Audible Book Review: It Happened One Autumn: Wallflower Series #2 by Lisa Kleypas

This historical romance is nice and moved along quickly.

It Happened One Autumn: Wallflower Series #2
by Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: Wallflowers #2
Length: 11h 29m
Published January 8th 2010 by Brilliance Audio
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.75.

It happened at the Ball….
Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren’t entirely “the thing.” And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London’s most eligible aristocrat.
It happened in the garden…
When Marcus shockingly – and dangerously – swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn’t even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed…thank goodness they weren’t caught very nearly in the act!
It happened one autumn.…
Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable…as his bride.
Published January 8th 2010 by Brilliance Audio.

Review:
Lillian Bowman is a beautiful, head strong American daughter of a man who made his money in soap manufacturing. Lillian and her sister, Daisy, struggled to be accepted by society in New York and will struggle in London too unless they get an aristocratic sponsor. Lillian met Lord Marcus Westcliff at a ball, and they immediately disliked each other. She sees him as snobbish and insufferable. He sees her as crass and overly bold, especially after he comes across her and her friends playing rounders in their undergarments.

Marcus wants to do business with Lillian’s father, so the Bowman family has been included in a two-week house party at his lavish estate. He hopes that he can avoid the daughters, especially headstrong Lillian. He finds the American sisters playing rounders again, this time with their clothes with his stable hands. This time he steps up to try to help Lillian’s bat swing. They soon realize that they need to sneak back into the house and Marcus leads them along a back path. Nearing the door, Daisy escapes into the house but Marcus and Lillian are trapped behind a hedgerow as a group of men pass by. Inexplicably Marcus finds himself mesmerized by this inappropriate young woman and begins kissing her. This begins a reluctant draw between the pair who keep trying to tell themselves and each other that they don’t like the other who would be totally unsuitable.

Marcus’ roguish friend, Lord St. Vincent is willing to play escort to Lillian to keep her out of the way of Marcus. As the days go on it seems that St. Vincent may have plans of his own.

I enjoyed the reluctant relationship between the protagonists. The conflict showcases some class bigotry which is interesting. I was expecting and hoping for a bit of intrigue which finally appears in the last part of the book. I also enjoyed the elements involving Lillian’s skill at distinguishing scents which plays a fun role in the story. My only disappointment with this second book was there were more sexual encounters than were necessary for my taste. Still, it was a quick and mostly enjoyable listen. I have the next book, Devil in Winter, in print but I may have to pick up the audio.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is always a joy to listen to. She provides wonderful voices and seamless narration that enhances the story for me.

4.5 Source: Audible September 2021. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and my season goals.

Wallflowers Series #1: Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas; my rating 4.5

Book Review: The Duke and the Spoiled Wallflower by Tessa Brookman

It took me some time to get through this, but I am glad I finished it.
The Duke and the Spoiled Wallflower
by Tessa Brookman

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09FNXFNZT
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grove Chronicles (September 6, 2021)
File size ‏ : ‎ 5483 KB (287 pages)
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0.

Because she is nothing short of his passion incarnated...
Lady Lydia Bennet is escaping scandal. After moving to London, she makes herself a promise: she will stay away from men and never wed. But when she finds out she has to marry Asher, the mysterious returning Duke, she's forced to confront her dark past.
Asher Graydent, the Duke of Whitehaven, has dedicated his life to avenging his parents’ deaths. Upon returning from the Far East, he finds himself debt-ridden and the only way out is by forming ties with the Bennet family; by marrying their innocent, bluestocking daughter, Lydia.
As the bells of marriage ring closer, Lydia soon accepts she cannot escape her fate. Instead, she uses the Duke to exact revenge on the one responsible for her scarred past.
But as Asher’s lips touch hers, it’s suddenly proven impossible to resist him. But she must...or must she?

Review:
Lady Lydia’s family has moved to London to get here away from a scandal that occurred in her beloved Wales. A bluestocking, Lydia would like to stay away from men, but her parents have arranged for her to marry Asher, a Duke who needs her dowry. Asher was away in Egypt when his parents were murdered, and he is more concerned with finding the murderer than marrying.

Lydia is shaken to learn that Jackson, the man who brought scandal upon her, is now in London and he seems to be a friend of the duke. As part of the bargain to agree to marry Asher, she coerces him into agreeing to exact revenge against Jackson although she will not give Asher the facts.

Asher and Lydia begin to spend time to get to know each other. Lydia discovers that she is drawn to her quiet, respected husband. But when she is out in town with her maid, she is confronted and threatened by Jackson. Lydia steps back from her growing relationship with Asher fearing that her past will bring more scandal.

Asher struggles to balance his obsessive investigation into his parents’ murders, with his reclusive, troubled new wife, and now trying to find out what he can about Jackson. Will he be able to resolve any of these issues and express his growing feelings for Lydia? And how will Lydia move beyond her past?

I like the premise of the secrets in the past creating conflict for the current relationship. I did find it a little frustrating that the secret wasn’t clear to the reader but eventually the facts were dribbled out. It was also frustrating that Lydia learned other critical secrets about her husband’s search that she didn’t share with him. However, my biggest frustration was the writing.

Honestly, at times I thought this had been written in a foreign language and suffered at the hands of translation. Since that doesn’t seem to be the situation, I fault the editing. The early portion of the book is riddled with cliches, awkward phrasing, excessive wordiness, and occasional mixed tenses. I like descriptions but many of the observations were detailed to the point of being annoying. Examples of wording that bothered me:

“Lydia stood frozen in her seat, clenching the arms of the chair tighter as she felt her breath turning hazier and hazier by the second.”
“He expected her to be quiet and shy, so every word that escaped out of her mouth was more unexpected than the last." And three paragraphs later: “He already disliked her, but every word that escaped her lips made him more and more inquisitive.”
“…far different than her own,…”
“I saw you on the paper…”
“They met at a social and he then asked her hand in marriage and they proceeded.”
“She would be away from her family, from the only people that have ever supported her.”

I particularly found the dangling participles distracting. Here are just a couple of early examples that caught my attention:

“The trees hid them from the rest of the women, who were ahead of the path around an adorned wooden table.”
“The blue antique china decorated the table, filled with thin finger sandwiches and seedcakes, some of Lydia’s favorite delicacies.”

All of these examples occurred early in the book so maybe I became overly sensitive which made it harder for me to keep reading. Once I took a break for Fraterfest readathon I found it easier to read through the second half of the book. I didn’t see other reviews that were troubled by these issues so it may have been me not getting off to a good start. I ultimately began to enjoy the primary characters and I think this author has potential if she gets a good editor. Take a look at the other reviews or, better yet, read the sample at Kindle and see what you think.

Source: Received from author team for review. This qualifies for 2021Author review goal.

Sunday Post November 14, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 15, 2021

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 expect to be working hard this week and I am not sure how I will feel on Monday after suffering with cold symptoms today.
Heather will be out at another county for tasks one day and my assistant will be out two days with her mother's check up. 

This sad memory image of my office from November 2018 came up this week.
It is frustrating that we are three years since Hurricane Michael
and repairs aren't completed.

We are making progress with the cost of roof replacement the only item left to resolve with the insurance company. The quote and offer are $59,000.00 apart! The insurance adjuster is coming in town to meet with the contractor an roofer in the next couple of weeks. If we can get the funds for that they can finally move forward.

We have had some beautiful days this week but experienced our first frost on Saturday night. Temps will be 40 to 70 again this week. 

I enjoyed my reading last week. I finally finished the ebook and finished two audiobooks. I posted monthly wrap up, three reviews and my usual memes.

I only visited 14 blogs again last week.
Shout Out this week to Lifestyle of Me. Kelly Lyn has some graphics I like on her blog and her current post includes a video spelling out November with her TBR books.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 7, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 8, 2021.

• MBS October 2021 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Alexander X Battle for Forever, Book 1 by Edward Savio; Adventure, Humor, Time Travel; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Monster, She Wrote: The Women Who Pioneered Horror and Speculative Fiction by Lisa Kröger, Melanie R. Anderson; Genre: Celebrities, Entertainment, Literature History, Nonfiction, Women; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 12, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/18/2021.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman; Genre: Cozy, Historical, Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #434 Comment Giveaway November 13, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/27/2021.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 14, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

The Duke and the Spoiled Wallflower
by Tessa Brookman
I finally finished this.
Source: Received from author team for review.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

It Happened One Autumn: Wallflower Series #2
by Lisa Kleypas
Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
Length: 11h 29m
This was my "Autumn" title.
Source: Audible September 2012.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (A2021)

Dachshund Through the Snow $2.99
Written by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner
Run Time 6h 43min
This is another quick, fun legal mystery that I enjoyed.
Source: Chirp January 2021 $2.99.
This Christmas, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, can’t say no to helping young Danny and his dachshund, Murphy.
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, have started a new Christmas tradition. Their local pet store has a Christmas tree, where instead of ornaments there are wishes from those in need. One poignant wish leads Andy to a child named Danny, whose selfless plea strikes a chord. Danny asked Santa for a coat for his mother, a sweater for his dachshund, Murphy, and for the safe return of his missing father.
It turns out Danny’s father doesn’t want to be found, he’s on the run after just being arrested for a murder that took place fourteen years ago — a murder that Danny’s mother swears he didn’t commit.
With his trademark humor and larger-than-life characters — including a police officer and his K-9 partner, Simon — Rosenfelt never fails to deliver as Andy and his eccentric crew dash to reunite a family in time for Christmas.

Currently Reading:

1. ebook/Kindle App on Phone (ebTBR)

A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453
by C.C. Humphreys
I decided to get in one of the old NetGalley titles. I like the tone as this has started.
Source: 2021 NetGalley.
Gregoras had vowed never to return to Constantinople, the cursed home that had betrayed and scarred not only his mind, but his face, for all to see. But now with 100,000 Muslim soldiers outside its walls, he can hear its desperate calls for his help, as it can only be held by men and mercenaries as skilled in battle as Gregoras, of which few remain.
His return home, though, will mean not only having to face the constant hum of arrow and cannon, but also Theon, twin brother...and betrayer. And with him his beloved Sofia, lost when Gregoras was cast from his home, now bound to Theon in marriage. But the rewards of victory would not only be the glories of the battle, but the redemption of his name and his soul.

2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Harper's Ten: Fractured Space, Book 0.5
By: J.G. Cressey
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
Series: Fractured Space, Book 0.5
Length: 6h 29m
Alien beasties are always of interest to me.
I decided to get a quick Sci Fi 'fix' before moving to some seasonal listening.
Source: 10/9/2021 Audible Plus Catalog titles.
Publisher's Summary
What happens when technology fails and nature bares its teeth?
Lieutenant Callum Harper knows that his team are as tough as they come: nine highly trained men and women and one battle robot who’s 11 feet of pure, cybernetic muscle. But as they drop through the atmosphere of the uncharted planet Capsun 23, Cal can’t shake the feeling that something is off about this mission. Three data drones have previously touched down, but soon after went dark. And now, all communication with a group of civilian researchers has been lost. Intel suspects scavengers are to blame - or at worst, pirates.
But Cal’s instincts are telling him otherwise. All that’s known about Capsun 23 is that the gravity is within acceptable limits, the air is breathable, and water is abundant. Three things to encourage life...but what kind of life? Cal has never been one to back away from a potential fight, but if his instincts are right, a lone team simply won’t cut it. Not by a long shot. ©2015 J.G. Cressey (P)2021 Podium Audio

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Mysterious Abduction
Written by Rita Herron
Narrated by Steve Campbell
I have been eyeing this Romantic Suspense.
Source: 12/31/2020 Chirp $3.99.
Publisher Description
She’ll never give up on finding her baby.
And neither will the sheriff of Whistler.
For five years, Cora Reeves has searched for her baby, who went missing in a fire—a baby she swears is still out there. When the private investigator sniffing out clues ends up dead, Sheriff Jacob Maverick’s on the cold case. As old evidence takes on new meaning, Jacob is desperate to ensure Cora’s safety. Especially once he realizes how far someone is willing to go to keep her from learning the truth behind what really happened that fateful day…

November 14, 2021 - I got behind one morning but then got back on track. I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
I finished the seven day study: The Bible is Alive.

I completed three books for reviews to post this week.
My NetGalley shelf now has 2 old ebooks titles now that I am reading one.
I still have two author titles remaining in queue. I'm still working on reading these.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles 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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I requested/received no new review titles this week.
I purchased two audios at Chirp this week.
I picked up two Audible Plus free books.
I picked up four free Kindle titles again.
(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

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

Two audio books purchased at Chirp.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance $2.99
Written by Ruth Emmie Lang
Narrated by Collected Narrators
Run Time 10h 13min

The Complete Harvesters Series Collection $3.99
Written by Luke Mitchell
Narrated by Steven Barnett
Run Time 39h 53min

Free

11/6/2021 Audible Plus Catalog

The Inklings: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, and Their Friends
By: Humphrey Carpenter
Narrated by: Bernard Mayes
Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

In the Morning I'll Be Gone: Detective Sean Duffy, Book 3
By: Adrian McKinty
Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
Series: Detective Sean Duffy Series, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins


11/7-11/14 Four Free Kindle books through Facebook links:
Summer Magic (The Thorne Witches Book 1)
T.M. Cromer

The Apples of Idunn: Eschaton Cycle (Gods of the Ragnarok Era Book 1)
Matt Larkin

With His Lady's Assistance (Cheryl Bolen Regencies: A Mystery and a Match Book 1)
Cheryl Bolen

The Blight and the Blarney - Part 1 - The Story (Tales of Flynn and Reilly)
Rosemary J. Kind

Other Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 14, 2021

I wasn’t feeling so chipper – headache, runny nose, sore throat – so I decided to stay home this morning. I missed Sunday School but got to enjoy Service online. We recognized our Pastors and wives as part of Pastor appreciation month.

Pastor continued his series on Worship, this week focused on Psalm 145.
Last week he noted that "Worship is our Battle Cry" although we don’t always use it as such. When it is time to go into battle we need to be prepared.

Ministry of Song is a spiritual warfare. The enemy is thrown into confusion by our worship. He wants to still the worship from God. The enemy battles hard against worship by deceiving us. Others will see how we respond as the enemy says: “sit down, no one wants to hear you sing!” This is deception. God welcomes even the “joyful noise”.

What battles are won when we lift our voice in praise and worship? We may move from discouragement to encouragement. When we get pressured, we fight back and finally break loose. When the enemy tells you that there is no way out – your health is failing and won’t get better, your car is broken and you don’t have the money, your house needs repair and you aren’t able – this is the time to pray and worship.

David was known for his worship through all his Psalms. He was under great pressures. Even from a teenager he faced resistance from King Saul; most of his life enemies chased him; he fell to the temptation of sin, suffered betrayal and faced the rebellion of his own children. He was under extreme pressure. Even as a youth he was known for his music. The 150 psalms in the Bible are only a portion of the songs he wrote over his life.

When pressure was greatest, he would reach out to God through psalms/song. David knew that music was powerful. He knew that music went before the armies; music can change the attitude of the heart; a song can be a learning tool and a reminder of important things. One of the deepest, rooted things in a person’s life is spiritual things. Dementia patients often can sing hymns after forgetting the names of those around them.

A song of worship can hold us together when everything else is falling apart.
Psalm 145: 1-2
1I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

Worship isn’t about us. It is about the Almighty God!
When we read this whole psalm out loud we can feel the power!

Even secular songs bring out emotions, but when we add worship it changes our lives.
We are pressed … but not crushed. “We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We are knocked down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

The Point: Worship is a powerful weapon that changes everything when we feel trapped, pressed on every side, and we do not see a way out.

Satan knows it and doesn’t want you to use it. Many songs were written in times of war, depression, and distress. They are written for the time to encourage those through difficulties. There are new songs written during the pandemic that are powerful as they were written during a time of oppression and attack.

When we are pressed, something squeezes out. It can be bad or good. We hope from the church it will be good things. There have been a wealth of perfectly timed worship songs. Written for a generation that have not interest in God. A group of worshipers have gone to Iraq to sing and worship. That group or even a group going to Washington, DC, do not have a physical army but perhaps an army of angels is with them.

Students today go to high schools where there are sheriff’s officers there for protection. Christian students have their faith under attack. Worship gives us a foundation and a place to fall back to when we need to battle the enemy.

Pressure doesn’t have to destroy us, it can help focus us to battle. Why are worship and worship songs so effective and powerful? Worship can impact our attitude, pump us up. It gets us ready for what comes next. It helps us to focus our resources, attentions and strengths. It helps us engage our spiritual focus. The Holy Spirit within us gets involved. We go to the throne room of God. We remember that God is in control, and He fights for us and that He saved us.

When we are trapped, oppressed, depressed, we can always worship! Sometimes we recognize a spiritual attack. Worship is a powerful tool that helps keep the enemy at bay. Worship is our weapon. Speak out his word, sing worship to God.

I came upon this song video for today. I Can Hear the Sound!

Verses for Today
Psalm 145:1-7 NIV
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Lord, I want to always be prepared to fight the enemy by worshiping You in song and praise!

Sharing Beyond Books #434 Comment Giveaway November 13, 2021

Hello again, Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.
I'll wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving (late for some countries and early for others) now since the next post will be after US Thanksgiving.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#433 Miki asked: Did book prices go up since covid in your area or has the covid trouble affected books in another way (delay, number available etc)??
Seven commentors saw no change, two did experience increased prices, and two experienced shipping delays. Plus, Sue F's book club ended (as did mine) as members were not comfortable with Zoom.

For US participants: I need to update and refill the books available to US winners. I have used "Love" and "Christmas" titles as well as ARC titles. Since the supply is lower, I have author collections I could choose from, mostly romance - historical, suspense and some contemporary. What genres/books/authors would you like me to include?

The Winner from SBB#433 comments is #2 LINDA who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #434

(One Question.)

Natalija asks: Do you read while you are on vacation? If yes, do you choose specific books??

Yes, I always read...no change on vacation. Since I often vacation visiting grandchildren, I tend to get to read children's book those days. During other vacations, like cruising or motor coach trips, I just read and listen like normal.

Image found at Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month, I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify them. .

Your turn to share. Natalija asks: Do you read while you are on vacation? If yes, do you choose specific books??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 5 PM central.