Audible Book Review: Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

This is an easy, light and lovely historical romance.
Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

• Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
• Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release date: 03-29-16
• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Historical Romance
My Review: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places....
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should....
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant and annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor....
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without....

Review:
I always enjoy this author. There is no big suspense or crisis in this story (well maybe a little crisis) but Ms. Quinn tells a tale of two unlikely neighbors who have been antagonistic as they grew up. Now they are mature and are suddenly discovering new facets of each other’s personality. Quinn creates believable characters and manages to give them an engaging story of conflict to be resolved.

The story is fun, light and an easy read/listen. The sexual chemistry and tension grows even as it is appropriately portrayed for the status of a 27 year old Viscount and a 23 year old outgoing country noblewoman. I totally recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is an exquisite narrator for historical romance. She nails the setting tone and character voices. I am sometimes astounded by how she manages to give even the male characters a voice that suits their personality. It is a joy to listen to her narration.

Source: 2017 May Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2018TBR and 2018 Audiobook Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Christmas at the Inn by Andrea Twombly

This is a sweet, easy read.

Christmas at the Inn

Rose and Briar Inn Stories, Book 1

By: Andrea Twombly
Narrated by: Lisa Leslie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Post August 19, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 20, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had another busy week with a trip out of town Thursday for a Friday conference.
Our weather early in the week was hot and muggy, then it turned rainy and stormy again at the end of the week.

I had more good reading and listening. I finished two eBooks and one audio title. I posted three reviews and all of my usual memes.

I visited 22 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Wonders of Anomalies Book Reviews. Tammy reads suspense, thriller, horror, mystery, true crime, and paranormal and has been sharing reviews for four or five years.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post August 12, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 13, 2018.

• ATBR-Audible Book Review: Under a Tell-Tale Sky by R.E. McDermott; Post-Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• 2018Review- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann; Fantasy; my rating 4.0 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 17, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 8/25/2018.

• 2018LBC Print- Book Review and Giveaway: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon; Contemporary Romance, Inspirational; my rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement August 19, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (iRead)

Tribal Affairs
by Matt Dallmann
This is a different take of genie magic. 
My review and tour giveaway are linked above.
Source: iRead Book Tours.
Click on review link above for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Author - Review)

Must Love Babies
by Lynnette Austin 
This is a charming read.
Source: Author Marketing Experts.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (2017 Christian Audio)

Invitation
Written By: Alton Gansky, Angela Hunt, Bill Myers, Frank Peretti
Narrated By: Bill Myers, Ali Ahn, Cherise Boothe, Jeff Brick
Duration: 9 hours 5 minutes
This is entertaining and an easy listen.
Source: ChristianAudio Sale Summer 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Because of Miss Bridgerton
The Bridgerton Series
By: Julia Quinn
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Series: The Rokesbys, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins
I was looking for something light and this sure fit the bill. I always find humor and romance with Julia Quinn characters.
Source: 2017 May Audible Credit.
Publisher's Summary
Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places....
This is not one of those times.
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.
Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should....
Or not.
There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant and annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.
But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor....
Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without....

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2018)

Silent Threat (Mission Recovery Book 1)
by Dana Marton
I really did pick this for the blurb and not the cover. :-)
This sounds like good romantic suspense.
I want to keep working on my NetGalley titles, especially the ones requested/received early in the year.
Source: NetGalley.
A former Navy SEAL, Cole Makani Hunter has returned home from a disastrous black ops mission without his best friend, his hearing, or the use of his right arm. So when his ex–commanding officer assigns him to an undercover mission at a rehab center for vets to discover who leaked sensitive military information to an enemy, he’d rather be anywhere but there. Almost immediately, Cole finds himself at odds with Annie Murray—a peace-loving ecotherapist whose dream is to open an animal sanctuary out of her home. While the two seemingly have nothing in common, their spirited arguments soon fuel a passion for each other.
But just as things begin to heat up between therapist and patient, dangerous complications arise. So does the past—and a shocking revelation that puts Cole and everything he now holds dear in the path of a murderous traitor.

3. Audible Smartphone (2018Audible)
I know I will be starting another audio book mid week but I just haven't decided
if I should listen to a 2018 pick or a TBR.
I'll have to decide when I am ready.

August 19, 2018 - I am still enjoying the prayer app which gives me five prayer groups each morning! I continue on track with my morning reading the One Year Bible plan on my smartphone. You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.

I completed 3 books and posted 3 reviews. That keeps me at two reviews to post.
I still need to find time to keep adding reviews to Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 12. I now have two author titles in queue and one more review titles. Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I picked up one NetGalley review book this week.
I resisted the Audible Daily Deals but selected my two Audible credit titles and got one free fitness audio.
I only picked up a handful of free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from NetGalley:

Someone to Trust (A Westcott Novel)
by Mary Balogh
This is one of my favorite authors and I love this cover.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up two Audible titles with July credits.
Push Back
The Disruption Series, Book 2
By: R.E. McDermott
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 09-12-16
This is a sequel to one I just finished.

How to Marry a Werewolf
A Claw & Courtship Novella, Book 1
By: Gail Carriger
Narrated by: Emma Newman
Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins
Release date: 06-07-18
I liked the original Protectorate series and this looked like it would be a fun listen.

Free

8/19/18 Free Download
Walk to Run One Mile
By: Aaptiv
Narrated by: Jaime McFaden
Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 08-16-18


I added 49 free titles to my Kindle library this week - I downloaded while listening one afternoon. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 19, 2018

We were pleased to have a visit from our ministry partner from Haiti. He shared a short message encouraging us to remember to see ourselves as God sees us, not how others see us. We are hands and feet of God. Four years ago when this man came to Florida, he came to work in the migrant farms. He was injured and ended up wondering into our church. One thing led to another and now he is the pastor of two churches in Haiti and a school that is expanded to fourth grade this year! He once had no value among his own people, but now he is respected, and his advice is sought after. God has the last word on our value. Isaiah 43:4. Isaiah 52:3.

Our church service hosted a group of girls from Teen Challenge. Four or five women gave their testimony and the team shared two interpretive dances that were quite beautiful.

The testimonies of these women fit with our Haitian friend’s message. They cried out to God and He rescued them. Psalm 107; Psalm 34:4.

I remembered this song which I think will work today! I Will.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 107:19-22 (NIV)
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Lord: I praise you in joy and give thanks that you have redeemed me from darkness and death.

Book Review and Giveaway: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon

My Ladies Book Club enjoyed this sweet story full of forgiveness, growth and faith.
One Perfect Spring
by Irene Hannon

Amazon Link
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (May 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0800722678
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

Review:
Claire is a single mother raising her 11-year-old daughter, Haley. Claire is busy as a teacher and working, one project at a time, on her fixer-upper home. Claire has been burned by the men in her past and doesn’t have time for romance. Claire takes time to help her mature neighbor, Dr. Maureen Chandler, who has had a recent bout with cancer surgery. Haley overhears a confidential conversation between Claire and Maureen. Unknown to anyone else, Haley writes a letter to a private foundation asking them to help Maureen find her long lost son.

Keith Watson is a workaholic serving as the executive assistant to a former workaholic, David. The business includes a philanthropic division which answers written requests submitted by strangers. David is struggling to rebuild a relationship with his estranged daughter. He recognizes the importance of balancing career and family. Keith plans to pass on Haley’s letter but David assigns it to Keith hoping it will get him out of the office. David doesn’t have any idea how the assignment may impact Keith who has his own childhood trauma baggage.

The simple, kind hearted act of a young person sets off a chain of events that blossoms into love for two couples. The romantic chemistry is portrayed without the need for sexual scenes. There are lessons of forgiveness and second chances. Some of the characters have a closer walk of faith but others realize they need to renew their faith. Ms. Hannon develops all of the characters and the story allows them to grow beautifully.

The writing moves smoothly with a story that has a lot of natural life scenes and some twists that keep it interesting. I read and enjoyed Ms. Hannon’s romantic suspense (Fatal Judgment) and have been planning to read more. I was curious when I saw the author also writes contemporary romance and I am glad I shared this with my ladies’ book club. The story is uplifting, and the ladies enjoyed the richness. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clean, small town romance with quiet faith elements.

Source: Discount Purchase through Christianbook.com for Ladies Book Club. It is a 2018 title for my 2018 Alphabet Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:

ONE WINNER!

Paperback Book (US and Canada Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

(b) visit the author's Website and tell me something you like there.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) September 1, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.