AudioBook Review: Wendy and the Lost Boys: Fractured Fairy Tale # 2 by Barbara Silkstone

Posted on by
Reply

51RwYfGUeHL._SL175_

Title: Wendy and the Lost Boys
Author: Barbara Silkstone
Narrator: Nicole Colburn
Format: eBook and AudioBook
Publisher: Books on the Green
Audio Producer: Barbara Silkstone
Pages: 191
Length: 5 Hours: 45 minutes
ISBN: B005FKHKTE
Source: Author
Genre: Humor / Mystery
Series: Fractured Fairy Tales # 2
Best Read in Order: Not Required
Stars: Overall: 4
Narration: 3 Story: 5
Purchase Now:  Amazon  §  Audible
Listen: Free Sample of Wendy and the Lost Boys at Audible

About the Book:

When a deathbed promise to one of her agents leaves Wendy Darlin, feisty Miami real estate broker for billionaires, trapped on a super-yacht with Ponzi-king, Charlie Hook, she’s forced to join him on a quest to recover his hidden treasure. Along for the danger-filled adventure are an undercover SEC Investigator, who kindles a spark in Wendy with his “Johnny Depp”; eyes and Hook’s young female helicopter pilot who befriends Wendy as they sail the high seas, one step ahead of modern day ruthless pirates. A laugh out loud whodunit …. kidnapping, revenge, and a little murder on the side. The second book in the Fractured Fairy Tales by Silkstone series of criminally funny fables, this comedy mystery is set in Miami and the Caribbean.

AudioBook Review:

This was a really funny, very adult reworking of Peter Pan, with Wendy as the most important character, and the narrator of the story. While it is totally off-kilter and completely foreign to the original, the seemingly offhanded interlaced quotes and scenarios from the original story work their magic in unusual ways: always reminding the reader of the genesis of the story, while twisting off into several marvellous side streets and alleyways.

The narration provided by Nicole Colburn provides less emotional range than I would normally hope for, her voice is lovely, but should have enhanced story and plot. While not distracting, the delivery of some incredibly clever written words could have been improved with inflection, as it was rather flat in affect and impression. Perhaps even speaking with a smile, for that is always noticeable to a listener, would have improved delivery: there are truly laugh-out-loud moments in this book, and I can’t imagine the narrator not smiling herself.

Throughout some truly slapstick moments, the character of Wendy is clearly defined and presented: the reluctant caretaker to an oversexed and pharmaceutically enhanced Hook her offbeat and often smart ass comments and responses combine to spice up the story, providing a break in the never-ending tension that could feel oppressive. Imagery is evocative, the writing and dialogue are silky smooth, and the story is truly just fun. It is my first introduction to this author’s work, and most certainly will not be my last.

I received an AudioBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

heardwordcover
About the Author: 

Barbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of Criminally Funny Fables series that currently includes: The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters; Wendy and the Lost Boys; Zo White and the Seven Morphs; Cold Case Morphs; and London Broil.

For further giggles and a touch of true fiction try: The Adventures of a Love Investigator, 527 Naked Men and One Woman.

Silkstone’s writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched – shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen – without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”

Barbara Silkstone loves to hear from her readers. You can write to her at: barbara_silkstone@yahoo.com

Follow:   Website  § Facebook  §  Amazon Author Page  § @barbsilkstone

Review: Le Chevalier by Mary Jean Adams

Posted on by
Reply

LeChevalier_w6450_750

Title: Le Chevalier
Author: Mary Jean Adams
Format: Paperback and eBook
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Pages: 360
ISBN: 978-1612171708
Genre: Historical Fiction
Stars: 4
Purchase Now:  Publisher  §  Amazon 

About the Book:

Alexandra Turner lives in a world turned upside down. The British are preparing to invade Philadelphia. Her parents are dead from smallpox. Her twin brother, Reid, is more interested in the revolution than he is in his sister. When the Chevalier de Mont Trignon enters her life, she has no reason to trust the mysterious foreigner. She is drawn to him even as she realizes how little she knows about the elegant yet enigmatic man. Can she trust him with her life? Can she trust him with her heart? The Chevalier de Mont Trignon, in the service of the King of France, has sailed to America to gauge the Americans’ chance for freedom for himself — and to escape the boredom of the Parisian Court. Enthusiasm for the American cause reignites his passions, as does Alex Turner, a beautiful tavern owner determined to discover his true identity. Keeping her near him and keeping her safe while keeping her curiosity at bay is the truest test of his skills as a chevalier. In the dangerous world of revolutionary America, where people aren’t always who they seem to be, will the chevalier be Alex’s salvation or her ruin?

Book Review:

This is the third or fourth book that I have read recently that is set in Revolutionary America and features a woman that is ‘more’ than her time, or the history books would indicate. While the others were more reliant on actual historical figures, this is predominantly a story that is focused on Alexandra and her struggles to maintain the family business in a time of upheaval.

When Le Chevalier de Mont Trignon appears in the story, initially his is a mission to present information to the King of France. Accompanying Lafayette, and a skilled operative, the Turner’s Tavern, with the influx of visitors both pro and anti-revolutionary activities, provides him the perfect spot to gather information, and he can use his not inconsiderable charms and reputation with the ladies as cover, since Alexandra is there.

Smoothly written and cleverly plotted, the love story feels real and honest, even with its duplicitous beginnings, and the tension and confusion created by loyalties divided and concerns over who can be trusted all appear and fit story and actions naturally. Alexandra is clever and determined, far from the usual archetypal ideal of the time, and has a logical approach to both her situation and her confusion. Le Chevalier is far more seasoned and guarded, although the fascination with Alex and his emotional reactions to her were well crafted and interesting.

While the love story is more background to the intrigue of the Revolution and the divisions caused in families, friends and even cities, it was certainly a refreshing look at a very plausible story.

I received an eBook copy for purpose of honest review for a tour with Full Moon Bites. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

About the Author:  

Mary Jean Adams has been writing romance since she was in middle school – a fact her English teachers didn’t always appreciate. She also loves history and telling the stories behind the stories of the founding of America. Today, she lives in North Dakota with her husband and two children.

Website  §  Facebook 

 

Review: Crime and Passion by Chantel Rhondeau

Posted on by
3

Today I am pleased to present a contemporary romantic suspense novel, by an author on her second visit here:  Crime and Passion  by Chantel Rhondeau

17855942

 

Title: Crime and Passion
Author: Chantel Rhondeau
Format: Paperback and eBook
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 324
ISBN: 978-1482547473
Source: Author
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Stars: 4
Purchase Now: Paperback §  eBook

About the Book:

A decorated police officer, more intent on justice than following the letter of the law, lands in trouble when a schoolteacher finds a dead body on the beach.

Officer Donovan Andrews knows how to have a good time—ask any woman in town. But when it comes to men abusing their wives or children, Donovan takes it upon himself to make them regret it.

Madeline Scott is unlucky in love. All she wants is a quiet place to heal, away from cheating, womanizing men. However, her life is far from peaceful once she stumbles across the body and witnesses someone fleeing the scene.

Terror spreads in Pleasant View when the small community hears a killer is on the loose. All evidence points to Donovan, and he realizes someone is trying to frame him. When troubling suspicions from his past surface, even fellow officers believe he’s guilty. Madeline might be the only person who can clear his name, but first he has to win her trust.

The body count rises and no one is safe. The murderer makes it clear Madeline is next. Soon, Donovan’s whole world is focused on protecting her and keeping himself out of prison. The more time he spends with her, the harder it is to fight his growing attraction. Since she’s been burned by love, convincing Madeline he’s interested in something more than hot sex may prove harder than keeping her alive.

Book Review:

Mixing dramatic action, romance, characters that breathe, and a killer on the loose made this one book that was difficult to put down. Madeline is one of those ‘unlucky’ in love people with a healthy dose of scepticism and all of the trust issues that one would expect with her history. To make matters worse, the small town she has chosen as the spot to lick her wounds is currently being terrorized by a killer, and she just may have seen him fleeing the scene.

I liked Madeline very much, her independent streak and her ability to try to see situations logically, despite her fears showed strength and determination. Donovan was a bit too pushy before sharing information/himself with her, in ways that would have strengthened their connection sooner: but the reluctance on Madeline’s part to ‘get involved’ did make for some interesting moments. And the realizations that Donovan had, by his change in behavior and attitude, even his approach after Madeline was injured showed great growth and potential for him as a true romantic lead.

With multiple twists and turns, and several secondary characters who were ‘suspicious’ without even meaning to be, there are many potential suspects. The underlying mystery maintained a level of tension that requires you read on, ignoring everything until the killer is caught. Cleverly wrought, this is a story that will please mystery and romance fans alike.

I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

About the Author:

Chantel once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Before long, the need to create her own stories took over. She spends her daytime in the clinical profession of medical transcriptionist, but her passion is in the blissful hours she spends with her characters in the evenings.

Chantel lives in the western United States. When she isn’t writing, she loves playing cards with her family and snuggling with her lazy kitties.

Find Chantel at:  Website  §  Facebook  §  @ChantelRhondeau  §  goodreads

 

Review: The Worth of Things by David S. Henderson

Posted on by
Reply

17233686

Today I am pleased to present a returning  Independent author:  David S. Henderson with his book The Worth of Things. 

Title: The Worth of Things
Author: David Henderson
Format: eBook
Publisher: Pope, Harrington & Castro Press
Pages: 235
ISBN: B00AY8IUAU
Source: Author
Genre: Fiction, Literary
Stars: 4
Purchase Now:  Amazon

About the Book:

Sex, Drugs and Spring Break ’85: 12 awesome days and 5 totally bogus ones.
In 1985 when Daniel Bowman borrowed the keys to his mother’s minivan and set out with his friends for Fort Lauderdale he didn’t know where his travels would lead. Spring Break was supposed to be about getting wasted and chasing girls; he never anticipated a life changing journey.

The Worth of Things is, a first-hand account of the seventeen days when Daniel Bowman grew up—right after he married the stripper.

Book Review:

This was vastly different from the first title I read by this author, and a wholly enjoyable ride. Daniel was a fairly typical college student heading for the bacchanal that is Spring Break with some friends, cheap/free digs, an ounce of pot and a mission to party. A stop in a strip club a few hours north of their destination, the boys meet Tina, a lovely young woman of Indonesian descent who playfully asks Daniel to marry her, and his drunken reasoning thinks “why not’.

From that point forward, in 17 days everyone in this story experiences great changes to their lives. Throughout the twists of the story, the characters are easy to relate to, with a clear voicing from Daniel’s perspective of the story and events as they happen. Although Tina’s story is only told from his reactions, the impact of her life and the trials she has endured will change Daniel’s perspective for ever.

There were a few early homonym issues in the first half of the book: those missed choices of words and some misspellings and a few grammatical errors / missed names seemed to appear more often in the latter half. Honestly, the majority of these errors were not hugely detrimental to the story – this book has several twists and turns with wholly unexpected events that kept me needing to know more. I read this book in a few hours, the few errors not diminishing my enjoyment. With or without the errors corrected, this is a great beach/summer read.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

 

About the Author:   

Telling a story is a lot like leading someone to a cabin in the woods. You take them by the hand, start walking, and follow a path as it weaves its way through the trees. Along the way you point out the plants, animals, and numerous tidbits you know will add to the journey. Eventually you reach the front door of a cottage.

If the story teller does their job correctly, the path makes sense for the entire journey; the path narrows at the proper time, it becomes rocky (or doesn’t) when it feels right. The traveler isn’t confused, they understand what they are looking at and probably think they know what is up ahead.

With “The Worth of Things” I set out in the first half of the book to build a foundation with the characters, to create a course leading up a steady incline that brings the reader up and over a peak. On the other side of the summit, my intention was to move the reader quickly, to where they find themselves running down the path — and before they know it, they’ve run, full force, into the locked door of the cabin.

Find David at:  goodreads

AudioBook Review: Hemingway’s Girl by Erika Robuck

Posted on by
Reply

13485500

Title: Hemingway’s Girl
Author: Erika Robuck
Narrator:  Tavia Gilbert
Format: Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / AudioBook / CD & MP3 CD Audiobook
Publisher: NAL Trade; Original edition
Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0451237880
Audio Publisher: Tantor Media
Length: 9 Hours; 10 minutes
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Genre: Historical Fiction
Stars:  4
Purchase Now: Hardcover §  Paperback § eBook § Audible  § AudioCD/MP3

About the Book:
She remembered when Hemingway had planted a banyan tree at his house and told her its parasitic roots were like human desire. At the time she’d thought it romantic. She hadn’t understood his warning.” In Depression-era Key West, Mariella Bennet, the daughter of an American fisherman and a Cuban woman, knows hunger. Her struggle to support her family following her father’s death leads her to a bar and bordello, where she bets on a risky boxing match . . . and attracts the interest of two men: world-famous writer Ernest Hemingway, and Gavin Murray, one of the World War I veterans who are laboring to build the Overseas Highway. When Mariella is hired as a maid by Hemingway’s second wife, Pauline, she enters a rarified world of lavish, celebrity-filled dinner parties and elaborate off-island excursions. As she becomes caught up in the tensions and excesses of the Hemingway household, the attentions of the larger-than-life writer become a dangerous temptation . . . even as straightforward Gavin Murray draws her back to what matters most. Will she cross an invisible line with the volatile Hemingway, or find a way to claim her own dreams? As a massive hurricane bears down on Key West, Mariella faces some harsh truths . . . and the possibility of losing everything she loves.

Book Review:

Like many, I too have an interesting relationship with Hemingway: the myth surrounding the man, the incredible skill with words, the end at his own hand. While many texts will refer to his ‘larger than life’ persona, calling him the ‘man’s man’, and anecdotes all hint at his less than patient personality, it is only through this mix of fact and fiction, bringing the essence of the man to light while essentially telling the story of one young woman who met the writer during his second marriage.

Mariella is a strong, determined and solidly unorthodox young woman, struggling to maintain the family household after her father’s death and her mother’s slide into depression and lacklustre parenting. While drawn to Hemingway’s aura and solid masculinity, she is equally aghast at his often rude and spoiled behavior. Adding to her confusion is the appearance of a soldier that is as enamored of her as she is confused and confounded by him. The fictional relationships serve to throw spotlights on the fissures in Hemingway’s own second marriage, and serves to infuse Mariella’s youthful impulses with a sense of caution and maturity that was far beyond her years.

Tavia Gilbert as the narrator is polished, clearly spoken and wonderful to listen to. Her slight distinction in tone, tenor and even pacing to delineate the characters she is voicing helps to enhance the story, imbuing each voice with a sense of the character’s personality and weaknesses. Her mother, Eva, for example has that curious mixture of soft-spoken Hispanic lilt with the ennui common to depression, until her temper is flaring and her voice becomes more distinct and rapid-fire. These little nuances make a difference to a listener, emotional subtext and impact can be and is enhanced by professional delivery from the narrator.

This was a story that fuelled my desire and interest in Hemingway once again, and will have me searching for other titles in the same vein from this author. I found the mix of fictional and actual characters, the sense of Depression Era Key West, the realistic characters and the world building and description demanded I listen through the recording in one sitting. A not to be missed book for anyone curious or familiar with Hemingway and wanting to see more, even representations utilizing fictitious characters and conversations.

I received a copy of the AudioBook from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

About the Author :
Erika Robuck is a contributor to the popular fiction blog Writer Unboxed, and she maintains her own blog, Muse. She is the author of the novels Hemingway’s Girl, Receive Me Falling, and Call Me Zelda. A member of the Hemingway Society and the Historical Novel Society, Erika lives in the Chesapeake Bay area with her husband and three sons.

Find her at   Website § Facebook § @ErikaRobuck

About the Narrator:
Tavia Gilbert, a multiple Audie Award nominee and AudioFile Earphones and Parent’s Choice Award-winning producer, narrator, and writer, has appeared on stage and in film. School Library Journal has called the performances of this highly acclaimed performer “as close as you can get to a full cast narration with a solo voice.” She has narrated nearly 150 multicast and solo voice audiobooks.

Find her on    Website § Facebook  §  @taviagilbert