Audio Book Review: The Poisoned Princess: Warders Book 1 by Armen Pogharian

I enjoyed this creative story involving a young protagonist and secret guardians.
The Poisoned Princess: Warders Book 1
by Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 6hr 16 min
Publisher: Armen Pogharian
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sword & Sorcery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Forced to leave the elven forest because of his barbarian heritage, half-elven Toran finds work in a rundown tavern in Eridan’s thieves’ quarter. Combining his keen elven senses and barbarian battle skills, he thwarts an assassination attempt on a visiting princess and earns an invitation to join the secret protectors of Eridan, known as the Warders.

Review:
Toran is shunned by his elven family because he is of mixed blood. His non-elven nature makes the others afraid that he will not be able to control his barbarian strengths as he grows into them. His uncle finds him work in a town where mixed blood is accepted. Toran inadvertently thwarts an assassination attempt on the Princess. He has a lot to learn but others quickly recognize that he is skilled and is a willing and apt student. He is accepted into a secret group of guardians, or warders, who protect the royal family. His skills and the mixed group of warders around him, dwarfs, elves, and those yielding magic, soon find their skills needed in earnest.

A handful of the warders, including Toran, must journey fast and far to get an antidote to save the poisoned Princess. They face many surprising evils and dangers including the Kraken and Barbarians. If they can retrieve the necessary ingredients, can they get back in time to save the life of the Princess?

I was engaged by this creative story. I liked the personalities and skills of the different characters, even the villains. The dangers they face might not be totally unique, but the battles and resolutions made sense. I would enjoy more adventures in this series.

Audio Notes: I have enjoyed this author and narrator on other middle grade stories and was pleased to accept the offer of an audio code. I do have to get used to Michelle Babb's voice especially when I start one of the children’s stories. But I soon settle into the tone and voices of the characters. I think the author and narrator make a good match. I had slight trouble with the Spotify App as it seemed to freeze at the end of each chapter. Once I figured out how to go back and click from the main screen I was not frustrated by that glitch. I enjoyed listening to this story and appreciate the opportunity to listen and to share this review.

Source: July 8 Audio Code for Spotify from Narrator. This qualifies for 2023Audiobook and 2023Review goals.

Audible Book Review: The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

I did enjoy this fun, steampunk romance.

The Brass Queen
By: Elizabeth Chatsworth
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
Release date: 12-01-21
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Gaslamp, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
She knows a liar when she sees one. He knows a fraud when he meets one. In a steam-powered world, Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues. Selling firearms under her alias, the “Brass Queen”, she has kept her baronial estate’s coffers full. But when US spy J.F. Trusdale saves her from assassins, she’s pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don’t, the world as they know it will disappear before their eyes.
If you like the Parasol Protectorate or Invisible Library series, you’ll love this gaslamp fantasy - a rambunctious romantic romp that will have you both laughing out loud and wishing you owned all of Miss Haltwhistle's armaments.
©2021 Elizabeth Chatsworth (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Constance is not your usual Victorian miss, and not even a usual bluestocking. She is a young woman raised with science in her blood and genes. Her father has secretly moved into an alternate world to be with his wife who is alive there, though dead in Constance’s world. Constance has had free reign and the responsibility of maintaining her family estate, complete with fields, servants, and hidden laboratories. She has sold her steampunk inventions and firearms with the help of her mentor, another female scientist. But Constance’s Uncle is threatening to demolish the full estate if her father has not shown himself or if she fails to marry in three days.

Constance hosts a huge ball in an effort to locate a last-minute husband. Unfortunately, the ball is ruined when an airship drops a cage and kidnaps the three primary scientists using the three warrior autonomans which should have been unattainable. Constance has been rescued by a brash, but daring, American, J. F. Truesdale. Although they both are holding secrets, they will need each other to help if they want to rescue the scientists. Along the way, they uncover a plan of assassination and now have to get a warning out as well as completing their rescue mission.

The story is on the zany side but both Constance and Truesdale are lovely characters, and I was glad for the friendship that developed between them. I enjoyed the various inventions and the creativity with which the author equipped her protagonists to solve puzzles along the way. I would like to read more by Ms. Chatsworth. I recommend this to fans of steampunk and/or Victorian romance with unconventional characters.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a nice job of narrating. She has her own style which fit with the mix of dry and snarky humor in this story. I appreciated receiving this title in audio to enjoy.

Source: 11/28/21 Audible Code from narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021 Review goals.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the King’s Blade, Misaligned Book III, by Armen Pogharian

This author provides a very creative series!

Penny Preston and the King’s Blade
Misaligned, Book III
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-24-21
Publisher: Sue Arroyo
Genre: Fantasy, Teen and YA, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Eight-grader Penny Preston thought she knew how to handle the Bodach, the spirits from the fifth dimension. But suddenly something is attacking the structure of the multiverse. Left unchecked, the attack will tear the fabric separating the dimensions and destroy the universe in a cataclysmic cosmic crunch. As the stress on the fabric grows, higher-dimensional energy escapes into Piper Falls, NY, reenergizing the Bodach. Emboldened, they use their regained powers to wreak havoc on the small town. The extra energy draws several new higher-dimensional entities to Piper Falls. One of them, a former Bodach commander, seeks to rally her followers and avenge her defeat at the hands of King Arthur more than 1,600 years ago by reestablishing her rule. The energy also attracts an especially destructive ethereal Celtic spirit, which has a special taste for ancient artifacts and exotic nuclear particles. The last of the new arrivals is a mysterious and conflicted shape-shifter a spy known as Newiddyn.
The interactions of the newcomers and their empowered brethren with the town's residents results in chaos and brings paranormal researcher Darin Kolchak back to town. Teamed with the deputy sheriff, their high technology investigation leads them to the local lab conducting state of the art nuclear fusion experiments. The same lab where Penny's parents work. Penny and her friends must again dodge detection, as they sort out the capabilities and intentions of these powerful entities. One bad choice or wrong step risks unleashing the apocalypse of the Darkest Day.
Source: 8/26/2021 Audible Code Received from the Narrator for Review.
©2021 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Penny is a ‘misaligned’ girl with the ability to see and move in different dimensions. Since discovering her paranormal skills as a Dawnus, Penny has been busy fighting nasty Bodachs (monsters from the fifth dimension). She is guided by her science teacher, Mr. Myrdin, and his human-speaking Raven, Mr. Poe. Penny also gets help from her protector, Cate Sith, ‘cat’, Simon, and her classmate, Duncan. All of the friends are concerned as Mr. Poe explains that something is attacking the structure of the multiverse and could result in tearing the fabric that separates the dimensions and ultimately destroy the universe.

The leaking energy is drawing more supernatural spirits to the small town of Piper Falls. Some are annoying Bodach who are busy wreaking havoc on the town. Of greater worry are the high level entities that see the thinning fabric as a way to get back to the dimensions from which they have been banished. One of these is a shapeshifter (a Newiddyn, known to Simon as ‘the bird that isn’t a bird’) named Menw. Menw once spied for the Bodach against King Arthur until he changed sides. But there is another former Bodach commander who lost to Arthur and now seeks revenge if she can get it.

All of the strange activity in town causes amateur spirit hunter, deputy sheriff, Fred, to call in paranormal researcher Darin Kolchak with his van rigged with paranormal tools. They are trying to locate the causes of paranormal activity at the work site of Penny’s parents, who do not know about her special abilities.

I really enjoy all of the Celtic folklore elements, many of which are shared by Duncan’s Welsh grandmother who quickly recognizes Menw’s nature. The author also shares some thoughts on Ying and Yang while Penny and Duncan research their most recently assigned class project. Simon, “I am Cait Sith”, plays a strong character in this third installment which leads to a fun concluding line by Penny.

I find this series full of creativity, humor, and a good mix of legendary history with well-paced action. This is easy to listen to and good for the middle grade audience. I found it entertaining too and recommend it for family listening.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb continues to do a lovely job with the narration. She portrays the children and adult voices with distinct and fitting accents and energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book and I appreciate having this on audio.

Source: Audible Credit from narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and Review goals.

Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman, Misaligned Book I, by Armen Pogharian, My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter, Misaligned Book II, by Armen Pogharian, 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter by Armen Pogharian

This is an entertaining series – good for children and adults.
Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter
Misaligned, Book II
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 06-02-21
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Teens
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
When Penny solves the riddle of an unbreakable knot in time, she unwittingly releases two time travelers from the distant past into Piper Falls. The town is plagued by a series of baffling events related to the appearance of a strange elf-like creature. Penny's science teacher and mentor, Mr. Myrdin, recognizes him as the Coch Coblyn, an evil spirit from Celtic myth with a penchant for igniting city-destroying fires.
Compounding the mystery is the discovery of a prehistoric scepter, made of impossibly pure silver that's intertwined with Seneca creation myth and Master Poe's past. The silver scepter draws the sole survivor from the ancient civilization that created it to Piper Falls. After traveling forward thousands of years in time, he plans to take the scepter back to his own time and save his people from the cataclysm that destroyed them.
Stumped by the escalating pranks of the Coch Coblyn, the Deputy Sheriff contacts his good friend, Darin Kolchak, a paranormal investigator. Kolchak answers the call by bringing the latest in ghost-hunting technology to town in his refurbished U-Haul. Kolchak's methods may not be conventional, but they lead him dangerously close to the truth. Penny and her friends race to unravel the secrets of the artifact, dodge detection, and prevent either of the new arrivals from using it to return to power.
©2021 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing

Review:
Penny is continuing her efforts to keep time travelers from her local community. The banishing of the misaligned time lines is reasonably straight forward until she runs into a group that includes twisted, knotted lines that she has difficulty unraveling. She inadvertently releases two time travelers. Suddenly the town is hit by a series of mischievous pranks by an elf-like creature. But this is the biggest threat.

While trying to puzzle out the pranks and danger, Penny, Mr. Myrdin, and Master Poe learn that a powerful antique artifact, a silver scepter, has been fund nearby. This is a puzzle on its own as it doesn’t fit the era where it has been uncovered by the archaeologist. The second traveler is from an ancient civilization and seeks to control the scepter in order to change the past. Can Penny and her friends stop the two travelers from reeking time havoc?

Armen Pogharian has created a fascinating ancient history which is shared through the lives of survivors from a devastating natural disaster. The author shares in intermittent chapters the events that follow certain survivors. The lives of past and present characters are tied together as the book nears the end.

I find this series creative and entertaining. I enjoyed the dual time line as the historical characters added to the story. This is an easy listen and I like that this series is totally appropriate for children and adults. I recommend it as a good family read/listen for fans of mystery, time travel and a touch of magic.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a very nice performance for the audio. She manages to portray the different time characters with distinct and fitting voices. She handles the children’s voices as well as the prankster elf and evil ancient. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Source: Audible Code from the Narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and review goals.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman by Armen Pogharian. 4.0.

Audible Book Review: Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman by Armen Pogharian

This is a fun story good for MG and adults who enjoy a lighter, magical adventure.
Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman
Misaligned, Book I
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 04-21-21
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Genre: Fantasy, Teen and YA
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
When shadow-monsters attack in the cafeteria, eighth grader Penny Preston panics, starts a food fight, and unknowingly creates a trans-dimensional rift. Summoned to the counselor’s office, she expects suspension, but instead discovers that she is misaligned and exists in more than three dimensions. Unless she immediately begins training to learn to handle her powerful abilities, she risks losing her sanity.
She agrees to secretly train with her counselor and his friend Master Poe, an exile from the seventh dimension trapped in a raven’s body, to keep her hometown, Piper Falls, safe from higher-dimensional beings seeking to gain god-like powers in our dimension.
Together with Simon, her telepathic multidimensional cat, Penny struggles to save her relationship with her best friend, protect her universe, and uncover her connection to Arthurian myth.
©2020 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing.

Review:
Penny is an eighth grader who suddenly discovers that she has paranormal skills. Inadvertently she creates chaos and a trans-dimensional rift during lunch and expects to receive school discipline. Instead, science teacher, Mr. Myrdin with his companion raven, Master Poe, informs her that she is a ‘misaligned’ girl with the ability to move in different dimensions. Myrdin explains that there is someone threatening to bring evil power into the community and Penny needs to train to fight the magical enemy.

Penny gets additional support from her best friend, Duncan, and her new guardian, Simon. Simon is a telepathic, multidimensional cat who continually proclaims himself to be “Kite Seith”. A magical amulet is provided to Duncan which allows him to see some of what Penny is dealing with. And now they all share the adventure and danger from strange creatures seeping into the earthly dimension!

This story is easy listening fun. There is action, science and magic interwoven with Arthurian lore, Hobbit references and scenes that brought Harry Potter to mind. There are the stirrings of a different relationship for Penny and Duncan which is awkward and sweet. I would share this with my middle grade grandchildren and might continue the series adventures myself.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a good job with the narration. Although Babb provides clear and distinct voices, I thought the narration was more reading than dramatic presentation. I enjoyed the emotional input and I am glad I was able to listen to the audio version.

Source: 4/22/2021 Narrator Audible Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021Review goals.

Audible Book Review: Death at the Gazebo by Minnie Crockwell

I liked this easy listen, cozy mystery.
Death at the Gazebo
Mirror Pond Cozy Mysteries, Book 1
By: Minnie Crockwell
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs
Release date: 12-22-20
Publisher: Minnie Crockwell
Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
First in a new cozy mystery series from Minnie Crockwell.
Settling into her new condominium on Mirror Pond, novelist Sallie Chilcoat feels lost in Ashburn, Virginia, after moving to the state for love of a man. But with the end of that relationship, she finds herself at loose ends. She stares out the window at the pond and contemplates learning to kayak...or taking up painting...or climbing Mount Everest.
Movement in the overwater gazebo catches her eye, and she grabs up her people-watching binoculars to see a man sitting inside the gazebo playing an accordion. Curious about the musician who plays such a rare instrument, Sallie trots down to the pier to investigate.
The term “investigate” takes on a whole new meaning when Sallie reaches the gazebo to discover not a happy musician, but a dead body and a missing accordion. Forget Mount Everest! Sallie finds herself immersed in the mystery of the death at the gazebo.
©2019 Minnie Crockwell (P)2020 Minnie Crockwell

Review:
Sallie is a romance novelist although romance didn’t work out so well for her after she moved to Virginia to be with the man she loved. Soon thereafter he ended their relationship. Now she is sort of stuck in her condominium taking breaks from writing by jogging around the condominium ponds and gazebo. One morning she spots a man playing an accordion in the gazebo. When she comes back around, she finds him dead!

Before the police arrive, a local couple appear at the crime scene and Sallie notes that the wife is struggling with grief while the husband is struggling with anger. Soon, the local gossip chain, including Sallie’s across the hall neighbor, gets busy sharing information and Sallie learns the deceased was seen with multiple women, some married, who could be suspects. The suspects expand to jealous husbands too.

The police detective shares some information with Sallie as she shares the local gossip information and the efforts of her own unauthorized sleuthing. Meanwhile, Sallie is coordinating information with the condominium handyman, Bill, a man she has some interest in. But she is cautious since other single women surely find bachelor Bill interesting too. And it seems that Bill is very reluctant to discuss his own past.  Sallie and Bill both have some emotional history that leads to misinterpretation of signals.

The characters are likeable, and the plot has several suspects to keep things moving along. Some of the writing seemed simplistic but that was okay.  I enjoyed the easy flow of the mystery, the light humor and the hint of possible romance. I like this as a first of a new cozy mystery series and would be interested to read more. I recommend this to fans of the genre looking for a quick read/listen.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a nice job with the narrations. She is able to give enough voice to the characters to keep them distinct while she also provides fitting emotion and energy. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 1/8/2021 Author Audible Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and 2021Author review goals.

Audible Book Review: The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death by Carmen DeSousa

This is a quick, engaging mystery with a ghostly touch.

The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death
Written by: Carmen DeSousa
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 1 hr and 21 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-12-16
Publisher: Carmen DeSousa
Genre: Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
When what seems like a normal pit stop turns into more than just gas and food, a lost traveler finds himself searching for the truth of a 20-year-old mystery.
Detective Gino Canale doesn't believe in a hereafter, let alone ghosts looking for closure. But when his reoccurring dream implies that his grandparents' deaths might actually have been homicides, not to mention that he's hearing bells that don't exist and smelling a pipe when no one is smoking, he realizes he's either connecting to the other side - or going crazy.
And he's not sure which thought scares him more.
©2012, 2016 Carmen DeSousa (P)2016 Carmen DeSousa

Review:
Detective Gino Canale is a determined homicide detective. He has long suspected that his grandparents’ deaths were not natural. He has reoccurring dreams that point to murder and now he is smelling a pipe and hearing bells that should only be vague recollections of his memories of his grandparents and the diner known as The Pit Stop.

There is another death in a nearby jurisdiction that has similar pattern to the death of his grandparents. The local file on the twenty-year old investigation has gone missing. Gino dives in to help the neighboring homicide detective dig up clues to solve the current case and the cold case.

Gino is a natural and likeable character. The writing moves along well and I enjoyed the mystery and paranormal elements. This was a short sample but I would be interested in reading more by this author. I recommend this to mystery buffs who would like a quick read or listen.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a good job with the narration, providing distinct voices and accents for the characters. The narration made this an extra enjoyable, quick listen.

I received this from the narrator for an honest review. This adds to my Audio Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Making Amends by Melinda Clayton

This is an engaging suspense drama with excellent narration.

Making Amends
Written by: Melinda Clayton
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-16-16
Publisher: Thomas-Jacob Publishing, LLC
Genre: Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
On a beautiful fall evening, in the middle of a game of hide-and-seek, five-year-old Bobby Clark is kidnapped by his estranged father, a shiftless man with a history of domestic violence and drug abuse. Bobby's twin brother Ricky watches, terrified, from his hiding place behind the bougainvillea, while mother Tabby, who also struggles with addiction, lies inebriated on the living room floor.
Bobby isn't seen by his loved ones again until a fateful morning 25 years later, when video of his arrest dominates the morning news. He has been charged with the murder of his father, but before the trial can begin, he manages to escape.
As Tabby and Ricky absorb the news of Bobby's return and subsequent escape, Tabby is convinced he'll come home to the quiet Florida street from which he was taken so long ago. But when events begin to spiral out of control, she's left to wonder: is a child born to be evil, or shaped to be evil? And in the end, when it's time to make amends, does it really matter?
©2015 Melinda Clayton (P)2016 Melinda Clayton

Review:
Tabby was raised in the foster care system until she was booted to the streets when she reached 18. She was ripe to be caught in a downhill web of alcohol and drugs with the help of her dissolute, abusive husband, Vernon Clark. When Tabby learned she was pregnant…with twins no less…she managed to get clean for the pregnancy and delivery of two beautiful boys, Bobby and Ricky. Sadly, after they were born she fell back into bad habits. Tabby loved her boys but lived on the edge of consciousness.

Then, one morning when the boys were five years old their father swooped in and kidnapped Bobby. Tabby’s best friend, Von, shocked Tabby into sobriety for the sake of Ricky. But Tabby remained obsessed over the loss of her son. She got little help from the authorities to find him. Twenty-five years later the authorities finally found Bobby. He has made the news for being arrested for the murder of Vernon, his father.

Ricky works for a scandal sheet newspaper which specializes on getting the dirt on the periphery of the big news stories. Ricky knows his boss will be merciless in digging out the old family history on his mother and his brother’s kidnapping. Ricky would love to shield his mother but his co-workers tend to be relentless.

Tabby is anxious to get to Bobby and help him. She is sure that the killing was self-defense after years of abuse. Ricky will do what he can to help his mother and protect her although his own feelings about Bobby are mixed. Before Tabby and Ricky can arrive at the police station, Bobby has escaped. Now Ricky is even more conflicted not sure how his mother will cope with the pressure of the press and the renewed loss of her ‘first son’. Although she clearly loved Ricky somehow he was always “second place”.

I enjoyed the easy, natural flow of the writing style which is very straightforward. The story unfolds from alternating character perspectives by Tabby, Ricky and Von. Von is Tabby’s longtime friend and boss. As much as she wants to be there for Tabby, she has her hands full coping with and caring for her husband who is suffering from Alzheimer’s.

This is a fascinating and gripping portrayal of several issues including, addiction, loss of a child, and caring for an Alzheimer's patient. The book description hints at what may occur so parts are not completely surprising. However, the final resolution is a bit of a heart wrenching twist as Tabby decides she must make amends to her sons.

Drama’s are not my favorite genre and I wasn’t quite sure how I would react to the family drama aspect of this story. I was very glad to find that the combination of writing perspectives, psychological suspense and insightful narration made this an engrossing listen. I recommend this to readers who do like family drama with the added kick of suspense.

Audio Notes: Michelle Babb does a wonderful job with the narration of this story. She manages to

convey the personalities of the characters that adds to the interest and suspense. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of this gripping story.

I received this audio from the narrator through Audiobook Blast (now Audiobook Boom) for an honest review. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and M in Alphabet Challenge.

Audiobook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal

There are wonderful history and faith lessons woven into this interesting story.

Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series
Written by: Deborah Heal
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Series: History Mystery, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-17-14
Publisher: Write Brain Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
An old house + A new computer program = The travel opportunity of a lifetime...to another century.
Abby Thomas is spending the summer in a run-down old house with a bratty pre-teen named Merrideth she is supposed to tutor. Not a dream job. But it does come with perks.
There's John Roberts, a devastatingly attractive neighbor who is almost too wonderful to be real.
And there's the new computer program Beautiful Houses--also too amazing to be real. No one knows how it works, but with it she can rewind and fast-forward the lives of all the people who ever lived in the house, including Charlotte Miles.
In 1858, the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. And Charlotte is stuck there serving meals to the passengers, wondering if she'll ever get to have any fun. And then she meets two travelers who change her life forever.
There's James McGuire with whom she falls in love. And there's his boss, a young Springfield lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. His debate with political opponent Stephen Douglas catapults him onto the national stage. And it inspires Charlotte to take up the cause of abolition.
The House
A stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. A stop on the Underground Railroad.
Watching the house's history unfold, Abby and Merrideth gain a new perspective on their own lives as time and again they see God's loving hand in the lives of its inhabitants.
©2013 Deborah Heal (P)2014 Deborah Heal

Review:
Abby Thomas is a college student using her summer to earn funds and credits towards her degree. She is tutoring an 11 year-old resentful girl, Merrideth. Merrideth is upset by her parents’ divorce especially since her mother has moved them away from her home, friends and father in Chicago. Now they live six hours away in a small town in an old house which seems dull and isolated -- at first..

Merrideth’s expensive computer keeps turning on a program called Beautiful Houses, which Merrrideth is surprised to discover includes their house when it was in new condition. As Merrideth and Abby explore the remarkable program they are immersed in the life of Charlotte Miles, whose father was the original founder of the whole community. They are fascinated by Charlotte’s life in the years leading up to the civil war. Charlotte is also resentful of her father for not allowing her to go on the train to the Alton Fair with a local boy. Instead she must stay home and serve the meal as her home is the Station Way-Stop. But one of the guests is a nice young man, James McGuire, who works for a Springfield attorney, Abraham Lincoln. There are other interesting guests too that add to the charm and history of the house.

Abby and Merrideth are able to develop a friendship while learning that God has His hand on those who seek and trust Him. There is a charming young boy as an added character as well as a local fellow, John Roberts, who is smitten by Abby. The author does a smooth transition of scenes from present to past with the interesting twist of technology. She skillfully uses difficulties and problems from Charlotte's life, with wonderful depth of historical elements, to show Abby and Merrideth lessons that apply to their emotional struggles in the current day.

I really enjoyed the history and the way the author weaves in God’s care and love in both time lines. I was sorry the story ended rather abruptly, but I recognize it leaves room for more historical adventures. This is a good book for teens, adults and history lovers. I do recommend it in text however, as I was disappointed by the narration.

Audio Notes: Sad to say, I was not impressed by Michelle Babb’s narration. There was little variation of character voice and only a few attempts to add emotional impact. I felt this was more a reading than a narration and it detracted from my enjoyment. This is an occasion when I recommend the text rather than the audiobook. However, other listener's enjoyed the narration so test a sample and decide what you think.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This qualifies for Audio challenge and T in Alphabet Soup.