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Immensely enjoyed this one!

Revisado: 03-06-24

t's a satisfyingly complex historical with elements of intrigue and romance like only Jocelyn Green can pen. I was rooting for the second chance romance thread while the mystery unraveled! The concept fits into a unique niche with Egyptian antiquities, Prohibition, and a bright NYC setting threaded together with family secrets, betrayal, and loyalties as major themes. The audiobook is narrated by a fav, too: Pilar Witherspoon.

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A unique perspective on the WWII homefront

Revisado: 02-27-24

Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin offers a unique perspective on WWII homefront happenings as Aleida Martens, a Dutch refugee, and Hugh Collingwood, a BBC reporter unite in friendship. Their match soon grows into attraction and more as their personal lives and careers complicate their connection — as does a series of murders of people acquainted with them both. I greatly enjoyed the audiobook production, especially the drama the narrator lended and the specific voices she used expressively.

I particularly enjoyed the element of radio broadcasting technology and a glimpse of how live broadcasting worked in this era through Hugh’s observant eyes. His attractive caramel voice (!! that was a cute descriptor) lends gravitas to many causes, including those of immigrant refugees, a point where Aleida’s life intersects. Her story of searching for her son and bravely finding a new life path in London incites both empathy and a sense of bravery.

A mystery plot creates urgency in the story’s momentum, as does the continued threat of German air raids and personal obstacles of both Hugh and Aleida. These combined with small details to love like Lennox the (grumpy) cat, quite the romantic train moment, and a grand romantic gesture, all make for a story highlighting persistence, restoration, and faith during a real-life historical period.

Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. I voluntarily purchased an audiobook copy. This is my honest review.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Barclay Pearce is my new book boyfriend

Revisado: 08-08-22

An Hour Unspent is an excellent work of historical romance for the inspirational market. It has everything I love about a great story and characters in the genre. With its early WWI timeline, plenty of intrigue and interesting things happen to Barclay Pearce on the homefront as he works as a procurator for the admiralty — a nice label for a former thief now turned honest. The heroine of the story, Evelina Manning, has an unlikely encounter with Barclay that turns into a friendship with lots of sparks.

I very much enjoyed seeing the larger cast of characters around these two, especially Barclay’s immediate family, interact and be meaningful to the story. I appreciate the deeper themes White has included, like those of loyalty, family, and sacrifice, that weave naturally through the story. Seeing Barclay find a measure of romantic love and being cared for (instead of being the caregiver) is good for the heart, as is seeing Evelina come into her own with her familial relationships and asserting her strength and capability with Barclay — who faithfully supports her.

The narrative as told by Liz Pearce in audiobook form is particularly enjoyable, especially as the accents of the characters transition through classes from a posh society tones to a fun cockney one. I recommend the other stories in this series, and the follow up connected Codebreakers series, for a full story world experience and many beloved characters.

Thank you to the publisher for the ebook copy. I purchased an audio copy. This is my honest review.

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an epic love story!

Revisado: 08-08-22

An epic story of love strong enough to survive pressure, trials, and evil intentions yet still triumph. Eden is a gentle and kind heroine, and Silas is the best sort of hero with his determination and steadfast character. I will have Silas's strong Scots speech in my head now thanks to the narrator, Angela Brazil.

I can't believe it's taken me so long to read this Frantz novel! Now I can say I've read all of hers.

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Enthralling split time suspense & mystery!

Revisado: 11-10-19

*audiobook review*
The Curse of Misty Wayfair is an absolutely ENTHRALLING suspense novel! Jaime has done it again with a split-time premise whose historic and contemporary storylines are equally as riveting and exquisitely intertwined. With creepy and gothic tones, a small town comes to life and hides a legend both Heidi and Thea must uncover to learn their purpose and history. With a considerate approach, Jaime also handles anxiety, and both mental and physical disabilities in this story in a unique way, drawing attention to worth and strength all the while. All of the elements of this novel work together to present a strong story of identity, belonging, and purpose -- but the true brilliance of this story is in the <i>telling</i>. I was surprised more than once, and relieved to learn the goings-on behind some things, too!

And I must mention the way the two heroes of the story interact with and compliment the heroines -- it's fantastic!

Bonus fun things: the rescued animals, bow hunting analogies (they were cool!), old time photography, and the Hulk.

I listened to the audio presentation of this novel! The narrator did a great job with inflection and delivery, even lending different accents and pronunciations to the different eras. (and I am picky about narration.) I would recommend it for fans of audiobooks!

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I'd rate this 10 stars if I could!

Revisado: 09-26-19

I reread this via the audiobook, and it was even more wonderful the second time! The narrator was pleasant and added emotion to the telling in just the right moments. And her English accents and voice intonation were spot-on! I highly recommend the audio.

A wonderfully atmospheric Victorian tale, this story presents a complicated marriage of convenience situation with absolutely endearing characters. This book was recommended to me as a "redemption" of the Rochester archetype -- wherein Justin Thornhill exhibits a burdened past yet a presently noble hero without the deceptions of Bronte's character. Helena, the heroine, brings a complex mystery to the situation that unfolds slowly and shines a light on a real-life historical issue of the time. While Justin and Helena navigate the dictates of the era, they grapple with lessons of worth, forgiveness, and even the capacity to love -- all while the romantic tension is PALPABLE and wonderfully maintained through the story. I enjoyed this story from Mimi, a new-to-me-author, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!

Content note: this is overall a clean read, especially concerning the romance element, but it does have (very) mild expletives throughout.

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Riveting split time romantic suspense!

Revisado: 09-26-19

This is the very first Jaime Jo Wright book I have had the pleasure of reading. It won't be my last! I loved the balance of the split time storylines. I was equally invested in both and curious as to how they would connect. The twists, surprises, and chilling secrets all weaved together is impressive and indicative of a skilled storyteller. The suspense and mystery are only heightened by the faith element as grace plays out in the lives of the characters, sometimes in an unexpected way. I was guessing about the villain(s) until the very last chapters! I love it when a plot can surprise me :)

I very much enjoyed the audiobook version of this book, too. I think suspense is my new fav genre to "listen" to!

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

A beautiful novella!

Revisado: 09-26-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

A beautiful novella! Joanne Bischof's poetic prose-like style shines (once again!) in this short little story. Romantic in its simplicity, this story of Wren and Tate carries a bountiful message of hope, dreams longed for and realized, and the power of trust and restoration. I listened to the audio presentation of this story, and it was perfection! The Appalachian accents, the sweet moments of the story, all delivered with emotion and tenderness by the narrator, Jelyne Helms.

Many thanks to the author for the audiobook access. This is my honest review.

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A riveting story of the Civil War!

Revisado: 09-15-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Wedded to War is a fascinating, layered, and quite serious look at the front lines of women's foray into nursing during the beginning of the Civil War. Jocelyn Green has written an epic story that encompasses many true-life historical figures and accurate events that serve as characters in themselves as heroines Charlotte Waverly, Ruby O'Flannery, and others work as part of the Sanitary Commission to aid, nurse, and manage the ghastly aftermath of war in their very own country. As Charlotte finds her purpose in showing compassion and grace to everyone around her, she also matures over the timeline of the story into a capable woman of character. The hint of a romance between Charlotte and the hero was happily fitting and complimentary to her role, and I was delighted to learn that the couple is based on a real historical couple! Ruby, too, is a compelling heroine. I wondered, at times, how the twisting and sad threads of her story were going to work into the whole, but like the theme of the novel, all of it works toward the surprising good and satisfying end to the story.

The audio presentation of this novel, in particular, is well-told and riveting.

THANK YOU to the author for the audiobook version of this novel for the purpose of a review. This is my honest review.

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