P. S. Kayser

Just Okay

Revisado: 03-29-23

A short bite of a story that should have had more substance. Entering the story I felt like I'd missed a few chapters. Since the young man is a Navy Seal, it seems he should appear more confident and sure-footed rather than bumbling. The Russian Email Order bride is an interesting premise. But the scenes lacked finesse and needed more development. Working on her craft, this author could rise up to be a strong presence in the RomDrama world.

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RomComDrama

Revisado: 03-28-23

Romy Nordlinger gave voice to the shy Becca. By the end of the story, though readers knew Alex and Becca would get together, it was heartwarming to have Alex realize his need to face PTSD. The struggle Alex faced gave a face to veterans' need for support. I was hoping to get to know Gabe and Jack who play important intervention and support roles, but their characters were not fleshed out enough to make me see them as three-dimensional. I warmed to Jack especially and really wanted to know him more. Mom was very annoying. I wanted a bigger picture of the foundation and even see townspeople coming to be a part of their lives. So for me, I wanted more.

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One Find Series

Revisado: 08-16-20

I am a Cindy Kirk fan. I looked forward to starting another one of her series. This did not disappoint. She fleshes out the characters so well that readers can't help but fall in love with Abby, the surrogate that kept the pregnancy, or feel miserable toward her best friend Jonah and his wife who chose to abort the pregnancy and then gave up on their marriage. What a unique situation set up by Kirk to explore with the readers. The loyalty and family unit are strong themes; valuing a child who may be born with some physical struggles at birth was important to give attention. The strength, bravery, and purpose that fueled Abby's mothering made her a believable character. Readers can feel proud of Jonah for sending support money, but even more when he arrives to become a part of his little girl's life should send up a slow cheer. Sitting down with this book, was like sitting on the porch waiting to gab about the teens who grew into flawed, but willing to change adults and watching them flourish. I highly recommend this Hazel Green series.

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Another strong adventure by Bybee

Revisado: 08-16-20

Bybee continued with her book 1 characters in this Creek Canyon series introducing Erin Fleming's reason for being reclusive and skittish. Her past explodes on the page, keeping the reader riveted to the story as she deals with PTSD, fear for her new friends safety, and allows herself to fall in love with Matt, the fireman and Colin's brother. Bybee's development of characters allows us to get in their heads and watch the characters grow, giving obstacles to overcome. The backstory is not only told in PTSD flashbacks, but in Erin's physical reactions to any sudden movements. We meet more of Colin and Matt's family as their dad is a formal policeman and Grace is constantly choosing the wrong guy to date. We get to see and hear about Parker and Colin finally going to Cabo and him popping the question despite humorous hiccups along the way. The way Erin finally allows people in, opening her heart to love, friendship, and family, will for sure make other readers want Book 3 to be published soon.

The change of voice for audible was unexpected. I was waiting to launch into a listen with the Book 1's voice actress. For future reference, please keep voice actors/actresses the same as it maintains the continuity of the development of the characters. I had to get used to Sands. Some of the male voices were too high-pitched for me. However as the story moved past the first third, I got enveloped in the story and stopped critiquing, so that's why I gave it 3.5 stars for the performance.

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Great adventure

Revisado: 08-16-20

Ariela Crow's voice added to the characterization of the story's plot. Her voice gave gritty authenticity to the narrative's dialogue and inspired purchase of the second book, just so I could listen to the 'truth' in her portrayal of each character.

Bybee created a wonderful heroine in Parker who acted entitled and comfortably well-off till her parents sudden, tragic death. Then she grew up overnight. Such a believable and relatable character, I admired her tough, no-nonsense approach to the county construction crews that worked to save the homes on the hills of San Clarita. Her "I can do it" approach to normal problems of home-ownership rather than farm it out to plumbers, electricians, and maintenance people really endeared her. Colin was amazing as the City Engineer manager of the mud/flood construction crew. The other characters: a college sister, a high school brother, Erin the reclusive, skittish, cautious cottage renter, Matt, Colin's fireman brother, Nora, the all-wise mom of Matt and Colin, and so many others were fleshed out so well that I could see each character and respect the development and growth of the characters as the story unfolded. I'd love to say more, but I highly recommend the tale and hope you will enjoy the strength and courage Parker expresses as her love of the 10 acre family property must be constantly protected from the fires, flood, and mudslides.

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Not for me

Revisado: 07-23-20

I had enjoyed Eskens first book The Life we Bury so I gave this second one a try. The viciousness of Drago Basta was not summer reading for me. The author portrays the reason and why of Drago's mean, soulless actions. I just needed a lighter read in this time of Covid, and Black Lives Matter (aka all lives matter) not more sadness and shock over pointless death.
To be fair, my review is not saying the writing is bad. It achieves success because the reader can see and understand each of the main characters psychological struggles and the horror of murder. Bringing back Max Ruper from the first story and adding in his brother is a nice feature and what drew me in at the beginning.

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Curious

Revisado: 01-18-20

I loved the development of the story: a missing cat, villagers who could be, just as we find in real life, quirky, deceptive, helpful, and annoying. The immersive value of unexpected moments of surprise worked well. I didn't begin to make 'good' guesses as to who the bad character was till the end which is right where it belongs.
I was curious about this series because stories about village stores will often reveal wonderful mysteries and past truths. This one did that, but the narration had tell narrative more than show narrative. The change of voices was not smooth enough to keep the narration and who was talking easily understood.

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Not so excited

Revisado: 05-09-19

I was looking for a Great Sam Shepard piece and found the acting flat. Possibly in person, on stage, I would have gotten more from it. Others may find it fits their expectations.

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Loved it!

Revisado: 07-25-18

Though I'm not a Jane Austen fan, I loved this audio book. Emily Rankin did wonderfully voicing all the different characters and she brought life to my ears to understand the changes actors must make to become believable to an audience. Jude Deveraux enlivened my view of Austen and I'll find some time to finally read Pride and Prejudice. Though I agree with the critic at the end of her book who stated that the politically correct nuanced performance brought an important message to young girls who might read the book.

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It's Nicholas Sparks - Great!

Revisado: 05-15-13

If you could sum up The Rescue in three words, what would they be?

Compassionate, Romantic, Oustanding

What about Johnny Heller’s performance did you like?

Johnny Heller offered great pacing, outstanding pauses, and he changed his voice to match the various characters. He brought the book to life

Any additional comments?

The Rescue maintained the integrity of its theme "rescue" throughout the tale. The young 4 year old is depicted with compassionate understanding both from the boy's perspective and the adults. Deep emotion and psychological trauma were handled with empathetic understanding.

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