Audible Book Review: A Springtime to Remember by Lucy Coleman

This is a nice romance, rich on description of the gardens at Versailles.
A Springtime to Remember
By: Lucy Coleman
Narrated by: Lucy Scott

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Release date: 12-26-19
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Family Life, Romance, Women’s Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
Paris and the Palace of Versailles have always meant a lot to TV producer Lexie. Her grandma Viv spent a year there, but her adventures and memories were never discussed, and Lexie has long wondered why they were a family secret.
When work presents the perfect excuse to spend springtime in Versailles, Lexie delves into Viv’s old diaries and scrapbooks, and with the help of handsome interpreter Ronan, she is soon learning more about the characters that tend to the magnificent gardens, now and in the past.
In amongst the beauty and splendour of the French countryside, a story of lost love, rivalry and tragedy unfolds. Can Lexie and Ronan right the wrongs of the past, and will France play its tricks on them both before Lexie has to go home? Will this truly be a springtime to remember?
Let Lucy Coleman sweep you away with this perfect feel-good love story. Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Sue Moorcroft and Heidi Swain.
©2019 Lucy Coleman (P)2019 Boldwood Books

Review:
Lexie is thrilled to have the chance to do a production at the Palace of Versailles. Her grandmother spent a year working in the gardens there before coming home to marry the love of her life. Lexie and her camera partner, Elliot, decide to work on a miniseries themselves which they will then market. That puts them on a tight budget and time schedule, but they are convinced it is well worth it.

Lexie meets handsome interpreter, Ronan, who has done several research projects on Versailles. When Elliot has to take an emergency trip home, Ronan is able to step in as the photographer. The two grow close as they work together on the project, but they are also working on the mystery of Lexie’s grandmother’s year at the gardens. Lexie’s mother sent her a package of her grandmother’s journals which are leading to the possibility of an old romance.

I admit I wasn’t overwhelmed by the characters, but I did enjoy the details about the gardens and the budget difficulties the palace went through. There are a few twists in the history and interaction of the characters. The romance and light mystery make this an easy listen. I recommend this to fans of light romance and Paris settings.

Audio Notes: Lucy Scott does a nice job with the narration. The voices and energy are clear. This was only available through 8/10/23 so I am glad I had the chance to listen.

Source: 12/9/2022 from Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: It Started with Goodbye by Christina June

This is a nice story; particularly good for YA and Teens.
It Started with Goodbye
by Christina June

File Size: 990 KB
Print Length: 272 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0310758661
Publisher: Blink (May 9, 2017)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
Language: English
ASIN: B01HAKH5LY
Genre: Family Life, Teen & YA
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she's stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest and her BFF's gone ghost. Tatum fills her newfound free time with community service by day and working at her covert graphic design business at night (which includes trading emails with a cute cello-playing client).
When Tatum discovers she's not the only one in the house keeping secrets, she finds she has the chance to make amends with her family and friends. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela/fairy-godmother, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.
A modern play on the Cinderella story arc, IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE shows us that sometimes going after what you want means breaking the rules.
IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins, and Jennifer E. Smith.

Review:
Tatum was only trying to protect her best friend (bff), Ashley, when she got caught up in a crime situation. The accusations put Tatum in a tough spot and it hurts that her father not only is severely disappointed in her but he won’t even believe her explanation. As her father heads out of town for his job, Tatum is grounded for the summer with her stepmother. Tatum is only allowed out of house to do her job and perform her community service.

Tatum has always worked the summer sitting for two girls but that has changed this year. She doesn’t tell her stepmother the full story so she can still get out of the house. Tatum also is keeping secret that she has started an online graphic design business to earn the extra money she will need to pay fines and still purchase the item she has on her wish list.

Tatum is frustrated that her former bff has gone silent and won’t return here emails or calls. But Tatum is making new friends, one engaging young cello player online and a couple during community service. Tatum is chafing against her ‘house arrest’ and her friendships are tempting her to violate her house rules.

Tatum has a friend at home with her step-abuela (step grandmother) who challenges Tatum to see a broader perspective. A surprising situation reveals other secrets in her household and Tatum begins to see a way to make amends with her family and find a way to come clean. Maybe the summer will turn out better than she could have expected.

Tatum is sixteen – which says a lot. She is questioning if her dad really loves her, if her stepmom cares at all and if her stepsister is human beyond her ice ballerina image. She only finds support from her step-abuela and her new friends. The story is sweet and has a bit of Cinderella uplifting ending. I like the overall conflicts which include (not unexpectedly) teen angst. I liked the light teen romance, but I didn’t care for the sneaking and less that honest activities that Tatum engages in. Fortunately, I enjoyed the final resolution.

I’ll be interested to hear the reaction of the other ladies in the ladies book club. I recommend this as a light, easy read with a nice final message.

Source: Print books discounted through Christianbook.com. I picked up the Kindle version 2019. This is a book for ladies book club.

Audio Book Review: 'Tis the Season (Main Street #3) by Ann M. Martin

This is a sweet Middle Grade story and an easy listen.
'Tis the Season (Main Street #3)
by Ann M. Martin
Read by Ariadne Meyers

Audio CD, 4 CDs, Unabridged
Published November 1st 2007 by Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN 0545025354 (ISBN13: 9780545025355)
Genre: Family Life, Holiday, Middle Grade, Tween
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0, Overall, Story and Narration

An unforgettable holiday story in Ann M. Martin's timeless new series

It's looking to be a hard holiday season for the girls of Main Street. For Flora and Ruby, it's the first Christmas without their parents around. For Olivia, gift giving and tree decorating must be balanced with the fact that both of her parents need jobs. And for Nikki, there's the presence of her mean, angry father to reckon with. Luckily, the girls have each other--and the community around them. As Camden Falls prepares for its annual festivities, Flora, Ruby, Olivia, and Nikki all find that the hard things become easier when there are family, friends, and neighbors to share things with.

Review:
Flora (10-11 years old) and Ruby (8-9 years old) have lost their parents and have moved to Camden Falls to live with their grandmother, Min. The girls have made new friends, especially Olivia who lives next door and Nikki. Flora and Ruby love helping and doing crafts at Min’s store Needle and Thread. This is the first year the girls will spend Christmas in Camden Falls and now they are learning to accept the joy of the season with the help of their friends and the love of close neighbors.

Olivia’s parents are struggling financially, and she is worried her parents will have to move out of town to start a new business. Nikki has always had to cope with an abusive father but this year he is leaving home for work elsewhere. The family waits to see if he will send any money home to help or if he will come back with his anger.
This is a middle grade story which is warm and easy to read. It shares problems that young girls might experience and shows how friends can help as well as a small, close community. The story addresses some adult issues like loss and grief, abuse and alcoholism. It also shares in a very touching way how others can be Santa’s helpers. This read fine as a standalone although I imagine starting at the beginning of the series would be good for the intended audience. I recommend this to tweens and their parents.

Audio Notes: Ariadne Meyers does a really nice job with the narration. She provides different voices for the characters and is able to portray the emotions of the children and the older characters. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: Purchased used at Library Book Sale. This qualifies for 2018 TBR and Audiobook Challenge.