Mary Smiroldo

Live every day with grace and gratitude.

Revisado: 08-17-24

Profound yet elegant telling of a life purposefully lived
and eloquently ended. I will not forget this book.

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For the Love of Women

Revisado: 07-28-23

Excellent Read. My only complaint is that unlike many of Lisa See’s books, there were no accents used. The narrator was very good, and had a pleasant voice and tone, I always enjoy hearing the voices of Chinese readers, especially for the older characters in the story. Just my preference. Otherwise, the historical aspects, as well as the fictional, were worth every minute of my time.
We’ll done!

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A Most English Princess

Revisado: 05-10-22

An interesting account of Queen Victoria ‘s daughter, and her life as the wife of the Prince of Prussia. I am not sure of the accuracy of the history presented, however, I would enjoy further research into the facts. The story held my attention, for the most part. I was disappointed in the narration, which is a deal breaker for me. There were times when the German/Prussian/Austrian accents sounded more like something straight out of a Dracula movie. That being said, I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who is not as picky about narration.

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High Hopes

Revisado: 04-08-22

I really did have high hopes for Sisi by Allison Pataki. I enjoyed the story for the most part. I was hoping for more actual history of the the Habsburg Empire, and less romance novel. At times, it read like a cheap, drugstore Harlequin. Making those times even worse was Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration. There were moments throughout the reading that I felt like a third grader being read to by my teacher. At other times, I was being sung to, while still at other times, I felt like I was in Drama 101. If you are at all interested in listening to this novel, I strongly suggest you listen to the sample provided by Audible. Even after doing so myself, I was highly disappointed in the narrator.

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The Queen’s Fortune

Revisado: 03-30-22

Captivating story about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte and his loves. I thought the title was completely misleading. I enjoyed the story very much, but didn’t understand until the end just how the title fit. My only complaint was, as so many other reviewers have stated, the narrator. I have listened to her narrate other novels, so I knew what I was in for. I just really wanted to listen to this story, so I gritted my teeth, and bought this book. Unfortunately, she hasn’t changed. It was exactly as I remembered. Some of her pronunciations are laughable, and I had to take a few breaks while listening. That being said, I was very engrossed in the story from beginning to end. I don’t know how Justine Eyre became a narrator, but, in my opinion, she should find a new line of work.

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Predictable

Revisado: 08-03-21

I enjoyed the first few chapters of this audiobook, but it soon became tedious. I was ready for it to be over long before it was. I enjoy WWII historical fiction, and have listened/read a good number of them, however, this story was more soap opera drama about what real parentage is. Are parents the ones who biologically created one, or are parents the people who raised and cherished one? A good lesson in real parental love, but not much in the way of WWII fiction. Therefore, I cannot recommend While Paris Slept as a WWII read. Narrators were just okay.

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No More Please!

Revisado: 06-30-21

Thank goodness it’s over. I listened as long as I could, then skimmed through the chapters to see if anything happened! Nope! Nada. Zilch nothing! Boring, boring, boring. I never liked, or connected with any of the characters. Don’t waste your time or credits on this series.

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High Hopes

Revisado: 06-28-21

I listened to this audiobook for a second time, hoping to continue on with the series. Now I’m not sure I want to. I needed to refresh my memory to move on, and remembered why I didn’t like Mustard Seed the first time. I usually like Bahni Turpin as a narrator, but for some reason, this one annoyed me. A six year old girl, lisp or not, does not sound like a two year old! Nor does she have the sophistication of a fifteen year old in her thinking. The voices used for this child and her brother were irritating and made me want to strangle both of them.
The story was only mediocre, at best, and I was glad when it was over. If the other two books in this series are not a lot better, I will return them for a refund.

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The Yellow Wife

Revisado: 06-24-21

To say this audiobook was enjoyable would be hideous. It was a interesting, sometimes captivating story of the slave trade business in the South before the end of the Civil War. At times, it was extremely difficult to listen to. Although fiction, the book was well researched, and the descriptions were vivid. The characters were based on real people and their experiences as slaves and slave owners. It kept me engaged, and held my interest. The narrator was very good and made the story come alive. I would recommend this audiobook to those interested in this era.

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Had to return it !

Revisado: 06-20-21

I tried. I really tried. I really, really tried. I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t finish it. How to describe this audiobook? Please don’t waste your time or your credit. It wasn’t just the never ending hunger, or the unrelenting poverty, or the inhumane living conditions , or even the cruelty to animals, but add to that the most tedious, monotone voice of the narrator that, by the time I decided to return it, I was ready to pull out my hair, beat my chest, and bang my head against a wall! Yes. It was that bad! Never, ever will listen to this author or narrator again. Once was more than enough!

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