood and her American identity, Soli learns that when you have just one precious possession, you guard it with your life. For Soli, motherhood becomes her dwelling and the boy at her breast her hearth. Kavya Reddy has always followed her heart, much to her parents' chagrin. A mostly contented chef at a UC Berkeley sorority house, the unexpected desire to have a child descends like a cyclone in Kavya's mid-30s. When she can't get pregnant, this desire will test her marriage, it will test her sanity, and it will set Kavya and her husband, Rishi, on a collision course with Soli when she is detained and her infant son comes under Kavya's care. As Kavya learns to be a mother - the singing, storytelling, inventor-of-the-universe kind of mother she fantasized about being - she builds her love on a fault line, her heart wrapped around someone else's child. Lucky Boy is an emotional journey that will leave you certain of the redemptive beauty of this world. There are no bad guys in this story, no obvious hero. From rural Oaxaca to Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto to the dreamscapes of Silicon Valley, author Shanthi Sekaran has taken real life and applied it to fiction; the results are moving and revelatory. Members Reviews: Timely plot, but just average writing Like other reviewers, I felt that the plot of Lucky Boy was timely, but for me the telling of it was just average in the hands of this author. Solimar Valdez embarks on a dangerous and violent journey from Mexico to the United States in hopes of a better life, even though she will be undocumented. She arrives at her cousin's house in California, unexpectedly pregnant, finds a job as a nanny, and gives birth to her son, Ignacio. Kavya and Rishi, a young Indian couple, want to be parents but are unable to conceive. When Soli is arrested as an illegal immigrant, Kavya and Rishi become foster parents to her son Ignacio, and the story unfolds. This book was interesting because it presented the protagonists' stories, with no easily identifiable good guys or bad guys among the main characters. Some of the descriptions of Soli's incarceration in the detention center are truly harrowing, and it's easy to understand her need and intense desire to be reunited with her son. I had a tougher time accepting the depth of Kavya and Rishi's desires to truly become parents as they were not characterized as well. They seemed too frivolous too often. At times the writing was overwrought and melodramatic, which was unnecessary in a story with plenty of its own innate drama. I kept reading to learn Ignacio's fate, but that was the only reason I finished the book. Lucky Boy - An Epic immigrant struggle in America. Beautifully written! Wonderfully narrated, both the Mexican voices and the Indian voices. It was hard to put it down. Shanti Sekaran is a very talented writer. Heartbreaking and heartwarming Loved every second of the audiobook even though at times it broke my heart.

Mr Midshipman Hornblower Audiobook by C. S. Forester

biacuaduc@gmail.com (C. S. Forester) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:50:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mr Midshipman Hornblower Author: C. S. Forester Narrator: Christian Rodska Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 05-01-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 389 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Exclusively from Audible The first episode, initially created as a prequel, of C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series, sees 17-year-old Horatio as he embarks upon a navy career aboard HMS Justinian. Older than most other seamen training to become naval officers, Hornblower is initially ridiculed for his dull attitude and inexperience at sea. However, against all odds, Horatio rises to become an unlikely hero and faces a myriad of challenges aboard the ship and on foot in native lands. Set in January 1794, Hornblower works alongside his fellow officers, eventually rising through the ranks to battle against Napoleon as he tries to conquer Europe. In this episodic audiobook, Forester treats listeners to ten chapters with self-contained incidents and adventures. From duels to shipwrecks and Spanish galleys to French ports, we follow Horatio as he becomes a formidable man of the sea. Adding depth and feeling to the narrative, he also comes to see the atrocities of war and the often unfortunate and needless suffering of the many who are involved. Whilst showing himself to be brave, principled and ingenious, Forester's hero is singular in his unrelenting feelings of self-doubt and reserve, which render him a more likeable and relatable leader and protagonist. Commended by the San Francisco Chronicle as 'one of the great masters of narrative' C.S. Forester wrote 10 other books in the Hornblower series, all of which can be found at Audible. Narrator Biography Christian Rodska is an English television and voice actor best known for his role in the 1970's series Follyfoot. From The Monuments Men and The Eagle of the Ninth to The Likely Lads, Z Cars, The Tomorrow People, Coronation Street, Bergerac and Casualty, his extensive and diverse acting career has led him to become a highly solicited radio and audiobook narrator. He has now voiced over 150 unabridged audiobooks including Winston Churchill's biographies, Evelyn Waugh's Men at Arms and Sebastian Faulks' A Possible Life. He has been praised for his ability to vary in vocal pace and style and as such, Christian boasts 12 Earphone Awards from Audiofile Magazine. Members Reviews: Narration brings classic to life The narrator handles the different characters very well - both male and female - and his pacing gives energy to these classic maritime tales. Wonderful! The best reading of a book I've ever heard. A real pleasure. Better than a movie or a play. First rate historical fiction I was introduced to this series by a friend after I read the Master and Commander series, which is also fantastic. This kind of a beginners level of historical naval fiction but is more than worth the time. I highly recommend this series for those interested in historical fiction. A lesser known classic- still GREAT! This is a story of character growth- mistakes, temptation, pride all subjugated in favor of the greater good, of self mastery. Human triumph! And all at sea during war-time 150 years ago. Great book Great story, great narration. Well done. Hornblower was the first James T Kirk! I highly recommend this book to all who like adventure!

The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop Audiobook by Carolyn Brown

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Carolyn Brown) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 07:45:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Yellow Rose Beauty Shop Author: Carolyn Brown Narrator: Laural Merlington Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 07-14-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 670 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Stella's mama never should've put Stella on the church prayer list. With Stella's 27th birthday coming up fast, Nancy desperately wants to see her daughter married and giving her grandbabies. Petitioning heaven seems like a surefire way to get it done. But in Cadillac, Texas, where the gossip's hotter than the city's famous jalapeño peppers, it isn't long before all hell breaks loose. Heather, the bossy leader of the church's Prayer Angels, thinks a summer ball will get Stella and the town's other single gals paired off. But nobody can tell redheaded spitfire Stella what to do - not her mama, not Heather, and not even the sexy beau Stella's been seeing in secret. Together, Stella, her best friends Charlotte and Piper, and the loyal customers of the Yellow Rose Beauty Shop hatch a good old-fashioned scheme to sabotage the ball. But will it wreck Stella's relationship with her mama forever? And what will the church folk think when Stella reveals the identity of her mystery man? Members Reviews: love her books! This is the third book I have read by this Author- love these books. Characters are always great, make you laugh out loud. Disappointing, could have been much better The story is good but it could have been told better and I did not care for the narrator. Every other word is damn, hell or shit which was completely unnecessary. In addition, all the cursing did not fit with the setting of a small, southern town in Texas. The story centers around the ladies of the town church. I feel like the book was written by a novice author. Great southern romance but lose the song lyrics Any additional comments? Find my Daughter a husband, this is the sign at the local church that gets put up after a prayer request. Needless to say things did not go as planned, daughter was upset with her mama and good intentions were quickly turned into bad ideas. This story was filled with good old Southern charm, the narrator did a great job keeping us in the southern mindset. I think the main reason I enjoyed the book so much was due to the narrator, when I focused on the actual wording of the book it lost some of it's charm. I think the author tried to hard to throw in all the cliches possible. I also hate when song lyrics take up most of a chapter, oh how he sang to her.... It's not your work, I have no problem with a song line being thrown out there, or a song title but lets not loose an entire chapter to a song. Lol This book had me laughing so hard I had tears running down. Look out Steel Magnolias there's a new bunch of ladies ruling the South! Delightful I absolutely loved this book. It made me laugh through out. The characters were so real; they drew me in to Cadillac.

Keys to the Kingdom Audiobook by Alison A. Armstrong

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alison A. Armstrong) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 03:00:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Keys to the Kingdom Author: Alison A. Armstrong Narrator: Alison A. Armstrong Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 01-12-13 Publisher: PAX Programs Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 245 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: A story of love, friendship and rekindled romance... In Keys to the Kingdom, Alison Armstrong takes you on a journey of discovery into the workings of men, women, and relationships. Much of the information acquired during Alison's 15-year study of men is brought to life by the novel's charming and genuine characters. This heartfelt story communicates the type of wisdom taught in Alison's Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women workshops. Members Reviews: great if you can get past the story the content is actually amazing (like the Queen's Code), and very useful. however, is presented within a really cheesy storyline. really cheesy. i soldiered on because the lessons she is teaching were so valuable, but it was painful! Hooray for celebrating men I love men. It's exciting to find a series of study that celebrates and supports men and helps the genders to better understand each other with love and compassion. Outstanding I love this book! It is so insightful & a wonderful story. I could listen to it again and again. Much needed insight Armstrong weaves a great story into much needed insight on interactions with men. I learned a lot from listening and have already seen great improvements in my own marriage of twenty years by just using simple practices. Worth the read! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Anyone in a long term relationship will probably benefit from this fantastic teaching story What other book might you compare Keys to the Kingdom to and why? I can't really compare this book to any other that I've read so far. Although it is a self help book, it is presented in story format. I learned so many valuable things that are already helping me in my relationships with both men and women. Which scene was your favorite? Its hard to say which scene was my favorite, there are so many poignant moments that I resonated with Whats an idea from the book that you will remember? That each of us has the power to change our relationship to the opposite sex if we really want to. Any additional comments? happy reading!

Ham on Rye Audiobook by Charles Bukowski

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles Bukowski) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 11:49:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Ham on Rye Subtitle: A Novel Author: Charles Bukowski Narrator: Christian Baskous Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 08-13-13 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 651 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In what is widely hailed as the best of his many novels, Charles Bukowski details the long, lonely years of his own hardscrabble youth in the raw voice of alter ego Henry Chinaski. From a harrowingly cheerless childhood in Germany through acne-riddled high school years, and his adolescent discoveries of alcohol, women, and the Los Angeles Public Library's collection of D. H. Lawrence, Ham on Rye offers a crude, brutal, and savagely funny portrait of an outcast's coming-of-age during the desperate days of the Great Depression. Critic Reviews: "Very funny, very sad, and despite its self-congratulatory tone, honest in most of the right places. In many ways, Bukowski may have been the perfect writer to describe post-war southern California - a land of wide, flat spaces with nothing worth seeing, so you might as well vanish into yourself. In an age of conformity, Bukowski wrote about the people nobody wanted to be: the ugly, the selfish, the lonely, the mad." (The Observer) Members Reviews: Thoroughly enjoyed this This is a favorite book that I read maybe fifteen years ago. I was very pleased to read this and other Bukowski titles are now available on Audible. Some of Bukowski's books don't hold up when I revisit them years later, however Ham on Rye is the exception. It is a very blunt, honest tale of fierce aloneness, being anti-social and a struggle to grapple with the madness of the world around him. This book, I don't think, is intended to be funny but I laugh out loud so many times while reading it. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the narrator, but he grew on me. I don't think I could listen to him narrate any other book, but it fits Bukowski so that after a while you actually feel like its Bukowski reading it to you. I guarantee that you'll never read another book like this. In fact, I feel like it actually gets better as it progresses into the second half. Most books are the opposite. I also recommend Factotum by Bukowski. The beauty in these books is that none of them are very long. I wish they would put some of his poetry into audible like Love is a Dog From Hell or You Get so Alone Sometimes. Portrait of the Artist as a Brutalized Child What did you love best about Ham on Rye? I love the ugly truth of it. It is a stark description of a time and place in American history that rings true in every line. Some of it is shocking, some of it perilously ennervating, sometimes both at the same time. If you are at all familiar with Bukowski's work, you will love this narrative version because it IS Bukowski. Mr. Baskous's narrative is studied and perfect, capturing the crude as well as the lyrical parts of the novel in what I imagine would be just as Bukowski would have wanted it (though I a pretty sure, knowing what I know about Bukowski, he would have complained). What did you like best about this story? The ugly truth of it. It is timeless in its description of despair of the modern world coupled with tiny lights of joy and happiness that extinguish almost the minute they take light. Nobody does it better than Bukowski. Have you listened to any of Christian Baskouss other performances before? How does this one compare? I have listened to and really loved some of his other work. I think this series of Bukowski novels will showcase Mr. Baskous's particular talents more than the other work he has done. Mr.

Faithful Audiobook by Alice Hoffman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alice Hoffman) — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 09:31:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Faithful Subtitle: A Novel Author: Alice Hoffman Narrator: Amber Tamblyn Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 11-01-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 709 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From the New York Times best-selling author of The Marriage of Opposites and The Dovekeepers comes a soul-searching story about a young woman struggling to redefine herself and the power of love, family, and fate. Growing up on Long Island, Shelby Richmond is an ordinary girl until one night an extraordinary tragedy changes her fate. Her best friend's future is destroyed in an accident while Shelby walks away with the burden of guilt. What happens when a life is turned inside out? When love is something so distant it may as well be a star in the sky? Faithful is the story of a survivor filled with emotion, from dark suffering to true happiness - a moving portrait of a young woman finding her way in the modern world. A fan of Chinese food, dogs, bookstores, and men she should stay away from, Shelby has to fight her way back to her own future. In New York City she finds a circle of lost and found souls - including an angel who's been watching over her ever since that fateful icy night. Here is a character you will fall in love with, so believable and real and endearing that she captures both the ache of loneliness and the joy of finding yourself at last. For anyone who's ever been a hurt teenager, for every mother of a daughter who has lost her way, Faithful is a road map. Alice Hoffman's "trademark alchemy" (USA Today) and her ability to write about the "delicate balance between the everyday world and the extraordinary" (WBUR) make this an unforgettable story. With beautifully crafted prose, Alice Hoffman spins hope from heartbreak in this profoundly moving novel. Critic Reviews: "Amber Tamblyn's crisp, emphatic narration draws the listener into Hoffman's latest novel.... Tamblyn fully conveys Shelby's growth from listless despair to harsh edginess to aching hope. Her voice cracks with longing, sadness, bitterness, and resignation, then lifts as Shelby heals. Her narration distinguishes characters with variations of tone and pitch as well as subtle accents, creating a satisfying listening experience that Hoffman fans will relish." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: A Story of Healing This is a story of dealing with guilt and grief. The characters are honest and I was left with feeling hopeful at the end of the book. We are all flawed. We all have things in our last we have to overcome. We can move on. The narration could have been better but this was an enjoyable listen. Lovely Very surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. So very different from the other Hoffman books I've read. The narration is superb. It's okay I thought the story dragged along and I didn't quite care for the main character. She just wasn't someone I rooted for throughout story. You slowly become addicted to it. But it took me three starts. Would not recommend Tiresome and the story felt like a paint-by-numbers plot involving a cliched "damaged" girl who is rescued by the love of others, especially cardboard decent boyfriends. Wanted to bail but finished because it was relatively short and the narrator did a good job with the material. Not great The beginning of Faithful got me interested, but by the end of the book I didn't really care what happened. The story lacked depth, though the concept had great potential. I was really surprised at how little I cared, as I have enjoyed other Alice Hoffman books.

Handle with Care Audiobook by Jodi Picoult

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jodi Picoult) — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 21:53:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Handle with Care Subtitle: A Novel Author: Jodi Picoult Narrator: Jessica Almasy, Jim Colby, Charlotte Perry, Cassandra Morris, Celeste Ciulla, Alma Cuervo Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 12-21-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 148 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: When Willow is born with severe osteogenesis imperfecta, her parents are devastated - she will suffer hundreds of broken bones as she grows, a lifetime of pain. In this provocative story from the number-one New York Times best-selling author, "Picoult writes with unassuming brilliance" (Stephen King). Every expectant parent will tell you that they don't want a perfect baby, just a healthy one. Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe would have asked for a healthy baby, too, if they'd been given the choice. Instead their lives are made up of sleepless nights, mounting bills, the pitying stares of "luckier" parents, and, maybe worst of all, the what-ifs. What if their child had been born healthy? But it's all worth it because Willow is, funny as it seems, perfect. She's smart as a whip, on her way to being as pretty as her mother, kind, brave, and, for a five-year-old, an unexpectedly deep source of wisdom. Willow is Willow, in sickness and in health. Everything changes, though, after a series of events forces Charlotte and her husband to confront the most serious what-ifs of all. What if Charlotte had known earlier of Willow's illness? What if things could have been different? What if their beloved Willow had never been born? To do Willow justice, Charlotte must ask herself these questions and one more: What constitutes a valuable life? Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Handle with Care is an unforgettable novel about the fragility of life and the lengths we will go to protect it. Members Reviews: Awful This story is awful. I couldn't get halfway through it. A husband raping his wife to teach her a lesson is disgusting. I didn't expect this context to be in this book. Very disappointed A bit disappointed... Not happy with the ending. Seemed pointless after the entire struggle throughout the book. Really killed the story for me. Handle with Care Another great story by Jodi Picoult! As an RN, I have once taken care of a young boy with OI and what a challenge this young boy was. However challenging, he was the sweetest boy and took after Mom, sweet and polite. Thank you Jodi for writing a story about something that isnt seen very often. Nice work Jodi and please do t stop writing. Meh. It was ok. Not my favorite Picoult book. It might have been better if it were written in the first person style by one of the characters. The letters to the child left blanks in the story too large to overcome for me and left me underwhelmed with each of the characters, I really wanted to like at least one of them. Amazing!!! This book was amazing. It was tragic yet beautiful. As a mother you start to relate so much and find yourself wondering what the right thing is anymore. You are guaranteed to cry more than once!!

Buddenbrooks Audiobook by Thomas Mann

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Thomas Mann) — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 01:23:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Buddenbrooks Subtitle: The Decline of a Family Author: Thomas Mann Narrator: David Rintoul Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs Language: English Release date: 10-14-16 Publisher: Ukemi Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 137 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: First published in 1900, when Thomas Mann was 25, Buddenbrooks is a minutely imagined chronicle of four generations of a North German mercantile family - a work so true to life that it scandalized the author's former neighbours in his native Lübeck. As he charts the Buddenbrooks' decline from prosperity to bankruptcy, from moral and psychic soundness to sickly piety, artistic decadence and madness, Mann ushers the reader into a world of rich vitality, pieced together from births and funerals, weddings and divorces, recipes, gossip and earthy humour. It is perhaps the first great family saga of modern literature, and it brought to public notice a writer of world stature who, three decades later, was to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. David Rintoul gives one of his finest performances in this committed and deeply moving reading. Members Reviews: Condemnation of Materialistic Decadence "That all those charms have pass'd away, I might have watch'd through long decay...." "And Thou art Dead, as Young and Fair," Lord Byron Thomas Mann's moving 1901 saga of the Buddenbrooks, a respected, wealthy family of grain merchants, begins in 1835 at the death of the patriarch. The three successive generations suffer a decline in their finances and family ideals as values change and old hierarchies are upset by Germany's rapid industrialization. Two of the siblings, Thomas and Antonie, subordinate their personal happiness to the welfare of the family business. Antonie in particular gives up happiness twice for appearance's sake, each time being ravaged by reverses. While Mann wrote this novel largely in an objective manner, the story represents a condemnation of the decadence of a materialistic society, as shown through this family. While the Buddenbrooks were naturally honest and good, imbued with love of family, they were also afflicted by a blind loyalty to their own class. They viewed each significant event in their lives, such as births, deaths, marriages, and social decisions, in relation to its effects on the family business. Their refusal to adapt to changing conditions, to act from their moral convictions rather than treating their business as a religion, and to accept those not of their class led to their destruction. Mann showed an incredible attention to the descriptive details of the period as well as his affinity for leitmotifs such as those derived from his love of the operas of Richard Wagner. For example, blue skin and yellow teeth to represent decay and decadence in the family members. Where Have You Been All My Life, Thomas Mann? Would you listen to Buddenbrooks again? Why? I have already listened to it twice as I didn't want it to end. It is just so incredibly well written. Subtle shifts which are significant in the development of the story. The last section is some of the most powerful and passionate writing I have ever read. Thomas Mann is orderly when needed and wildly insightful and inflamed when needed. It is a brilliant book. What was one of the most memorable moments of Buddenbrooks? The final sections of the book will remain with me forever. I even awoke in the middle of the night thinking about that part. It is a book that made a big impression on my thinking about education and sensitive, young people. Utterly wonderful. What about David Rintouls performance did you like? He is a perfect narrator for this story.

The Monkey Wrench Gang Audiobook by Edward Abbey

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Edward Abbey) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:34:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Monkey Wrench Gang Author: Edward Abbey Narrator: Michael Kramer Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 03-21-12 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 644 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Ex-Green Beret George Hayduke has returned from war to find his beloved southwestern desert threatened by industrial development. Joining with Bronx exile and feminist saboteur Bonnie Abzug, wilderness guide and outcast Mormon Seldom Seen Smith, and libertarian billboard torcher Doc Sarvis, M.D., Hayduke is ready to fight the power - taking on the strip miners, clear-cutters, and the highway, dam, and bridge builders who are threatening the natural habitat. The Monkey Wrench Gang is on the move - and peaceful coexistence be damned! Critic Reviews: "Mixes comedy and chaos with enough chase sequences to leave you hungering for more." ( San Francisco Chronicle) Members Reviews: One of my all-time favorites! I have loved this book since it was first published. I was in college in Colorado, and my friends and I used to go regularly to Utah to jeep and backpack in Canyonlands, Arches, etc. and also to Arizona. I have read it quite a few times, the first few times during trips to the canyon country, where we would do our best to trace the footsteps of the Gang. If you love the desert and have any anarchistic tendencies, The Monkey Wrench Gang is for you! The audiobook is pretty good. The narrator was OK but nothing special. He pronounced "pinyon" (a word that occurs many, many times) as "pin-YOWN". I think this might be one of the acceptable pronunciations, but I have never heard anyone in the Southwest say anything other than "PIN-yuhn" so I found it distracting. Maybe I'm being unfair, but I found it distracting. Hayduke never would have pronounced it that way, and I doubt that Ed Abbey would have either. A desert classic that will draw you in I remember reading this book almost 20 years ago and falling in love with the characters. Abbey's writing style is one in a million and his experiences in the desert southwest make his works priceless if you've ever hiked in Utah or Arizona. Abbey develops characters with so much texture and grit that it gets stuck between your teeth like desert sand. The Monkey Wrench Gang has you cheering for the bad guys and hoping the good guys go veering off the road into the great abyss. I only hope that Audible follows up one of these days and makes Hayduke Lives available on audiobook. Excellent Westlake-ian caper What did you like best about this story? this is an excellent fun caper very much in the vein of Westlake and his comic crime novels. the tone and voice is very much Westlake. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a very topical theme with the environmentalist sabotage but the novel is well written with sly asides and jabs and there are many intelligent allusions to literature and conventions along the way. What about Michael Kramers performance did you like? another reason I enjoyed it is Kramer's narration. he has been a favorite of mine since i first ran across him listening to Westlake titles he narrated for Books on Tape. I hope those recordings will some day be available on Audible also as they are excellent. he narrated most of the Dortmunder series which is great as well as other Westlakes. his voice coupled with this story threw me into a state of deja vu and nostalgia for those titles. he is a narrator that is perfect for this style of fun sly fiction and i hope this means he will show up in many other titles. Reading and listening What an incredible book.

Watch Me Disappear Audiobook by Janelle Brown

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Janelle Brown) — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 21:24:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Watch Me Disappear Subtitle: A Novel Author: Janelle Brown Narrator: Kaleo Griffith, Tavia Gilbert Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 07-11-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 224 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: A beautiful Berkeley mom with a radical past vanishes while hiking, leaving her family to piece together her secrets, in this keenly observed novel for fans of Emma Straub and Maria Semple - from the best-selling author of All We Ever Wanted Was Everything. Members Reviews: Really sucked me in... I like this author, she is honest and writes from a personal place which brings authenticity to her characters and settings. First of all this is a unique perspective, like a twist of Rebecca. We care so much about a person whose presence is so powerful and magnetic yet we learn about her fascinating identity in a secondary way. I loved this. There is something about the people in this book that make you want to keep reading, you fall in love with them Before the story gets really interesting. So I do tend to try and guess the twist or ending when I'm watching movies or reading and this one was well written. There were several detective moments where I had to piece together the facts and determine red herrings- it was fun. This was a double dipper for me, I missed the setting and the people. They're well written. Janelle brown is not a fluff writer, she's sophisticated and interesting as are the women she writes about. I wanted more. The narrator is nice, she does Olive well and has that weird guttural "male" voice but it's ok. The ending...you're feelings about it will depend on how well rounded the experience of this book will be. I needed some time to think it over, all of it. No spoilers here! Some people will relate to this story better than others, honestly probably upper mid class women in there 30s/40s and that's okay. Enjoy. I really enjoyed this book! Any additional comments? I read the mixed reviews on this book and thought i would take a chance, I have to say I am really glad I did! I ended up really liking these characters, and i found myself wanting to listen more. Some parts although unrealistic weaved a story of how a you can never really know someone and how some people will only show you parts of themselves. There is no good or bad, just Human imperfection. No spoilers here, but i loved that there was no questions left unanswered in the end ... the author really ties everything up nicely so that there is no guessing. Two thumbs up from me! Worth passing over This book had a lot of potential to be excellent. I chose it due to the high number of positive reviews here on Audible but realized, around chapter 13 when it was going down the toilet, that almost all were written by individuals who'd received it free for their review (which tends to push people towards positivity whether they mean to or not). In a similar vein to Gone Girl, this book turns what appears to be a happy story on its head, revealing a selfish woman who's spent her entire life manipulating people. It was, however, not nearly as compelling or exciting as Gone Girl (nor insane), and the difference of the main character having a daughter made me hate her a little more.

The Light Behind the Window Audiobook by Lucinda Riley

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lucinda Riley) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:52:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Light Behind the Window Author: Lucinda Riley Narrator: Gerri Halligan Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs Language: English Release date: 11-01-12 Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1342 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: THE PRESENT - After her mothers death, Emilie de la Martiniéres finds herself the sole inheritor of a chateau in the south of France. There she discovers an old notebook which leads her along a journey to unravel the tragic love story of the mysterious Sophia. THE PAST (1943). Constance Carruthers, arrives in occupied Paris at the height of conflict. There she stumbles into the heart of a wealthy family and is drawn into a web of deception, the repercussions of which will affect generations to come. Members Reviews: Fantastic historical story... loved it! I'm an avid audiobook lover, who listens to several each month. Lately, I'm having a hard time getting engrossed in a book - they just don't hold my interest, and I find myself deleting it 3/4 of the way through because I'm bored. I am a huge fan of Kate Morton, Belinda Alexandra, Kimberely Freeman, Jojo Moyes, Liane Moriarty, JH Fletcher, Susanna Kearsley and other authors who love to write deep, complicated storylines that involve intricate family dynamics, genealogy, old diaries/letters, etc. etc. But I've listened to them all - and have grown bored. Then, all of a sudden, I came across Lucinda Riley. What a find! This was my first book by Riley, and it did not disappoint. She did a fantastic job of bridging the past and the present. Her character development is superb, and her ability to create suspense and drama is excellent. It was the perfect mix of history and romance -- not too much of one or the other. I listened to this almost all the way through, and finally had a book that held me captivated to the very last word. I can't say enough about this book, and I look forward to downloading her others. The narrator was terrific, and did an incredible job with the character voices and accents. The only thing that didn't sit well with me and niggled a bit were the poems by "Sophia" that were recited. Sophia was French, and presumably wrote her poems in French, and yet they rhymed perfectly in English. Just one of those things that was like a puzzle piece out of place, but certainly didn't distract at all from the story. If you like historical romances with a bit of mystery and family drama mixed in, or if you're a fan of WWII historical romances, I highly recommend! Wonderful! This is one of the best books I have listened to in some time. I originally bought the Kindle book which was titled 'The Lavender Garden' and as it was available on audible with whispersync at a reduced price I decided to listen to it. I was a bit confused when I first downloaded the audible book as the title was different from the Kindle version however, I found it made no difference what the title. The book is wonderful and the narrator is perfect, what a wonderful surprise to find such a treasure. I loved everything about this book and I will look for more by this writer and narrator. What an interesting story Loved this book. Two interesting linked stories in two time periods make for an enjoyable read. The ending was perhaps a bit too tidy, but who doesn't like a tidy conclusion. The story is well told and well read. A very good story A good plot that held my interest throughout. At times I thought the present-day storyline was a bit predictable, but it has enough small surprises to keep you guessing.

Wild Thing Audiobook by Josh Bazell

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Josh Bazell) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:04:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wild Thing Subtitle: A Novel Author: Josh Bazell Narrator: Robert Petkoff, Stephanie Wolfe Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 02-08-12 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 484 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: It's hard to find work as a doctor when using your real name will get you killed. So hard that when a reclusive billionaire offers Dr. Peter Brown, aka Pietro Brnwa, a job accompanying a sexy but self-destructive paleontologist on the world's worst field assignment, Brown has no real choice but to say yes. Even if it means that an army of murderers, mobsters, and international drug dealers - not to mention the occasional lake monster - are about to have a serious Pietro Brnwa problem. Facing new and old monsters alike, Dr. Brnwa's story continues in this darkly funny and lightning-paced follow up to Josh Bazell's best-selling debut. Critic Reviews: "[Bazell's books] are hard-boiled thrillers, written in one of the most distinctively entertaining new fictional voices I've run across in years, in any genre. There is a massive density of information in [Wild Thing]...but Bazell wields it with wonderful lightness. Reading him is like being able to monopolize the attention of the most interesting person at a party...It's so rare that you see a really brilliant writer who is committed, 100%, in every sentence, to giving you a good time. Bazell is, and he does." (Lev Grossman, Time) "Carl Hiaasen fans will relish Bazell's frenetic sequel to 2009's Beat the Reaper...Bazell expertly blends action, farce, and political satire, and his wide-ranging imagination bodes well for the future of the series." (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review) "The book is composed in Bazell's propulsive, profanity-laden style, peppering startling violence with detailed footnotes that cover subjects like tooth reinsertions and human cryogenics...Props to Bazell for not cranking out an idle retread of Beat the Reaper. A funny, unexpected journey for our hero that sets up the next installment with finesse." (Kirkus) Members Reviews: A Lot Like Cotton Candy It is a trite cliche, but comparing Wild Thing to cotton candy is very fitting: it is so tasty, it melts in your mouth, but you know its not good for you and when its gone, it has left you with nothing. I loved "Beat the Reaper" - without doubt, one of the best audio books I have listened to. I couldn't wait for the sequel. Wild Thing has some things in common - the main character, of course, but also the snappy dialog and fast pace that keeps things moving. Even though it is immediately apparent that this is the stupidest plot/story line imaginable, I dove in and thoroughly enjoyed myself - right up to the end. By the end, however, the story is so stupid and implausible, I felt like I had just eaten cotton candy again - knowing all along I would regret it. This is a fun listen and will keep you engaged - especially if you have already listened to Beat the Reaper. If you have not listened to Beat the Reaper, do not like gratuitous violence, lots of vulgarity, or attacks on Republicans, do not listen to this book. If you still want to try it, be sure you have listened to Beat the Reaper first. Not only is it a far superior story, it will allow you to follow all of the references that pepper this story. The narration is very good - hence the performance gets 4 stars. What a disappointment I really enjoyed "Beat the Reaper." Rushed to download this one...and found it idiotic. Were it not for the reader, who is terrific, I probably would not have finished it.

Imagine Me Gone Audiobook by Adam Haslett

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Adam Haslett) — Tue, 03 May 2016 17:38:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Imagine Me Gone Author: Adam Haslett Narrator: Ellen Archer, Robert Fass Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 05-03-16 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 554 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist, a ferociously intimate story of a family facing the ultimate question: How far will we go to save the people we love the most? When Margaret's fiancé, John, is hospitalized for depression in 1960s London, she faces a choice: carry on with their plans despite what she now knows of his condition, or back away from the suffering it may bring her. She decides to marry him. Imagine Me Gone is the unforgettable story of what unfolds from this act of love and faith. At the heart of it is their eldest son, Michael, a brilliant, anxious music fanatic who makes sense of the world through parody. Over the span of decades, his younger siblings - the savvy and responsible Celia and the ambitious and tightly controlled Alec - struggle along with their mother to care for Michael's increasingly troubled and precarious existence. Told in alternating points of view by all five members of the family, this searing, gut-wrenching, yet frequently hilarious novel brings alive with remarkable depth and poignancy the love of a mother for her children, the often inescapable devotion siblings feel toward one another, and the legacy of a father's pain in the life of a family. With his striking emotional precision and lively, inventive language, Adam Haslett has given us something rare: a novel with the power to change how we see the most important people in our lives. Critic Reviews: "Spectacular.... You should buy this book, you should read it, and you should admire it.... [It] is the herald of a phenomenal career." (The New York Times Book Review) "Exceedingly well written...a high-spirited, slyly astute exploration of our great bottoming out." (The Boston Globe) "Haslett possesses a rich assortment of literary gifts: an instinctive empathy for his characters and an ability to map their inner lives in startling detail; a knack for graceful, evocative prose; and a determination to trace the hidden arithmetic of relationships." (New York Times) Members Reviews: Couldn't get through it After trying twice with this book, I gave up a few chapters in. The endless narration with no action was so boring. Brilliant, excruciating, a work of virtuosity Imagine Me Gone is the work of a virtuoso. Told in the first person from the point of view of the five family members, Haslett brings the characters to life in such a way that one feels that they are witnessing to us, bringing one into their lives, and we are coming to understand the excruciating pain and devastation that mental illness has on a family. I laughed, I cried as well reading Haslett's rendering of these character's anguish, especially the scene at the end of the book when Michael is apologizing to Alec for going back to London and being a bad brother. There were so many well crafted scenes, great dialogue, page after page of piercing insight. Mental illness is pernicious. Hopefully the chemical imbalance can be regulated by pharmaceuticals. Blessed relief. Haslett relates the consequences in a clear and authentic way. The most gifted novel I have read, accurate, showing exactly the face of the monster and how it feels the pain and exhaustion. Better that any memoir or psych book. This is the story of a family in crisis dealing with it the best they can. A melancholic foray into the world of mental illness Excellent narrators.

A Mother's Confession Audiobook by Kelly Rimmer

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kelly Rimmer) — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 18:59:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Mother's Confession Subtitle: A Heartbreaking Story with a Breathtaking Twist Author: Kelly Rimmer Narrator: Brigid Lohrey Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 10-28-16 Publisher: Bookouture Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 458 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Your husband took his own life. Tell the truth and destroy what is left of your family. Or keep a secret that will tear you apart. What would you do? Olivia and David were the perfect couple with their whole lives in front of them. When beautiful baby daughter Zoe came along, their world seemed complete. But now David is dead and Olivia's world is in pieces. While she is consumed with grief, her mother-in-law Ivy is also mourning the loss of her son. Both women are hiding secrets about the man they loved. Secrets that have put the family in danger. Something was very wrong in Olivia and David's marriage. Can Olivia and Ivy break their silence and speak the truth? A mother should protect her child, whatever the cost, shouldn't she? Members Reviews: Seeing what we want to see. Four stars for a book of surprises. And the biggest surprise is saved for the end of the book. My heart and soul ached while reading A Mother's Confession, realizing I know people who are so similar to each of the characters. I found that scary while fearing there were times I should have spoken up. Seems each main character had good and bad traits, and I found myself understanding why. I recommend this book for almost everyone. Much Better Than Expected This story and narration were excellent! Never imagined the twist at the end. Although the story did move a little slow, I really enjoyed Brigid Lohrey's performance of each character, and the story unfolded in a way that held my attention and interest. Also, was quite interesting to see the multiple ways that some of the characters used denial as a coping mechanism. The twists did not feel contrived and were well integrated into the story. Emotionally gripping. Sad story, yet shows hope for the future. Don't give up. Hang in there, because you won't be sorry. Warning!! Do NOT read the review titled "A Mother and/or Woman's Worst Nightmare"!!! She gives away the whole book, and even the twist at the end!! That being said, I loved this book!! Loved, Loved Loved!!! I fell in love with some characters, and absolutely despised others! keeps you guessing! best audible book since girl on a train I loved this book, the narration was beautiful! story was engrossing! with a twist I did not see coming. best book I've listened to. Wow! Just wow! This book really hit home. I was involved in an abusive relationship, though no where as severe as this one. I could really relate to the struggles to try to make sense of a relationship that continued to go wrong regardless of what you did. I will listen to this one again, and probably again. Should I suspect someone is in an abusive relationship, I will give them this book. Excellent story and excellent narrator. Thanks, Audible!

American Exit Strategy Audiobook by Mark Goodwin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mark Goodwin) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 22:02:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Exit Strategy Subtitle: The Economic Collapse Chronicles, Volume 1 Author: Mark Goodwin Narrator: Kevin Pierce Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 11-25-13 Publisher: Mark Goodwin Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1229 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Liberty minded individuals and those who believe in the Constitution will find this near future dystopian novel to be right up their alley. Those who are looking to be more informed about the potential threats to America's financial stability will learn what to watch for and how to prepare themselves for an economic collapse. America is on the cusp of financial annihilation. Matt and Karen Bair face the challenges of Main Street during a full scale financial meltdown. Government borrowing and monetary creation have reached their limits. When funds are no longer available for government programs, widespread civil unrest erupts across the country. Matt and Karen are forced to move to a more remote location and their level of preparedness is revealed as being much less adequate than they believed prior to the crisis. Meanwhile, Paul Randall, a third party presidential candidate arises to push back against the welfare and warfare spending that have bankrupted our country. While he has gained expansive acceptance, the fight has just begun. Paul Randall proposes a plan to mitigate the coming hyper-inflationary collapse which is a mathematical certainty. His plan is known as The American Exit Strategy. American Exit Strategy uses survival fiction to take an in-depth look at the real life politics and economics behind the issues that are likely to trigger a currency collapse or financial meltdown in the near future. American Exit Strategy is a work of fictionuntil it becomes history. Members Reviews: One of the best survival novels of all time I am a bit of a prepper/survival novel junkie, and this is one of the best. Goodwin does an amazing job at combining current events, compelling characters, and an imaginative story all into one outstanding package. This is a must read for any patriot or post-historical fiction fan. Loved it! Great read. if you want a look at our world when this false economy collapses this is a good place to start.The references going back to our founding fathers are startlingly accurate . a book that shows how America's downfall Shows America's downfall without involving an EMP. More realistic than most. This is the future great story that also teaches and inspires Mark Goodwin is an excellent author. his stories are educational and inspire. I will listen/read all his books. not what I thought I signed up for Too religious for my taste. Had the summary mentioned that the book is written in a religious manner I would not have bought this book. The story line was awesome, but I do not recommend this book unless you want to go to church reading it. I want my money back.

Big Sexy Love Audiobook by Kirsty Greenwood

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kirsty Greenwood) — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 04:56:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Big Sexy Love Author: Kirsty Greenwood Narrator: Emmy Rose Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 11-30-17 Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 14 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Olive's best friend is dying, and she has one final wish. With Olive's help, she wants to track down her first love, her 'Big Sexy Love' Chuck. But there's a problem: Chuck's in New York, and Olive has never left her hometown. Also, Chuck does not seem to want to be found. It's going to take bravery and a whole lot of Big Sexy Love to make this happen.... Members Reviews: good warm feeling loved it! the audible love the story line. It's a good feel warm and cozy story. The meaning is true and close to the heart. give it a shot and listen or read it. Loved it! I absolutely loved this book! finished in two days, and that's only cause I had to work. Thank you Kirsty Greenwood for sharing your gift and thank you Emmy Rose for an amazing story telling deliverance. Prepare to laugh,cry, and reflect on life. What a wonderful listen. Seldom do I leave a written review, however, this book deserves a round of applause. It is full of laugh out loud humor and also a few sad tears. Great book great narration! No regrets on the purchase. Fun This one brought smiles and tears. But no surprises. Which is just fine by me. A light, airy love story that will make you smile and tear up just a teensy weensy bit. Fantastic I really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait for the next one. Absolutely fantastic writer and great narration.

Too Late Audiobook by C. Hoover

biacuaduc@gmail.com (C. Hoover) — Tue, 16 May 2017 10:01:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Too Late Author: C. Hoover Narrator: Emma Hudson, Max Thomas, Ryan Gray Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins Language: English Release date: 05-16-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 362 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Sloan will go through hell and back for those she loves. And she does, every single day. After finding herself stuck in a relationship with the dangerous and morally corrupt Asa Jackson, Sloan will do whatever it takes to get by until she's able to find a way out. Nothing will get in her way. Nothing except Carter. Sloan is the best thing to ever happen to Asa. And if you ask Asa, he'd say he's the best thing to ever happen to Sloan. Despite Sloan's disapproval of Asa's sinister lifestyle, he does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead in his business. He also does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead of Sloan. Nothing will get in his way. Nothing except Carter. From New York Times best-selling author Colleen Hoover, writing as C. Hoover. This book was originally written as a side project by the author. Please note that the content of this book is more graphic than the content of other books written by this author, hence the distinction between the names. This title is recommended for mature audiences only due to extreme graphic content. Recommended for listeners 18+. Warning: for listeners who might be triggered by sensitive subject matter, this book contains scenes that depict rape, murder, and other graphic violence. Members Reviews: Performce Emma needs to stop drawing out the last word of every sentence. It really makes it hard to listen to her. If she could stop doing that i would have given 5 Stars. I've listened to several books with her narration and they are all the same. Hope this helps. Too many epilogue Where does Too Late rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? It is good but not CoHo's best book If youve listened to books by C. Hoover before, how does this one compare? so so Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? A good story line. The bad dude is the center of the story. Good story with excellent narration. Asa is a bad dude. Dealing drugs, psychotic, manipulative, deceitful and he has a hold on Sloane. Sloane is going to school, trying to make something of her life but is being dragged down by toxic Asa. In comes Carter (Luke). He is undercover trying to take Asa down and during his time undercover, he falls in love with Sloane. From there, all hell breaks loose. This book is suspenseful, dark, exciting and full of romance. I really did enjoy this book. It wasn't until the epilogues that I started to disconnect. There are numerous epilogues that you got the closure you needed, but then another epilogue came and the drama started again. This made the book choppy and it pulled me from the story. I understand this book was written on Wattpad and added to over a period of time. It's evident in the audio. Knowing this, the book makes more sense but it still doesn't mean that it is a distracting way for the book to be put together. The narrators did amazing. They were the perfect fit. Good story but horrid female narrator I really enjoyed the story but Emma Hudson's words linger somehow. I had to bare thru it in order to even listen to it.

First Comes Love Audiobook by Emily Giffin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Emily Giffin) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:25:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: First Comes Love Subtitle: A Novel Author: Emily Giffin Narrator: Emily Foster, Catherine Taber Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 06-28-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1380 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In a dazzling, delightful new novel that's quintessential Emily Giffin, the number one New York Times best-selling author of Something Borrowed, Where We Belong, and The One & Only introduces a pair of 30-something sisters who find themselves asking: If love, marriage, and children don't arrive in the usual order, which comes first? Members Reviews: Really Bad How could the performance have been better? Remove the kids comments. Any additional comments? This book is very similar to the last book, The One and Only. The writer has lost her spark. The story drags way too long. Surprisingly disappointing Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors and loved all her books until this one. If you're looking for a feel good book, this isn't it. First Comes Love started out sad and I kept waiting for it to get better. It never did. In fact, the loss and heartache just piled on top of another. The one good news in the end wasn't quite beneficial for all, as donor and recipient were involved with other people and stayed that way. I didn't really see the point. It's a let down Ms Giffin. I even pre-ordered this book. Not her best. I'm a huge emily giffin fan. This book was a disappointment. Story felt disjointed with no clear resolution. Characters were unlikable, it made it hard for me to root for them. The plot was drawn out, a little over dramatic at times, seemed pointless and was a bit muddled. I'm so sad because I've read and loved every book she's written up to this one. The narration really ruins this book, the performances were almost whiney, which made the characters annoying beyond how the story dis serves them. Typical Emily Giffin I have read or listened to every one of Emily Giffin's books and this one does not disappoint. You don't read Giffin if you are in the mood for "fine literature" but for her genre (solid chick lit if you ask me) she and this book are great. My only criticism of this book would be the Meredith character. Talk about a negative Nancy!! It might just be me but OMG did this girl annoy the heck out of me!!!! (I am pretty sure that was the point though!) :-) Anyway I am certain that any fan of Giffin's will enjoy this work as well... Easy read except the voices Nice easy read/listen. The voices drove me nuts! When they would do the kids voices it was like nails to a chalkboard. The story was predictable... But that is the style of these kind of books. If you are looking for a no-brainer, easy, fun read go for it!

Blindness Audiobook by Jose Saramago

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jose Saramago) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:15:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Blindness Author: Jose Saramago Narrator: Jonathan Davis Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 08-11-08 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 716 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: A city is hit by a sudden and strange epidemic of "white blindness", which spares no one. Authorities confine the blind to an empty mental hospital, but there social conventions quickly crumble and the struggle for survival brings out the worst in people. There is one eyewitness to this nightmare who guides seven strangers -among them a boy with no mother, a girl with dark glasses, a dog of tears - out of their prison and through the barren streets, and the procession becomes as uncanny as the surroundings are harrowing. A magnificent parable of loss and disorientation and a vivid evocation of the horrors of the 20th century, by Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago, Blindness has swept the masses with its powerful portrayal of man's worst appetites and weaknesses - and man's ultimately exhilarating spirit. English translation by Juan Sager. Members Reviews: Dark This is a very different kind of doomsday fiction. The writing and reading of "Blindness" are vivid enough that I'm still a bit haunted by it several weeks after finishing. The storytelling is very like Gabriel Garcia Marquez; disparate events are woven into a well told tale. While a Latino ken for life-metaphors is apparent, "Blindness" could be any time or place. I heartily recommend it, but be prepared to "see" things differently. Surrealistic Saramago is a Nobel laureate, so I think we have to credit him with having insight worthy of our attention. Blindness is a powerful parable, but I think it has to be read as a surrealistic allegory rather than any attempt to portray the situation as it might actually occur in the real world. I agree with the reviewer that pointed out that this parable is much more accessible in the oral than in the visual format. The endless run-on sentences and lack of proper names makes the reading hard to follow, but as a narrative, it isnt so bad. Maybe this was the intention of Saramago. In the story he has the blind listening to readings from the only sighted individual as their only source of entertainment, and he may have intended this as a more powerful verbal parable that a written one. I am an ophthalmologist myself, I found this story to be an intriguing thought experiment, but I was waylaid by the fact that the author made no attempt, or possibly consciously avoided the attempt, to make the story scientifically plausible. There are so many incongruous elements in time and space, its like a Dali painting. For instance he talks about the doctors wife being distraught about not winding her watch. The last time I had to wind my watch was probably in the 1960s, and then he talks later about computers functioning the water system. The ophthalmologist talks about ordering an encephalogram , which we havent used since the 1970s, instead of a CT scan or MRI. He also talks about how the blind stop gesticulation when they talk. But people with acquired blindness have their gesticulations programmed into their extrapyramidal system and never loose that habit. Did he intentionally ignore present day science so as to make the story more surrealistic, or is he a lazy Nobel laureate researcher? I thought it was a provocative read, intriguing and thought provoking. But dont expect Crichton. Think Lord of the Flies by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. One of the best books I've ever "read" This book is being made into a movie and the trailer intrigued me.

A Girl's Guide to Moving On Audiobook by Debbie Macomber

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Debbie Macomber) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 13:06:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Girl's Guide to Moving On Subtitle: A Novel Author: Debbie Macomber Narrator: Nancy Linari, Allyson Ryan, Debbie Macomber Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins Language: English Release date: 02-23-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 569 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In this powerful and uplifting novel from number-one New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber, a mother and her daughter-in-law bravely leave their troubled marriages and face the challenge of starting over. Leaning on each other, Nichole and Leanne discover that their inner strength and capacity for love are greater than they ever imagined. When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back - including their son Owen's happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all. Leanne has quietly ignored her husband's cheating for decades but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole's all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai's effusive overtures - until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments. An inspiring novel of friendship, reinvention, and hope, A Girl's Guide to Moving On affirms the ability of every woman to forge a new path, believe in love, and fearlessly find happiness. Members Reviews: wonderful series by a wonderful author i just love Debbie Macomber's books!!! romance novels that aren't crude!!! beautifully written!!! excellent narration by both narrators!!! so thrilled I finally found out about her!!! Love it!! This book was exactly what I needed! I am recently divorced and I could relate to it 100%. It was like Nicole and LeAnn were the friends I didn't have. It gave me hope. The story was entertaining and yet therapeutic. I highly recommend this for anyone dealing with a divorce. Ok enough Not as good as the first in this series but enough to give the last one a try. loved it! great narrators. excellent story. I couldn't stop listening, which is rarely a problem for me. Character Flaw Although in the end I liked the book, I found myself getting upset at one of the characters often. Maybe I don't understand the cultural difference. Some of the things he said/did made me almost not want to finish the book because he irritated me so much. In the end I'm glad I finished listening. I wasn't used to feeling this was about one of Debbie Macomber's characters, that's for sure. It was nice to revisit with Cassey and Amy from the first book to this series.

The Crocodile Bird Audiobook by Ruth Rendell

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ruth Rendell) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:18:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Crocodile Bird Author: Ruth Rendell Narrator: Jill Tanner Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 12-07-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 51 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Liza is raised in a remote rural hamlet. One evening, Lizas mother orders her to leave home forever. Paralyzed at having to fend for herself, Liza finds refuge with Sean, a drifter with whom she begins to share the bizarre story of her life. Members Reviews: The Crocodile Bird-not Rendell's best, still good Ruth Rendell's books are time-released cleverness. All the time you're reading, your brain is storing information - without you realizing it - and for days, weeks, maybe years after you've finished the book, the stored bits will drop into your consciousness at the strangest moments. You will realize you didn't understand the full import of the book when you finished it. You will have a flash of insight, an eyebrow-raising or jaw-dropping AHA! moment as another hidden clue or bit of plot slips into its place or a layer is revealed. I'm still thinking about this book weeks after I finished it. Not because the Crocodile Bird was a gripping page-turner, though the story, told in Scheherazade-style chunks, is compelling: a young woman tells her boyfriend tales of her strange childhood with a murdering mother. It was beautifully written, of course, and the narration was good. I'm still thinking about it because the characters became real to me and I'd like to know what happens to them for the rest of their lives. I'm glad I read (heard) it and I recommend it to the readers who enjoy storytelling that expects your brain to get involved. Spooky, fantastic, amazing. What made the experience of listening to The Crocodile Bird the most enjoyable? I loved this. I have read and listened to a great deal of Rendell, and this one struck me as special, due in no small part to the 1st person flashback perspective. Jill Tanner is terrific; I am not always keen on female narrators, but she has the perfect voice for this narrative. What did you like best about this story? The feeling that it gave me. Which scene was your favorite? The one with the dogs. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes! But it was too long to do so! Boring - Put me to sleep From the synopsis this book sounded like it was going to be so good. I had just finished listening to "Into the Darkest Corner" by Elizabeth Haynes (a psychological thriller which I highly recommend) and I thought this would be a great next listen. The preview sounded good, the narrator sounded good... I started listening to the book and the first few minutes were interesting but then the author starts describing the scenery in detail. And then more scenery detail. When an author starts describing too much scenery detail like what the birds look like, which part of their tail is blue, what shade of green the grass is, what the air smells like... I'm thinking the author either doesn't have much story to tell and so they are using that as filler or they just like to write and see their own words on paper. I want them to get on with the story. Yes, of course scenery does matter but too much can be overdone and put someone in a trance. I didn't finish the book. When I woke up from the light nap it had put me in I moved on to another book. Different Reminded me of a fairy tale with a more interesting twist to the ending. The voice was perfect for falling asleep with after setting the sleep timer for 15 minutes.

A Dog's Way Home Audiobook by W. Bruce Cameron

biacuaduc@gmail.com (W. Bruce Cameron) — Tue, 30 May 2017 21:43:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Dog's Way Home Author: W. Bruce Cameron Narrator: Ann Marie Lee Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 05-30-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 203 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Lucas Ray is shocked when an adorable puppy jumps out of an abandoned building and into his arms. Though the apartment he shares with his mother, a disabled veteran, doesn't allow dogs, Lucas can't resist taking Bella home. Bella is inexplicably drawn to Lucas, even if she doesn't understand the necessity of games like No Barks. As it becomes more difficult to hide her from the neighbors, Lucas begins to sneak Bella into the VA where he works. There, Bella brings joy and comfort where it is needed most. After Bella is picked up by Animal Control because pit bulls are banned in Denver, Lucas has no choice but to send her to a foster home until he can figure out what to do. But Bella, distraught at the separation, doesn't plan to wait. With 400 miles of dangerous Colorado wilderness between her and her person, Bella sets off on a seemingly impossible and completely unforgettable adventure home. A classic story of unwavering loyalty and incredible devotion, A Dog's Way Home is a beautifully told, charming tale that explores the unbreakable bond between us and our pets. Members Reviews: A lesson in perseverance Is there anything you would change about this book? There's a movie coming out soon that's based on the book. While the story was somewhat predictable, there were a few twists and turns that kept it interesting. I wanted to listen to the book before watching the movie. I wish I'd read it on Kindle instead of listening to a voice actor. Listening to the narrator felt like I was listening to a children's book. Wanting to hear how the story ended was the only reason I stuck it out. It was grueling and I will not purchase another book read by this narrator. What did you like best about this story? The perserverance of the dog. How did the narrator detract from the book? The narrator read the book as though she was reading to a class of children. I found it annoying. Was A Dog's Way Home worth the listening time? No. Many Journeys/Relationships, All Rolled Into One It's hard not to compare this book with Cameron's best known, "A Dog's Purpose". Try as it might, "A Dog's Way Home" doesn't quite meet the same depth, the same highs as that book. Still, it's a sweet read filled with Bella's many relationships, many journeys through 11 hours of well-narrated listening time. It's greatest weakness is that Cameron's style is to over-write. We're constantly being told: "Something significant was happening," "Dogs learn from repetition. Here was another repeat," things like that when really, he doesn't have to do that as situations and previous writing makes the listener learn and feel that for themselves. There are many decent scenes, many good situations, and many great characters that people the book. And through it all, is Bella's basic nature that was shaped by a cat who loved her, took her in, saved her when she was a pup.

Invisible Monsters Audiobook by Chuck Palahniuk

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chuck Palahniuk) — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:02:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Invisible Monsters Author: Chuck Palahniuk Narrator: Anna Fields Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 11-30-06 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 990 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Enter Brandy Alexander, Queen Supreme, one operation away from becoming a real woman, who will teach her that reinventing yourself means erasing your past and making up something better - and that salvation hides in the last places you'll ever want to look. Critic Reviews: "This is a wild ride of a novel." (Booklist) "Gutsy, terse, and cunning, Invisible Monsters may emerge as Palahniuk's strongest book." (Seattle Times) Members Reviews: Fantastic I know Chuck Palahniuk is not for everyone, but I love his strange dark humor and I always know I can pick up one of his books and get a story like none other. Invisible Monsters definitely delivers. Yes it has drugs yes it has violence and yes most of the characters you are not going to empathize with but isnt that what we read Chuck Palahniuk for? I know his bleak view of human nature and unique characters are just part of why I keep coming back. As for the Audio version of this book it was perfection! The dramatization was spot on. I would highly recommend this audio book especially if you are already a Palahuiuk fan. I loved this!! Maybe I'm sick & twisted, but I loved this book! The main character, who doesn't have a face and can't talk, is BRILLIANT! Obviously the narrator talks to tell the story, but as the character she speaks gibberish. Her nuances, accents, etc, make this a fabulous book to listen to. The story itself is hilarious, even though though it could be taken as tragic. Lots of twists and turns, but you have to pay attention because it jumps around a lot time-wise. Give me a total thumbs up . . . FLASH! Superb story about owning your own baggage OK, I realize Palahniuk is not for everyone. As disturbing as his ideas and imagery tend to be, they serve the purpose of derailing us from our accustomed view of the world. That frees us to see the world a little more openly. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that what people say isn't always the truth, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're lying. Incredibly enjoyable read if you're up to it. What can I say? My husband likes Chuck Palahnuik and begged me to listen to one. I have never watched Fight Club or read anything by him so I had no idea what to expect. It had very good narration. The story was bizarre. It was funny though because the stranger it got, the more I couldn't turn it off. It was like seeing a horrible car accident, you don't want to look but you can't help it. I don't know if I will ever read another book by him again but I can honestly say that I have never read anything like it before. Chuck Palahniuk definitely has one heck of an imagination. Interesting This book was as annoying as it was interesting! This was my first time with this author. Not sure if I would read him again but I did get a few belly laughs from listening. Interesting story, surely twisted but fun.

Shock Wave Audiobook by John Sandford

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Sandford) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 01:04:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Shock Wave Author: John Sandford Narrator: Eric Conger Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-11 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2328 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The thrilling new Virgil Flowers novel from the #1 New York Times best-selling author. The superstore chain PyeMart has its sights set on a Minnesota river town, but two very angry groups want to stop it: local merchants, fearing for their businesses, and environmentalists, predicting ecological disaster. The protests don't seem to be slowing the project, though, until someone decides to take matters into his own hands. The first bomb goes off on the top floor of PyeMart's headquarters. The second one explodes at the construction site itself. The blasts are meant to inflict maximum damage-and they do. Who's behind the bombs, and how far will they go? It's Virgil Flowers's job to find out... before more people get killed. Members Reviews: I think I'm in love with Virgil Flowers! . . . he can't possibly exist only in the author's imagination, because he's way too real. Looks like a surfer, talks to God, fly-fishes and charms women everywhere he goes. Oh, yeah, and solves cases that puzzle everyone else. I'm a huge Sandford fan, and love the fact that his plots are so intelligent and his characters are true to human nature. What I love about the Virgil Flowers series is getting into the character's mind as he solves the mystery -- in this case, a series of bombings that seem to be aimed at preventing the construction of a monster WalMart-type store in a small town. Every time he appears to be zeroing in on the killer, another bombing occurs and the facts have to be reassessed. Engaging and entertaining. I really like this narrator as well -- he's very laid-back, like Virgil, but he keeps a good rhythm and pace. Not the best Virgil ~ but it is still Virgil! I am bias! John Sandford is my favorite author and he hit it out of the park in May with his latest Lucas Davenport, Buried Prey. I will forgive him this Virgil Flowers. I still enjoyed every minute of this book, but it wasn't as good as the others in the series. He is such a talented writer and so detailed, it was still a great story! Sandford did it again! Smart writing and reading! I always love Sandford's books. His dry sense of humor and clever plots keep me at the edge of my seat. The reader is wonderful, Eric Conger! His ability to deliver children, women, hillbillies, and various towns people is awesome!! This is a great use of a credit..but John Sandford is always worth a credit!!! Does exactly what you paid for Virgil Flowers is comfortable as a trusted glove in winter. He stretches as far as he should to provide warmth and still reach around the stuff you want him to. Here he's got a clever locked room puzzle to solve, an ending that wraps snugly around the mystery, and fun characters each created from a minimal number of brush strokes. You'll forget this minutes after its end, but enjoy it from the beginning... Exactly what I paid for. Love Virgil Flowers! Virgil Flowers is my favorite John Sanford character. This book is laugh out loud funny as well as serious. The storyline is a little hard to swallow, but Virgil makes it worth the read. Eric Conger really brings him to life.

Swimming Lessons Audiobook by Claire Fuller

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Claire Fuller) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 07:12:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Swimming Lessons Author: Claire Fuller Narrator: Rachel Atkins Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 01-26-17 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 216 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Ingrid Coleman writes letters to her husband, Gil, about the truth of their marriage, but instead of giving them to him, she hides each in the thousands of books he has collected over the years. When Ingrid has written her final letter, she disappears from a Dorset beach, leaving behind her beautiful but dilapidated house by the sea, her husband, and her two daughters, Flora and Nan. Twelve years after her disappearance, Gil thinks he sees Ingrid from a bookshop window, but he's getting older, and this unlikely sighting is chalked up to senility. Flora, who has never believed her mother drowned, returns home to care for her father and to try to finally discover what happened to Ingrid. But what Flora doesn't realize is that the answers to her questions are hidden in the books that surround her. Sexy and whip-smart, Swimming Lessons holds the Coleman family up to the light, exposing the mysterious and complicated truths of a passionate and troubled marriage. Members Reviews: Can't decide Strange book! The story kept me interested, but what a strange and sad story! The ending left me with unanswered questions... Flat ending Great narration. Odd ending. I was expecting more after being pulled into each character. It felt like it was left unfinished. I was addicted to listening to this story!! A must listen for every woman!! A tale of "what not to do". Loved the story and the narrator's many voices! Slow-moving,Lost interest I read about halfway through,then skimmed the rest. Nothing much seemed to be happening. Meh. Spoilers! The more I think about this book, the more disappointed I am. It's not that it was terrible. It's more that it had the potential to be a really great story and it was just very...mundane. And also a lot of it didn't really make that much sense. Like if you cheated on your wife with literally everyone, even her best friend and then dedicated your book to her best friend (after your wife helped you come up with the plot for the majority of the book), why would you be so concerned with the thought that your wife didn't know you loved her on your deathbed? I mean I get that we all have regrets, but that seems like a stretch. I feel like the plot had potential, but the book just ended up being meh.

Olive Kitteridge Audiobook by Elizabeth Strout

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elizabeth Strout) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:46:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Olive Kitteridge Author: Elizabeth Strout Narrator: Sandra Burr Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 04-29-08 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2060 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Pulitzer Prize, Fiction, 2009 At the edge of the continent, Crosby, Maine, may seem like nowhere, but seen through this brilliant writer's eyes, it's in essence the whole world. The lives that are lived there are filled with all of the grand human dramas: desire, despair, jealousy, hope, and love. At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town and in the world at large, but she doesn't always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance; a former student who has lost the will to live; Olive's own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and her husband, Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse. As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life - sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition - its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires. Editorial Reviews: Tart, sorrowful Olive Kitteridge is the moody battle-ax intersecting each of Elizabeth Strout's exquisitely spare new "novel in stories". Imperfect and struggling, Strout's characters grind through the dulling routines of ordinary domestic life in churchgoing Crosby, Maine: the drudgery of fixing supper night after night or shivering through a lukewarm show. They are awkward but authentic. "Patrick McCarthy...perspired so much that splotches of his shirt would be wet, at times even down over his breasts, so the poor fellow looked to be lactating," observes Strout. Olive is a retired math teacher with the habit of saying "these weird things, very powerfully", which agitates her students, natch. Henry, her husband, is a gentle pharmacist who dispenses "pills and syrups and syringes" yet cannot cure his own wife's destructive eruptions. Their melancholy son, Christopher, grows into a distant teenager then a brittle adult. He inherits his mother's tormented relationship with depression. Olive and Henry don't anchor all 13 tales. Points of view shift, revealing a wistful lounge singer and the 11-year-old daughter of a cracked former beauty queen among them. Narrator Sandra Burr mostly nails the flat, dawdling Down East accent ("ayuh") of coastal Maine. She refines Olive's bluster by pitching her voice low and slow and growly, thus hinting at the despondency behind Olive's attacks. As for ponderous Henry, Burr permeates his dialogue with apologetic throat-clearings to channel how "inwardly, he suffered the quiet trepidations of a man who had witnessed twice in childhood the nervous breakdowns of a mother". Burr isn't showy about her extraordinary range, though she easily could be. Olive Kitteridge thrives largely because she invests each character with distinguishable emotions. Nina White, anorexic and wasting into bones, begins all zippy teen inflection and finishes in subdued, unlit tones. Burr embodies Kevin, a young psychiatrist revisiting his mother's suicide, with the raw rasp of a hurting dude.

Crimes Against a Book Club Audiobook by Kathy Cooperman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kathy Cooperman) — Mon, 01 May 2017 20:39:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crimes Against a Book Club Author: Kathy Cooperman Narrator: Katherine Kellgren Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 05-01-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 451 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Best friends Annie and Sarah need cash - fast. Sarah, a beautiful, successful lawyer, wants nothing more than to have a baby. But balancing IVF treatments with a grueling eighty-hour workweek is no walk in the park. Meanwhile, Annie, a Harvard-grad chemist recently transplanted to Southern California, is cutting coupons to afford her young autistic son's expensive therapy. Desperate, the two friends come up with a brilliant plan: they'll combine Sarah's looks and Annie's brains to sell a "luxury" antiaging face cream to the wealthy, fading beauties in Annie's La Jolla book club. The scheme seems innocent enough, until Annie decides to add a special - and oh-so-illegal - ingredient that could bring their whole operation crashing to the ground. Hilarious, intelligent, and warm, Crimes Against a Book Club is a delightful look at the lengths women will go to fend for their families and for one another. Members Reviews: Very entertaining One of the best narrated books I have read thus far. The narrator actually adds character to the voices. The storyline was fun and entertaining and quite unique. fun and well written Every once in a while you just need something that's easy and fun to read. This one won't disappoint. you've got to read this! This is the funniest and most delightful book into the minds of rich old women I have ever read. It's deliciously tongue in cheek story by a person who must know these women so intimately as to transform such characters into flesh and blood neurotics. I loved it. Delightful and fresh Loved it. Loved the story, the writer's use of imagery, her grasp of women's insecurities ( no matter how baseless the insecurities are) and most of all- loved the narration. I miss the characters already. I am now going to look for more of her books. Hopefully she has written more! Well done. LOVED the narration! Looking at previous reviews, it seems you will either love or hate this narration, but I thought it was so perfect! There was so much emotion behind the characters and Katherine Kellgren transported me into their world. I think I had a permanent smile (except in the part I cried) through to whole thing! Fun chick lit story line too.

The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax Audiobook by Dorothy Gilman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Dorothy Gilman) — Thu, 12 May 2011 00:42:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax Author: Dorothy Gilman Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1187 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Mrs. Pollifax has a new hat, and only she and Mr. Carstairs know it conceals eight false passports which she must smuggle into Bulgaria. Members Reviews: Another Delightful Adventure This is the third in the Mrs. Pollifax series. Again, Dorothy Gilman has created an engaging, and fairly believable, plot. This one sends Mrs. Pollifax, a 60-ish widow from New Brunswick, NJ, to Bulgaria on a courier job for the CIA. As always, Mrs. P encounters unexpected danger, some of it created by her own actions, but comes out on top. These books are written with lively humor but still make you care about the characters. The book is lovely, and is made even better by the narration of Barbars Rosenblat, who can create quite believable male characters and children along with adult female characters. And the accents! In this book, she is called upon to embody American, English, French, Russian, Bulgarian and assorted other Balkan and Eastern European men and women, and handles them all exceedingly well. Each time I listen to one of Rosenblat's performances I am freshly amazed by her skill and talent. Many of the books I have listened to were chosen because she was the narrator. All in all, this book was a very satisfactory experience. Bravo What made the experience of listening to The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax the most enjoyable? Barbara Rosenblat is an excellent narrator. She brings life to the characters and, along the way, makes you forget that all of the voices are coming from the same person. Her wide range of character voices includes believable male voices. What other book might you compare The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax to and why? The entire series is excellent. I wish there were more. Which scene was your favorite? I've listened to this series more than once and enjoy them fully. I'm unable to list a most or least favorite seen. Any additional comments? When I grow up, I'd like to be as moxie as Mrs. Pollifax. My favorite Pollifax story so far! This is my favorite Pollifax story so far! It is so exciting, the characters are so endearing and it leaves you feeling like you don't want it to end! Move Over Ms. Marple Mrs. Pollifax is a wonder - like Ms. Marple people dismiss her and then she totally outwits and out maneuvers her adversaries as well as her associates. Ms. Rosenblat's narration is excellent, as usual. I am never disappointed with any of her readings. A series well worth listening and hopefully Ms. Gilman's heirs will allow all of her books to be available on Audible. Mrs. Pollifax is always to date even if set in 60s I love Mrs. Pollifax her stories seem current and with the narration of Barbara Rosenblat I can be transported back to the 60s and have the fun of all those spy novels without the tech they have today.

Haunted Audiobook by Chuck Palahniuk

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chuck Palahniuk) — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 15:29:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Haunted Author: Chuck Palahniuk Narrator: Scott Brick, Marc Cashman, Erik Davies, Kimberly Farr Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 04-29-05 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 1044 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Haunted is on one level a satire of reality television: The Real World meets Alive. It draws from a great literary tradition, The Canterbury Tales, The Decameron, the English storytellers in the Villa Diodati who produced, among other works, Frankenstein, to tell an utterly contemporary tale of people desperate that their story be told at any cost. Appallingly entertaining, Haunted is Chuck Palahniuk at his finest, which means his most extreme and his most provocative. Critic Reviews: "[The stories] consistently, powerfully transcend their macabre premises to showcase the heart beating beneath the horrors." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: True Horror -- Not for the faint of heart, stomach I used to think Stephen King wrote gross horror at times ("Misery"), but this author makes Stephen King look like Nancy Drew (sorry to compare an author with a fictional character, but hopefully you get my drift). This is the kind of horror novel that's frightening in that it could (theoretically) happen. Although more surreal than real, nothing supernatural occurs; it's simply the horror that people can do to themselves and to one another. Grotesque doesn't even begin to describe it. If you are the type of person who considered "Reservoir Dogs" part-comedy because of its over the top violence, you may feel similarly about this. If you've ever laughed at the type of cartoon violence like when the Coyote is flattened in his failed attempt to catch the Road Runner, then you might be okay with this book, so long as you can think of it in that context. If you drift away from that mindset, you may never sleep again. Seriously. My greatest challenge was simply to finish it. It used to be that I was unable to even think about certain types of torture, death, and I wanted to stop listening at least a dozen times, but then I thought, "No, I'm not going to allow a group of common words that someone placed in a certain order get the better of me." And in that way, this book caused me to grow as a person. Think of the sickest, most taboo thing anyone could ever do, then multiply it by ten and then you'll have this book. I'm not saying this so that your morbid curiousity may cause you to give this book a try, really. WARNING: Due to the extreme and hideous nature of this novel, before you spend the money or use up a book credit, do yourself a favor and listen to the free excerpt from this book entitled "Exodus." It's 44 minutes long and is completely self-contained. If you can stomach that, then go ahead and listen to the rest of the book. But don't say I didn't warn you. Spectacular This book is a wonderfully written satirical look at society, civility, and the ease with which these can be shed. It is a grand rendition of "Murder by Death" meeting "Lord of the Flies" with a little bit of "Alive" thrown in for reality's sake. Unfortunately, it is not for everyone; only those who can stomach hearing the unvarnished truth about society and the potential truth about themselves will be able to stomach this. It is raw, powerful, and at times disgusting.

Flight Behavior Audiobook by Barbara Kingsolver

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Barbara Kingsolver) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:58:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Flight Behavior Author: Barbara Kingsolver Narrator: Barbara Kingsolver Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 11-06-12 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2965 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Dellarobia Turnbow is a restless farm wife who gave up her own plans when she accidentally became pregnant at 17. Now, after a decade of domestic disharmony on a failing farm, she encounters a shocking sight: a silent, forested valley filled with what looks like a lake of fire. She can only understand it as a cautionary miracle, but it sparks a raft of other explanations from scientists, religious leaders, and the media. As the community lines up to judge the woman and her miracle, Dellarobia confronts her family, her church, her town, and a larger world, in a flight toward truth that could undo all she has ever believed. Flight Behavior takes on one of the most contentious subjects of our time: climate change. With a deft and versatile empathy Kingsolver dissects the motives that drive denial and belief in a precarious world. Members Reviews: Tough Message Delivered in Silk This book is a compelling story that ties in so beautifully with the human condition and natural world dilemma. Kingsolver bridges the gap of communication between social, political and academic cultures in this country through the eyes of a truly remarkable Kingsolverian character. She paints with words a world so precious and so precarious that I'm torn in two listening to it. Kingsolver herself narrates this wonder like she's been on stage her entire life. Who but she would know these people so spectacularly well but how often does an author live up to the challenge? This was one of the best books I've ever read. Another homerun for Barbara Kingsolver! If you could sum up Flight Behavior in three words, what would they be? Surprisingly fiction, captivating. What did you like best about this story? Barbara Kingsolver crafts yet another amazing and compelling story which is simultaneously complex and incredibly simple. The most shocking component is her ability to craft a work of fiction within the construct of an environmental and biological reality. The growth and arc of the main character is well worth the ride! As with all of her books, I was sad to have it end. What three words best describe Barbara Kingsolvers performance? Word-by-word reading... If you could rename Flight Behavior, what would you call it? Funny, but I couldn't keep the title in my head...I kept calling it Flight Risk. Any additional comments? Barbara Kingsolver has a wonderful voice, but can be painful to listen to due to her clearly innunciating each word and very slow reading speed. Her reading style was too staccatoed and too intentional with each word painfully articulated and spoken. Each word was read one at a time rather than in a fluid and flowing natural style. In one respect, I loved her reading her own book because I knew I would hear how each word was intended to be heard. However, I think a voice actor would have been much more capitivating. I found her narration so disturbing to listen to from the get-go that I almost considered not listening to it. The story was AMAZING...it's narration was not. Her voices for the different characters were limited and often even slower than the rest of the story, but her voice of Dr. Ovid Byron was fantastic! It is a story I will think about often. Kingsolver's best yet Would you listen to Flight Behavior again? Why? I have already listened to sections repeatedly.

Before I Knew Audiobook by Jamie Beck

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jamie Beck) — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 22:58:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Before I Knew Subtitle: The Cabots, Book 1 Author: Jamie Beck Narrator: Siiri Scott Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 08-22-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 320 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Author Jamie Beck returns with an engrossing series about family, friendship, and starting over. In this first Cabot novel, a legacy of secrets tests old friends seeking a second chance at life and love. On the second anniversary of her husband's suicide, Colby Cabot-Baxter is ready to let go of her grief and the mistakes made during her turbulent marriage. Her fresh start comes in the form of A CertainTea, the restaurant she's set to open along Lake Sandy, Oregon, with help from her family. But when her executive chef quits just weeks before the grand opening, Colby is pressured to hire old family friend Alec Morgan. His award-winning reputation could generate buzz, but their friendship has withered since her husband's reckless dare cost Alec's brother his life. Distracted by guilty secrets concerning the tragedy that changed his and Colby's lives, Alec self-destructed and lost his famed restaurant. With his career in tatters, he's determined to use this opportunity to redeem his reputation and to help the woman he's loved from afar find happiness again. But secrets have a way of coming out. When Alec's do, they might destroy the new life he and Colby have rebuilt together. Members Reviews: Good story/Bad narration I love Jamie Beck books and the story was good. But the narrator was almost unbearable. Annoyingly dramatic narration. Heartwarming I loved this book; I wasn't sure at first, but as I listened the story unfolded and my heart was warm. Would suggest this book to many. Kindle prime rip off Only 2 chapters would download. Don't include this in kindle unlimited if you are going to pull moves like this. Will Probably cancel prime. Very misleading Snoozzzz. Couldn't get past the second chapter. No hook, too many undefined characters, and vagie story line. I tried to like it. I just could not connect with the main character. I could not get into the story. The narrator was good.

At First Sight Audiobook by Nicholas Sparks

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nicholas Sparks) — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 08:30:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: At First Sight Author: Nicholas Sparks Narrator: David Aaron Baker Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 10-21-05 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 800 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: There are few things Jeremy Marsh was sure he'd never do: He'd never leave New York City; never give his heart away again after barely surviving one failed marriage; and most of all, never become a parent. Now, Jeremy is living in the tiny town of Boone Creek, North Carolina, married to Lexie Darnell, the love of his life, and anticipating the birth of their daughter. But just as his life seems to be settling into a blissful pattern, an unsettling and mysterious message re-opens old wounds and sets off a chain of events that will forever change the course of this young couple's marriage. Critic Reviews: "It's majorly manipulative and totally effective. Have plenty of tissues on hand." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: poor I read many of the reviews and I took all into consideration before I downloaded this book. I read the first one and thought it was just OK, but Nicholas Sparks has such a good rep that I thought this would defy the odds ... I was wrong. This is one of his worst by far. Like another review said, it really seemed like he was rushing to get another book out ... cross your fingers that this is the last of his "bad" books and the he starts picking it up ... where is the great Nicholas Sparks we know and love? Really really really BAAAAAD Wow. This is by far the worst story I've ever heard. The characters are unconvincing and lack intelligence. The narrator's accents are embarassing to listen to. This book is sappy, sentimental drivel of the worst kind. Don't waste your time or money. Finding Yourself This started out a little slow but gained momentum. It was an extremely good listen, well narrated and as with all Sparks books very involving. The jolt in the story leaves you in shock! Your have to wonder if miracles require payback. It completely finishes True Believer....too completely to be sure! Worth listening to, a story that lingers...... depressing Book was good until near the end-VERY depressing!!!! Sparks is obviously setting up for a trilogy where no doubt love will be "found" again (sigh) At First Sight (Unabridged) Very Disappointed in this book. It was written as a cheap harlequin. Certainly not up to Sparks usual writing.

The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing Audiobook by Mira Jacob

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mira Jacob) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 19:33:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing Subtitle: A Novel Author: Mira Jacob Narrator: Mira Jacob Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 07-01-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 265 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: For fans of J. Courtney Sullivan, Meg Wolitzer, Mona Simpson, and Jhumpa Lahiri comes a winning, irreverent debut novel about a family wrestling with its future and its past. With depth, heart, and agility, debut novelist Mira Jacob takes us on a deftly plotted journey that ranges from 1970s India to suburban 1980s New Mexico to Seattle during the dot.com boom. The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing is an epic, irreverent testimony to the bonds of love, the pull of hope, and the power of making peace with life's uncertainties. Celebrated brain surgeon Thomas Eapen has been sitting on his porch, talking to dead relatives. At least that is the story his wife, Kamala, prone to exaggeration, tells their daughter, Amina, a photographer living in Seattle. Reluctantly, Amina returns home and finds a situation that is far more complicated than her mother let on, with roots in a trip the family, including Amina's rebellious brother Akhil, took to India 20 years earlier. Confronted by Thomas's unwillingness to explain himself, strange looks from the hospital staff, and a series of puzzling items buried in her mother's garden, Amina soon realizes that the only way she can help her father is by coming to terms with her family's painful past. In doing so, she must reckon with the ghosts that haunt all of the Eapens. Members Reviews: One of the best books I have read in a long time I read a review after reading this book that said that the author pulls the reader into every nuance of Amina's life. The depth of character in this book is alarming and wonderful. The best book I have read in a long time The story was amazing and I think I loved it more with the author reading. Her different voices for each character became easily recognizable. I am sad it is over. Albuquerque I had no idea this story was partially set in Albuquerque, NM when I purchased it. I enjoyed the authors descriptions of life here. The cultural challenges she describes are intriguing and thought provoking. Anyone who enjoys exploring family ties will like this book. Wasn't sure I wasn't sure at first, but grew to love the characters. The story gave me appreciation for different family dynamics. Gateway listen! Any additional comments? This is the first time I've listened to a full-length fiction title. I listen to tons of podcasts, and I've listened to autobiographies and Freakonomics-style nonfiction, but never a novel. h/t to Laura Hogensen for the rec, and she was right - the author does an excellent job with the voices, and I found myself taking the long way home just so I could listen for a few extra blocks. If you've ever wondered if audiobooks are for you, this should be your gateway listen!

Sweetbitter Audiobook by Stephanie Danler

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Stephanie Danler) — Tue, 24 May 2016 12:33:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sweetbitter Subtitle: A Novel Author: Stephanie Danler Narrator: Alex McKenna Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 05-24-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 1167 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: You will develop a palate. A palate is a spot on your tongue where you remember. Where you assign words to the textures of taste. Eating becomes a discipline, language-obsessed. You will never simply eat food again. These are the words that introduce us to Tess, the 22-year-old narrator of Sweetbitter - and you will never again listen to a debut coming-of-age novel as stunning as this one. Shot from a mundane, provincial past, Tess comes to New York in the stifling summer of 2006. Alone, knowing no one, living in a rented room in Williamsburg, she manages to land a job as a backwaiter at a celebrated downtown Manhattan restaurant. This begins the year we spend with Tess as she starts to navigate the chaotic, enchanting, punishing, and privileged life she has chosen as well as the remorseless and luminous city around her. What follows is her education: in oysters, champagne, the appellations of Burgundy, friendship, cocaine, lust, love, and dive bars. As her appetites awaken - for food and wine but also for knowledge, experience, and belonging - we see her helplessly drawn into a darkly alluring love triangle. With an orphan's ardor, she latches on to Simone, a senior server at the restaurant who has lived in ways Tess only dreams of, and against the warnings of coworkers she falls under the spell of Jake, the elusive, tatted up, achingly beautiful bartender. These two and their enigmatic connection to each other will prove to be Tess' most exhilarating and painful lesson of all. Stephanie Danler intimately defines the crucial transition from girl to woman, from living in a place that feels like nowhere to living in a place that feels like the center of the universe. She deftly conjures the nonstop and purely adrenalized world of the restaurant - conversations interrupted, phrases overheard, relationships only partially revealed. And she evokes the infinite possibilities, the unbearable beauty, the fragility and brutality of being young in New York with heart-stopping accuracy. A lush novel of the senses - of taste and hunger, seeing and understanding, love and desire - Sweetbitter is ultimately about the power of what remains after disillusionment and the transformation and wisdom that come from our experiences, sweet and bitter. Critic Reviews: "Stephanie Danler arrives on the literary scene with a fully-fledged, original voice that's wry, watchful and wise beyond its years - acutely attuned to the pleasures of the senses and to the desperate stratagems of self-invention among young urban seekers. Sweetbitter is a stunning debut novel, one that seems destined to help define a generation." (Jay McInerney) "I loved this novel so, so much. It's rare that a book conveys with such unerring precision what it's like to be newly arrived in New York - the story itself, but also tiny throwaway details like the sudden authority of the blue sky at dawn after staying up all night, or your bones bracing themselves for what comes next, or the exact mood of a Manhattan bar at three in the morning. I've never seen these things described so brilliantly before. Tess is a remarkable narrator: vulnerable and tough and smart, but more than that, she's inspiring and riveting.

Edgar and Lucy Audiobook by Victor Lodato

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Victor Lodato) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 16:17:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Edgar and Lucy Subtitle: A Novel Author: Victor Lodato Narrator: Victor Lodato Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 03-07-17 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 318 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: "I love this book. Profoundly spiritual and hilariously specific...an unusual and intimate epic that manages to capture the wonder and terror of both child and parenthood with an uncanny clarity." (Lena Dunham, best-selling author of Not That Kind of Girl) Edgar and Lucy is a compelling literary masterpiece - a stunning examination of family love and betrayal. Eight-year-old Edgar Fini remembers nothing of the accident people still whisper about. He only knows that his father is gone, his mother has a limp, and his grandmother believes in ghosts. When Edgar meets a man with his own tragic story, the boy begins a journey into a secret wilderness where nothing is clear - not even the line between the living and the dead. In order to save her son, Lucy has no choice but to confront the demons of her past. Profound, shocking, and beautiful, Edgar and Lucy is a thrilling adventure and the unlikeliest of love stories. This program is read by the author. "Edgar and Lucy started with the characters voices, and the rhythms of their particular ways of speaking... because I have this very distinct sense of the sound and rhythms... I was thrilled to have the opportunity to record the audiobook. Also, having grown up in New Jersey, I felt I could do justice to the world of the novel, and to the north Jersey accent." (Author Victor Lodato on why he chose to narrate his own novel) Members Reviews: Wonderful story almost ruined by narrator This book is written very well with vivid characters that I loved. The story had exciting twists that I would not have guessed and kept me interested to the end. But, please please please Victor do not narrate your own book! I almost could not stand it. The halting speech with pauses mid sentence where pauses were not required were awful! Caught me in a stranglehold I was captured by this story from the first paragraph. The author's narration was spot on. There are moments, scenes, passages in this book that are profoundly beautiful. Others are deeply disturbing. I found myself wondering if I could handle it; I was pulled into the story so deeply. My husband was happy when it was over and I came back to reality. So, obviously, this is not a light read. It is a masterfully told story of family and human relationships and disfunction. Be forewarned- there are several graphic sex scenes. If you are up for it I highly recommend that you dive in. Choppy narration Any time a narrator puts random pauses mid sentence - when they do not belong there- (almost as if for dramatic effect) I know I'm going to have a hard time finishing the book. This narrator, however, had pauses in almost every sentence. Way too choppy and further hurt an already bad book. I cannot believe I wasted my time finishing it. I should have given up the minutesI heard the poor narration. Guess I feel differently than most... The story is great. I think I would have MUCH preferred reading this in the printed form. Unlike everyone else's reviews this far, I had a really hard time with the narration. I can even begin to guess how many times I almost returned this book because I couldn't take the narration. Hours into listening I still went back and forth with returning this one. I think I ultimately just learned to adjust to his way of reading. The author read very choppy to me, and I found he paused in odd/wrong places...

To Die For Audiobook by Alice Clark-Platts

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alice Clark-Platts) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 02:55:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: To Die For Author: Alice Clark-Platts Narrator: Rachel Bavidge Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 10-07-16 Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 707 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable, audiobook edition of To Die For by Alice Clark-Platts, read by Rachel Bavidge. In an empty car park, Ryan James sits in his car contemplating death. He has set up a hose pipe that is pouring carbon monoxide into the car, and his deciding whether or not to close the last window and end it all. Finally, he gets a text and decides to end his life. Detective Martin is called to the scene the next day. At first she is convinced it is a simple suicide but as she looks deeper into the boy's life and his relationships she begins to wonder if someone else was involved. Also available in the DI Erica Martin series in audio: Bitter Fruits and The Taken. Members Reviews: It's like getting only the first 2 chapters of a book I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the story appeared to be the beginning of a great detective novel and then it's just over. Only a beginning. No middle. No end. thats it? i feel like the story was just getting started and then it was over?! i feel like only a quarter of a book as written... To die for Excellent book with understanding of people's nature. Enjoyed listening to this book. Will definitely follow this author A short story with a stellar ending! The characters buildup was very good for a short one hour story line. I would have personally preferred a longer version but all the same this book address teen life at school about bullying. Not so gripping or chilling. according to the description the story is a gripping chilling Thriller. I did not find it gripping or chilling or a thriller. The performance was fantastic comma the story just did not keep my attention. I have no problems listening to two other books in between the short 11 chapter story.

Devil's Cut Audiobook by J. R. Ward

biacuaduc@gmail.com (J. R. Ward) — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 19:59:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Devil's Cut Subtitle: A Bourbon Kings Novel Author: J. R. Ward Narrator: Alexander Cendese Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 08-01-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 663 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In New York Times best-selling author J. R. Ward's thrilling finale to her Bourbon Kings series, the Bradford family dynasty teeters on the edge of collapse after the murder of their patriarch - and a shocking arrest. At first the death of William Baldwine, the head of the Bradford family, was ruled a suicide. But then his eldest son and sworn enemy, Edward, came forward and confessed to what was, in fact, a murder. Now in police custody, Edward mourns not the disintegration of his family or his loss of freedom...but the woman he left behind. His love, Sutton Smythe, is the only person he has ever truly cared about, but as she is the CEO of the Bradford Bourbon Company's biggest competitor, any relationship between them is impossible. And then there's the reality of the jail time that Edward is facing. Lane Baldwine was supposed to remain in his role of playboy, forever in his big brother Edward's shadow. Instead he has become the new head of the family and the company. Convinced that Edward is covering for someone else, Lane and his true love, Lizzie King, go on the trail of a killer - only to discover a secret that is as devastating as it is game changing. As Lane rushes to discover the truth and Sutton finds herself irresistibly drawn to Edward in spite of his circumstances, the lives of everyone at Easterly will never be the same again. For some this is good; for others it could be a tragedy beyond imagining. Only one thing is for certain: Love survives all things. Even murder. Members Reviews: Yes this was the best I agree with the other readers this was the best. everything explained and resolved. very enjoyable. Unparalleled This epic tale was beautifully done. I was totally engrossed from page one, book one! Freaking awesome ending to a great story!!! I loved this book! Narrator could of had a better grasp on the female character voices, they all sounded old and rough, other than that I would repeat the listen. Loved every second of this entire series. I finished all three books in about two weeks and they were incredible. Another hit by one of my favorite authors. A great ending The only negative comment I have is about the narrator. His manly voice is awesome, but his female voice sounds shrewish and grating. All the females sound alike, and you tend to not want to like them based on the sound of the voice. Other than that, it's a fantastic read!

Gods in Alabama Audiobook by Joshilyn Jackson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joshilyn Jackson) — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 05:48:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gods in Alabama Author: Joshilyn Jackson Narrator: Catherine Taber Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 04-29-05 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1477 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Ten years later, God has broken His end of the deal. Alabama has landed on Arlene's Chicago doorstep in the form of her high school archenemy, a young woman who wants to find the golden-haired football hero who disappeared during their senior year. To make matters worse, Arlene's African-American boyfriend, Burr, has given her an ultimatum; introduce him to her lily-white family or he's gone. Arlene would rather burn up in a fire than let him meet her steel magnolia Aunt Florence; her eccentric, half-mad Mama; her sweet-as-pecan-pie Cousin Clarice; and all the rest of her deeply racist kith and kin. But the fickle finger of fate is pointing her south. All too soon she and Burr are on their way to confront Arlene's redneck roots, the secret she ran from, and the crime that stole her peace of mind. Back in the small town of her girlhood, Arlene's demons are closing in, and after a decade of running away, Arlene must face them all. Yet while the truth threatens to destroy the life she has built for herself, it just may open her eyes to a love powerful enough to revise her past and alter her future. Crackling with humor, defiantly endearing characters, and plot twists that will astonish even the most jaded reader, Gods in Alabama will send you careening from tears to laughter and back. Most of all, it brings a unique, rough-around-the-edges heroine to life and makes her a permanent part of your own. Critic Reviews: "Cleverly disguised as a leisurely paced southern novel, this debut rockets to the end, even as the plot turns back on itself, surprising characters and readers alike. Book clubs will enjoy this saucy tale, as will fans of southern fiction with a twist." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Great story, writing, and narration bad production This was an extremely well written book. First, the story itself is excellent. The characters are complex and funny. They manage to be both totally messed up and entirely relatable. The book is actually pretty dark, with some truely disturbing scenes, but still a laugh out loud funny romp through the perspective of a troubled, likable, wicked, redeemable heroine. They are all- especially the protagonist- deeply flawed, and all the more likable for it. In the end, they are redeemable, despite the insanely messed up things they have done. Even the worst among them- the villan, as it were- is not so straightforwardly bad as all that, though he is plenty bad enough. I am pretty solidly agnostic and a true apostate. I don't usually like books with heavy religious themes or characters (they tend to be preachy and have 'messages' you are supposed to learn from). For these characters, religion is woven into the fabric of who they are. I didn't find it in any way intrusive. It just is part of the characters. It's important to the story but it's not Christian fiction by any means, and, for me, I really found myself appriciating the approach to religion by flawed characters who do care about their religion, but except for "the Baptist Ladies Auxiliary for plaguing your children to death in the name of the Lord", they mostly approach it with genuine caring without sounding too terribly righteous or hypocritical- a heavy task for the kind of truely fantastic sinners most everybody in the book is. The writing is great. The author has a beautiful way with words. You can see Alabama.

Seven Days of Us Audiobook by Francesca Hornak

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Francesca Hornak) — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 05:35:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Seven Days of Us Subtitle: A Novel Author: Francesca Hornak Narrator: Jilly Bond Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 10-17-17 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 82 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: A warm, wry, sharply observed debut novel about what happens when a family is forced to spend a week together in quarantine over the holidays.... It's Christmas, and, for the first time in years, the entire Birch family will be under one roof. Even Emma and Andrew's elder daughter - who is usually off saving the world - will be joining them at Weyfield Hall, their aging country estate. But Olivia, a doctor, is coming home only because she has to. Having just returned from treating an epidemic abroad, she's been told she must stay in quarantine for a week...and so, too, should her family. For the next seven days, the Birches are locked down, cut off from the rest of humanity - and even decent Wi-Fi - and forced into each other's orbits. Younger, unabashedly frivolous daughter Phoebe is fixated on her upcoming wedding while Olivia deals with the culture shock of being immersed in first-world problems. As Andrew sequesters himself in his study writing scathing restaurant reviews and remembering his glory days as a war correspondent, Emma hides a secret that will turn the whole family upside down. In close proximity, not much can stay hidden for long, and as revelations and long-held tensions come to light, nothing is more shocking than the unexpected guest who's about to arrive.... Members Reviews: Even Fiction Requires Research I have a problem with the author using a quarantine--by definition a strict isolation to prevent the spread of disease--as an artifice to force this distant family together for seven days. If you think about how a quarantine works, how would Olivia get from her location abroad--the source of the epidemic--and home to a remote countryside estate in England without putting loads of unsuspecting people at risk? Why would anyone even allow the family to be possibly exposed to a lethal epidemic? That's just the tip of the iceberg of medical improbability for me. In reality none of it makes any sense and to my mind it's too silly to even be considered reckless. Even worse, if you add in the other sad story lines there is not much that makes this book anything remotely close to a fun holiday listen. I can't continue, and regret the time I've wasted so far. Ugh. Narration was poor the accents and tone affected my view of the characters. some renditions were downright horrible, like George a nd Phoiebe Uncovering family secrets at Christmas This book is excellent! A family comes together for Christmas at a British manor house, initially thinking it will be pretty routine. But almost immediately they are all quarantined for a week, because Olivia, the older daughter, a doctor working in Africa, has recently been exposed to a deadly virus she was helping to treat. And because of this, she and anyone having contact with her, have to be confined from everyone else. Partly due to this, and partly due to the arrival of a completely unexpected person from America, secrets begin to spill out from everyone, and the family must struggle to absorb it all. At times, it feels a bit like the unfolding of a comedy of errors, till the sobering nature of some of the topics left me feel a little guilty for smiling. I really liked how cleverly the author kept the plot moving, and her use of emails to reveal some of the characters inner thoughts was handy.

American Meltdown Audiobook by Mark Goodwin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mark Goodwin) — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 08:30:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Meltdown Subtitle: Book Two of the Economic Collapse Chronicles Author: Mark Goodwin Narrator: Kevin Pierce Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 02-28-14 Publisher: Mark Goodwin Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 907 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Written from a Christian constitutional worldview, American Meltdown, Book Two of The Economic Collapse Chronicles uses dystopian fiction to take an in-depth look at the economic and political trends that have taken America to the edge of bankruptcy. The book assesses the current course of the nation and projects it into the near future. In Book Two, America has entered into a full scale financial meltdown. The members of the Bair family do the best they can to navigate a complete currency collapse and the social disruptions that come with it. Having relocated to a rural area in Kentucky, the Bairs fare much better than the unfortunate masses still trapped in the cities. In an effort to cling to power, President Anthony Howe announces the confiscation of provisions and guns. Several states, led by liberty-loving Senator Paul Randall, stand up to assert their sovereignty. Knowing the intentions of the Federal Government, Matt, Adam and Wesley Bair train with the local militia who have determined to draw a line in the sand and defend the last remnants of liberty. The political conflict escalates into military aggression and the gloves come off. Members Reviews: Beware and prepare! What made the experience of listening to American Meltdown the most enjoyable? The eerie feeling that this can really happen. What did you like best about this story? It sounds so real. Which character as performed by Kevin Pierce was your favorite? Adam Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes Any additional comments? This book and the other two in the series are awesome books. Could not get enough of them and finished this one in three days! This book gives you a lot to think about!! It makes a person think what they'd do in this very real and possible situation. One thing I notice is the author give the females in the book very passive rolls. Women are stronger than he writes and would work and fight along with men to defend our country, God, children and way of life. Compelling story! I am enjoying this series. The premise isn't as far-fetched as some would probably like to believe, too. When men and women care about style over substance, and vain glory over sacrificial service, are thrust into positions of power, they will stop at nothing in pursuit of their agenda. It could happen today. This author has a great awareness of current events and economic circumstances, and plays the potential realization of the consequences that may follow because of them. Fantastic Follow Up Exciting addition to the series. Builds upon the first installment very well. Cannot wait to finish the series. I highly recommend. great Goodwin does it again. one of the best books he has done. can't wait to get into reset.

The First Phone Call from Heaven Audiobook by Mitch Albom

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mitch Albom) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 21:01:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The First Phone Call from Heaven Subtitle: A Novel Author: Mitch Albom Narrator: Mitch Albom Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 11-12-13 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1447 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief - and a page-turner that will touch your soul - Albom's masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected. Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom's writing, and those who haven't yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time. Critic Reviews: "The author narrates the ensuing confusion and controversy, as well as the varying viewpoints of those who believe in the messages from the dead and those who don't. Albom portrays each individual's reaction with genuine compassion. Amid the excitement and bewilderment, he's still able to keep Harding's voice familiar and deferential. Albom uses a soothing, quiet voice--fitting and purposeful--for each phone call from the unknown. Sound effects such as a phone ringing, a doorbell, and a sudden knocking sound are all effective in achieving such a thought-provoking and inspiring story." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Suspense... sort of. I have to confess so that you know when you're evaluating this review and deciding how much weight to give it, I'm a fan of Mitch Albom's earlier work. His writing, that is. I had my doubts when I saw that he was narrating The First Phone Call from Heaven. But those doubts quickly evaporated. He's a great reader and enhanced the listen. So, kudos there. The other question that came quickly into my mind is what happens when a sympathetic writer (Albom) portrays an unsympathetic character (Sully) behaving unsympathetically? The answer, it turned out, was subtle, but unmistakable suspense. I fell for Sully and was really intrigued to find out where the phone calls were coming from. Heaven or hoax? The telling was skillful enough that several times I wasn't sure which answer I was hoping would turn out to be true and found myself changing sides. Since I'm writing this review to encourage you to listen to the book (well worth the credit, though a departure from Mitch Albom's earlier books, in content though the Albom pathos lingers...) I won't spoil the ending. I can say that it kept me engaged right through the end and, in the end, I was satisfied. I won't be surprised if I revisit this book in my library again. Recommend. Every Character is Great I loved every character in this book. The lead character, Sully, is super well developed, you get a great sense of him as you learn about his history. The other characters in this story are what really make it great. Amy the young reporter, all the characters in the funeral home, the son, all the people getting phone calls, and I especially loved the librarian. Albom writes about people really well. I wish I could meet some of these people, I would for sure want to be friends with Amy and the librarian. In this book, Albom adds a fun, mysterious, story that brings all these super flawed characters together in a very believable and sweet way and makes you really care what happens to them.

Not Quite Perfect Audiobook by Catherine Bybee

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Catherine Bybee) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 04:33:53 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Not Quite Perfect Subtitle: Not Quite Series, Book 5 Author: Catherine Bybee Narrator: Amy McFadden Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 09-20-16 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 675 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee delivers the fifth heartwarming, flirty novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series. Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It's both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy - until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation. At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both - especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company's planes. But no matter how close they get, they're still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary's life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn't have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it's too late? Members Reviews: Great book and awesome narration.. This was very good. Ive read about 20 of Catherine Bybee's books and Ive really liked all her series. I especially liked the Weekday Brides. This was the story about Mary and player Glen who dated while he lived in the east coast and Mary lived on the west. Glen was filthy rich, had his own charter planes and was a pilot, so he flew to her or flew her to him. I, for one, love books about the rich and the crazy ways they spend money. TOTALLY the opposite of how I live so that makes it all the better. Also, I love that Ms. Bybees heroes and heroines are both beautiful, instead of making the heroine too plain or too plump and pairing her with a god-like hero. Thats the main reason Ive read so many of her books. The incredible love that grew between Glen and Mary was amazing AND the last 30% of the book was very exciting. The bad guy took Mary hostage and when Mary got him talking I couldnt help but feel sorry for him. He had a sad backstory. I also loved the other players: Walt and Dakota, Monica and Trent, Mary Frances, and Jason. There was passion and explicit sex in this book and the F-bomb was used 13 times. As to the narration: Love, love, love Amy McFadden. Great voices and awesome emotions. This series just keeps getting better. Another great book in the Not Quite series. Some great romance, a little bit of thriller tension, and a whole lot of personal growth. Very well done. HMM.. Okay story, okay narration. Well this book was just okay. Not my favorite in this series by far. It was just kind of meh.. Nothing exciting, no real mystery. It was just a basic romance. I liked Mary well enough. However, she could have had a much better back story, or a back story period. I mean she was abandoned after all. Missed some potential good elements there. The "mystery" was no real mystery at all. Had that figured out in a split second. I liked Glen, rich, handsome and nice. No real depth though. The story line and plot were meh. Nothing great, nothing bad. There was lots of dialogue throughout the entire book which was great. I love lots of dialogue, so there is that. As for the narration. I do like Amy McFadden for the most part, however she really needs to work on her men's voices. She does read with emotion, and her reading voice is nice.

Boy's Life Audiobook by Robert McCammon

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert McCammon) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 18:22:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Boy's Life Author: Robert McCammon Narrator: George Newbern Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 10-07-14 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1438 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In me are the memories of a boy's life, spent in that realm of enchantments. These are the things I want to tell you.... Robert McCammon delivers "a tour de force of storytelling" (BookPage) in his award-winning masterpiece, a novel of Southern boyhood, growing up in the 1960s, that reaches far beyond that evocative landscape to touch listeners universally. Boy's Life is a richly imagined, spellbinding portrait of the magical worldview of the young - and of innocence lost. Zephyr, Alabama, is an idyllic hometown for 11-year-old Cory Mackenson - a place where monsters swim the river deep and friends are forever. Then, one cold spring morning, Cory and his father witness a car plunge into a lake - and a desperate rescue attempt brings his father face-to-face with a terrible, haunting vision of death. As Cory struggles to understand his father's pain, his eyes are slowly opened to the forces of good and evil that surround him. From an ancient mystic who can hear the dead and bewitch the living, to a violent clan of moonshiners, Cory must confront the secrets that hide in the shadows of his hometown - for his father's sanity and his own life hang in the balance.... Members Reviews: A Feast for the Senses! Smell the honeysuckle, summer heat and barbeque. Taste the homemade ice cream and peach pie. Hear the drone of bees and the yells of kids on the last of school before summer vacation. See the tiny town of Zephyr, Alabama and experience life in a small, rural town in the tumult of the 60s. A Boys Life is about feeling invincible, protected and being convinced you know what the world is about at the tender age of 12. Until a ghastly murder slowly erodes what you thought you knew. If you read A Boys Life in print, enjoy this unabridged Audible treat. Its as good as you remember. If you never read A Boys Life, download it at once. This is a masterpiece. I did not expect to like this book. But I was pleasantly surprised because it was engaging, well written, and completely pulled me in. Absolutely one of my all-time favorite books. I thought how boring, another coming-of-age story. But I just absolutely loved the entire story. I am going to look for more of his books to read. I'm glad I listened to the recommendations and not my preconceived ideas Great read I have a ton of books in my library and have enjoyed most of them, but this book was special. The story telling was fantastic and it has that nostalgic feel of books like To Kill a Mockingbird. I highly recommend this book, it is simply fabulous. A Real Winner Any additional comments? Most of the books I get through Audible are very good. Not exceptional, but very good. They fill the time while I'm driving an hour or so, or while I'm mowing the lawn or cleaning around the house. That is where there value comes in. Boys Life, however, is the exception. I bought it because of the reviews, but I didn't really expect it to be as good as it is. I've read reviews before where people have said that a story brought them to tears, but I never quite believed it. I also tend to steer clear of stories where this kind of thing is mentioned in the reviews. And don't get me wrong... I felt that in only a few short sections of the book. However, this story is one where I felt that emotion several times. And I only mention it because I felt for the people in the story.

Saving Ceecee Honeycutt Audiobook by Beth Hoffman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Beth Hoffman) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:06:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Saving Ceecee Honeycutt Author: Beth Hoffman Narrator: Jenna Lamia Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 12-24-09 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3881 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Steel Magnolias meets The Help in this Southern debut novel sparkling with humor, heart, and feminine wisdom. Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell. In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to Savannah's perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer. Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Beth Hoffman's sparkling debut is, as Kristin Hannah says, "packed full of Southern charm, strong women, wacky humor, and good old-fashioned heart." It is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others. Members Reviews: Comfort Food For The Soul I loved the novel, The Help, and was pleasantly surprised to find this narrator to be one from that novel. I love many genres, suspense, humor and you tend to pick out a book to go with what you are in the mood for at that time. This is a "comfort food" novel. It is a pleasant journey into the south in the 60s through a young woman who has had a tough journey. It is about healing and the love that a group of women can provide. Although slow at times and not a complicated plot, it is vibrant in its descriptions and knowledge of the times. I would recommend this to young women of all ages as an easy listen. It is a comforting place to escape for a few hours when you want something light. A Wonderful Listen! What a great story! This is not a super exciting book nor is it a love story. It is simply a terrific well written narrative of a young girl who was dealt a lousy hand in the parent department who with the help a a large cast of fantastic (mostly Southern )women is able to overcome her lonliness and shame and go on to become a lovely young women. I bought it to listen on my ipod while I walked but I found myself finishing it in 3 days Because it was too good to put down. Not to take away from the outstanding writing of Beth Hoffman but the incredible variety of voices by Jenna Lamia really made this book come alive. I highly reccomend it! Sweet A genuine tale of love, endurance and hardship against all odds. Would be a terrific book for a teenager as there are no over the top episodes that can't be fully discussed and understood. Jenna Lamia does a terrific job as Ceecee Honeycutt. Unexpectedy Entertaining My typical book choice is mystey, thriller, etc. However, this audiobook got great reviews and I thought I'd try it for a change of pace. I wish I could give the narrator 10 stars. The book is poignant, and the narrator makes it come alive. I love to read and I love audiobooks too.

The White Tiger Audiobook by Aravind Adiga

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Aravind Adiga) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:55:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The White Tiger Subtitle: A Novel Author: Aravind Adiga Narrator: John Lee Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 04-28-08 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2679 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: British Book Awards, Author of the Year, 2009. Man Booker Prize, Fiction, 2008. No saris. No scents. No spices. No music. No lyricism. No illusions. This is India now. Balram Halwai is a complicated man. Servant. Philosopher. Entrepreneur. Murderer. Over the course of seven nights, by the scattered light of a preposterous chandelier, Balram tells us the terrible and transfixing story of how he came to be a success in life - having nothing but his own wits to help him along. Born in a village in the dark heart of India, Balram gets a break when he is hired as a driver for a wealthy man, two Pomeranians (Puddles and Cuddles), and the rich man's (very unlucky) son. Through Balram's eyes, we see India as we've never seen it before: the cockroaches and the call centers, the prostitutes and the worshippers, the water buffalo and, trapped in so many kinds of cages that escape is (almost) impossible, the white tiger. With a charisma as undeniable as it is unexpected, Balram teaches us that religion doesn't create morality and money doesn't solve every problem - but decency can still be found in a corrupt world, and you can get what you want out of life if you eavesdrop on the right conversations. Critic Reviews: "Balram's evolution from likable village boy to cold-blooded killer is fascinating and believable." ( Library Journal)"A brutal view of India's class struggles is cunningly presented in Adiga's debut....It's the perfect antidote to lyrical India." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Great, informative tale Excellent story and narration. Gripping story of the life of the other side of India. Keeps your attention and reveals a great tale of the interaction between rich and poor and the failures of the government. If you liked the "Kite Runner" you'll love this book as well. Entertaining, thought-provoking, darkly funny I highly recommend this audio book. I could have listened to all 8 hours in one sitting but wanted to savor it and so spread it out over a week. The story never dragged. The performance by the reader is first-rate, I could almost picture the characters through their voices. The audio book format works particularly well for this book because the story is structured as a narrated letter. I will be recommending this book for my book group because there will be a lot talk about. It may not be for everyone. It deals with themes of poverty, class, corruption, oppression and murder. However, for me, The White Tiger is one of the best, if not the best, audio book I have listened to. Definitely deserved the Booker Prize The White Tiger is in the form of a first-person narrative written in a letter to the Chinese premier. The narrator (known as The White Tiger) relates how he rose from being a poor, lower caste Indian to the driver for a wealthy family, from a wanted murderer to a Bangalore entrepreneur. Full of insights into life in modern-day India, his story is sad, funny, witty, shocking--you name it. All told in a fascinating voice. John Lee was an extraordinary reader. A Worthy Award Winner There's a lot of hopelessness and despair to wade through, but it makes it all the more remarkable what the main character is willing to do to make it. I may never get the chance to go to India, but after reading this book it feels like I've been there.

The Lucky One Audiobook by Nicholas Sparks

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nicholas Sparks) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:05:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Lucky One Author: Nicholas Sparks Narrator: John Bedford Lloyd Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 09-30-08 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1772 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write. Members Reviews: what a lucky listen! i'm not usually a nicholas sparks' kind of gal, simply for the fact that his books are always so predictable and seemingly not worth one of my two credits a month. so rarely do i pick his books. however, after reading some of the reviews i decided to give it a try and i was so glad i did. this book is precious, has endearing moments between the two characters and while i had a tough time with how amazingly fast he found the woman in the picture, it was still an excellent adventure. the ending was a surprise too, something i wasn't expecting. after reading it i ended up seeing the movie and it too was just as sweet as the book. i guess i'm a sucker for love. Wonderful story filled with love & surprise Started a little slow the first chapter or two, but once it got going, I could turn it off! Kept me hanging on til the end...the ending was a total surprise! The Lucky One It had a little of everything, drama, love, sorrow. It keeps you going. Captures your inner sense of caring. Very enjoyable!!!! I really enjoyed this book! The ending was fantastic and suspensful. Not as predictable as some of Sparks novels! I would recomend! Great read What did you love best about The Lucky One? I loved Logan. What a great hero. This was a great romance, with real characters and it kept me wanting more all the way through Any additional comments? The Narrator did well. His female voices took a little getting use to, but overall he did really well.

The Probable Future Audiobook by Alice Hoffman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alice Hoffman) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:47:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Probable Future Author: Alice Hoffman Narrator: Susan Ericksen Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs Language: English Release date: 08-04-08 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 423 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: In Alice Hoffman's tour de force, this vivid and intriguing cast of characters confronts a haunting past - and a very current murder - against the evocative backdrop of small-town New England. By turns chilling and enchanting, The Probable Future chronicles the Sparrows' legacy as young Stella struggles to cope with her disturbing clairvoyance. Her potential to ruin or redeem becomes unbearable when one of her premonitions puts her father in jail, wrongly accused of homicide. Yet this ordeal also leads Stella to the grandmother she was forbidden to meet, and to an historic family home full of talismans from her ancestors. Critic Reviews: "Delicious....Hoffman is an unapologetic optimist, and optimism is in short supply these days. It feels like a vacation to curl up with [The Probable Future]." ( The New York Times Book Review)"Spellbinding....Of all the magical realists writing today, she may have the best sense of balance." ( Portland Oregonian) Members Reviews: Another excellent Hoffman novel I am becoming a huge fan of hers, & this book merely solidified it. The narrator was perfect for this especially--her range is quite good. Hoffman's stories always have such depth and contain strong and unusual female characters. love it. Loved it Great magical realism. Good narrator. A bit cheesy sometimes but manageable. I found it s nice distraction Nice, gentle story for when you feel bad. Having a bad day? This book is going to make you feel better. Great book for fans of Sarah Addison Allen. If you like happily ever after... Started off dark, interesting, and completely mesmerizing. But turned syrupy sweet and too good to be true. Stirring and beautiful The plot in this book is okay, but Alice Hoffman simply stirs the soul with her beautiful writing and profound insights. You can recognize her books by the touch of magic in their pages.

Reflection Audiobook by Diane Chamberlain

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Diane Chamberlain) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 10:25:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Reflection Author: Diane Chamberlain Narrator: Erin Bennett Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 02-23-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 302 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Twenty years ago, a terrible tragedy shattered the tranquility of the small Pennsylvania Dutch town of Reflection. The residents of the village have never forgiven the one woman they blamed for what happened - Rachel Huber. After the incident, Rachel left the town and cut off all ties there. But when Rachel receives the news that her estranged grandmother, Helen, is ill and needs her care, she returns to Reflection. On arrival she discovers that the town has not forgotten the past, and, among the hostility and gossip, Rachel is forced to seek out old allies and new passions. Soon she finds an unlikely advocate in her grandmother, who surprises her with her wise counsel and rare strength. Rachel comes to realize that they are both trying to overcome the past, and in doing so they bring private guilt and concealed secrets into the light. Critic Reviews: "A fast-paced, engrossing read focusing on a delightful pair of characters." ( Kirkus) Members Reviews: Excellent Story...Superb narrator Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Diane Chamberlain just gets better....I have listened to every book and they just get better. Great Story line, narration....Keep them coming please!! How did I ever miss this book!! I have read Diane Chamberlin since the beginning of her career! What an excellent story Reflections is!! Diane is such a crafty story teller telling the story of Rachel who hadn't seen her Grandmother since she was a young teenager & not wanting to impose on her life when she struck by lightening! What truths they both learned about the past years sets them both free!! A great listen! This book was a joy to listen to - loved every moment and although there were few surprises I would highly recommend it. Would. you just do it already...Or not whatever . This was a really good story line and it kept me engaged. The ending wrap up was really good. The side stories where even good. However, the constant conversation between the 2 main characters had me screaming "not again. holy shit." Way too much time was devoted to should we ? no well maybe no. If you can hold on and not be annoyed by these two characters and the constant struggle (which should not have been a struggle) this is a great book. Adultery is not romantic I am a fan of Diane chamberlain books but this one is awful. Everyone is an adulterer in this book and hat makes you feel no sympathy with the characters plight. One of the main characters is a meninknight minister who thinks he is do

Fly Away Audiobook by Kristin Hannah

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kristin Hannah) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:41:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Fly Away Author: Kristin Hannah Narrator: Susan Ericksen Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 04-23-13 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 780 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Kristin Hannah's Firefly Lane became a touchstone novel in womens lives. Across the world, women embraced the story of Tully and Kates enduring friendship. They laughed with Tully and cried with Kate and anguished over Tully's fractured relationship with her mother. Now, five years later, in Fly Away, Kristin Hannah returns to the world of these unforgettable characters and asks the question...how do you hold yourself together when your world has fallen apart.... Fly Away is the story of three women who have lost their way and need each other - plus a miracle - to transform their lives. An emotionally-complex, heart-wrenching novel about love, family, motherhood, loss, and redemption, Fly Away reminds us that where there is life, there is hope and where there is love, there is forgiveness. Told with her trademark visceral storytelling and illuminating prose, Kristin Hannah reveals why she is one of the most beloved writers of our day. Includes a Reading Group Guide read by Kristin Hannah. Members Reviews: Depressing with a capital D, D, D! Readers who haven't enjoyed the excellent book of Firefly Lane and learned to love the characters would have great difficulty sloshing through the river of depression of all of the characters in this book. Fly Away is not a stand alone book. first one, so much better! I was very disappointed in this audiobook. I have been doing a lot of driving and the first one made me want to keep driving. This second one was bad. I loved the focus on the main characters in the first one. This one, I really didn't care to hear all about Cloud's story at all. I don't recommend it. Pretty Book Cover. One Darned Depressing Novel Painfully maudlin: So syrupy that my teeth ached if I read for too long in one setting. Trusting the rave reviews of this books prequel, I didnt fear preordering so that I could download it the first day it came out. This book does stand on its own. I got enough of this whole group of characters in this one book. I have not a single desire to read the first novel after slugging through this novel. This book starts off depressing and doesnt stop till it gets dismal. The first four chapters could have been summed up in a single paragraph. It doesnt take 4 chapters to get across the sorrow of cancer survivors. Repeating and counting the depth of bereavement over and over doesnt deepen the idea of sorry. By chapter 5 the author has beaten just how sad everyone is to the point that Moses-Tobainis Hearts and Flowers is lilting in background. Kate and Tully had thirty year friendship. I was impressed the first time you stated it. Dragging thirty year friendship in over and over in some kind of weird speak was pointless and irritating. Who has these type conversations? No one talks like the people in this book. Ms Hannah writing should be put on a question mark diet. At least one question follows too mnay statement in this book. Tully sees a man walking towards her. Why does he look so familiar? Tully considers speaking to him. Why does she feel the need to? Why? Why ask why when you really don't want to know why? Why? The general story is good. I rolled my eyes and groaned aloud through the entire book because it was basically interesting and I was curious enough in the plight of the characters to drag myself to the ending. Along the way there were additional surprises, twists and turns that makes for a strong plot.

Crocodile on the Sandbank Audiobook by Elizabeth Peters

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elizabeth Peters) — Fri, 23 Aug 2002 03:33:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Crocodile on the Sandbank Subtitle: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 1 Author: Elizabeth Peters Narrator: Susan O'Malley Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 08-23-02 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 913 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: On her way, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been "ruined" and abandoned on the streets of Rome by her rascally lover. With a typical disregard for convention, Amelia promptly hires her fellow countrywoman as a companion and takes her to Cairo. Eluding Alberto, Evelyn's former lover, who wants her back, and Evelyn's cousin, Lord Ellesmere, who wishes to marry her, the two women sail up the Nile. They disembark at an archaeological site run by the Emerson brothers - the irascible, but dashing, Radcliffe and the amiable Walter. Soon their little party is increased by one - one mummy, that is, and a singularly lively example of the species. Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Critic Reviews: "The indomitable Amelia Peabody carries the listener along as easily as she carries her umbrella." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Crocodile on the Sandbank This is a wonderful book. There is a problem, however. Barbara Rosenblatt should be the narrator. She was the first voice to give life to Amelia Peabody. To listen to another, less talented reader, who gives very little differentiation to the characters is very unsatisfying. I prefer a reader who is easy to listen to. This means I don't have to listen with such utter intensity to differentiate one character from another. Barbara Rosenblatt is so good at this that listening to her is a relaxing experience. One immediately knows Amelia and her wonderful British womanness from her husband Emerson or her son Ramses. Get Barbara Rosenblatt as the narrator! Have always loved Amelia (but not ms o'malley) I, too, am familiar with both readers of these stories. And I've ordered other books she narrated before I realised that I really don't enjoy her reading voice. As for Amelia, it may seem that she bashes men, but she is highly intelligent in an era when women were expected to be stupid. When mem treat her like an idiot, she tends to reciprocate in kind. When she is in the company of men who don't patronize her, she meets them as equals... which doesn't mean she doesn't argue with them, just that the arguements aren't one sided. I greatly enjoyed the Egyptology involved in the books, the more so since Peters has a degree (can't remember if it's masters or doctoral) in Egyptology. She is also Barbara Michaels, many of who's books are also available here, if you prefer a contemporary setting. light fiction that doesn't insult reader Thank you, Audible, for the "addictive series" starter sale! I had given up on finding a series of light historical fiction to leaven my listening diet after trying many, including Stephanie Barron, Lauren Willing, Ken Follett, Amanda Quick, etc. In those cases, one was enough, and in other cases, books were either painfully written with boring charaters; others approached softcore porn. $4.95 tempted me to try again--to me, Amelia Peabody is a winner. Although the plot was predictable, "Croc on the Sandbank" had good dialogue with, as advertised, an "indomitable" heroine. Both features are strong enough to make a listener smile and escape 21st century for a few hours respite. It's not primarily a "whodunnit" as much as Mary Poppins for adults.

Long Way Gone Audiobook by Charles Martin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Charles Martin) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 09:22:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Long Way Gone Author: Charles Martin Narrator: Adam Verner Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-16 Publisher: Zondervan Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 317 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: "No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home." At the age of 18, musician and songwriter Cooper O'Connor took everything his father held dear and drove 1,200 miles from home to Nashville, his life riding on a six-string guitar and the bold wager that he had talent. But his wager soon proved foolish. Five years after losing everything, he falls in love with Daley Cross, an angelic voice in need of a song. But just as he realizes his love for Daley, Cooper faces a tragedy that threatens his life as well as his career. With nowhere else to go, he returns to his remote home in the Colorado mountains, searching for answers about his father and his faith. When Daley shows up on his street corner 20 years later, he wonders if it's too late to tell her the truth about his past - and if he is ready to face it. A radical retelling of the story of the prodigal son, Long Way Gone takes us from tent revivals to the Ryman Auditorium to the tender relationship between a broken man and the father who never stopped calling him home. Members Reviews: Charles Martin has really "let it out." This book is his best one ever in my opinion. And I have been greatly blessed by reading (listening) to all but a few of his works. It is hard for me the express my thoughts about a book by a man who expresses his so masterfully. I loved this book. And oh, the ending! Wow! To borrow the catch phrase of his characters, he "l e t i t o u t!" I wanted to say AMEN at the very end of his prologue. What a message of hope. Adam Verner did a masterful job in making the characters and events come alive. Superb job. Amazing The prodigal beautifully written... I pray this book will be read by the millions who, have at some point in their life, have done something, anything, from which they believe they cannot be forgiven! No gone is too far gone, for God. You are always welcome in His arms. Be blessed! Great read (and listen) Wonderful story. Exceptional narrator. Uplifting and encouraging. Lovely twist near the end. I would definitely recommend this book. EVER BEEN THE "PRODIGAL SON"? Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes. This is a great read as are all of Charles Martin's books. He paints a great picture all throughout and the reader feels like they are there with the characters! What other book might you compare Long Way Gone to and why? The Bible story of the Prodigal son and his return home. We all stray away, at times, from our parents or those who love us the most. The most important one being God! But, He is always standing there with His arms outstretched, ready to accept us back, no matter what we've done! Have you listened to any of Adam Verners other performances before? How does this one compare? I have read almost every one of Charles Martin's books. I loved this narrator and I'm sure he has been used before! Sounds like the same person....He's good! Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? It made me cry and it was such a love story in many ways. It was a little slow getting started but it was worth sticking in there until the middle-end.

The Magician's Assistant Audiobook by Ann Patchett

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ann Patchett) — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:48:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Magician's Assistant Author: Ann Patchett Narrator: Karen Ziemba Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 05-13-08 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1573 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Sabine is left to unravel his secrets, and the adventure she embarks upon, from sunny Los Angeles to the bitter windswept plains of Nebraska, will work its own magic on her. Sabine's extraordinary tale will capture the hearts of its listeners just as Sabine is captured by her quest. Critic Reviews: "The kindliness of The Magician's Assistant is beguiling, and Patchett is an adroit, graceful writer. . . she is especially practiced at the razzle-dazzle of odd juxtapositions." (New York Times Book Review) "A saga of redemption tenderly and terrifically told." (Kirkus Reviews) Members Reviews: Patchett Has It This book will delight and entertain but ultimately enlighten the reader with its detailed introspection, empathy and surprising revelations. Patchett excels at what some critics call "odd pairings" but I regard this novel as a full demonstration of what this author has to say about learning from unexpected sources, and an implied caution against what I would call "contempt prior to investigation". In other words, you never know who your next teacher will be. I have read most of Patchett's work, including her interview and her Sarah Lawrence commencement address, and she never fails to deliver in narrative skill, characterization and insight. Can't wait for the next one! Stellar writing and narration-Pachett is a winner Ann Pachett, an author who is new to me, has written another wonderful, introspective novel which I found so enjoyable I dedicated a couple of days to listening instead of multi-tasking, which is my usual way of listening to audio books. I've only heard 2 of her novels-this and "Bel Canto" and, IMO, both are 5 star listen...I don't give out a lot of 5 stars because I think it takes a really unique book and reader combo to rate that high of a score. I've read some of the other reviews and, apparently, Pachett's writing does not apppeal to everyone. She is not an action oriented writer, instead she develops her characters fully and spends time weaving their inner thoughts, and dreams in the case of this story, with the plot. And, this plot is somewhat unusual in that one of the main protagonists is already dead and comes to the primary character in her dreams. It's a great interplay between living person and dream person. Additionally the personal relationships ae unusual. Still this story really pulled me in and kept me enthralled and I suspect I will be listening again to it soon. The story line is not complex, for anyone who has lost a loved one to unexpected death the feelings of the main protagonist will be familiar. The numb and vacant and feeling unwilling to get out are typical of a woman dealing with death of her husband. Pachett delves deeply into these feelings and those of husbands family, which she had never met until after husbands death. Additionally, the marriage is truly unique and requires the listener to understand that not all relationships are the same. I recommend the novel for those who don't need scary excitement in everything they read..this book is literature rather than a typical mass market book that gives thrills and chills.

The Sea Keeper's Daughters Audiobook by Lisa Wingate

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lisa Wingate) — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:06:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Sea Keeper's Daughters Author: Lisa Wingate Narrator: Kate Forbes Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 09-09-15 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 227 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt's WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny. Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina's Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at the Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney's estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney's only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a Depression-era love story change everything? Members Reviews: Underdeveloped I so very much wanted to like this book. The premise had me hooked. The underdeveloped characters and storyline left it flat, and I struggled to stay engaged. The main character, while seemly motivated by circumstance, simply seems to sleepwalk through her life, including a romance with a "hero" who is selfish and quick to believe the worst about his new found love interest. Even the characters in the 1930's and the antagonists lack any sort of personality. Motivation for behavior and actions aren't explained, like why a sister would destroy letters without reading them, and why the other sister would continue writing for years after she never receives any responses. One of many implausibilities. Finally, it takes a lot for me to dislike a narrator. I can count twice in hundreds of audio books that I've been disappointed in one....and this book is one of those two. She sounds VERY mature. As in elderly, and the heroine is in early 30's. That and her inflection is very often "off", placing emphasis in the wrong parts of the narrative. Extremely off-putting. boring I read "before we were yours " and loved it! so I tried this one.. I thought the story and the reader were boring.. it finally caught my interest around chapter 16. it ended better and did arouse my interest in the malungeons .. I didn't know about them and will read more about them. loved this as much as the last by Lisa... Can't wait to get another! I love her very real, interesting, and imperfect characters. Their struggles and spiritual growth nudge my own journey toward growing ever closer to God. Wow! What an ending! I have enjoyed this series from the beginning to the end. The author does a great job of working history and mystery and suspense and spirituality into her stories. I will definitely read more from this author. an excellent book I really enjoyed this book. The narrator was fine, but the story was excellent. I am so glad I bought this book. It kept my attention all the way through. I don't know if there is or will be another book to follow this one, but I hope so. Would like to follow up with some of the characters, especially Grandpa. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend this book to anyone. And there is romance but not the sleasy sex that some authors seem to feel is necessary. It kept me going to the very end, following family through generations back when there was so much prejudice even with Indians, black folks and white folks! you will follow one family as they came to this country.

The Strawberry Hearts Diner Audiobook by Carolyn Brown

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Carolyn Brown) — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:46:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Strawberry Hearts Diner Author: Carolyn Brown Narrator: Brittany Pressley Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 07-18-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 631 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Being broke, unemployed, and stranded back in the tiny town of Pick, Texas, was not part of Jancy Wilson's plan. Yet here she is, watching her car literally go up in smoke - along with her last-ditch hope of staying with her cousin in Louisiana. When Jancy spies a Help Wanted sign hanging in the window of the quaint Strawberry Hearts Diner, the memories of the two years she spent there as a teenager - and the lure of the diner's beloved strawberry tarts - are enough to draw her in and plant her feet...but only temporarily. Raised by parents who refused to settle anywhere for long, Jancy has never known what it is to have roots. Now that Jancy's swept up by the warmth and character of this quirky little community - and by the pull of an old crush - it's beginning to feel like home. She's making friends and even discovering the sweetness of falling in love. But when the town is threatened, Jancy knows it will take more than its legendary tarts to save it. Can she fight for this little Texas town - knowing she might not stay forever? Members Reviews: Witty, Worthy, Wise and Wonderful Women Jancy, Vicky, Nettie and Emily . . . young, old, seasoned and not . . . all together working side by side at the Strawberry Hearts Diner . . . .cooking, laughing and crying together . . . each one with a story . . . one so afraid of putting down any roots . . . so afraid of letting herself hope . . . until two women were brave enough to take her under their wings . . . and share their home, their diner and their souls with her . . . I love Carolyn Brown's books . . . I can count on real down-to-earth stories about common folks facing the same kinds of troubles that come to us all . . . and I get to mourn with them, grow with them and celebrate with them . . . I am never disappointed . . . I wish there was a sequel to the Strawberry Hearts Diner . . . because I really need to know about the next chapter in these four amazing women's lives . . . 5 The Strawberry Hearts Diner Stars I dont know what I expected when I picked up this book but I am go glad I did. Jancy finds herself right where she needs to be, and surrounded by people who just want to help her. But she needs to find this out on her own. Nettie and Vicky own The Strawberry Hearts Diner and when Jancy needs a job they are more than happy to let her in. I think they needed her as much as she needed them and Vickys daughter Emily comes home she and Jancy become fast friends. Now I dont normally like to summarize my reviews anymore but I just loved the small town the diner and the friends Jancy meets along the way. Its more of a tale of how all these women find what they need. And yes sometimes that means romance but not always. I just had the warm fuzzes throughout this whole book and I want everyone to give it a chance. Now there might not be descriptive loven time.. But you know when its happening and sometimes thats totally ok in a romance book. I very much enjoyed the narration too. I was exactly what this book needed. *You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.* Enjoyable narration, horrible story Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? No, I would not. The main character is a flat, incredibly annoying, self pitying Mary Sue character with no depth.

Worthy Audiobook by Catherine Ryan Hyde

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Catherine Ryan Hyde) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 01:56:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Worthy Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde Narrator: Nick Podehl, Tanya Eby Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 06-02-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 717 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: They might've been a family. Virginia finally had the chance to explore a relationship with Aaron when he asked her on a date. She had been waiting, hoping that the widower and his young son, Buddy, would welcome her into their lives. But a terrible tragedy strikes on the night of their first kiss, crushing their hopes for a future together. Nineteen years later, Virginia is engaged, though she has not forgotten Aaron or Buddy. When her dog goes missing and it comes to light that her fiancé set him loose, a distraught Virginia breaks off the engagement and is alone once again. A shy young man has found the missing pet, and although he's bonded with the animal, he answers his conscience and returns the dog. Before long, Virginia and the young man discover a connection from their pasts that will help them let go of painful memories and change their lives forever. Members Reviews: Just What You'd Expect The author has a predictable formula; some weird, quirky, good-hearted people, most of whom are just getting by, one or two steps above the Tom Joabs of the world come to a crossroads in their lives. Initially they fight the inevitable and each other; then they come together realizing that connection is not just what makes not just happier; but what makes us human. In this case it the presence of a dog and the memory of a man special to them both that brings a fifty six year old woman and a twenty three year old man together. This isn't a cougar and the kid romance story. It is a fictional rendition of two battered but not broken people who find love where they least expected it. A boy who has no memory of ever having had a mother, finds one; and a woman finds the boy she had once planned on being a stepmother to. Despite the summary that might give the impression that she is so formulaic that she's just phoning it in most of her books receive five star ratings form our little group. The characters become almost human to the reader/ listener. She has no one dimensional, and very few two dimensional characters; the main characters especially are nuanced three dimensional to the point that you can imagine talking to and interacting with them. Catherine Ryan Hyde is an author in the tradition of John Steinbeck; bringing to life the type of people we see everyday and do not notice. Perhaps these characters are us; in any case her books are very good listening experiences. Heartwarming stroy This story is heart warming to listen to and very well presented by the readers. It is one of those books that makes me sad when it is finished as I will miss the characters. Highly recommended especially to dog lovers. Sweet This is such a sweet story. I found that it touch my heart. The unlikely journey that the reader takes with these characters is well worth the ride. When Fur Fills the Hollow Places . . . A sweet and redeeming story of how a dog can bring healing . . . a dog doesn't ask questions, make demands, get mad when you cry . . . the story starts out with loss . . . almost more loss than a person should have to endure . . . I was rooting for it to go another way . . . but it didn't . . . just like life sometimes . . . you play the hand that is dealt you . . . you suck it up and go on . . . but you NEVER lose hope . . . and that's what I always like best about Catherine Ryan Hyde's books . . . she gets that . . . love and hope endure, in unconventional, improbable ways . . .

Yours to Bare Audiobook by Jessica Hawkins

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jessica Hawkins) — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 23:43:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Yours to Bare Author: Jessica Hawkins Narrator: Andi Arndt, Sebastian York Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 07-13-17 Publisher: Jessica Hawkins Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 369 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: "The most provocative romance of the year" and a top 10 Amazon best seller. Yours to Bare can be enjoyed as a standalone, or as book two in the Slip of the Tongue Duet. Finn No matter how cruel it's been to me in the past, I've never been able to flip fate the bird. I'm a romantic at heart. So when fate drops a leather-bound journal at my feet, I know I should walk away. I don't. I pick her up, bend her spine, spread her pages. From the first word, I'm a goner. The owner didn't give me access to her most intimate desires, but I devour them anyway. Her private darkness, her candid, sensual poetry - it all goes down like warm milk. And from that point forward, I drink, eat, and sleep her. Halston I went to his apartment and let him take my picture. Just once, to see how it would feel. I'm not his to look at, to inspire, to touch, but when he watches me through his lens, it gives me a high I don't want to come down from... My journal is the one place I can be myself - as long as I can tie it up and put it away when I'm finished. But when Finn undoes the bow, he pulls strings that could unravel each of us. Members Reviews: Yours to Bare Is Mine to Love . Finn has chosen to leave his unhappy existence. He is living with the mother of his child, a wealthy woman to whom everything is measured by material things. He doesn't love her nor the secure, high paying career. Instead he is trying to make it on his own as a photographer. This is a ruthless, challenging career. But it makes him happy However, he is waiting for his career to take off. Halston has had a rough time of it. Her very rich family fell apart when her mom died in a car accident. She was inconsolable so her dad sends her to an institution and she is on antidepressants from age 15. Now she works at her dad's bank, lives with a man who her father chose for her and is existing, not living. Her only outlet is journaling. This is where she writes her fantasies along with her daily activities. One day Finn discovers a journal at the coffee shop he frequents. He knows he should turn it in, but is attached to it before he can do so. He takes it home and begins to read the very intimate thoughts that a stranger has written. He is inspired and set on finding the author to return it or more? I don't know why so many of the reviewers dislike Finn. He is a very patient guy, especially as Halston starts to unwind. Andi Arndt and Sebastian York are so talented. Sebastian York has a deep sexy voice, perfect for Finn. Andi Arndt performs Halston without flaw. I especially enjoy her narration of male characters soft and husky. 5 stars across the board Be aware that this book contains strong language and mature themes/situations Don't quote me on this, but I believe there are three standalone books. Each of the books focus on one [different] couple and mentions the other characters in a peripheral manner. When I listened again I will listen to the three back-to-back to enjoy the full richness of the friendships, as well as the main focus of each [standalone book] couple and their relationship. In order the titles are: SLIP OF THE TONGUE THE FIRST TASTE YOURS TO BARE If you found my review helpful, which you choose option yes below? I also invite you to follow me here on Audible. Thanks! The story is a disappointment! As much as I enjoyed First Taste, I was turned off by the character Halston.

The Sicilian Audiobook by Mario Puzo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mario Puzo) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:17:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Sicilian Author: Mario Puzo Narrator: full cast Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 09-11-09 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 375 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Michael Corleone is returning to the U.S. after the two-year exile to Sicily in which listeners left him in The Godfather. But he is ordered to bring with him the young Sicilian bandit, Salvatore Guiliano, who is the unofficial ruler of northwestern Sicily. In his fight "to make Sicilians free people", the young folk hero, based on the real-life Giuliano of the 1940s, has made both the police and the Mafia his enemies. So when Don Croce Malo, chief of the Sicilian Mafia, and the policemen who has been tracking Guiliano each offer to help Corleone find the elusive Robin Hood, betrayal seems inevitable. Mario Puzo has created a sequel to The Godfather that is every bit as compelling and dramatic. But The Sicilian is a distinct literary achievement in its historical inspiration and its vivid portrait of Sicilian peasant life. ©2001 Mario Puzo; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc. Members Reviews: A side story Sometimes referred as the second in a series by Puzo on the Corleone family, this is really more of a side story. The entire story takes place in Sicily. The main story is about a bandit Salvatore Guiliano who attempts to be a 1940's Robin Hood. It is also a history of Italy, Sicily and the Mafia. I always wondered how such an organization ever got started and this book explains in detail how and why. The book details how Italy throughout history was conquered, ill treated and terribly governed by the corrupt. Through reading this book you will easily see how the Mafia got started but also how the Mafia itself grew in power and became another corrupt government, so that the poor peasants of Italy had not one but two masters to answer too. I am glad I read this for the historical aspect alone. As far as entertainment value, it is a little boring for the first four chapters, picks up real well in the middle and then gets monotonous toward the end. The story about the bandit is riveting and a fun listen, but there are several parts of the book dedicated to dry history lessons and politics. This is no where near as entertaining as The Godfather, but I was glad I bought it. The Godfather is a hard value to beat. Narration too fast Would you try another book from Mario Puzo and/or Larry Brandenburg, Jane Brody, Walter Brody, Charl? I am a Mario Puzo fan and have "read" most of his books, I did not especially like the main narrator. It felt like he drank a pot of coffee and just started reading really fast. The character narrators were great however. I even tried to slow down my ipod, but it got weird. Who was your favorite character and why? Tore Guilliano of coarse. What didnt you like about Larry Brandenburg, Jane Brody, Walter Brody, Charls performance? Main narrator reads too fast, too little inflection in his voice. Was The Sicilian worth the listening time? Yes Any additional comments? Good book overall and what I expected, other narrators have done a much better job at bringing the characters and story alive with Mario Puzo's stories, I would suggest sampling before purchasing. Really bad. What disappointed you about The Sicilian? Ok , I thought this was the second Godfather. It obviously isn't. The narrator talks so fast I could hardly keep up.

Winter Stroll Audiobook by Elin Hilderbrand

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elin Hilderbrand) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:37:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Winter Stroll Author: Elin Hilderbrand Narrator: Erin Bennett Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 10-13-15 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 329 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: The Quinn family celebrates their most dramatic Christmas yet in this enchanting sequel to Elin Hilderbrand's best-selling Winter Street. Christmas on Nantucket finds Winter Street Inn owner Kelley Quinn and his family busily preparing for the holiday season. Though the year has brought tragedy, the Quinns have much to celebrate: Kelley has reunited with his first wife, Margaret; Kevin and Isabelle have a new baby; and Ava is finally dating a nice guy. But when Kelley's estranged wife, Mitzi, shows up on the island along with Kevin's devious ex-wife, Norah, and a dangerously irresistible old fling of Ava's, the inn is suddenly overrun with romantic feuds, not to mention guests. With jealousy, passion, and eggnog consumption at an all-time high, it's going to take a whole lot more than a Christmas miracle to get the Quinns - and the inn - through the holidays intact. Members Reviews: I can't wait for the next one Love Nantucket now and this family. I think I would like to hear what they are up to forever. keep the books coming. Hilderbrand is brilliant! Where does Winter Stroll rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? I love all of Hilderbrand's stories, but this one was really great. Rarely is a sequel as good as the first, but this one is! Well thought out plot and details. What does Erin Bennett bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Really got a feel for the characters. She did a great job! Great Story, highly recommend Elin Hilderbrand is really good at characterizations and making us care for each character as people who might be your friends. I didn't want it to end. I read the one prior, but this is easily a stand alone. I hope she writes another and soon. I want to know what happens to all of them in particular two characters. Perfect for a 3 hour drive one way. Nice book I have been enjoying Elin's books on my 20 min drive to and from work. Elin never disappoints So far this series is as interesting as Elins other work. It is however frustrating that each book in this series is so short - yet full priced. It seems that it could be 2 books instead of 4.

Survivor Audiobook by Chuck Palahniuk

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chuck Palahniuk) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 03:40:60 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Survivor Author: Chuck Palahniuk Narrator: Paul Garcia Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 10-25-06 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1701 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: This is author Chuck Palahniuk at his deadpan peak, a mesmerizing, unnerving, and hilarious satire on the wages of fame and the bedrock lunacy of the modern world. Critic Reviews: "A perfect comment on our apocalypse-fixated times." (Spin) "Brilliantly satiric and savagely funny." (San Francisco Chronicle) "Mordant....One's sympathy for the improbably doomed hero is fully engaged." (New Yorker) Members Reviews: Sucks you in When this book started I wasn't sure of what to make of the depressed, monotone delivery of Tender Branson's autobiography, but it quickly drew me in. Despite the fact that you know things aren't going to ending well, it just draws you in to see exactly how they got this bad. Tender follows a narrow line of puppy-dog-lost and sociopath -- but Palahniuk had me routing for this anti-hero, right up to the end. If you are looking for shiny happy people, this isn't your choice. But looking for flawed and funny people this book delivers and was a great 'listen', although I felt a little Schadenfreude about it :-) Whew...It's Over. Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Mr. Palahniuk has a style of writing that I would describe as a rollercoaster ride. While some of his stories are fast paced, exciting and fun; this ride left me drained and feeling queasy. When the narration was over, I was happy to lift the safety bar and leave. Your experience may be different though. What could Chuck Palahniuk have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you? Enjoyable? There are some quirky, insightful points of view in the story. However, I don't see how this book could ever come off as an enjoyable read. Have you listened to any of Paul Garcias other performances before? How does this one compare? Paul Garcia, is a great narrator with a wide range of voices. He is good. His narration was what got me through to the end. I will search for other performances/narrations by him. Could you see Survivor being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? Sadly, yes. There is a character in this book called the Agent. I can see a Hollywood "Agent" type turning this book into some superficial CGI. There would be some irony there. Any additional comments? I hope this review is helpful. I admit that I am not an English Lit major and don't know much about tropes or styles of writing. Ive listened to the finish and this review is really, just one guy's opinion. Read all the reviews and decide if you want to jump in the pool. What the heck, go ahead and listen to it. Then, figure out if you went into the deep end or the shallow end of the pool. You might like it. - I dare you. Clues to a mystery... The thing that I've always liked about Chuck P's books is that they are generally less about story and more about odd coincidence. In answering one burning question about a character, he generally opens about ten new mysteries, and that makes his work really compelling. This book is no different, though I felt it dragged a bit in the last quarter. Still, he's never predictable, always surprising, and often disturbing -- a trio of characteristics that keep me coming back for more. If you travel through a Chuck P novel without running across an image that sticks with you for the rest of your life, then you're probably dead from the belly button both directions. One. Messed. Up.

Second Glance Audiobook by Jodi Picoult

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jodi Picoult) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:53:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Second Glance Subtitle: A Novel Author: Jodi Picoult Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 03-29-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 427 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: "Sometimes I wonder.... Can a ghost find you if she wants to?" An intricate tale of love, haunting memories, and renewal, Second Glance begins in current-day Vermont, where an old man puts a piece of land up for sale and unintentionally raises protest from the local Abenaki Indian tribe, who insist it's a burial ground. When odd, supernatural events plague the town of Comtosook, a ghost hunter is hired by the developer to help convince the residents that there's nothing spiritual about the property. Enter Ross Wakeman, a suicidal drifter who has put himself in mortal danger time and again. He's driven his car off a bridge into a lake. He's been mugged in New York City and struck by lightning in a calm country field. Yet despite his best efforts, life clings to him and pulls him ever deeper into the empty existence he cannot bear since his fiancée's death in a car crash eight years ago. Ross now lives only for the moment he might once again encounter the woman he loves. But in Comtosook, the only discovery Ross can lay claim to is that of Lia Beaumont, a skittish, mysterious woman who, like Ross, is on a search for something beyond the boundary separating life and death. Thus begins Jodi Picoult's enthralling and ultimately astonishing story of love, fate, and a crime of passion. Hailed by critics as a "master" storyteller (Washington Post), Picoult once again "pushes herself, and consequently the reader, to think about the unthinkable" (Denver Post). Second Glance, her eeriest and most engrossing work yet, delves into a virtually unknown chapter of American history - Vermont's eugenics project of the 1920s and '30s - to provide a compelling study of the things that come back to haunt us - literally and figuratively. Do we love across time or in spite of it? Members Reviews: Almost like reading Stephen King I have always enjoyed Jodi Picoult's books, but this is the first one that made me forget it was her writing and not my favorite author, Stephen King. Great story! I didn't want it to end. Fabulous! My favorite book of all time, next to To Kill a Mockingbird. I've listened to it 3 times. Hard to follow I've read almost every book this author has published and this was my least favorite. So many characters and story lines I found myself dreading to open it back up again but I kept hoping it would get better. Somehow it never did. Very disappointing. Unexpectedly fantastic This isn't the type of story that I usually read. I got it because I love the author's other works. It was absorbing and fantastic. I got completely involved in the characters and in the story. The ending was satisfying and even a little surprising. Every time I thought I knew what the story was about, there was a captivating twist. Well done. Her best Couldn't put it down. This was one of her best. I was even introduced to a history that I never knew about.

The Daybreakers Audiobook by Louis L'Amour

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Louis L'Amour) — Fri, 26 Jan 2001 17:26:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Daybreakers Subtitle: The Sacketts, Book 6 Author: Louis L'Amour Narrator: David Strathairn Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 01-26-01 Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 648 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: "Ride with the law, never against it." You had to push to start a fight with Orrin Sackett, but not with his brother, Tyrel. Tye had been born to trouble, and the night he stepped between his brother and a bullet changed the course of both their lives forever. Now their trail pointed west, to Santa Fe, a frontier town on the edge of violence - but justice had to come before putting down roots in a lawless land. Orrin took on the job of marshal, while Tye commanded fear and respect even without a badge. But when a loose end from their past turned up, one brother was forced to revert to his old ways - if the other's dreams were to be realized... Members Reviews: Very enjoyable story I really enjoyed this story and the growth of two brothers from the backwoods who each created a new life for themselves. Didn't want to stop listening. Louie La'Amour is awesome. Another Great Louis L'Amour Western Yarn The Daybreakers is another one of L'Amour's Sackett saga titles -- it is just a terrific read, in my opinion. Covering a family's exodus from Appalachia to the wild west -- history, adventure and excitement abound. I couldn't put this one down -- I had to listen straight through. I believe that the Sackett novels are the apogee of L'Amour's writings. I hope Audible gets more of this series in it's inventory. Great Vacation Audio Book I took this audio book on a vacation with my son and two nephews to Colorado and Arizona last year. It was great - they got caught up in the story and we even discussed the book several times at dinner. I'm not a prude but I don't want the boys listening to an audio book with cursing or inappropriate attitudes. This book was perfect and I was confident that its content would be appropriate for children. The Daybreakers straddles the lines between generations - it was exciting enough to hold my husband, my mother and my interest while thoroughly engaging the boys. True Enjoyment Louis L'Amour kept my attention; not if but when something would happen to a Sackett. Truely an enjoyable and easy listen. Introducing the Sackett Family As the title would indicate this is the first novel in which the main characters are L'Amour's iconic Sackett Family. Tyrel kills the last male member of the Higgins clan; with whom the Sacketts have been feuding for a generation or two. It was 'a good shooting' but Tyrel avoids being arrested or killing the lawman who'd come after him. He finds a cow camp in Arkansas and his older brother Orrin finds him and the two of them become the central characters in a rare original piece of Western fiction by the author. Perhaps that's the reason this is one of the books that stand out in the 100 or so he authored. It was perhaps the forerunner of some of his coming-of-age in the Western genre that preceded the later works like Lonesome Gods, Bendigo Shafter, and the Comstock Lode. A good listen if you like the genre.

The Welcome Home Diner Audiobook by Peggy Lampman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Peggy Lampman) — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 17:19:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Welcome Home Diner Subtitle: A Novel Author: Peggy Lampman Narrator: Angela Dawe Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 10-10-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Betting on the city of Detroit's eventual comeback, cousins Addie and Samantha decide to risk it all on an affordable new house and a culinary career that starts with renovating a vintage diner in a depressed area of town. There's just one little snag in their vision. Angus, a weary, beloved local, is strongly opposed to his neighborhood's gentrification - and his concerns reflect the suspicion of the community. Shocked by their reception, Addie and Samantha begin to have second thoughts. As the long hours, problematic love interests, and underhanded pressures mount, the two women find themselves increasingly at odds, and soon their problems threaten everything they've worked for. If they are going to realize their dreams, Addie and Samantha must focus on rebuilding their relationship. But will the neighborhood open their hearts to welcome them home? Members Reviews: 3 stars for storyline 0 for performance It's an alright story so far, I'm not far along in the book but that's primarily due to the "performance of it". The speaker is very difficult to listen to for long periods of time. Many of the characters she voices have a high, nasally voice. If you're interested in the story itself I suggest buying the book or look for a version by someone else.

The Right Time Audiobook by Danielle Steel

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Danielle Steel) — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 10:53:41 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Right Time Author: Danielle Steel Narrator: Victor Bevine Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 09-18-17 Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 25 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: As Alexandra Winslow climbs the ladder of publishing success, she resolutely adheres to her father's caution: men only read crime thrillers written by men. She publishes under the pseudonym of brilliantly successful Alexander Green, her true identity known only to those closest to her. This creates an isolating double life, but the right time to open up always seems just out of reach and the price of the truth always too high.... Members Reviews: It was a good book. Easy read. I liked it a lot. It was a very easy listen and story to follow. Danielle knows how to write a great love story. She doesn't disappoint too often.

1984 [Spanish Edition] Audio Libro por George Orwell

biacuaduc@gmail.com (George Orwell) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 15:39:46 GMT

Escuche este audio libro completo gratis en https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> Título: 1984 [Spanish Edition] Autor: George Orwell Narrador: Arturo López Formato: Unabridged Duración: 10 hrs and 44 mins Idioma: Español Fecha de publicación: 12-07-15 Editor: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, S. A. U. Calificaciones: 4.5 de 5 de 149 votos Categorías: Fiction, Contemporary Resumen del editor: En el año 1984 Londres es una ciudad lúgubre en la que la Policía del Pensamiento controla de forma asfixiante la vida de los ciudadanos. Winston Smith es un peón de este engranaje perverso y su cometido es reescribir la historia para adaptarla a lo que el Partido considera la versión oficial de los hechos. Hasta que decide replantearse la verdad del sistema que los gobierna y somete. Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Crítica Comentarios: "Aquí ya no estamos solo ante lo que habitualmente reconocemos como "literatura" e identificamos con la buena escritura. Aquí estamos, repito, ante energía visionaria. Y no todas las visiones se refieren al futuro, o al Más Allá." (Umberto Eco) Opiniones de los miembros: Qué tremendo librazo. Qué buen libro resultó. Y qué elegancia de traducción. Sabía que el libro era famoso y, por cultura general, como todo el mundo, sabía de qué se trataba. Pero no me imaginé que fuera tan bueno. Muy buen audiolibro Es una narración impecable y muy bien actuada. Es uno de los mejores audiolibros que he escuchado. The truth about reality I love this book, it provides you with an explanation of the past, the present and the future. You will be a total different person after this and will think twice before shortening words and write TGIF instead of, thanks God it is Friday. Excelente en todo sentido Excelente en todo sentido, sobre todo la voz del narrador, su tono, ritmo y cadencia Perturbador Donde empiezan tus pensamientos propios y donde terminan los del partido? Donde empieza la historia prefabricada y donde empieza la verdad? Entra a un mundo donde tu mente no te pertenece y es solo una herramienta mas de control.

Ask Him Why Audiobook by Catherine Ryan Hyde

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Catherine Ryan Hyde) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 04:58:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Ask Him Why Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde Narrator: Amy McFadden, Nick Podehl, Scott Merriman Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 12-15-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1460 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: From the bestselling author of Pay It Forward comes the stunning and emotional story of a young soldier's unthinkable act...and the bonds of a sister and brother's love. Ruth and her little brother, Aubrey, are just teenagers when their older brother ships off to Iraq. When Joseph returns, uninjured, only three and a half months later, Ruth is happy he is safe but also deeply worried. How can it be that her courageous big brother has been dishonorably discharged for refusing to go out on duty? Aubrey can't believe that his hero doesn't have very good reasons. Yet as the horrifying details of the incident emerge, Joseph disappears. In their attempts to find him, Ruth and Aubrey discover he has a past far darker than either of them could imagine. But even as they learn more about their brother, important questions remain unanswered - why did he betray his unit, his country, and now his family? Joseph's refusal to speak ignites a fire in young Aubrey that results in a disastrous, and public, act of rebellion. The impact of Joseph's fateful decision one night in Baghdad will echo for years to come, with his siblings caught between their love for him and the media's engulfing frenzy of judgment. Will their family ever make their way back to each other and find a way to forgive? Members Reviews: ask him why? I loved the story and the reading and performance of it. a story of a broken family and growing up believing one thing and finding out things are not what they seemed to be. it is about helping someone , helping yourself and growing up. learning you can love imperfect people because we are all imperfect . also that there are angels among us. loved this book would make a wonder movie . I am a fan for life. An amazing book for the doubtful This is a beautiful look into the lives of the hurting. Of being saved when you didn't think anyone cared to save you. I very much so enjoyed every moment and it ended in the most important way. Well done Catherine Ryan Hyde. And thank you. Fabulous! Great story. Loved the characters. Had the audio version and got so much housework done as I couldn't stop listening! My favorite character was Ruth. I loved the articulation of her observations. Truely enjoyed, one of the best books and performa loved it one of the best ever. great performance, made the characters come alive could recommend to anyone Outstanding story of war, family, & forgiveness. There are plenty of detailed reviews that describe the storyline, but I would like to emphasize the many ways in which human nature is portrayed. This book IMO, was on par with "The Kite Runner" & other similar books about the complexities of human emotions. Again, outstanding!

Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good Audiobook by Jan Karon

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jan Karon) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 02:46:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good Subtitle: Mitford Years, Book 10 Author: Jan Karon Narrator: John McDonough Format: Unabridged Length: 17 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 09-02-14 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 965 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: A publishing event: number-one New York Times best-selling author Jan Karon returns and invites her millions of fans to join her again in Mitford. After five hectic years of retirement from Lord's Chapel, Father Tim Kavanagh returns with his wife, Cynthia, from a so-called pleasure trip to the land of his Irish ancestors. While glad to be at home in Mitford, something is definitely missing: a pulpit. But when he's offered one, he decides he doesn't want it. Maybe he's lost his passion. His adopted son, Dooley, wrestles with his own passion - for the beautiful and gifted Lace Turner, and his vision to become a successful country vet. Dooley's brother, Sammy, still enraged by his mother's abandonment, destroys one of Father Tim's prized possessions. And Hope Murphy, owner of Happy Endings bookstore, struggles with the potential loss of her unborn child and her hard-won business. All this as Wanda's Feel Good Cafe opens, a romance catches fire through an Internet word game, their former mayor hatches a reelection campaign to throw the bums out, and the weekly Muse poses a probing inquiry: Does Mitford still take care of its own? Millions of fans will applaud the chance to spend time, once more, in the often comic and utterly human presence of Jan Karon's characters. Indeed, they have never been more sympathetic, bighearted, and engaging. Members Reviews: Mitford Changes With The Times Let me start by saying that I have loved the books in the Mitford series and anticipated this book--# 10 with great excitement-- counting the days until it was released on Audible. The idea of having a new book from Jan Karon and John McDonough returning as narrator was wonderful. That said-- I had some issues and concerns that I need to address in this review. First, it is important to note that this book actually comes after the two books in the Father Tim series rather than after book 9 in the Mitford series. It is best to listen to books 1 through 9 from Mitford and then move on to Home in Holly Springs and In the Company of Others BEFORE listening to this book --#10. There are a great deal of plot spoilers in this book about all of the other books. The Father Tim books will be ruined if you skip them now and read them later--even though they are a different series. Further, there is a great deal of rehashing and retelling of old stories from previous books. This is more than a short, plot based reintroduction of characters and an occasional revisit to prior events. The first five chapters (at least) all seemed to be retelling--and as such--very repetitive and almost boring after a while. Most people who have read and loved these books know the characters well and don't need all the reminders and back stories. My biggest concern was that one of the reasons many readers love the series is the wonderful positivity, wacky humor, friendliness of the community and the sense of connectedness the books embrace. In the past the characters were very kind to each other, often turning neighbors into family. With this installment there is an edginess and a feeling of discontent in the town. Mitford seems to have moved fully into the modern world and with all these changes comes all the negative draw backs as well. The tone of this installment was much darker and harsher. Everyone seems to be suffering and/or in some sort of trouble or conflict.

Dubliners (Harper Audio Edition) Audiobook by James Joyce

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Joyce) — Fri, 31 Mar 2000 02:09:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Dubliners (Harper Audio Edition) Author: James Joyce Narrator: Frank McCourt, Patrick McCabe Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 03-31-00 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 173 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: James Joyce revolutionized twentieth-century writing with his "stream of consciousness" technique. While ingeniously innovative and experimental, he was also a keenly precise chronicler of the people, places, and sounds of his native Dublin. In Dubliners, a cast of 15 internationally famous stage and screen actors perform stories that make up a brilliant journey over a human landscape that captures the bleakest of despair to the most blinding of epiphanies. First published in 1914, the stories are as cogent and accessible as they are memorably touching. Both the spiritually deadening atmosphere that drove Joyce from his homeland and the irresistible emotional pull it kept on him to the end of his days become heartbreakingly beautiful. Each time you listen, the stories will become resonantly deeper. (P) and ©2000 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., All Rights Reserved Members Reviews: Great Stories, Poor Performance I have read the Dubliners before and loved them, so I thought it would be fun to listen to them. The stories do not translate that well to an audio format. The stories are difficult to follow when read aloud, and the narration did not help at all. The reading is not done by professional audio book readers, and it makes such a difference. I had such a hard time, especially with some of the narrators as each story has a different narrator. It was especially difficult when there was dialogue because most of the narrators did not even really attempt distinct voices. I would definitely recommend reading these lovely stories; just avoid the audio book version. Excellent Dramatic Readings Joyce's stories are more like intense slices of life than traditional stories. The writing is, of course, masterful and the audio readings were the highest professional level. However, I found many of the stories themselves somewhat heavy, serious, and depressing. Irish voices reading Joyce Hearing Irish voices read James Joyce is a different experience from reading the stories on your own when you are not from Ireland. I highly recommend this! I think it was a great idea having a different reader for each story. The performances are top notch. Amazing! This was excellently narrated! It was an amazingly listening experience. I will definitely listen to it again. I dare you not to fall in love with Joyce! What did you like best about this story? Joyce's Dubliners are us, they're Everyman and Everywoman, alive in any time even though they are uniquely situated, of course, in early 20th century Dublin. Joyce's amazing characters come to life through the talented cast of actors and voices reading these timeless stories. What about Frank McCourt and Patrick McCabe s performance did you like? Their own lives and talents feel interspersed into Joyce's world and it was a pleasure to listen to them. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? The Dead, of course. It's mesmerizing.

White Noise Audiobook by Don DeLillo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Don DeLillo) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:43:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/352/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: White Noise Author: Don DeLillo Narrator: Michael Prichard Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 04-19-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 157 votes Genres: Fiction, Contemporary Publisher's Summary: Winner of the National Book Award, White Noise tells the story of Jack Gladney; his fourth wife, Babette; and four ultramodern offspring as they navigate the rocky passages of family life to the background babble of brand-name consumerism. When an industrial accident unleashes an "airborne toxic event", a lethal black chemical cloud floats over their lives. The menacing cloud is a more urgent and visible version of the "white noise" engulfing the Gladneys - radio transmissions, sirens, microwaves, ultrasonic appliances, and TV murmurings - pulsing with life yet suggesting something ominous. Members Reviews: Fear of death? The main character of this book is declassified and the reader uses no intonation. It was difficult to get through this one. Felt more like a book that should be discussed one chapter at a time with a group of philosophers. Narrator is superlative - danke Herr Prichard The combination of hard copy and audio copy brings the magic to White Noise. This book deserves a second read. Designed to be analyzed by an English class I read this because my daughter had to read it for a course. It is plodding and fairly predictable. It's like Jonathan Franzen's Corrections but without any humour. I realize, I'm reading Americana backwards, but the connections are apt anyway. The themes are fairly bluntly beaten over the head: fear of death, yep we're all going to die, loss of faith, etc. etc. The characters are cardboard caricatures without any apparent irony. Maybe DeLillo was first, but the schtick is so weary that it hardly seems worth the effort. The narration by Michael Prichard was just as plodding, thank goodness for the ability to listen at 1.5 speed on the Audible app. Awful narrator This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more? Awful narrator. Stilted, nasal voice. Ruined one of De Lillo's best books. Much better narrator on his new book Zero K. its okay the reader reads a little slow. I have the anniversarry edition and i was following along when i noticed the audio was missing a part from the hard copy of the book. three lines to be spesific on page 300