Melissa

Disappointing

Revisado: 10-04-19

Let me preface this review by stating that when I first picked up ‘Christmas on the Island, I hadn’t realized that it was the third installment in a series. However, having enjoyed Colgan’s ‘Little Bookshop on the Corner earlier this year, I figured that I would give this book a shot … I was sorely disappointed.

First off, the characters were annoying as hell; all of them seemed to be childishly wrapped up in their own self-absorbed worlds. I found this especially annoying in Flora and Joel’s case; almost throwing the book in frustration on multiple occasions. The only characters that I seemed to enjoy, albeit remotely, were Colton’s wildly unmannered brother, Tripp, and Doctor Saif’s two children.

As for the plot, by the time I FINALLY reached the end, I didn’t feel like much had actually happened in the book or with the characters; it sure as heck hadn’t felt as Christmassy as I hoped.

Finally, in terms of narration, I felt that Sarah Barron did an excellent job. Regardless of how I felt about the actual book, I found Barron's Scottish lilt pleasing to listen to.

Overall, this is one of the few books this year that I would not recommend. I found that amidst the selfish characters and the lack of plot, I absolutely could not connect with 'Christmas on the Island.'

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Delightful

Revisado: 10-04-19

Set in the sleepy, seaside town of White Cliff Bay, Summer at Rose Island introduces readers to Darcy Davenport; who has moved from London to escape her suffocating parents. No sooner has she arrived, she has a seemingly abrupt meeting with the mysterious American, Riley Eddison, who lives in the local lighthouse; which, is revealed to be marked for demolition.With her position in community development, can Darcy assist in uniting the citizens of Rose Island to help save the lighthouse? Or will she go back to London, once again a failure in her parents' eyes?

Despite being the third book in the White Cliff Bay series, Summer at Rose Island is my first introduction to Holly Martin’s writing, and I was pleasantly satisfied with the experience. I mean, this book was corny, but a good corny. I loved getting cosy in bed and visiting Darcy and Riley through the audio narration.

While the story has a relatively predictable plot, there was something incredibly sweet about each one of Holly Martin's characters; I fell in love with Rose Island immediately. However, there were a few points where I became frustrated with one, or both, of the main characters as I felt that they were digging their heels into a feud a little too much.

Overall, though, I truly enjoyed listening to this book; I felt that the author did an outstanding job of drawing the reader into Rose Island through her words. Now, it is time to go onto Amazon and download the rest of the series; I need more fluffy reading as the weather gets progressively colder.

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Great Story, Terrible Narrator

Revisado: 10-04-19

Okay, so I first read ‘Cocaine Blues’ a couple of years ago, so I decided to pick up the audiobook and relive the first installment of the Phryne Fisher series.

In terms of the actual book, the mystery was solid as were the characters; it is difficult not to love the charming cheekiness of Miss Phryne Fisher.

However, despite my enjoyment of the story, I have to admit I almost ditched the audiobook due to a terrible narrator; all I could hear throughout the novel were mouth noises and swallowing every few minutes - it was incredibly offputting. Additionally, I noticed there were multiple moments where the narration just stopped dead which ruined the flow of the story.

Overall, It was a shame that the narration ruined what could have been excellent listen as I did genuinely enjoy the novel. I doubt that I will be purchasing any more of the audiobooks in this series; I will just read the rest on Kindle.

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An Incredible Book From A Canadian Legend

Revisado: 10-04-19

Ugh, I am truly struggling to write a review for this because I simply loved it too much. I have written and rewritten my thoughts at least half a dozen times. So, please bear with me while I try to articulate my exact feelings.

First off, as I've already stated, I love this book! I'm always amazed at how the wisdom Chris has learned is applicable to my life. In fact, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth has become one of my ‘go-to’ reads when my anxiety has got me in a funk; it always seems to pick me up and help me focus my perspective once again.

What I really loved about this memoir (other than the parts about life in space) was that Hadfield focused a lot on the steps he took in order to be able to go to space; continuing on a theme of ‘always being prepared just in case.’

Furthermore, what added to the audio experience was that it was narrated entirely by Hadfield, himself, which was incredible. I find his voice calming to listen to, and it was marvellous to be able to hear his story in his own voice.

Overall, I truly hope that I was able to do An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth justice; I fear that it may not be my best review. However, I am and will always continue to be inspired by Chris Hadfield, and I highly recommend this book to other space junkies like myself.

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An Excellent Summer Read

Revisado: 10-04-19

I am not a regular chick lit reader - however, I quite enjoyed this novel. I loved that it incorporated a sampling of New Zealand's rich and beautiful culture into the plot; from the Island nation's obsession with rugby all the way to the Maori culture, and its legends. In addition, it was nice to simply read a book where I didn't have to think too hard, yet ended up learning a little.

On one hand, I will admit that this plot followed somewhat of a predictable pattern. However, there is something charming in this story; the idea of falling in love and escaping to New Zealand is an idea that would appeal to many readers.

In terms of the setting, New Zealand was the major factor that directed me to this book. I believe the beautiful setting added something special to this story. In addition, I loved that this novel drew in some of New Zealand's extraordinary culture - Including their love of rugby [especially the unwavering loyalty to the All Blacks] and the Maori traditions. As someone who has never been to New Zealand, I felt I got a little bit of an insight into Kiwi culture and language.

The major flaw I found in this book, was that Hannah's character got to be a bit grating - her emotional flaws were acceptable for awhile. However, there came a point when the "I can't rely on anyone" routine got old. Also, I felt that this novel could have had fewer sex scenes; but, that is just a minor preference.

As for the audiobooks edition, Claire Bocking did a fantastic job creating an almost authentic Kiwi accent; I was truly impressed as this is no easy task.

Ultimately, "Just this Once" was a fun and airy summer read. I will be sure to check out the other books in the "Escape to New Zealand Series" by Rosalind James in the near future.

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Fun little read

Revisado: 10-01-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Well, Autumn has truly arrived, and it the time of year where I hit the cozy mysteries hard. So when I saw Erin Johnson offering codes for her Spells & Caramels series, I was keen to give the books a shot. After reading book #1, I was officially charmed.

Personally, for me, the big highlight of this book was that I adored the world that the created; it felt much like if Harry Potter hosted an episode of Great British Bake-off. I felt a lot of joy reading about Imogen's experiences in a magical world.

However, in terms of the actual mystery, I was slightly disappointed. I was already about halfway through the book when the actual murder occurred, which in turn made the last half of the book feel quite rushed.

Furthermore, there didn't seem to be any investigation by the main character, just a few ideas tossed around and then a pretty anti-climatic reveal.

As for the narration, it was alright. As a listener, it was pretty obvious that it was a newer narrator whose equiptment wasn't as good as some of the narrators that have been around for awhile. Nevertheless, Hannah Somerville did an alright job, and her voice was more than tolerable; I have heard much worse narrations over the years.

Overall, despite my few issues with the mystery, Seashells, Spells & Caramels was a solid first book and a fun little read; I will more than likely check out the next book in the series.

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The Canterbury Sisters

Revisado: 09-22-19

Seeing as this is my third time reading/listening to the Canterbury Sisters, my review won't exactly be my first impressions. Nevertheless, I still found that I loved this book every bit as much as I did on my first go-around. Here are my thoughts.

First off, I adored the modern take of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales; it made the perfect theme for this novel about healing, and I thoroughly enjoyed taking the journey along with Che.

As for the setting, the descriptions of the tiny villages along the trail sounded perfect; they made me wish I was on the trail despite being a non-hiker.

In terms of the characters, the one thing that I didn't like is that I felt that we didn't know enough about Che; as a reader, I sensed that we only scratched the surface on what she is like and what makes her tick, which is unusual considering that she is the main character. However, aside from that, I loved the cast of characters that Kim Wright has created, they all had their quirks which made them perfect.

Finally, in terms of narration, Bernadette Dunne did an alright job; it wasn't the worst I have heard, but it did feel a bit monotone at some points in the story.

Overall, despite having read/listened to The Canterbury Sisters three times, it remains one of my favourite books. I am sure that in a few years I will pull out this book and listen to it yet again.

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The Weed that String's the Hangman's Bag

Revisado: 09-16-19

You know, although Flavia is a slightly unbelievable 11-year-old, I am truly enjoying the Flavia De Luce series, and I think that The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag was even better than book #1.

First off, I felt that the mystery in this book was better written than in the Sweetness of the Bottom of the Pie; I had had several theories formulated in my mind by the end, whereas in book #1 I believed that the perpetrator was blatantly obvious. As a reader, it made the plot a more enjoyable journey.

Secondly, what I think contributed to The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag being a better book is that I have become more familiar with the characters and am starting to have more feelings towards them whether they be negative (Ophelia and Daphne De Luce) or positive. I didn't quite have that relationship established yet in book #1, and I can only imagine that my feelings toward the characters will grow throughout the series.

Finally, as with The Sweetness of the Bottom of the Pie, I found Jayne Entwistle’s voice slightly hard to follow at times. However, generally speaking, I think she did a great job bringing Flavia De Luce and the residents of Bishop’s Lacey to life.

Overall, I am pleased with my experience reading The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag and I look forward to continuing on with the series.

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Interesting insight into the death industry

Revisado: 09-05-19

You know what, as someone who has spent most of her young life fearing the inevitability that is death, I needed this book. The way that Caitlin discussed the North American culture surrounding dying and outlines what happens to a body after it is picked up by the morticians is oddly comforting. I think western society spends so much time attempting to push death and unpleasantness away that we end up doing more harm than good, and it is refreshing to have organizations like the Order of the Good Death working to change public perception and reminding people that like birth, death is an inevitable and natural part of being a living organism. I will almost certainly listen to this book again in the future.

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One of my favourite Christmas stories

Revisado: 09-01-19

I don’t particularly know what to say about this Dashing Through the Snow other than to state that it is officially my favourite Debbie Macomber Christmas story.

It has become my annual tradition to listen to this novel at least once during the Christmas, yet I still never fail to smile because of the characters and the situations they encounter.

Furthermore, Allyson Ryan did an incredible job at expertly bringing Ash and Dash to life. Her voice was calming and cheery; perfect for narrating a Debbie Macomber story.

Overall, I would highly recommend Dashing Through the Snow if you are looking for a cheerful and humorous tale to get you in the festive mood.

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