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Title: Pictures at an Exhibition

Author: Sara Houghteling

Narrator: Mark Bramhall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-17-09

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 16 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Born to an art dealer and his pianist wife, Max Berenzon is forbidden from entering the family business for reasons he cannot understand. He reluctantly attends medical school, reserving his true passion for his father's beautiful and brilliant gallery assistant, Rose Clement. When Paris falls to the Nazis, the Berenzons survive in hiding. They return in 1944 to find that their priceless collection has vanished: gone are the Matisses, the Picassos, and a singular Manet of mysterious importance.

Madly driven to recover his father's paintings, Max navigates a torn city of corrupt art dealers, black marketers, Resistants, and collaborators. His quest will reveal the tragic disappearance of his closest friend, the heroism of his lost love, and the truth behind a devastating family secret.

Written with tense drama and a historian's eye for detail, Houghteling's novel draws on the real-life stories of France's preeminent art-dealing familes and the forgotten biography of the only French woman to work as a double agent inside the Nazis' looted art stronghold.

Pictures at an Exhibition conjures the vanished collections, the lives of the artists and their dealers, the exquisite romance, and the shattering loss of a singular era. It is a work of astonishing ambition and beauty from an immensely gifted new novelist.

Members Reviews:

Novelized history

I have a special (and personal) interest in France during World War II, and also in art and art theft, so I was very engaged with this book. Its weak feature is the fictionalization aspect. The characters are based on real people, and I wondered if it wouldn't have worked better as straight non-fiction. The author did a great deal of pains-staking research, and that pays off in telling the story; actually, that makes the book worthwhile. But the fictional characters and their individual story didn't quite come alive for me. I did listen through to the end, (and felt a little confused about a plot point at the end) but I probably wouldn't give 4 stars if it weren't for my special interest in the book's historical basis.

Bored to tears

This book was exceptionally boring. I began by attempting to read the book but lost all strength and became unable comprehend the words. So after that one page I switched to the audio book which made it possible to passively let the material flow in and straight back out of my head. Had it not been the pick of my book club I would have gladly given up. The writing lacked any emotional depth. Despite having both Jewish and French culture in my family back ground I did not connect to the story or characters.

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Title: House of Shadows

Author: Medieval Murderers

Narrator: Paul Matthews

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 01-16-09

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 41 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A beautiful young bride found dead two days before her wedding. A ghostly figure that warns of impending doom. A plot to depose King Edward II. Mad monks and errant priests... even the poet Chaucer finds himself drawn into the dark deeds and violent death which pervade this unhappy place.

Members Reviews:

Enjoyable

These books are written by multiple authors around a central theme, in this case a monastery with an aura of evil. Did I guess what was going to be the cause of this aura, discovered at the very end. Yes.

That didn't take away from my enjoyment of the stories at all.

House of Shadows.

This is an excellent audiobook - everything mediaeval murders should be! Plenty of atmospheric and spooky scenes and good storylines. The denouement in the Epilogue was fairly predictable (as indeed it was from the Prologue), but this did not spoil the enjoyment of the book for me.

Excellent writing, excellent narration and highly recommended.

A bit much

Have listened to the first two stories in this book, and frankly found them hard going and difficult to follow I shall persvere but have nearly given up on them a few times. The story seems to leap from one thing to another without any sign that it is/has done so and the characters are just as difficult to keep up with. I hope it improves if not maybe (if I can bear it) a second listen will clear things up.

Disappointing

What would have made House of Shadows better?

If I had known who the authors were in advance,I wouldn't have bought this.

What was most disappointing about Medieval Murdererss story?

The plots were too complicated for short stories.

What didnt you like about Paul Matthewss performance?

I have no issues with the performance.

You didnt love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No, I don't think so.

Excellent listen

Very interesting story, with enough everyday detail to really evoke the sights and sounds of the era.

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Title: The Parting

Subtitle: The Courtship of Nellie Fisher

Author: Beverly Lewis

Narrator: Aimee Lilly

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-08

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

©2007 Beverly Lewis; (P)2008 Oasis Audio

Members Reviews:

Narration is awful

This has been my least favorite Beverly Lewis audiobook because of the narration. The narrator uses an overly accented old lady voice for the main character, who is supposed to be a teenager. I had a very hard time getting past it listening to the story. I will be purchasing the next audiobook from a different publisher.

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Title: Child 44

Author: Tom Rob Smith

Narrator: Steven Pacey

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-30-08

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Leo is the perfect soldier of the regime. But suddenly his confidence that everything he does serves a great good is shaken. He is forced to watch a man he knows to be innocent be brutally tortured. And then he is told to arrest his own wife.

Leo understands how the State works: Trust and check, but check particularly on those we trust. He faces a stark choice: his wife or his life. And still the killings of children continue.

Members Reviews:

Excellent, evocative book

In his debut novel Smith has painted a bleak picture of Stalin's Russia where blind faith in the State, or pretence of it, is the norm. Across the disparate parts of this story people's actions and decisions are fuelled by paranoia, desperation and vengeance. Many people abuse whatever power they have and many others live in constant fear of that abuse. The few acts motivated by love, friendship or hope are memorable for their rarity. In some ways this is a familiar picture of Russia during this era but I thought Smith did a better job than many writers in demonstrating the subtle differences in people's behaviour and exploring the reasons behind that behaviour rather than portraying everyone in as stereotypical good and evil as is often the case.

Few of the characters are likable however understandable their actions may be. But they're very credible in the context of the world Smith has depicted. The writing is breathtaking in the way it depicts scenes so vividly that you're transported to the places where action takes place and can feel the emotions of those involved. My main criticism of an otherwise terrific book is that in the last third the plot moved from credible to 'Hollywood' with the number of in-the-nick-of-time escapes and coincidences used to get to the ending.

It's an evocative portrayal of a time and place that's been demonised many times in literature and movies but rarely explored in such a thoughtful and thought-provoking way.

It just didn't engage me

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

The story felt like it relied on a lot of old soviet cliches, the crime story took 7 hours to get going and was a bit fanciful.

Would you ever listen to anything by Tom Rob Smith again?

I doubt it.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Steven Pacey?

He didn't add or subtract from the story.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Child 44?

it was very long for a thin story line. A few decent twists but nothing particularly interesting or not telegraphed.

Any additional comments?

I finished the book but only pushed on to finish it so I could get back to the Harry Bosch series

Evocative if Slightly Preposterous

Would you consider the audio edition of Child 44 to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version so its difficult to comment, what I would say is that I enjoyed it.

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Title: Child of All Nations

Author: Irmgard Keun

Narrator: Lauren Davis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-15-08

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 44 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this utterly enchanting novel, some of the great themes of 1930s Europe are refracted through the eyes of a child who is both naive and wise beyond her years.

Kully knows some things you don't learn at school. She knows the right way to roll a cigarette and pack a suitcase. She knows that cars are more dangerous than lions. She knows that you can't enter a country without a passport or visa. And she knows that she and her parents can't go back to Germany again - her father's books are banned there.

But there are also things she doesn't understand, like why there might be a war in Europe - just that there are men named Hitler, Mussolini, and Chamberlain involved. Little Kully is far more interested in where their next meal will come from and the ladies who seem to buzz around her father.

Meanwhile, she and her parents roam through Europe. Her mother would just like to settle down, but as her restless father struggles to find a new publisher, the three must escape from country to country as their visas expire, money runs out, and hotel bills mount up.

Irrepressible Kully, her charming, feckless father, and her nervy, fragile mother are brought to life through Irmgard Keun's fast-paced prose.

Translated by Michael Hofmann.

Members Reviews:

A glimpse of a life in limbo

Loved it. The narraration was probably one of the best of any audiobook I've "read"- completely fit the character. I almost forgot I was listening to a book at times, it seemed like I was just listening to someone speak.

I agree with the previous reviewer about the story not really going anywhere, but I believe that's the author's intent, to paint a picture of a girl's life in exile rather than tell a story that moves along at a certain pace.

This book reminds me less of The Diary of Anne Frank and more of Stones in the River, providing a real understsnding of what Germans' lives at the time of WWII were like.

Hidden gem

The mundane storyline and conversational narrative style belie the beauty of this work. I found it exquisitely boring until -- after listening to nearly half of it -- I became aware that this was a book very different than the one I had expected and adjusted my mindset accordingly.

This isn't a typical plot-driven work of fiction. It is a glimpse into the life and personality of a child growing up abroad, in the years leading up to the cataclysm of World War 2. Approaching this lustrous ribbon of luminous prose with an open mind and a bit of whimsy is its own reward.

As a literary experience among other works, I give it 4 stars. As a delight and as entertainment at such an unbelievably low price, I give it 5!

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Title: Honor's Disguise

Subtitle: Rocky Mountain Legacy #4

Author: Kristen Heitzmann

Narrator: Suzanne Niles

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-30-08

Publisher: Books in Motion

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Abbie Farrel is just beginning to settle back into living again after the financial crises that have rocked her ranch since her husband's death. With the rugged Cole Jasper back as her foreman, Abbie dares to hope that his laughter and steady hand will bring serenity to the ranch. But trouble comes in the form of two bounty hunters trailing Cole. Captured and beaten near death, Cole is tied to a horse for the journey back to Texas and a trial for his part in the death of a saloon girl. Abbie heads for Texas determined to save Cole from certain death at a hanging trial.

©2002 Kristen Heitzmann; (P)2000 Books in Motion

Members Reviews:

A really good read

One things for sure, life with Abbie is never dull! Book 4 packed in more adventure, suspense, drama and romance topped off with some life lessons on faith. This isn't my favorite book in the series, but it is a REALLY good read. Obviously, since I zoomed through it in a matter of hours today! I can't wait to see what happens next in Book 5! Four and a half stars.

Honors Disguise (Rocky Mountain Legacy #4)

The book was packaged very well, and I received it in a timely manner. The condition of the book is very good. I have not read it as of yet, but the author is one of my favorite authors.

Fourth in the series

Enjoyable book but a bit over the top as far as the choices of the characters.

I would read the series again and will therefore recommend it. Make sure you

read it in order!

Honors Disguise

Continuing a series I started earlier. Loved all the books. Can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended. Great reading.

Five Stars

Great book!

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Title: The Drifter

Subtitle: Men of the Saddle #2

Author: Lori Copeland

Narrator: Cecelia Riddette

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-27-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A recent Civil War widow, Charity Burk must find a man to plow the tough prairie sod. When she discovers Beau Claxton - mauled by a ravenous wolf - she believes he's the answer to her prayers. She drags the dying man to her cabin, convinced God wants them to marry. But does this unconscious stranger have room in his heart for God or for her?

Members Reviews:

Another good story by Lori Copeland

It wasn't Charity Burke's idea to leave Virginia and follow her husband to a Kansas homestead, but like a good wife she packed up and did what he wanted. However, after a few months, Ferrand decided it was his duty to enlist in the war-for the south. Not a good idea in an area where most of their neighbors were northern sympathizers. Now Ferrand is dead and Charity stubbornly decides to stay on her homestead, claiming the land. But just because she's stubborn doesn't mean she's feather brained. She knows the work is too hard for her, but she has a solution. Find a new husband as soon as possible. There's not a lot to choose from among the local bachelors, but Charity has faith.

Beau Claxton and his sweetheart Betsy married as soon as he came home from the war. Now they are expecting their first baby. When Betsy and the unborn child die of snakebite, Beau can't stay on the farm they worked together to develop. He becomes a wanderer. When he stops to water his horse close to Charity's cabin, he's attacked by a wolf. Charity hears the panicked horse and the growling of the frenzied animal, and runs to the rescue. She shoots the wolf and half draggs half carries Beau back to her cabin. As she tends to his wounds, she realizes that God has answered her prayers. He's dropped a potential husband in her lap,if she can keep him alive and convince him to marry her.

The Drifter is book two in Lori Copeland's Men of the Saddle serries and it's just as entertaining as the first one. As usual her stories are full of humor and romance with a twisting plot that keeps the reader guessing. If you enjoyed The Peacemaker, you love the Drifter.

the Peacemaker is great had me laughing all through the book

I have all four books in this series, the Peacemaker is great had me laughing all through the book. The Drifter is also a great book, not as funny but more of a sad story keeps you turning the pages.

Five Stars

Good book. The one ordered from Atlanta book sent wrong book had to reorder from someone else. What

Five Stars

great book

Lori copeland is great

I have never been disappointed in her books. I've read her books, before she began her inspirerational series.

I've read a lot of her books and,have found they are as enjoyable as previous books.

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Title: Peace

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Richard Bausch

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-23-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Guided by a 70-year-old Italian man in rope-soled shoes, three American soldiers are sent on a reconnaissance mission up the side of a steep hill that they discover, before very long, to be a mountain. And the old man's indeterminate loyalties only add to the terror and confusion that engulf them on that mountain, where they are confronted with the horror of their own time - and then set upon by a sniper.

Taut and propulsive - with its spare language, its punishing landscape, and the keenly drawn portraits of the three young soldiers at its center - Peace is a feat of economy, compression, and imagination, a brutal and unmistakably contemporary meditation on the corrosiveness of violence, the human cost of war, and the redemptive power of mercy.

Critic Reviews:

"A bleak but compelling meditation on the moral dimensions of warfare." (Publishers Weekly)

"Every single word of Richard Bausch's beautiful, spare new novel Peace rings darkly, tragically true." (Richard Russo)

Members Reviews:

Perfect Book-Discussion Group

I've read this book twice & chose it for our group's December book. First, it's highly readable & relatively short, which fits in well with busy December doings. The writing is gritty as it follows Allied soldiers in WWII in the mountains of Italy who do not know who are their friends & who are their enemies. Snipers and informants abound, yet the writing is sensitive and the reader finds she really connects with the soldiers. Peace won the 2009 Dayton Literary Peace Prize and the W.Y. Boyd Literary Award for Excellence in Military Fiction of American Library Association. We had a lively discussion about its contents, characters and the repercussions of war. I recommend it highly.

Breathtaking. I couldn't put this book down and still ...

Breathtaking. I couldn't put this book down and still recall several scenes with vivid detail. A page turner filled with both poetry and pain, specific emotion that slivers into the heart and stays put. Absolutely gorgeous.

Timeless story

This book, set in WWII, covers timeless themes such as friendship, prejudice, nationalism, love, loss and futility. It's short but very well written and flows well. It's worth reading.

Excellent short novel

Excellent short novel, tight, taught and well written. Leaves you with the sense of being on the mountain with them.

Outsatnding novel

Peace by Richard Bausch is an outstanding WW II novel. I read it over Memorial Day Weekend, and found Bausch's writing exquisite, and the story haunting and utterly believable.

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Title: Midnight Sun

Subtitle: Northern Lights Series #3

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Narrator: Stephanie Brush

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-07-08

Publisher: Books in Motion

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 21 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

From the fierce Alaskan wilderness to the gaiety of San Francisco society; the familiar peaks of Bergen, Norway to the dark, churning waters of Cape Horn; witness the glorious conclusion of the Northern Lights family saga.

©2000 Lisa Tawn Bergren; (P)2004 Books in Motion

Members Reviews:

More than 3 stars

This book deserves more than 3 stars but not quite 4. I think if I had the time I might have enjoyed it more if I had read it. The narrator did a fair job but the male voices, especially that of James, did not seem quite right. The voice was not smooth and too much hesitation which I found annoying. It was nice to have reference to faith in God but it did not appear that the faith that the characters had was mature in nature. The characters often seemed too childlike.

Wonderful cap off to great books

I had hoped for a sweet conclusion to difficult relationships and Ms. Bergren did not disappoint. There was still plenty of conflict, but happy endings are always great.

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Title: After You've Gone

Author: Joan Lingard

Narrator: Hilary Neville

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-22-08

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

After falling pregnant and having a somewhat rushed marriage, Willa finds herself beginning to doubt her feelings and Tommy's intentions while he is away on a round-the-world tour. And Tommy's controlling and interfering mother only fuels Willa's claustrophobia.

Willa's only escape is through reading books. And it is at the local library that she meets Richard Fitzwilliam, a struggling author with a similar passion for reading, whose friendship gradually begins to change Willa's life.

Members Reviews:

Disappointing

This seemed a good premise for a thriller - a mysterious website for men who wanted to stalk women but was very weak in fact. The protagonist just came across as paranoid and the 'villain' hardly seemed villainous at all. Far to much empty detail and laborious scene setting and very laboured attempts at tension and suspense which failed for the most part.