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Title: Heart of Lies

Subtitle: Irish Angel Series

Author: Jill Marie Landis

Narrator: Renée Raudman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-04-11

Publisher: Zondervan

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 71 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Raised in a tribe of street urchins, Maddie Grande was taught to be a thief and beggar on the streets of New Orleans. But Maddie doesn't know her real name or where she came from. Raised by Dexter Grande, Maddie and her twin "brothers" have recently left New Orleans and moved to the bayou. The twins are rarely there, but Maddie has come to love the swamp. She has learned to fish and trap and sell pelts at the local mercantile.

Maddie longs to change her life but knows that her brothers will never give up their lawless ways. When they kidnap the daughter of a wealthy carpetbagger, the twins force Maddie to hide the precocious eight-year-old while they return to New Orleans to wait for notice of a reward.

Pinkerton agent Tom Abbott is assigned to the kidnapping case in which Maddie has become an accomplice. In a journey that takes them to Baton Rouge, a mutual attraction becomes evident, but Tom and Maddie cannot trust each other. Will Maddie ever discover who she is? Will her real family ever find her? Will Maddie and Tom listen to their hearts? Or will they choose honor over love?

Members Reviews:

Part two doesnt disappoint

Any additional comments?

I loved this continuing story of sisters separated after their parents death. Each girl grows up in different circumstances. This is the story of Megan or "Maddie" who learns how to change her life for the better and find herself worthy to accept these changes. Im not going to ruin the story for anyone but if you enjoy family stories and struggles mixed with a tender love story then you will like this series. I look forward to book 3.

Heart of Lies: Irish Angel Series

Jill Marie Landis is a very talented author. Her writing style is unique and you feel as though you are part of the setting. The characters in this story soon become real and the personalities are depicted vividly. This is the first book that I have read by Jill Marie Landis and I purchased two others but found that the language and sexual descriptions were a little explicit for my taste. This was disapointing because I feel like her talent is so wonderful but I am afraid to invest in other books that may have content that makes me uncomfortable.

AWESOME Series!!

What did you love best about Heart of Lies?

This series (all 3 books) is awesome. Although you think you know what will happen, there are always twists and turns to keep you guessing. The stories reflect past events, without dwelling of retelling every detail in each book - much appreciated. Each book brings the family closer to reunion without having them forget the life they have lived and the names they were given. Can't wait for Sarah's story.

What did you like best about this story?

See above comment.

What does Renée Raudman bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

It was easy to visualize the people and the situation by the way it was presented.

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

Definitely.

What a delight

Would you listen to Heart of Lies again? Why?

I would listen again. The story held my interest throughout the series and I hope the author completes the series. The narrator was excellent and was able to give each character their own unique voise. I didn't know what to expect, because I purchased the third in the series first by mistake.

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Title: The Death Instinct

Author: Jed Rubenfeld

Narrator: Kerry Shale

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-25-11

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A spellbinding literary thriller about terror, war, greed, and the darkest secrets of the human soul, by the author of the million-copy best seller The Interpretation of Murder

Under a clear blue September sky, America's financial center in lower Manhattan became the site of the largest, deadliest terrorist attack in the nation's history. It was September 16, 1920. Four hundred people were killed or injured. The country was appalled by the magnitude and savagery of the incomprehensible attack, which remains unsolved to this day.The bomb that devastated Wall Street in 1920 explodes in the opening pages of The Death Instinct, Jed Rubenfeld's provocative and mesmerizing new novel.

War veteran Dr. Stratham Younger and his friend, Captain James Littlemore of the New York Police Department, are caught on Wall Street on the fateful day of the blast. With them is the beautiful Colette Rousseau, a French radiochemist whom Younger meets while fighting in the World War. A series of inexplicable attacks on Rousseau, a secret buried in her past, and a mysterious trail of evidence lead Young, Littlemore, and Rousseau on a thrilling international and psychological journey, from Paris to Prague, from the Vienna home of Dr. Sigmund Freud to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., and ultimately to the hidden depths of our most savage instincts. As the seemingly disjointed pieces of what Younger and Littlemore learn come together, the two uncover the shocking truth behind the bombing.

Blending fact and fiction in a brilliantly convincing narrative, Jed Rubenfeld has forged a gripping historical mystery about a tragedy that holds eerie parallels to our own time.

Members Reviews:

Everything but the Kitchen sink

There is a lot going on in this book. That makes it a good diversion but it also makes it seem contrived after a while. The book is diverting and the reader is first rate. I think the reader did a fantastic job.

A Ripping Tale, a bit spoiled

Rubenfeld has written a densely plotted adventure, full of interesting historical details and carefully drawn characters. It's also well-written, and rockets right along. There are no sagging bits, and not many loose ends for such a complicated contraption. I am sad to say that the narrator spoiled a great deal of this book for me. EVERY character is given a distinct, and distinctly over-the-top, accent and voice. Even the lead characters are converted into caricatures by this over-smoked ham.

good story, unlovable hero

The writing, the plot, the narration - they were all working for this story and I really wanted to like it. But I found one of the heros, Younger, to be a complete cad, a violent, nasty, overbearing snob. He detracted from every scene he was in. Leave me Colette, Livermore, and Luc, but take that Younger out.

Truly Entertaining

Mr. Rubenfeld is a literary genius. The way he blends his characters with the historical figures not only entertains but educates us of the times gone by. This book is like an adrenaline-pumping ride on a roller coaster that plunges you back in time meeting historical characters who have contributed to the progress of science and American culture. I enjoyed the participation of Sigmund Freud and Madame Curie and other cabinet members during the time of Warren Harding.

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Title: The Virgin's Lover

Author: Philippa Gregory

Narrator: Davina Porter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-24-11

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 874 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the autumn of 1558, church bells across England ring out the joyous news that Elizabeth I is the new queen. One woman hears the tidings with utter dread. Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert, knows that the peal of bells she hears will summon her husband once more to power, intrigue, and a passionate love affair with the young queen.

Elizabeth's excited triumph is short-lived. She has inherited a bankrupt country where treason is normal and foreign war a certainty. Her faithful advisor, William Cecil, warns her that she will survive only if she marries a strong prince to govern the rebellious country, but the one man Elizabeth desires is her childhood friend, the irresistible, ambitious Robert Dudley.

Only Robert truly revels in the opportunities of the new reign. He knows he can reclaim his destiny at Elizabeth's side. Elizabeth cannot resist his courtship, and as the young couple slowly falls in love, Robert starts to think the impossible: can he set aside his wife and marry the young queen?

Philippa Gregory paints a picture of a country on the brink of greatness, a young woman grasping at her power, a young man whose ambition is greater than his means, and the wife who cannot forgive them.

Critic Reviews:

"Jolly good fun." (Entertainment Weekly)

"[E]xpertly crafted.... readers addicted to Gregory's intelligent, well-researched tales... will be enthralled." (Publishers Weekly)

"No lover of Elizabethan history should be without this novel, nor will any fan be disappointed with the meticulous research and marvelous portraits of Elizabeth, Dudley, and the court." (Romantic Times)

Members Reviews:

Interesting Take on Elizabeth

Another Phillipa Gregory title that left me impressed, it did not impress me as much as her previous titles but for anyone who has listened and or read any of her books this one has all the similar elements that her previous titles has. The narration is (as expected) spot on and the story itself was (again as expected) engrossing.

Phillipa Gregory titles always seems to benefit from attracting and employing the best most suited narrators for this type of genre out there. There is nothing I can say more about the narrator than that she (Davina Porter) did an excellent job, there is nothing I can take away from it. She had a task with having to portray a wide array of characters from different viewpoints and she did it with some ease.

The story is something you can get lost in. It starts off a bit slow but it picks up pretty well but it once again starts to drawl a bit in the center. The plot itself is very interesting with the dynamics between Queen Elizabeth, Robert Dudley and Lady Amy being the focal point of the book. Lady Amy's faith throughout the book was both admirable and foolish at the same time if you ask me.... while Robert Dudley's cunning nature is nothing short of disturbing.... Queen Elizabeth comes off as both naive and ruthless at the same time in this book.

Excellent title overall.

Mixed feelings on a great book.

Several years ago, I bought this book in paperback and read the entire book in one day - I could not put it down. Despite the dramatic license taken at times with history, this book tells a great story that leaves you wanting to know more about every character involved.

The audiobook was a harder sell for me.

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Title: The Witches of Pendle

Subtitle: Oxford Bookworms Library, Stage 1

Author: Rowena Akinyemi

Narrator: Deborah Berlin

Format: Abridged

Length: 1 hr and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-13-10

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Witches are dangerous. They can kill you with a look, or a word. They can send their friend the Devil after you in the shape of a dog or a cat. They can make a clay picture of you, then break it.... and a few weeks later, you are dead. Today, of course, most people dont believe in witches. But in 1612, everybody was afraid of them. Young Jennet Device in Lancashire knew a lot about them because she lived with the Witches of Pendle. They were her family.

Critic Reviews:

"The most consistent of all series in terms of language control, length, and quality of storytelling." (David R. Hill, ELT Journal Review)

Members Reviews:

good listen wish it was longer!!

thought it would be a full book that's what i get for not looking at the details!

Very informative

A good factual account of the Pendle witches. Short and sweet. Worth listening to if your interested in this subject.

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Title: The Templar Throne

Author: Paul Christopher

Narrator: Paul Boehmer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-30-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 64 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In the 14th century, Templar knight Jean de Saint-Clair was tasked with piloting the order's treasure-laden fleets off the coast of France. To this end, he used a Jacob's Staff, a world-changing nautical instrument supposedly developed in his own time. Retired Army Ranger John Holliday knows better, for he possesses a similar instrument---one found in the hands of a four-thousand-year-old Egyptian mummy.

Holliday suspects that Saint-Clair might hold the key to answering some of history's greatest questions - and to unlocking the mystery of the incredible wealth, power, and influence of the ruthless, enigmatic Templars. But there are those who believe that some questions should remain unanswered...and that the answers Holliday seeks should go with him to the grave.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] compilation of gunfights, narrow escapes, beautiful vistas, conspiracy theories, and intriguing clues in ancient art and architecture." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Good story, awful narration.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

get a different narrator. the narrator almost destroys the story. he pauses way too much. He must have been paid by the recording length. example:"That was amazing!" ... long pause... said Doc.He does it every single time. Really got under my skin after a while.

What didnt you like about Paul Boehmers performance?

get a different narrator. the narrator almost destroys the story. he pauses way too much. He must have been paid by the recording length. example:"That was amazing!" ... long pause... said Doc.He does it every single time. Really got under my skin after a while.

awful narrator

the story is OK but I didn't care for the cheap shots at our military. comparing them to nazis and saying young people that join " haven't got a brain in their heads" even fox news had to get spit on for no reason that had to do with the story. The narrator is not the worst. That title still goes to scott brick, but this guy is a close second. He makes every person, man, woman, nun, whatever all sound like the creepy teacher on south park, mr garrison. Until it devolves to a point that even the narration it's self sounds like a south park parody. But if you like that kind of stuff you might like it. I did not. It could of been pretty good.

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Title: The Scarlet Contessa

Subtitle: A Novel of the Italian Renaissance

Author: Jeanne Kalogridis

Narrator: Wanda McCaddon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-20-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Daughter of the Duke of Milan and wife of the conniving Count Girolamo Riario, Caterina Sforza was the bravest warrior Renaissance Italy ever knew. She ruled her own lands, fought her own battles, and openly took lovers whenever she pleased. Her remarkable tale is told by her lady-in-waiting, Dea, a woman knowledgeable in reading the "triumph cards", the predecessor of modern-day Tarot.

As Dea tries to unravel the truth about her husband's murder, Caterina single-handedly holds off invaders who would steal her title and lands. However, Dea's reading of the cards reveals that Caterina cannot withstand a third and final invader - none other than Cesare Borgia, son of the corrupt Pope Alexander VI, who has an old score to settle with Caterina.

Trapped inside the Fortress at Ravaldino as Borgia's cannons pound the walls, Dea reviews Caterina's scandalous past and struggles to understand their joint destiny, while Caterina valiantly tries to fight off Borgia's unconquerable army.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] vividly rendered historical." (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

An Unfortunate Sideshow

Wanted to like this one as Caterina Sforza is easily one of the most fascinating people in Renaissance Italy, but I couldn't finish it. For starters, the book isn't about her, and that's my own fault for not taking other reviews to heart first. It's about her fictional, intolerably new-agey handmaiden Dea. I didn't pick this book to read about Dea, and I especially don't care about Dea's tarot readings as a plot device.

At some point I may come back to this one and give it another try now that I know what to expect, but right now... so many better books await.

Wanda McCaddon, by any name she uses, is always a superb narrator. Her talents are wasted on this one, but you can't win them all. I trust she got paid well anyway.

Worth my time, loved it.

I really could not put this book down. I was really happy with the blend of fictional illustrative talenets and the use of historical accuracy the author used to tell the story. I will definitely be reading more books by Jeanne Kalogridis. However it looks like Audible only has one more of her books.

Engaging historical novel

We're on our way to Italy in the fall, so I'm reading my way through a long list of both fiction and non-fiction histories. I enjoyed this book -- it was engaging and entertaining. Some of the "magical" parts of the story I found to be a bit much, and at times it veered more towards romance than history, but overall I think it was a good read. Caterina Sforza was an amazing woman.

A Good and somewhat gritty Historical Fiction!

I thought this book was great. It was different than what I expected, but it held my interest until the end. There were some rather strange elements...but nothing that I felt detracted from the story. It was neither too much nor too little of anything, but had just enough of everything that I like: it was descriptive, atmospheric, told a good story, and it had sex, violence, warfare, and interesting details of life in the renaissance.

this is a Great book!

Any additional comments?

I love the history and the love story all wrapped up together. Wonderful book. I enjoyed it very very much..

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Title: Julie

Author: Catherine Marshall

Narrator: Cassandra Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-09-10

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 122 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Julie Wallace is just 18 in 1934 when her father risks their life savings on a struggling newspaper and moves the family to a flood-prone Pennsylvania town. It is here a young woman's convictions take firm root, as Julie finds herself taking sides when battle lines are drawn between desperate steelworkers and the mill owners who control their lives. And it is here where her heart and her loyalties are torn, divided between two special men. But when a devastating natural catastrophe becomes the ultimate test of courage and commitment, Julie's remarkable inner strength will come to the fore, a strength born of faith and love. And don't miss Catherine Marshall's beloved best seller Christy.

Members Reviews:

Fascinating

A wonderfully gripping story. A little hard to follow at first, and difficult to get past the nasal tone of the narrator. But once you do, it's very entertaining!

Great choice!

Even though this story was long, I was engrossed in the characters and the time period. The details were informative and held my interest. The narrator was very good and captured the main character who tells the story. Great choice!

Insightful

I fell in love with Catherine Marshall when I read Christy years ago. I love faith based books and hers especially because she is a great storyteller. This is such an uplifting story with real emotion.

SteadFast & Earnest

What made the experience of listening to Julie the most enjoyable?

It is a Long book and the voice is very pleasant to hear

If youve listened to books by Catherine Marshall before, how does this one compare?

This one is closely related in enjoyment to the first Christy Book.

Did Cassandra Campbell do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Somewhat Good voices

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

Julie herself of course

Any additional comments?

The book is Long and some details seem to be a bit tedious and unimportant until the finale then you want to go back and re-read it again. The surprise in this book is a work from the reveal of the Holy Spirit.

Fun

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

Headstrong, ambitious and smart!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Julie; She has drive, desire to do something with her life. She is young but has direction and is ambitious.

What three words best describe Cassandra Campbells voice?

She was great!

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Title: A Woman Called Sage

Author: DiAnn Mills

Narrator: Laural Merlington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-01-10

Publisher: Zondervan

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 74 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In this unabridged audio download of A Woman Called Sage, a high-energy historical romance novel set in the late 1800s by award-winning author DiAnn Mills, Sage Morrow has lost everything she loved. Now, she's out for revenge.

Sage had it all: life on a beautiful Colorado ranch, a husband who adored her, and a baby on the way. Until five ruthless gunmen rode up to their ranch and changed her life forever. Now Sage is a bounty hunter bent on retribution. Accompanied only by her majestic hawk, she travels throughout the Rocky Mountains in search of injustice, determined to stamp it out wherever it's found. The stakes are raised when two young boys are kidnapped and Sage is forced to work with Marshall Parker Timmons to rescue them. But Sage may ultimately get more than she bargained for.

Members Reviews:

Great story

This book had all the right characters and great story line. Narrator was first rate.

Outstanding!

Most enjoyable! Loved the plot - great characterization. Surprise ending really tied up any unanswered subplots.

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Title: Invasion

Subtitle: Thomas Kydd, Book 10

Author: Julian Stockwin

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-01-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 80 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Napoleon's forces are poised to invade Britain, and Commander Thomas Kydd's ship is at the forefront of the fleet defending the English coast. His honour restored after temporary disgrace in the Channel Islands, and reunited with his ship Teazer, Kydd seizes the chance to fight for his country. Then Kydd is abruptly withdrawn from the fleet and sent back to Dover on a secret mission to guard a mysterious American inventor. Having worked his way up from press-ganged seaman to captain of his own ship, Kydd is furious to find he will miss his opportunity to prove himself in battle. Yet Kydd's role in the approaching war may be the most crucial part he has ever played.

Members Reviews:

Interesting?

A story with a different twist. Kydd ends up running protection for an inventor, who could win the war for Britain. Very little excitement in this one, but still interesting. Rodska does his usually great job.

JohnJye

Like the previous book by the same author I enjoyed it greatly

and I find the listening to the Narrator of these audio books

very good.

Finally, Nicholas Renzi gets interesting (Spoilers

What made the experience of listening to Invasion the most enjoyable?

The subplot about Renzi being coerced into spying again. The trip to Paris and the quick thinking he does on his feet. Renzi is becoming more interesting than Kydd.

What other book might you compare Invasion to and why?

Patrick O'brien's HMS Surprise.

What about Christian Rodskas performance did you like?

He's really great to listen to during battle action. However, his American accents are a bit painful.

Who was the most memorable character of Invasion and why?

Renzi, having to face his demons about the world of subterfuge.

Kydd is a Winner

Invasion is #10 in the series and I have enjoyed listening to all the previous installments.

Into Double Figures!

A tenth book of the series and Kydd and Renzi are still going strong. Once again brilliantly voiced by the excellent Christian Rodska and still just as authentic in detail. This is almost a book of two parts with the first part fairly standard naval fayre as Kydd battles in the Channel. The second is an intriguing assignment for Kydd with an American inventor and becomes mostly a story more about the political machinations surrounding his work.

Throughout the book the tortured soul that is Renzi is further pushed into acts that for him are unnatural despite his undoubted talent for them. His anguish and Kydd's frustrations lead to an intriguing set of circumstances that kept me interested to the very end.

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Title: Days of Gold

Subtitle: Edilean Series, Book 2

Author: Jude Deveraux

Narrator: Gabra Zackman

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-29-09

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 53 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 1766 Scotland, the laird of the clan, Angus McTern, has everything he wants in life. Although his grandfather lost the family's land and castle in a card game when Angus was just a boy, Angus takes his duties seriously and is respected by all the men and adored by the women. That is, until Edilean Talbot shows up.

Breathtakingly beautiful and born of privilege, Edilean represents everything Angus despises. Still he is as dazzled by her as everyone else is, and he can keep his feelings hidden from her for only so long. When she rejects him, he is deeply wounded and, worse, humiliated before his clan. But then the day comes when Edilean needs Angus's help, to reclaim the gold she inherited from her father, which is on its way to America. At first Angus refuses, but her beauty - and her tears - so haunt him that he puts aside his pride and decides to aid the heiress.

However, when Angus tries to intervene, he's accused of kidnapping and theft. To avoid being prosecuted, he's forced to leave behind all that he knows and loves and escape with Edilean to America. There, they will overcome almost insurmountable obstacles as they are pursued endlessly by the man who claims the gold for his own. Despite all that tries to keep them apart, Angus and Edilean also find a love as wild and free as the land itself.

The second book in the multigenerational Edilean Series that began with Lavender Morning, Days of Gold is filled with passion, humor, exquisite detail, and pulse-pounding adventure. Stirring and masterfully rendered, this is Jude Deveraux at her best.

Members Reviews:

This isn't the complete book

This is only the partial story. Don't waste your money on this incomplete book when the complete story is available. I wish I had paid attention and not wasted a credit.

Was ok!

It was an OK listen. Not Jude's best though. I expected more. The narrator was alright