Discover the New Releases Audiobooks in Fiction, Contemporary

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Title: Cakes and Ale

Author: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrator: James Saxon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-13-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 86 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When Cakes and Ale was first published in 1930 it roused a storm of controversy, since many people imagined they recognised portraits of literary figures now no more. It is the novel for which Maugham wished to be remembered.

Members Reviews:

A classic worth reading

I enjoyed this insight into a society so surreal. Although the novel took a while to get into, the narration is delightful and entertaining.

Delightful

I consider Maugham to be under appreciated. His prose is lovely, and this story is witty and poignant, with ineresting characters. The narration is sublime. RIP James Saxon.

A bit mercenary with Hugh Walpole

A bit mercenary with Hugh Walpole... Don't have to use a sledge hammer to point out character flaws.

In spite of myself I liked the story so well I could hardly stop listening. The narrator is excellent, 90 out of 100.

Well crafted novel read very well

What made the experience of listening to Cakes and Ale the most enjoyable?

The delivery was very good and the story was compelling.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cakes and Ale?

The scene where the narrator, as a boy, loses his virginity was written in a most humble and a-typical way. The events were described from a distance of 40 years or so, with near total objectivity and frankness.

Which character as performed by James Saxon was your favorite?

You will never forget Rosie Driffield, and the author never forgot the woman who inspired her.

One of Maugham's lighter and lesser novels

I love Somerset Maugham. This isn't his best but is still good and the performance is very convincing.

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Title: A Tailor-Made Bride

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Narrator: Nicole Poole

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-12-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 261 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A rising star in Christian fiction, Karen Witemeyer brilliantly blends humor and romance in this compelling debut novel.

Texas liveryman Jericho J.T. Tucker wants nothing to do with the towns new dressmaker, Hannah Richardson. Hes all too familiar with her kind - shallow, more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Except for her well-tailored clothing, however, shes not at all what he expected. Although J.T.s assumptions and gruff manner rile Hannah, she finds her heart strangely stirred by him - and by his unexpected acts of kindness.

Members Reviews:

Young author, Karen Witemeyer, has a real talent..

...for storytelling, and I hope that Audible will feature all of her books.

Set in the old American West, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE is quite a cute story and one wonders how our heroine, feisty, high spirited, Hanna Richards, an Artistic Dressmaker is going to overcome the abrupt and brusque manner of one Jericho ???JT??? Tucker. Owner of the local livery.

Sparks fly and feelings get hurt, but...

Love does conquer all, even a stinking old widower falls under the loving kindness of Hanna.

Lots of adventures in this story, one you will want to add to your inspirational library.

I really enjoy these wonderful books.

You won't have to fast forward because of graphic sex or violence. A pure listening joy.

Very glad I checked this one out!

Would you consider the audio edition of A Tailor-Made Bride to be better than the print version?

I never read the print version, so I don't know. I don't really think one would be better than the other though.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Tailor-Made Bride?

The whole section when J.T. goes out to search for Hannah in the storm, and the little bit afterwards. It's incredibly romantic and sweet. Very touching.

What does Nicole Poole bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

The laughter and fun that you might just skip over when reading. You can see the smirks and smiles as she's reading.

If you could rename A Tailor-Made Bride, what would you call it?

It's a great title, honestly, and I can't think of anything to change it too... Maybe A Tailor-Made Romance, instead of Bride.

Any additional comments?

I'm really glad I took the chance on this one. I've now discovered a new Christian author that I have come to enjoy. After listening to this book, I bought her other two, and I'm incredibly happy to have done so. This being Karen Witemeyer's first book, you can really see how she's growing in her writing. Head in the Clouds was great, as was To Win Her Heart.

The thing I love most about her books is that the relationships are real. The main characters don't beat around the bush or let little petty misunderstandings get in the way of things. Sure there are things to work through, but it's incredibly sweet. I highly recommend A Tailor-Made Bride. :)

Pure romance and enjoyable events

If you could sum up A Tailor-Made Bride in three words, what would they be?

Beauty is not a sin

What other book might you compare A Tailor-Made Bride to and why?

A head in the clouds by the same author .. the romance is very much the same

Which scene was your favorite?

The hero was mad at the heroin and she told him to give her his tools to fix her shop .. he rejected her request but later on he gave it to her ..

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Title: Hector and the Search for Happiness

Author: François Lelord

Narrator: James Clamp

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-10-10

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 99 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Once upon a time, there was a young psychiatrist called Hector who was not very satisfied with himself....

Hector is very good at treating patients in need of his help. But he cant do much for those who are simply dissatisfied with life, and that is beginning to depress him. When a patient tells him he looks in need of a vacation, Hector takes a trip around the world to learn what makes people happyand sad. As he travels from Paris to China to Africa to the United States, he lists his observations about the people he meets. Is there a secret to happiness, and will Hector find it?

Combining the winsome appeal of The Little Prince with the inspiring philosophy of The Alchemist, Hectors journey ventures around the globe and into the human soul. Lelords writing inspires us to consider lifes great questions. Uplifting, empowering, and optimistic, this is a fable for our times and all time.

Critic Reviews:

"Intelligently naïve. (Marie Claire)

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: 1022 Evergreen Place

Author: Debbie Macomber

Narrator: Sandra Burr

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-31-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 262 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

1022 Evergreen Place, Unit B, Cedar Cove, Washington

Dear Listener,

Guess what? Im falling in love! With Mack McAfee.

My baby daughter, Noelle, and I have been living next door to Mack since the spring. Im still a little wary about our relationship, because I havent always made good decisions when it comes to men. My babys father, David Rhodes, is testament to that. Im so worried he might sue for custody.

In the meantime, the World War II letters I found are a wonderful distraction. Both Mack and I are trying to learn what happened to the soldier who wrote them and the woman he loved.

Come by sometime for a glass of iced tea and Ill show you the letters. Plus Ill tell you the latest about Grace and Olivia, my brother Linc and his wife, Lori (who tied the knot about five minutes after they met!), and all our other mutual friends. Oh, and maybe Mack can join us....

Mary Jo Wyse

Members Reviews:

Another great book...

This one really leaves you hangin. Can't wait to hear about Rachael and Gloria...

Great book and great author.

I loved the entire Cedar Grove series. Debbie Macomber makes you feel like you know each person in the book.

Good

I resent it when the story ends I with the conflict unresolved and the reader is forced to buy the next book to learn what is to become of one of the main charActers

Great performance

A great book but when the person reading is good, it makes all the difference in the world. Sandra Burr does a fantastic job. The story is easy to follow, characters are memorable and you feel as though you are in the stories with them.

fantastic as usual

Anything by Debbie is great! Love this series!! Everyone should visit Port Orchard WA where this is really set. They even have a Cedar Cove Day!

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Title: 10 Lb. Penalty

Author: Dick Francis

Narrator: Simon Prebble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-30-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 251 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In this fast-moving best-seller, 18-year-old amateur jockey Benedict Juliard reluctantly interrupts his exciting career to promote his father in an ambitious political campaign. But suddenly, campaigning becomes more thrilling, and deadly, than steeplechase racing.

Members Reviews:

Father - Son Bonding Moments!

I enjoy Dick Francis' novels and Simon Prebble's narrations. They are easy listening. The Audible description of this story is good. It has mystery, suspense and a little bit of action. Nearly 18 years old, Ben has his heart set on becoming a steeplechase jockey but his father manipulated Ben into joining his parliament campaign as his driver. Ben soon had to become his father's body guard when mysteries, murderous things starts to happen which are aimed at getting the father to quit the race for parliament. Ben's instincts about the protection of his father leads to finding out that his father's car had been tampered with. The plot within the story is believable. Simon Prebble is an excellent narrator.

Great listen!

One of my favorite Dick Francis reads - I really enjoyed listening to it this time around. The narration was pretty good, neither overly read or expressionless.

A warm voice reading a cozy thriller

I'm a Dick Francis fan, reading many times all of his books. I would give this book an A-minus in terms of the canon of his work. It's a real father-son/coming-of-age story, with a political (mild!) thriller and, of course, a horse or two thrown in. I found in Prebble's voice, (which I sometimes find too plummy) a wonderfully warm narrator, friendly to the characters. A likable plot, and a likable narrator! AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Exciting and Unusual Dick Francis

Over the years I have always enjoyed the horse racing mysteries of Dick Francis, but this was an unexpected view of the author's broad knowledge of British politics and human relations. It was completely absorbing and provided me with a better understanding of the British electoral process-- not generally associated with attempted murder!

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Title: Prep

Author: Curtis Sittenfeld

Narrator: Julie Dretzin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-26-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 395 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

This New York Times best-seller is a funny and poignant coming-of-age story, a dead-on examination of adolescent angst, and a sharp criticism of Americas social structure.

Fourteen-year-old Lee Fiora enrolls at the prestigious Ault School of Massachusetts and is surrounded by beautiful, wealthy students. She immediately feels like an outsider, but manages to carve out a niche for herself. Then everything falls apart when Lees private thoughts become public information.

Critic Reviews:

"Sittenfeld, who won

Seventeen's fiction contest at 16, proves herself a natural in this poignant, truthful book." (

Publishers Weekly)

Curtis Sittenfeld is a young writer with a crazy amount of talent. Her sharp and economical prose reminds us of Joan Didion and Tobias Wolff. Like them, she has a sly and potent wit, which cuts unexpectedlybut oftenthrough the placid surface of her prose. Her voice is strong and clear, her moral compass steady; Id believe anything she told me. (Dave Eggers)

Members Reviews:

Easy & Enjoyable Listen

I look for four stars or more from fellow listeners and the longest read (good bang for my buck). The formula is usually successful, but not fail proof. This book was a good choice for easy listening. It is an introvert's experience (stream of consciouness) through four years of prep school. There are no twists or turns. It's not a thriller, feel good book, or must read. Still, I found myself relating to parts and caring a lot about, Lee, the girl in the story. It was good company. If all my Audible choices proved to be as entertaining, I'd be content.

I like to mix up my listening: historical fiction, light weight "slice of life" stories, and occasionally a classic. I listen for entertaining companionship while housekeeping, doing hair/makeup again (every freaking day of my life) and driving long distances alone. I don't care for fantasy, vampires, or creates from an imaginary world. Murder mysteries don't do it for me either. I'd rather listen to a fictional story about real life possibility. I also read non-fiction books, which are better absorbed visually at my own pace, not audibly.

I have been an audible member since 2003. I just started to write my opinions immediately after listening because I rely so much on other members when making my choices. I hope this helps you.

So so

Would you try another book from Curtis Sittenfeld and/or Julie Dretzin?

I thought Julie Dretzin did a great job as the narrator.

Would you recommend Prep to your friends? Why or why not?

Not sure I would recommend to my friends because although a lot of it rang true, the main character was just so self obsessed that it got a little bit old.

What about Julie Dretzins performance did you like?

I thought she was good at doing all the characters voices.

Could you see Prep being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I don't know that I can see this as a movie maybe a TV series but there wasn't enough of a plot to make it into a movie, although as I listened imagined the Sugerman character to be a Ryan Gosling type guy. I bet he'd make a good Sugerman. The rest of the characters didn't have a strong enough image in my head to image who would be good portraying them in a movie.

Any additional comments?

I usually like to listen to long books but I got a little annoyed this one with because of the self obsession of the main character.

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Title: Anthill

Author: E. O. Wilson

Narrator: Kevin T. Collins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-17-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 134 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Inspirational and magical, here is the story of a boy who grows up determined to save the world from its most savage ecological predator: Man himself.

"What the hell do you want?" snarled Frogman at Raff Cody, as the boy stepped innocently onto the reputed murderer's property. Fifteen years old, Raff, along with his older cousin, Junior, had only wanted to catch a glimpse of Frogman's 1,000-pound alligator.

Thus, begins the saga of Anthill, which follows the thrilling adventures of a modern-day Huck Finn, whose improbable love of the "strange, beautiful, and elegant" world of ants ends up transforming his own life and the citizens of Nokobee County.

Battling both snakes bites and cynical relatives who just dont understand his consuming fascination with the outdoors, Raff explores the pristine beauty of the Nokobee wildlands. And in doing so, he witnesses the remarkable creation and destruction of four separate ant colonies (The Anthill Chronicles), whose histories are epics that unfold on picnic grounds, becoming a young naturalist in the process.

An extraordinary undergraduate at Florida State University, Raff, despite his scientific promise, opts for Harvard Law School, believing that the environmental fight must be waged in the courtroom as well as the lab. Returning home a legal gladiator, Raff grows increasingly alarmed by rapacious condo developers who are eager to pave and subdivide the wildlands surrounding the Chicobee River. But one last battle awaits him in his epic struggle. In a shattering ending that no reader will forget, Raff suddenly encounters the angry and corrupt ghosts of an old South he thought had all but disappeared, and learns that war is a genetic imperative, not only for ants but for men as well.

Editorial Reviews:

Ants are a metaphor for us, and we for them. E. O. Wilson

Edward O. Wilson is the worlds foremost expert on ants, and Anthills protagonist, Raphael Semmes Cody (aka Raff) 15 years old when the story begins and a lawyer 12 year later at the novels end is the character Wilson invented who studies ants and has a worlds worth of things in common with his author. Most importantly, both Raff and Wilson join the ranks of conservationists struggling to save the planet from global environmental catastrophe. With Anthill Wilson has written an entertaining and inspirational novel that has in its DNA a robust collection of memes (the cultural equivalent of genes) for propagating the continuing survival of mankind on planet Earth. This includes an extraordinary and not to be missed novella within the novel, The Anthill Chronicles.

Anthill presents the actor Kevin T. Collins with an enticing narrative mix. There is the novels third-person narration, putatively told by Frederick Norville, a professor of ecology at Florida State University, a friend of the Cody family, and the first of Raffs two mentors. Collins third person narration thus reflects close familial bonds (Norville is called Uncle Fred by Raff). The third-person narration expresses the sympathy Norville has for Raff, and the listener can hear these expressions in Collins narration. His expressive craft really kicks in when he speaks the characters dialogues, expressions, and thoughts. Collins voice quickly and deftly shifts from third-person into the characters.

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Title: Cure

Author: Robin Cook

Narrator: George Guidall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-10-10

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 285 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The New York Times-bestselling author and master of the medical thriller returns with another heart-pounding story of medical intrigue.

With her young son's potentially fatal neuroblastoma in complete remission, New York City medical examiner Laurie Montgomery returns to work, only to face the case of her career. The investigation into the death of CIA agent Kevin Markham is a professional challenge-and has Laurie's colleagues wondering if she still has what it takes after so much time away.

Markham's autopsy results are inconclusive, and though it appears he's been poisoned, toxicology fails to corroborate Laurie's suspicions. While her coworkers doubt her assassination theory, her determination wins over her husband, fellow medical examiner Jack Stapleton, and together they discover associations to a large pharmaceutical company and several biomedical start-ups dealing with stem-cell research. Laurie and Jack race to connect the dots before they are consumed in a dangerous game of biotech espionage.

Members Reviews:

A repetitive waste of time

This book si so poorly written, I can't finish it. It is overly repetitive and redundance 9I know, I know). The characters are poorly drawn. Details are either missing or so obvious that you want to yell, "Duh!" The naarration is monotone and with little variation between characters.

Not like the other Robin Cook Books

While this story was entertaining enough to finish, I was very disappointed. I typically enjoy Robin Cook's blend of medical technology and suspense. Unfortunately this book was not like the others. It seemed to have taken a departure from the formula that I believe has worked so well in the past and transformed itself into a fair suspense novel with much more focus it seemed on organized crime than on the medial tech I have grown so much to appreciate. It was entertaining, as I said before, but having read all previous books to date, the most disappointing as well.

Not his best

Awful narration, could not keep up with the Asian names, need more time with the Stapleton's, and thought I would not finish the book. But I have a hard time NOT finishing a book. Really disappointing read!

George Guidall is amazing

I never read any Robin Cook books. I was really impressed with the last two - Cure and Marker. I love George Guidall, he does an amazing job. I have grown to love Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery.... I'm hooked on Robin Cook now

Ceylon mckinnis hemet

Recommend reading, love the book and characters.want to read more like this. Can't wait until the next one comes out in this series.i will get them all if i can. Love reading about jack, and Lou, and Lori and of course j. J..

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Title: Thursdays at Eight

Author: Debbie Macomber

Narrator: Laural Merlington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-29-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 118 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Clare has just been through a devastating divorce. She's driven by anger and revenge until she learns something about her ex-husband that forces her to look deep inside for the forgiveness and compassion she's rejected - and for the person she used to be.

Elizabeth is widowed, in her late 50s, a successful professional - a woman who's determined not to waste another second of her life. And if that life should include romantic possibilities - well, why not?

Karen is in her 20s, the years for taking risks, testing your dreams. Her dream is to be an actor. So what if her parents think she should be more like her sister, the very respectable Victoria?

Julia is turning 40 this year. Her husband's career is established, her kids are finally in their teens and she's just started her own business. Everything's going according to plan - until she gets pregnant!

Critic Reviews:

"Thursdays at Eight is a novel of everyday women confronted with extraordinary circumstances, and Macomber tells their stories with a depth of mature insight that is both compassionate and unfailingly honest. These are women with guts and fortitude, courage and determination, and readers will recognize the same strength of character found in the novels of venerable authors Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy." (Amazon.com review)

Members Reviews:

nice and entertaining book

It is a book that leaves you feeling good at the end. I would recommend this book to a friend.

Loved this book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It was just a realistic and pleasant story about people who I could easily know and identify with. I'd recommend it to someone who would like that in a book.

What other book might you compare Thursdays at Eight to and why?

Can't think of any at the moment. I guess Waiting to Exhale, but with less drama and um...drama. The bond that women develop is impressive. We can tend to be competitive. I like the support the women gave to one another in both of these books.

Which character as performed by Laural Merlington was your favorite?

Liz was my favorite. Sudden loss of her husband. An "older" women who had been concerned about being along and STILL maintained her character and turned down requests for sex by a handsome somewhat younger doctor. Even at her most vulnerable, alone state, she stayed true to her morals and character. Gotta love a strong woman who loves herself though the worst of times with class and dignity.

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

No. I l work from home and walk my two dogs several times a day. I listen during walks and while in my car. Can't stand commercial radio.

Any additional comments?

Just that I am about to find the next book by this author an get started right away!

Nice to listen to when going to sleep

What made the experience of listening to Thursdays at Eight the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy story didn't have to think to hard.

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Title: Hero at Large

Author: Janet Evanovich

Narrator: C. J. Critt

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-10

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 307 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

It seems like good luck when gorgeous and mysterious Ken Callahan stops to help single mom Chris Nelson with her car. But then she breaks his arm...then his toe...and then his heart. Not easily discouraged, Ken moves into her basement...cooks her potholder in the spaghetti sauce...attempts to seduce her with cookies...and destroys her favorite pan by trying to make a roast in it. All may seem lost for Chris and Ken, until a meddlesome Aunt Edna, a ride on a Zamboni and a genuine love of family all conspire to turn their luck around.

Members Reviews:

What can you say.

Love all of Janets books. She did it again.

Funny

contemporary-romance, comedy, humor

Read from January 01, 2013 to October 10, 2016

Fun comedic romance in the Evanovich manner. More of a novella, not her best, but funny anyway.

CJ Critt did quite well as narrator.

fun and light

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, it's easy listening with Janet Evanovitchs quirky likable characters. You'll get lots of grins along the way.

What other book might you compare Hero at Large to and why?

Janet Evanovichs other stand alone Romance novels like Rocky Road To Romance, Back To The Bedroom, Manhunt, Naughty Neighbor, Smitten. All are light and funny romance novels with lots of laughs along the way.

Drivel

This the worst JE book I have ever read. Pure drivel. I could predict what was coming a chapter before it happened. I have read A LOT of her books, and this is not on par with them.

Superb modern romance

What made the experience of listening to Hero at Large the most enjoyable?

I could see the the samethings happening to myself as our heroine, so light and enjoyable to slightly more involved as story progressed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hero at Large?

The accidents that brought them together.

Have you listened to any of C. J. Critts other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to other performance but she was good and did well with characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Accidents happen and this is a sweet accident.

Any additional comments?

My first Janet E book I will be looking for more, hoping to find more from her like this......soo cute.