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Title: The Book of Human Skin

Author: Michelle Lovric

Narrator: Charlotte Strevens, Peter Noble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-04-15

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 18th-century Venice, Minguillo Fasan, heir to a fortune, contrives to dispatch of his sister, Marcella, condemning her to the fate of a nun.

But Marcella Fasan is tougher than Minguillo imagines, and, aided by a servant, a painter, a skin-obsessed doctor, a Scottish merchant and a cigar-smoking pornographer, she pitches her wits against her brother....

Critic Reviews:

"A witty exciting page-turner which becomes increasingly addictive.... Quite unlike anything else around - and all the better for that." (Daily Mail)

"This book is fabulous - funny, horrific, subversive - in short a wholly addictive read. I don't think I have enjoyed anything as much since Perfume." (Joanne Harris)

Members Reviews:

Despicable villain, predictable ending, but interesting.

Many colorful characters, locations & twists kept me reading in 'page turner' mode...until 2/3rds through the book, when I started asking how much more torment could the author put this ill-used lady through? When will the author make an end?

Finally, the 'good' lived happily ever after- we assume. But we should have seen the evil brother suffer MORE and longer to atone for just some of his perversion & fomenting hatred. He was 'punished' in a clever manner, but left alive in 'too good a condition' for this writer's lust for revenge. He was knowingly too evil to forgive. After reading 100's of pages of suffering he caused all those around him, I wanted at least 2-3 chapters to picture how much more HIS agonies would affect the rest of his (hopefully) long life.

Forgiveness is for people who have the possibility of becoming human again; this monster would always continue the same - as would his evil opposite, the mad nun.

Fascinating novel

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the narration for this book - switching speakers and voices with the changing POV for each chapter really worked well, in my opinion. It was very easy for me to differentiate the POV's and engage with the text. The plot was almost gothic. I couldn't immerse myself into the main character all that well, because she rose above a childhood of horrific treatment by a sadistic brother and an apathetic mother. People like that do exist, it's just that it's hard for me to personally identify with that type of character in that context in that era. Having said that, the villains were excruciatingly well done and the supporting characters were very well drawn (by the author) and described (by the narrator). My interest level stayed high throughout the book and its changing scenery. I'll replay this audiobook again in the future, it's not going to the back shelf at all. The audiobook version of this book was a delight. Indeed, if I were to recommend this book to others, I would emphasize that the audio version is definitely worth it.

Glad I stuck with this one.

Almost couldn't continue listening to this. Parts of this story made my skin crawl. But I stuck with it and I'm so glad I did. Marvelous. The characters are top notch yikes

Unique & different. Loved it!

The book was recommended by a friend. I read/listen to book a month and this was so unique and something different, narrated by a number of different characters in the story. I like the 2 narrators who brought the story to life.

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Title: The Anchoress

Author: Robyn Cadwallader

Narrator: Mary Jane Wells, Steve West

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-12-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

England, 1255. What could drive a girl on the cusp of womanhood to lock herself away from the world forever?

Sarah is just 17 when she chooses to become an anchoress, a holy woman shut away in a cell that measures only seven by nine paces, at the side of the village church. Fleeing the grief of losing a much-loved sister in childbirth as well as pressure to marry the local lord's son, she decides to renounce the world - with all its dangers, desires, and temptations - and commit herself to a life of prayer.

But it soon becomes clear that the thick, unforgiving walls of Sarah's cell cannot protect her as well as she had thought. With the outside world clamoring to get in and the intensity of her isolation driving her toward drastic actions, even madness, her body and soul are still in grave danger. When she starts hearing the voice of the previous anchoress whispering to her from the walls, Sarah finds herself questioning what she thought she knew about the anchor-hold and about the village itself.

With the lyricism of Nicola Griffith's Hild and the vivid historical setting of Hannah Kent's Burial Rites, Robyn Cadwallader's powerful debut novel tells an absorbing story of faith, desire, shame, fear, and the very human need for connection and touch. Compelling, evocative, and haunting, The Anchoress is both quietly heartbreaking and thrillingly unpredictable.

Members Reviews:

Entertaining

What did you love best about The Anchoress?

It held my interest and was easy to listen to. It helped make the time fly by when I was reorganizing and cleaning my kitchen.

What other book might you compare The Anchoress to and why?

It reminded me a bit of Pillars of the Earth and The Chalice because some of the conflicts and character types were the same.

What about Mary Jane Wells and Steve West s performance did you like?

They were both engaging.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I finished it in two days, which is a good sign.

Any additional comments?

I thought this book would show Sarah's entire life as an anchoress. Instead the story roughly spans a year. Many things happen in the town that Sarah lives in during that year so while some of the story focuses on Sarah adapting to her new life, a good deal of it also focuses on what is going on in the village.

The story ends in a decent spot, but I couldn't help but wonder if it will have a sequel. Some of the story lines felt unfinished. Then again, it could be the author's way of showing that "life goes on" and "the story never ends".

I enjoyed listening to this book. It didn't move me, but it did entertain me. The characters were likable and Sarah's life is definitely unique. Even though Sarah stays in one place for the story, the book doesn't grow stale.

I would like to read more by the author.

Interesting topic, but boring story.

I felt like there was no real plot. Just a boring lady locked in her cell.

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Title: Shanghai Girls

Author: Lisa See

Narrator: Janet Song

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-04-15

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Shanghai, 1937. Pearl and May are two sisters from a bourgeois family. Though their personalities are very different - Pearl is a Dragon sign, strong and stubborn, while May is a true Sheep, adorable and placid - they are inseparable best friends.

Both are beautiful, modern, and living carefree lives until the day their father tells them that he has gambled away the family's wealth and that in order to repay his debts, he must sell the girls as wives to two 'Gold Mountain' men: Americans.

As Japanese bombs fall on their beloved city, the two sisters set out on the journey of a lifetime, one that will take them through the villages of Southern China, in and out of the clutches of brutal soldiers, and even across the ocean, through the humiliation of an anti-Chinese detention centre to a new, married life in Los Angeles' Chinatown. Here they begin a fresh chapter despite the racial discrimination and anti-Communist paranoia because now they have something to strive for: a young, American-born daughter, Joy.

Along the way there are terrible sacrifices, impossible choices, and one devastating, life-changing secret, but through it all the two heroines of this astounding novel by Lisa See hold fast to who they are - Shanghai Girls.

Critic Reviews:

"Part love story, part family saga, part historical fiction, this vividly descriptive book is above all an exploration of the trials and triumphs, the rivalries and delights of sisterhood." (The Daily Mail)

"A triumph on every level, a beautiful heartbreaking story." (The Washington Post)

Members Reviews:

Sisters, sisters. Devoted or jealous?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The love that binds or tears the characters apart is evident from the opening lines. Chinese custom of arranged marriages brings out the most powerful emotions and joy combined with sadness is what bounds this book along until the end.

The reader Janet Song is well cast as her characters come alive in the book.

Lisa See has written a fine book and as it is the first in my library, I am looking forward to reading the. sequel. Perhaps all if her stories too.

I would recommend this book as a good read.

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Title: The Anchoress

Author: Robyn Cadwallader

Narrator: Madeleine Leslay

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-06-15

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

England, 1255: Sarah is only 17 when she chooses to become an anchoress, a holy woman shut away in a small cell, measuring seven paces by nine, at the side of the village church.

Fleeing the grief of losing a much-loved sister in childbirth and the pressure to marry, she decides to renounce the world, with all its dangers, desires, and temptations, and to commit herself to a life of prayer and service to God.

But as she slowly begins to understand, even the thick, unforgiving walls of her cell cannot keep the outside world away, and it is soon clear that Sarah's body and soul are still in great danger....

Robyn Cadwallader's powerful debut novel tells an absorbing story of faith, desire, shame, fear and the very human need for connection and touch. With a poetic intelligence, Cadwallader explores the relationship between the mind, body and spirit in Medieval England in a story that will hold the listener in a spell until the very last second.

Critic Reviews:

"A detailed, sensuous and richly imagined shard of the past...emotionally engaging and vividly present." (Geraldine Brooks)

"Sarahs story [in The Anchoress] is so beautiful, so rich, so strange, unexpected and thoughtful - also suspenseful...I loved this book." (Elizabeth Gilbert)

"Intense, atmospheric and very assured...this is one of the most eagerly anticipated novels of the year." (Caroline Baum)

Members Reviews:

Mesmerising, a telling tale of the times

I found this story to be a mesmerising read. It seemed to me that the young woman, Sister Sarah, was primarily escaping the options available to a young woman in those times (and with good cause), and that she was actually not a convincing contemplative. I like that the novel finished on a note of hope. An enjoyable read, with a really interesting historical setting.

Five Stars

Good reading!

Well written with great character development

An intriguing and very different novel. Well written with great character development.

A High Price for Safety

I've read A LOT about the middle ages and never even heard of an anchoress. It is a compelling story, and considering the alternative lives for women, an understandable, if horrible, choice. I enjoyed it very much.

Interesting History

The book was interesting from the standpoint of history and to see the progression of dedicated women in the Catholic Church from then until now.

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Title: Trail Hand

Subtitle: A Western Story

Author: R. W. Stone

Narrator: Barry Press

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-24-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Owen Burke is at loose ends in the Mexican town of San Rafael. While at the local cantina, he overhears a conversation between two Mexican vaqueros seated nearby and decides to introduce himself. The two men work for Don Enrique Hernandez de Allende at a horse ranch some distance south. The don is planning a horse drive to the north and then west to California, where the don's brother-in-law has a ranch. Owen knows those trails and hopes the don, who has never made the trip before, might be in need of a guide.

As luck would have it, the don and his daughter, Rosa María, are impressed with Owen. The ramrod, a man named Chavez, is a tougher nut to crack. Suspicious of gringos in general, Chavez also resents the attention that Rosa María is inclined to pay Owen. When Owen is ambushed on the trail by bandits who later drive off the horses, Chavez blames Owen for guiding them into a trap and leads his riders after Owen to even the score. To be captured by Chavez and his vaqueros means death, so can Owen find the thieves and recover the horses?

Trail Hand is a taut, highly dramatic story of danger that is increasingly suspenseful and rich with sharply etched, unforgettable characters.

Members Reviews:

Somehow Cinematic

This audiobook was somehow cinematic, even with no sound effects. There were lots of flashbacks to provide back story.

It was written and read in first person. There were sparse curse words - none gratuitous.

Good performer - very clear diction. The pacing of the delivery was not quick, but not tiresome.

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Title: Hitler's War and the Horrific Account of the Holocaust

Author: Scott S. F. Meaker

Narrator: Glenn Koster, Jr.

Format: Unabridged

Length: 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-20-15

Publisher: Scott S. F. Meaker

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Please Note: Hitler's War and the Horrific Account of the Holocaust is a short book.

Warning: Contains highly disturbing content. This audiobook is recommended for age 18+

The Holocaust remains as a reference to the destruction of about six million Jews. The collection of undesirables began in 1933 with the construction of the first concentration camp. As Hitler's power grew, he rounded up others that he considered undesirable. Hitler had come into power and the slow destruction of Jews was put into place. In 1942, about a million Jews had already been killed. Execution was just one cause of death. Two and a half million have been gassed and a half million starved to death. Typhus outbreak killed many others. After the Allied victory, Germany was in chaos.

This audiobook is an effort to look at the type of situation that would allow a civilized country to let the Holocaust to take place.

Members Reviews:

Horrific to Hear

Boringly, this is a rapid-fire, flat retelling basic history. Sadly, this is more likely to numb the listener instead of engendering outrage or even moral outrage. Worst of all the poor narrator cannot pronounce German names. Don't waste your time.

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Title: The Amber Treasure

Subtitle: Northern Crown

Author: Richard Denning

Narrator: Richard Denning

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-15

Publisher: Mercia Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

597 A.D. Treachery in Dark Ages Northumbria.

Cerdic is the nephew of a great warrior who died a hero of the Anglo-Saxon country of Deira. Growing up in a quiet village, he dreams of the glories of battle and of one day writing his name into the sagas. He experiences the true horrors of war, however, when his home is attacked, his sister kidnapped, his family betrayed and his uncle's legendary sword stolen.

Cerdic is thrown into the struggles that will determine the future of sixth century Britain and must show courageous leadership and overcome treachery, to save his kingdom, rescue his sister and return home with his uncle's sword.

Members Reviews:

Terrible Narration

I don't know how good the story is as the narration put me off and I couldn't listen more than 30 min.

597 AD England, The Haves and Have Nots

Historical fiction, once again of the haves and the have nots, and the excuses for the treatment of the peoples that they run rough shod over . . . interesting enough . . . but a little long in the tooth for me . . . the struggles between Welsh and Angles . . . not enough umph for me to continue the series . . .

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Title: Hope and Sensibility

Subtitle: Darcy and the Young Knight's Quest, Volume 3

Author: P O Dixon

Narrator: Pearl Hewitt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-15

Publisher: P. O. Dixon

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Being the new father of a precocious little boy is but one of the challenges Darcy faces in this delightful sequel to number-one best seller in Regency Romances He Taught Me to Hope. Extended family and friends - old and new - also demand their share of attention.

Members Reviews:

Entertaining and Moderately Engaging

Would you listen to Hope and Sensibility again? Why?

Probably not. It was a fun listen and I enjoyed it overall especially one big shocker for me, but there were things I found less satisfying, too.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hope and Sensibility?

There were a few, but I think when Ben spoke to Darcy of how he would miss him most if Darcy wasn't in his life.

What about Pearl Hewitts performance did you like?

I thought she was amazing the well she distinguished all those voices and told such a good story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Well I don't know if it would be considered moving, but when Bingley finds himself in trouble because a few villains plotted and trapped him, I found that quite a shocking turn of events.

Any additional comments?

This is the third book in a series and shouldn't be read standalone or out of order.

Overall, I enjoyed this trilogy and would recommend it even if the first book is probably the strongest. There are several interesting elements brought out in this one that it was interesting to see pursued.

Fun, romantic and a fabulous narrator!

What made the experience of listening to Hope and Sensibility the most enjoyable?

The narrator Pearl Hewitt made this listen most enjoyable. I could listen to her read the phone book! :) This is the second book i've listened to of hers and she is definitely a favorite. She brings such life to each of the characters. Each character has a distinct voice which completely lends itself to the visualization of them.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a fun, short, romantic story full of adventure. It makes you wish for a simpler time.

Pearl's character voices are so fun. I love the way she does the old haughty characters a lot. You love to hate them.

Which character as performed by Pearl Hewitt was your favorite?

Ben was my favorite character from a previous story I listened to by the same author and narrator. I loved listening to his adventures. Pearl has the most wonderful voice for this character which just makes you want to give him a hug

If you could rename Hope and Sensibility, what would you call it?

I wouldn't

Darcy & Elizabeth Must Endure Wickham's Seductions

Any additional comments?

"Hope and Sensibility" is the next novel following the very successful "He Taught Me to Hope" by P.O. Dixon. [There is also a novella, "The Mission: He Taught Me to Hope Christmas Vignette," and together these books make a great beginning to the series fondly referred to as "Darcy and the Young Knight's Quest."] Like the books in the series before it, Hope and Sensibility is a wonderful alternative telling of family matters involving Elizabeth and Darcy.

In this telling, we are introduced to the charming but scandalous Mr. Wickham, who is secretly engaged to Georgiana, while at the same time successfully seducing Lydia.

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Title: Mr Mac and Me

Author: Esther Freud

Narrator: John Banks

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-05-15

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It is 1914, and Thomas Maggs lives with his parents on the Suffolk coast. Life is quiet, shaped by the seasons. Then one day a mysterious Scotsman arrives, looking for all the world like Sherlock Holmes. Mac is what the locals call him as they whisper.

But Mac isnt a detective; hes the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and together with his red-haired artist wife, he soon becomes a source of fascination and wonder to Thomas.

Critic Reviews:

"An elegiac novel of art, war and friendship." (Sunday Telegraph)

"It's undoubtedly her most accomplished novel yet. Freud is a modern literary rarity: a born storyteller." (The Times)

Members Reviews:

One of my favourites

I love this book and listen to it over and over again. A sweet sad story, well written, well constructed, beautifully read. have a cup of tea or a glass of whiskey and enjoy!

Charming story beautifully read

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mr Mac and Me, I have had an interest in CRM for many years and I have also had many wonderful family holidays at Walberswick so this story was ideal for me. The narration took me straight back to the village by the sea as if I were wandering the lanes or dunes. Using the boy's memories of the stories he'd been told was a clever way to inform the reader of the area's history, CRM's plight and just the lives of Suffolk folk at that time. The narrator gave characters different voices without being silly and his Suffolk accent was spot on although Happisburgh was pronounced incorrectly but that's forgivable ( it should be haysbrah). A charming and clever book which I would certainly recommend especially if you have connections with Walberswick.

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Title: Ramage and the Drumbeat

Author: Dudley Pope

Narrator: Steven Crossley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The lieutenant is ordered to proceed to Gibraltar "with all possible despatch" aboard His Majesty's ship Kathleen, to support Lord Nelson in a battle with the Spanish off Cape Trafalgar.

Members Reviews:

Poor

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Don't know as the worst book I have downloaded for a long time

Has Ramage and the Drumbeat put you off other books in this genre?

Very much so

Would you be willing to try another one of Steven Crossleys performances?

No