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Title: The School of Night

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Louis Bayard

Narrator: Robert Petkoff

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-29-11

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 67 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

An ancient mystery, a lost letter, and a timeless love unleash a long-buried web of intrigue that spans four centuries.

In the late 16th century, five brilliant scholars gather under the cloak of darkness to discuss God, politics, astronomy, and the black arts. Known as the School of Night, they meet in secret to avoid the wrath of Queen Elizabeth. But one of the men, Thomas Harriot, has secrets of his own, secrets he shares with one person only: the servant woman he loves.

In modern-day Washington, D.C., disgraced Elizabethan scholar Henry Cavendish has been hired by the ruthless antiquities collector Bernard Styles to find a missing letter. The letter dates from the 1600s and was stolen by Henry's close friend, Alonzo Wax. Now Wax is dead and Styles wants the letter back. But the letter is an object of interest to others, too. It may be the clue to a hidden treasure; it may contain the long-sought formula for alchemy; it most certainly will prove the existence of the group of men whom Shakespeare dubbed the School of Night but about whom little is known.

Joining Henry in his search for the letter is Clarissa Dale, a mysterious woman who suffers from visions that only Henry can understand. In short order, Henry finds himself stumbling through a secretive world of ancient perils, caught up in a deadly plot, and ensnared in the tragic legacy of a forgotten genius.

Editorial Reviews:

In The School of Night, author Louis Bayard weaves together two stories with similar themes love, death, and the search for something of value but very different characters and settings: Elizabethan scholar Henry Cavendish in present-day Washington, D.C., and scientist Thomas Harriot in London during the reign of King James I. While the two men trade off narration duties, reader Robert Petkoff brings both Henry and Thomas and all of their associates into brilliant focus.

After Henrys friend Alonzo Wax commits suicide, a collector asks Henry to help him retrieve an antique letter that was in Waxs possession. The letter could break open the secrets of the ancient School of Night, a hush-hush meeting of the minds that allowed scholars to discuss religion, politics, and other taboo subjects without the Court discovering them, and could also lead to a long-lost buried treasure. Henry agrees to help, and finds himself in cahoots with Clarissa Dale another one of Alonzos friends who has been having visions that may be connected to the mysterious School. In the parallel story, Thomas (one of the members of the School of Night) is falling in love with his servant girl, a young woman with a passion for alchemy, while the plague makes its way steadily toward London.

Petkoff creates two distinct narrators for the book, giving both Henry and Thomas their own careful accents, emotional depth, and individual personalities, while illustrating the emotions that remain a constant from generation to generation love, ambition, fear, and grief. And while the storys twists and turns dont always come as a shock, its Petkoffs expert performance that allows the intrigue and drama to span several centuries and bring the story to its emotional ending. Blythe Copeland

Members Reviews:

Excellent 2 period piece.

Okay. I loved The Black Tower so I scooped this one up. I won't give a synopsis. I never do.

I gave the School of Night 4 stars because it has all the best of suspense thriller, yet comes up a bit short.

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Title: Exit the Actress

Author: Priya Parmar

Narrator: Charlotte Parry

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-11-11

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Exit the Actress marks the promising debut of historical-fiction author Priya Parmar.

Following her discovery selling oranges outside of Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, Ellen Nell Gwyn leaves behind a life of poverty to become a theatre star. Soon she is mistress to the libertine king Charles II. And though their love is true, gossip-mongers and court politics threaten to tear their romance apart.

Critic Reviews:

"A real triumph. A vivid imagining of the restoration London of Charles II with Nell Gwynn as a powerful and engaging heroine set in the busy world of the theater. This debut novel captures the glamorous world of the amoral court and the struggle of the city. Priya Parmar is a writer to watch." (Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl)

"Clever... a delight... irresistible... I loved this book." (Sharon Kay Penman, author of Devil's Brood)

"Nell is irrepressible, spunky, delightful: who wouldnt fall in love with her? Her story unfolds through diary entries, letters, news announcements, recipes. Its a tasty and often amusing confection, sure to please. I absolutely adored it. (Sandra Gulland, author of the Josephine B. Trilogy and Mistress of the Sun)

Members Reviews:

Not as good as I had hoped

My favourite genre of book is always historical fiction, especially of a royal nature. I have read books which tell of the same two characters and unfortunatlely, although this author has a wonderful descriptive style, I found the diary format very off putting as I was reading it. I did not like it jumping around from her diary, to letters between the king and his sister, and reviews from the theater critic.

My heart was with Nell and I wanted it all from her point of view. This toyed with my emotional connection with this book.

I would recommend it as a beautifully written piece however.

Lovely portrait of Restoration Period England

Nell Gwyn is perhaps one of my favorite scandalous ladies from British history. Not only group up from nothing a climb her way into the king's bed, but she did virtually all of it based on her personal wit and charm. Not only that, but she was the darling of the London stage for much of her career in a time where woman were still considered second-class citizens. The Restoration Court of Charles II is also a fascinating period to read about, with its lavish ways, mistress rivalry and Charles II's many liaisons.

While I wouldn't say that Exit the Actress is my favorite novel of Nell, but its certainly one of the most beautifully written and uniquely presented. In author Priya Parmar's tale of the actress, Nell lands a job selling oranges to patrons at a local theatre. Happy that she does not need to resort to prostitution, Nell grabs the attention of the theartre's owners with her wit and charm that seems to cast a spell on patrons, which lands her a role in the company. As she grows into a well-loved actress, Nell eventually catches the eye of Charles II.

Parmar succeeds in painting a fascinating portrait of the period, and of Nell -not just a witty woman, but a human woman who grows up on stage, deals with love and loss, and finds a life that she loves.

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Title: Forty Lashes Less One

Author: Elmore Leonard

Narrator: Josh Clark

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-02-10

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 38 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The hell called Yuma Prison can destroy the soul of any man. And it's worse for those whose damning crime is the color of their skin. The law says Chiricahua Apache Raymond San Carlos and black-as-night former soldier Harold Jackson are murderers, and they'll stay behind bars until they're dead and rotting.

But even in the worst place on earth, there's hope. And for two hard and hated inmates - first enemies, then allies by necessity - it waits at the end of a mad and violent contest - on a bloody trail that winds toward Arizona's five most dangerous men.

Members Reviews:

Could not finish it

This thing just droned on and on. I got about half way though and determined it was a waste of time to continue.

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Title: Pirates of the Levant

Subtitle: Captain Alatriste, Book 6

Author: Arturo Perez-Reverte

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-02-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 29 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

This was a time when Spain was revered, feared, and hated in the easterly seas; when the devil had no color, no name, and no flag; and when the only thing needed to summon hell on earth (or sea) was a Spaniard and his sword.

Accompanied by his faithful foster son, Íñigo, Captain Alatriste accepts a job as a mercenary aboard a Spanish galleon. The ship sets sail from Naples on a journey that will take them to some of the most remote - and wretched - outposts of the empire: Morocco, Algeria, and finally to Malta for a stunning and bloody battle on the high seas that will challenge even the battle-hardened Alatriste's resolve.

Now 17, Íñigo is almost ready to leave Alatriste, his foster father and fellow soldier. But will age and experience bring wisdom, or is he likely to repeat many of his mentor's mistakes?

Critic Reviews:

"With swords a-slashing and muskets a-blazing, Pérez-Reverte once again effortlessly channels Rafael Sabatini in this witty and - alas - final novel in a marvelous series. " (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

suberb thoughtfull history

.Wonderfull taut exciting.Spain, swords,pirates,history.One of too few stories by this author immerse you in 17 century spain. Captain Alatriste has all the glory he cant eat,all the responsibility he doesn,t want

in the person of his apprentice/adopted son.Barely enough thread bare clothing and food to keep them alive thru a series of stunning encounters. All this and great history to anchor the stories.Alitristes fights for people he hates, for things he does not believe and allways gives good value. I love these books

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Title: The Unfinished Gift

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Dan Walsh

Narrator: Roger Mueller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-13-10

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Can a gift from the past mend a broken heart?Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather's attic - the one he is forbidden to touch.

Set at Christmastime in 1943, The Unfinished Gift is the engaging story of a family in need of forgiveness. With simple grace, it reminds us of the small things that affect powerful change in our hearts: a young boy's prayers, a shoe box of love letters, and even a half-carved soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of reconciliation will touch your heart.

Members Reviews:

Easy and Pleasant Listen

I listened to this book as a download through audible.com where I have a platinum membership. I was sick when I listened to over half of it and was I ever glad that I had it. This is a nostalgia book, i.e., it is not set long enough ago to be a historical nor recently enough to be a contemporary. I imagine most people would say I am wrong and that this is a historical. So be it. Having listened to the second book in the series first, I was expecting some sort of romance. I am bad about listening to things out of order. This was an instance where the first book probably should have been read first.

The story is almost a mens fiction, as the three generations relationships were pivotal to the storyline. We have an estranged WWII pilot, Shawn Collins, whose wife has just died leaving behind their young son, Patrick. The paternal grandfather, Ian Collins, is the closest living relative but he has never even seen his grandson. Hes a bitter, grumpy old widower with few redeeming qualities. Rigid is his middle name. He doesnt deserve to have this sweet little boy in his home.

A social worker, Katherine Townsend, who is assisting with the Collins child, has become emotionally involved with the boy. An orphan herself, Katherine finds the irascible elder Collins undeserving of having his grandson in his custody. When Patrick goes missing, near Christmas, they must pull together to bring the child home safely.

I felt Patrick Collins was the most engaging character in the story. I wanted to know more about Katherine and I was dying to see Ian have some of his crustiness ripped away, which kept me listening. I dont normally read this type of book. However, I think this is a great audiobook, especially for someone who is ailing. It is an easy and compelling listen.

The narrator was perfect for this book and did an amazing job, also.

Great Christmas tale of family, forgiveness,& God

This satisfyingly emotional story tells the tale of a seven year old boy and his grandfather at Christmas, in 1943 war time, in the United States. But instead of warm fuzzes between grandfather and grandson, this is about forgiveness and God's providence.

Seven year old, Patrick has just lost his mother in a car accident, but his father is a bomber pilot in Europe. With no other relatives, he is sent to live with his estranged grandfather until his father can return to care for him. Problems arise because his father and grandfather have been strangers since his parents married against grandpa's wishes.

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Title: Dawns Prelude

Subtitle: Song of Alaska

Author: Tracie Peterson

Narrator: Linda Stephens

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-09-10

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 67 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In Dawns Prelude, CBA best-selling author Tracie Peterson whisks listeners away to 1870s Alaska, for a breathtaking tale of intrigue, romance, and faith. When 28-year-old Lydia Gray inherits her late husbands fortune, she tries to escape unscrupulous family members by seeking refuge with an aunt in Sitka. But as Lydia savors the serenity of her new lifeand the unselfish kindness of sawmill owner Kjell Lindquistan unexpected twist forces her to rethink her future.

Critic Reviews:

"Well known for her adventurous romance tales ... Peterson knows how to create independent female heroines who gather strength through difficult circumstances. Her legion fans will want this series launch." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Read the book

The reader is so bad I could not finish the story even though it it is not bad and I kept trying.

Whoever decided to publish must not have listened to the result.

Hard to listen to but I persevered.

Maybe I would have liked the story better with a different reader. I didn't care for her. I don't know if I will try another Tracie Peterson book or not.

Great story

I enjoyed the story and look forward to more. I hope someday these stories become a movie; movies full of hope...we need these now!

REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK

I think Tracie Peterson is a wonderful author. This book was good and an easy listen. Linda Stephens is sometimes hard to listen to, but this time it was not so bad.

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Title: The Winter King

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Narrator: Tim Pigott-Smith

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-30-10

Publisher: HarperAudio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 150 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The exciting beginning for Cornwells epic Arthurian trilogy.

Once upon a time, in a land that was called Britain, these things happenedand I was there, and this is how it was. The Winter King, like the rest of the trilogy, is narrated by Derfel (which is pronounced Dervel), one of Arthurs warriors. This first book tells how after the death of Uther, High King of Britain, the country falls into chaos. Uthers heir is a child, Mordred, and Arthur, his uncle, is named one of the boys guardians. Arthur has to fight other British kingdoms and the dreadful Sais the Saxonswho are invading Britain. Arthur is supposed to marry Ceinwyn, a princess of Powys, but falls disastrously in love with Guinevere There have been many more beautiful women, and thousands who were better, but since the world was weaned I doubt there have been many so unforgettable as Guinevereand it would have been better, Merlin always said, had she been drowned at birth.

Individual images (Sword, Armored Gloves) © Shutterstock, Digital Illustration © HarperCollins. Digital artist Greg Whyte.

Members Reviews:

Poor shadow of a wonderful book

I was thrilled to find this re-released audio version of one of my favorite books of all time, but the thrill ended in disappointment when I listened to the abridged version. Cornwell's vibrant, enthralling story of Arthur is poorly served with its connecting parts conspicuously absent. I can only hope that an unabridged version of The Winter King as well as the rest of the Warlord Trilogy is soon forthcoming. If not, I absolutely recommend reading the book the old fashioned way!

Abridging Cornwell's work is a freaking crime

Whatever you do, do not bother with abridged versions of Corwell. The man doesn't waste words so anything removed harms the story.

can't stop

this is my to book series. whenever I'm booked our need something to listen to, I listen to these. they are the best

Very Well done and excellent story

What made the experience of listening to The Winter King the most enjoyable?

The story and the reader

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Winter King?

It was hard to settle on just one

What about Tim Pigott-Smiths performance did you like?

The emotion and enunciation

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

No...I just enjoyed it

Any additional comments?

No

Great story and better narration

Would you listen to The Winter King again? Why?

Great story with really well done narration.

What did you like best about this story?

It's an extremely unique take on the Arthurian legends.

Have you listened to any of Tim Pigott-Smiths other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but this was excellent performance. I will definitely seek out his performances in the future.

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

Yes. I had a long road trip and is was ideal for the situation.

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Title: Harvest

Author: Belva Plain

Narrator: Joyce Bean

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-26-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 7 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Harvest continues the story of the family of the wealthy Paul Werner, last met in Tapestry.

The novel centers around Iris, the daughter of the beautiful, passionate Anna from a secret love affair with Paul Werner. During the turbulent 1960s, Iris and Theo's fragile marriage begins to falter, while their son, Steve, a student at a midwestern university, comes under the sway of the charismatic and radical son of Paul Werner's niece, Meg.

It is in these already difficult times that Steve unwittingly starts a chain of events that throws the family into emotional chaos. Paul, consumed by a lifelong secret he will never divulge - that of Iris' true parentage - helps this troubled family, and in so doing is finally able to find happiness for himself.

Critic Reviews:

"[S]killful storyteller Plain continues to weave her eventful saga of the Werners and their extended clan as they reaffirm their Jewish heritage during the stormy 1960s." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

I hated to see it end

This is the last novel in a series of 5 about the Werner family. I hated to see it end. Belva Plain has now passed, but I will read more of her novels. I only discovered her writing recently and truly enjoy it.

Excellent hate to be thru with this family,after reading all four of them. Each person in them be came a person you felt you kn

The author keeps me wanting to keep them as friends. Will miss each one for a few weeks till I start another book. You need to read all four!

Goodnight, Belva....rest well.

I have been an Amazon customer for years. I LOVE THE REVIEWS from ordinary people. I used to read the 5-stars most. NOW, I look to the lesser star reviews. Why ? Because so many times I would read a thumbs down review, and think: " Surely it can't be that bad, I KNOW this author's work ".

I would then purchase it, (more times than not), and would totally or partially agree with them. So I said that to preface my critique of the beloved Belva Plain's last novel HARVEST.

Belva is one of my favorite authors, and in ways, I believe that good authors were prevalent more in Belva's time writing, than in this time (2012) . I do think though, that she, because of her age and illness, had a ghost writer, or publicist/friend who aided her in this last little novel.

I began with Evergreen ( my all time favorite novel ...ever ), and was delighted to have her bring loose ends together with remaining family members of the original story. I thought the book was, to be kind, hurried. But then I am used to Belva novels, that were GIANT SAGA'S that you jumped in to, covered up with an afghan, sipped your coffee (with cream), while your dog rested his head on your legs..and lived inside the book with Belva's characters. Oh the fun ! With every book, you could not wait for the next in line !! And HARVEST was a surprise and a welcome one. For THAT reason, I am so glad I have it in my library. I thought the last part was classic Belva, and I read it several times at the end. BUT.................

Oh how I wish from the ending...she would have continued on, because she could have.

Don't hesitate to order this book !!! It is a lovely story even if you aren't familiar with the beginning of the saga.

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Title: When Tomorrow Comes

Subtitle: Canadian West, Book 6

Author: Janette Oke

Narrator: Aimee Lilly

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-03-10

Publisher: Bethany House

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Christine and her older brother, Henry, grew up in the Delaney family as loved and nurtured as if they had been born to Elizabeth and Wynn. Now adults, they are ready to make new lives for themselves. Henry has found love and is planning a wedding. Christine is delighted for her brother, but she is still carrying scars from a broken relationship. And the war in Europe causes uncertainties at every turn, while the Northland still calls to her heart.

Amid this instability, more than one handsome young man shows interest in Christine, and she must make a decision. Is she willing to give up her dreams of a life in the North for a love to last a lifetime?

Members Reviews:

Another wonderful story by Janette Oke

I have loved this series, as I have loved all the other series I have read by Janette Oke. Her characters are so real, and although these books were mostly written quite some time ago, they are as relevant today as in the time they were written. We still face the same questions about our lives, about God's will and our own, and this is what the main character, Christine, is grappling with. After making a wrong choice in a relationship, she feels unsure of her own decisions, but ultimately she has to listen to God to find what she wants. I love how these books draw you in, make you care about each character, make you think long after you've finished them. I love that they have good, Christian values and I don't feel awkward with any parts of them. I cannot recommend this book, and this series highly enough.

When Tomorrow Comes (Canadian West # 5)

I think this is an excellent book. I love the development of Christine's character and how she grows in faith after the bad ending with Boyd, who is not a Christian. Their broken engagement stills haunts Christine and makes it hard for her to love again. She learns, because of a change of location, how to trust a man again and believe he will not break her heart. This book revolves again around the characters of Wynn, Elizabeth, Henry, Christine and their extended family in Canada. Christine in given another chance at love. This is stretched out to the end of the book. It is only at the end when Christine gives in to love again. She learns a hard life lesson and all who read this learn that lesson as well. I hated for this book to end because it ended the story of the Delaney family.

After 6 books in developing this story of the Delaneys, I found it hard to read this knowing it was the last. When you read a series like this, it is so easy to develop an attachment to the characters. I found with each book that I could hardly wait to read the next one and when I was finished with them all I was sad to see the story end. This is a great book and one I will probably read again some day.

The character's treat each other fine but they are very one dimensional

It is a cute book. I remember reading this series when I was about twelve and I wanted to see how they held up.

The answer is, they don't. The characters are okay and Oak really tries to add some depth but its predictable. I'm not into christian lit so the constant 'let god take care of it'' and the woman being subservient to their husbands theme tires me out. The character's treat each other fine but they are very one dimensional.

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Title: Fireflies in December

Author: Jennifer Erin Valent

Narrator: Kate Forbes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-02-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 111 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

This award-winning, coming-of-age gem by Jennifer Erin Valent recounts one farm family's struggle against racial bigotry in Depression-era Virginia.

When Jessilyn's parents begin raising her best friend as their own daughter, this kindness toward a dark-skinned orphan triggers threats and violence. While teetering on the brink of womanhood, Jessilyn must learn to be a shining light in a dark world.

Critic Reviews:

"Winner of the Christian Writers Guild's 2007 Operation First Novel contest, Valent has created a darkly evocative historical novel that boldly explores the divisive effects of unreasoning hatred, greed, and fear on a community already struggling with the economic and racial tensions caused by the Depression and exacerbated by the Ku Klux Klan." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

1932 Virginia The Dark and the Light

Depression era Virginia and families with black farm hands still working on their farms . . . the more things change, the more they stay the same . . . until a fire killed little Gemma's parents, leaving her orphaned . . . and the Lassiter family (the family her folks had worked for) took her in as their own . . . Jessie Lassiter, thirteen years old and Gemma had always been best friends . . . but even Jessie had no idea how taking Gemma in would change things . . . in the south, you never knew who to trust, who was KKK and who wasn't . . . through the bravery and steadfast love of the Lassiter family, one day at a time, Gemma was kept safe . . . Fireflies in December is a story told through the eyes of Jessie, a young girl, turning into a woman, learning to defend herself, her family, her friend and her own beliefs . . . in a time in our history that doing so could have cost her her life . . . the tale is beautifully and courageously told, and is different than many books of this genre . . . it isn't filled with bitterness and anger, but with faith and conviction . . .

Surprisingly interesting

Where does Fireflies in December rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Probably in the second 20%. There were a few I really loved and this would be right behind those. Definitely would recommend

What did you like best about this story?

The perseverance of the family

Have you listened to any of Kate Forbess other performances before? How does this one compare?

this was my first - she was excellent!

If you could take any character from Fireflies in December out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Probably Otis - just wasn't as well developed

Audie for Inspirational/Faith based but not

overtly preachy. Reads a bit like "Cold Sassy Tree" or the "Education of Little Tree" and felt more like reading a Newberry teen book rather than an adult novel. There are a couple internal inconsistancies in the book, few rough spots in the dialog and I had to suspend my disbelief a couple of times where the plot and situation felt forced. However, for a first novel this is fantastic. I enjoyed the 1932 Southern setting, coming of age theme and strong family values. Good narration.

Beautifully Written

I had the privilege of reading this book many years ago before it was published. I was given a copy of the book on typed pages from a friend of the author. I absolutely fell in love with the book then and fell in love with it again. There are some books that stay with you forever and this is one of them.