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Title: The View from Mount Joy

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Lorna Landvik

Narrator: Robertson Dean

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-23-07

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When hunky teenage hockey player Joe Andreson and his widowed mother move to Minneapolis, Joe falls under the seductive spell of Kristi Casey, Ole Bull High's libidinous head cheerleader. Joe balances Kristi's lustful manipulation with the down-to-earth companionship of his smart, platonic girlfriend, Darva. But it is Kristi who will prove to be a temptation (and torment) throughout Joe's life.

Years later, having once dreamed of a career in pro hockey or as a globetrotting journalist, Joe can't believe that life has deposited him in the aisles of Haugland Foods. But he soon learns that being a grocer is like being the mayor of a small town. For Joe, everyday life is its own roller-coaster ride, and all he wants to do is hold on tight.

The path Kristi has charged down, on the other hand, is as wild as Joe's is tame: or at least that's how it appears. But who has really risked more? Who has lived more? And who is truly happy? As Joe discovers, sometimes people are lucky enough to be standing in the one place where the view of the world is breathtaking, if only they'll open their eyes to all there is to see.

Members Reviews:

joy for view from mt. joy

great book, as usual

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Title: Little Bird Told Me

Subtitle: Tragedy and Triumph of an Avant-Garde Couple

Author: John Rhodes

Narrator: Michael Butler

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-10-07

Publisher: Big Happy Family, LLC

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A young hippie couple reach both enlightenment and social fame via their "material pragmatism", supported by both Western and Eastern religion - and with some help from an American Indian named "Little Bird". They triumph, both materially and spiritually, after almost hitting rock bottom. This eclectic novel, described by the author as borrowing from all genres of fiction, features kidnapping, mental illness, psychedelics, folk-rock, radicals and liberals, good hippies, a hippie terrorist, amateur telescope makers, ecological power companies, gurus, and more.

©2007 John Rhodes (P)2007 Big Happy Family

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Title: Country Passions

Author: Rebecca Shaw

Narrator: Gordon Griffin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-25-07

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Once again, Rebecca Shaw weaves her magic around the animals and the people in this busy veterinary hospital.

Members Reviews:

Nice brain vacay

when you need a break from the heavier books, this is a lovely village to visit

I loved this book as an interesting segment of the whole ...

I loved this book as an interesting segment of the whole series and the adding of more interesting characters to the vet practice. I just wish the series would continue.

Falls flat

This is the fourth novel in a series about a veterinary practice in Barleybridge, England. At the beginning of the book, one of the vets suffers a car accident, requiring the staff manager to fill a temporary position extremely quickly. In to this void steps Scott Spencer, the engaging, charismatic vet who has been noticeably missing in action since the first book in the series. However, since he left the practice and the country suddenly at the close of the first novel, not everyone is happy to see him back, dividing the office in half. Also, since Scott has always been a ladies man, hearts on the line abound.

The books in which Scott was absent from this series definitely fell flat compared to the first, so I was really looking forward to his inevitable return. However, it was not at all what I hoped for. The twists were not surprising, and there was not enough to keep the reader engaged. Let down.

great series

Loved this book and the whole series and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light read and interesting characters. Service was great too.

Great Series

This is book # 4 in a series about a vet practice in England and I am going to start on book # 5 tonight. At present there is just 1 more book in the series by the author Rebecca Shaw. I would recommend this series to all lovers of books that take place in England.

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Title: The Vagabonds

Author: Nicholas Delbanco

Narrator: Paul Boehmer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-25-07

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The money had been a payment, offered as hush money for a long-ago night of indiscretion and handed down through the generations. As a result, the three siblings soon discover that inheritance can alter not merely their separate fortunes, but their shared sense of the past.

Critic Reviews:

"Delbanco creates a lyrical narrative showing a palpably American faith in reinvention as he weaves nostalgia-tinged memories into a grittier reality." (Publishers Weekly)

"Paul Boehmer reads with a soothing, understated style that meshes well with the novel. His depiction of the vagabonds is especially effective in conveying their strong, distinctive personalities." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

A very good book

I am surprised that this novel has elicited only one other review. It is very well written, and the author moves skillfully back and forth between 1916 and 2003, with numerous stops in between. This technique could be very confusing, but it is done well here. My only criticisms are that I found the ending weak and that a very significant character from 1916 reappears at the end but is not developed.

fine historical subplot inside a contemporary family drama

In 2003, the three Saperstone siblings (Joanne, David, and Claire) return to their Saratoga Springs, New York hometown to bury their mom Alice. To their shock Alice left her children with a hefty inheritance actually from their deceased grandmother who gained her wealth in 1916 from the vacationing trio of "Vagabonds" Henry Ford, Harry Firestone, and Thomas Edison. Thus they have inherited valuable General Electric stock.

Forty something single mother Joanne sees the money has a savior. Claire, who needs the inheritance the least as she is married to a successful businessman though that relationship seems ready to collapse, resents that mom wants David to live in the ancestral home; she always felt mom favored her little boy over her girls. David has his own problems like being unable to commit to a relationship. As each wonder what happened in 1916 (read the book if you wonder too) they squabble over the estate, but will it bring contentment or a curse as the previous two generations dealt with untimely death and unhappiness.

Well written, Nicholas Delbanco provides a historical subplot inside a contemporary family drama however, the tale contains too many major threads to keep track of what is happening to the prime trio and others. Still the three siblings come across as genuine especially when they argue and grieve at the same time. The 1916 action furbishes insight into famous Americans bringing that era alive through their personas. Fans of relationship tales will appreciate this fine story, but would have enjoyed a deeper look at how the trio got to where they each seem unable to deeply relate to anyone.

Harriet Klausner

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Title: The Moment She Was Gone

Author: Evan Hunter

Narrator: Dan Futterman

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-11-07

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

But this time is different.

Last month, Annie got into serious trouble in Sicily and was briefly held in a mental hospital, where an Italian doctor diagnosed her as schizophrenic. Andrew's divorced mother refuses to accept this diagnosis. Andrew himself just isn't sure. But during the course of a desperate 12 hours in New York City, he and the Gulliver family piece together the past and cope with the present in a journey of revelation and self-discovery. Recognizing the truth at last, Andrew can only hope to find his beloved sister before she harms herself or someone else.

The Moment She Was Gone, a shattering novel of a family confronting its collective secrets, marks the high point in a writing career spanning almost five decades.

Critic Reviews:

"Typically well-crafted work by the author of such classics as The Blackboard Jungle, and his fans will want it." (Library Journal)

"Dan Futterman's narration of the family presents all their emotions - disbelief, denial, outrage, and sadness - as they face the reality of Annie's illness." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Great writing, but Kindle edition is awful

The writing was wonderful, but the Kindle edition haswordsthatruntogetherlikethis on almost every page...particularly when Hunter uses italics - which is frequently. I had to push through and tell myself the story was worth it, which it is. The subtitle for this book should be "Denial." It shows the power and repercussions of ignoring signs that are sometimes blatant. People make excuses and rationalize schizophrenic behavior, doing the sufferer no good. Everyone suffers. Hunter's writing is crisp and very readable. Hope that his other work gets better treatment from the publisher.

I never connected with the characters or this family.

I too found the formatting issues annoying, though I slogged on because I kept thinking that I would at some point begin to care about the characters. It never happened. At just over halfway through, I nearly gave up on it, but recalling the positive reviews decided to push through to the end. I wish I hadn't. I suppose if you are looking for a book that will bring you along on the travails of a dysfunctional family with a mentally ill member whom they continue to enable, this one qualifies. The author's writing style is very conversational and easy to read. Perhaps I am not sufficiently empathetic to this kind of family situation and mental illness within a family. I did at least at the end feel relieved that what should have been done years and years before was finally going to happen.

I didn't enjoy this book

I didn't enjoy this book, but I slogged through til the end. It was just... very poorly written. Also, the kindle version had horrible formatting errors, which is not the author's fault, but it didn't make the reading experience any better. I felt zero connection with any of the characters, they were enablers. Long paragraphs of just rambling by the sister. Having worked in a group home for those with some of the more sinister mental disorders, I know this type of rambling first hand. It was loathsome that the characters in the book refused to acknowledge there was an issue. Absolutely loathsome. This book actually kind of mad me angry. I can't say that I will ever read this author again (he's also Ed McBain, I'm told). But I'm done now.

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Title: City Girl

Author: Patricia Scanlan

Narrator: Brett O'Brien

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-27-07

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

This is the story of three young women who deal with everything life throws at them, and how! As their enduring friendships sustain them through thick and thin, they start to live life on their own terms. Beautiful Devlin, rich and spoilt, has the world at her feet until she meets the seductive, but married, Colin Cantrell-King. Her life is turned upside-down by this lying rat...and then the unthinkable happens. Fat, frumpy Caroline is terrified at being left on the shelf until she meets Richard, who has a secret to hide. She makes a decision that has disastrous consequences for both of them. Maggie, flame-haired and fun-loving, lives life to the full...and then she marries. Has she made the biggest mistake of her life?

©1998 Patricia Scanlan; (P)2007 RNIB

Members Reviews:

A beautifully read

I love this book, it really is a good read.

It made me laugh out loud and also a few tears, it was sad in parts which was written beautifully.

Sadly dissapointing.

Dissapointing :-( .Struggled to finish this book.Narrator a little boring.kept having to go back over chapters.

Great Read !! (listen)

I really enjoyed this storyand the narrator was lovely to listen to. Great stuff !

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Title: Out of the Blue

Author: Charlotte Bingham

Narrator: Kim Hicks

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-26-07

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Florence Fontaine has still not recovered from a family tragedy when she discovers a strangely dressed young man asleep in her guest cottage at the Old Rectory. Against her better judgement, she offers him breakfast, only to rue the day as she finds herself caught up in the resulting drama of his life. Against everyone's advice, Florence enlists friends and neighbours to help restore Edward's missing memories. But can they discover who he might be?

©2006 Charlotte Bingham; (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Out of the Blue

This book was a tad different from her usual story lines. Still an enjoyable read. Loved the ending. Made one want to purchase a rectory to live in.

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Title: Friends and Secrets

Author: Grace Thompson

Narrator: Anne Cater

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-18-07

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In their favourite café, a group of female friends meet regularly to discuss their troubles; but even friends can't always tell each other the truth. Cynthia is happily married to her lifelong sweetheart, but not even their present wealth and security makes her willing to reveal the abuse and trauma they suffered as children. Meriel's husband has abandoned her for another woman. And well meaning but snobbish Joanne can't admit that behind her prosperous façade, she's struggling for every penny. As new people enter their lives, these women must draw on all their resources to meet the challenges thrown at them. But can they learn to rely on each other, or will they stand alone?

©2006 Grace Thompson; (P)2007 Soundings

Members Reviews:

Friends and Secrets

I loved this book so much I could hardly bear to switch it off. Anne Cater is a fantastic reader, her lovely Welsh accent and mastery of character roles make this almost like listening to a play. It is a great story, performed with flair and warmth. MORE PLEASE!

Good modern drama

I normally read detective stories, but decided to try this author out - I really enjoyed it. A good narrator and an interesting and developing story line. I would recommend this book, but especially to women.

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Title: The Edge of Winter

Author: Luanne Rice

Narrator: Blair Brown

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-23-07

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Neve Halloran and her daughter have shared a fierce love for the austere beauty of Rhode Island's South County ever since Neve guided Mickey's first baby steps along the sandy shore. Now, with Mickey a teenager and Neve's last hope for happiness with her daughter's loving but unstable father gone, both will struggle to make a new life together amid the windswept landscape that sustains them.

As winter gives way to spring, and spring to summer, a secret will emerge that has lain buried in the depths just offshore for decades, a secret that will galvanize the small seaside community. For the waters bear their own vestige of the past, and their ceaseless rhythms may point the way to hope and new beginnings.

Lyrical, luminous, and utterly captivating, The Edge of Winter is Luanne Rice at her most penetrating and insightful, in a moving exploration of the bonds that shape us and set us free.

Critic Reviews:

"An involving tale of love, loss, and redemption, then deepens the story with a resonant appreciation for nature." (Booklist)

"Rice...draws her cast of appealing characters sharply...and her significant storytelling skills are fully deployed." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

A lovely story of nature/history, and people who treasure it.

I love stories about people who have a passion about something. Luanne Rice winds the passions and history of several generations in "The Edge of Winter."

Good but too drawn out!

just finished reading this book. It was very drawn out, and I was shocked, because she is always really good. But the ending made up for the whole book. Very profound about the man who bombed the German U-boat. Very heart wrenching about losing loved ones in the war. But still feel the first 3/4 of the book was really tiring to read.

Good book

Enjoyed the book very much. Luanne Rice writes very enjoyable stories. Would recommend this book to all Luanne Rice fans.

Edge of Winter

Luanne Rice does not disappoint you. This book is about appreciation of nature, young love and how to capture love once again when you think all hope of feeling the magic is gone

Four Stars

really a delightful novel

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Title: The Collected Stories of Angela Huth

Author: Angela Huth

Narrator: Joanna David

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-29-06

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

In addition to a career that has produced such critically acclaimed novels as Land Girls, Wives of the Fisherman, and Of Love and Slaughter, Angela Huth is also a master of the short story, as this succulent retrospective spanning 30 years reveals.

©2005 Angela Huth; (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"A very satisfying collection." (Daily Telegraph)

"Huth has an eye for perfect short-story material....a full technicolor storyteller who clearly enjoys herself." (Spectator)

Members Reviews:

Superb writing and fantastic narrating.

Angela Huth is a master storyteller. These stories had me completely entranced right to the very end. The narrator has a light, pleasant and pleasing style. Fully recommended.

Leider nicht der Hit

Would you try another book from Angela Huth and/or Joanna David?

Nein

What was most disappointing about Angela Huths story?

Ich fand das Buch langweilig und habe es auch nicht zu Ende gehört. Bin einfach nicht in die Geschichte reingekommen.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

disappointment

Good stories spoiled by poor format

1) I cannot find a list of which stories are included in this book, and it is not possible to find the start of each story (to check the titles) because it does not always correspond to a new chapter. It means that when I come to another Huth story collection I won't know which I have read and which I haven't.

2) All that happens when one story finishes and another begins is that there is a pause (about as long as for a change of paragraph) and the narrator quietly says the title of the next story, in a voice that is just like the general narration. It is very easily missed!

I spent the second story wondering when we were going to tie back to the characters we had already met, then when the second story finished (which I almost missed as well) I realised that they had been two different stories. Very frustrating.

Please, Audible, one story per chapter/one chapter per story would surely make sense? And a list of all the stories included should be basic requirement too.

Having said that, all the stories are good, some are very good. They have a dream-like quality which draws the reader in quickly, as short stories need to do.