#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Coup de Grâce by Paul Centeno

I like SteamPunk and this is a strong adventure.
Coup de Grâce
By: Paul Centeno
Narrated by: Rob Jones UK

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
Release date: 12-06-22
Publisher: Paul L. Centeno
Genre: Adventure, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
The world has changed. Gone are the old gods. Nature withers and dies beneath the growing bane of machines and industry. Desperate to prevent their world from dying, citizens turn to science and sprawling cities of steam ruled by the Imperium. Kaimo de Morté has never known another life. He is an optometrist by trade but too poor to open an optical boutique. Forced to work in the mines, Kaimo has no idea how his life is about to change. A chance encounter with insurgents thrusts him into a battle for the very future of mankind. One he is ill prepared to fight. Kaimo uncovers hidden truths, forms alliances stretching to the highest halls of power, and becomes the catalyst for either saving the world or watching it end.
©2022 Paul Centeno (P)2022 Paul Centeno.

Review:
Kaimo is a young man who is an optometrist skilled in building spectacles. He wants to go to school to become an eye doctor, but he doesn’t have the money or prestige. Kaimo is forced to work in the mines with little hope that he can earn enough money to pursue his dreams. One day after an explosion in the mines, Kaimo emerges to find the local train under attack by the insurgent rebels. The rebels are soon met by the Imperium forces under a brutal commander, the Grand Marshal. Kaimo rescues a woman he finds encased in a medical tube on the train. He is hiding Zylpha at his home when his father goes to the place of battle. Kaimo’s father and others are cut down by the Grand Marshal and Kaimo barely escapes.

Kaimo and Zylpha flee his hometown and head off on a journey to find a scientist she trusts to help her. Apparently, her blood has special life force properties that are sought by the evil Grand Marshal. Their journey is hard and not everyone is helpful. Will they find the scientist to help and, if they do, can they avoid capture by the Grand Marshal?

This is my second novel written by Centeno (see Dark Sanity). He is a creative author and has provided an interesting steampunk world, strong characters, and an adventure that includes magical blood and crystals. I liked Kaimo and his skills at inventing optical tools. I also enjoyed the drama and action in the plot. This is a distinct story that I recommend to fans of steampunk, adventure, and action.

Audio Notes: I liked the narration by Rob Jones but the music in the background and between chapters was a little too much. I appreciated getting this through NetGalley to listen to the audiobook.

Source: Source: December 2022 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023Alphabet, and 2023NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: At Love's Command, Hanger's Horsemen, Book 1, by Karen Witemeyer

This is a lovely, western, historical romance.
At Love's Command
By: Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

Series: Hanger's Horsemen, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 06-09-20
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christian, Historical, Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. 
They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving. Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything - even his team - to save her.
©2020 Karen Witemeyer (P)2020 Recorded Books

Review:
Matthew Hanger is an ex-cavalry officer leading a mercenary group that battles evil in 1890s Texas. The band, known as Hanger’s Horsemen, is legendary as they seek out justice against the outlaws and defend the innocent and oppressed. Of course, that makes them the target of outlaws. One of the Horsemen has suffered a bullet wound so the team heads to the nearest town to seek out the doctor, where they are surprised to find a female doctor.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men questioning her medical skills, but she knows she is the one who can help their injured companion. Matt, after momentary reluctance, agrees to assist Dr. Josephine in the surgery. Over several days of recovery, the team grows to respect Dr. Josephine even as she learns to respect the care and dedication of the men for each other and for the doing good to help others.

Shortly after the Horseman leave the Doctor, she opens a letter telling her that her brother is in the hands of outlaws and her father is refusing to pay the ransom. Dr. Josephine knows who she has to get to help her brother and she takes off to retrieve the Horseman.

The author has created wonderfully strong, caring characters who live with integrity. It is delightful to ‘watch’ these independent and confident individuals grow in their regard for each other. The other supporting characters, including one dubbed “Preacher” and a well-trained horse, are well developed also. I enjoyed the underlying faith and growth in God’s command over the situation. The story includes an issue of redemption which is nicely presented. The only reason I am not giving it a full five star rating is that some of the ‘heroics’ are rather over the top.

This is the fourth story I have enjoyed by Ms. Witemeyer and I plan to read more. I recommend this series and this author to readers who enjoy faith based, western historical romance.

Audio Notes: Amy Rubinate does a lovely job with the narration. She delivers clear and distinct voices with intonation fitting the scenes. The narration increased my enjoyment of the story.

12/18/2021 November Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: North! Or Be Eaten The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2 by Andrew Peterson

This is book 2 of an engaging children’s series.

North! Or Be Eaten
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 2
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
Release date: 01-05-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Action and Adventure, Growing Up, Family Life, Religious Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
First they found themselves On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Now they must make their way North! Or Be Eaten....
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they're really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.
In order to survive, the Igibys must flee to the safety of the Ice Prairies, where the lizardlike Fangs of Dang cannot follow. First, however, they have to escape the monsters of Glipwood Forest, the thieving Stranders of the East Ben, and the dreaded Fork Factory.
But even more dangerous are the jealousies and bitterness that threaten to tear them apart. Janner and his siblings must learn the hard way that the love of a family is more important than anything else.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, North! Or Be Eaten is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can listen to together, and readers' groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library.

Review:
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby are still on the ‘run’ with their mother, grandfather and a few other adult guardians. There are enough dangers on the journey but there are also petty squabbles among the children who have not yet accepted, much less understood their roles as the royal Lost Jewels of Anniera.

There are also dangers from betrayal as it is hard to distinguish friend from foe. Some foes are natural but others are willing to trade loyalties for financial gain or promises of future power. There are new allies but losses to deal with too.

The characters are well defined with good uniqueness. I enjoyed the active adventures experienced by the family. I am listening to this series so I can enjoy the stories with my grandchildren. I was not thrilled with all of the violence and dishonest issues but I think it is good for parents/adults to read/listen to with children so these issues can be discussed. The series is now available to watch through Angel Studios. https://www.angel.com/ I recommend this adventure series to families.

Audio Notes: The author, Andrew Peterson, does a wonderful job on the narration. He delivers distinct voices, appropriate energy, and pacing that fits. I am glad I got to listen to the audio version.

Source: 4/8/2021 March Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness My rating 4.25

Audible Book Review: The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams

I had seen mixed reviews but I enjoyed this easy listen mystery.
The Secret, Book & Scone Society
By: Ellery Adams
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart

Series: The Secret, Book & Scone Society, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 11-03-17
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Miracle Springs is a place of healing. Strangers flock there hoping that the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. And, if none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That's Nora's special talent: prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person's deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.
But when a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, he's found dead on the train tracks before he can keep their appointment. Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman's demise, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, and, as the society works to untangle the web of corruption surrounding the murder, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge.
©2017 Ellery Adams (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Nora Pennington is the owner of Miracle Books in Miracle Springs, a town known for resting and healing. The bookstore is in the old train station and her tiny home is a former caboose. Nora has a special talent for getting patrons to share their stories while she picks just the right books for their situation. She has become known as a local “bibliotherapist”. She isn’t trained in psychology, but she is well trained in observation and empathy, especially after experiencing a traumatic event in her own past that left her emotionally and physically scarred. Although she welcomes sharing stories in exchange for book ‘therapy’, Nora tends to remain on her own with books as her best friends.

Nora has just met a visiting businessman and is anticipating his visit to the bookshop. Instead, the man is found dead, having been pushed onto the train tracks. At first Nora is afraid the police department will treat the incident as a suicide. Then she is concerned when they arrest a local woman.

Nora soon gathers several other local shop owners or employees into a group they name ‘Secret, Book and Scone Society’. Hester runs a bakery across the street and makes "comfort scones," that fit the customers. Estella is a trashy hair stylist, with a blatant tendency to flirt. June works at the hot springs hotel where tourists are attracted. These women are initially a loose group willing to help investigate and solve the murder. Along the way they agree to share their own secrets and solidify their friendship.

The women get some help from other locals. One is a nice paramedic who, to her surprise, seems to be interested in Nora. Another it a town deputy who is involved in the case but is willing to listen to the conjectures of Hester and the other ladies. Finally, there is a bartender who expresses great affection for Estella.

I enjoyed the characters and their unique ‘abilities’ which might be a bit magical, or just insightful and led by experience. The mystery winds around with greed and corruption and one of the evil does stands out pretty quickly, while another appears in a twist. I enjoyed the mystery and plan to read more in the series. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries and small town settings.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Cris Dukehart. The voices are sufficiently clear and distinct for each character. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 5/6/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Crisis Shot: The Line of Duty, Book 1 by Janice Cantore

I enjoyed this Christian police procedure thriller and will want to get more in the series.
Crisis Shot: The Line of Duty, Book 1
By: Janice Cantore
Narrated by: Alice Anne English

Series: The Line of Duty, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 09-05-17
Publisher: Two Words Publishing, LLC
Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Police Procedural, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Tess O'Rourke dreams of becoming the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. As commander of the East Division, she is well on her way...until the night she responds to an officer-needs-assistance call and fatally shoots an unarmed teenager. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury, Tess is so hounded by the public that she takes a job in Oregon to escape the bad press.
Winning over the residents of Rogue's Hollow might be more difficult than adjusting to her new role as police chief in the small backwater town - especially when her closest friend, the pastor's wife, goes missing and the woman's cousin is found shot. Tess finds an ally in sheriff's deputy Steve Logan, but as they track down Rogue's Hollow's first murderer, she worries that she's breaking one of her rules and getting too close to him.
©2017 Janice Cantore (P)2017 Two Words Publishing LLC

Review:
Tess O’Rourke became a police officer like her father. She was working hard to become the first female chief of police in Long Beach, California. One night she responds to the call of another officer and finds four teens beating the officer with a baseball bat. Three of the boys flee but one stays and ignores her demands to step away. When he reaches for the fallen officer’s gun, Tess fatally shoots him. A local radio journalist starts a campaign against her, ruining her local career even though she is ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

Tess sends out many resumes but only gets one likely interview. She is hired as the new Chief of Police in a small Oregon community with mixed reactions by the hiring team and the residents. When her new friend in town, the pastor’s wife, goes missing, and the woman’s cousin is found shot, Tess finds herself under great scrutiny as she conducts her investigation. She is glad to have an ally and friend in sheriff’s deputy Steve Logan, even as she tries to resist their growing attraction.

There were several good twists in this story, and it moved along quickly. There is a good bit of Christian faith sharing which might not suit all readers, but I found uplifting. I plan to seek more titles in this series. I recommend it to readers who would enjoy a Christian Police Procedural thriller.

Audio Notes: Alice Anne English does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and accents for the female and male characters. She also presents the story with fitting emotion. I enjoyed the audio experience.

Source: 1/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Joy to the Wolves, Red Wolf, Book 1, by Terry Spear

I enjoyed the mystery and shifter romance in this story.

Joy to the Wolves
By Terry Spear
Narrated By: Mackenzie Cartwright

Series: Red Wolf, Book 1
Duration: 10 h 28 min
Release date: 10-08-20
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Holiday, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary
As Christmas approaches, red-wolf shifter Brooke Cerise unexpectedly inherits an antique shop in Portland, Oregon. But when a missing reindeer calf turns up on her property, she becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case and the primary suspect of far-too-intriguing shifter Detective Josh Wilding. Josh doesn't intend to fall for the mysterious new woman in town, but Brooke gets under his skin from the moment they meet, and he can't help his instinct to protect her. These red wolves are both on the hunt for love, but there's a mystery to solve before they can enjoy their holiday happy-ever-after.

Review:
Brooke wasn’t really ready to move to Portland, Oregon, when she inherited her Aunt’s antique shop there. But the inheritance came with a treasure hunt, so Brooke was intrigued. She was surprised when she found a reindeer calf in her courtyard. Josh, a local Detective and part owner of the Wilding Reindeer Ranch, is suspicious of Brooke when he finds the cute calf drawing in customers to see the reindeer while they shop. He is also surprised to realize that she is a red-wolf like him.

Josh begins to hang around the shop a lot first to investigate how the reindeer got there. Then he remains after Brooke experiences a break in. She was able to overhear the intruders and knows they are hunting something that was sent to her Aunt. Josh and Brooke now have two mysteries to solve as they begin to deal with the attraction drawing them together.

This is an engaging shifter story. I enjoyed the mysteries, the bit of suspense, and the growing romance relationship. There are several intimate scenes that were more detailed than I prefer but those were balanced with the plot mysteries. I found it a little unrealistic that Josh and some other detectives were so readily available but there is leeway in fiction. The story isn't particularly a Christmas story but the reindeer is a nice addition. I recommend this story to readers who enjoy shifter romance with a good side of mystery.

Audio Notes: Mackenzie Cartwright is a good voice for this book. She provides a nice energy and distinct reading even if her male voices aren’t really differentiated. I did enjoy the audio.

Source: 9/26/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Detroit Christmas, A Grimnoir Chronicles Audio Drama, by Larry Correia

This is a fun, quick listen, although not quite what I hoped for. I was filling time before starting a long book for travel. This Christmas title by an author I enjoy seemed like a fit.

Detroit Christmas
A Grimnoir Chronicles Audio Drama
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: full cast


Series: Grimnoir Chronicles
Length: 1 hr and 12 mins
Release date: 02-11-16
Publisher: Baen Books
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Private eye Jake Sullivan is a war hero - and an ex-con. He's free because he has a magical talent, and the Feds need his help in apprehending criminals with their own magical abilities. Jake's talent is gravity spiking. He can vary the force of gravity however he wishes in an area. When it comes to spiking, Jake is the best.
Now a rich beauty walks into his office to hire Jake to find her missing husband, a magical healer who has ties to the Detroit mob. Jake takes the case, but little does he know that there are plots within plots waiting to ensnare him, and solving the case may require fighting for his life with the odds stacked against him. But Jake is used to that. And now it's Christmas. Time to deck the walls with splattered bodies!
Detroit Christmas is a richly imagined, fully produced audio play, with original music, film-quality sound effects, and an amazing cast.

Review:
Jake Sullivan is a tough guy – a former war hero and an ex-con. Now he is a private eye who works with the Feds to help capture criminals with magical abilities. Jake is needed as he has a unique magical talent – he can gravity spike increasing or decreasing the gravity around him to escape quickly or put a lot of pressure on others.

Jake is engaged by a rich beauty to find her missing husband, a magical healer. The man is sought by several groups prone to injuries, including a mob gang. Jake has to follow the clues to find the man, even if the clues draw him into pretty apparent traps. That’s okay, Jake is accustomed to leaving a trail of bodies behind him.

I totally enjoy the Monster Hunter International Series written by Correia. I have also listened to one of his stories in The Adventures of Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent. This story, in the Grimnoir Chronicles, is more of along the line of the Tom Stranger variety. Jack is a hard nosed-detective hired by a distressed female and that reminds me of old time private eye stories.

This is a very fast paced story, full of action which supersedes the mystery element. Of course, it is a short book so things move along quickly. I have book one and a couple more of the short novels to listen to in this series. I recommend this to fans of private eye stories and characters with supernatural abilities. Don’t expect it to be a sweet Christmas book.

Audio Notes: This is a performance by a full cast. There are 13 character voices and plenty of background sounds like gun shots, sirens, body slamming, and more. The background level noise was busy and sometimes made it hard to catch the dialog. Still, overall, I enjoyed the production.

(By the way, if you like old time detectives check out: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio.)

Source: August 2020 Audible Plus Catalog Free Selections. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Sheryl Crow, Words + Music Vol 6, by Sheryl Crow

I enjoyed this quick, revealing memoir.
Sheryl Crow
Words + Music | Vol. 6
By: Sheryl Crow
Narrated by: Sheryl Crow

Series: Words + Music
Length: 1 hr and 37 mins
Original Recording Audiobook
Release date: 09-10-20
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

About This Audible Original
"My music has been a great resource and cathartic tool, but also something I’ve hid behind."

Revealing, intimate, and exhilaratingly raw, celebrated songwriter and acclaimed singer Sheryl Crow’s Words + Music provides the perfect canvas for the nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist to showcase her potent talent, articulate her complex inner workings, and breathe new life into a sizable stack of her most beloved tracks. Part of Audible’s rapidly expanding Words + Music series, blending storytelling, music, and performance to create exceptional listening experiences, Crow’s session is marked by gorgeously stripped-down versions of the songs that made her a household name (exclusively recorded for these sessions). The tunes punctuate rich storytelling, as she dives deep into the history of her career, re-examining the personal experiences and relationships that impacted her artistic journey.

"My journey is my own," Crow says. "I mean, it's definitely not without some detours and definitely not without some hard lessons." True to form, Crow leads us through her winding road to success—maybe more accurately defined as a series of jolting rollercoaster rides, as she recounts all the fits and starts, the feverish highs and lows, that have come to define a career now in its fourth decade. Featuring stunningly crisp, yet lo-fi renditions of eight songs including, "If It Makes You Happy," "All I Wanna Do," "Leaving Las Vegas," "Strong Enough," "My Favorite Mistake," and George Harrison’s soulful "Beware of Darkness," Sheryl Crow lays herself bare. From her early days in small-town Missouri where she sought salvation from her melancholy by turning to mystical rockers (Stevie Nicks and Zeppelin, most notably); to pursuing her dreams, and in quick fashion landing the spectacular gig as one of Michael Jackson’s featured solo vocalists on tour. (A career catapult that quickly became a cautionary tale.)

From the crushing weight of perfectionism and loneliness, to the joys of finally finding kindred musical spirits—only to have it all crumble, just as the music was skyrocketing, the toll of her volatile ascent to stardom comes into focus. In a particularly fascinating section, she revisits the total sense of peer disconnect during the height of her records’ success as her style was painfully incongruent with the greater musical landscape at the time. This, subsequently leading to an "adoption" of sorts by an older, more simpatico class of musicians—luckily for her, they doubled as her heroes: Nicks, Keith Richards, and Dylan, among them. In another poignant moment, Sheryl lets listeners in on the dysfunction and emotional reckoning that came after her well-publicized romances with Eric Clapton, and a few years later, Lance Armstrong.

In just an hour and a half, Sheryl Crow manages to transform before our ears: from a well-known artist to human being we now know pretty damn well. That’s not easy to accomplish. And perhaps most extraordinarily, we are left with a lasting gift: beautiful songs we entered knowing become beautiful songs we now understand.

Review:
Ms. Crow does a lovely job sharing her love of music and the true struggles of trying to get ‘into the business’. It isn’t a pretty picture. She shares openly about her relationships and heartbreaks. It took a while for her to find a comfortable place that didn’t require her to compromise herself.

I listened to this as a filler while I was up late wrapping presents as I had a plan to start a new book on my car ride up north for Christmas. I am not a huge fan of her songs although I do like her voice. This was a charming memoir and personal glimpse of the artist. I appreciated her forthrightness.

Audio Notes: Sheryl Crow does a good job sharing her own words and touches of music. I always wish for more of the music in these short biographies/memoirs. The nice thing of listening is that there is a good sense of the artist’s voice and you can go listen to more online. I appreciate this was a free audible.

Source: August 2020 Free Audible Original. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: TFS Ingenuity, The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1, by Tori L. Harris

This has an interesting dilemma – trying to determine who is friend or foe in first contact aliens.

TFS Ingenuity
The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1
By: Tori L. Harris
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: The Terran Fleet Command Saga, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 03-29-16
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Space Opera, Technothriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
It's the year 2277. For 50 years, Earth has received mysterious data transmissions from random locations in deep space. The streams include advanced technology, allowing humans to achieve faster-than-light travel virtually overnight. As we prepare to take our first tentative steps into interstellar space, we know almost nothing about our alien benefactors, and their motivations remain unexplained.
While completing their shakedown cruise, Captain Tom Prescott and the crew of the first Terran Fleet Command starship, TFS Ingenuity, stumble into a first contact situation. They learn that Earth is not the first civilization granted access to the stars before their time - and how this Faustian gift has inevitably led to centuries of interstellar war. Humanity's existence hangs in the balance as a powerful alliance assembles a preemptive military strike, believing it to be their only option to protect themselves...from us. Prescott and his small, initially unarmed starship must serve as our only line of defense. Ingenuity is our only hope.
©2015 Tori L. Harris (P)2016 Podium Publishing.

Review:
The Earth has been receiving mysterious data transmissions that include advance technology. This has allowed the powers that be to build a spaceship to take them into interstellar space. Captain Tom Prescott is the leader of the first starship, TFS Ingenuity. When they take their maiden, and intended to be test, voyage, they stumble upon a first contact situation which includes observing a space battle.

When the ship returns to Earth, they are directed to land in a secret facility where they discover they are not the only ship in town. Earth leaders have been busy even though they don’t know who their technology benefactor is. Now they have to figure out between two alien races which means to help, and which seeks to harm.

This is another sci fi space opera that is interesting but a little light on character development. There is interest created by chapters from the POV of the alien ‘guardians’, giving some background to the interference with lesser advanced species. The major problem is that this ends at a point where the reader would have to continue in book 2 to find out what happens. I am glad the second book is another free book on Audible Plus as I am not sure I would run out to buy it. Fans of first contact and jump technology might like to try this series.

Audio Notes: Once again, Jeffrey Kafer’s narration works for me. It may seem monotone and dry to some but I have learned to enjoy the straight forward narration.

Source: 12/17/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: The Legion Awakes, The Sleeping Legion, Book 1, by J.R. Handley

This has some interesting military involvement but there was some confusion.
The Legion Awakes
The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
By: J. R. Handley
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Series: The Sleeping Legion, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 09-05-17
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
A century ago, all but two members of Lance Scipio's unit were executed for bringing dishonor to his regiment.
Now, he is woken into a strange new time, and tasked with whipping into shape the worst squad of misfits in the entire Human Marine Corps.
The price of failure: Death!
AD 2565. Tranquility-4 near the frontier of the White Knight Empire. Guided by mysterious orders, the authorities at the Human Marine Corps base of Beta City thaw Lance Scipio. In 2441, an entire Marine company was executed with the exception of Captain Grimgerde and Sergeant Lance Scipio, the usual punishment for running in the face of the enemy. But these two were preserved...as if they would be required in the future.
Scipio is not expected to escape execution for long, but he has been given a slim chance. For a Marine, a chance can be all that's needed to change the fate of worlds.
The Sleeping Legion is an action-filled sequence of military science fiction novels set in the worlds of the hit series The Human Legion by Tim C. Taylor.
©2016 J. R. Handley (P)2017 Podium Publishing.

Review:
Lance Scipio awakes from stasis over one hundred years after a disastrous battle engagement saw all but himself and his captain executed for supposedly running in the face of the enemy. Lance is advised he has once chance to avoid his own execution – he must train a squad of misfits in the methods of engagement of his prior life.

There are alien leaders to impress if the team wants to survive. And of course, there is a privileged higher officer that disdains Sergeant Lance and his misfits and wouldn’t it be nice to show him up even if he is a powerful enemy.

I admit I was confused at the beginning of the book, trying to sort out the sides and history. I learned after listening to this that it is a spin off of a different series, the Human Legion. I would say there isn’t a lot of character development, although I liked the interaction with both the human marines and the unexpected fair treatment of the Aux, servant class. I did enjoy the picture of military life and especially liked the combat situations and the description of the battlefield tactics with the different reactions and input of soldiers and leaders.

I have the prequel and next book thanks to Audible Plus so I do plan to listen to more. I recommend this to fans of military sci fi, with the precaution to perhaps read the prequel first or maybe the original series, even though it is by a different author.

Audio Notes: Jeffrey Kafer has a unique narration style. It seems monotone but his voice has grown on me. I enjoy listening to his presentation and appreciated that I had this title through Audible Plus.

Source: 12/15/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1 by C. R. Daems

I enjoyed the strength, physical and mental, of this female protagonist in the vein of GI Jane.

Welcome to Hell: The Tasmanian Special Forces Group, Book 1
By: C. R. Daems
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Series: Tasmanian SFG Series, Book 1
Release date: 03-03-20
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Jolie was 3 when she found she was ugly and deformed.
She was 5 when she found she was a subhuman and an outcast. She was 7 when five boys and two girls dragged her out of the orphanage and beat her unconscious, leaving her lying bleeding and broken in the street.
She was content to lie there and die, tired of being hated and abused. But a frail old man with wispy white hair and a long beard wasn't content to let her die. He not only saved her, but he adopted her and passed on his unique martial art to her.
She was 20 when she headed to Delphi, the center of the United Systems of Perileos (USP) and the planet of her birth father, to find her place in his society.
Based on her unique upbringing, she decides to join the USP military, requesting to be assigned to the Tasmanians SFG, an elite all-male unit. The military brass is reluctant to deny her request and admit their enlistment contract permits bait-and-switch assignments. Instead, they agree to let her enter the school, thinking she couldn't possibly succeed - a Chihuahua competing against Rottweilers — and plan to make an example of her when she fails.
Although Jolie is small, she is not what she appears. But can her adopted father's art enable her to survive the treachery of the military brass, the grueling of the school, the prejudices of the instructors, and the testosterone of an all-male class.
And if she succeeds, can she thrive in the high-octane and all male environment of the Tasmanians?
©2019 C. R. Daems (P)2020 Podium Publishing.

Review:
Jolie was a child on a foreign planet who was considered ugly and deformed due to her human heritage. She was beat up and dragged out of the orphanage at the age of 7. Instead of dying on the streets, she was adopted by a frail old man who spent years teaching her special martial arts. At age 20 Jolie sets out to find her place on her birth father’s planet, United Systems of Perileos (USP). She appears at a recruiter station and, after reviewing the brochures, asks to be assigned to an elite all-male unit, the Tasmanians SFG. If they refuse her request, then their brochures are full of bait and switch lies. The military leaders reluctantly admit her figuring that the rigorous training, if not the peer pressure, will force her out of the program quickly. The leaders are wrong.

Jolie doesn’t have the size, strength, or bulk of her larger male classmates. But she does have great physical training and distinct, strategical thinking and planning skills. When the training officer notes that there are no separate facilities for females and she might face sexual pressure she reminds him, and the men around them, that the third way a candidate could leave the program is “dead by misadventure”. Her own ability to take down the men dissuades the unwanted advances the first night in the dorm.

Very quickly Jolie uses her smarts and skills to show that she can keep up with and beat many of the men. She prevails by successfully preparing before taking action. Of course, that results in enemies among the men as well as military leaders who aren’t beyond sabotage to get her out of the program.

When you note that this is the intro, book 1 of a series, you realize that Jolie makes it through the program to graduation. Jolie’s perseverance gains respect and friends, but how will the leaders and men treat her when she has to go into action in the field?

I really like Jolie’s intelligence, strength of character, and ability to plan her actions. I also liked the action in the story. The story does have a resemblance to GI Jane with some brutality but less sexual harassment. The cons on this is that it is set in a futuristic space world and there is a notable lack of cool technology and a strange level of sexual discrimination/limitation. None the less, I enjoyed the action and the comraderies that is developed. I have purchased book 2 to continue with the series. I recommend this to fans of female military protagonists.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller does a good job with the narration. The voices are appropriately distinct, and the narration conveys the emotional and action levels of the story. I am glad that I listened to this Audible Plus story.

Source: 12/14/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: This Fallen World by Christopher Woods

I liked the action in these stories.

This Fallen World
By: Christopher Woods
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: The Fallen World, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 04-23-19
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Adventure, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The world has Fallen, but life goes on....
Matthew Kade was a corporate assassin - one of the best agents Obsidian Corporation had. But then the bombs began falling, and the old world ended. Now he must navigate the new world he finds himself in, a world where the strongest survive, and the weaker do their bidding...or die.
Kade was always one of the strongest, though, so when a rich man’s daughter goes missing, he turns to Kade to find her and bring her back. But she has already been gone three days, and in the Fallen World, that is an eternity in which any number of things could have happened to her.
Can Kade - a man with a price on his head - pick up the trail of the young woman and navigate the streets of the city to find her, or will the city’s denizens be the end of him? It will take all of Kade’s abilities to find her and save her life...if he doesn’t lose his first.
This Fallen World includes three novellas in an exciting new universe by best-selling author Christopher Woods. You’ll want to get it - right now!
©2018 Blood Moon Press (P)2019 Podium Publishing.

Review:
This book consists of three short stories. The first was This Fallen World. The second is Broken City and the third is Seeds. The Fallen World is the bigger story.

A nuclear holocaust between warring corporations has resulted in decimating the United States. Few cities and countryside communities have survived. Slowly the survivors have established very rough societies who have a hierarchy with trading for life needs such as water, food (the Farmers), protection (the Society of the Sword), and even electric power (the Dynamo). The society groups are broken into blocks known as Zones some led by good, fair leaders, and others by vicious Warlords. Travel between Zones can be tricky.

In the Old World, Matthew Kade was a corporate assassin for one of the high corporations, the Obsidian Corporation. Now he serves as a tracker, retriever – a warrior of quiet renown. Kade has made enemies and has a price on his head due to prior events. But he also has made friends among prior clients, being trustworthy, and by being kind to people on the street. These friends can help him survive in the streets and as he passes from Zone to Zone.

A wealthy man hires Kade to find and return his daughter who was on a Caravan through Zones but has been missing for three days. Kade has a connection to Teresa, a leader of the Society of the Sword, which is a group set on removing the worst of the bad guys. Teresa has sent a tank of a man, William Poe, to watch Kade’s back. Kade and Poe will face random gangs as well as Zone armies to accomplish his mission. Kade is quick to say "Expect the worst and you won't be disappointed."

Broken City finds Kade called in to solve a mystery of murders taking place among the Mardins. This is a society group who live under the city in the maintenance tunnels, where they provide water and sewer systems to the groups above in exchange for being left alone. When someone violates the agreement by entering their tunnels and killing members, the Society of the Swords in called upon and Kade is assigned to solve the problem. Again, he has assistance, and they face mutant killers. There is also a furtherance of the relationship between Kade and Teresa.

Finally, in Seeds, we learn about Zebadiah Pratt and struggles of the Farmers as they begin to form shortly after ‘the fall’. Pratt was in the military in the Old World and came home alive but damaged. This story fills in some of the history of how the world became ‘this fallen world’. There were interesting additions in this story, including a fat, lazy pony. Also, this one gets a bit more brutal than the first two stories.

I enjoyed the character development and the full-on action in these stories. There was a bit of repetition especially for the phrase of “in this Fallen World.” Initially it is clever, cute, but it gets to be overdone. I am glad to have received this through Audible Plus and I have another book in this series which I look forward to reading (listening) to. I recommend this to fans of dystopian, post-apocalyptic novels that are filled with fighting action.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett is a skilled narrator, delivering distinct voices and apt energy to the stories. I am drawn in by his narration and I really was pleased to get to listen to this story.

Source: 11/5 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Icequake by Crawford Kilian

This is a story of survival against blizzards and the treacherous conditions of ice flow.
Icequake
By: Crawford Kilian
Narrated by: Tim Campbell
Series: Icequake, Book 1

Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 10-30-18
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Climate, Environment, Techno thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A group of 27 scientists and explorers are stranded in Antarctica.
Residing in a station known as Shackleton, they are studying the seismic activity of the region. An eruption of the nearby volcano, Mount Erebus, soon sends quakes throughout the continent with devastating results.
All radio communication has been disabled by the breakdown of the magnetic field. Evacuation is unlikely. No one knows whether they survived the icequake, and their station is now moving two kilometres north each day with the strong aftershocks. They are on their own, with limited food and resources.
Do they stay put and risk being caught in the next series of icequakes and avalanches? Or do they pack up and trek over dangerous territories to the neighbouring station?
Icequake is a gripping prophetic sci-fi disaster novel, full of excitement and danger in every chapter.
©2017 Crawford Kilian (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Review:
A group of scientists are preparing to leave Antarctica when they are stranded first by a bad storm and then by a major land – or ice – shift. One of the scientists had predicted a very dangerous icequake. He is gratified to be right although he is not thrilled with the timing. The main group is at the Shackleton station but there is another community even closer to the nearby volcano, Mount Erebus. All communication is down and it is too dangerous to travel as the ice continues to move. Fortunately, there is a plane that allows some reconnaissance, but there isn’t enough fuel to travel to the mainland.

The interaction among the men and women is part of the drama in the story. Most of the danger is outside, from the elements, but there are some men who are struggling to remain civil. And romance has a different level when there are scientists who care more about their studies than their partners.

Of course, the scientists suspect that the mainland is suffering too from the rising level of waters, loss of crops and other difficulties. But the scientists won’t know the full extent unless they can get back to the mainland.

I saw this was only available free through 12/20/2022 so I chose to read it sooner rather than later. I found it interesting if not overly exciting. The scientific elements surrounding an icequake and its impact are interesting and are shared well through the story rather than preaching. I recommend this to readers who would find the climate issues interesting with the drama of survival against the elements.

Audio Notes: Tim Campbell does a great job with the narration. He provides distinct voices for the variety of characters. The energy and pacing is good considering the survival plods at times. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 11/5/22 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: You Can Thank Me Later by Kelly Harms

This is a story of family grief and love.

You Can Thank Me Later, A Novella
By: Kelly Harms
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 3 hrs and 5 mins
Release date: 10-31-19
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Grief
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

About This Audible Original
A short and sweet audio novella that’ll leave listeners wanting second helpings, You Can Thank Me Later follows an unforgettable family over the course of three Thanksgivings.
When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie’s happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she’s gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn’t show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.
From the best-selling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, this heartwarming novella embraces the spirit and gratitude of the holiday, and shows how a family’s love can endure anything.
©2019 Kelly Harms (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC

Review:
Sophie, is a busy restaurant owner who hosts the annual Thanksgiving family get together. The guests are her older brothers with their spouses, and an unremarkable ‘extra’ date for Sophie. For the 2016 Thanksgiving, eldest brother, Pete and his wife, Keiko, are expecting their first baby. Keiko is deep in nausea when facing most food. Middle child, Charlie is married to Sophie’s bff Annette. Charlie has been happy with his quiet professor life and the wife he adores. But Annette has arrived with bad news. She has had a reoccurrence of cancer and doesn’t expect to live for another Thanksgiving. She asks Sophie to take care of Charlie.

The group next meets in 2018. Keiko has her toddler in tow and is back to dealing with pregnancy nausea. Sophie brings a nice date although she is not so nice to him or Charlie’s date. Part of the family has wanted Charlie to move on to dating but Sophie isn’t ready. It isn’t the happiest of celebrations.

Sophie has to decide if she will even attend the get together in 2020 which is being hosted by Charlie and his girlfriend of the past two years. How will the interaction be in the latest meeting?

Each year begins with a unique feature of leaving messages on Sophie’s phone even though she wants texts, not messages. The listener gains information on the other siblings through these messages and I thought this was a clever writing style.

Keiko and her pregnancy and child issues adds humor and relatable family situations. Charlie’s new girlfriend initially appears to be a bit of a mess, but she contributes a special relationship, plus children of her own, to Charlie and the group. Sophie is the most difficult character with a certain arrogance and nastiness.

I felt some grief from the beginning, both from the cancer issues and the loss of my own husband this spring. Fortunately, the story was entertaining enough to push me beyond that point. I found Sophie’s attitude annoying but was glad for the way it changed for the ending. I do like how the story shares the message of how grief of one family member, a spouse, can impact others in the family. I recommend this as a good listen, particularly for those interested in movement through grief to a new place.

Audio notes: Lauren Fortgang does a good narration fitting Sophie’s character. She portrays the emotions that Sophie feels from grief to disdain and distress. Lauren also manages clear, distinct voices for the other characters. The narration enhanced the story for me.

Source: 11/25/19 Free Audible Originals. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis

This vintage (1935) dystopian is still relevant to current events.

It Can't Happen Here
by Sinclair Lewis
Read by Grover Gardner

Run Time 14h 28min
Release Date: July 5, 2016
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Classics, Dystopian, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
First published in 1935, when Americans were still largely oblivious to the rise of Hitler in Europe, this prescient novel tells a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and offers an alarming, eerily timeless look at how fascism could take hold in America.
Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor, is dismayed to find that many of the people he knows support presidential candidate Berzelius Windrip. The suspiciously fascist Windrip is offering to save the nation from sex, crime, welfare cheats, and a liberal press. But after Windrip wins the election, dissent soon becomes dangerous for Jessup. Windrip forcibly gains control of Congress and the Supreme Court and, with the aid of his personal paramilitary storm troopers, turns the United States into a totalitarian state.

Review:
Doremus Jessup is a smallish town newspaper editor in New England (Vermont) in the 1930s. He is upset when so many people support presidential candidate Berzeliur Windrip who is offering better than a chicken in every pot. Windrip is offering $5,000.00 per person. After Windrip wins, he removes Supreme Court Justices that don’t support his policies and takes control of Congress too. There is no free money. And there is no free speech either. Very soon any grumbling and news opinions speaking out against the government is being squelched.

Doremus is removed from his position but forced to remain in the office to train a Windrip picked new editor in the ropes of publishing. Of course, it is also a way to keep Doremus quiet.

Slowly members of Doremus family and community are impacted. His son-in-law is murdered for speaking out, leaving his daughter festering for revenge. But many in the community accept the new local government, including the brown shirted military that is present to keep the people in line.

Eventually Doremus is recruited to aid an underground effort to revolt against the fascist policies of Windrip. A handful of locals are printing underground news and distributing it out to other disgruntled communities across the northeast. The group is at risk since there are spies, even from their neighbors. An attempt to escape to Canada falls through and Doremus and his cohorts end up in a local jail /camp for dissenters.

The story includes “sheeple” and minor, individual heroics. It includes commentary on historical forms of government which is informative. I didn’t find the book particularly exciting, but it was interesting. And it is even more interesting that it was written before WWII and the rise of Hitler.

This text from this vintage work is still timely as in today’s world you hear unrealistic promises in campaigns, and you see censorship of free speech even by supposed journalists. It made me wonder how this could happen, but when you see people willing to rely so much on government that they give up freedoms and rights. This story was satire, but today it is scary and distressing. I recommend this classic to readers who are willing to read about how fascism and censorship can be used to change society.

Audio Notes: I have enjoyed Grover Gardner’s narration in many different works. His dry delivery fit well with this story. I’m glad I had the opportunity to listen to this classic.

Source: 7/10/19 Chirp Purchase $3.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

This is an enjoyable romance with supernatural characters and mystery.
Beauty and the Clockwork Beast: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
By: Nancy Campbell Allen
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Series: The Steampunk Proper Romances, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 08-02-16
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Paranormal, Steampunk, Victorian Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Like the classic Beauty and the Beast, this steampunk romance features an unlikely love story.
The Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles, is plagued by a family curse that changes him into a shape-shifting wolf every month during the full moon.
Lucy, a smart, attractive, and well-respected botanist, travels to Blackwell Manor to take care of her sick cousin, Kate, who is married to Miles' younger brother. For Lucy, the trip is a welcome respite from her work and recent discovery of a breakthrough serum that could eliminate the scourge of vampires from London. But Lucy finds more than she bargained for when she arrives at the Manor.
Miles, who is brash and inhospitable, does not take kindly to visitors. He is still unsettled by the mysterious death of his newlywed wife. And then there's Marie, Miles' sister, who was attacked and murdered just weeks earlier. Miles is horrified to think that he might be to blame for the deaths. And who is the ghost that haunt the halls?
Lucy is convinced that the death of Miles's wife and sister - as well as her cousin's mysterious illness - are tied together, but how? Lady Charlesworth has her eye on inheriting Blackwell Manor for her family. Could her daughter, Candice, or her son, Arthur, have had a hand in the mysterious deaths? The clues make a vampire suspect highly likely. During her investigation, Lucy finds herself caring deeply for Miles, but he fights to keep his distance in order to protect Lucy from his family's secret. And, yet, he feels attracted to the woman who is able to look past the fearsome-looking scar that has marred his handsome face. With no other option, Miles and Lucy must work together if they are to find the answer to the mysteries at the manor.
But that's not all Lucy wants to solve. There's a deeper mystery behind Miles. Can she solve that too? Ultimately, she must decide if she can love the man - beast and all.
Includes bonus novella, Marie's Story.
©2016 Nancy Campbell Allen (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Lucy is busy with her scientific and botanist tasks. She recently discovered an anti-vampire serum and wants to continue the work on this project. But she is quick to rush to her cousin’s side when she hears that Kate is ill. Kate recently married Jonathan, a younger brother to the dark Lord of Blackwell Manor, Miles. Lucy doesn’t know much about the family but there are rumors that the Lord’s may have been involved in the death of his new wife and his sister shortly after.

Miles is plagued by a family curse that is a closely held secret. He goes to his family’s hunting lodge every month at the full moon – and that is only one of his secrets. He is distressed by the unsolved murder of his wife and the brutal killing of his sister. Miles doesn’t like having strangers around and although he appreciates that Lucy wants to help her cousin, he is not so thrilled to have her snooping around. He also isn’t happy to have his aunt, Lady Charlesworth, and her adult children, Arthur and Candice, swooping in for extended visits whenever they want.

Lucy is sure Miles is hiding something but doesn’t think he is guilty of the murders in his household. Lucy soon believes that Kate is being poisoned. She also suspects that the household robotic servants are being used in the plot. Can she get enough evidence to convince the reclusive Miles to listen to her and take action before it’s too late?

I really liked the complex characters of Lucy and Miles. There is a reluctant attraction that develops slowly as they learn about and begin to trust each other. There is a lovely dance scene that changes the dynamic between them. Miles has some strong friends who are willing to stand with him, including Lucy’s brother. Several of these characters appear in the rest of the series. I enjoyed reading book 3, The Lady in the Coppergate Tower, and I just got the other books from Audible Plus. I like the mix of mystery, steampunk, shifter, and Victorian romance. I recommend this to fans of these genres.

Audio Notes: Saskia Maarleveld does a lovely job with the narration. I liked the accent and the pacing of the delivery. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: May 17, 2021 free from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Murder in Her Stocking by G. A. McKevett

This cozy mystery wasn't a hit for me. (I love the cover though.)

Murder in Her Stocking
by G. A. McKevett
Read by Mil Nicholson

A Granny Reid Mystery
Run Time 9h 36min
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christmas, Cozy, Mystery, Women Sleuth
My Rating: 3.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.25.

Publisher Description
Christmas has arrived in sleepy McGill, Georgia, but holiday cheer can’t keep temperamental Stella Reid from swinging a rolling pin at anyone who crosses her bad side.
This season, there are plenty. First, an anonymous grinch vandalizes a celebrated nativity display. Far worse, the scandalous Prissy Carr is found dead in an alley behind a tavern. With police puzzled over the murder, Stella decides to stir the local gossip pot for clues on the culprit’s identity, and it turns out that Prissy held a prominent spot on the naughty list. Soon, suspects are piling up like presents on Christmas morning.
Unfortunately, the more progress Stella makes, the more she must confront. With a neighbor in peril and the future of her beloved grandchildren at risk, Stella must somehow set everything straight and bring a cunning criminal to justice before December 25th....

Review:
Stella is a disciplinarian but sweet grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She can be considered pretty fierce by others especially if she is protecting those grandchildren. One night Stella hears a sound in the alley behind the tavern and she arrives in time to hold Prissy Carr as she is dying from an attack. Prissy is a known ‘loose woman’, so she has developed some enemies along the way. The police are investigating but Stella thinks she might be able to uncover the real culprit before Christmas.

Meanwhile Stella is trying to cheer her long-time friend whose husband has left taking all the wealth. Also, Stella is trying to keep her grandchildren from being damaged by their alcoholic mother. The eldest granddaughter, twelve-year-old Savannah, does her best to handle the others but it isn’t easy.

The story is set in the 1980s in Georgia. Stella is a widow in her 60s. The sheriff in town has had a long-time crush on her. It’s been several years since her husband died and maybe its time to accept the help of a willing man.

The story is sweet but has a dreary feel with the level of poverty and struggles for Stella and her family. There are less than likeable characters with cigarettes and booze and perhaps that influenced my view. There is warmth in the grandmotherly wisdom and the strength of the sheriff. Unfortunately, I felt the mystery was disjointed as it shared the spotlight with Stella’s family traumas. There are plenty of favorable reviews so cozy fans might want to try this. I understand it is a spin off from another popular series by this author.

Audio Notes: My lower review may also be the result of my being uncomfortable with the narrator. It may be that Mil Nicholson was a fitting voice for the setting and characters. It just wasn’t comfortable for me. In this instance, the narration detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/16/2021 Purchased at Chirp for $2.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations

This collection is Delightful!
The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations
Written By: Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade, Karen Witemeyer
Narrated By: Pilar Witherspoon, Liz Pearce, Stephanie Cozart, Emily Pike Stewart

Duration: 12 hours 53 minutes
Release date: 10-04-18
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christmas, Collection, Historical, Inspirational, Religious, Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Summary
In Kristi Ann Hunter's 'Legacy of Love,' Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station. In Karen Witemeyer's 'Gift of the Heart,' widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love. In Sarah Loudin Thomas's 'A Shot at Love,' Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance. In Becky Wade's 'Because of You,' Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

Review:
There are four lovely stories here that celebrate love at Christmas time. The stories are connected by a family brooch that was given originally by a man to show his love for his wife.

The first story, Legacy of Love, is set in 1827, Lancashire, England. When the giver of the brooch died, the wife became the Dowager Countess of Densbury The arrogant wife of the eldest grandson had little use for the dowager’s lower class companion, Sarah. When the daughter-in-law took over the main home, she pushed the dowager and Sarah to a smaller property right before Christmas. The third son in the family was particularly close to his grandmother and took the time to visit as they prepared for the holiday. He shares time with Sarah as they take care of the ailing woman. As the grandmother prepares her last Christmas gifts for her staff, she gifts her precious, beloved brooch to Sarah.

In Gift of the Heart, widow Ruth Albright struggles to make a home for herself and her young daughter in 1890 Hope Springs, Texas. Ruth refuses to sell the family broach but instead she approaches her landlord, who owns the local resort and many other properties in town. She asks for a loan with the brooch as collateral. The wealthy businessman has a disability that has kept him set apart from most people. But this brave young woman isn’t fazed by his disability, and he finds great respect for Ruth and her adorable daughter.

Next, in A Shot at Love, the brooch is passed by an Aunt to her tomboy niece, Fleeta. Set in 1958 West Virginia, Fleeta thinks perhaps she can live a life on her own terms by opening a gun shop. She doesn’t plan to marry as she has never met a man who appreciates her independence and who interests her. Then she meets a fellow hunter visiting from the south and her heart changes.

Finally, in the 1980s, the brooch appears in Merryweather, Washington. In Because of You, Maggie has been in love with Leo since college days. But her best friend snagged him first and, even though he is a widow now with a young son, Maggie doesn’t feel she can betray her best friend. Maggie and Leo are assigned to work together for a church Christmas project. While pulling out family ornaments, she discovers a special family brooch. Can the special brooch help Maggie find love as it has the women of her past?

I think my favorites were the first two, but each story is delightful. I really enjoyed how the brooch played a part in each romance and how each romance culminated at Christmas. There is a very lowkey element of faith that added to my enjoyment. I recommend this to anyone needing and uplift of gentle romance at Christmas.

Audio Notes: The four narrators, Pilar Witherspoon, Liz Pearce, Stephanie Cozart, and Emily Pike Stewart, do a wonderful job on the presentation. The voices fit each story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of these stories.

Source: December 2020 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Space Knight by Michael-Scott Earle

This Space Opera with LitRpg elements was entertaining enough.

Space Knight
By: Michael-Scott Earle
Narrated by Nick Podehl

 

Series: Space Knight, Book 1
Length 13h 11m
Published April 24, 2018
Publisher: Audible Audio
Genre: Fantasy, LitRpg, Magic, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

In a universe where technology and magic co-exist, Nicholas Lyons desires one thing: to serve his queen as a Space Knight in the Royal Trident Forces. But when his final mission as an Academy cadet goes horribly wrong, Nicholas discovers he possesses illegal magical abilities that grant him power far beyond that of a normal man, knight, or mage.
When a clandestine assignment lands Nicholas on the worst starship in the kingdom's fleet, he finds a motley crew of warriors hiding their own terrible secret. Death and betrayal lurk around every corner, and Nicholas finds himself torn between his loyalties to his new crew, or the oath he swore to his queen.
And death no matter which choice he makes.

Review:
Nicholas does not come from a rich or noble family, but he worked hard at academy in order to have a chance to serve his queen someday as a Space Knight. On the final class mission, the cadets are planet side and supposed to have a light encounter with aliens. Instead, they find themselves under attack by elite warrior aliens. No one knows what went wrong but when the mist settles, Nicholas has saved a rich nobleman’s son, and learned that he has an illegal magical ability.

Nicholas has the chance to pick an assignment on the best ship in the fleet. Then he opens a message from his deceased father, an unrecognized Space Knight, and has to change to what is scoffed as the worst starship, the Stalwart. Before he is reassigned, the nobleman directs Nicholas, in ‘the name of the queen’, to secretly spy on the motley crew.

As soon as he gets on the ship, he can tell there are secrets among the crew. And they are so much more than the rumors imply. He begins to make friends and appreciate the “motley” crew so his loyalties are being confused. What is really going on with the Stalwart? What will happen when the motley crew learn that Nick has been spying on them?

I found this entertaining even as it has flaws. It has coming of age, LitRpg, and superhero elements. The LitRpg is focused on all of the levels of tech, allocated to squire or space knights, and with different levels of boost and skill. I like the inclusion. The crew characters have some strange and unique skills from berserker to empowering music. There is awkward interaction with this protagonist and the several beautiful women on the crew. I like the magic but that too is odd since it is illegal but mostly no one seems to care. Instead, everyone wants to use the skill.

All in all, I enjoyed the entertainment aspect of the story. I would try the next in series, but they are not available. I recommend this to fans of space, fantasy, and action... if it becomes available.

Audio Notes: I like Nick Podehl as a narrator. He provides distinct voices for the characters and energy that fits the action. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 10-13-18 Daily Deal $4.95 with $5.00 credit) $0.00. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Clause in Christmas by Rachael Bloome

This is a delightful Christmas story sharing new and hopeful beginnings!
The Clause in Christmas
by Rachael Bloome
Read by E.L. Beckett

Run Time 8h 15min
Release Date: January 6, 2020
Publisher: Secret Garden Press
Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher Description
An unexpected inheritance. A pesky clause in the will. And 25 days to avoid falling in love…
Cassie Hayward hates Christmas. Especially this year.
No job. Flat broke. And an ex most definitely on the naughty list.
The unexpected inheritance of a charming Victorian cottage in the small town of Poppy Creek may be the Christmas miracle Cassie needs.
Except for one itty-bitty problem: a clause in the will.
To inherit the house, Cassie must complete a series of festive tasks every day in December leading up to Christmas. All overseen by the handsome, Christmas-loving lawyer Luke Davis.
Luke is as strong and steady as the bespoke furniture he crafts as a hobby. He has to be. Stepping into his late father’s shoes as the town lawyer comes with a sleigh full of responsibilities. Which means the captivating stranger collecting her inheritance is a distraction he can’t afford.
As the unlikely pair complete the daily tasks, their hearts begin to soften. But will the wounds from their pasts—and an unexpected visitor—steal what little hope they have left?
Find out in this heartwarming holiday romance.

Review:
Cassie hasn’t had a good year and she isn’t looking forward to a joyful Christmas season. She had never celebrated Christmas with her mother who ‘raised’ her. Raised is a stretch since her mother is an alcoholic who was able to provide a roof over their heads but let Cassie mostly handle the home chores. Cassie’s only hope this year is the unexpected inheritance of a Victorian cottage from her maternal grandmother. She hopes she can sell it quickly and get back to her tiny apartment in San Francisco.

Cassie meets the handsome, small-town attorney, Luke, who tells her that there in a clause in the will that conditions her inheritance on her fulfilling her grandmother’s Christmas Calendar of activities. Luke will oversee the tasks which is no problem for him since he loves Christmas as do most of the folks in Poppy Creek. It starts as a problem for Cassie, especially as she struggles to get a good cup of coffee in town.

Luke took over his father’s law practice and no one knows that he’d much rather craft hand made furniture. As he watches the Christmas Calendar activities change Cassie’s attitude, he contemplates whether he should make some changes in his own life. And the whole town is surprised when Cassie changes the life of one recluse as she tries to get good coffee from him.

I was charmed by the calendar activities and Luke’s consistent optimism. He shares simple joy in life. The town people rally around Cassie and offer her support and enthusiasm, especially Luke’s mother and sister. The coffee expert is a wonderful addition. I loved how the story moves long to recognize the dreams of several of the characters. I want to read more in this series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy small town romance and all things Christmas (and coffee too).

Audio Notes: E.L. Beckett does a spot on job with the narration. She brings the text to life with the emotions of the characters. I enjoyed the audio experience.

Source: 12/16/2021 purchase at Chirp for $1.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.