Showing posts with label Audiobooks. Show all posts

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Audiobook Review: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she’s been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who’s just entered hospice care. But there’s more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she’s not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it’s a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that’s just what Mrs. Kip will give her—but she’s going to have to work for it.

Having just finished this story a mere fifteen minutes ago, you'll forgive me the tears still pooling in my eyes. I know I'm a little late to the game on reading this one... it released in 2022 for goodness' sake, but oh, I've read it now, and it has skyrocketed to the top of my favorites list. I didn't know how much I needed a book like this. Not a romance. Not a suspense. Not any of the boxes I normally tick. Just connection across the generations. Getting to know Mrs. Kip has been such a moving experience. I can't properly put into words what it means to me... The biggest impression right now is that I am struggling to remind myself it was a novel, not a true biography. I feel that Mrs. Kip really lived and that I had just the briefest glance into her life and the blessing she was to others. How refreshing to read a book that deals so deftly with the dignity of the aged and dying, with the work that God still has for people who will be in heaven in days or hours. If I could bust out a sixth star on these ratings, now would be the time. Side note, the narrator on the audiobook was absolute perfection. Her voices and cadence captured the story as very few could.

Now, as I was accidentally MIA for a while (Oops... sorry, friends!) and possible missed the anniversary of the blog on March 17th (eek!), I have decided to do a giveaway now through April 15th. The winner will receive a paperback copy of The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip. Enter through the rafflecopter link below the picture.

Rafflecopter Link to Giveaway

Friday, January 19, 2024

Audiobook Review: Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham

Izzy Edgewood is a wannabe bookstore owner, quote queen, and Lord of the Rings nerd who has been waiting for Prince Charming to sweep her off her sneakered feet. But it’s hard to meet people when you spend more time with fictional humans than real ones. Which is why her pragmatist cousin Josephine decides to take Izzy’s future into her own meddling hands and create an online dating profile for the hopeful romantic.

To Izzy’s shock (and suspicion), Josie’s plan works. Soon, she’s dialoguing with a Hobbit-loving man named Brodie who lives in a small town an ocean away from her home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But is their shared love of books, family, and correspondence enough to overcome Izzy’s fear of flying and the literal distance between them? And is a long-distance relationship even worth considering when a local author has been frequenting the library where she works and is proving to be a perfectly fine gentleman?

I had only ever read Pepper's historical fiction, but when I saw that my reading challenge for the month was to read something from my state, well, I knew she was the only one who could give me the NC fix I needed! (Side note for Izzy, though, the Winston-Salem mall, really? Of all the malls?) Authentically Izzy is the perfect epistolary rom-com book I didn't know I needed. Poor Izzy, I identify with her so well. The bookish sort who finds social interactions mildly stressful unless the topic happens to be books- yep, that's me! (Although, Penelope does have my love for Julie Andrews... but I digress.) When I found the audiobook for this, I was delighted. And then, to discover it was dual narrated? Be still my heart! Watching Izzy and Brody's romance unfurl almost made me want to sign myself up for Heart2Heart, lol! And Luke! I am dying for Luke's book to come out! It's already on preorder. What a wonderful family, those Edgewoods! If you're looking for a great book to snuggle up with while waiting for the plows to clear the roads, and if you love obscure references to Andy Griffith episodes that you lowkey have memorized... May I suggest Authentically Izzy?

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Audiobook Review: When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other without any time passing. She has one conscious mind but two very different lives and bodies.

In colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the royal governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives—and any hope of love—are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing-room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about—women's suffrage—is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an undesirable English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe further complicates matters and forces her to make sacrifices she never imagined. On her 21st birthday, Libby must choose one path and forfeit the other forever—but how can she possibly choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

I can't believe that it took me until this week to discover this series! It is phenomenal. Also, fair warning, there may or may not be spoilers ahead. I'm not sure how to write this review without spoilers. I'll try... To begin with, the narrator was absolutely perfect. I'm super picky about narrators, and I'd just as soon turn off an audiobook rather than listen to someone who makes me crazy. The story itself? I couldn't get away from it. I listened in my free time, during my lunch break, late at night, doing dishes. The story had a grip on me that I just can't explain. Usually, I don't care too much for Revolutionary War settings, but this one was just lovely. It may have been Mama that made it so great. Even I didn't know how I wanted to story to end. And Henry... oh, Henry. This is where it might contain spoilers so just skip the rest if you don't want to know why I love Henry and also how I feel about the ending. Seriously, though, I thought. I had one flash of a thought about halfway through, and then I dismissed it. It was ludicrous. Except that it wasn't. And I also am amazed that somehow I went from only loving 1774 to slowly wanting more and more of 1914. It was marvelous craftmanship there. I want you to know that the last two chapters, I lay abed sobbing through the whole bit. I couldn't stop. It may be one of the most touching stories I have read this year. (And yes, I already read book 2. It is also amazing, but will get it's own review later. And yes, I have also pre-ordered book 3.) Highly highly highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction. One of the best uses of a dual timeline that I have ever seen.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Audiobook Review: The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

An ounce of courage. A leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life - one that's reimagined from what they might have become.

In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World's Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny - a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.

A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her arranged marriage. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.

When Rosamund's path crosses with Mable's and the Ringlings' glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, choosing instead the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers' circus.

A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster's Wife will escort listeners into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the Greatest Show on Earth!

Y'all, I haven't the words to express how much I loved this story. Since I spend at least an hour in the car each day, I've been listening to audiobooks during my commute. Let me tell you, this one was spot on. From a strictly audio perspective- The fact that this narrator swapped back and forth among accents (British, Irish, American, French, and Italian) so frequently and without missing a beat was completely bizarre and totally impressive. The story itself... the time jumping was well done. The romance was slow and sweet. The story was one that I cared about. The characters were dear to me. Seeing the parallels between the lives of Mable and Rosamund was *chef's kiss* because my nerdy heart was loving it. My one complaint is that I felt that the character of Mable was one that I really wanted to be attached to because the other characters were so attached to her, but her POV faded off towards the second half of the book. I would've loved to have her still be a strong voice in my head so I could know her as an old lady as well as I did her younger self. Overall, getting me into the circus vibe and making me want to reread all the circus books I've ever read. Recommended for lovers of the circus life, sweet romance, time slip, and the magician that is Kristy Cambron.

Saturday, October 7, 2023

CelebrateLit Tour: Review: The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella

About the Book

Book: The Looking-Glass Illusion

Author: Sara Ella

Genre: YA Retelling (or dystopian fantasy)

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

I haven't got enough words to say all the good things I think about this book. I could live in Wonderland forever. The characters... stunning! The relationships... intriguing. The betrayal... let's just say, OUCH! I was a little nervous about Chess getting his own narrator POV this time, but he honestly does add just a touch of pizzazz, and, as much as it pains me to say it, I liked it. The twists and turns in this book were phenomenal. This story has brought me to tears. I got to read an early copy this summer, and I was blown away. Sat in the common room and read until everyone started being too loud, then went to my room and read until my roommate turned the lights out on me. I could not put it down. Even after I finished it, I carried it in my bag with me to work for at least a week, because I just loved it so much. I recently got to listen to the audiobook, and let me tell you, it is amazing. Both narrators are spot on perfect for their parts. I highly, highly recommend this to all lovers of fantasy. (And go check out my "BOOK QUOTES" reel on Instagram to see some of my favorite quotes! There are so many. Alice speaks to me.) No, but honestly, I have the audiobook, the ebook, a copy for myself, a copy for my classroom, and a copy I'm sending to a friend.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a castle. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). Sara is the author of the Unblemished trilogy and Coral, a reimagining of The Little Mermaid that focuses on mental health. Her latest journey into the world of The Wonderland Trials feels like coming full circle after working for Disney. Sara loves fairy tales and Jesus, and she believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away.”

More from Sara

“Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.”

It’s my tagline for The Looking-Glass Illusion, but in truth, I had no idea what those words truly meant until I wrote the ending (and rewrote it several times).

I didn’t fully understand what the looking glass did or did not do—only that Alice had to step through it.

I didn’t know who or what the Jabberwock really was—only that Team Heart had to overcome it.

And I really couldn’t quite figure out this Ivory King character I had introduced in The Wonderland Trials—only that he was real, and that, somehow, the King would reveal himself in the end.

This is my process and it’s rather frustrating not to know what you’re up against. I wish I could outline and have all the answers ahead of time. I wish I knew every intricate detail about my stories. It would certainly make the writing life a lot easier. But I like to think the not-knowing part is God’s way of keeping me humble in all of this. Because I only discover the story and the true underlying theme of it all when He decides to reveal it to me.

So, in the name of revealing things, here are three truths God showed me through the process of writing The Looking-Glass Illusion.

Faith is not blind.

I think we can all remember the quote from The Santa Clause with Tim Allen that goes, “Seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.” It encompasses the idea that we don’t have to see in order to believe. And while I believe this is true, I also think if we say our faith is blind, we’ve missed the mark.

God gives us every tool we need to base our faith on the truth in the Bible. He doesn’t ask us to walk blindly. He’s given us sight in His Word! And while we don’t know or see everything yet, we do have concrete evidence to stand on that what the Bible says is real.

In The Looking-Glass Illusion, Alice steps through the looking glass not knowing what awaits her on the other side. She does know, however, that The Adventurer’s Almanac her sister gave her has never steered her wrong. It’s guided her along the way, and she holds fast to it as she steps into the unknown.

I didn’t know how this book would end. But I do know that time and time again, God has walked with me through every ending to every book I’ve written. When I hold fast to that truth, I can have faith and the courage to move forward rather than let fear get the better of me. And speaking of fear . . .

Fear is a liar.Anyone who’s listened to Christian radio has probably heard the popular song “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams. It’s a great song and I think we all need to hear it from time to time. Alice and her team have a multitude of fears to overcome. Chess Shire in particular has to overcome his fear of facing his past. I won’t spoil anything for those who haven’t read it, but the theme of overcoming fear is an overarching one in this duology. Perhaps I could have made it more complex and profound, but it’s really quite simple:Fear is a liar. And the only way to combat lies is to stand on the truth of what we know is real because . . .
The fairy tale is real.I am often asked why I choose to write fairy-tale-inspired stories. I like to turn back to my author tagline. While my logo and website design and even my bio have changed over the years, my tagline has remained the same:“Happily Ever After is Never Far Away”This is something I have held to from the onset of my author journey. While fairy tales may be but stories, our walk as Christians is in the living breathing fairy tale of God’s Word. Remember that quote from “The Princess Bride?”“Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles!”
That line always reminds me of the Bible. Everything we love about fairy tales can be found within the pages of His #1 Best-Selling Book. And it all really happened! The fairy tale is real, and no matter what dragons (or Jabberwocks) we face in this life, we are promised happily ever after (dare I say, Wonderland?) in the next.
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Thank you for taking the time to sit a while with me and for sticking with this series through its conclusion. Cheers, and happy reading, Wonders! The true Wonderland awaits!

Sincerely,

Sara Ella

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, a $15 Starbucks gift card, and a hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a8/the-looking-glass-illusion-celebration-tour-giveaway