Audible Book Review: Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance by Anya Wylde

This is a light, "madcap" romance.

Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance
The Fairweather Sisters, Book 3
By: Anya Wylde
Narrated by: Deryn Oliver

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 12-30-20
Publisher: Anya Wylde
Genre: Comedy, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Anya Wylde is back with yet another Fairweather sister novel full of comedy, adventure, and, of course, toe-curling romance.
The Fairweather sisters adore each other and always stand by one another. But when circumstances force Dorothy May Fairweather to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley - the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke’s arch enemy - things change.
With her one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to vex all those that mean the most to her. Now all alone and miserable, Dorothy has to win back her sisters, the duke, her in-laws and her breathtakingly handsome new husband.
©2016 Anya Wylde (P)2020 Anya Wylde

Review:
Dorothy feels that she is the least attractive of the Fairweather sisters. She has had three whole seasons without landing a suitable marriage proposal. Finally, she has found a man to love. Her sisters are thrilled, even when they learn who the man is.

Dorothy’s best friend, Kitty, agrees to help Dorothy win the man of her dreams. Dorothy met Kitty’s beau interest, Lord William Edmund Huxley, when Dorothy stumbled in front of his carriage. He is one of the most handsome and marriageable men in ton. He was very kind and helpful to Dorothy, but her brother-in-law has a feud with Huxley. At the next social outing Kitty and Dorothy agree to talk to the man the other is interested in to try to encourage the man’s interest in their friend. Although Huxley is polite to Dorothy, he objects to her efforts to put Kitty in his path.

After the event, Kitty strangely avoids Dorothy for several days. She appears one morning acting distressed and upset. The next thing they learn that Kitty has gone missing. Dorothy is sure that she has suffered at the hands of Huxley. In an effort to find out information Dorothy sneaks into Huxley’s home and ends up in a compromising situation that she never intended. To protect his own family from scandal, Huxley proclaims Dorothy to be his affianced. Now everyone is angry with her.

Dorothy doesn’t have any way out of the rushed marriage. She knows that she isn’t welcome by Huxley’s step-mother and half-sister. Dorothy discovers all sorts of strange occupants in Huxley’s home and she secretly adds an orphaned boy with the help of the staff. Although the staff was initially standoffish, Dorothy’s sweet actions begin to win them over.

Still, Dorothy is frustrated by the sense of attraction with her husband which he keeps denying as he pushes her away. She struggles with depression wondering if she will have to live her life alone, without the love of a husband and without the support of her family. What surprising events can change her stressed situation? The family warmth is lovely, and they won’t ignore Dorothy’s distress too long.

Anya Wylde consistently delivers fun, “madcap” stories with likable characters, sweet romance and an easy read. Certainly there are situations that might cause an eye roll but I liked Dorothy, even with her clumsy exuberance. Huxley is a great character who is willing to sing to soothe his distraught bride. It was a puzzle till the end to understand his reluctance to accept and share love.

Although this is book three in the series, I felt it read fine as a stand-alone. I realized that I have book one, Penelope, in my Kindle library and I hope to pull that up to read this year. I recommend this story and this author to readers who enjoy easy reading, fun Regency romance.

Audio Notes: Deryn Oliver does a lovely job with the narration including sweet singing! The overall audio presentation is charming.

Source: February 2021 Author Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and Author goals.

Book Review: You're Never too Old to Laugh by Ed Fischer

This was a quick, light and fun read.

You're Never too Old to Laugh:
A laugh-out-loud collection of cartoons,
quotes, jokes, and trivia on growing older
by Ed Fischer

File Size: 17857 KB
Print Length: 128 pages
Publisher: Meadowbrook (February 21, 2012)
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
ASIN: B00768D8HQ
Genre: Comedy, Aging
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

INSPIRING QUOTES, JOKES, and
CARTOONS FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART!
Being "old" isn't what it used to be. Elders today are active, fun, and ready for something new. Stay young at heart with the wit, wisdom, and inspiration you'll find in this book by Ed Fischer.
It's time to be the new you.
Live it up.
Laugh often.
Love life like never before.

Review:
This gave me several chuckles during my holiday week. This is a collection of jokes and quotes on old(er) age from authors (including Agathe Christie and P. D. Whitte), actors (like Bill Cosby and Ingrid Bergman) and other entertainers (i.e. Jim Dale and George Burns). There are also fun cartoons, although some of these were a bit harder to read on my Kindle.

I think my favorites were right at the beginning but there were fun jokes all the way through. It is a quick read that can cheer someone who is maturing gracefully or maybe someone who isn’t and who might benefit from a lighter perspective. After all, as the quote from one of my favorite T-shirts states: “Never take life too seriously. No one gets out alive.”

I recommend this to anyone who wants a pick-me-up look at growing old or wants to share with an “old(er)” friend. And remember: ‘You might be old, but you’re not obsolete’ (quote from Terminator  Genisys).

This is from my TBR shelf 2012 and is my "Y" title for 2015 Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Genuine Particle by Stephen Punt

This is a half-hour of fun radio broadcast mystery.

The Genuine Particle
Written by: Steve Punt

Narrated by: Reece Shearsmith, Geoffrey Whitehead

Length: 27 mins
Radio/TV Program

Release Date:01-26-09

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited
Genre: Comedy, Radio Broadcast
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Time travel, wormholes, a lost security pass and a nice cup of tea. These are the elements that constitute Steve Punt's Theory of Grand Unified Comedy as he presents "Big Bang Day, The Genuine Particle" whirling into existence on BBC Radio 4.

Starring Reece Shearsmith and Geoffrey Whitehead, it's a comedy thriller set underground in the Large Hadron Collider and bears the unique property that every bit of physics in it is true. Theoretically at least.

©2008 Pozzitive; (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Review:
This is a very quick and fun listen. The story is a play of six characters. A British scientist raises concerns while discussing the work of two Russians who conjecture that when the Large Hadron Collider at CERN is turned on it may cause a wormhole that would allow time travel. This could allow a time traveler from the future to visit.

Now a group of the world's major powers, including Britain, America, Russia, and China (with a side visitor from Belgium) have gathered 100 meters underground in the Large Hadron Collider. They are there to try to intercept travelers from the future and gain control of futuristic weapons. The mystery includes an ID card, an electric buggy and the wormhole. I actually listened through this twice over the summer to catch the physics theory (not my best subject) and the twists!

This play was part of the Big Bang Day radio program which consists of five different plays. This episode was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 10 September 2008.

Audio Notes: This was a fun broadcast type narration with a cast of narrators. The audio makes it more fun!

I ordered/downloaded this for free from Audiogo in August of 2011 so it is a TBR. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Scarifyers: 08 The Thirteen Hallows

This is zany fun listening!

Scarifyers: o8 The Thirteen Hallows
Author: Simon Barnard, Paul Morris
Narrator: Gareth David-Lloyd, Full Cast

Publisher: Cosmic Hobo Productions
Formats Available: Regular CD, MP3 Download
Running time: 114 minutes
Genre: Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Harry Crow and Professor Dunning head to Wales to stop sinister forces resurrecting Britain's greatest-ever hero.

RELEASED ON DECEMBER 3rd 2012
When a haunted chess set causes consternation at the British Chess Championships, and a horse magically materialises in Kettering Agricultural Museum, MI:13 are called to investigate.
Harry Crow (David Warner) and Professor Dunning (Terry Molloy) follow the trail of inexplicable happenings to an unremarkable terraced house in South Wales, home to the mysterious Mr Merriman (David Benson). He’s very old, and very mad; but is there more to Merriman than first appears?
Meanwhile, in the South West of England, famed archaeologist Ralegh Radford (Ewan Bailey) is on the verge of the greatest discovery of the age. Britain’s Tutankhamen, the press are calling it. But what he certainly isn’t expecting to unearth is boisterous 1400-year-old knight Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr (Gareth David-Lloyd).
As Crow and Dunning unravel an unlikely plot to resurrect Britain’s greatest-ever hero, the race is on to stop sinister forces at home and abroad from finding… THE THIRTEEN HALLOWS.

Review:
This fun program has touches that made me think of well known movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Monty Python’s Holy Grail, Star Wars, and James Bond. The thirteen artifacts themselves are fun objects like a haunted chess set that plays itself, an old harness that poofs in its own horse, a mighty sword and many more.

Harry Crow and Professor Dunning are called in from the MI:13 to investigate. They discover there is a legend that The Thirteen Hallows have words or hints that will lead to the burial place of none other than King Arthur. As they get closer to finding all of the artifacts they suddenly uncover a twisted plot to raise the “once and future king” to fight a political, military battle for supposed allies.  Even more dangerous is that the two conspirators may have different goals.  Harry and Professor Dunning face imprisonment (in crypts and jail) from which they must escape in order to stop the mad threat that could cause terrible war.

The giant, 1400-year-old knight, Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr, is a truly hilarious character so totally out of time and place. He is dedicated to guarding the castle until he is shown the current dilapidated condition of the medieval fortress. But he does come in handy when its time to fight!

The full cast audio comes complete with wonderful background music, sound effects like ghost sliding chess pieces, horse neighing from the suddenly appearing stead, and tumbling rocks from a cave in trapping Professor Dunning. The British and Wales accents are lovely. It is an easy, quick listen in one or two sessions. The overall program is reminiscent of entertaining old radio broadcasts - with much better production quality of course.

This is such a fun listen I am likely to go back and pick up the prior episodes especially when I have a need for a good chuckle.  I recommend it for good entertainment.

My thoughts as I listened:
                       Zany, funny, craaaaazy, very entertaining.

Check out the full list of the eight Scarifyers episodes of this fun program.

Image Header from Cosmic Hobo Productions

I received this for reviewing from Cosmic Hobo Productions
through AudioBook Jukebox.

Book Review: What in God's Name: A Novel by Simon Rich

Mixed feelings on this title - see full review. :-)
What in God's Name: A Novel
by Simon Rich

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books; First Edition first Printing edition (August 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316133736
ISBN-13: 978-0316133739
Genre: Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Welcome to Heaven, Inc., the grossly mismanaged corporation in the sky. For as long as anyone can remember, the founder and CEO (known in some circles as "God") has been phoning it in. Lately, he's been spending most of his time on the golf course. And when he does show up at work, it's not to resolve wars or end famines, but to Google himself and read what humans have been blogging about him.

When God decides to retire (to pursue his lifelong dream of opening an Asian Fusion restaurant), he also decides to destroy Earth. His employees take the news in stride, except for Craig and Eliza, two underpaid angels in the lowly Department of Miracles. Unlike their boss, Craig and Eliza love their jobs - uncapping city fire hydrants on hot days, revealing lost keys in snow banks - and they refuse to accept that earth is going under.

The angels manage to strike a deal with their boss. He'll call off his Armageddon, if they can solve their toughest miracle yet: getting the two most socially awkward humans on the planet to fall in love. With doomsday fast approaching, and the humans ignoring every chance for happiness thrown their way, Craig and Eliza must move heaven and earth to rescue them - and the rest of us, too.

Review:

I do have mixed feelings about this book. I selected it to read as it seemed like a cute premise. However I had some trepidation about the tone of the novel and I should have paid more attention to that intuition.

I appreciated the dedication and drive of both Craig and Eliza, two angels who enjoy making little and big miracles that touch human lives. Although they are both mostly ‘nerdy’, their up- beat characters and their love and concern for human beings are endearing. They are certainly more likeable than the God portrayed by Mr. Simon as a bored executive who cares more about his favorite sports teams, his golf game and checking on his personal ratings then he does about humans and their dangers, sufferings or prayers. Another not so likeable character is Vince who is a rather harsh Arch Angel at God’s right side who sneers at the efforts of Craig and Eliza until they convince him to help them in their effort to save the world.

God has decided to “cancel” earth and open a restaurant. Craig and Eliza discover that God has ignored years of prayer requests that were carefully sorted in priority by Eliza. Craig convinces God to save the world if Craig can perform a miracle that fulfills one of the old prayers. Craig and Eliza have 30 days to bring Sam and Laura together. These two met in college and were attracted to each other but never connected. Now they only live six blocks apart but they are the equivalent of couch potatoes, rarely leaving their homes or socializing with the world outside of their own rooms. Craig and Eliza will have to do their greatest manipulation ever to pull off this miracle.

I have to acknowledge that the book is very funny.  It is also completely sacrilegious.  As I started reading I began to get uncomfortable with the tone and became more and more concerned that there would be little edifying about the book. Considering that I believe in an Amazing God, creator, savior and comforter, I had to feel hurt in my spirit at the portrayal in this book. I struggled through to the end in hopes that there would be a glimmer of redemption. Actually I was a bit calmer by the end as I decided to view the book as I might a complete fantasy.  I do think that there was a light of hope shown at the ending.  Unfortunately, God had little to do with the ultimate outcome and although the angels were the ones behind the positive movements it is not even clear if their influence or chance had the final impact.

I have to give the book a good rating for solid writing and entertaining humor. But I put a warning for other Christians that this one may not be something you want to read as it disappoints the inner spirit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A discussion between Craig as he introduces Eliza to her new job in the Miracles Department:

{Craig}  "Actually, the truth is...ninety-nine percent of the things that happen to humans are just crazy and random and serve no function whatsoever. ...
{Eliza}   "But the other one percent? Those are miracles, huh?"
Craig nodded.
"Well, hey!" she said. "That's something!"  Page 16

Thank you to Anna for providing this book from Reagan Arthur div of Hachette for review.

I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Book Reviews: Desperate Housedogs and Get Fluffy by Sparkle Abbey

This is a light read and fun romp with the dogs.

Desperate Housedogs

by Sparkle Abbey

• File Size: 513 KB
• Print Length: 202 pages
• Publisher: Bell Bridge Books (October 17, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005WZL0RK

Genre: Mystery
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description

When Caro Lamont, former psychologist turned pet therapist makes a house call to help Kevin Blackstone with his two misbehaving German Shepherd dogs, she expects frantic dogs, she expects a frantic dog owner, she even expects frantic neighbors. What she doesn’t expect is that two hours later the police will find Kevin dead, his dogs impounded; and that as the last person to see Kevin alive (well, except for the killer) she is suddenly a person of interest, at least according to Homicide Detective Judd Malone. Sparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of two mystery authors (Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter). They are friends and neighbors as well as co-writers of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. The pen name was created by combining the names of their rescue pets - Sparkle (Mary Lee’s cat) and Abbey (Anita’s dog). They reside in central Iowa, but if they could write anywhere, you would find them on the beach with their laptops and depending on the time of day either an iced tea or a margarita.) 

Review:

Caro is a pet therapist and proprietor of Professional Animal Wellness Specialist (or PAWS) Clinic.  Caro deals with some high strung clientele in Laguna Beach, California - human, canine feline and occasionally other critters. Caro and her cousin, Melinda, are both former Texas beauty queens who escaped from their demanding mothers. They might be grand friends if they weren’t fighting over their grandmother’s ugly brooch which had been willed to “my favorite granddaughter.” Both claimed the brooch and part of these stories is the running theft of the brooch from one cousin and back again. It doesn’t matter if they have to break and enter or open safes...anything is fair game.

Caro visits Kevin in his private community to help calm his two distressed German Shepherds, Zeus and Tommy Boy. A few hours later Kevin is discovered dead and Caro is being interrogated by Homicide Detective Judd Malone. Malone is sexy in a macho, leather-clad, cop sort of way and he is rather serious and solemn. He is quickly irritated by cheery Caro doing amateur sleuthing as she continues the rounds of client visits seeking information while dodging nosy and gossipy neighbors. But of course Caro is intent on proving her own innocence.

The characters are nicely, if not deeply, developed. Their basic temperaments and quirks are covered, for owners and pets, adding humor to the story.  The story is told in first person by Caro and it is light and fast paced. There are lots of good descriptions of settings, fashion and pets. There are numerous animal references - like the “Fur Ball”, a “cough-up some cash” black tie affair - which I thought were great fun.

There are several possible suspects and the mystery has a few good twists before being clearly revealed.  Caro’s actions are a bit zany and Detective Malone is a bit annoyed. I enjoyed the interaction and wonder what might occur in future stories between Caro and Malone or between Caro and her new date, the mysterious, handsome stranger, Sam.

This isn’t high brow mystery or thriller material but it is a fun, entertaining romp. If you would like a quick, light comedic mystery this works well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some dog influenced passages:

The next day was another day, another dog. L963.

The ACT gallery was packed with people and their pets. It was a veritable zoo of diamonds, furs and designer togs. The diamonds were on the people, the fur on the pets, the Prad and Chanel on both. Location 1583.

*****************************************

This is another fun sleuth romp with the dogs.

Get Fluffy (Book 2 on the Pampered Pets Mystery Series)

by Sparkle Abbey

• File Size: 503 KB
• Print Length: 196 pages
• Publisher: Bell Bridge Books (March 30, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007RPT76E

Genre: Mystery

My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Product Description

“A mystery worth barking about.” – Linda O. Johnson, author of THE MORE THE TERRIER, Berkley Prime Crime Disgraced Texas beauty queen, Melinda (Mel) Langston, owns Laguna Beach’s Bow Wow Boutique. Mona Michaels, Mel’s most despised client, owns a star dog, Fluffy, who's worth millions. When Mona is found whacked in the head with Fluffy’s Daytime Emmy, everyone wants Fluffy. And someone won't stop at murder to get the pooch. Secrets. Blackmail. Mel tackles the case like a dog with a bone. But can she dig up the truth before the killer buries her? I stumbled through the doorway into a mini-palace fit for a movie star. Fluffy’s palace. A white sheepskin rug in front of her personal fireplace, a king-sized sleigh bed and a dressing screen (why a dog needed a dressing screen was beyond me). Fresh, filtered water dripped into her Wedgewood doggie bowl.The room looked like it had been ransacked.Mona was sprawled on the floor as if posing for a men’s magazine. It was almost picture-perfect, except for the blood matting her five-hundred-dollar haircut and the gold statue stuck in her head. I hesitantly moved closer. Fluffy nuzzled Mona’s cheek. When she didn’t move, Fluffy pawed her shoulder, still whining. “I don’t think she’s getting up, girl,” I said softly.Mona was deader than a stuffed poodle. Sparkle Abbey is the writing team of Anita Carter and Mary Lee Woods. Visit the authors at http://sparkleabbey.com

Review:
This is book two of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. This story came paired with Desperate Housedogs for a NetGalley review special.  I hope for the sake of the authors and publisher that this wasn’t the final release version as there were more than a few noticeable typo errors.

Melinda is the wilder cousin of Caro, the heroine amateur sleuth in Desperate Housedogs. The ongoing battle of the brooch, with each cousin stealing the brooch from the other, continues in the background of this tale.  Melinda is the owner of the Bow Wow Boutique in Laguna Beach and her own bulldog, Missy, comes complete with dog drool and other not so pleasant doggy habits. There are quite a few “hoity-toity” women in Laguna Beach and one of the snobbiest is former actress, Mona Michaels. Even her dog, Fluffy, an afghan hound, is a pampered Emmy winning star.

Mona and Melinda aren’t friends and they have a very public and humiliating tif at the fund raising Fur Ball. The argument continues the next day and that evening Melinda is the one to find Mona dead when she attempts to return Fluffy.  When Mel realizes that her best friend Darby may be the primary suspect, Mel sets out to find the real murderer. Mel is warned off by not only her on again/off again fiancé, Grey, but by the stern Homicide Detective, Judd Malone, who is already unhappy with cousin Cora.

Once again there are several suspects and a weaving trail to the true villain. Melinda is a character a little over the edge for me, making such a public scene and then plunging into the investigation after being told repeatedly not too. Really, if Malone weren’t such a nice guy underneath he could have thrown both cousins in jail for obstructing justice and being reckless in their sleuthing. Ah well, it’s all in the cause of fun reading.

Each of the two books I read in this series could be read alone but I think they were fun together. I am still interested in how things will move forward for Cora and hope something develops in future stories.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome to the fancy Fur Ball:

Breezy air kisses and alcohol flowed freely, while we all pretended to be best friends. Trust me, we were one society catfight away from a hell of an entertaining evening.  Location 2645

Description of another community customer:
TV teen star and her dog, Babycakes, a Chinese Crested:

They were both so tiny they could be mistaken for keychain charms. Pooch and human were decked out in hot pink. Location 5076

Conditions:

It was partly cloudy with a chance of clearing Darby’s name.

I received these books as a pair from Bell Bridge through NetGalley.

These were set in Laguna Beach, CA and I will add theseto my ARC, New Author and Mystery Challenge Lists.

Audio Book Review: The Withering of Willoughby and the Professor

This is a very strange audio with lots of craziness. It is compiled from weekly broadcast episodes.

The Withering of Willoughby and the Professor

by Joe Bevilacqua  

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 8 hours and 8 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Waterlogg Productions
• Audible.com Release Date: June 13, 2011
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0055T6XMK

Genre:  Fantasy Comedy, Sci Fi
My Rating:  3.75 of 5.0  (4.25 for performance; 3.0 for story)

As heard on Sirius XM Radio and NPR stations!

This is epic science-fiction fantasy comedy, in the Monty Python/Terry Gilliam vein, about a boy and his professor who travel willy-nilly across time and space in a failed attempt to ''cure the world of all its ills''. Produced, directed, and voiced by Joe Bevilacqua, with David Garland and Margaret Juntwait, written by Joe Bevilacqua and Robert J. Cirasa, theme music by David Garland, musical numbers written by Joe Bevilacqua, performed by the Paul Salomone Trio with Paul on piano, Ed Fuqua on bass, and Jim Mason on drums.

Review:
The Professor is trying to rid the world of ills with the help of his eager, young assistant, Willoughby. The efforts begin trying to transport a box of roaches away from civilization but they end up transporting themselves along with the box to foreign sands.  Then, through mishaps at the lab, they begin bouncing backward and forward in time and space meeting some strange characters along the way.  

The author wrote the musicals pieces and they really are quite fun; I liked them alot. The sound effects for the most part are wonderful. Unfortunately the story sometimes gets lost and overwhelmed by the sound but I’m not sure that isn’t intentional. There were several episodes that seem to be unrelated or at least very off track.  Then again... I hadn’t thought about this being a comedy in the vein of Monty Python which should have given me a clue that things might go far afield.  The story eventually rolls back onto the theme but still doesn’t have a clear resolution for me, although the Professor does seem to realize that he may make things worse by interfering with nature. There is some toilet humor, another “ala Monty Python” trait. Also parts of the story and some of the effects may be scary for young children so I suggest parental listening before sharing.

** Added comments: In emailing with the author I learned that there will be more episodes so that is why there was not a clear ending. I also learned that Joe is the SOLE voice (except for the addition of a female in the 16th episode.) That he does all of these voices himself is really extra remarkable.

I would give this a 4.25 for audio performance but I have to give it a 3.0 for the story.  However, if you are a person who really likes “wacky” as well as fun audio, this would be a good pick.  The author was kind enough to send along some other audios, including Sherlock Holmes and Abbott and Costello. I am looking forward to listening to those and will share comments on them when I do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enjoy JoeBev productions at The Comedy-O-Rama which airs every Saturday From Noon to 2pm (ET) / 9am to 11am (PT) - Tune in Live for Free, Exclusively on http://www.CultRadioAGoGo.com/

Thank you to Joe Bevilacqua and AudioJukebox for providing this Audio fun.
I will include this on my ARC, New Authors and Audio Challenges.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: I Didn't Ask to Be Born by Bill Cosby

I have to agree with the blurb comment - I'm glad Bill Cosby was born and chooses to continue to share laughter.

I Didn't Ask to Be Born (but I'm Glad I Was)

by Bill Cosby

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892969202
• ISBN-13: 978-0892969203

Genre:  Comedy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
The world's most beloved funnyman is back with his first humor book since the bestselling Cosbyology. In this hilarious new collection of observations, Cosby brings us more of his wonderful and wacky insights into the human condition that are sure to become classics. In the tradition of Fat Albert, Cosby introduces a host of new characters, including Peanut Armhouse and Old Mother Harold. Not since Mushmouth, Dumb Donald, Bucky, and the Cosby Kids has there been such a memorable cast.

Over the past century, few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of William H. Cosby, Jr. His success spans five decades and virtually all media-remarkable accomplishments for a kid who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philly housing project.

The doctor of comedy holds forth on everything from a game show contestant's confusing origins, to a grandchild with a Godzilla infatuation, to his first love Bernadette, and many more delightful digressions.

Bill Cosby may not have asked to be born, but we're sure glad he was.

Review: This is a book that can bring a smile ...or several. :-)
Bill Cosby has always had a humorous way of looking at situations and he is a wonderful story teller.  This book opens with a story that was not made up by Cosby but happened while he was the talk show host for You Bet Your Life. Marcia Broody was the straight-faced guest who got Cosby lost looking for North, SC that was southeast of Due West. It is a great bit and had me laughing out loud!

There are stories of Cosby’s childhood days in the projects. He makes the neighborhood come alive in your mind from the poor raggedly-dressed children to the mothers who demanded respect. There is lots of humor in softball play “around back” and playing cowboys with your mother’s broom as your mighty steed.  It is fun to read the stories and wander with Cosby as he rambles and digresses and then returns to the original story.

Cosby also has a knack for stories about God with a Biblical foundation, a vivid imagination and great tongue in cheek. I have always loved his “Noah” routine. This book includes a fine routine about Adam and Eve.

There are tidbits on raising children, including how to respond when a child rebels with the phrase “I didn’t ask to be born.”  There are also insights on Native Americans, voice mail, items that wouldn’t have been mentioned in the early days of TV, and some reminisces of fond  grandparent moments.

The book is short and easy to pick up and read in one sitting or to read one vignette at a time.  The illustrations might be called “chicken scratch” drawings but they are just wonderful. The ARC also contains spots which I think are for photos which would add even more visual fun. If you are looking for light, clean entertainment this is a great choice for yourself or a friend who needs a “pick-me-up” smile.

Thank you to Center Street for providing this book for review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the paperback ARC copy:
1. I will give you a choice: visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there; OR take a peek at the Open Book and tell me what you think of the illustrations there! OR tell me if you have a favorite Cosby story/routine. One or these is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3.  For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* Open to the US & Canada only.

* No PO boxes, please.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 18, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 19. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

This book is a treat and perfect summer read!

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140225721X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402257216

Genre: Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Product Description
When Alex Bradshaw's unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world's largest shipping company, he sets out to reclaim his dignity and his pension. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept an illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on quirky blonde stowaway Juli Flynn, who has a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex...

Review: This story hits the spot for laugh out loud, fun reading!
Juli is a an attractive, thirty something, woman who has apparently jumped around a lot in her career life.  It’s sort of okay she is in between jobs because she now has a mission to deliver her uncle’s ashes to a watery grave in the Caribbean. Juli decides to play in a newlywed game the night before her charter cruise.  It doesn’t matter that she just met the man - the prize is $1000.00 and with a quick system they can at least try.

Alex is an executive VP who has just been laid off months before being vested in his pension. He and three other laid off employees have devised a plan to intercept an illegal diamond shipment from their former boss.  They figure they’re owed the money and they’ll get some revenge.  The night before they head out on their heist he meets this crazy woman who pulls him into a newlywed game. This behavior is a bit impulsive, but what the heck...why not?

The next morning a dopey Juli stumbles onto what she thinks is her charter boat but instead is the boat Alex and his mates have engaged for pirate purposes.  They have their secret plans and don’t want a stranger joining, even if Alex says she’s “his wife.” They don’t believe Juli is innocent and in truth she has her own secrets which are revealed in surprising circumstances. The crew decide to let her ride along rather than have her blow the whistle on them before they can implement their act of piracy.  Juli’s unexpected talents come in handy and she starts to feel like she could maybe “fit in” for a change.

The other crew members have quirky personalities too.  I especially like the former football player, Cody, who has found his niche as the crew’s creative gourmet chef. Along the adventure they run into real, but unusual, pirates.

Alex is clearly attracted to Juli but he tries to resist since this isn’t a good time to start a relationship. Then they have the problem of being consistently interrupted when things do heat up!

This story starts out off beat and kooky and stays light-hearted and wacky all the way through. It's a quick read that had me grinning and chuckling. I will be hoping for more fun romance from this author.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book for reading and review and for providing two copies for Giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting.This is required for entry.

2. For two extra entries, comment on the Author Interview.

3. For another two entries, complete the Author's sentence at Interview Q10.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Eight total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 19 , 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 20 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winner's form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley

If you were single would you want to date a calendar guy?
Dating Mr. December  by Phillipa Ashley

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (November 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402241429
• ISBN-13: 978-1402241420

     Price:  Print $9.99; Kindle $7.19
     Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Comedy
     My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description from Sourcebooks
She doesn’t need rescuing, she only needs a change of scenery...

After a disastrous discovery loses Emma Tremayne both her boyfriend and her high-profile PR job in London, she moves to the Lake District to recover her confidence and live a simpler life. She loves her new job with the tourist board, and she’s settling into small town life just fine—until she ends up responsible for a fundraising effort that calls for twelve naked mountain rescuers...

Review: This is a very cute, quick read.
Emma Tremayne, as the new tourist PR person in a small community, decides to help raise funds to get a new base for the mountain rescue team.  But her idea of a “beef cake” calendar isn’t immediately accepted by all of the rescuers.  Especially not by the taciturn and grim Will Tennant, who is also a ruggedly handsome male specimen.  Emma has already lost at love and isn’t interested in hunting out a new love interest. Especially not a guy who is rumored to notch the bedpost and jilted his ex fiancé the morning of their wedding. But it’s hard for her not to think a bit about Will’s sensual body.

Will is a man who keeps his secrets tight.  He may be fascinated by this sexy lady but that doesn’t mean he wants to get close. Besides, every time they run into each other she brings out the snarls in him as they are drawn to each other and then push away.  After several months he gives in and decides he at least wants a date with her to try to show her he can be civilized.  Although the date turns into a day of sharing, can Will set aside his pride and take the risk of letting Emma know how he feels? Or will Emma end up with broken heart again?

I enjoyed the snippy humor and snappy characters. The writing is light and the pace moves briskly.  If you are in the mood for a light, fun, “push and pull” romance you should check this one out.  I am interested to see how it will come out in the TV special.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  One extra entry: Answer the Question at the top of this post. :o) 

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on January 5, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.