plaidninja814

Stunning!! Ten Stars!

Revisado: 07-14-22

Lord of the Sea is a beautifully compelling and heartbreaking story of love and life. There is tragedy, humor, anger and forgiveness – and all of these on many levels. The story continues with Connor, son of Brendan and Mira from Captain of My Heart, and his beautiful Rhiannon who, it seems at first, is too young and starry-eyed to be a good match for him but who later proves to be his strength. I don’t want to summarize the story since other reviewers before me have already done that. But I do agree with them, that although parts of the story are very difficult to hear (yes, you will need tissues), it is definitely worth it!

When I first read Lord of the Sea, a few years ago, it had a true emotional impact on me. The story stayed with me for days – I just couldn’t stop thinking about it! I had never read such a beautiful story that had the power to make me laugh but then to gut me later, or to make me literally grieve for the characters and then fill me with hope and reassurance. I was in awe of the author’s mind, that she could craft such a stunningly brilliant portrait of a family that I felt as if I knew them. It was then Danelle Harmon became my favorite romance author. I’ve re-read the story several times since then, and each time I have literally felt a different aspect and seen the characters from a different perspective. At each re-reading, they’ve all been true to life, even though the plot is set in the early 1800’s and times were different then.

Once the audio version became available, narrated by Wayne Farrell, I knew I had to listen. I’ve heard him narrate other books by Ms. Harmon, so I had expectations. He more than did the story justice! What I like about this narrator is that he seems to perform the story in the moment, as if he is there in that character. He just makes the dialogue flow effortlessly. His interpretation of the emotions is always spot on. Hearing him read Lord of the Sea made the story even more real to me and I ended up listening to it twice. It is definitely worth the credit!

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Great Story, Greater Performance

Revisado: 09-20-17

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

Brad Wills' narration was even better than I'd come to expect from him. With so many different characters, I'd never have kept them straight by reading the book. I had no difficulty following the story and who was speaking with this narration. I enjoyed his voices and accents immensely!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ghislaine was my favorite character. She was immensely independent and capable, and quite brave. She was a strong warrior woman who followed her heart.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in which Aramis offers to marry de Shera's eldest daughter was my favorite. He proved how far one might go for the person they love. In Aramis' case, it was the woman he loved and for his friend as well. A great illustration of the bond between the knights. Although de Shera's daughter was not the woman Aramis loved, his offer spoke of the woman's beauty and accomplishments and never intimated that he felt he was accepting less.

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

Thirteen hours would have been impossible to listen to in one sitting, but I listened after work each day until "The End."

Any additional comments?

Bravo, Brad Wills!! You always do a fantastic job of narrating Le Veque's stories, but this one was your best so far!

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A Few Surprises!

Revisado: 02-09-17

Would you consider the audio edition of A Viking for the Viscountess to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version of the book yet, but I intend to. That said, I believe that Brad Wills' narration definitely adds life to the characters and excitement to the story.. He is an incredibly talented narrator and quite capable of voicing many diverse characters - male or female, young or old!

What did you like best about this story?

I like how well the author thought out the story because having characters born a thousand years apart definitely shapes scenes and dialogue. Each character must react within his/her own experiences and time period. The story was quite unusual and had a few twists and surprises that I did not expect. Authors who can surprise me really get my attention! I also like how the hero had to switch places with another in order to time travel - something I haven't seen in time-travel plots up to now.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are several scenes that stand out, but my favorite was the scene in which Arik is shot trying to protect Juliana's son. It was quite emotional, and was a plot twist I didn't expect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Be careful what you wish for.

Any additional comments?

At first the story seemed a bit darker than what I normally like, but I kept listening and I'm glad I did! I really hope that Ms. Willingham has Eric's story done in audio. Of course, Brad Wills must narrate it!!!

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Quite An Unusual Love Story

Revisado: 12-13-15

What did you love best about A Jewel in the Vaults?

This is not the typical love story. I've read stories before where the heroine has to pretend to be male, for situational reasons, but I've not read or heard much about a young woman who was raised as a male to save her from the dangerous existence she was born into. I really appreciated the H/h characters, too. Robbie is a good person who has lived since birth in an underworld of the lowest of people. She does what she has to do to survive, and appreciates any kindness shown her. She sees the good in people who are invisible to others because of their unfortunate circumstances. Conall is a gentleman with good morals who loves his home and family, but he will fight if forced to do so.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Jewel in the Vaults?

For a novella, this story has quite a few memorable moments, but one that stands out is when Robbie explains to Conall why the sunrise is so important to her.

What does James McCreadie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It's just a beautiful story to listen to! I might try to read the story with a Scottish brogue but would definitely fail. He differentiated Robbie's Lowland dialect somewhat from that of Highlander Conall. He did the voice of the old woman, Peggy, very well. I really enjoyed his entire narration.

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

This story stayed with me for a very long time after I initially read it as part of an anthology. I was just amazed at how the author could create such beautiful characters, set them in a horrific place and still have it all work out.

Any additional comments?

I really loved the story and just had to listen to Mr. McCreadie's narration of it. He did a great job with it. I would definitely listen to him again.

NOTE: I was given the audiobook as a gift and wanted to leave a review in appreciation.

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Great Story!!

Revisado: 09-08-15

What made the experience of listening to Highland Solution the most enjoyable?

I absolutely loved Paul Woodson's performance! The emotion and pacing were really good, and his brogue was one of the best I've heard.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Katherine. She had so many admirable traits, and was much stronger than given credit for. Plus, she had to put up with Niall and his overabundant stupidity! He was so slow to learn.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were quite a few really good scenes, but the one that stands out is the scene in which Katherine calls Niall an IDIOT!!! I laughed out loud! (There were other times I yelled at him!)

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Even an idiot deserves love.

Any additional comments?

This was my first story by Ceci Giltenan and I found it extremely enjoyable, although if I'd read the book I might have thrown it at the wall a time or two. The Hero was such a jerk, at times.

*I was given a copy of the audio for honest review.

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I Will Listen To This One Again and Again!!

Revisado: 09-04-15

Where does Beast rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's definitely in my top five! Top two, if I had to base it on how much effort the narrator put into the story.

What other book might you compare Beast to and why?

I would compare 'Beast' to 'Guardian of Darkness.' Both were written by Kathryn Le Veque and both narrated by Brad Wills. The two stories are vastly different, but there are moments of great tragedy and poignancy in both.

What about Brad Wills’s performance did you like?

Everything! Come on, it's Brad Wills!!! The best of The Best!! Seriously, this book is by far his best effort! His range of emotion in 'Beast' was much wider. He read the voice of the 9-year-old king very well. As always, I was struck by how he can switch voices in a conversation and the pacing never lags. Imagine trying to read the male lead, the female lead and a child all in the same conversation without losing a beat!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were quite a few moments in this book that I thought were particularly moving. One moment was when Joan of Arc addressed the French people gathered at her execution. Another moment was when Bastian's wife screamed at him that she would hate him all the rest of her days.

The part that really got me, though, was the entire portion following Sir Braxton's death. Grief-stricken at the news his father had died when their home had been invaded, Bastian raced home to ensure the welfare of his wife. When he burst into his father's chamber and saw him, and then got the reaction of his grieving and angry wife, he was just broken. When he continued, in tears, pleading with his wife to open the door and listen to him, he reached the end of his rope. By the time I listened through to the end of that scene, I felt gutted!!

Any additional comments?

I will definitely listen to this audio again and again. Get it - you won't be disappointed!

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So Emotional!!

Revisado: 08-14-15

If you could sum up Frederick's Queen in three words, what would they be?

Heartbreaking, powerful, stunning.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Aggie was my favorite character. She was incredibly strong, somewhat naive but quite persistent. Few would live through all she'd encountered, yet she never gave up.

What does Brad Wills bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The book was terrific on its own, and I really liked the story when I read it but Brad Wills' narration just added so much depth and emotion to it that it almost became a whole different story to me. He is my favorite narrator by far, and I thought I knew what to expect from him in this story, but even still I was quite surprised. He put so much more emotion in this book than others he's narrated. There were times I just had to stop listening for a bit and think about it. I thought I'd already heard the full range of his talent, but I was wrong!!

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

I did!! There were times where I laughed out loud, particularly when Aggie told Frederick just what she'd do to him if he walked out the door instead of staying to talk to her!!! There were more times, however, where I felt myself emotionally curling up like a leaf. Parts of the story were just so hard to hear, Those parts were quite necessary to the story, but I have to say this is one book that will not leave the listener unaffected.

Any additional comments?

Ms. Tisdale is known for creating powerful characters in her books, and this one was no exception. I'd say Frederick's Queen sparks quite a bit more reaction, however. It's easy to feel sympathetic toward her good characters and REALLY despise the evil ones!! I was ready for Mermadek to get his just reward from the very beginning of the story!

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Quite Enjoyable!

Revisado: 07-21-15

What did you love best about The Thunder Lord?

When Gallus realized how badly he'd screwed up in his marriage to Jenniver, he traveled to Wales during a horrendous snowstorm to retrieve his wife, even though he became gravely ill as a result. I also liked that she didn't let him off the hook easily when he begged her forgiveness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Although I liked Gallus and Jenniver, my favorite character was Gallus' mother, Honey de Shera. She was intelligent and pro-active, and quite astute when it came to politics as well as her sons.

Which character – as performed by Gethyn Edwards – was your favorite?

Mr. Edwards' best character performance was Jenniver's father. He did such a great job with the 'deathbed' scene, I could almost picture it!

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to hear Maximus' story!!

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Couldn't Stop Listening!!

Revisado: 07-04-15

Taking the castle, lands, and even the widow of his dead adversary was part of David Hume's plan to avenge the deaths of his father and uncle. After ten miserable years of marriage to a hateful tyrant that she abhorred, a forced marriage to the stranger who stole her daughters' legacy was the last thing Alison expected to happen. Sparks flew between David and Alison from the very beginning, each assuming things about the other and creating a seemingly impossible start to their marriage. How would they ever come to understand each other, much less tolerate or even come to love each other?

'Captured By A Laird' was my first introduction to author Margaret Mallory, and I found the story very exciting. I kept wondering how the characters could ever find forgiveness and acceptance, much less love, and with each event caught myself thinking, "no, you're wrong, don't do it!" I liked how she developed her characters with the unfolding events, adding a bit of suspense until each situation was resolved. I will be watching for the next book in this series.

I really enjoyed Derek Perkins' narration of the book. His Scottish accent sounded so authentic, and the emotionality expressed in some of the scenes was a bit heart-wrenching. I couldn't stop listening!! When he choked out Alison's whispered "please!" I actually gasped! I look forward to hearing his narrations of other books.


*I won this audio in a contest, and am giving an honest review in appreciation.

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Beautiful, Touching Story

Revisado: 07-02-15

After the death of his wife, missionary Joshua Norton leaves Uganda with his 9-year-old son, Micah, to return home to Sweetwater Springs, Montana. Stopping first in Cambridge for a visit with his wife's' parents, Joshua is disheartened to learn that his in-laws have made plans for him to teach missionary studies at the University and for Micah to enroll in school. Already physically and emotionally exhausted, Joshua only wants to return home to Montana, his son with him. Having lost his mother, his home, his best friend, and all he has ever known, Micah doesn't want to go anywhere except back to Uganda.

Delia Fortier, a woman of mixed racial heritage, is desperate to leave home because her mother is attempting to sell her to a powerful but villainous politician. Believing her father to be in New York, she locates his mother and begs for her help, but her grandmother snubs her because of her background and illegitimacy. Just as she was preparing to leave her grandmother's home, her father and uncle arrive. Overjoyed to learn he has a daughter, Andre Bellaire offers Delia the chance to accompany him out west to start a new life together.

The first time Joshua sees Delia he is drawn to her beauty and gentle spirit like a magnet. The loss of his wife had taken so much out of him, as had the difficult years before her illness. His wife was not the wife and mother he'd thought she'd be, rather, she was harsh and judgmental, leaving emotional scars on Joshua and damaging his relationship with his son. Chastising himself for imagining what kind of minister's wife Delia would be, he reminded himself of his purpose in returning home. Reminding herself of her father's intent that she marry well, Delia catches herself imagining what it would be like to be married to a man as kind as Joshua, and having a son such as Micah for her own.

Divine intervention comes when Andre becomes gravely ill on the train and Joshua is pressed into service to comfort the man's daughter until a doctor can be found. Too ill to travel further, Andre is carried from the train and the doctor is summoned, who treats the man and advises that he remain in Sweetwater Springs to recover.

Throughout the story, Joshua is drawn to Delia and he finds himself hoping that she is growing to feel the same about him. Delia is actually quite drawn to Joshua but is fearful of what his reaction will be once he learns her 'secret.' I don't want to give away the rest of the story, but I kept thinking how much Joshua and Micah needed Delia, and she needed them just as much.

I loved the detail in this story: the prospects for women of mixed heritage in that time period, the selflessness of those called to the ministry and to missionary work, and the difficulties such a life imposes on the children of those families. One particularly touching scene was when Joshua's mother explained how she reworked the donated clothing into suitable garments for parishioners in need.

I really like the way Debra Holland writes about subjects not often touched upon, and the motivations and hearts of the characters. In seeing the sketches of the various families and situations in life, it is obvious that things are seldom as they appear. Although I know I would have enjoyed reading the book, I'm so glad to have heard the audio version. Natalie Ross is an incredibly talented narrator! She sounds as convincing as an old man as she does a small child, and her many voices are delightful! She switches back and forth from character to character smoothly, without losing any of the quality of characters' voices. There were a couple of times where I could have sworn there was another actor reading with her!!

I really enjoyed listening to 'Glorious Montana Sky' and was sorry to see it end. As usual, I wanted more of the story. My fingers are crossed for more of books in the series, and for glimpses of these endearing characters.

**I was given the promo code for an honest review.

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