#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1) by Ellie Brannigan

I really enjoyed this light mystery and hope to continue in the series.

Murder at an Irish Castle (Irish Castle Mystery #1)
by Ellie Brannigan
Narrated by: Traci Odom

Series: Irish Castle Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 02-07-23
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Irish, Thriller & Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Fans of Hannah Dennison and Carlene O’Connor’s mysteries are in for a treat with Ellie Brannigan’s captivating debut cozy mystery, complete with a sharp and endearing protagonist.
Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer Rayne McGrath expected her thirtieth birthday to start with a power lunch and end with champagne, lobster, and a diamond engagement ring from her fiancé. Instead, flat-broke and busted, she’s on a plane to Ireland where she discovers that she’s inherited a run-down family castle. Uncle Nevin’s will contains a few caveats—for example, if Rayne doesn’t turn McGrath Castle around within a year, the entire village will be financially destroyed.
With the fate of the town in her hands, and rumors that Rayne’s uncle’s death wasn’t actually an accident, she can’t possibly go back to her old life in L.A. As the devastating truth about her uncle dawns on Rayne, it’s not just her reputation that’s on the line, it’s her life.
Featuring a sharp and endearing protagonist, a colorful and quirky locale, and replete with twists and turns befitting an old Irish village, the first in Brannigan’s mystery series transports us to a milieu as romantic as it is deadly.

Review:
Rayne is a Rodeo Drive bridalwear designer and business owner. She is eager to celebrate her 30th birthday with her partner, along with a possible loan for business growth, and maybe even an engagement ring. Instead, she ends up without a fiancé and without inventory. Flat broke she is off to Ireland (tickets paid by her mother) to respond to a lawyer's call that her uncle has died, and she is to appear for the reading of the Will. Rayne is surprised to learn that she has inherited the declining family castle, with its handful of employees and surrounding village to care for. More alarmingly, she has to stay for a year and turn the castle into a profitable endeavor. And this has to be done with her newly met and very bitter and antagonistic cousin, Ciara, as manager.

As though Rayne doesn’t have enough to digest and deal with, Ciara, an illegitimate daughter, is convinced that her father was murdered rather than dying in a tractor accident. Rayne begins to juggle the issues of a deteriorating castle and needs to locate her Uncle’s bookkeeping records to find out the true state of affairs. It isn’t pretty. But it also leads to s mysterious list that makes her agree with Ciara that her Uncle was murdered. Now the at-odds cousins need to work together to figure out who had motive and opportunity. Lucky for Rayne, her Uncle’s young, untrained dog has some clues to share.

I enjoyed the mix of distinct characters, and the quiet persistence Rayne employs to face the problems before her. The local detective seems to be one step behind but Rayne uncovers the clues bit by bit. I picked this story for the dog on the cover, the castle and Irish setting. I was totally satisfied by the mystery with its twists and turns. I do hope there will be more in the series. I recommend this to fans of easy mystery.

Audio Notes: Traci Odom does a fine job with the narration. I liked her voices for the different characters and she carried the tone and energy of the book. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2023. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, 2023NetGalley, 2023Alphabet, and 2023Location 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 Road to Paradise A Vintage National Parks Novel by Karen Barnett

This is nice Christian fiction with gentle romance and just a little suspense.
The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
Written by Karen Barnett
Narrated by Ann Richardson

Run Time 10h 9min
Release Date: March 4, 2019
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christian Romance, Christian Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
It’s 1927, and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow. But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.
When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?

Review:
In 1927 women didn’t have open career paths. They were expected to marry well and take care of the family. Margie, a senator’s daughter, is an idealist who is an avid naturalist. She is excited to get the chance to work alongside the park rangers at Mount Rainier, not knowing that her father has paid a significant contribution to the park.

Most of the rangers are very skeptical. Chief Ranger Ford took over his father’s job managing the park when his father died in a mountain climbing accident. Ford is filled with anger and bitterness. He doesn’t expect much from Margie and is reluctant to watch over her. As he begins to train her on basic survival in the woods, he is surprised when she brings distinct botanical knowledge and a unique skill of communication to the ranger team. Their friendship slowly grows.

Margie is happy with her progress but gets alarmed when her former fiancé shows up at the lodge. He exudes privilege and is proud, vain, and overbearing. He announces that he will develop the Paradise Inn and its park trails to include a tourist lodge and elite housing. And he also doesn’t want to let Margie go and is willing to threaten her father as well as the park. Margie and Ford are horrified, and it looks like Margie may have to compromise if she wants to save the natural lands. Margie accepts a challenge that will put her life in danger. As she and Ford come to a point of recognizing their feelings, their relationship is tested by the secrets that have been kept. Can they save the park and their relationship?

This is a sweet historical romance with a touch of suspense and danger. I enjoyed the characters and really liked the setting and history of the park rangers. I recommend this to fans of historical romance with a touch of mystery.

Audio Notes: Ann Richardson does a fair job with the narration. She doesn’t quite manage the male voices but she still delivers a decent performance. I did enjoy the audio as the story moves easier for me than a print or kindle reading.

Source: 9/5/2021 Chirp $2.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Up To No Gouda by Linda Reilly

This is a nice cozy mystery with yummy cheeses!
Up to No Gouda
by Linda Reilly
Narrated by Mia Gaskin

Length: 8 hours and 29 minutes
Release date: January 25, 2022
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mysteries, Women Sleuth
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

The first in a delicious new culinary cozy series featuring a grilled cheese eatery owner who must solve murders in her small town before she is put under lock and brie.
Back in Balsam Dell to heal after the death of her husband, Carly Hale is finally pursuing her lifelong dream—opening Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery. After only five months, business is booming as Vermont vacationers and townspeople alike flock to lunch on her Party Havartis and other grilled cheese concoctions. All but Lyle Bagley, Carly's one-time high school boyfriend and now town bully who just bought the building that houses her eatery and wants Carly out. After a muenster of a fight, Carly's forced to put her nose to the rind and find a solution to keep her business afloat.
That is...until Lyle is discovered dead behind the dumpster of Carly's shop, and one of her employees becomes the prime suspect. In order to save her eatery and prove her friend's innocence, Carly must sleuth out the killer before she's the one who gets grilled.
With a delightful cast of characters, an inventive amateur sleuth, and a whole host of cheesy hijinks, Up to No Gouda is the perfect cozy murder mystery to melt into.

Review:
Carly Hale lost her husband to a tragic accident. She returned to her family hometown to open Carly’s Grilled Cheese Eatery where she serves popular, creative, and delicious sandwiches. Business is going well, and things are looking good until Lyle Bagley, her high school boyfriend, becomes her landlord and gives her notice to vacate so he can renovate to put in a shop for his new fiancé. Suzanne, one of Carly’s employees, threatens harm to Lyle as he leaves the shop. A day or so later Lyle is found dead in the back parking lot of the eatery.

When Suzanne looks like the primary suspect, Carly is determined to find the killer and prove her employee/friend innocent. While questioning potential suspects Carly stirs up threats. Can she figure out who is the real danger before they get to her?

First, I love grilled cheese so this title and cover quickly caught my eye. It is an easy listen oozing with some pretty cheesy puns (couldn’t resist) which made it fun for me. There is a good group of supporting characters, including a musically talented soup chef, and a possible future romantic interest. There is a stray pup too that Carly dubs “Havarti”. I liked the twist that reveals the true villain although there were a few hints. I definitely recommend this to fans of cozy mystery… and to cheese lovers too! I hope to read more in the series.

Audio Notes: Mia Gaskin does a grand job with the narration. The presentation had energy and distinct voices. It moved along very nicely. I am not sure if I have had the occasion to listen to Ms. Gaskin before but I would be glad to listen to other works she narrates.

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

Audio Book Review: Christmas In Evergreen by Nancy Naigle

This is another fun "Hallmark" story.

Christmas In Evergreen
by Nancy Naigle
Read by Kathleen McInerney

Run Time 6h 34min
Release Date: June 18, 2019
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
Evergreen, Vermont is about to be in the rearview mirror of Allie Shaw’s vintage red pickup truck. It’s hard to say goodbye to her small town and her veterinarian practice, but she’s moving to Washington D.C., where her big-city-loving boyfriend lives. Ever since Ryan Bellamy’s wife died, he hardly knows how to celebrate Christmas. He’s decided to take his daughter Zoe to Florida, and Evergreen is just a quick stop on the way to the airport. While they’re there, Zoe partakes in a local tradition, making a Christmas wish on the snow globe at the town diner. But neither Allie’s nor Ryan’s Christmas goes as planned. They’ve checked their wish lists twice, and they didn’t say anything about meeting someone new…or about a fresh chance at love. This sweet holiday romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Vermont Christmas Card Cookies. Includes an exclusive preview of Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa, book two in the Christmas in Evergreen series.

Review:
Allie is a veterinarian in the small town of Evergreen, Vermont, where she has headed the organization of the Christmas Festival for years. But not this year. This year Allie has made arrangements for her customers to call on another vet and her good friend is organizing the festival. Allie is on her way to Washington, D.C. to be with her on again and off again, long-distance beau, Spencer, who wants her to move to the city full time.

Ryan has been raising his daughter Zoe since his wife died. This year, to celebrate the Christmas holidays away from his wife’s memories, he has planned a trip to take Zoe to Florida and on a cruise. When the airport is shut down due to the weather, Ryan and Zoe head towards Evergreen. On the way, they run across Allie trying to get her red, vintage truck to start. Allie offers to show Ryan and Zoe around her beloved town.

Zoe is enchanted watching Allie as she helps a farmer’s cow give birth to a calf. And Zoe gets to make a wish on the local snow globe and then shares in the excitement of making cookies and decorating stockings. Ryan and Allie make wishes on the globe too, but as they spend more time together, somehow their plans and wishes are changing.

This is true Hallmark fare with the heroine meeting a new man and having to sort out her dreams as well as facing a boyfriend who doesn’t share the same interests. Zoe adds a nice element and of course there is Christmas cheer abounding and perhaps a little Santa magic. It is not a Christian story but it is a nice holiday romance. I enjoyed this easy-going story and would be glad to try the cookie recipe. I recommend this to fans of the Hallmark genre.

Audio Notes: Kathleen McInerney does a nice job with the narration. She provides suitable voices as she conveys the Christmas spirit. I am glad I got to listen to this as my last Christmas story for 2021.

Source: 12/4/2021 Purchase at Chirp for $.99. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal and a 2021color title.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: A Waterfront Wedding by Leigh Duncan

This is an easy listen and sweet romance. Pretty much what you expect from Hallmark.

A Waterfront Wedding
A Heart's Landing Novel from Hallmark Publishing
By: Leigh Duncan
Narrated by: Karissa Vacker

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
Release Date: April 20, 2021
Publisher Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Clean & Wholesome, Hallmark, Romance, Weddings
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In Heart’s Landing, Evelyn wants to prove she’s a good manager of the Captain’s Cottage by the bay - a favorite place for weddings. Meanwhile, Ryan has invested his life savings to remodel the town’s old boatworks into a brand-new wedding venue.
When a Marine and his bride win the Wedding in a Week contest, they have seven days to put together a romantic, all-expenses-paid event. It’ll be written up in Weddings Today magazine. But will they choose Evelyn’s cottage or Ryan’s boatworks?
The rival business owners cozy up to the bride and groom, helping them plan their military wedding. And even though Evelyn and Ryan both grew up in Heart’s Landing, they learn they never truly knew each other until now. But can they trust each other when only one of them can win?
This sweet, heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.
©2021 Leigh Duncan (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Heart’s Landing is a premier wedding destination. Evelyn is a bookkeeper for the family business at the Captain’s Cottage, a longtime favorite for weddings. Evelyn is filling in for her brother, the top manager, and wants to prove she can handle the management while he is on his honeymoon. Now Evelyn is in the competition for the Captain’s Cottage to be picked in the prestigious Wedding in a Week Contest.

Ryan has just finished remodeling the town’s old boatworks into a wedding venue on the water. He is surprised to learn that someone put his brand new location into the Wedding in a Week Contest. If his new building is picked by the winning couple, his business will be made.

Ryan was the childhood friend of Evelyn’s older brother. She always tried to tag along with the two guys and as she grew, she had a crush on Ryan. Although Ryan was kind when they were young, as they got into high school he seemed to avoid her. Now they are thrown together as they play guide to the Marine and his bride who are the winning couple in the all-expenses-paid Wedding in a Week contest. The various vendors in Heart’s Landing are thrilled to participate, even as Evelyn and Ryan experience a cautious attraction while anticipating that their venue will be selected.

Evelyn has some confidence and control issues that I found frustrating. Still, I enjoyed the rivalry between Evelyn and Ryan and the various wedding details were fun to follow. The wedding couple had their own pre-wedding jitters and issues that needed some soothing. Of course, this is a Hallmark Romance so I was glad to have the expected HEA ending. I recommend this to readers who enjoy an easy read and sweet, “Hallmark” romance.

Audio Notes: Karissa Vacker does a very good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and fitting emotional delivery. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Unforgettable by Eric James Stone

I enjoyed this entertaining futuristic spy adventure.
Unforgettable
by Eric James Stone
Read by Bryson Carr

Run Time 8h 23min
Release Date: April 20, 2020
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Action Adventure, Mystery, Sci Fi, Spy Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
In the near future, a fluke of quantum mechanics renders Nat Morgan utterly forgettable. No one can remember he exists for more than a minute after he’s gone. It’s a useful ability for his career as a CIA agent, even if he has to keep reminding his boss that he exists. Nat’s attempt to steal a quantum-chip prototype is thwarted when a former FSB agent, Yelena Semyonova, attempts to steal the same technology for the Russian mob. Along with a brilliant Iranian physicist who wants to defect, Nat and Yelena must work together to stop a ruthless billionaire from finishing a quantum supercomputer that will literally control the fate of the world.

Review:
Imagine if your own mother didn’t remember you after walking out of your room for one minute! This is the problem Nat Morgan has faced since he was born! His mother had to be his world as he grew up as the teachers and children in school wouldn’t remember him minutes after he walked out of the room. His mother did a good job until tragedy hit and changed their circumstances.

Nat had to find a way to make it on his own. He managed to convince the CIA to hire him and he was assigned a particular handler with special steps to remember Nat when he calls in from missions.

Nat obtains the quantum-chip prototype but his plan of escape is interrupted by a former FSB agent, Yelena. A fluke event puts the pair working together, although for different purposes. Nat wants to stop a master plot for control while Yelena is set on saving her sisters who have been kidnapped. It looks like cooperation might work best especially when they realize they need to obtain the help of a brilliant physicist who may be their only hope to stopping a tyrannical billionaire from completing a supercomputer that will control the world.

Nat is a little naïve but that is understandable due to his solitary upbringing. Being unforgettable has its advantages (storage closets come in handy) but there are more problems than you might think. His mother helped him to learn creative means to help others remember him when he needs them to.

The writing felt more like “light” entertainment than intense suspense. Still, the story moved along quickly, and I enjoyed the action and light romance. The suspense builds with a few twists and an ending that leaves open the possibility of more adventures. I recommend this to fans of futuristic, spy adventure.

Audio Notes: Bryson Carr does a good job with the narration. He provides the younger tone of the primary character but also provides appropriate accents and voices for the other characters. The energy and delivery enhance the reading experience for me.

Source: 8/30/2020 Chirp $2.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Audio Book Review: Night Stalker by Shirlee McCoy

This is a suspenseful thriller with a second chance romance.
Night Stalker
Faith in the Face of Crime (FBI: Special Crimes Unit Book 1)
by Shirlee McCoy
Read by Emily Durante

Run Time 5h 37min
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Night Stalker
Faith in the Face of Crime (FBI: Special Crimes Unit Book 1) by Shirlee McCoy
Read by Emily Durante
Run Time 5h 37min
After Special Agent Adam Whitfield’s ex-wife is nearly killed when she stops an abduction, the serial killer that Adam’s been hunting turns his focus on Charlotte Murray for getting in his way. Now, as the Night Stalker closes in, Adam has two missions: bring the murderer to justice and save Charlotte—because failure isn’t an option.

Review:
Charlotte and Adam separated after tragedy struck their family and grief overwhelmed their relationship. Charlotte lives quietly in their little lakeside home that is set away from the busier community. She has adjusted her life and has tried, not fully successfully, to convince herself that she has accepted her circumstance. One night her dog growls and she steps outside to investigate. She prevents an abduction but gets injured in the process. She wakes up in the hospital to find her ex-husband, Adam, hovering.

Since Adam left Whisper Lake, he has been involved with a special FBI unit pursuing a serial killer known as the Night Stalker. He was headed to investigate the abduction which fit the profile and MO of the Stalker, but he was told he couldn’t be part of the team as his ex-wife was involved. That only strengthened his reason to go even if he had to go on personal time.

Charlotte and Adam struggle with their painful past and their apparent incomplete relationship. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s elderly neighbor is barely saved from an attack and it is clear that the Stalker is now stalking Charlotte as a loose end witness. Can Adam capture the killer, keep Charlotte safe, and maybe win her back too?

The plot isn’t totally smooth as I had to wonder why the long illusive Stalker is suddenly making mistakes. It was easy to root for Charlotte and Adam even though there is emotional self-think which isn’t always my favorite to read. I was glad that the story moved along at a quick pace. I also like that the author includes a picture of underlying faith. The author shows that people of faith are not exempt from sorrow and struggle, but she also shows that God is faithful to guide the believer who seeks Him. I enjoyed this quick romantic suspense and recommend it to readers who enjoy the genre with a faith foundation.

Audio Notes: Emily Durante does a very nice job with the narration. The narration is clear and conveys the energy and emotions of the characters. I enjoyed the audio experience.

Source: 12/6/2020 Chirp purchase $3.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

#NetGalley Audiobook Review: Cover Your Tracks by Daco Auffenorde

This is a good psychological suspense.
Cover Your Tracks
By: Daco Auffenorde
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Psychological Thrillers
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Margo Fletcher, eight months pregnant, is traveling by train from Chicago to Spokane, her childhood home. While passing through an isolated portion of the Rockies in blizzard conditions, the train unexpectedly brakes. Up ahead, deadly snow from a massive avalanche plummets down the mountain. Despite the conductor’s order for the passengers to stay seated, former Army Ranger Nick Eliot insists that survival depends on moving to the back of the train. Only Margo believes him. They take refuge in the last train car, which Nick heroically uncouples in time to avoid the avalanche. The rest of the train is hurled down the mountainside and is soon lost forever in a blanket of snow. Margo and Nick, the sole survivors, are stranded in the snowstorm without food, water, or heat. Rescuers might not arrive for days.
When the weather turns violent again, the pair must flee the shelter of the passenger car and run for their lives into the wilderness. They must fend off the deadly cold as well as predatory wild animals foraging for food. Eventually, Nick leads Margo to shelter in a watchtower atop a mountain. There, we learn that both Margo and Nick have secrets that have brought them together and that threaten to destroy them. ©2020 Daco Auffenorde (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Margo, an ER doctor, is eight months pregnant but has an important reason to travel to her childhood home. She had struggles with family as a young woman and hopes this visit may be a time for reconciliation. As the train travels through the Rockies a blizzard brings an avalanche threatening the train.

Rejecting the conductor’s orders to remain seated, Nick, a former Army Ranger, insists that the passengers must move to the back of the train to survive. Margo is the only one to listen and they are the only survivors when the train is caught in the avalanche.

Margo rushed off without even her purse or phone, although it is unlikely there would be cell service. The pair are stranded with no rescue expected soon. Nick seems to have a plan for shelter and survival and Margo has little choice but to follow. Although Nick is reticent about his own past and plans, he seems to want to help Margo and protect her unborn child.

Nick helps fend off wild animals, provides game for food and finds alternate shelter. But as the days pass with more storm and no apparent effort to get to civilization, Margo becomes more stressed and concerned. Margo has secrets from her past but hers may not be as strange and intense as Nick’s secrets.

I was impressed with the tense and chilling (not cold, but fearful) atmosphere that the author creates. The story is told with flashbacks to develop the damaged and determined characters. There are hints of issues in the personalities and it was interesting to see how these played out. I suspected trouble and was gripped as the past history was revealed and the collision course of the characters explained. I recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers.

Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a fairly good job with the narration. She made an effort to provide distinct voices although it seemed a bit of a strain to get the male voices. Still I appreciated that she conveyed the chilling tone of the story and the story moved quickly for me as an audio presentation.

(I saw this at Book Reviews by Linda Moore through Mailbox Monday.)
Source: Received from NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn

I enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance.
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy
By: Janice Lynn
Narrated by: Alexander Cendese, Rachel L. Jacobs

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 10-27-20
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Christian, Christmas Romance, Holiday, Military Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
When Sophie Davis sorts through a box of donated books to her church, she’s surprised to find a soldier’s journal. As the daughter of a veteran who watched her father struggle over the years, she feels a deep connection to the man who wrote the emotional entries.
Former Marine Cole Aaron battled to find peace after returning to civilian life. He’s always needed to protect others. Now, fighting fires helps him put out the demons within him. He’s embracing his life in Pine Hill, Kentucky, and strives to call a truce with his past. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal from when he first returned stateside, Cole can’t believe it was in the box he’d donated. The book is old news, and he tells her to trash it.
Sophie and Cole are drawn together as they both volunteer for their community, but it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future...one touched by joy?
This heartwarming romance includes an original Hallmark recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.
©2020 Janice Lynn and Hallmark Publishing (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Sophie Davis recognizes the struggle of a veteran with PTSD because she lived with a father who suffered. When Sophia finds and reads a soldier’s journal she feels deeply for the man. She makes the effort to return the journal to former Marine Cole Aaron who now serves her community as a firefighter. Cole doesn’t want the journal back because it his past haunts him. He also wants nothing to do with Sophie and what he perceives as her pity. Even though Cole wants to avoid Sophie, he keeps finding himself working alongside her for the Christmas toy drive and helping in other volunteer events, even participating in winter sports with Sophie.

Sophie is part owner of a Threaded Needle and she has a passion for making Quilts of Valor to award to Veterans in recognition of their service. Sophie persists on making a special patriotic quilt that she wants to wrap Cole in, even while Cole continues to push her away. But Cole can’t help but see the joy Sophie continually shares with others in all circumstances. Can Sophie’s joy bring a smile to Cole’s face and, more importantly, maybe bring peace to his troubled mind?

This is a sweet romance told from the rotating views of a bright heroine and an emotionally torn hero. The story focuses on the characters and how our self-view can be influenced by how others see us. The author uses the supporting characters to add to the fullness of the story. I like how the author shows how joy might heal a troubled soul. She apparently has other books in the same small town and I would enjoy reading/listening to others. This story reads easily, and I recommend it to readers who like heartwarming, sweet romance. I do think it would make a nice Hallmark movie.

Audio Notes: Alexander Cendese and Rachel L. Jacobs do an appropriate job narrating. I wasn’t enthralled by the audio but it did help me listen quickly. I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

This is a wonderful Historical Romance.
The Hope of Azure Springs
by Rachel Fordham
Narrated By: Coleen Marlo

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Date: July 2018
Duration: 8 hours 7 minutes
Genre: Christian, Historical Romance, Western
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Summary:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone. For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart. Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance listeners back to the 1880s and the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

Review:
Em has had a difficult childhood and youth. After the death of her parents, at age 12, she ended up on the orphan train with her 7-year-old sister, Lucy. Hoping they would be selected by a caring family, she didn’t realize that siblings would be separated. Em could do nothing when cute Lucy was selected while plain, skinny Em was left standing on the platform. Across the state of Iowa Em is finally selected by a gruff man who lives a solitary life. SHe is left to sleep in the barn, worrying about her sister and fending for herself. She learns to catch rodents just to have a meal. Em stays away from her guardian but inadvertently sees him secretly visiting a place in the woods.

Outlaws attack her guardian, killing him and shooting Em. She manages to escape and is found by people from the town of Azure Springs. A kind family gives her refuge and a home where she can heal from her injuries. The local sheriff, Caleb Reynolds, interviews the raggedy waif because it is his job to track down the murderers.

Caleb is intent on fulfilling his duties as a good sheriff and ultimately to impress his parents. Caleb takes Em to the crime scene to help him investigate. He discovers she has a playful and brave side when she accepts his challenge to climb the trees while hunting for the hidden cache. He truly wants to help Em, never realizing that his time with her will change his view of her and those around them.

Em is quick to think of others, showing love and kindness, and entertaining the young twins with stories that she used to share with Lucy. Everyone in the family cares for her gentle loving spirit, except the elegant daughter who is the same age and is hoping to gain the interest of the handsome sheriff.

Em is grateful for the family who has helped her and the sheriff who has shown such concern to keep her safe. She finds herself enjoying her time with Caleb even though she realizes that she is too plain for such a man. Em sets out to get a job to earn money for the train back to the city where her sister was ‘adopted’.

I was pulled into this character driven story from the very opening. Em is a wonderful character with a courageous, resilient and caring spirit. Caleb is also a warm, caring character. I enjoyed the friendship that grew between them and really appreciated the wisdom Caleb’s father (and others) share. Ms. Fordham does a good job in showing how the characters grow beyond their young, natural insecurities. I liked the history of the orphan train and small western town dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will be anxious to get more wonderful reading from Rachel Fordham.

Audio Notes: Coleen Marlo does a lovely job with the narration. She aptly conveys the emotions and depth of the characters. This is the first audio I have experienced with Ms. Marlo but I plan on it not being the last. Her narration enhanced an already lovely story so it was a plus, plus listening experience.

Source: Audiobooks Credit April 2019. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook and my “spring” title goals.

Audio Book Review: About a Dog by Jenn McKinlay

This is well written, fun and easy romance but not quite ‘clean’ enough for my tastes.

About a Dog
By: Jenn McKinlay
Narrated by: Allyson Ryan
Series: Bluff Point Romances, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-30-17
Language: English
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Mackenzie "Mac" Harris fled her hometown of Bluff Point, Maine after being left at the altar and seeking solace in the arms of her best friend's off-limits brother, Gavin. Seven years later, she's back to attend her best friend's wedding, and she figures she's safe now from the mistakes of her youth.
But Gavin, the town's veterinarian, has never forgotten the woman who has always held his heart. And when Mac rescues a stray puppy named Tulip, only Gavin can help. With a little assistance from Tulip, Gavin vows to make Mac realize that their feelings are more than just puppy love....
©2017 Jenn McKinlay (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
“Mac” is returning to her home town seven years after she was left at the altar. She is coming back as maid of honor for her best friend, Emma. Emma has asked her to spend time with her younger brother, Gavin, whose girl friend just took off with his bookkeeper. But Emma doesn’t know that Gavin and Mac had a one-night affair on the night Mac was jilted.

Mac figures she can manage around Gavin until she sees him all grown up and responsible. Still, she plans to keep her distance so as not to upset Emma on the week of her wedding. Gavin has other plans that don’t include letting Mac stay distant.

Mac finds a stray puppy and seeks Gavin’s veterinarian services. He is the only one who can help protect the pup when a cruel man claims the dog is his. Gavin takes every opportunity to encourage Mac to see him as something other than her best friend’s little brother.

I enjoyed the premise and for the most part enjoyed the cute characters and fun dialog. Mac is a little uptight and needs to work beyond that while Gavin is just a sweet heart. Tulip, part pit-bull, is a sweet character also, and the author provides some good background on the breed and rescue issues.

The story has a good plotline and is well written. Sadly, it started off on the wrong foot for me as the first ten minutes included a bit of trash talk and careless irreverent use of the Lord’s name. This was particularly too bad as my ten-year-old granddaughter was in the car when the audio came on. There is a scene in the middle where there is a competition between male and female friends tossing slang names for male privates. Nearer the end they begin a similar contest of names for female private parts. This is intended as fun banter but to me seemed trashy and unnecessary. Finally, there was a closing sex scene that was also crudely graphic.

I saw another release title by Ms. McKinlay and the cover and blurb sounded charming and drew me just as this one did. Too bad I am “word” shy and will probably not seek more by this author. I am probably more sensitive to the language than many readers. There are lots of favorable reviews so the sexual content and language obviously doesn’t bother everyone. If you are a romance reader who wouldn’t be bothered, then give this a try as you may well enjoy the fun … and of course the puppy.

Audio Notes: Allyson Ryan does a very fine job with the narration. She captures the voices and a light tone for the story. Except for a few girlish squeals I enjoyed the narration.

I received this CD audiobook from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualified for my 2017 Audiobook Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Five Minutes Alone by Paul Cleave

This is a gripping suspense thriller
Five Minutes Alone
By Paul Cleave
Narrated By Paul Ansdell

UNABRIDGED
Series: Theodore Tate, Book 4
Length: 14 hrs and 37 mins
Release Date: 04-26-16
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
There's a common plea detectives get from the loved ones of victims: When you find the person who did this, give me five minutes alone with them. And that's exactly what someone is doing. Someone is helping these victims get their five minutes alone.
When the body of a convicted rapist is found, the detectives try to determine if this is murder or suicide. The following night two more rapists go missing. It's hard to investigate when everyone on the police force seems to be rooting for the killer. But when innocent people start to die, two detectives find themselves with different objectives, and soon they're battling something they never would've expected: each other.
©2014 Paul Cleave (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Review:
Detective Inspector Theodore Tate has recently come back on the force after a suspension and an injury that left him in a coma. He has his own sorrows at home as he and his wife are still grieving the death of their young daughter by a drunk driver. Although three years has passed, Tate’s wife is unable to stay in reality and accept their daughter’s death. But personal troubles can’t keep Tate home when murder comes calling.

Tate gets the call from his partner, Rebecca Kent, advising that a recently released rapist has been found on the railway tracks. Although this death might be a suicide, there are some details that don’t fit. Tate and Kent agree that the world is better with this man dead, but they suspect foul play. Unfortunately, the first suspect is the young woman who was brutally assaulted and raped by the dead man. When they visit her at home she responds reasonably but Tate finds clues that he doesn’t share right away. Even if she was involved, she would have had to have help.

Soon there are more deaths involving other criminals. No one will miss these miscreants but that doesn’t mean the police can ignore the crimes. It appears there is a vigilante killer and some clues make them suspect that a police officer may be involved. Tate and Kent are a good team working to unravel the mysteries while providing emotional support for each other.

I have never thought I would want ‘five minutes alone’ to confront someone who hurt a person that I loved, but, thank goodness I have never been in that position. I know many people, particularly men, who have threatened violence if someone hurt their spouse or children. That is the premise of this book and it is interesting how different victims respond when offered the opportunity to hurt the men who hurt them or their loved ones.

The vigilante who is giving this opportunity is an interesting character. He starts as a person who has lost all sense of living until he hears that a former criminal is out on parole and back in the neighborhood. Slowly his involvement with the criminals and victims brings him a new purpose, even though he feels some guilt and anger as he knows what he is doing is not legal. He continues partially seeking redemption and partly because he figures he is living on borrowed time anyway.

The story is told in alternating voices which I found worked well. Tate speaks in first person when he is active in a scene while other scenes are told in third person. Mr. Cleave does a good job developing the characters and sharing their inner conflicts as they weigh legal right and wrong, and legal justice against private justice. There is some violence woven in the twisting plot. I admit I began to worry that the story would not end well for Tate. I won’t say more except that there were more twists and a suitable, if not fully satisfying, ending. (Of course it’s hard to have a HEA for a murder thriller!)

The pacing and details of the story made it move along well even though it is more police investigation than chase and action. There is plenty of suspense and I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy this genre. This was fine as a standalone as I hadn’t read any of the prior books in the series. I would like to read more by Mr. Cleave.


Audio Notes: Paul Ansdell does a spot on job with narration. He manages to convey the pathos, anguish, anger and doubt that run through the story. His accent fits the setting and characters and makes for an enjoyable listen experience.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It adds to my Audio Challenge.