finally have time

Gracie takes her life back

Revisado: 08-30-23

When we meet Gracie, she is a confident outspoken high school student, surprised that Rob, a popular school leader, chooses her from among his many admirers. They eventually marry and move to New York city, where Rob practices law with a big firm. Excited to begin her new life, Gracie imagines working in a publishing house, seeing the sights of New York, and sharing romantic dinners with her new husband. But marriage brings out Rob’s controlling side. Wanting to be the wife he expects, Gracie puts her dreams on hold and waits for her husband to come home at night. When the FBI knocks on their door and Gracie learns the truth of Rob’s immoral and illegal betrayal, she fights to regain her confidence and take control of her life. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this up-and-coming author.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Fantastic. I couldn't stop listening.

Revisado: 04-26-22

Behind the Lens, by Jeannee Sacken, is set in Afghanistan, where danger lurks around every corner and enemies may be disguised as friends. This book has everything a reader could want: adventure, mystery, family issues, and even romance. Since both the author and the novel’s protagonist are photo journalists, it feels very authentic. I couldn't stop listening, staying awake until the wee hours of the morning to finish. Behind the Lens is a book I won’t forget, with characters I hated to let go. The narrator was wonderful. Highly recommended.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Overcoming disappointment and catastrophy

Revisado: 03-10-22

This is a coming of age story set in the aftermath of a disaster. I pulled for Vera throughout the entire story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A book to read again and again

Revisado: 07-14-21

Susan Mallery’s The Vineyard at Painted Moon is now one of my favorite romances. Usually, you know immediately who the romantic couple will be, but not in this story. It takes a while to decide who she should be with, but eventually, it becomes clear. The heroine is smart, dedicated, strong, and resilient. For years, she’s been manipulated by the woman who is her boss, her mother-in-law, and supposedly her friend. She’s settled for less than she deserves, and we get to watch her strive for and attain everything she ever wanted, including passion, love, and loyalty. I’ll read this book again and again.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Great writing. Enjoyable with a message.

Revisado: 07-04-21

Aunt Sookie & Me: The Sordid Tale of a Scandalous Southern Belle
By: Michael Scott Garvin
Once I began reading Aunt Sookie and Me, I quickly understood why Michael Scott Garvin has so many awards attached to his name. He earned the accolades with clever writing, complex characters, and the ability to tackle sensitive subject matter with a combination of understanding and playfulness. Through his amusing characters, Garvin encourages introspection and fosters understanding of human differences. Poppy, the main character in the story is resilient and optimistic, despite sheltering a life-altering secret. After you get to know the vulgar, blasphemous persona Aunt Sookie chooses to show the world, she’ll surprise you with unexpected tolerance and unvarnished wisdom. I enjoyed reading this book and am better for the experience. The narrator couldn't have been better.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

not what I expected, but good

Revisado: 07-27-19

I downloaded a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book for a humorous diversion from more serious books I'd been reading, but was surprised to discover something very different from what I expected. This is a serious story, involving two generations of flawed, complicated characters. By the end of the book, the romantic leads evolve into their best selves, finding well-deserved happiness, in spite of the efforts of an evil, intelligent antagonist, who is intent on ruining their lives. Because the most complicated character never recognizes her flaws, she never corrects them. But by the end of the story, we accept her as she is, overlooking some pretty unacceptable traits, while appreciating others. I recommend this book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Story to Remember

Revisado: 05-24-19

I bought this book on sale because of the great reviews but kept skipping over it in favor of other books, for fear that the subject matter would be uncomfortable. I finally listened to it and truly enjoyed the book. The author managed to tell a poignant tale in a palpable manner, alternating between the children's story and present day. Both parts of the story added details to the mystery, and the revelations were presented perfectly. The present-day portion was somewhat lighthearted, providing relief from a disturbing tale, and the ending was heartwarming. I recommend this book and will look for other books by this author.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Tragic Story, Beautifully written and narrated

Revisado: 02-06-19

I'm surprised at myself for giving such a tragic story five stars, since I normally read happy stories - even humorous ones. So for me to like a book with so much sadness is pretty amazing. Not being a history buff, I had no idea that so many people went through such a terrible ordeal or that so many starved to death in Leningrad, Russia. In spite of all the tragedy, this author wove together two stories, beautifully, managing to give the reader a satisfying ending. Kristin Hannah is obviously a talented writer, but I wouldn't have liked the book as well if I had read it, rather than listened to it. The narrator's Russian accent added a classic, romantic element to the story that set just the right tone. I'm glad I listened to this novel.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Inspiring. I'm a fan!

Revisado: 01-27-19

I'm so glad Jimmy Wayne wrote this book. Some might have tried to hide such a horrendous childhood. Instead, through this book, Jimmy gave his story to the world in an effort to make the world a better place. Thanks to journals the author began keeping while in elementary school, this book is a very accurate account of Jimmy Wayne's difficult childhood and his courageous journey to a better life. There is a lot about this book that is amazing. It is amazing that a child who was so neglected could grow into adulthood without bitterness. It is amazing that a good couple finally gave a homeless teen-ager the attention and direction he so desperately needed. It is amazing that the author had the courage and belief in himself to pursue his dream. It is amazing that once he achieved success, he went to such lengths to bring awareness to the plight of children in trouble. And the list goes on. I encourage you to go to youtube and view Jimmy Wayne's videos. He's an extremely good singer. Cute too. Many of the songs he has written are directly related to events from his childhood, events that he writes about in this book. For example: The song Paper Angels refers to the paper Angels hanging on mall Christmas trees during the holiday season. Jimmy was one of those paper angels. He talks about the joy he and his sister experienced on Christmas day, opening the one gift they received. If it hadn't been for the Salvation Army, there would have been nothing at all. I urge you to read this story. It will stay with you. And be sure to listen to his version of Sara Smiles.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Reads like a documentary - a good one

Revisado: 01-20-19

I bought this on sale and enjoyed it, although it is miles away from the type books I usually read. This is not a book you can't put down, but the type you enjoy returning to. Although not a true page turner, the author did a great job of explaining the dangers he and his daughter faced and I breathed a sigh of relief when father and daughter got through a dangerous portion of their adventure unscathed. Its hard to believe they embarked on such a journey and I enjoyed hearing their story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona