Get Popular Audiobook Authors in Fiction, African-American

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Title: Destiny's Embrace

Author: Beverly Jenkins

Narrator: Shari Peele

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-06-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 196 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Beverly Jenkins historical romances have earned her a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writers Guild and two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times.

Set in 19th-century California, Destinys Embrace introduces listeners to ranch owner Logan Yates, who must come to terms with his true feelings for Mariah Cooper, his beautiful, headstrong housekeeper. But just as Logan decides to make Mariah his own, her former lover reenters her life. Now Logan will have to show Mariah that the passion they share has been written in the stars.

Members Reviews:

Good Story. Okay narration.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book to a friend, as I would with all BJ novels. However, I would suggest that you read the book before listening to the audio book. I think you could get the wrong impression of how great a writer Ms BJ is if you only listen to this performance.

What didnt you like about Shari Peeles performance?

I usually love Shari Peele's narrations. In fact, I was excited to see that she was narrating this story. However, this was not one of her best performances. The meter was off, and it was very slow. It felt like it was dragging. Also her voices sounded pretty similar, especially the male characters. Her accents were also off. I have heard her do a really good Spanish inflected English accent in other audio books, but in this one it was just off at times. I love her narration of modern stories, but I didn't really care for her performance of this historical romance.

LOVE IT!!!

Very good story!!! I love a good love story and this is definitely a good one. A must read and you want regret it.

Reader reduces the star rating....

The story was just ok.... There was no mystery or suspense. Also hard to believe she was so beautiful there, but odd and unnoticed in her home town.

EXCELLENT STORYTELLING

I've been a fan of Beverly Jenkins for a long time. I love that her books have became audio books where now I can just listen to them. Destiny's Embrace is very good and the narration is great too.

Beverly Jenkins Rocks

I am new to Beverly's books but I love her novels. Her writing is prolific and refreshing. Her characters are so real. Another great body of work!

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Title: Lost Daughters

Author: Mary B. Monroe

Narrator: Diana Luke

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-28-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 158 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Mary Monroe is a New York Times best-selling author who pens tales of lifes emotional tapestry. Lost Daughters follows Maureen Montgomery and her daughter, Loretta, as they strive to make a life after the death of Maureens domineering mother. Forever scarred by Mama Rubys tyrannical ways, Maureen longs for a quiet, simple life. But Loretta has something far different in mind. Dreaming of fame and fortune, she embarks on a modeling career. Mama Ruby, however, casts a shadow with the power to darken their lives.

Members Reviews:

One Crazy Twisted Read

Loved this book!!! Totally shocking how a daughter could do such a thing to her own mother!!! Even more shocking....the mom had no idea...WOW!!

Smooches!!

Enjoyed this book

Great story line. Didn't end like I though it would, so it wasn't one of those predictable books.

Excellent End to the Mama Ruby/Upper Room Series!!

Loved it and love the narrator's delivery!! I plan to listen to the series again in the near future!

slow but good

Agonizingly slow but I finished. It was a pretty good sequel. Not as good as the Upper Room and Mama Ruby.

good from start to end

love mama ruby and all the drama her death caused. wonder if they will be another book

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Title: A House Divided

Author: Kimberla Lawson Roby

Narrator: Gwen Hughes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-17-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 227 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Life is close to perfect for the Reverend Curtis Black and his wife, Charlotte - except their son, Matthew, and his girlfriend, Racquel, are about to become parents at the tender age of 18. Even though Curtis and Charlotte wish Matthew could focus on Harvard instead of fatherhood, they are determined to welcome their new grandson with open arms. But for Charlotte, welcoming her future in-laws is another story. Try as she might, Charlotte can't stand Racquel's mother, Vanessa - and the feeling appears to be mutual.

When the tension between Charlotte and Vanessa finally erupts, the stress sends an already-fragile Racquel into early labor. Everyone is quick to blame Charlotte, including Matthew and Curtis. That her own husband would side with someone else infuriates Charlotte and strains the relationship they've only recently been able to repair. Her one ally is Racquel's father, but that brings problems of its own.

While Charlotte schemes against Vanessa, Curtis is consumed with his own concerns about Deliverance Outreach. A mysterious figure from his past has been sending Curtis cryptic messages threatening to take away Curtis' coveted position as senior pastor and destroy everything he has worked so hard for. But who could hate Curtis that much? And how can he fight an enemy he can't even name?

Times of trouble are descending upon the Black family in more ways than one. Will they be able to overcome their challenges and stand together against someone who could take it all away? Or is the Black family finally out of miracles?

Members Reviews:

Surprisingly disappointing

I was surprised at this performance of the latest Curtis Black novel. The performance really took away from the story line, making it very hard to complete this novel. I would not recommend this as a listen for anyone. Gwen Hughes was not a good fit for the narration of this novel and because of it, I'm considering getting my credit back. I have enjoyed all of the other Curtis Black novels and have decided to try another avenue to read this book.

Performance sold melodrama of story

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It's a little melodramatic, but nevertheless, you can't help wanting to know how it ends, it's such a crazy story with such crazy out of control characters. I felt like Gwen Hughes was as into the story as the listener is, trying to make Charlotte seem like a real person. I felt for the son.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kimberla Lawson Roby? Why or why not?

Probably not, but I liked this one.

Have you listened to any of Gwen Hughess other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. This was only one. She has a nice voice.

Was A House Divided worth the listening time?

Sure.

Only if there's nothing else

Would you try another book from Kimberla Lawson Roby and/or Gwen Hughes?

Sure, I always look for her books, even waited for this one. But THIS PARTICULAR BOOK WILL NOT HAVE ME WAITING FOR THE NEXT.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kimberla Lawson Roby? Why or why not?

Yes, but in my opinion, she didnt keep up with the character's character. I mean Charlotte wouldn't behave this way. She never had before, now a change in personality. Repeat readers know all of her characters.

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Title: Sister Mine

Author: Nalo Hopkinson

Narrator: Robin Miles

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-13-13

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 58 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Now adults, Makeda and Abby still share their childhood home. The surgery to separate the two girls left Makeda with what feels like an even worse deformity: no mojo. The daughters of a celestial demigod and a human woman, Makeda and Abby were raised by their magical father. Today, Makeda has decided it's high time to move out and make her own life.

In Cheerful Rest, Makeda finds exactly what she's been looking for: an opportunity to live apart from Abby. But when her father goes missing, Makeda will have to discover her own talent if she's to have a hope of saving him....

Members Reviews:

Narrator saves this story

Would you try another book from Nalo Hopkinson and/or Robin Miles?

I'd be interested in trying another book by the author but this one here was hard for me to finish.

Has Sister Mine turned you off from other books in this genre?

I love science fiction, Greek mythology, and fantasy books. While there are instances of those genres in this book, it still failed to capture my interest. The narrator made this interesting.

Was Sister Mine worth the listening time?

I would've given up on this book at the century mark but the narrator was intriguing and kept me listening to the end.

Any additional comments?

What a difference a good narrated book can make on whether you finish a read or not.

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Title: Playing Hard to Get

Author: Grace Octavia

Narrator: Patricia R. Floyd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-13-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Widely hailed for her witty, sophisticated fiction, Essence best-selling author Grace Octavia presents listeners with an insightful romance starring the 3Ts: Tamia, Troy, and Tasha - New York Citys hottest It Girls.

Attorney Tamia has a successful career and a promising relationship with her millionaire boyfriend - but when she meets another man, she questions everything about her life. Meanwhile, shocking secrets turn Troys life as a pastors wife upside down. And Tasha soon loses control as she discovers the drawbacks of her undeniable desirability.

Members Reviews:

I don't recommend...

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

This book is not only boring but it drags. Some excitement would have made this a better story. It was so boring and dull I couldn't even finish it.

What could Grace Octavia have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The plot sounded great. I just felt like the story was void of passion, excitement, drama, flair. I'm not by any means saying a story has to be drama filled to be a good listen but this story was BORING!

Would you be willing to try another one of Patricia R. Floyds performances?

Sure. Patricia R. Floyd was NOT one of my favorites at first but I must say she has grown on me. She really does a good job.

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

The narrator was great. She tried her best to bring the characters to life.

Any additional comments?

Save your credit. I will be returning this one.

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Title: Gangsta Divas

Author: De'nesha Diamond

Narrator: Krystal King, Karen Pittman, Simi Howe, Soozi Cheyenne, Lisa Smith, Shari Peele, Kentra Lynn

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 244 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

DeNesha Diamond scores with audiences looking for gritty, streetwise tales from the hood.

Gangsta Divas puts listeners on the streets of Memphis, where gang wars are heating up thanks to the arrival of dangerous new players - the Cripettes. Tashara is planning to knock her sister off her perch and climbing to the top of the game. Qianas deal with the devil places her directly in the crosshairs of forces ready to take her out. And Queen G LeShelles list of enemies keeps on growing. But for these gangsta divas, its all part of the game - one theyre determined to win.

Members Reviews:

The drama continues...

If you could sum up Gangsta Divas in three words, what would they be?

Money, power, and respect

Any additional comments?

This book picks up right where it left off in Street Divas and it does not miss a beat! I have been a fan of De'nesha Diamond stories since the "housewives" series. She knows how to come with the drama and I love it. My favorite character is Lucifer. She is about her business and not to be played with. I imagine her as this tall, sexy woman that is able to put fear into everyone in the room cause she is bad as hell!! I can't wait for the next book to find out what happen cause the story has more twist then ever and when it all come together...it's gonna be wild! I can't wait!

Yes! Loved it!

What did you love best about Gangsta Divas?

How it just picked up from the first book, with drama, excitement, twist & turns. Mama Peaches is still my favorite character!!

What other book might you compare Gangsta Divas to and why?

Books by Kwan, because of the fast past, twist and turns, and the hood gangsta style!!

What about the narratorss performance did you like?

Yes i did like the narrators.

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

This book made me talk out loud at times! Lol!!

Any additional comments?

Great book, cant wait for the next!!!!

A must read

Where does Gangsta Divas rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is a very good book.

What did you like best about this story?

That the past is revealed and some questions were answered.

What about the narratorss performance did you like?

Their were more than one narrator to play the different people.

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

Yes

I can't stop listening

Would you listen to Gangsta Divas again? Why?

This book keeps you wanting to know what's going to happen next. De'nesha Diamond never disappoints.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the variety of the characters and they way she describes them. The development is just right. Never lingers on one subject or person for too long.

really strong woman

this was book was narrated excellently. The characters were bit naive but the story flowed well. Really enjoyed the story.

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Title: Invincible: A Novel

Author: Styles P

Narrator: Styles P

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-04-13

Publisher: 27 Sound Entertainment

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 30 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Jake Billings is usually cool under pressure, but when two stick-up kids rob his record store, Jake opens fire on them, landing him in prison. Five days in, he receives an anonymous letter telling him that his days are numbered. But before he can find out who's behind the threats, Jake is stabbed and ends up in a coma.

When he wakes in a hospital bed two years later, things have changed: His prison sentence has been commuted, his girlfriend is fiercely independent, and his side piece has gotten out of the street life altogether. But one thing remains: Jake's enemy still wants him dead and is powerful enough to track him down no matter where he hides.

On the run, and with rumors circulating about a powerful, phantomlike gang called the 300 Crew, Jake will need to rely on his mantra: Trust no one - not the law, not his girl, not the street cats he helped out years ago, not even his own blood.

Members Reviews:

Styles killed it!!!

the book is great hearing Styles read it it doesn't even sound like the quote on quote Hood cat that you would expect his reading skills are on point the book has it's on flare to it where you here the tires screeching and actual gunshots at the time while he's reading it this book is basically.... Dope

great book

if you're a fan of styles p then your well definitely want to read this book.

Need more like it. love it.need more great read.

Need more like it. love it.need more great read. by Styles P Da Ghost. 100

this is a movie

I felt like this would be so well served as a comic style film, someone call Chao Hadari *

If you are a styles P fan...this book is a must!

Loved it...Styles voicing it completes the whole experience...Im hoping he does another one, maybe including the story he started on the mixtape with parts 3&4...need that...good listen!

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Title: Dancing on the Edge of the Roof

Author: Sheila Williams

Narrator: Lizan Mitchell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-19-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Acclaimed author Sheila Williams tells the compelling story of a middle-aged woman who is looking for excitement and takes a chance at starting over. The adventures Juanita encounters in her new town, Paper Moon, test her hope and courage and give her a sense of self-confidence that she never had before.

Members Reviews:

I like it

it started a little slow but love the story and the different characters. I would have done 5 stars but i didn't like the ending.

Something Is Funny In Paper Moon

If you could sum up Dancing on the Edge of the Roof in three words, what would they be?

Funny, Page Turning, Joyful

What other book might you compare Dancing on the Edge of the Roof to and why?

still searching for something

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Her Male Voices need some work, but still enjoyed her

Who was the most memorable character of Dancing on the Edge of the Roof and why?

I Loved all the characters, but Millie was the stand out.. she was an elderly lady who still loved life and didn't let her age hold her back

Any additional comments?

Dancing on the edge of the roof makes me wanna away from home

Romance for a Real Woman

Where does Dancing on the Edge of the Roof rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Listen, I'm African-American, I'm 40+ and I'm NOT glam. So its rare that I find a story that speaks to me. This one really grabbed me from the opening line. Not that I need to run away from home, but I really admired her bravery and strength for just doing it!

What did you like best about this story?

How the main character's life changes, regardless of everything and everyone holding her back.

What aspect of Lizan Mitchells performance would you have changed?

She didn't do men's voices very well. But it was OK, didn't really effect the story.

If you could take any character from Dancing on the Edge of the Roof out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The lady that owned the inn. She seemed to have lived an amazing life.

Any additional comments?

No, Just read this book. It really stayed with me and made me think "how would I change my life, if I got the chance?"

Easy listen

What did you love best about Dancing on the Edge of the Roof?

The simplicity of the story and characters. Good narration. The author gave enough but not too much. Story moved at a good pace.

What other book might you compare Dancing on the Edge of the Roof to and why?

None to compare to.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end was my favorite.

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

Yes.

So good I listen to it twice!!

What did you like about this audiobook?

Yes Yes and Yes. This is a special piece work

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

It main charater was true to life. imperfect. She dared to do what a lot of parent of adult children have wanted to do. She ran away from home !!!

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

Ms Mithchell made the characters come to live. She is very gifted. I could see them when she talked

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

It made me feel deeply. There were sad raw parts that gave me a lump in my throat, and parts that made me laugh.

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Title: The Shadow Girls

Author: Henning Mankell, Ebba Segerberg (translator)

Narrator: Henry Strozier, Mozhan Marno, Annie Henk, Cherise Boothe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-16-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

International best-selling author Henning Mankell' s books have sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. In The Shadow Girls, author/poet Jesper Humlin struggles under the pall of a frustrating life. Everything from his personal relationships to his professional pursuits to his finances seems to be failing miserably. Then Jesper happens across a group of young immigrant girls and their stories of hardship and perseverance transform his outlook on life.

Members Reviews:

Not his best

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend to a friend because there are too many other books I liked better than this one.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character's 87-year-old mother was a real kick. She did and said what she liked.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the main character realized what his mother did for a living.

Did The Shadow Girls inspire you to do anything?

It inspired me to feel guilty.

Any additional comments?

When I finally realized what the book was really about, I was about a third through it, and it was sure tedious getting there. The main character is no Kurt Wallander, but he eventually shines through with admirable qualities. Overall, I think Mankell was preaching to the reader. The story is exquisitely sad.

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Title: Freeman

Author: Leonard Pitts

Narrator: Sean Crisden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-17-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 418 votes

Genres: Fiction, African-American

Publisher's Summary:

Freeman, the new novel by Leonard Pitts, Jr., takes place in the first few months following the Confederate surrender and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Upon learning of Lee's surrender, Sam - a runaway slave who once worked for the Union Army - decides to leave his safe haven in Philadelphia and set out on foot to return to the war-torn South. What compels him on this almost-suicidal course is the desire to find his wife, the mother of his only child, whom he and their son left behind 15 years earlier on the Mississippi farm to which they all "belonged".

At the same time, Sam's wife, Tilda, is being forced to walk at gunpoint with her owner and two of his other slaves from the charred remains of his Mississippi farm into Arkansas, in search of an undefined place that would still respect his entitlements as slave owner and Confederate officer.

The book's third main character, Prudence, is a fearless, headstrong white woman of means who leaves her Boston home for Buford, Mississippi, to start a school for the former bondsmen, and thus honor her father's dying wish.

At its core, Freeman is a love story - sweeping, generous, brutal, compassionate, patient - about the feelings people were determined to honor, despite the enormous constraints of the times. It is this aspect of the novel that should ensure it a strong, vocal, core audience of African-American women, who will help propel its likely critical acclaim to a wider audience. At the same time, this book addresses several themes that are still hotly debated today, some 145 years after the official end of the Civil War.

Like Cold Mountain, Freeman illuminates the times and places it describes from a fresh perspective, with stunning results. It has the potential to become a classic addition to the literature dealing with this period. Few other novels so powerfully capture the pathos and possibility of the era, particularly as it reflects the ordeal of the black slaves grappling with the promise - and the terror - of their new status as free men and women.

Critic Reviews:

"In lyrical prose, Pitts unflinchingly and movingly portrays the period's cruelties, and triumphs in capturing the spirit of the times through eminently-identifiable lead characters." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

After the Civil War

Too often people assume that when a war ends the trouble stops, the problems are over. That is far from true. It took over a century to begin to fix the Civil Rights problem that was supposedly resolved with the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865! This book is an excellent study on what life was like for the blacks in the years following the Civil War. This book is all about how the Dixie Southerners continued to view the colored. Views did not change overnight. It is also about how the blacks viewed themselves. What is freedom when you have no money and no employment and no place to live? What is freedom when you dont know where your mother, father, wife and children are or even if they are still alive? What is freedom after rape and murder and repetitive beatings? How do you reach emotional stability after living through such horror? Can you forgive?

This book draws a picture that I believe to be accurate and realistic. It cannot be an easy read or a comforting read, but it ends with hope and a promise for the future. Parts were hard for me to read, and that is because the author made me care for the characters.