Sandy Penny

A Beautiful Poignant Story of Love and Loss

Revisado: 05-26-14

What did you love best about The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender?

I just finished this book, and it was written the way I want to write my own stories. Reminiscent of Like Water for Chocolate with its magical realism. It's about a girl who is born with wings and the stories of the women in her family and of her challenges in this world. Intriguing. I listened to the Audio book, and it was so compelling that I finished it in one sitting. ~Sandy Penny . Founder of Sweet Mystery Books

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender?

The poetic lyrical style of the storytelling was completely engaging from beginning to end.

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

The voice and the rhythm of the reading was perfect and brought out every nuance of this somewhat melancholy story of love and loss.

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Terrifying, Menacing, Traumatic

Revisado: 04-10-14

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

Mike Wells is truly a master of the psychological thriller. He gets into the heads of the victims, the killers and the readers. He tells a gripping story of being stalked by a brutal gun-toting stranger who knows a terrible family secret and uses it to terrorize and have his way with an innocent woman. Lots of twists and turns with hope repeatedly melting into despair as one devastating mistake transforms a once-happy couple's life into a nightmare. How easy it would be to end up in this rat's maze of a predicament. Lots of breath-holding moments and heart thumping action. I could not stop listening to this gripping tale of being terrorized in your own home.

What other book might you compare The Drive-By Wife to and why?

Reminded me of the movies, The Talented Mr. Ripley meets Pacific Heights. Mr. Ripley takes over the life of someone who he envies and sets out to become that person. In Pacific Heights, a man who rents a couple's house proceeds to destroy it, similar to how the perpetrator in The Drive By Wife tries to take over the lives of the couple he targets and intends to destroy their marriage.

Which character – as performed by Mark Torres – was your favorite?

Billy, the bad guy, for sure. Great voice and acting. Mark was a great reader for this book. His voice brought all the action to life with enough variety and emotion in the reading to keep it interesting.

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

It made my stomach tighten up in knots while I checked all my doors and windows before bed. If you like psychological thrillers, this is a really good one. Five stars all the way around. I'll read anything Mike Wells writes. As I've said before, the next Stephen King.

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Creepy, Frightening & Hysterical (not funny)

Revisado: 03-09-14

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

I would recommend it to friends who like creepy horror-based psychological thrillers. It's very well done, even though it's not a genre that usually attracts me. Mike Wells is a fantastic author. I think he's the next Stephen King after reading this.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Baby Talk?

It was one thrill ride after another, so difficult to pick one out. It's a gradual descent into madness.

What about Karin Allers’s performance did you like?

She was awesome. Her reading style and different voices made the story even creepier and more chilling. I love audio books, and I hardly want to read anymore.

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

The Baby Did It, or Did She?!

Any additional comments?

I think this must be what women who have severe post-partum depression experience when they think their babies are evil. To see a man experience that was a very interesting flip-flop.

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Hot Mystery, Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Creme

Revisado: 02-16-14

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

I love this book. It's top of the line in story, production, reader and laughs.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bambi triggers all the action and keeps the story moving. I love her as a character, not so much if she was a person in my life. She makes me laugh as do most of the eccentric characters in this crazy cozy. As we say in Texas, What a Hoot!! More fun than a barrel of rattle snakes!

What does Kelley Hazen of Storyteller Productions bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The characters come to life with her voice and tongue in cheek reading style. Her voice totally matches the feel of the book and adds another dimension. I read the book first, and listening afterward, enjoyed it even more.

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

I listened over a two-day period, and it kept me company through all my household chores. It sure made the time go faster.

Any additional comments?

Dawn Ireland has honed her craft over the years, and has developed a voice that suits her natural humor and Texas style. I can hardly wait for her next book, Bitter Chocolate. What will this wonky group of rich Houston women get involved in next? I know it will be a lot of fun. I read a lot of mysteries, and this was one of my favorite light-hearted comedic novels. It's a great weekend read or listen. I love audio books.

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Tense and Exciting

Revisado: 12-19-13

Would you consider the audio edition of All in One Piece to be better than the print version?

I love audio books. I love listening to them at bedtime and not having to read. So, from that standpoint, I consider the audio better than the book. And, I love the personal feel of hearing the voice.

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

It was a fast moving constantly changing suspenseful plot. I liked the psychic elements that helped move the story along and foreshadow events without revealing too much in advance.

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

I have not listened to Anna Fields performances before, but she did a great job.

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

It did all the things that suspenseful mysteries are supposed to do. Love it.

Any additional comments?

I would definitely read more books by this author and highly recommend her work.

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Enjoyed the Book and Loved the Audio

Revisado: 12-19-13

Would you listen to Lust, Money & Murder again? Why?

Yes, it's a compelling complex story with lots of nuances to follow, and I'm sure I would enjoy it even more after multiple listenings.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lust, Money & Murder?

Wow, so many, but that would be a spoiler alert. When she finds out the man that wronged her and her father and inspired her to become an agent will never be caught by her, it changes her.

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

I have not, but I liked her reading and the variety of voices she used to define the characters.

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

It was emotional and intense during the action sequences.

Any additional comments?

Love this author and highly recommend all his books.

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Disappointing after All the Hype

Revisado: 12-19-13

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not really. Because I found it juvenile, poorly written and only mildly interesting. B grade writing, story and too much repetition.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Happy with the ending, not so happy with the choices along the way.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

It did, but that's not very complimentary. The narration sounded very Valley Girl and juvenile. The repetition of certain words and phrases got very annoying.

Was Fifty Shades of Grey worth the listening time?

Sure, due to all the hype, it was worth listening, but I found it pretty disappointing. It was interesting to see how an innocent gets seduced.

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I love this Classic Jane Eyre

Revisado: 12-18-13

What did you love best about Jane Eyre [Brilliance Edition]?

It was a fantastic rendering of one of my favorites of all time. An inspiring story of triumph over adversity, and love beyond challenges.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jane Eyre [Brilliance Edition]?

When Jane returns to Thornfield and reunites with her true love and former employer, Edward Rochester. So moving that he is still there and still loves her.

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

Susan's accent and emotional reading style enhance the flavor of the time period and location.

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

When Jane has been living outdoors for days and can find no food or help, and she is looking through the window at the family enjoying each other. Then the home owner invites her in after the house keeper turns her away. Made me cry in relief.

Any additional comments?

This book makes one appreciate the resources we have now to get help when we need it. May we never return to the times of denying those in need and sending them out into the cold.

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Thought Provoking

Revisado: 09-25-13

If you could sum up Miracles & Mischief in three words, what would they be?

Vivid, deep, insightful.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a book of poetry. I loved listening to the audio poetry. Vividly visual, deeply questioning, emotionally accessible. This book takes you into the heart of the seeker to share experiences that move and sometimes disturb, in a good way. It was too short for my taste, I wanted more, and that's a compliment.

Which character – as performed by Peter Bohush – was your favorite?

There was only one character really, and it was perfect for the content. Masculine, sultry, and thoughtful. The voice over with the New Orleans accent gave it an expanded dimension, a relatable human quality.

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

It made me examine my own depths and brought out many emotions. It stimulated my poetic muse and awakened a nervous feeling that unexplored depths are buried in me. If only I could say them as well. I'm still pondering the title and thinking, thinking.

Any additional comments?

Explore and enjoy. You'll want to listen more than once.

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