Shai

A wonderful story tackling tough topics

Revisado: 11-26-19

Syd is a great addition to Sharon Srock’s Sisters by Design series. The characters are robust and I loved that Ms. Srock handled tough topics with consideration and class. Syd has a hard background that’s affected not just her life, but the lives of her daughters and grandson. The pain of hiding her secrets has her pushing away those who care for her most. Mason is a wonderful hero, willing to tough it out to the end and unrelenting. I loved that he was willing to fight for Syd. Such a wonderful story and the narration was very well done.

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Wonderfully written

Revisado: 04-29-19

Jesse is book four in the Sisters By Design series. One of the things that I love best about Sharon Srock’s books is the way she transports me as a reader into the town of Garfield. I become a friend to the women there, sharing in their misery, victories and everyday life. The greatest parts of her characters are simply the way they do life together. Not perfectly, but in a realistic way that is relatable.

Jesse has found true love but her ex-husband, an abusive and manipulative man, is determined to destroy her happiness. When her fiancé is wrongfully accused of raping a student, Jesse finds herself thrown into a battle of trusting in the man she believes him to be. Worse, unless he can prove his innocence, their wedding and new beginning is placed indefinitely on hold.

I absolutely loved Jesse. Definitely a fantastic read that I’d recommend.

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Murder, deception and the fight to survive

Revisado: 01-01-18

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

Fast-paced, suspenseful, intriguing

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, the who-done-it was always played up

Which character – as performed by Bill Nevitt – was your favorite?

Tyler Gentry

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

Not extreme but I found it to be very good

Any additional comments?

Doctor’s Dilemma is another great medical suspense book by Dr. Richard L. Mabry. Since I listened to the audiobook version of the story, I can add that the narration was well done. I preferred the male narrator voice as opposed to the female voices that have narrated Dr. Mabry’s previous books.
You’ve got to feel for poor Dr. Tyler Gentry. Buried in student loans and in need of financial help, he’s found himself caught in a less than desirable situation. The option to be part of a booming practice seemed perfect for his dire straits. But as the saying goes when something looks too good to be true, it usually is. Murder, deception and the fight to survive kept the story high in suspense. I enjoyed Doctor’s Dilemma and would recommend any of Dr. Mabry’s books.

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Another great Alana Terry Book

Revisado: 04-07-17

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

Real suspenseful intense

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paralyzed?

Kennedy seeing the doorknob turn right after her father tells her about the pending dangerous accomplice.

Which character – as performed by Keli Douglass – was your favorite?

Sandy

Who was the most memorable character of Paralyzed and why?

Carl - He's one tough bird

Any additional comments?

One of the greatest things about Alana Terry’s writing is she’s not afraid to tackle hard topics. In book one, Unplanned, Kennedy Stern faces and survives a kidnapping by crazed maniacs. In Paralyzed we meet Kennedy again and share the realities of the aftermath. Over and over, Kennedy struggles with what being a Christian means in recovery. If she prays enough, reads her bible enough, does enough, she will be healed from the PTSD that is crippling her life. I found the realism of Kennedy’s struggles, combined with the fast-paced story, a great combination.

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A great story of forgiveness

Revisado: 06-10-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely!!! Because it's a great story, has wonderfully created characters and will keep you intrigued from the beginning.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pitchin' a Fit?

When Edna falls through the ceiling and gets left there.

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

She's a great narrator giving each character a distinguishable voice.

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

Yes! When the Dearing family rises up to protect Christina

Any additional comments?

It was worth every minute!
Please see my full review on: https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/2016-book-reviews/pitchin-a-fit-by-brandilyn-collins/

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Intriguing and fast paced

Revisado: 04-06-16

Would you listen to Murder on Edisto again? Why?

yes, good storyline

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Murder at Edisto by C. Hope Clark is the first of Ms. Clark’s books that I’ve had the pleasure of listening to (I had the audiobook). It’s a fast paced thriller mystery that will keep you intrigued.
Callie Morgan is a tough ex-Boston Detective who has been thrown off her game. Forced to accept the murder of her husband, she takes a reprieve to Edisto Beach, hoping to regain her footing with her only son. But trouble only follows her and she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and multiple robberies. Worse, she’s being looked at as a suspect. Callie finds the inner resolve to fight back and use the training she’s been given to find the killer and stop the robberies but it might cost her the life of her son and herself.
My favorite character in this story is the crazy gypsy neighbor, Ms. Bianche. She’s the complete opposite of Callie and someone to keep her life lighter, when possible. She had me laughing at her antics.
I found the story to be extremely well done and enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend it. I received the audiobook of Murder at Edisto from the author and have provided my honest opinion in this review.

Have you listened to any of Pamela Almand’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this was the first. She does a great job of narration

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

Kicking and Screaming

Any additional comments?

thank you for the opportunity to review it

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Intense Impacting Incredible

Revisado: 10-10-15

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The audiobook version of Slave Again is very well done and will keep the listener enthralled.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Slave Again by Alana Terry is a fantastic read!! There aren’t enough words to express the incredible story within its pages. Although it is the book following The Beloved Daughter, it is a stand alone story.

Ms. Terry touches on the crucial roles of women even in oppressed societies. Through the stories of three women, she intertwines a tale of espionage, human trafficking, and rescue. In Slave Again, survival and strength are just among a few of the lessons.

Mee-Kyong has been through a nightmare of a life and now survival is her motivator. The man she has given her heart to has become not only her lover, but her enemy. She must decide between survival and loyalty to him. Although he rescued her from prison, he has in fact, imprisoned her again in a life with him. But Mee-Kyong has lived in the chasm between heaven and hell and she will do whatever it takes to survive…including murder.

Sun is a sweet, innocent girl who wants to help her family. She’s persuaded to find work but her persuader is an evil man with nothing good on his mind, especially for her. Taken from her simple but poor home life she is promised a better future and one that will help her family as well. Willingly, she accepts this promised future not realizing the danger she has placed herself in.

Roger and Juliette are Americans who have a heart for rescuing the improvised they see all around them. Without purpose, Juliette finds depression too close a companion. Determined to help spread the gospel, they work together to teach the people they rescue. Once they’ve completed their training they are sent out as lambs among wolves. Doing all they can to make a difference in the world, they willingly accept danger as part of their daily lives for the sake of the gospel.


Three very different stories that become intertwined in a tale so suspenseful, the reader will not want to put the book down. Alana Terry is a writer with not only great storytelling ability, but a heart for the innocent ones caught in a war and a world filled with devastation and destruction. Definitely a must read!

What about Pamela Lorence’s performance did you like?

Ms. Lorence does a great job of interpreting the story and making it come alive! She has great range of character voices and her inflection was well done.

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

Ms. Terry does an amazing job of making hard issues that people may hear about or read about come to life in a storyline.

Any additional comments?

A must read!!

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Powerful Suspense

Revisado: 03-20-15

Would you consider the audio edition of Torn Asunder to be better than the print version?

They are equally fantastic

What did you like best about this story?

Torn Asunder by Alana Terry is an extraordinary addition to her awesome series of books which include The Beloved Daughter and Slave Again. Ms. Terry is an incredibly gifted storyteller and all of the books are intense and thought provoking while providing a suspenseful tale of mystery, devotion and perseverance. Although there is connective tissue between the stories, they can be read as stand alones.

Torn Asunder takes us back to the Secret Seminary with Hannah and Simon, two newly trained missionaries who are eager to begin their work in the underground church. Hannah is a courageous and strong believer whose greatest gifts are masked behind the delicate frame of a young woman. Because of her looks, she is continuously underestimated. Through her torture and imprisonment while performing her missionary duties, Hannah finds that love is stronger than death.

Simon is ready to take on the National Security Administration in order to serve the Lord in the underground church, but when Hannah is threatened he realizes his devotion is also tied to his love for her. All of his training in the Secret Seminary has not prepared him for the lengths he will go to in order to protect the one he loves.

Moses is the legendary man who eludes the authorities with his ability to provide bibles and protect missionaries. Some say he is a myth but there have been a few who have actually met him. His identity must remain a secret for the greater good but the NSA is getting way too close to finding him.

Torn Asunder is very well written and although the material is tough to read, it is done with discretion and class. Ms. Terry has a great way of presenting the story without unnecessary detail that will do nothing more than hinder the reader. Rather, she delivers a story of strength and courage in the face of horrific trials.

It is easy for me to write this review as Ms. Terry has undoubtedly become one of my very favorite authors. Her stories are powerful and ones that the world is blessed to read. Not only does she provide great entertainment through her books, but she also awakens readers to the reality of those who are still suffering and martyred for the sake of the Gospel.

The narration in the audiobook is well done. It was so good that I went back and forth between listening to the book and reading it just to keep the story going. I received this book from Ms. Terry in exchange for my honest and unbiased review which I’ve provided here.

Which character – as performed by Pamela Lorence – was your favorite?

Hannah because she demonstrates love in action.

Who was the most memorable character of Torn Asunder and why?

Moses because he is not who I expected him to be. It was a great AHA moment.

Any additional comments?

This is a fantastic book! Easily one I would listen to again.

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A wonderful story

Revisado: 09-01-14

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

Definitely in the top 10

What other book might you compare Passing Strangers to and why?

Francine Rivers Her Mother's Hope or Lisa Wingate The Prayer Box
Both are books that are deeply touching to women and provide a godly perspective on handling real life problems.

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

Excellent voice animation...bringing the characters to life.

Who was the most memorable character of Passing Strangers and why?

By far, Janette was my favorite character and her story was heart wrenching. In a quote from her story, Janette’s friend says, “Look at this. His long, slender finger tapped the folded newspaper on the bench. You see this paper? You couldn’t see anything on that white surface without dark ink, could you? A sheet of clean newsprint might be pretty, but it wouldn’t show you a thing. Even so, the Father uses the valley of shadow to teach you about His sufficiency and goodness. Don’t despair, child, while you’re walking through it.” (pg. 277)

Any additional comments?

Angela Hunt never fails to provide a delightful story and Passing Strangers is no exception. In a great twist of authorship, she tells of the lives of three different people. As the three meet on a ten-day train trip, they not only encounter each other, they find friendship, healing and the courage to do what they need to do.
In the first story, Andie Crystal is forced to take a vacation from work by her boss. A complete workaholic, Andie is content to keep busy and live alone. She’s known a life of publicity and fame and wants nothing to do with that world again. When she is contacted by her attorney and told her mother is ill, Andie wrestles with old ghosts and the unforgiveness that has allowed her to reinvent herself. Old wounds and losses surface and demand attention. Andie must decide if she will give them the attention that is long overdue. If she acknowledges the ghosts of the past, she might lose everything she has worked so hard to obtain and protect.
In the second story, Matthew Scofield, widower and father of two, boards the train to spend time with his children and visit his mother. After the loss of his beloved wife only a year ago, Matthew has immersed himself in his law career while neglecting his duties as a father. When the last babysitter has had enough and quits, Matthew knows he has got to work on a new plan in caring for his children. Being a driven and diligent man, he knows the value of hard work and wants to succeed at being a lawyer. With the right amount of money and prestige, he can offer his children all of the things he never had but that requires extra long hours at work and he can’t do that with two children and no mother. When he arrives at his mother’s house unannounced he has perfected his plea for his mother’s help but is flabbergasted when she doesn’t react the way he anticipated. Matthew comes face to face with his inadequacies as a father, his career goals and the loss of his wife.
In the third story, we meet Janette Turlington. She has boarded the train to run away from her life. With a black eye barely concealed, she tries to ignore the life she’s left behind and gather the courage to start over. But her heart is torn between the pain of her home life and the unknowns of the future. She is able to help others with advice but she has none to offer herself. Her faith gives her hope but she’s worn down by life and overwhelmed beyond measure. When she meets a strange new friend, he provides the wisdom she has been longing for.
By far, Janette was my favorite character and her story was heart wrenching. In a quote from her story, Janette’s friend says, “Look at this. His long, slender finger tapped the folded newspaper on the bench. You see this paper? You couldn’t see anything on that white surface without dark ink, could you? A sheet of clean newsprint might be pretty, but it wouldn’t show you a thing. Even so, the Father uses the valley of shadow to teach you about His sufficiency and goodness. Don’t despair, child, while you’re walking through it.” (pg. 277)
Passing Strangers is a fantastic read with not only a great story but thought provoking messages as well. Angela Hunt is a wonderful author and I can honestly say I’ve never been disappointed in her books. I can say that Passing Strangers is a notch above the rest. Definitely a must read!
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Phenomenal

Revisado: 12-29-13

Would you listen to The Beloved Daughter again? Why?

Absolutely! It was a story that can be heard again and again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Chung-Cha because she is relatable

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

She brings the characters to life with her narration.

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

yes, many moments. Especially when The Old Lady speaks

Any additional comments?

The Beloved Daughter is profound, a word not even strong enough to convey the intensity of the story. Alana Terry’s writing is beyond sensational and this story is so powerful. With the narration by Kathy Garver, an already riveting story becomes lifelike. It challenges the reader to look beyond the label of Christian to the core of belief. This book begs the answer to the question of what sacrificial love really looks like. It tells a story of deep tragedy and the reality of North Korea’s hidden world. However, it is done with such well written format that the reader is not dragged through unnecessary, horrific detail. Making it a book that is widely age appropriate from middle school through adulthood.
The issues in North Korea are current and this book awakens complacency through the story of a fictional yet very realistic character, Chung-Cha. She is relatable and someone the reader would want to know personally. Although Chung-Cha is raised a believer, the only God she knows seems to have abandoned her at every critical turn. Will seeing other believers in action show her what God’s love really is or will she harden her heart and cling to the torturous past? I cannot wait for the next book because I need to hear the end of the story.
A quote from the book speaks to this “You must tell believers on the outside to prepare for the day when the prison walls that surround our nation finally collapse. There will be a flood of refugees who will require both practical and spiritual care. The body of Christ in both China and South Korea must be prepared to minister to the needs of these exiles. Pg. 193”

I received this audiobook from Alana Terry and The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

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