July 1, 2019 - August 1, 2019
This contest period's winners were Kristen S. from Pearland, TX and Sheila D. from Polk City, IA, who each received an audiobook copy of Riley Sager's LOCK EVERY DOOR, read by Dylan Moore, and Debbie Macomber's WINDOW ON THE BAY, read by Tavia Gilbert, Erin Bennett and Karissa Vacker.
John
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Narrator Name: Wil Wheaton
Rating the Audio Performance
Wil Wheaton is a delight! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A young man learns how to play video games and have fun!
Francisca
The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein
Narrator Name: Maggie Service
Rating the Audio Performance
Maggie Service does a great job voicing the audiobook. She sets a good pace, and brings Julia, Ellen, Euan and Jamie to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. This is a prequel of sorts to Wein’s CODE NAME VERITY, giving readers a little background on the character of Julia Beaufort-Stuart. It’s a good mystery and coming-of-age tale set in 1938 in the Scottish Highlands. I thought Wein did a good job of moving the plot forward and keeping the reader guessing. There are plenty of suspects and certain bits of evidence point first in one direction and then in another. Author notes at the end give additional information on the Travelers and on Scottish river pearls.
Sheila
Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton
Narrator Name: Lorelei King
Rating the Audio Performance
Love the ability to create a visual character verbally. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
It is a light read - just what I need when I don't want to concentrate incredibly hard.
Ivy
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
Narrator Name: Melinda Gates
Rating the Audio Performance
Clear sound, annunciation and emphasis throughout the audio, makes it engaging to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I am generally not into audiobooks. But I figured I would listen to it to and from work. I found myself looking forward to listening to Melinda's stories about women she has made a priority to meet and help in poor countries. Her commitment and activism is genuine. I found myself thinking about the many ways that we as women in America, regardless of color, could make a contribution in some way towards helping these women.
Cindy
The River by Peter Heller
Narrator Name: Mark Deakins
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfect voice for an outdoor adventure. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Had to sit in the garage several times waiting to hear “just one more chapter!”
Rezina
Educated by Tara Westover
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Good strong voice with changes for characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Remember it is her memoir.
Carolyn
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
Narrator Name: Kathleen Wilhoite
Rating the Audio Performance
Liked the different tones of voice for each character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A very funny and unique story!
Cecile
Dodge & Twist: An Audible Original Drama by Tony Lee
Narrator Name: Matt Lucas, Stephen Mangan, Michael Socha and Kara Tointon
Rating the Audio Performance
This was my first Audible Original and I didn't know it was going to be a live performance with multiple narrators. The performances as a whole were very good! Because I'm a visual person, it was difficult in parts for me to know what was going on because of all the sound effects...like listening to a movie. And it was also sometimes difficult for me to distinguish between the characters since I could not visualize the actors faces. But I was able to understand it and enjoyed it very much. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I liked the storyline very much. I saw Oliver as a kid in the theater so it was wonderful to revisit these characters to see where life had taken them I'll be listening to it again and I do recommend it.
Nadine
Summer Island by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Joyce Bean
Rating the Audio Performance
Fantastic job with different characters' voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Thirty-four-year-old Ruby Bridge is a not-too-successful comedienne who uses her mother, a nationally-syndicated "moral and spiritual counselor", as the main fodder for her cynical, rather bitter humor. Her mother Nora, long divorced from Ruby's father, is a woman whose past is just about to catch up with her - in the form of blackmail by a former lover. After an accident (an attempted suicide?) Ruby returns to care for her stricken mother - bitterly resenting the fact that once again her mother's life has colonized hers. When she is approached by a publisher to write a biography of her mother, Ruby is desperate for the princely sum offered. Yet her research into her mother's past reveals a woman very different from the one Ruby expected.
Cynthia
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
Narrator Name: Melinda Gates
Rating the Audio Performance
It is wonderful to have the author narrate their own book, and Melinda Gates narration lends to her message - one of power, commitment, and compassion for her vision of empowering women around the world. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is extremely inspirational, sharing the story of how the Gates Foundation has committed itself to finding ways to empower women around the world in various areas such as education, family planning, and breaking free from cultural stereotypes. As one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates' commitment to philanthropy is incredibly admirable, and the research done by his foundation ensures that projects are well-planned and culturally sensitive. As Melinda Gates shares her story, the personal touches she includes add even greater depth of understanding to the overall message.
Anne
Lavender Morning by Jude Devereaux
Narrator Name: Barbara McCulloh
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought McCulloh’s accent was just right...not too Southern, not too not-Southern. A perfect choice for audio. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Complicated, multiple storylines, flawed, yet perfect, characters. Just the thing. Plus research and a window into the past.
Mary Pat
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Narrator Name: Emily Rankin and Catherine Taber
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent narration. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was caught up in the story from the first page and stayed up late twice in order to finish it. A sad, but beautiful story.
Virginia
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Narrator Name: Brittany Pressley
Rating the Audio Performance
At first I thought she talked too fast, but I ended up enjoying the pace. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
True story of a therapist (and four of her patients,) who is moved to seek therapy herself in the light of a breakup.
Tessa
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Narrator Name: Rich Orlow
Rating the Audio Performance
Orlow has a great pace and is able to differentiate the many characters. I particularly liked how he portrayed Jake, Nathan, Lise and Gus. Marvelous job! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Krueger is best known for a series of mysteries set in Minnesota. Here he departs from that formula to write a stand-alone novel that explores issues of family loyalty, decency, and faith. The catalyst this particular summer is death – an accidental death, a natural death, a murder, a suicide. Through the Drum family we see how differently people react to death in this small town, where every person, related by blood or not, is somehow close to you and any death affects you. This is the first book by Krueger that I’ve read. It will not be the last.
Toni
Girl, Wash Your Face! by Rachel Hollis
Narrator Name: Rachel Hollis
Rating the Audio Performance
Having the author narrate have extra meaning to the emotional reveals of certain chapters. It was an interesting listen. While I might not agree with all that she suggested, I found several interesting and helpful suggestions about setting goals that I will use every day. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This was put together in an interesting way. It started with the lie and ended with what was helpful to the author.
Maureen
Bill O'Reilly Legends and Lies: The Patriots by David Fisher
Narrator Name: Holter Graham
Rating the Audio Performance
Very interesting voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I learned so much from this book. What we owe the patriots!!
Nancy
Conviction by Denise Mina
Narrator Name: Cathleen McCarron
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. McCarron is an excellent narrator. She has the rare ability to switch moods/emotions within a paragraph quickly. Her command of different languages is top-notch, and her ability to change genders (some from different countries or regions in the same country) makes her audiobooks a special treat to listen to. Highly recommend any book she narrates. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This comment is easy to write because this is one of the top three books I've read in 2019. Loved the main storyline and all the parallel ones running through it. A unique subject is something hard to find these days, but this murder mystery is like nothing I've read. It also includes a sense of humor.
Karen
The Better Sister by Alafair Burke
Narrator Name: Sophie Amoss, Samantha Desz and Mike Chamberlain
Rating the Audio Performance
The performance of the readers was very good. Their reading enhanced the listener's enjoyment of the novel. They voiced the characters so that the reader can imagine how each character would look and act. The tempo of their voices expressed the action in the story and the emotions of the characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Chloe Taylor was the youngest of the Taylor sisters. She is studious and gets a scholarship to a
prestigious college. Her goal is to escape from an abusive family situation so when she is offered a job with a New York Publisher she accepts it and moves to New York. She does well in her job. Meanwhile her sister, Nicky, stays near home, Cleveland, and drops out of college and leads a more carefree life. Nicky finally meets and marries an ambitious lawyer, Adam. They have a child, Ethan, but get a divorce when Adam says she isn't a good mother. He also moves to New York and marries Chloe. Chloe becomes very successful, and Ethan becomes a teenager. Adam has difficulty with both.
Mary
The Home For Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman
Narrator Name: Saskia Marrleveld
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator was really good. She has a great voice for narration and doesn’t bore the listener. Shows the difference in characters, great articulations, paced perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very tough subject matter but written in a thoughtful and tactful way. Really enjoyed the story, characters and how everything ended for the characters.
Tessa
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
Narrator Name: Grover Gardner
Rating the Audio Performance
Grover Gardner does a marvelous job performing the audio. He has a lot of characters to interpret and does a great job of Will Tweedy and Grandpa Blakeslee. He even does an acceptable rendition of the female voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Thirteen-year-old Will Tweedy narrates Burns’ historical novel which takes place in the small Georgia town of Cold Sassy Tree circa 1906. Oh, what a treat this novel is! The characters are richly drawn and cover the gamut of personalities. I was completely engaged in the story from beginning to end, laughing aloud several times as I watched the residents engage in gossip and speculation.
John
A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One by George R. R. Martin
Narrator Name: Roy Dotrice
Rating the Audio Performance
Roy Dotrice is a wonderful young actor who is really going to go places! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a story about places where seasons last a long time and people enjoy a tasty meal!
Cindy
Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle
Narrator Name: Vivienne Leheny, Chris Andrew Ciulla and Pete Simonella
Rating the Audio Performance
Love this book. Narrators did amazing jobs, clearing throats, the coughs the different voices, the audio changes of the voice. Loved everything about this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book from beginning to end AMAZING. Really felt sorry for Sabine and "Beth". When the end came I couldn't believe it! I've told every reader friend I have to read this book.
Tessa
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
Narrator Name: Emma Bering
Rating the Audio Performance
Emma Bering does a marvelous job performing the audio. She sets a good pace and has a pleasant voice. She has many accents to deal with and really shines voicing the many characters, bringing all their individual characteristics and quirks to life. I was never confused about who was speaking. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A German tourist in Paris runs from her loveless marriage and winds up in Brittany where she finds her inner strength, and love. I liked some aspects and was disinterested in others. (The whole Celtic Druid connection was unnecessary in my humble opinion.) All told, it’s an okay story and there are some moments that are really tender and enjoyable.
Sandi
Golden State by Lydia Keisling
Narrator Name: Amanda Dolan
Rating the Audio Performance
Good performance. Did voices well in a very bad book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really hate to dis a debut book, a new author, but this is definitely a "do not read" book. I actually listened to this book, however, I doubt that it made a big difference. The story of a young woman - a whiny young woman - who along with her screaming, tantrum-throwing baby leaves her job, moves away and makes new friends, since her Turkish husband returns to Turkey for an education. This book is just blah, blah, blah! Either the child is throwing a tantrum and screaming or the mother is coo-cooing the child incessantly. Just a monotone of woe-is-me! Nothing worth listening to, or reading. Nine hours of listening or 300 pages of reading time you can't get back! Extremely hard to pick it back up. Don't bother.
Lois
Transcription by Kate Atkinson
Narrator Name: Fenella Woolgar
Rating the Audio Performance
The story is told first person with much of the conversation happening inside her head. So listening to this on audio worked really well as I felt like I was the character. Fenella Woolgar's voice was perfect for the time period and setting. Also, for the main character's sometimes snarky comments (inside her head of course). I've "read" Kate's LIFE AFTER LIFE and enjoyed the story but just couldn't get into A GOD IN RUINS. Which confirms for me that sometimes books just need to be listened to rather than read. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Enjoyed the story of a transcriptionist working for MI5 during the war against Nazi Germany. The storyline moved back and forth in time but I was able to stay with it and not be too confused. Little twist at the end that I didn't see coming so overall an enjoyable story. Added bonus was the author's write-up at the end as to how the story came about and the real life history that was infused into the fictional storyline. Very interesting.
Kristen
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily and Finding Home by Tembi Locke
Narrator Name: Tembi Locke
Rating the Audio Performance
The author was the perfect choice to read her own story. Her intonations and Italian were great! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed reading her story as a Houstonian with a chef in their family.
kim
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Polly Stone
Rating the Audio Performance
Fantastic! The narrator 's voice draws you in and makes you feel as if you are in the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fast-paced, educational and an all-around great story. One of my favorites!
Kim
Count to Ten by Karen Rose
Narrator Name: Edoardo Ballerini
Rating the Audio Performance
Incredible! The narrator kept my attention through the entire story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I was reeled in on the first chapter. Karen Rose weaves stories that have just the right amount of suspense and romance to keep readers guessing until the very end.
Shelley
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Narrator Name: Michelle Obama
Rating the Audio Performance
Thrilling to hear this read by the author! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Awesome.
Tessa
The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan
Narrator Name: Gabrielle Glaster, Laura Kirman, Imogen Wilde, Adjoa Andoh, Tom Clegg, and Mike Grady
Rating the Audio Performance
The audiobook is narrated by a cast of talented voice artists. I’m not certain who voiced which character, but they were all marvelous, really bringing the residents of Chilbury to life. A bonus for this listener is the choral music; oh, how I loved hearing snippets of the choir’s performances. On the strength of the audio performance I’m rounding up to 5 stars. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. Among the many novels about World War II, this one stands out for its focus on the women left behind. Set in an English village, where most of the men are off to the fight, and the women have stepped up to the task of keeping things going. The novel is told by a series of diary entries and letters. I was engaged and interested from beginning to end, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these ladies!
Mike
Life will be the Death of Me...and You Too! by Chelsea Handler
Narrator Name: Chelsea Handler
Rating the Audio Performance
I was impressed with Chelsea's narration. She is funny and, on top of that, there are a lot of personal moments and you can hear the emotion in her voice. I appreciated that so much. I always try to do the audiobooks for humor books read by the author. They rarely disappoint. This one was great. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Let's see...how to put this diplomatically... Aside from the personal bits, which I loved, there seems to be a lot about weed, alcohol and pills. I am not saying it isn't funny - it is quite often. I guess I am saying I tired of the subject matter. Take out all of that stuff and you have a pamphlet. Regardless, this is an enjoyable book overall. Her first book is probably still my favorite but I enjoyed this one, too.
Kimiko
The Fix by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy
Rating the Audio Performance
Audio performances were terrific with the many different characters of this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is Book 3 of the Amos Decker series. I felt that Decker spent a lot of time running around in circles. He would take the investigation one way, drop that without ever seeing it through to the end (even though his character is well known for sticking to a course of action until the end), and then run off in another direction. Very disjointed; not as cohesive of a story as the others.
Janet
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Narrator Name: Ari Graynor and Beth Malone
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrators did a good job and made this long book easy to follow. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Trying to explain this book is hard. I won the audio version through a contest so just want to say that and thank Simon and Schuster audio and Bookreporter.com. This story says a lot. It covers sisters from the 1950s through 2022 and reflects the times from then to now. A lot goes on and it is a bit hard to think all that could happen to one or two people, but it tells a story of those times and what really going on. It's not a happy book nor is a "summer read" but it's a any-time read. The reason I'm not rating is higher is the explicit scenes. It was too much in my opinion and I could have done with less detail. Readers know what happens and some things can an be left off. I can't recommend to all for that reason.
Betty
Fifty Fifty by James Patterson and Candice Fox
Narrator Name: Federay Holmes
Rating the Audio Performance
Didn’t care for the reader at all. I stopped after 8 chapters. It was not easy to listen to and didn’t capture my interest. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I like the majority of Patterson’s books. I think I would have finished it if there had been a different person who narrated the book.
Theresa
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Narrator Name: Kirsten Potter
Rating the Audio Performance
Narrator did a perfect job voicing all the different characters. She was clear and precise. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story of a young couple with a baby who are invited to a dinner party of their neighbors next door. When their babysitter cancels at the last minute they leave the baby at home and check on her every thirty minutes. Sometime between one of those intervals the baby is kidnapped and what you think happened and what actually happened will probably surprise you. I recommend it.
Margaret
The English Wife by Lauren Willig
Narrator Name: Barrie Kreinik
Rating the Audio Performance
Barrie was fantastic. After finishing I checked both Goodreads and Barrie’s webpage to find other books she has narrated. I’m off to the library with that list. I’ve listened to quite a few audiobooks and she is really outstanding. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed the twists, turns and romances in this novel.
Francisca
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Narrator Name: Mohsin Hamid
Rating the Audio Performance
Hamid narrates the audiobook himself. He does a marvelous job, really bringing the characters and situations to life. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
4.5 stars. What an inventive and interesting way of telling a tale that examines issues of immigration, war, and love. Hamid uses a framework of a political unrest, where outsiders are quickly blamed for all that goes wrong. It’s uncomfortably recognizable and plausible, but also has a mystical/ethereal quality.
Beverly
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrator Name: Jennifer Beals, Ben Bratt, Judy Greer, Julia Wheelan, Robinne Lee, Pablo Schriber and a full cast
Rating the Audio Performance
Because of large amount of characters, it takes time to get acclimated to the voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I enjoyed the story, brought me back to the 60s and my teen years. The writing style was a little different, but helped to keep the characters straight.
Theresa
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
Narrator Name: Imogen Church
Rating the Audio Performance
Imogen Church did a good job on changing her voice to differentiate the various female and male characters in a way that you knew who was speaking without even mentioning their name. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The central character is Harriet (Hal) who barely earns a living reading tarot cards. One day she receives a letter about receiving an inheritance and even though she knows it was sent to the wrong person she decides to go to the funeral and begins to learn a lot about her past. Every time you think you have everything figured out and it will be the end of the story, there is a twist that you don't see coming. I enjoyed this one.
Tessa
Educated by Tara Westover
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia Whelan does a marvelous job of voicing the audiobook. She made me believe that I was listening to a someone tell her own story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
In this memoir, Westover recalls her childhood and personal journey to become an educated, independent woman. It’s amazing that Westover survived some of the episodes she relates; it’s a testament to her inner strength and determination that she managed to prosper. Her story is fascinating, compelling and inspiring, but there are scenes that left me shaking my head or cringing in fear.
Karen
The Big Kahuna by Janet Evanovich and Peter Evanovich
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Scott Brick reads this book to reflect the playful tone. He draws the listeners into the story and keeps them listening. He voices the characters so that one can imagine the characters speaking
and performing the actions. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Kate O'hare, FBI agent, and Nick Fox, con man turned FBI consultant are given a case involving a missing Silicon valley CEO who calls himself the Big Kahuna. His plane went missing over the Pacific and now his wife and one of his investors, Olga, wants to have him declared dead. His son, Hamilton, living in Hawaii says he will turn up. Kate, Nick, Kate's father, Jack, and Cosmos, a by-the-book FBI agent, go to Hawaii to try to find the Big Kahuna. The search involves fancy hotels, yurts, ancient ice cream trucks, hit men hired by Olga, thick jungles, destruction of a glass bottom boat and a little library, candle making, surfing and finally finding the big Kahuna and why he was hiding.
Helen
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Narrator Name: Ari Graynor and Beth Malone
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Wonderful story. Great to listen to!
Nadine
Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff
Narrator Name: Staci Snell
Rating the Audio Performance
Staci Snell did a good job on characters' voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Meggie Dillon's life has been turned upside down by World War II. Her older brother Eddie enlisted and was shipped off to fight in Europe. And people say that anywhere else Grandpa would be turned in because he's German, and people might think he's a spy. Is it true? Could Grandpa be taken away? Meggie's father has announced that they must help the war effort and move to Willow Run, Michigan, where he'll work nights in a factory. Willow Run will be the greatest adventure ever, Meggie thinks. And there she faces questions about courage. I hope there’s another book so I can finish the story.
Nancy
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Narrator Name: Caroline Lee
Rating the Audio Performance
Great job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I really enjoyed the story.
Karen
Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan
Narrator Name: Jim Frangione
Rating the Audio Performance
Jim Frangione is a good reader for this book. He voices the characters so that the listener can feel the emotions of each character. His voice reflects the action as it happens, and this pulls the listener into the story and keeps them listening. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Shadow warrior, Vittorio Ferraro thinks he will never find a suitable woman to be his wife. He has just returned from a shadow warrior mission when he senses a problem in the family's night club. He sees members of a rival family on an upper floor and rides the shadows up so he can hear what they are talking about. A scruffy young man is trying to settle gambling debts with them by selling his foster sister to them. Vittorio follows them to the parking lot where Grace, the foster sister, is locked in the trunk of a car. Grace refuses to go with them, and Vittorio intervenes. Grace steps in front of Vittorio when her foster brother tries to shoot him. Vittorio has found his woman. The foster brother is still a threat.
Ricki
Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink and Jeffery Cranor
Narrator Name: Cecil Baldwin, Retta, Therese Plummer and Dan Bittner
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfect tone and pace for this type of story; I just didn't like the one segment that had multiple voices. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This fun, quirky book is perfect for fans of "The X-Files" or "Haven".
Francisca
Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen
Narrator Name: Kimberly Schraf
Rating the Audio Performance
Kimberly Schraf does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. She sets a good pace and gives the many characters sufficiently unique voices to help differentiate them. Her rendition of Bobby is oily and just gives me the shivers. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The abused wife of a New York City detective flees with their son to a new life in a new state with new identities. Quindlen gives the reader a reasonably suspenseful story arc, but I had some problems believing in the characters. I was interested in how it would play out, but I won’t remember this book for long.
Wendy
A House for Happy Mothers by Amulya Malladi
Narrator Name: Deepa Samuel
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator did a great job with the Indian accents. Her change of voice for all characters was easy to follow. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
An interesting storyline, but at times some of the characters were whiny and the story was repetitive.
Mary
Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera
Narrator Name: Robin Miles, Adenrele Ojo and Brittany Pressley
Rating the Audio Performance
The three narrators capture the personas of their characters perfectly, as well as the voices of other characters in the story. The different voices bring the story to life and add extra dimension to the emotions of the characters in the story. It is not read, but performed, and performed excellently! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story takes place in rural South Carolina during the 1920s and brings together the voices of three very different women in a small plantation town. There is fear, despair, shame, strength and camaraderie between the main characters. Easy to listen to and hard to forget.
Linda
The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke
Narrator Name: Karissa Vacker
Rating the Audio Performance
Kudos to Ms. Vacker for her narration of this book. She nailed it! She had the tender and sweet Sam, and the vindictive Sam, the confident, self-assured Lila, the terrified Lila, the broken Lila --- all of them, down pat. Great job. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
There were two storylines here, kind of reminiscent of the movie Sliding Doors. The chapters alternated between the two storylines, FREE and CAPTURED. Lila has done some pretty awful things in her life, and she was hard to like, though the thing that precipitated the awful things that happen to her, it was hard to blame her for. That said, by the end of the book, I was hoping that she and Ethan could sort things out and get back together. I will say that I figured out about halfway through WHO the bad guy was, though I couldn’t see the WHY. And perhaps that was the most unconvincing part. I think if there had been a better motive, I’d have given 5 stars. That said, it was a great listen. Fairly addictive!
Tessa
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
Narrator Name: Grover Gardner
Rating the Audio Performance
Grover Gardner does a fine job narrating the audiobook. He sets a good pace and manages to differentiate the many characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love Irving’s writing and don’t know why this one languished on my TBR for so long. What I really like about the novel is how the characters are portrayed. The reader gets a clear idea of how Dr. Larch came to his decision. The reader also clearly understands why Homer makes a different decision, and how he struggles to love this man who is like a father to him, once he makes that decision. And the reader watches the painful separation that all parents face when they send their offspring out into the world to make their own way. How a parent’s hopes and dreams may not always be embraced by that child.
Kristine
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Narrator Name: Meera Syal and others
Rating the Audio Performance
I loved this story, and with the multiple narrators, I felt like I was dropped into the movie! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved the story line and learned so much from a different culture than my own.
Mary
Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver
Narrator Name: Courtney Carver
Rating the Audio Performance
The author does a great job with the narration. There were a couple of "technical" glitches. I had to rewind to be sure I heard something correctly. In one instance, the narrator starts a sentence over. Not sure the listeners were supposed to hear that goof. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love the author's message. Some of the tips are a little out of my league --- parsing down my wardrobe to a total of 30 pieces (including coats, shoes, scarves and jewelry), for example. This one is too extreme for me. But overall, lots of great pointers for getting rid of the excess and making the most of what you have. 
