Download the Best Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

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Title: The Homesteader's Sweetheart

Subtitle: Love Inspired Historical

Author: Lacy Williams

Narrator: Laural Merlington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-04-16

Publisher: Lacy Williams Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 98 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From an Audie award-winning narrator and a USA TODAY best-selling author comes a story of unlikely love and true family togetherness.

They come from different worlds...

Pursued by an unwelcome suitor, banker's daughter Penny Castlerock will do anything to escape town and Mr. Abbott's advances - even visit her grandfather's homestead for an undetermined amount of time. Out of her element, she must rely on neighbor Jonas White - and his brood of adopted children.

Scandal chased Jonas out of Philadelphia five years ago - one that socialite Miss Castlerock knows about. Since then, Jonas has kept to himself, worked his homestead, and focused on raising his seven adopted boys and his daughter. The last thing he needs is to be reminded of the past and the young woman he once fancied - especially when she's so far out of his sphere....

As circumstances force the two to work together, their tentative friendship blossoms into something more. But can two people from such disparate backgrounds find true love with each other?

Members Reviews:

Good Western

Would you listen to The Homesteader's Sweetheart again? Why?

No, too many other books to listen to but it is a good story.

What other book might you compare The Homesteader's Sweetheart to and why?

One of the many mail order brides books.

Which character as performed by Laural Merlington was your favorite?

The daughter

If you could rename The Homesteader's Sweetheart, what would you call it?

Uncommon Love

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the entire story and the narration was very good. I liked the twist and turns. The narrator showed the true characters of each character and brought the story to life. I got this book via audiobook boom.

Western Love

The author did a pretty fair job for the story line, did a great job in portraying a strong heroine. This was not exactly my cup of tea, too PG and I prefer a strong alpha male but all in all a pleasant read. The narrator did a fantastic job, she is one of my favorites.

Beautiful Story!

Laural Merlington did a fabulous job reading the story to me. The way she changed her voice for all the different characters was amazing.

Even though Penny was an aristocratic woman, it was fun watching her realize that that wasn't a prerequisite for love. She sure changed for the better I must say.

Jonas was so insecure about love, I found it sad, funny, adorable and wonderful how he learned to love Penny even though he fought it.

What I completely found honorable was the way he took in and adopted all his sons as well as his daughter. More men should be that sensitive and caring.

Excellent Story, you really need to read the book or have the audio book read to you. It's a book well worth reading over again.

8 children?

This is a wonderful story of a rich woman who falls for a poor man! To add to the twist Jonas is the father of 8 adopted children, but he's never known the love of a woman! As Penny gives courting advice to his teen sons, she's teaching him as well! Too bad he's a bit slower to learn and much more afraid of rejection!

Sweet Romance

This book started out somewhat slow. But it became more interesting as Penny and Jones's relationship developed. Each of them was dealing with insecurities based on past life experiences but prayer and trusting in God allowed them to move beyond that.

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Title: Long Walk to the Sun

Subtitle: Jock Miles WW2 Adventure Series Book 1

Author: William Peter Grasso

Narrator: Andrew Tell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-24-15

Publisher: William Peter Grasso

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this alternate history adventure set in WW2's early days, a crippled US military struggles to defend vulnerable Australia against the unstoppable Japanese forces. When a Japanese regiment lands on Australia's desolate and undefended Cape York Peninsula, Jock Miles, a US Army captain disgraced despite heroic actions at Pearl Harbor, is ordered to locate the enemy's elusive command post.

Conceived in politics rather than sound tactics, the futile mission is a "show of faith" by the American war leaders meant to do little more than bolster their flagging Australian ally. For Jock Miles and the men of his patrol, it's a death sentence: their enemy is superior in men, material, firepower, and combat experience. Even if the Japanese don't kill them, the vast distances they must cover on foot in the treacherous natural realm of Cape York just might. When Jock joins forces with Jillian Forbes, an indomitable woman with her own checkered past who refused to evacuate in the face of the Japanese threat, the dim prospects of the Allied war effort begin to brighten in surprising ways.

Members Reviews:

Close to Home

It was great to listen to this novel. I was born in and lived most of my life some of the Australian places in this novel, and got to say I found it all pretty plausible and the pronunciations quite good (in particularly Brisbane, which every other non-Aussie I've heard pronounce it gets it very wrong). The only one I wasn't sure on was Weipa - but to tell you the truth I've not been there or spoken with a resident of it, so it very is possible my pronunciation (which just comes from my interpretation of the word) may be wrong. Very possibly I'm wrong, especially as the author actually made a point of describing the alternate pronunciations in the story itself. The portrayal of the areas in the book were all to my experience as well as second hand knowledge very accurate. Also I found the dialog both appropriate and enjoyable to listen to. One of the critical reviews on Amazon had some odd complaints on the language used in the book, and I felt them a bit unfounded.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Blast.

The book is an alternate history WW2 novel, but not in style of the more traditional WW2 alternate history novel like 1948, The Man in the High Castle, where humanity is in some depressing future due to the allies having lost the war. In this one we are looking more at a micro level of "smaller" plausible actions that didn't happen, during the war itself. I was so caught by the story I felt the need to check out the synopses of other books the author has written, and am really interested in listening to others when they are released, both the other Jock Miles ones and some of the standalone ones, in particular East Wind Returns.

The story itself was an engaging listen, the plot a very smart and well executed story, and the characters well developed and likeable where appropriate, and unlikable where not, including the horrible rear echelon military people Jock and his group were continually done wrong by. I do hope that in reality MacArthur wasn't quite like this.

The narration - well Andrew Tell did a fantastic job.

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Title: Christmas Bells

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrator: Christina Moore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-27-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 120 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini celebrates Christmas past and present with a wondrous novel inspired by the classic poem "Christmas Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I heard the bells on Christmas Day / Their old familiar carols play / And wild and sweet / The words repeat / Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

In 1860 the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow family celebrated Christmas at Craigie House, their home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The publication of Longfellow's classic Revolutionary War poem, "Paul Revere's Ride", was less than a month hence, and the country's grave political unrest weighed heavily on his mind. Yet with his beloved wife, Fanny, and their five adored children at his side, the delights of the season prevailed.

In present-day Boston, a dedicated teacher in the Watertown public school system is stunned by somber holiday tidings. Sophia's music program has been sacrificed to budget cuts, and she worries not only about her impending unemployment but also about the consequences to her underprivileged students. At the church where she volunteers as music director, Sophia tries to forget her cares as she leads the children's choir in rehearsal for a Christmas Eve concert. Inspired to honor a local artist, Sophia has chosen a carol set to a poem by Longfellow, moved by the glorious words he penned one Christmas Day long ago, even as he suffered great loss.

Christmas Bells chronicles the events of 1863, when the peace and contentment of Longfellow's family circle was suddenly, tragically broken, cutting even deeper than the privations of wartime. Through the pain of profound loss and hardship, Longfellow's patriotism never failed, nor did the power of his language. "Christmas Bells", the poem he wrote that holiday, lives on, spoken as verse and sung as a hymn.

Members Reviews:

I had a hard time following the story line

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

No. I've enjoyed most of the other books by this author but not this one.

Would you recommend Christmas Bells to your friends? Why or why not?

Only if they are already familiar with the author.

What does Christina Moore bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Her narration brought the story to life.

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

While the story was interesting, I did not like the way the story was presented. I was disappointed and may not get any more by the author.

Any additional comments?

I hope the author goes back to her older format for writing.

History comes to life!

What a beautiful story to compare current life situations with a bit of History. It brought forward dilemmas and challenges in the Civil War era which seems so relevant in today's political challenges and intense dialogue of recent elections. This story offers hope and a sense of peace that "God is not dead nor does He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail with peace on Earth goodwill toward men."

Not her best

one story at a time would be better to confusing jumping back and forth between centuries

Promising premise a little disappointing

Enjoyed the parallel stories of modern day and Civil War families.

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Title: Murder at Thumb Butte

Subtitle: A Steve Dancy Tale

Author: James D. Best

Narrator: Jim Tedder

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-06-15

Publisher: James D Best

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 24 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the spring of 1880, Steve Dancy travels to Prescott, Arizona, to gain control of a remarkable invention. But on his first night in the territorial capital, his friend, Jeff Sharp, is arrested for a midnight murder at Thumb Butte. Dancy launches a personal investigation to find the real murderer, only to discover that the whole town wanted the victim dead. For help, he turns to another old friend and associate, Captain Joseph McAllen of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Can Dancy identify the true killer before his friend stretches a rope on the courthouse square?

Members Reviews:

Entertaining Who-Done-It Murder Mystery

I'm not typically a fan of westerns, but I very much enjoyed listening to this western murder mystery. The plot was engaging, the characters were interesting, and the narration was spot on.

I was also pleased to find that the content, while a little salty at times, would fall safely within a pg-13 rating (this is always a nice bonus since I have young children who love to play with my phone).

A free copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an objective review.

My favorite series.

Any additional comments?

This is book 4 in the series and was the first one I was given the opportunity to listen to. The story is captivating with just the right amount of detail to engage you. Steve Dancy is one of those characters that you want to switch places with, taking on challenges with just the right tools and smarts. After I listened to this I quickly bought the first 3 books and I am excited for Book 5 and 6 which I have not yet read.

Wonderful Old West Tale

What made the experience of listening to Murder at Thumb Butte the most enjoyable?

A great Story and excellent Narrator

Who was your favorite character and why?

Steve Dancy

Which character as performed by Jim Tedder was your favorite?

Steve Dancy, but the characterizations are all well done

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher

enjoyable western

If you could sum up Murder at Thumb Butte in three words, what would they be?

Not stand alone

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It was an interesting murder mystery. All we know is Jeff Sharp is the accused and he didn't commit the murder.

What does Jim Tedder bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I think the narrator kept me interested with his great reading.

If you could rename Murder at Thumb Butte, what would you call it?

A Steve Dancy tale.

Any additional comments?

I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the previous books in the series. I received this book for free for an honest review.

Muder at Thumb Butte

What made the experience of listening to Murder at Thumb Butte the most enjoyable?

A great Story and excellent Narrator.

What other book might you compare Murder at Thumb Butte to and why?

This reminded alot of stories in shows like Death Valley Days.

Which character as performed by Jim Tedder was your favorite?

Steve Dancy, but the characterizations are all well done.

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

With several breaks, I did.

Any additional comments?

This is a good clean mix, 2/3rd Western with mystery and adventure making up the rest. There's a series by James D. Best. I bought several of the books AND Audible books since my introduction with this performance.

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Title: A Free State

Author: Tom Piazza

Narrator: John Pruden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-14-15

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The year is 1855. Blackface minstrelsy is the most popular form of entertainment in a nation about to be torn apart by the battle over slavery. Henry Sims, a fugitive slave and a brilliant musician, has escaped to Philadelphia. He is befriended by a leader of a popular minstrel troupe struggling to compete with similar ensembles. Henry's skill could help the struggling troupe. Black and white performers are not allowed to appear together onstage.

Together, the two concoct a masquerade to protect Henry's identity. Even as their plan begins to reverse the troupe's decline, a brutal slave hunter named Tull Burton has been employed to track down the runaway and retrieve him by any means necessary.

Members Reviews:

Beautiful

A beautiful and moving story. I only wish the songs have been actually performed on the audiobook.

Engaging but incomplete

What did you like best about A Free State? What did you like least?

I enjoyed the portrait of Philadelphia and the minstrel bands in the pre Civil War era

Would you recommend A Free State to your friends? Why or why not?

Probably not. The book dealt with some important themes of the pre Civil War era but did not develop them leaving me a bit dissatisfied.

Any additional comments?

This book is a fictional representation of a slave (Henry) who escapes to freedom and the north but is hunted by a slave catcher. Henry is musically talented and very smart setting up a fictional opportunity to examine stereotypes of the era and how that might have played out on both the slave owners and the slaves. The premise and setting were promising but the author did not delve into these interesting issues making it a little disappointing. The narration was excellent, and in spite of these problems with the book, my interest was engaged throughout. In fact I was a little surprised when it suddenly ended. there is lots of material here that just wasn't developed.

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Title: Summary & Analysis of Sara Gruen's At the Water's Edge

Author: Instaread

Narrator: Jason P. Hilton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-26-15

Publisher: Instaread

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

At the Water's Edge, a novel by Sarah Gruen, takes place in the waning days of World War II. Maddie Hyde's dissolute husband, Ellis, decides to search for the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. What Maddie learns there about lies, life, and love changes her forever.

In 1942, Màiri Grant drowns herself in Loch Ness after her husband, Angus, is reported killed in action and her baby is stillborn. Only a headstone is left of the little family in Drumnadrochit, a village near the loch, or lake.

Nearly three years later, Maddie arrives in Drumnadrochit with Ellis and his best friend, Henry "Hank" Winston Boyd. Ellis escaped military service because he is color blind, and Hank is flat footed, leaving them free to constantly carouse with Maddie in tow.

Ellis hugely disappointed his father, Colonel Whitney Hyde. Maddie is not sure whether his father thinks Ellis is lying to escape military service....

Please note: This is a summary and analysis of the book and not the original book.

Inside this Instaread summary & analysis of At the Water's Edge:

Members Reviews:

Great Summary

There are always some books that I tend to miss underlying themes and details, At the Waters Edge was one of those books. So I picked up this summary and analysis books and was surprised at some of the little things that I missed. Each section was clearly laid out and easy to read, something that I have come to expect from summary and analysis books.

~~ Historic tale wrapped around the Loch Ness monster ~~

Taking place close to the end of World War II, "Maddie Hyde's dissolute husband, Ellis, decides to search for the Loch Ness monster..." Think of a long and detailed review with ALL the spoilers! That is what you have in this Instaread on "At the Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen

Ellis has escaped military service due to being color blind. His father, Colonel Whitney Hyde, very disappointed in his son has cut his allowance forcing Ellis and Maddie to live in the family home. Can Ellis restore the family's honor by finding the Loch Ness monster? His father faked and failed in 1934! With his 'friend' Hank beside him, Maddie almost feels like a spare part. Ellis is popping the pills prescribed for Maddie's nerves.

Who is linked to a grave in the village? Who is the old woman that Maddie meets in the woods? What two things does Maddie find out about Ellis? Who is Angus and why is Maddie drawn to him?

There is a long synopsis due to all that is involved in this book. It is not until towards the end that we are provided with the list and short detail of the main characters. I think this would have been more helpful if this list was at the beginning. The character analysis lets us into Maddie's early childhood where we see she came from a highly dysfunctional family. Her childhood experiences have followed her into adult life.

This book will definitely allow you to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to read the original, full version of the novel. Book provided in exchange for honest review. Thanks, Liz

Instaread Gets It!

A touching love story set in Scotland during World War II, At the Waterâs Edge is one of the best novels I have recently read. I do not usually read period pieces, however, so I became a little lost following both the characters and events.

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Title: Blood Brothers

Author: Ernst Haffner, Michael Hofmann

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-19-15

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Blood Brothers is the only known novel by German social worker and journalist Ernst Haffner, of whom nearly all traces were lost during the course of World War II.

Told in stark, unsparing detail, Haffner's story delves into the illicit underworld of Berlin on the eve of Hitler's rise to power, describing how these blood brothers move from one petty crime to the next, spending their nights in underground bars and makeshift hostels, struggling together to survive the harsh realities of gang life and finding in one another the legitimacy denied them by society.

Critic Reviews:

"The characters are engaging, and multidimensional." (The Wall Street Journal)

Members Reviews:

The Dark Side of the Weimar Republic

Blood Brothers paint a picture of the seemier side of the Weimar Republic in 1930 or so. This is not the Berlin of the Kufurstendamm with it's elegant clubs and theatres nor the middle class Berlin. This is the gritty Berlin of the slums, unemployment, inflation and the fallout from the Versailles Treaty. A group of late teenage boys banded together by their misery, lack of homes and hunger are forced to form a gang, the Blood Brothers, and learn to survive by petty and not so petty crime and selling their bodies and souls to eat. It is a cruel system that has no place other than harsh penal institutions for lost teens with little hope of rehabilitation and redemption. The writer etches the portraits and events with pen and ink, a sparsity of style akin to a wood block print. These are the young men, who by will be, out of desperation and hideous promises, the Brown Shirts to come. A quick and intriguing read. Consider listening to Weill and Brecht in the background and hang up a painting of Egon Schiele.

A very good read

This is fascinating look at the underclass of the Weimar Republic. It was banned by the Nazis. The author, alas, went missing during the war and was apparently never heard from again. This is a very different look at pre-war Berlin from what we know about the cabaret scene.

A must read!

A well written book that explores a difficult subject in an overlooked place and time. Street gangs have been around since Ancient Rome , sometimes the only differences are those of place and time. This book does an excellent job of showing us sordid underbelly of Weimar Berlin and the struggle for survival amongst its least respected citizens. Often raw, always frank, no punches are pulled.

... not want the world to see what it was like in Germany before WW11 so he had the book ...

Hitler did not want the world to see what it was like in Germany before WW11 so he had the book burned and the author mysteriously disappeared. I am glad some books were saved and we could recount history.,

Beyond Cabaret

Fascinating book -- anticipates "Last Exit To Brooklyn" and so many other dark, street-wise novels to come. Captures the time and place and serves as an antidote to Cabaret. There's a touch of Bruno Schulz in the details. Thanks to Other Press for bravely republishing this great work. Wish Haffner had survived to write others.

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Title: Amy Snow

Author: Tracy Rees

Narrator: Melody Grove

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-15

Publisher: Quercus

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1284 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Winner of the 2014 Richard and Judy Search for a Best Seller competition.

Abandoned on a bank of snow as a baby, Amy is taken in at nearby Hatville Court. But the masters and servants of the grand estate prove cold and unwelcoming.

Amy's only friend and ally is the sparkling young heiress Aurelia Vennaway. So when Aurelia tragically dies young, Amy is devastated. But Aurelia leaves Amy one last gift.

A bundle of letters with a coded key. A treasure hunt that only Amy can follow.

A life-changing discovery awaits... if only she can unlock the secret.

Critic Reviews:

"A sparkling and compelling mystery. Amy Snow captured our hearts from the very first page" (Richard & Judy)

Members Reviews:

Captivating historical fiction

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

Yes! The style is kind of a cross between Charles Dickens, Bronte sisters, and Jane Austen. It vividly evokes the Victorian era, and has nuanced and fascinating characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Amy Snow?

When Amy and Mrs. Riverthorpe come back from the ball and talk over wine.

Have you listened to any of Melody Groves other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I had not, but I thought she did an excellent job - particularly with Aurelia and Mrs. Riverthorpe's voices.

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

When Amy gets to York and discovers the next part of the treasure hunt.

Any additional comments?

Although I absolutely loved the book, I felt like there could have been more romantic tension between Amy and Henry. I also didn't really care for the shift of perspective in the epilogue at the end.

Could Not Be Better

If you are seeking a read that is part Dickens, part Bronte, part Austen and yet totally original, then Amy Snow is THE novel for you. I don't recall historical fiction that so captivated me (and I have read a good deal of it). The writing is absolutely superb, the narration perfect for the author's brilliant words and the story kept me hungering for more and more. When I finished it, I immediately started to listen again - something I rarely do. But this is a very unique, cherished book in so many ways. Ms. Rees is to be congratulated on writing a novel that is now on my "Top Ten" list - of all times!

You have to be a fan of historical fiction to fully appreciate Amy Snow, but if you are, you will be thrilled if you listen to it. It will stay with you for a long time. It's a gem!

Fair romance.

Followed the mystery avidly. Excellent narration.

Could have used more romance but guess that would have conflicted with point of storyline

Austin-like and lovely

If you like Austin, you'll love this - though it takes place 50 years earlier. I recommend listening at 1.25 speed as the narrator's cadence is a bit slow.

Love this story!

I really enjoyed listening to this story and would recommend it. The author did a wonderful job with character and setting description and the performance was terrific.

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Title: Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i

Author: Linda Ballou

Narrator: Christine Padovan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-02-15

Publisher: Linda Ballou

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 31 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From the cauldron of controversy that is Hawaiian history emerged Wai-nani, a reflection of the personage of the great chiefess Ka'ahumanu. Like all islanders she was a water baby who found pleasure, sustenance, solace, wisdom, and courage in the grand and vibrant sea. She was born 15 years prior to the landing of Captain Cook in Kealakekua in 1779 and was the favorite wife of Makaha, a fierce warrior modeled after Kamehameha the Great.

Hawaiian women enjoyed sports, were trained in the martial arts, played active roles in decision making, and participated in wars. They communed with the gods through hula and ritualistic ceremonies. Ka'ahumanu swam miles each day, and it is reasonable to believe she would have made friends in the ocean. Wai-nani's bond with Eku, a playful and communicative dolphin, propels her on a mythological journey couched in magical realism. Wai-nani is a celebration of the Hawaiian people of old - especially the powerful Ka'ahumanu, forerunner to the modern woman.

Honorable Mention, 2015 Readers' Favorite Awards, Fiction-Historical-Personage category.

Critic Reviews:

"I was fascinated with the way Linda Ballou had taken us into the intimate and unknown world of the Hawaiian people through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine. Wai-nani is fierce, passionate, and deeply connected to the land and ocean - and to her complex and multi-faceted warrior husband." (Toby Neal, best-selling author of the Lei Crime series)

"Wai-nani is a masterpiece! The historic novel tells the dramatic and heart warming love story of Wai-nani. By weaving the ancient legends of Old Hawaii into this compelling story, Ballou captivates the reader with her beautiful descriptions and very real characters, who come alive in your imagination. Once I got the rhythm I could hardly put the book down. It is an excellent read, especially if you have been or plan to go to Hawaii." (Bonnie Neely, editor of Real Travel Adventures)

"Ballou's artful storytelling pulled me into Wai-nani's dramatic struggle - the universal journey to discover how and why one fits into the beautiful, yet flawed world one lives in. The duality of Wai-nani's relationship with the ocean and a family of dolphins that offers her uncomplicated freedom and expression, and her relationships within a culture where she must struggle physically, emotionally and spiritually against her traditional 'place of standing,' is a magical, inspiring and thought provoking read." (Scott Hillenbrand, feature film director/producer)

Members Reviews:

Wonderful story - recommended with ebook

What made the experience of listening to Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i the most enjoyable?

Listening to the audiobook while following along with my Kindle copy, lazing along the shore in Maui.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai'i?

There are so many! Wai-nani swimming with her dolphin friends to escape her father's wrath and meet the love of her life on another island. Wai-nani eating a 'kapu' banana.

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Title: Empress of the Seven Hills

Subtitle: Empress of Rome, Book 3

Author: Kate Quinn

Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-31-15

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 47 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Powerful, prosperous, and expanding ever farther into the untamed world, the Roman Empire has reached its zenith under the rule of the beloved Emperor Trajan. But neither Trajan nor his reign can last forever....

Brash and headstrong, Vix is a celebrated ex-gladiator returned to Rome to make his fortune. The sinuous, elusive Sabina is a senator's daughter who craves adventure. Sometimes lovers, sometimes enemies, Vix and Sabina are united by their devotion to Trajan. Trajan's ambitious Empress has her own plans for Sabina. And the aristocratic Hadrian - the empress' ruthless protégé and Vix's mortal enemy - has ambitions he confesses to no one, ambitions rooted in a secret prophecy.

When Trajan falls, the hardened soldier, the enigmatic empress, the adventurous girl, and the scheming politician will all be caught in a deadly whirlwind of desire and death that may seal their fates and that of the entire Roman Empire....

Critic Reviews:

"Quinn handles Imperial Rome with panache." (

Kirkus)

Members Reviews:

5 mins in AND ITS WONDERFUL!

Would you listen to Empress of the Seven Hills again? Why?

I would listen to both "Mistress of Rome" & "Empress of the 7 Hills" all in one sitting if I could!

Which character as performed by Elizabeth Wiley was your favorite?

Vix, is my favorite character with he's vulgar attitude in Elizabeth Wiley's voice (HA!)