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Title: Sophie and the Sibyl

Author: Patricia Duncker

Narrator: Helen Johns

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-15

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 1 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The Duncker brothers, Max and Wolfgang, own a thriving publishing business in Germany. When Max's gambling gets out of hand, Wolfgang sends him to pay court to a celebrity author, Sibyl, also known as George Eliot.

Yet Wolfgang has an ulterior motive: for his brother to consider Sophie von Hahn as a potential wife. Both women have Max in thrall. Out of his depth, Max finds himself precariously balanced between Sophie and the Sibyl.

Critic Reviews:

"Sophie and the Sibyl is wonderful; I was transfixed. It's not just the fiendishly clever blending of real-life and fiction, I was completely gripped all the way through." (Kathryn Hughes)

Members Reviews:

One for those with literary interests

I enjoyed this quirky love story very much. There is a very intrusive narrator, who loves to break into the plot to discuss19th century contemporary issues and cultural phenonemons (for example, a description of an early performance of "The Flying Dutchman"). The author also lets her heroine (George Elliot) digress into discussions on ancient and modern philosophy etc. Sounds weird I know, but I enjoyed it!

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Title: Child of Loki

Subtitle: Northern Crown, Book 2

Author: Richard Denning

Narrator: Richard Denning

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-15

Publisher: Mercia Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A divided land.... a divided family.

The Battle of Catraeth has been won and Cerdic's homeland is safe... but for how long? The Northern British were crushed but yet more enemies have risen to replace them. Soon Cerdic and his friends must go to war again - against the Scots and Picts north of Hadrian's wall. He goes to help his country's allies - the Bernicians - under their great warlord, Aethelfrith.

But what is Aethelfrith's true design? How ambitious is he and how far will he go to fulfil his dreams? And what is Cerdic's treacherous half-brother Hussa up to in these fierce wild lands?

All Cerdic wants is to be left to live out his life in peace.

But Loki, it seems, has other ideas.

The Northern Crown series follows the story of a young nobleman - Cerdic - as he lives through the darkest years of the Dark Ages. Through his eyes we witness the climatic events that forged the nations of Britain. For it out of this time that the English, Welsh, Irish, and Scots races began to form: born in the conflict between Saxon and Celt, Pagan and Christian.

Members Reviews:

The adventure continues

One gets a good feel for the period from the daily details included by the author. It's a saga of a brother vs half brother feud that is fairly well detailed in the first book in the series. In the same league with Cornwell.

exceptionally well-researched

Well-crafted, interestingly written, with believeable characters and a self-propelled plot. Unlike the bulk of "historical" fiction, the book's historical background is exceptionally well-researched, yet the information is well woven into the story and does not come across as lecture. The Northern Crown series is well worth reading, both as fiction and as history.

Five Stars

Good.

offers great plot development and story lines

book 2 in a series giving lots of insight into trobes & peoples of northern England in late 590s-early 600s. offers great plot development and story lines. interesting plot twists that keep you on the edge pf your seat. I will purchase book 3 of the series.

Excellent follow on to Book 1

Many battles. Many sad deaths. Makes this Dark Age come alive. Can't wait till I can read Book 3. Go Cedric!

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Title: Those Rosy Hours at Mazandaran

Author: Marion Grace Woolley

Narrator: Emma Newman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-15

Publisher: Ghostwoods Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A young woman confronts her own dark desires and finds her match in a masked conjurer turned assassin. Inspired by Gaston LeRoux's The Phantom of the Opera, Marion Grace Woolley takes us on forbidden adventures through a time that has been written out of history books.

"Those days are buried beneath the mists of time. I was the first, you see. The very first daughter. There would be many like me to come. Svelte little figures, each with saffron skin and wide, dark eyes. Every one possessing a voice like honey, able to twist the santur strings of our father's heart."

It begins with a rumor, an exciting whisper. Anything to break the tedium of the harem for the shah's eldest daughter. People speak of a man with a face so vile, it would make a hangman faint, but a voice as sweet as an angel's kiss. A master of illusion and stealth. A masked performer known only as Vachon. For once the truth will outshine the tales. On her birthday the shah gifts his eldest daughter, Afsar, a circus. With the circus comes a man who will change everything.

Note: Mature subject matter.

Members Reviews:

Delicious, Dark and Compelling

This was such a surprise. I was expecting a run of the mill YA tale of a Persian princess' adventures. This was so much more than that. It's an intimate look at power from an unexpected angle, betrayal from below, and how servitude twists the appetite.

I highly recommend. Be prepared to be surprised. All the way through.

A Dark & Beautiful Tale - RECOMMENDED

This novel delivered far beyond my expectations. It's a beautiful and very dark tale inspired by The Phantom of the Opera but stands on its own as an intriguing story. The story draws you in and there are surprises right up to the end.

Emma Newman does a wonderful job performing this novel.

Disclosure: I received a free download of this Audible book from the publisher. In spite of that, the views expressed here are my own & I did not commit to posting a review for the download.

Wow

I started out on this story thinking it would be a boring romance novel (honestly) but it is amazing. Dreamlike, mysterious, romantic, dark, horrific and terrifying. I totally love it and think everyone should read it. Just fabulous.

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Title: After the Fog

Author: Kathleen Shoop

Narrator: Lisa Baarns

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-11-15

Publisher: Kathleen Shoop

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The sins of the mother...

In the mill town of Donora, Pennsylvania, site of the infamous 1948 "killing smog", headstrong nurse Rose Pavlesic tends to her family and neighbors. Controlling and demanding, she's created a life that reflects everything she missed growing up as an orphan. She's even managed to keep her painful secrets hidden from her loving husband, dutiful children, and large extended family. When a stagnant weather pattern traps poisonous mill gasses in the valley, neighbors grow sicker and Rose's nursing obligations thrust her into conflict she never could have fathomed. Consequences from her past collide with her present life, making her once clear decisions as gray as the suffocating smog. As pressure mounts, Rose finds she's not the only one harboring lies. When the deadly fog finally clears, the loss of trust and faith leaves the Pavlesic family - and the whole town - splintered and shocked. With her new perspective, can Rose finally forgive herself and let her family's healing begin?

Members Reviews:

Riveting and beautiful

This is the first book I've encountered by this incredibly talented author, but it won't be my last. Moving, tragic, and yet still uplighting and, at times, funny, this is a realistic and touching depiction of a family in crisis and a town in terrible danger. Kudos to Kathleen Shoop for giving a voice to the people affected by one of the worst industrial disasters in American history. Like Nurse Rose breathed life into her dying patients, Ms. Shoop brings back the stories of those long forgotten souls who succumbed to the poisonous gas that invaded their town. Fascinating story, and an important read for everyone.

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Title: The Ramage Touch

Author: Dudley Pope

Narrator: Steven Crossley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-30-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Post Captain Ramage is prowling the Tuscan coast and far from English aid when he encounters a daunting French invasion fleet. As the enemy gathers strength, Ramage must decide how to thwart its actions with only the frigate Calypso and a pair of bomb ketches.

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Title: Jam and Roses

Author: Mary Gibson

Narrator: Anne Dover

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-29-15

Publisher: Lamplight Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Three sisters in 1920s struggle to make ends meet and protect their mother from their violent father. Milly works in Southwells jam factory. Elsie dreams of a career on the stage, while little Amy runs wild with her friends.

All three of the girls fear the unforgiving temper of their father and their courageous attempts to protect their defenseless mother will have dramatic, disastrous consequences for them all.

Members Reviews:

Yet another cracker !!!!

What made the experience of listening to Jam and Roses the most enjoyable?

The storyline was exciting with strong characters but also the narrator Anne Dover made it a joy to listen to with all her different voices she brings it alive

Who was your favorite character and why?

Milly is my favourite, she has great strength in personality which reminds me of my many cockney aunties i have

Have you listened to any of Anne Dovers other performances? How does this one compare?

This is yet another fantastic performance by Anne Dove to me she has got to be the best,listened to her many times and hope she reads any future books by Mary Gibson

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Found the story very emotional in places, i laughed while washing up,cried while doing the ironing , and raged while hoovering

Any additional comments?

Cannot wait for the next book, i can see me getting seriously hooked to the Mary GIbson books and will probably listen to them over and over again

jam and roses

This was the first book by Mary Gibson I've had and OMG it was amazing from start to finish breath taking in parts loved it can't wait to start a new one. I would highly recommend this book to. Anyone.

Another good listen

I love how Anne Dover manages to separate all the various people by using different intonations. This book went from many hours to finish without me realising. Very entertaining

Engaging story of the depression era in Bermondsey

Anne Dover yet again displays her acting skill bringing to life the characters of Bermondsey in the interlude between the wars.

A story of 3 sisters struggling to free themselves from an alcoholic abusive father and a put upon mother. You really end up caring about the protagonists. Very enjoyable.

Familiar old friend

Anne Dovers voice gives warmth and realality to the characters and for me was like listening to a familiar old friend. The story its self was close to my heart as I know the area of London in which the story was set so could easily see the setting and the characters.

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Title: The Quarryman's Wife

Author: Mary DeMuth

Narrator: Lugene Ganley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-09-15

Publisher: Mary E. DeMuth, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Augusta Brinkworth nearly breaks from grief when her husband is killed in a rock quarry slide, leaving her with a passel of children to feed in the throes of the Great Depression. Armed with detached stoicism, she disengages from the lives of her grieving children, pushing them away, while forces outside and within the family threaten its existence. Will Augusta shed her detachment and engage in her childrens lives before the family rips apart?

Members Reviews:

Listening Pleasure

Any additional comments?

Mary DeMuth's The Quarryman's Wife is an admirable first novel. The plot, while not complex, explores the Brinkworths family emotions when Tom, the father, is accidently killed in a quarry accident. DeMuth unravels each character slowly, choosing to tell the reader more than show the reader the personal growth of each family member as he or she comes to grips with the tragedy. Her gift lies clearly in her ability to describe characters and environment. The specific detail evokes strong visuals for the reader. For example, in the end Augusta is moved by her neighbors husband recovery, He had been hurt in the very same quarry accident where her husband had died. DeMuth writes: She [Augusta] smiled, a broad open smile, so open that her tears could have a home there. The smile is not only a smile of happiness for her neighbors health, but the smile of acceptance and hope for a brighter future for her family.

DeMuth's understanding of story structure is a bit wobbly. However, the artful reading from the narrator, Lugene Ganley, pulls the reader through the unveiling of the familys raw emotions and gives life to DeMuths characters.

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Title: All Good Women

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Valerie Miner

Narrator: Charlotte North

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

As World War II rages abroad, a group of women forge the bonds of sisterhood in America.

In 1938, while tensions in Europe are reaching a boiling point, four young women with big ambitions enter secretarial school in San Francisco. Motivated to attain the financial stability that eluded their parents, they go to battle for their futures. Moira, of Scottish descent, dreams of being an actress. Ann yearns for the education her Jewish immigrant parents provided for her brother, but not for her. Japanese American Wanda experiences firsthand the racial injustices running rampant in the United States. And Teddy, who left the Dust Bowl for sunny California, comes to startling realizations about herself as the war progresses. These women will be both buoyed and challenged by their dreams, experiencing love, loss, and everything in between.

Against the backdrop of a nation gripped by fear and paranoia, Miner eloquently captures the spirit of wartime on the home front.

Members Reviews:

Four fascinating storylines

Four women are roommates before WWII, but the war charges each of them. I enjoyed each of the four story lines and learned a lot of history in the process of reading. A unique perspective on young women in the WWII time period, one that everyone should read.

Great Book About 4 Remarkable Women

I really enjoyed reading about the friendship of these 4 women, although the war changed all of their lives as they lived in different places. The book didn't wrap everything up nice and tidy and I liked that a lot too. The war changed all of them but they were able to remain connected.

Four Stars

Fabulous book.

I read a lot of world war 2 related fiction ...

I read a lot of world war 2 related fiction and non fiction. This is the first I have read that focused on women and their lives during that period.

I had high hopes that I would really like this book

I had high hopes that I would really like this book . I'm a fan of historical fiction and I was drawn to this story that tells of the friendship of four young women in San Francisco before , during and after WW II .

It was moving at first when Ann, Moira and Teddy go to the bus that is carrying off their Japanese American friend Wanda to an internment camp . After that , I didn't really feel a connection between these women .

What the author does do well is depict what is happening in the country while the war is going on. However, I'm just too spoiled by the other beautiful , well written ,and poignant stories of the war to give this more than 3 stars .

Thanks to Open Road Integrated Media and NetGalley for this ARC.

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Title: A Reckoning in Goldenburg

Author: Ron Washburn

Narrator: Mark Carrell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-23-14

Publisher: Ron Washburn

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

When Mason Sampson decided to try and make a living in a gold rush town in the New Mexico Territory in 1888, he never expected to come face to face with the man who had murdered his parents in cold blood. There was certain to be a reckoning in Goldenburg.

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Title: Sweet Dreams: A Novel

Author: Carla Stewart

Narrator: Eva Kaminsky

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-17-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

It's 1962, and Dusty Fairchild, daughter of a self-made millionaire and oilman, wants to go to college. Instead she is sent to a private finishing school in East Texas. Although she's never wanted for material possessions, Dusty longs for independence and adventure. The only upside to attending Miss Fontaine's is having her cousin and best childhood friend Paisley join her. Paisley has traveled the country with her bohemian mother, but she dreams of putting down roots and living a settled life. At Miss Fontaine's, their loyalty to each other binds them, but when they fall in love with the same handsome young man, their relationship teeters on shaky ground. Only after a tragic accident do they learn where their true hearts - and dreams - lie.

Members Reviews:

Sweet dreams - an apt title for this sweet dream of a book!

The story is set in 1962 and is about two cousins who are very different but have a deep connection. The girls find themselves in a finishing school which is neither girl's dream but, through their time there, they have their buried dreams take shape and blossom. The girls, Paisley and Dusty are very different personalities and have had very different upbringings. They see the glamour of the other's life without fully realizing the challenges the other faced growing up. They both hold secrets in their hearts. I don't want to spoil the reader's experience by saying too much but I loved this book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories that tug at the heart. The two main characters are easy to relate to and some of the other characters in the book, Edie and Rosalita, for example, reminded me of people that have been part of my own life. From the beautiful cover, through the pages of the book, to the completion of this period piece, I enjoyed the story line that Carla Stewart took this reader on.

I first discovered Carla with her book, Chasing Lilacs and have read every book she has written since then. She is one of my favorite authors and with Sweet Dreams, she has kept this particular fan anxious for her next book.

Touching, Unforgettable

Sweet Dreams is another fine masterpiece told in Carla Stewart's smooth, gentle drawl, as inviting as a gracious southern belle's offer of an ice-cold lemonade on a dry Texas day.

It's an engaging story of two young women entering into adulthood amid uncertainties about themselves and their dreams, steered by others in a time and culture when young women weren't sure they had a say in who they were or who they could be woven through a colorful backdrop of the sixties and sprinkled with glimmers of the sixties' music culture.

Dusty Fairchild and Paisley Finch are each strong yet vulnerable in her own way. The heart-tugging conflict between two young women who should be able to count on each other made me ask myself what I would have done in their situation. Would I choose the way of grace? Would I pursue fulfillment of my dreams regardless the cost?

Sweet Dreams is a story about love, loyalty, secrets, and forgiveness. It's about having the courage to voice your dreams and then believing you can make them come true. It's an inspiring reminder to be yourself whether you fit in or not. It reminds us to not be so hasty to judge on appearances.