Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly

This is a sweet, easy read.

Christmas at the Inn

Rose and Briar Inn Stories, Book 1

By: Andrea Twombly
Narrated by: Lisa Leslie

Length: 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-24-18
Publisher: Annie Acorn Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Annie Acorn Audio is pleased to present Christmas at the Inn written by Andrea Twombly and narrated by Lisa Leslie.
“The sign says NO VACANCY, not VACANCY.” The innkeeper's gruff reply belied his handsome face, and Angela Perkins took a step back.
Heading north for the holidays, things certainly hadn't gone as she had planned. A snowstorm, an apple pie, and an old friend all conspire to bring her to a crossroads. Will a Christmas Eve detour send her back to her snug village home, or will she forge ahead and let a turn in the road lead her to newfound happiness?
In this, the first entry in her new Rose and Briar Inn series, internationally beloved From Women's Pens author Andrea Twombly weaves a warm story of the Christmas season, rich in challenges overcome and courage discovered along a twisting road to love.
You won't want to miss this one!
©2015 Annie Acorn Publishing LLC (P)2018 Annie Acorn Publishing LLC

Review:
This is a sweet, quick novel with mature characters who have lost their life partners. A snow storm brings an unexpected encounter that could change the future lives of the retired teacher and the lonely innkeeper. Will they be held by their past loves or will they see a chance for a new future?

I enjoyed the easy flow of this story. The characters are nicely developed even though this is short. The reader anticipates this to be a second chance at love story and the author delivers in a sweet fashion. I recommend this to readers who enjoy mature characters and a second chance at love.

Audio Notes: Lisa Leslie provides a direct narration with distinct voices. I felt that the reading was a calmer emotional presentation than might have been. Still, it was a pleasant performance.

Source: author through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for Audiobook and 2018Alphabet Challenges.

Audio Book Review: The League of Governors by Wendy Terrien

This continues a fun middle grade, fantasy adventure.

The League of Governors

Written by: Wendy Terrien

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Series: The Adventures of Jason Lex, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:08-01-17

Publisher: Camashea Press

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Jason Lex just saved the world. Now he's immersed in training as a new Rampart Guard to protect the shield that enables humans and cryptids like Skyfish, Bigfoot, and the Black Shuck, to live side-by-side and danger-free. A summons from the League of Governors, the clandestine organization that presides over the human-cryptid treaty, takes a suspicious turn when Jason's dad and sister disappear on their way to League headquarters. Jason must find them before things go bad, so he follows their trail to London, where he discovers the League of Governors may not be the benevolent organization everyone believes.

Injured and alone, Jason doesn't know whom to trust. After a shocking loss sends him reeling, news about his family forces Jason to make a terrible choice. When he learns of a secret plan to enslave the world, Jason must risk his life to defeat a powerful enemy and reunite what's left of his family. But can he stop a dominating adversary, and again save the world, before it's too late?

©2017 Camashea Press (P)2017 Camashea Press

Review:
This book continues the ‘adventures’, or in this case the “misadventures” of Jason Lex. Jason’s father and sister, Della, flew to London to seek counseling help at the League of Governors. Jason has cause to be concerned when he and his Uncle Alexander can’t reach his father by phone. They decide to follow to London to make sure everything is alright. They quickly learn that things are not all right.

Jason and his Uncle are attacked. When he awakes he is at the League and learns that Uncle Alexander is in a coma. A stranger sneaks him a secret message and Jason doesn’t know who he can trust. Jason struggles trying to determine how he can save his family, and the world, from enslavement by a super powerful, mind controlling enemy.

I am glad that I listened to book one before book two. It was a little hard and frustrating imagining Jason fighting alone. The story goes on quite a bit with danger and little hope of a positive resolution. This makes it a bit dark. Still, I enjoyed the helpful characters and wondering how the other creatures might help defeat the evil. Again, I think middle graders would enjoy the danger and excitement… and it is adequately entertaining for an adult as well.

Audio Notes: Brian Callanan again does a good job with the narration, giving voices to the characters. His strong narration makes the story a fun listening experience. I enjoyed listening to both books.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Quest of the Dreamwalker: The Corthan Legacy, Book 1 by Stacy Bennett

This epic fantasy is well-written, a page-turner and wonderfully preformed!
Quest of the Dreamwalker: The Corthan Legacy, Book 1
Written by: Stacy Bennett
Narrated by: Zachary Johnson

Written by: Stacy Bennett
Narrated by: Zachary Johnson
Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-05-17
Publisher: Miramae Press
Genre: Epic Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Cara has been a prisoner all her life, shackled by a broken soul and fear of her father's temper. When a mercenary captain is taken prisoner, he sparks something in her she doesn't recognize - rebellion. Determined to save the captain's life, she flees with him intent on leaving her past behind. It isn't love that drives her father's zealous pursuit, but a hidden magical birthright she never knew about. Now she must solve the puzzle of her past before her father kills everyone she loves in his bid to reclaim her.
©2016 Stacy Bennett (P)2017 Miramae Press

Review:
Cara has been “used” by Father all her life as she dutifully obeys the only human she has ever spoken to. Cara has never been allowed beyond the stables where she cares for her beloved bears. The people who come to the Keep are captives who become no more than dust in Father’s ceremonial room. Cara has strange dreams of a beautiful woodland where she finds shelter when Father “feeds” on her soul.

A new set of captives is delivered to the fortress where they are greeted with a bountiful, feast – for one night anyway. Cara is forbidden to share in the bounty and forbidden to talk to the “guests”. But this time she sneaks into the great hall to steal some food and finds two men hidden behind a pillar. One is a big, young man with striking red-gold hair and beard. The other is a dark haired, rough man, a bit more mature and with an imposing look of strength. Cara is startled when the young man speaks one word: “Please”.

Cara is drawn to the dungeons where the red headed man, Archer, speaks kindly to her and asks about his friend, Captain Khoury. Father threatens that these men will be his next sacrifices. For the first time in her life Cara dares to rebel by releasing the two men who have been kind to her. There are dangers before the men break out of the keep which is just the start of the trouble. They take Cara with them, but can they elude the evil sorcerer?

After escaping the first obstacle the captain, Archer and Cara seek shelter in Archer’s homeland. Cara is befriended by the Bear-Clan chieftain who senses the magic hidden within her. The village is attacked by giants and many new friends are lost. Cara, Archer, the chieftain and the captain escape, setting off again to find a way to fight the sorcerer. Along the journey Cara stumbles into a forbidden forest where no men are permitted. They are spared when a leader helps them by sending a social misfit, brave and resentful Falin, to help lead them out of the forest and to their next destination.

Each of the characters has a depth of history and pain which is shared in brief glimpses, with mysteries swirling for all of them. The strong-willed, independent Falin is an interesting contrast to the caring, dependent Cara. There are hints and twists, but most of the character backgrounds are not revealed until late in the story.

There are a few respites between the fast-paced action scenes. The escaping companions did not realize the powerful sorcerer would use an arsenal of tools- storms, giants, fire, a dragon and more- to get Cara back. Khoury might not readily acknowledge his love for Cara but he isn’t about to let her go easily. Khoury is a darkish knight (in truth a mercenary) but he is still a knight in my eyes. I loved the spellbinding story, the strong characters and the steady action. I guessed a few parts but there were still secrets at the end. This story comes to a conclusion but there is a clear path for the next book which I look forward to. I highly recommend this gripping page-turner to fantasy lovers!

Audio Notes: Zachary Johnson provides amazing narration that I thought was 'spot on'. It was clear he put in a lot of preparation so that the story flowed seamlessly from beginning to end. Zach provides wonderful accents for the characters and although he doesn’t present 'female' voices he clearly portrays the females by inflection, emotion and nuances that fit the characters. The combination of the story and the narration made this audio hard for me to turn off!

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge. 
***Please enjoy the narrator interview and enter the giveaway for a chance to win an Audible Code for this wonderful audiobook.

Author Website for Stacy Bennett

Audio Book Review: Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Quick, engaging and thought provoking vintage sci fi. (ABB-Narrator)
Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B
Written by: Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Narrated by: Kitty Hendrix

Length: 44 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-08-16
Publisher: Listen2aBook.com
Genre: Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007) was a prolific and genre-bending American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973).
These two short works, "The Big Trip Up Yonder" and "2BR02B", are science fiction tales originally published in the magazines Galaxy Science Fiction and If: Worlds of Science Fiction in 1959 and 1962.
©2016 Kurt Vonnegut (P)2016 Kitty Hendrix

Review:
These are two short sci fi stories that address aging in the future; or more accurately not aging. They reflect two different extremes which make them interesting as a pair.

The Big Trip Up Yonder tells of Gramps Ford, a 172-year-old, who is the head of his clan of children and grandchildren. They are all living together cramped into one three bedroom apartment where the head of the family gets the perk of the best bed in a private room. Gramps gets to dole out the use of the bedrooms as a reward to his favorite child, grandchild or great-grandchild of the moment, as well as changing his Will bequeathing his bed and couch anytime one heir falls out of favor. If Granps continues to take the special medicine that keeps him from aging and dying the family is stuck in this terrible routine. Everyone’s nerves are on edge and Gramps decides something has to be done. The solution is an ironic twist that I have seen so often in these vintage sci fi stories…and in the modern ones.

2BR02B is another satiric story that deals with death in a future world where government controls the population and a new child is only permitted if another person dies. I really liked the authors use of the wall mural to mirror the events that were happening.

I wouldn’t want a steady diet of these stories, but they are fun to read/listen to. I particularly like to compare the “vintage” tales of the future with the current day imaginings. Often the themes are similar and certainly the twists of irony are always present.


Audio Notes: Kitty Hendrix does an excellent job with the narration. This is not so much an issue of presenting character voices, although she does that well also. The plus is that the narration focuses on the story so the listener gets to think about the point that Vonnegut is making. I’m glad I received this audio for an honest review.

I received this audio title from the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. This qualifies for 2017 Audiobook Challenge, 2017 TBR, Sci Fi Experience and Vintage Sci Fi.

Audible Book Review: The Great Martian War: Invasion by Scott Washburn

This is an engaging continuation and enhancement, based on the original story by H.G. Wells.

The Great Martian War: Invasion
Written by: Scott Washburn
Narrated by: Ray Greenley

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-27-16
Publisher: Listen2aBook.com
Genre: Sci Fi, Alternate History
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Following the initial Martian invasion of England, President Theodore Roosevelt tries to prepare the United States for the potential of another Martian incursion. As the possibility of a stronger invasion is increasingly clear, the US government tries to mobilize nations to share information and technology to defend humanity. Newly minted ordinance officer Andrew Comstock has been placed in charge of developing new technology that has to be tested on the fly in a race against time if humanity is to survive.
©2016 Vincent Rospond (P)2016 Vincent Rospond

Review:
I must admit to being a bit confused when this started with Theodore Roosevelt as President. I was thinking of the radio broadcast from the 1930s. However, that was a broadcast adaptation of the original H.G. Wells’ novel, The War of the Worlds, which was written in 1897 and set in England. Recognizing that, this story fit right in as a sequel following the events of the original war.

This story is set in the United States in 1907- 08. It ranges from President Roosevelt and his advisers in Washington, to a teen farm girl running from the Martian machines in Arizona/New Mexico area. These characters are connected through the primary character, Andrew Comstock. Andrew is a quickly rising young officer who is involved with bringing the new weapons, tanks and armament, from the labs and factories to the battle field. One of the most interesting elements, I thought, is the point of view shared through the Martian characters which is set up as an effective hook in the prologue.

The early portion of the story focuses on the United States attempting to prepare for a second invasion by the Martians. Interestingly, the author also shows the thoughts of the Martians reacting to the wins and losses during the first wave of the invasion. The weaponry issues, failures and successes, are fitting for the time and totally believable.

The storylines of the characters are natural and engaging. The characters, human and alien, are developed with relatable personalities and none of them are one hundred percent heroic. They manage sometimes to stumble into successful maneuvers. Sharing the battle from the view of the Martians evoked some compassion even while still presenting them as the enemy.

The story moves briskly, first with backstory development, then progressing with good action.
It has an appropriate closing while leaving more battles to be faced in the next book. I plan to continue to see what happens next.

Audio Notes: Ray Greenley does a fine job narrating. He provides good, varied voices for the characters and conveys the fear, arrogance, awe and other emotions through the performance. The narration voice fit the time period nicely. Listening to this enhanced my enjoyment of an interesting story.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom for an unbiased review. It qualified for 2016 Audio Challenge.

Audio Book Review: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

This is a wonderful Christian historical romance.
The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-04-16
Publisher: Books & Such Literary Agency
Genre: Historical Romance, American Revolution
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own - some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him? Listeners will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse listeners in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.
©2011 Laura Frantz (P)2016 Laura Frantz

Review:
Roxanna lost her mother to illness and her fiancé to another woman. She manages to travel during 1779 through the dangers of war torn Virginia to the Kentucky fort where her father is serving as scrivener. Along the way she is joined by a handful of less than upright women, with a mute young girl, who have decided they need to find another town. When Roxanna arrives at the fort she soon learns that her father has died in the field, leaving her destitute. Colonel Cassius McLinn was with Roxanna’s father when he gave his dying request that the Colonel take care of his daughter. It is too late in the year to travel so the commander hires Roxanna as the new scrivener.

Roxanna tries hard not to be attracted to the too handsome Colonel. especially since she doesn’t think a man like him could be interested in a spinster like her. The Colonel has secrets that he knows will devastate Roxanna if she ever finds out. He tries to maintain his distance but he finds himself drawn to her deep-seated faith and kindness. A kindness that might be able to forgive him for the darkest of actions.

Roxanna discovers her father’s diary that reveals a danger to the Colonel and the fort in the form of a traitorous spy. Meanwhile they must cope with enemy Indians and the nearing battle with the British Army led by none other than the Colonel’s bitter and estranged twin.

I liked Roxanna’s character from beginning to end. She has passion, spunk and courage sustained by her unwavering faith. The Colonel is a strong man with demons to fight. Their romantic resistance, conflict and misunderstandings are handled beautifully amid a story that shows day to day life on the dangerous American frontier. The writing is straight forward, smooth and moves quickly. Ms. Frantz weaves strong but quiet messages of faith in an action-packed plot. The story shares moments of sorrow, fear, joy, grace and love. There is a great blend of historical detail, action and romance. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance. I will definitely seek to read more by this author.

Audio Notes: Laura Jennings does a lovely job with the narration. She manages both the female and male voices as well as subtle English and Irish accents. The tone is unusually hushed but that fit the tone and setting of the story. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this story.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audiobook Review: Mistletoe Mayhem: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1 by Linda Bridey

This is a sweet romance with interesting details about Montana's involvement during WWI.
Mistletoe Mayhem: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1
Written by: Linda Bridey
Narrated by: Mary Ann Weathers

Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
Series: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-08-16
Publisher: Beldene Publishing
Genre: Sweet Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In 1918, Sawyer Samuels is injured in The Great War and given a medical discharge. He's sent back to his hometown of Dawson, Montana, but it's a bittersweet homecoming. There is more to his discharge than he can tell most people. Shortly after coming home, Sawyer runs into Devon Dwyer, the woman who rejected his marriage proposal before he enlisted in the army. His feelings for her are as strong as ever, but after their painful parting, there's no going back.
Seeing Sawyer again drives home the point to Devon that her heart still belongs to him even though she's tried to move on. However, she knows the situation is hopeless. There's still too much anger and pain between them to reconcile - or is there?
Enter a group of their wily friends who have some tricks up their sleeves to push Sawyer and Devon to attempt to repair their broken relationship. As the Christmas season begins, chaos and mayhem ensue. Meanwhile, tensions in Dawson rise as suspicions rise and threaten the peace and wellbeing of their town. Can Sawyer and Devon recapture the love they once shared? Can the citizens of Dawson rise to the challenges and dangers that arise? Join the adventure and find out.©2015 Linda Bridey (P)2016 Linda Bridey

Review:
Sawyer Samuels felt it was his duty to go to war for his country but his girlfriend, Devon, took it as a rejection and broke up with him. Sawyer returns home on a medical discharge hoping the local doctor can reset his broken ankle. Sawyer soon sees Devon but they can barely be civil to each other. She still feels abandoned and he doesn’t trust her lack of understanding. Their friends set out to make them realize how much they still care for each other, but underhanded tricks might backfire unexpectedly.

Sawyer has other troubles as he took photographs during the battles that are not permitted to be taken or shared. Authorities show up demanding that he turn over any photos he has.

Meanwhile, there are tensions in town with some zealous patriots challenging the able bodied men, especially the Native Americans even though they sent their sons to war too. Mayor Joe is accused of speaking critically about the war and he is jailed right before Christmas. Other townsfolk want Joe to play his part in the Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. Sawyer and his friends conjure up a clever plan to break Joe out for the play and hoping to convince the accuser to drop the charges.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the importance of the people of Montana, including the Native Americans, and their contributions to the efforts of World War I. I also found it interesting that there was such censorship and bad feelings about negative aspects of the war.

There is conflict and humor and the path to restoration of the romance between Sawyer and Devon makes a sweet story. There is a bonus with a second romance struggle between Joey (Jr) and Snow Song, a half-Indian. Plus there is a teaser courtship added after this story concludes.

Although I enjoyed the story I didn’t feel as pulled in as I had hoped. The story seemed warm enough, the characters nice enough and the historical aspects interesting enough but there was just not a strong connection for me. I think I would like to give this author another try in the future. I do recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet, historical, family-centered romance.

Audio Notes: Mary Ann Weathers did a fair job with the audio but, honestly, I wasn’t enthralled with the narration. I didn’t hear a big difference in voices, the reading seemed almost too young and, at times, it was just a “reading”, rather than a strong audio performance. This might have worked better for me as an ebook or in print.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom for an honest review. This is part of my 2016 Audio Challenge.