Suzie Waltner

Entertaining Way to Pass an Afternoon

Revisado: 04-04-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

3.5 Stars

Be Still My Soul is the first book by Faith Blum that I’ve read (or listened to in this case). That she chose to tell the story from two male points of view (parallel cases) fascinated me.

The mystery in this book was interesting, and I enjoyed the twist of the accused conducting the most thorough investigation. Carsten’s friends stood by him, never wavering in their belief of his innocence and jumped right in to help figure out who the real thief was. The secondary storyline was interesting but not as memorable as Carsten’s.

I would have liked a little bit more development of the mystery (especially more explanation of how everything fit together in the end) and as a fan of romance, I really wanted a little more in that department. But that’s me. I know there are plenty of readers out there who don’t want the romance.

Brantley Brumley was a good narrator for this story since his voice really became Carsten’s to me.
If you’re in search of a Saturday or Sunday read or need a book to listen to on a half-day road trip, Be Still My Soul is a good choice.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

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Fun Western Snow White Retelling

Revisado: 06-22-23

A Snow White retelling with 7 ranchers, a Texas Ranger, and a villain who loves mirrors? When I first heard about Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer, I said sign me up.

One of my favorite things about these retellings is the opportunity to pick out similarities with the original. For example, in Witemeyer’s latest book, none of the “grandpas” is given as straight a name as the dwarves, but their personalities sure helped match them with their counterparts. And each of the grandpas was special in his own way, which Penelope quickly picked up on.

There was a lot of emphasis on appearance in this book. Both with Penelope and with Narcissa (the villainess). In fact, at times, it was so remarked upon and thought about that it took away from the moments when Texas Ranger Titus notices the below-the-surface characteristics of these women. Especially with Penelope.

Overall, this was a fun story with some tense moments peppered within the sweet and occasionally, the silly. Another enjoyable read from Witemeyer that has me wondering which fairy tale she’s going to tackle next.

Content warning: With the addition of the villainess’s perspective, Witemeyer’s usual spice level is cranked up a few notches, so you may want to vet this book before you pass it along to a daughter or younger friend. The author has said the other books in this series do not include the villain’s POV.

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History and Romance for the Win

Revisado: 09-24-22

4.5 Stars

One of my favorite things in Jennifer B. Moore’s Blue Orchid Society series is the friendships formed between the women and the way the support each other to follow their dreams. In Healing Hazel, readers get more of those friendships even though Hazel is apart from her friends for most of the book.

I couldn’t help but sympathize with Hazel as her plans to visit her father for Christmas crumble then root for her as she puts her nursing training into action. Despite Dr. Jim Jackson’s opposition to Hazel and some of her ideas, she believes in her training and implements it when she can as she becomes friends with the other nurses and some of the patients.

Moore puts her characters in some difficult situations, which increases the tension in the plot from time to time, but my favorite part of Healing Hazel was when Hazel opened the gifts from her friends because each one of them had been given with thought and consideration to who Hazel is as a person. And the way each item was used throughout the book was perfect.

From the setting in Spain to the medical procedures to the conflict during the era, this book is well researched, giving readers some history along with a captivating romance. Healing Hazel is a bit of a departure from the first two books in the series, but completely worth the read.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

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Wonderful Debut With a Little Bit of Everything

Revisado: 03-17-22

If you like your books with some mystery, history, action, and swoony romance, then you need to grab a copy of Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill today.

This Gilded-Age romance is full of wonderful characters you will root for, plenty of bad guys you want to see justice served to, and a second chance romance you won’t soon forget. Caudill delivers a well-paced romance in the middle of intrigue and an interesting look into the secret service and counterfeiting.

The faith element is not forced but woven into the plot so well, you can’t help but know it’s the fabric of Teresa’s and Broderick’s lives. The author hits all the targets in her debut novel, and I can’t wait for more.

The narration of the audiobook is also excellent with no over-the-top voice adjustments for the characters. I always knew whose head we were in at any given point while listening.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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Intense, Entertaining, and Leaves You Wanting More

Revisado: 08-13-21

Set in Stone, book 4 of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series by David James Warren, is set in Rembrandt’s present…his altered present. This is a series that absolutely must be read in order because of all the diverging paths that occur through Rembrandt’s time travel.

Rembrandt is almost content with this version of his life…almost, but there are still pieces missing he wants back. With Russian mafia, the Jackson killer, and someone who may be after Rembrandt for personal reasons, there is no shortage of intensity in this book.

And while Remembrandt comes across as cocky more often than not, he’s such a likable character, I can’t help but cheer for him. The team of David Warren, James Rubart, and Susan May Warren is a powerhouse that draws readers in and holds onto them until the last page. And when you get to that last page? You are immediately ready for the next installment because of the way they leave you hanging. But I can’t even be mad about that because I know I’ll get (some) answers in two more months instead of another year!

Also, audio book fans, James Rubart is the amazing narrator for this series. I feel like I’m listening to Remembrandt himself.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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Great Start to a New Series

Revisado: 04-30-21

I have been a Susan Sleeman fan for a while now, especially the way she brings characters from previous series into the current one. Night Fall (yes, I’m behind but there’s just enough time in the day!), book one in the Nighthawk Security series follows that pattern.

The Byrd brothers have left their former careers in different areas of law enforcement to build their own security business. When they take on protection detail for an Olympian being stalked, there is an immediate attraction between her and the eldest Byrd. But protecting Harper is Aiden’s number one goal.

Sleeman adds plenty of blind twists and turns while giving readers an education in investigative procedures. I’m looking forward to spending more time with these brothers as they grow their business (and the upside of being behind in the series is that I can jump right into book two).

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Winning Regency

Revisado: 04-22-21

For those who have been long-time Kristi Ann Hunter fans, Aaron’s story has arrived!! We first met him in A Defense of Honor, and he had a larger role in Vying for the Viscount, so I was thrilled he finally gets the leading role in Winning the Gentleman.

And oh, boy does he have a time of it! It starts with a wager and a fired jockey then takes you to a circus and the hiring of a new jockey…a very memorable one.
Despite his illegitimacy, Aaron is a gentleman through and through. While he prefers to avoid them, he understands the workings of the ton and the repercussions of the impetuous decisions of some of his friends. He is also a man of his word when it comes to agreements.

When he meets Sophia, he’s both suspicious and entranced. The woman can talk (which just adds Hunter’s characteristic humor), but she also knows her horses (more so than many of the men who own them).

The romance between Aaron and Sophia is set at the perfect pace, their somewhat opposite personalities made for some delightful (and a few frustrating) scenes, some fictional friends from previous books make cameos, and the history of horse racing in Newmarket is well-researched. Hunter once again delivers an enjoyable regency romance that is hard to put down.

The narration drew me in and kept my attention throughout the story as well.

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Wholesome WWII Story

Revisado: 04-03-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

3.5 Stars

With so many historical books set during and around World War II, it’s hard to stand out. In When Valleys Bloom Again, Pat Jeanne Davis introduces readers to Abby. As she shelters in America while her family endures the lengthening war, she has challenges of her own.

It took me a little while to really get into this story (it’s not until Henri enters the picture that things really start happening). Abby is young and naïve when we first meet her, but she does grow throughout the story, and despite the formulaic nature of the book, I did want to finish it to get to Jim and Abby’s happily ever after (although, I believe this is book one in a series, so maybe it’s more of a happy for now ending).

I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and while DL Merlin’s narration was a bit less polished than many of the books I’ve read, I felt it was a good fit for Abby’s character.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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Exceptional Biblical Fiction

Revisado: 12-22-20

I have such respect for authors of Biblical fiction and the copious amounts of research they do to bring Scripture to life in a new and illuminating way. Connilyn Cossette excels in creating settings that draw you in, characters that draw you close, and a plot that doesn’t let go.
Central to the plot of To Dwell Among Cedars is the ark of the covenant and specifically the time period from when the Philistines took it to when it was returned on a cart drawn by cows.
But this book is about finding our value in how we are loved and not in what we do to be loved. While remaining true to Biblical teachings of God’s judgement and provision, Cossette takes us deeper into discovering value. Eliora discovers the love of the family that adopted her and her brother is not broken by her or her little brothers actions—neither good or bad. How much greater if God’s love for those he calls children?
To Dwell Among Cedars has a lot happening—from the relationship between Eliora and her brother as well as their adoptive family, the activities around the ark, Ronen’s mission and doubt, and the sweet and gentle romance he develops with the woman he once rescued as a girl—but the story would not be as poignant and moving if any of them.

The narration of this audio book is top-notch, and I loved that there was a separate (male) narrator for Ronen's character.

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Quick Listen Will Put You in the Holiday Spirit

Revisado: 12-17-20

A well-narrated audiobook can sweep me away from whatever task I’m doing as I’m listening, and The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels (narrated by Virginia Gray) was one such book.

The unique setting of a Michigan lumber camp and the many characters who resided there—from Jo to her brothers to the other cooks and lumberjacks—kept the plot moving and entertaining. Jo and Tom may clash at first, but quickly grow to respect each other.

Virginia Gray’s narration of both the male and female points of view is excellent, not detracting at all from the story.
With baking, good will, and a spirit of giving, The Fruitcake Challenge is a quick afternoon listen (maybe while you’re doing some Christmas baking yourself).

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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