Audio Book Review: Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris

This is an entertaining mystery with paranormal characters.
Midnight Crossroad
By Charlaine Harris
Narrated By: Susan Bennett

Series: Midnight, Texas, Book 1
Duration: 9 h 31 min
Release date: 05-06-14
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary
FIRST IN A NEW TRILOGY - From Charlaine Harris, the bestselling author who created Sookie Stackhouse and her world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, comes a darker locale-- populated by more strangers than friends. But then, that' s how the locals prefer it. Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It' s a pretty standard dried-up western town. There' s a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There' s a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there' s new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he' s found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own). Stop at the one traffic light in town, and everything looks normal. Stay awhile, and learn the truth...

Review:
Manfred Bernardo is a quiet man who has moved to Midnight, Texas to a house next to the town pawnshop. Manfred thinks he has his own secrets as an online and sometimes live, psychic. But he soon begins to learn he has lots of strange and secretive neighbors. Another renter, who lives below the pawnshop, is only seen at night and a neighbor, Fiji, who lives across the street, sells crystals and spells among other New Age items and is never seen far from her standoffish cat.

There are strangers that come to town seeking his landlord, Bobo…then they are gone. And more strangers come looking for the first two. Then an out-of-town sheriff comes looking for Bobo’s former girlfriend who just walked out a few weeks before. Bobo is heartbroken and shocked that anyone might think that he had anything to do with her disappearance.

Manfred is willing to help investigate when called upon and his neighbors are a bit surprised that he handles each event and reveal with his quiet equanimity. As the community pulls together to protect their own, it is clear that Manfred fits right in.

I enjoyed the low-key characters and the conflicts and mysteries of this story. This is a different style from the author’s southern and more lively Sookie vampire series which I also enjoyed. I was interested in learning more about each character as the story moved on. I plan to pick up the other books in this series. I recommend this book to fans of paranormal characters and quiet mysteries.

Audio Notes: Susan Bennett does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices that capture the quirkiness of each character. The narration definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Source: 8/28/19 August VIP Free selection at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and Time of Day goals.

Audio Book Review: Christmas at Cozy Holly Inn by Meredith Summers

This is a nice, easy Christmas romance.

Christmas at Cozy Holly Inn
Written by Meredith Summers
Narrated by Hollis McCarthy

Run Time: 7h 9min
Release Date: November 14, 2022
Publisher: Leighann Dobbs Publishing
Genre: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
A sweet, cozy small town holiday romance perfect for snuggling up by the fire with a steaming mug of hot cocoa and a cat or two by your side.
When Julie Green’s ailing grandmother asks her to arrange one last party at the old Inn she used to run, Julie can’t say no even though the last thing she wants is to leave the city for middle-of-nowhere Vermont. Even worse, Cozy Holly Inn is in disrepair, there’s a persnickety cat hiding in the basement and the family of grinches who own the competing inn down the street seem determined to ruin her chances of success.
Nolan Miller retreated to Pinecone Falls, Vermont, to heal his broken heart and help his grandfather run Barrington Lodge - a rustic old bed-and-breakfast that has been in the family for generations. This year, though, he needs to find a way to get his Christmas spirit back before he turns into a grinch like his father and grandfather. But even if he gets his spirit back, he’s not letting anyone in again, especially not Julie Green who has made it clear she’s leaving town as soon as she can.
But when Julie needs help, Nolan can’t say no and putting the party together makes Julie realize that small town friendships might have more to offer than big city lights.
Kringle, the cat, only wants a warm home and his forever human. This girl, Julie, does not seem to fit the bill no matter what the nice lady at the animal shelter told him. Julie knows nothing about cats so he will do his best to get her to return him to the shelter. But as the week unfolds, Kringle discovers that people can change in surprising ways and sometimes what you thought you wanted, isn’t what you really needed at all.

Review:
Julie has recently lost her job. She is reluctantly available to arrange a last party for her ailing grandmother at her grandmother’s Cozy Holly Inn in Pinecone Falls, Vermont. Julie has fond memories of visiting with her grandmother, but Julie doesn’t really want to be in remote town instead of seeking to rebuild her life in the city. Working on the party has enough to keep Julie busy without the interference of a fluffy cat that seems to want her gone, especially as Julie keeps threatening to turn the cat over to the local shelter. And then there are the grouchy neighbors who own a competing inn down the street and are inclined to block Julie’s festivities.

Nolan is working with his grumpy father and grandfather to run their bed and breakfast. They are the grinches, not planning to celebrate the Christmas holiday since they have lost their joy with the death of Nolan’s mother. Nolan himself has been recovering from a broken heart and he has no plans to let anyone get close to him again.

Nolan runs into Julie and realizes she needs some help with her big party plans. Despite his family’s animosity, Nolan reaches out to help. And Julie finds that many of the town folk are more than willing to help and to celebrate one of their own. Even the cat begins to sense a change in the atmosphere.

This is a sweet story, and I enjoyed the ‘dance’ as the reluctant characters grow closer together. It is also fun to see how the town folk (and the cat) help out. This was an easy listen and worked for my decision to have a Christmas in July read. I recommend this to those who enjoy Christmas romance.

Audio Notes: Hollis McCarthy does a very nice job with the narration of this work. The narration provides clear voices and emotional energy that fits the characters. I was glad to have this available to listen to.

Source: 12/31/2022 year end purchase at Chirp for $.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post July 30, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 31, 2023

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 am on vacation in Kansas City. We spent several nights at StoneyCreek Hotel where the grandchildren participated (and got Superiors for piano solos and duet) at the MAMA 2023 Event. We moved to the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park today..

Here are a few pictures from our activities in Kansas City Friday and Saturday.

Piano playing awards.

Mr Cool Glasses and the kids.

Union Station Ceiling before we went into Science City.
I hope to add more pictures another day.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prays for family and church.

We had wonderful air travel with nice weather. The temperatures in KC are similar to those at home in mid to high 80s.

I finished two audios and posted four reviews and my memes.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
No shout out this week while I am traveling and vacationing with family.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post July 23, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 24, 2023.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Murderer's Son, A Jackman and Evans Thriller by Joy Ellis; Genre: Police Procedural, Psychological; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• A2023: Audio Book Review: The Poisoned Princess: Warders Book 1 by Armen Pogharian; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sword & Sorcery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Mountain Man by Keith C. Blackmore; Genre: Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Zombie; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley; Genre: Animals, Family, Friendship; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0. #parisinjuly2023 event.

• No Sunday Words Post this week.
  

Finished Reading:
1. Audiobooks.com Smartphone (ATBR)

Midnight Crossroad
By Charlaine Harris
Narrated By: Susan Bennett
Duration: 9 h 31 min
I picked this from the TBR shelf and it has a time of day in the title (one of my individual challenges).
Source: 8/28/19 August VIP Free selection at Audiobooks.com.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (A2023)

The Snow Killer: The DI Barton Series, Book 1
By: Ross Greenwood
Narrated by: David Thorpe
Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
This is only available to 8/10/23 so I thought I would listen now.
Source: February 2023 Audible Plus Catalog.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. NetGalley App on Smartphone (ANG2033)

For the Loot
Goblin Mode, Book 1
By: Han Yang, Pearce Adams
Narrated by: Evan Sibley
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
This looked like fun but I am surprised by the language. I pulled it in because the link expires 8/4/23.
Source: July 2023 NetGalley.
Publisher's Summary
Bogart casts aside his humble origins, becoming an adventurer. He must gain levels in the guild and fight alongside his allies, both within and outside the law. For fame and fortune! Maybe even to save the world. But mostly for fame and fortune!
You only get one chance at the big leagues, and nobody knows it better than Bogart. He's going straight from the badlands to the top of the world, or he'll gladly die trying. If only he knew the truth about the life he's chosen. There are wars, dark gods, and eldritch horrors on the horizon. And nothing is as it seems. Join Bogart as he quests for riches!
©2023 Royal Guard Publishing LLC (P)2023 Dreamscape Lore

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

1984: New Classic Edition
By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
Length 11h 22m
! plan to read this one next.
Source: September 2020 Audible Plus Titles.
Click on book title for full description.

I will probably get to another book during the week, but I don't know what yet.

July 30, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". The readings are now in Daniel, a book of prophesy that I enjoy and have studied with my husband in the past.

I finished two audio titles and posted four reviews. I now have three to post and I hope to get a chance in between fun activities.

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I plan to listen to one new audio this week, leaving three new audios and an older one on my shelf.
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

I have one author review in my queue that I need to start reading on my computer. (I need to look back and see which one this is.)
(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 newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received three new NetGalley review titles this week.
No other new audios.
Two free First Reads for Amazon Prime members and No other free Kindle titles last week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Three new titles from NetGalley:

At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities
By: Heather Webber
Narrated by: Hallie Ricardo, Stephanie Willis
Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins

Nexus Guardian
The Elemental Realms, Book 1
By: Timothy McGowen
Narrated by: Todd Menesses
Length: 18 hrs and 10 mins

For the Loot
Goblin Mode, Book 1
By: Han Yang, Pearce Adams
Narrated by: Evan Sibley
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Amazon First Reads – Prime Benefit Two for July:

The Hanging City
by Charlie N. Holmberg

In the Likely Event
by Rebecca Yarros





No new titles added to Kindle library.  Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Audible Book Review: Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley

The story is sweet and I did enjoy it through the end.
Perestroika in Paris
By: Jane Smiley
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 12-01-20
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Animals, Family, Friendship
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Thousand Acres and the New York Times best-selling Last Hundred Years Trilogy, a captivating, brilliantly imaginative story of three extraordinary animals - and a young boy - whose lives intersect in Paris.
Paras, short for "Perestroika", is a spirited racehorse at a racetrack west of Paris. One afternoon at dusk, she finds the door of her stall open and - she's a curious filly - wanders all the way to the City of Light. She's dazzled and often mystified by the sights, sounds, and smells around her, but she isn't afraid. Soon she meets an elegant dog, a German shorthair pointer named Frida, who knows how to get by without attracting the attention of suspicious Parisians.
Paras and Frida coexist for a time in the city's lush green spaces, nourished by Frida's strategic trips to the vegetable market. They keep company with two irrepressible ducks and an opinionated raven. But then Paras meets a human boy, Etienne, and discovers a new, otherworldly part of Paris: the ivy-walled house where the boy and his nearly 100-year-old great-grandmother live in seclusion. As the cold weather and Christmas near, the unlikeliest of friendships bloom. But how long can a runaway horse stay undiscovered in Paris? How long can a boy keep her hidden and all to himself?
Jane Smiley's beguiling new novel is itself an adventure that celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, and the desire of all creatures for true love and freedom.
©2020 Jane Smiley (P)2020 Recorded Books

Review:
Perestroika (Paras) is a racehorse who defines herself as a “curious” filly. One day, after winning a race, she realizes her stall door is open and she wanders out. At her door she finds a purse which she picks up and takes with her.

After a walk through woods and across a roadway, Paras finds herself in a park where she meets Frida, an elegant dog who has lost her human. Frida has been around on her own and knows how to remain quiet and pass without drawing attention of the authorities. Freda already has some friends in her nook. These include a raven and two ducks.

Freda finds the purse with money and starts trekking to the village to purchase fruits and meat for the friends. Paras even ventures out to make friends who provide her with grain and treats. They make a few friends among the shopkeepers who keep the secret of their visits. On several of their forays down the streets, Paras and Freda are seen by a young boy, Etienne, who discovers where they are living. The boy eventually entices Paras to his home where he resides with his elderly, blind grandmother. Freda is reluctant to have her friend penned at a house. And what might happen if Paras decides to revisit her racetrack?

There is interesting detail for the development of the animal characters and their living situation. Also, a good description of the history and living circumstances of Etienne and his grandmother. I liked where the author delivered the friends at the end of the story too.

I chose this story from my TBR shelf for the #parisinjuly2023 event. Although I initially felt the story was not really going anywhere, I eventually enjoyed the quiet sharing of the friendships that grow and change. I enjoyed the gentle story and it made me wonder a bit why the author put this little tale together. I recommend this to readers who enjoy animal characters and stories of friendship. It could be good for children too.

Audio Notes: Suzanne Toren does a nice job with the narration. She provided clear and distinctive voices that fit each character, animal and human. I enjoyed the audiobook.

Source: 4/5/2021 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Mountain Man by Keith C. Blackmore

This is gritty - zombies of course - but entertaining action.

Mountain Man
By: Keith C. Blackmore
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Series: Mountain Man, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 03-28-14
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Horror, Post Apocalyptic, Zombie
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A man must survive the zombie apocalypse armed with only a shotgun, a Samurai bat, and the will to live among the unliving in this horror series debut.
It’s been two years since civilization ended in an unstoppable wave of chaos and blood. Now, former house painter Augustus “Gus” Berry lives a day-to-day existence of waking up, getting drunk, and preparing for the inevitable moment when “they” will come up the side of his mountain and penetrate his fortress.
Living on the outskirts of Annapolis, Gus goes scavenging for whatever supplies remain in the undead suburbia below. Every time he descends the mountain could be his last. But when Gus encounters another survivor, he soon realizes the zombie horde may not be the greatest threat he faces . . .
©2012 Keith C. Blackmore (P)2014 Podium Publishing

Review:
Gus is a burly sort of guy, but not as burly as before the ‘zombie’ apocalypse. He lives alone in a commandeered mountain home that is like a fortress above the city of Annapolis. He goes regularly to forage among the houses and businesses for supplies. When Gus isn’t foraging, he’s drinking, and occasionally working on further reinforcements on the property to keep out the undead or unliving.

After two years, Gus is surprised when he almost runs down a living human being. He rescues Scott and takes him back to the house to recuperate. Scott knows there are other survivors as he has witnessed one in particular and knows he will have to go looking for him. Gus and Scott start scavenging together and sharing the returning celebration rituals of drinking. They are surprised one day to stumble upon other survivors where they rescue a female in distress. But now it seems that not just the undead are a threat.

Gus is a well-developed character, and the author shares his past, his pain, his current despair, and his determination. There is plenty of action to keep the reader/listener entertained. And of course, there are twists that bring it to a suspenseful conclusion … until the next book. I enjoyed one of the prequels and plan to get more in this series. I recommend this to fans of post-apocalyptic who don’t mind the gore and rough language associated with men fighting zombies and other terrors.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray does his usual wonder full job of narrating. His voices are distinct and energy appropriate. I always find that Bray narration enhances my enjoyment of an audiobook.

Source: January 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.