August 1, 2019 - September 3, 2019
This contest period's winners were Pat Y. from Lynbrook, NY and Francisca E. from Bayside, WI, who each received an audiobook copy of Laura Lippman's LADY IN THE LAKE, read by Susan Bennett, and Daniel Silva's THE NEW GIRL, read by George Guidall.
Francisca
The Handsome Man's Deluxe Cafe by Alexander McCall Smith
Narrator Name: Lisette Lecat
Rating the Audio Performance
Lisette Lecat is marvelous narrating this series. When I read one of the books in text format it is HER voice I hear in my head. She IS Precious Ramotswe, and all the other characters in this beloved series. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Book # 15 in the popular No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series has the ladies investigating a case of amnesia. In the meantime, Mma Grace Makutsi has decided to open a new restaurant. I love this series. The cases the agency works on are less important in this series than the relationships between the characters. I feel like I’m spending time with old friends when I open one of these books and become immersed in their lives. They are my reading comfort food.
Geralyn
The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland
Narrator Name: Imogen Church
Rating the Audio Performance
Imogen is one of my absolute favorite audio performers. She always brings the characters to life in such an expressive way. I just recently listened to her read IN A DARK, DARK WOOD by Ruth Ware and she was great as usual on that one, too! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Charming book about a bookstore I would love to visit with quirky characters and a great storyline.
Mary Lou
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Narrator Name: Brittany Pressley
Rating the Audio Performance
Ms. Pressley sounded exactly like a therapist should. Very well done! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is so interesting. The case studies of the patients and also the case study of the therapist/author, Lori Gottlieb. I feel like I learned a great deal, even some things about myself.
Denise
Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank
Narrator Name: Shannon McManus
Rating the Audio Performance
I so enjoyed this narrator I found myself sitting in my car long after I had parked it to continue listening to her voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The storyline was cute with a lot of twists and turns. A fun summer listen. I was rooting for the heroine throughout the book.
Helen
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
Narrator Name: David Sedaris
Rating the Audio Performance
Hysterical, laugh-out-loud funny. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Fun! Irreverent!
Rebecca
Robert B. Parker's The Bridge by Robert Knott
Narrator Name: Rex Linn
Rating the Audio Performance
Very monotone. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
If you remove the words "he said" and "she said", the book would be halved!
ELISE
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Narrator Name: Nicholas Guy Smith
Rating the Audio Performance
Excellent, perfect for the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Excellent. Already read, but I'm enjoying the audio a lot!
Kathryn
Neon Prey by John Sandford
Narrator Name: Richard Ferrone
Rating the Audio Performance
Richard does an amazing job of voice inflection to differentiate multiple characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The Lucas Davenport series is very exciting and thrilling.
Laura
How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
Narrator Name: Ralph Cosham
Rating the Audio Performance
Mr. Cosham makes Inspector Gamache come alive. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I will keep on reading/listening to the series. The characters have become old friends.
Tessa
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
Narrator Name: Fannie Flagg and Lorna Raver
Rating the Audio Performance
I thought that this time out I’d enjoy Fannie Flagg reading the audio version. She’s marvelous; a trained actress, she can easily interpret the many characters. However, I realized after I’d gotten the book from the library that Flagg’s audio work is an abridged version. So, I managed to get the unabridged version as well narrated by Lorna Raver. Raver does a fine job, but she’s not Fannie Flagg. Who could be?! I’d give Raver’s narration 4 stars. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is actually the third time I’ve read this book and I love just as much now as I did the first time. Flagg does a marvelous job of developing these characters, and the reader feels the love between them. I was hooked from the beginning and engaged throughout.
Tessa
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Narrator Name: Emily Rankin and Catheine Taber
Rating the Audio Performance
The audiobook is performed by two talented voice artists: Emily Rankin and Catherine Taber. They do a fine job of narrating, breathing life into these characters. I particularly liked the chapters told from Rill’s perspective, though I’m sorry to say I’m not certain which of these artists voiced those. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. This historical novel is based on a shameful episode in Tennessee history, when babies were sold for profit and powerful people looked the other way. I was engaged and interested from the beginning, but... Of the two time lines I much preferred the historical story arc set in Depression-era Tennessee. I did not care for the contemporary story arc featuring Avery and her uncertain/ conflicting love interests. Most of the characters seemed to come straight from central casting. Still, our face to face book group had a lively discussion.
John
Educated by Tara Westover
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
It's just like having a quality actor in the same room as you! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The story of a simple mountain girl escaping her past!
Ricki
The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson
Narrator Name: Fiona Hardingham
Rating the Audio Performance
Hardingham easily distinguishes between characters while sounding perfectly natural on all of them. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book runs the gamut of emotions but is still a delightful read.
Pat
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia Whelan has you hooked from the first sentence. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I love Evvie and enjoy listening to how her life unfolds after the death of her husband who everyone except her adored!
Michelle
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
Narrator Name: Almarie Guerra
Rating the Audio Performance
Not very good unfortunately. It was very difficult to tell the difference between the characters. Most sounded very robotic. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This novel on such an important subject had so much potential it’s maddening! The timing to write this couldn’t have been more perfect with such a relevant subject following the MeToo era. There were some very eye-opening things pointed out regarding what it is like to be a woman in today’s corporate environment, particularly in a male-dominated industry. Working in a similar male-dominated environment (IT), I could relate to a great many (minor) experiences, things I didn’t think twice about or have just grown to accept as “the way it is.” There were segments that gave me great pause. The author made strong points on many subjects that I believe will be quite thought-provoking for many, and for that reason I gave it as many as three stars.
Anna Servati
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan, George Newbern, James Daniels and Dara Rosenberg
Rating the Audio Performance
I really enjoyed listening to this book. I totally enjoyed that there were different narrators for all four characters. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
A short story that packs a wallop. I became engaged in the story right from the beginning and did not expect the twist at the end. I only gave it a 3 star out of 5 because I just don't feel that it's a must-read. I usually don't read short stories but this one was excellent. The author did a great job with just a few pages. I will definitely read another one of her books.
Richard
The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
Narrator Name: Dennis Boutsikaris
Rating the Audio Performance
The narrator does a very good job on this audiobook. He sets a good pace, and makes the characters sufficiently unique so as not to confuse. Still, I was glad to have a copy of the text handy, because it includes a map and numerous photographs. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
3.5 stars. In the early 1980s, the residents of Tuscany were terrorized by a serial killer every bit as brutal as Jack the Ripper. Known as the Monster of Florence, the psychopath was never caught. Preston and Spezi put their journalism skills to the test, and for their troubles, became the focus of criminal investigation themselves. There are some elements of the book that rival the best true-crime books, but in the end I was left feeling that it was "just okay."
Cecile
Fame is a Killer (Hope Hadley Cozy Mystery #1) by Meredith Potts
Narrator Name: Rachel Carr
Rating the Audio Performance
Rachel Carr was fantastic as the narrator of FAME IS A KILLER! She's full of personality and brought this book to life! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
FAME IS A KILLER is the first in the Hope Hadley Cozy Mystery series and I think Hope is a terrific character. She loses her job and boyfriend in the same day and is then gets involved in a murder that she's desperate to solve to save her own skin. Is this going to be the start of a new career for Hope? Excited to listen to Book Two to find out!
Carolyn
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
Narrator Name: Michael Crouch
Rating the Audio Performance
I liked how he changed his voice for each character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Very interesting and unique story about AIDS, art, family and love.
Tessa
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Narrator Name: Scott Brick
Rating the Audio Performance
Scott Brick does a fine job narrating the audiobook. He set a good pace and was chillingly non-emotional when voicing the intelligent robots (especially the politician). Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I’ve never been a great fan of science fiction but this book has been on my TBR for ages. The thread that weaves the chapters together is Susan Calvin, PhD – a specialist in “Robopsychology.” As the narrator relates Dr. Calvin’s fifty years of experiences in the field, the reader gets a sense of the slippery slope humanity has embarked on by relying more and more on these highly intelligent machines. It’s fascinating, frightening, thrilling and thought-provoking.
Mary
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Narrator Name: Michelle Obama
Rating the Audio Performance
I decided to tackle this on audio because Michelle Obama was reading her own memoir. I’m so glad I did! She puts her heart into the narration which chronicles her life through the end of President Barack Obama’s 2nd term on January 20, 2017. Her recitation is superb, it adds the right amount of emotion to each story in every chapter. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Mrs. Obama’s story is a testament to strong families, education and self-confidence. She and brother Craig were raised in south Chicago by two loving parents and a large extended family. Education was a priority throughout, leading Michelle to an undergraduate degree from Yale and a law degree from Harvard. She details her youth, career and life with future President Barack Obama. This is a moving, heartfelt and honest story that left me even more enamored of the Obama family.
Helen
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Narrator Name: Therese Plummer
Rating the Audio Performance
I read a hard copy of this book first and just knew I wanted to listen to the book on audio. Plummer does a fantastic job on bringing the book to life. I live in the Boston area and Plummer captures the accent perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved this book. I live in the Boston area. I love reading books about strong, smart women who make no excuses. They live with the consequences of their actions.
Patti
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan and Jesse Bernstein
Rating the Audio Performance
The audio performance was very good. The characters were very believable.
Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The characters (the twins) seemed portrayed as being real. Siblings in real life have issues with each other as in real life.
Helen
Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) by David Sedaris
Narrator Name: David Sedaris
Rating the Audio Performance
Yes, I listened to the entire book. All 13 hours 53 min. It is the best way to read diary entries by David Sedaris. I have the hardback, but it can't convey the expression of his thoughts the way the audio can. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I am amazed that he wrote every day for so long and was able to compile this selection. It is thoughtful, funny, rude, profane, sad, joyous, odd, and deeply, thoroughly alive.
Francisca
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
Narrator Name: Hillary Huber
Rating the Audio Performance
Hillary Huber does a marvelous job voicing the audiobook. She set a good pace and has just the right tone for the self-deprecating humor, and to convey the tender love Janzen finds in her family home and community. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The subtitle is: A Memoir Of Going Home. I’m not sure what I was expecting. One the one hand, Janzen is able to look at her life and the choices she made honestly and without (much) regret. She seems to genuinely like and cherish her family, and I really loved the relationship she had with her mother. On the other hand, I’m not so sure Janzen was truly over her husband’s having left her for a guy he met on Gay.com. I enjoyed much of it and found her sense of humor about her own situation refreshing, but I didn’t love it.
Annette
One Year Home by Marie Force
Narrator Name: Jason Clarke, Erin Mallon, Andi Arndt and Joe Arden
Rating the Audio Performance
I really liked this audio performance! There are four narrators which makes the story feel more realistic and definitely more entertaining. The story flows with dialogue and descriptions. I definitely prefer this format as opposed to only one narrator. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
ONE YEAR HOME is the second book in a two-part series. John has returned from a five-year deployment with a secret branch of the SEALS. His team has just taken down the worlds most wanted terrorist.The footage of the mission was leaked to the media via the terrorist network. This footage exposes John’s identity to the world. After being in a coma for weeks he awakens and discovers he’s lost his leg, his teammates, his identity and Ava, the woman he loves. The woman that has sustained him through the past 5 years is engaged to another man. He’s now considered a hero and everyone wants to interview him but all he wants is the love he’s lost forever. Will he be able to move forward? Enter Jules, the Mary Poppins of PR, sent by Ava to help.
Karen
The Night Window by Dean Koontz
Narrator Name: Elisabeth Rodgers
Rating the Audio Performance
Beautifully narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers so that the listener is drawn into the story and must keep listening to find out what happens next. She voices the characters of men and women so
the listener can visualize them. She sets the mood of each part of the story with the tempo of her
voice and makes the novel exciting to listen to. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Jane Hawk's husband died by his own hand, but not of his own free will. She has found that many others have died in a similar fashion after attending meetings and being injected with nanotech implants. The infected people are said to be adjusted but are really enslaved. Jane has gone rogue from her job with the FBI to try to get to the bottom of the deaths. She is peeling back each layer of the story as she is being reviled by leaders and others. She is joined in her quest by Vikram Rangnekar, a computer expert, to reveal the plot to the public and rescue the enslaved. The question is will she be able to evade those chasing her and accomplish her goal.
Karen
Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank
Narrator Name: Shannon McManus
Rating the Audio Performance
Shannon McManus voices Holly Mcnee Jensen as the young southern woman she is. The listener develops a picture in their mind as she describes Holly's actions as she interacts with the children next door and their father, her mother, Queen Bee, her sister, Leslie and various town folks. Ms McManus's depiction of the young boys, one with missing teeth, next door is believable.as are the other characters in the novel. The tempo of her reading gets the listener interested in the novel and reflects the progress of the story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Beekeeper Holly McNee Jensen volunteers at the library, works at Publix, and substitute teaches while she waits for a teaching job. She loves children including the two little boys next door and has a crush on their widowed father, Archie. Archie has a PhD, but his intelligence doesn't extend to personnel relationships. He marries a dentist who really doesn't like the boys and makes their lives miserable. Holly's sister, Leslie, leaves her wealthy husband, Charley, when he decides to become a drag queen in Las Vegas and returns home. Their mother, the Queen Bee, who acts like an invalid, recovers when Leslie decides to go to Las Vegas and goes with her.
There are some unpleasant issues, but all three ladies survive.
Linda
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Narrator Name: Kathleen Wilhoite
Rating the Audio Performance
The narration is pitch-perfect! Really brings the individual characters to life. Ms. Wilhoite manages to convey Bernadette’s manic rants beautifully, as well as Audrey Griffin’s. I laughed so hard at her telling of the mudslide, and Sue Lin’s email from the Internet cafe. And she did equally well with Elgie and Paul Jellinek. And the intervention? She nailed it. She was a perfect choice for this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Some epistolary novels can be really hard to get into, as one tries to sort out who the characters are, and their relationships to each other, but this one pulled me in from the start. I love how Bernadette’s love for Bee shines through so clearly. Really got to “know” the characters in the book, even minor characters came alive. (Think the blackberry abatement specialist, Nick, Becky). Ms. Semple did a great job of revealing the “really awful thing” that happened to Bernadette in Los Angeles. All in all, a well-written book, hilarious in places, that held my attention the whole way. Found myself driving around the block a couple of times to listen to just a little more!
Sybil
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon by Maria Grace
Narrator Name: Benjamin Fife
Rating the Audio Performance
This was a clever variation on Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. There are still dragons living in the day in which P&P takes place. Thanks to the Pendragon Treaty, humans and dragons are living together in peace. Longbourn is the estate dragon who reigns over the estate on which the Bennets live. When Darcy shows up with Bingley, it's because his dragon egg has been stolen, and he is searching for it. He and Elizabeth join forces in this investigation. Benjamin Fife did a remarkable job with the narration. He delivered a clear performance, and it was easy to distinguish the characters from one another. The reading was done with spirit and feeling. I was completely pulled into the story, and nothing drew me out of the delightfulness. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This is a bit of a fairy tale based on Jane Austen's original book, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Maria Grace has created a world in which dragons still live. Elizabeth Bennet's father's estate has a dragon in charge. His name is Longbourn. Thanks to the Pendragon Treaty, dragons and humans live in accord, in peace. Elizabeth has great skill with dragons, and they like her. When Fitzwilliam Darcy shows up with his friend Bingley, it's because he needs to find the stolen egg of his estate's dragon: Pemberley. He and Elizabeth are forced to work together in this investigation. As they delve into the search, they learn more about each other, and Elizabeth teaches Darcy things he needs to know as a Dragon keeper. Enjoyable and interesting.
Tessa
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Julia Whelan does a fine job performing the audio version. She has a gift for voices and makes these characters come to life. I particularly like the way she voiced Cora, Large Marge, Ernt and Tom Walker. Too bad she didn’t have better material to work with. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
2.5 stars. Ernt Allbright is a damaged man. A former Vietnam POW, he is prone to fits of anger and depression. So, moving his family to a remote homestead in Alaska is a sign that things are going to go badly. I was engaged and interested in the story from the beginning, but I grew tired of Cora’s constant excuses for her sorry husband. She seemed to never take seriously the signs that he was a danger to her…and to their child! On the plus side, I enjoyed the depictions of the majestic natural beauty. I liked the self-sufficiency of many characters, and particularly liked the strong women. In general, however, the things I liked couldn’t make up for what I didn’t like, so this gets a below average rating.
Kathy
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Narrator Name: Michelle Obama
Rating the Audio Performance
Perfect voice to tell her own story. Could feel her emotions. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
So much was stuff already out in pubic domain, but loved to learn about Michelle, pre First Lady role. Inspirational - should be required reading for every young girl.
Liza
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrator Name: Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer and Pablo Schrieber
Rating the Audio Performance
Loved this audiobook, and the many voices. Jennifer Beals is great as the husky-voiced Daisy, and the rest of the "cast" is great! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Loved the story of the formation of a rock band in the 70s and the effects of groupies, alcohol, drugs and life on the road.
Richard N B
Die Trying by Lee Child
Narrator Name: Johnathan McClain
Rating the Audio Performance
Johnathan McClain does an excellent job narrating the audio. He sets a brisk pace, has clear diction, and I loved the voice he used for the villain! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Gosh but these books are addictive! Reacher is former military police, and now is roaming about taking odd jobs. He’s certainly got his hands full this time. I like Holly Johnson - she may be on crutches, but she is far from helpless. Implausible though it may be, Child gives the reader a fast-paced thriller full of action and intrigue.
Kelly
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Narrator Name: Therese Plummer
Rating the Audio Performance
I really enjoyed this narrator and will look for more books she reads. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book was well done and I thought the characters were very real.
Leeza
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Narrator Name: Jim Dale
Rating the Audio Performance
This is a remarkable tale, filled with exceptional characters and detailed descriptions that give you a solid feel for this vaporous world. It's a different world, but the people are real and substantial. Jim Dale brings all of that to life. Dale offers a spectacular narration that gives this world three-dimensions. Of course, I'd expect nothing less from him. His masterful performance gave the telling all the eeriness it required. Given that, he managed to keep the atmosphere inviting and tempting, everything the book deserved. He created the perfect voices for the characters and kept his narration even and perfectly measured. It's stunningly delivered. Dale brings the originality and intrigue of the text to life. Loved this book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
This book is a fantasy about a black and white circus - no colors - save for the red scarves worn by fans who travel the world to follow it. This is a circus of illusion, a gossamer thing that comes and goes without warning. Performers consist of illusionists, contortionists, fortunetellers, and animal trainers. It's a different world that draws people to it. Primarily, it's about two talented, retired magicians. They decide to hold a contest, and each trains one child to participate in that contest, to participate in it once they are grown. Even as adults, neither is told exactly what's involved in this competition. Fate intervenes, the two meet, sparks fly. Neither has any idea they've met their opponent. They fall in love. Striking tale.
shannon
Death in a Strange Country by Donna Leon
Narrator Name: David Colacci
Rating the Audio Performance
Colacci is an excellent reader and storyteller. He makes Leon's books come alive! Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
While I think listening to Leon's novels biases my appreciation of her storytelling, I thought this was one of her best. The story kept me listening and even when I thought I knew how it was going to end, I couldn't figure out how she was going to get there. The voice of the reader and her descriptions are wonderful. If you like her mysteries don't miss this one.
Sara
Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl
Narrator Name: Ruth Reichl
Rating the Audio Performance
My favorite books are those voiced by the author. They know just where to put emphasis and have great timing. Reichl has a great raspy voice and knows/pronounces French so well, required for much of the food. She was perfect for this book, and should think about a job in the future of performing other similar audiobooks. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I absolutely loved this book. The place where food and business meet is just what I want to hear about. The way that a magazine is created has always interested me, and I feel like Reichl teaches a bit of it here. She gives details on how the visual and the copy are created and decided upon, with enough description that I can see it in my mind. I only wish she would have put even more anecdotes in it. I could have listened to many more trips and would have loved her experience with every edition of the magazine. It was a treat.
Claudia
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Narrator Name: Jennifer Lim
Rating the Audio Performance
The audio was well done. It was easy to follow which character was speaking, and the inflection of her voice expressed the emotion at the time. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book was very well researched and I enjoyed learning about a different culture and way of living. It took place during a time in history that I did not know that much about, but with Korea being in the news lately the information seems timely. It is amazing what people have had to suffer through in order to gain some control of their lives. Mi-ja and Young-sook from different backgrounds struggle to maintain their friendship in desperate times.
Betty
A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay
Narrator Name: George Newbern
Rating the Audio Performance
Initially I didn’t know if I would like the narrator, but as the book progressed I found him to fit perfectly. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
The book had the feel of a Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock movie. I won’t reveal the ending but I didn’t really expect it. I like this type of story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Evelyn
Reading With Patrick by Michelle Kuo
Narrator Name: Michelle Kuo
Rating the Audio Performance
Adequate. She was straightforward and believable. She obviously was the right person to narrate her own story. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I loved that despite family objections she stuck with her belief that she was doing what was right for her and for the kids of the Delta. To see such sadness and poverty would make most want to flee. And then to return and help one student to survive. Great inspirational story.
Tessa
The Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim
Narrator Name: Bahni Turpin
Rating the Audio Performance
Bahni Turpin is fast becoming a favorite audio performer. She has a wonderful voice and was able to interpret the various characters in a way that made it easy to follow. I did find Lisbeth’s voice somewhat irritating, but I think that may have more to do with the way she is written than with Turpin’s interpretation. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Good historical fiction set in 1837 to 1860 Virgnia. The novel explores the ways in which family bonds are formed regardless of biological connection. I loved Mattie. She’s a strong woman who works hard and smart, watching and learning skills that will help her and her family find their way to freedom someday. I did not like Lisbeth too much for most of the book, but once she was forced to confront her assumptions she showed strength of character.
Katie
The New Girl by Daniel Silva
Narrator Name: George Guidall
Rating the Audio Performance
Very soothing voice. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Silva and his Israel team on a new adventure.
Linda
Winter World by A. G. Riddle
Narrator Name: Edoardo Ballerini and Amanda Leigh Cobb
Rating the Audio Performance
I’d like to be more enthusiastic about the performances of these two narrators, but they didn’t seem too enthusiastic about the book. It wasn’t unpleasant listening by any means; it just didn’t seem to me that either of the narrators really got into their character. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
Where to begin. This is not a genre I’d normally read, and I really had some trouble getting into it. Some of it seemed overly technical (though I suppose that there had to be some technical explanations for things). There wasn’t too much depth to the characters. I was surprised to find that there was a love story included, though it was a little predictable how that would end up once Emma was rescued. While it wasn’t awful, it didn’t make me want to read or listen to another A. G. Riddle book.
Julie
The Fallen by David Baldacci
Narrator Name: Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy
Rating the Audio Performance
This pair has narrated the other books in this series, and they do a great job of not only portraying the main characters but also the supporting characters in the book. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I have read the other books in the Amos Decker series and enjoy them all. I like to see how Amos is changing and the friendship between him and Alex.
Lindy
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Narrator Name: Julia Whelan
Rating the Audio Performance
Well done but needed a truer male voice for a burly Alaskan. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
I couldn't help but to root for Lenny to have the courage she needed to go back.
Francisca
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Narrator Name: Johanna Ward
Rating the Audio Performance
I listened to the audio performed by Johanna Ward. She does a marvelous job with clear diction and a pace that isn’t too fast for younger listeners to absorb. Rating the Book's Content/Storyline
4.5 stars. This classic of children’s literature tells the story of Heidi, a young orphan girl who lives with her gruff grandfather up on a Swiss mountain. It’s a wonderful story about a child who has lost much but relishes all that she has. She’s intelligent, open-minded, kind-hearted and has a great generosity of spirit. 
