Audiobook Review: Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Author: Tom Felton

Narrator: Tom Felton

Title: Beyond the Wand

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 288

Published:  October 18, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

From Borrower to wizard, Tom Felton's adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame saw him catapulted into the limelight aged just twelve when he landed the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

Speaking with candour and his own trademark humour, Tom shares his experience of growing up on screen and as part of the wizarding world for the very first time. He tells all about his big break, what filming was really like and the lasting friendships he made during ten years as part of the franchise, as well as the highs and lows of fame and the reality of navigating adult life after filming finished.

Prepare to meet a real-life wizard.

Review:

I have been a HP girl since the first movie came out. Once I seen that first movie I HAD to dive into the books too. And I'll be frank......one of my first crushes was Draco. After the films were done, I actually grew to admire the actor himself. He's talented and he has always seemed like a guy I would love to be friends with. So of course I had to check out his book. I am SOOOOO glad I found this at my library because this had a lot of heart and now I want my own copy. 

This is written by and narrated by the famous Tom Felton who did not have a completely normal adolescence thanks to some early on commercials and then movies. His fame certainly heightened when he took the role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Here we follow him as young Tom to famous Tom to troubled Tom to the still-growing Tom. He speaks with candor and humor and heart. 

I feel like this book has three parts....one, seeing Tom as a child and his family. Second part, his HP life. Third, the aftermath and where he is present day (as of when he wrote the book). I loved all three parts for different reasons. 

Part 1) I love a good origin story. How we are raised is so instrumental to us being adults so it fascinates me to see him growing up. 

Part 2) LOVED HP as a kid and I still love it as an adult. Naturally, I ate up this section. I loved getting to see the behind-the-scenes and learning more about not only Tom's role, but other folks onset. Can't get enough. 

Part 3) So many people can struggle with life after a huge role like that especially young actors and I'm sure he is not alone. I loved how honest he was with his mental health issues. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I can so relate to him on this base level. I am not famous or wealthy or whatever, but I am human and so is he. I wouldn't wish mental health issues on anyone, but it is nice being able to know you are not alone. He was so honest and I loved it. 

This was such a good book. He gives us the good stuff like behind-the-scenes of HP but then he gives us the truth about himself all at the same time. I can for sure see myself relistening or re-reading this. 

Now, I had no choice but to do the audio version. He narrates it himself!!!!! Duh! And boy o' boy he did a fantastic job. He was able to be serious when needed and then silly when needed (his little Tom kid voice had me chuckling). I'll have to look it up and see if he has done other narrations. If not....he needs to do some! I could listen to him read all day. He has a nice voice and really does an excellent job painting the world. 

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I loved the origin story, I loved the HP time, and I loved the brutal honesty of his life after HP. You can tell he really wrote this and narrated this from his heart. Honestly, I want him to narrate more! He did such a good job. If you at all like HP or even the actor or heck, if you enjoy a good story about a guy making his way through life....I highly suggest this one then. 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #17 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman

Author: Alice Hoffman

Title: The Bookstore Sisters

Genre: Short Story, Magical Realism, Contemporary fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 36

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Summary: 

Isabel Gibson has all but perfected the art of forgetting. She’s a New Yorker now, with nothing left to tie her to Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Her parents are gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister, Sophie, will probably never speak to her again.

But when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox, Isabel feels herself drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her independence, she dreads the thought of going back to the island. What she finds there may forever alter her path—and change everything she thought she knew about her family, her home, and herself.

Review:

Another freebie that I picked up from Amazon. Look at that cover! How could I resist? I honestly jumped into this without reading the summary. Took a risk and a gamble (which is a rare thing for me indeed).

Here we follow Isabel who has moved to New York and has nothing to tie her to her old life in Brinkley's Island, Maine. Her parents are both gone, the family bookstore is all but bankrupt, and her sister will probably never talk to her again. A recipe for her to move on with a new life. Things change when a mysterious letter arrives in her mailbox and Isabel is forced and drawn to the past. After years of fighting for her freedom, she reluctantly goes back to that island. What she finds will change everything. 

This was a quick read but it didn't feel like it. Not in a bad way mind you, but this had a lot of depth and character-development. It is a short story you need to take your time with....at least I did.

I really enjoyed watching Isabel and Sophie defrost and, essentially, find themselves and find each other.  

Now, I seen that this is listed as 'fantasy' on some people's shelves. There isn't a thing that is fantasy-like. I also seen 'magical realism' which is a stretch but you can see a tiny smidge of that in a couple parts. I would've liked some more tbh. I think it would've added something extra and nice. 

But yes, this was a nice short story. Some parts I did feel needed to be slightly longer. Instead of 30 something pages....maybe 50? Some parts needed more time. 

In the end, this was a nice people story with some depth. It could've been a hair longer to expend on some scenes and really get the meat of it....but it was nice overall. 3 stars from me. 

Book Review: That Summer by Lauren Willig

Author: Lauren Willig

Title: That Summer

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary, Romance

Format: hardcover

Pages: 342

Published: June 3rd 2014

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Used book store)

Summary: 

2009: When Julia Conley hears that she has inherited a house outside London from an unknown great-aunt, she assumes it's a joke. She hasn't been back to England since the car crash that killed her mother when she was six, an event she remembers only in her nightmares. But when she arrives at Herne Hill to sort through the house--with the help of her cousin Natasha and sexy antiques dealer Nicholas--bits of memory start coming back. And then she discovers a pre-Raphaelite painting, hidden behind the false back of an old wardrobe, and a window onto the house's shrouded history begins to open...

1849: Imogen Grantham has spent nearly a decade trapped in a loveless marriage to a much older man, Arthur. The one bright spot in her life is her step-daughter, Evie, a high-spirited sixteen year old who is the closest thing to a child Imogen hopes to have. But everything changes when three young painters come to see Arthur's collection of medieval artifacts, including Gavin Thorne, a quiet man with the unsettling ability to read Imogen better than anyone ever has. When Arthur hires Gavin to paint her portrait, none of them can guess what the hands of fate have set in motion.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for ages. Thank goodness for the TBR reading challenge. 

Here we follow Julia and Imogen. It is 2009 and Julia is inheriting a house outside of England but she hasn't been back to England since the car crash that killed her mother when Julia was a child. She can barely remember that day or England. She arrives at the house and with the aid of her cousin and the sexy antique dealer, Nicholas, bits of memory start to come back. And then she discovers a pre-Raphaelite painting that will lead to an old mystery and story. We also follow Imogen in 1849. Imogen has spent nearly a decade trapped in a loveless marriage. The one bright spot in her life has been her step-daughter, Evie Everything changes when she meets Gavin Thorne. 

Why can't I inherit a house like this? All that history! All the art and the antiques! I would never want to leave! I would get so lost there.

This book was good, but it also made me sad. I felt so bad for Imogen. She really should've listened to her father, but she was swept away by a charming older man. Poor thing. Probably happened a LOT back then. She was innocent and it was too late for her once they said the "I do"s. I just wanted her to find a small piece of happiness. She deserved it. Same with Evie. Sweet girl. Oh and Julia in modern times. She deserves all the happiness.

Now, this did take a while for the story to warm up. There was a lot of build-up and character development going on. Once it got going I couldn't put it down. Part of the ending left me bummed. I was hoping for something different for someone, but alas, it is not always happily-ever-after. I did enjoy part of the ending though. I would love a sequel for this! I feel like there are other tales to tell from that history-filled home!

This was a good read. It does take a bit to warm up in the beginning, but once you get to a certain point you won't be able to put it down. I was highly invested in our characters and I had to know what was going to happen next. 

In the end, this is a nice one for historical fiction lovers. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#6)

Book Review: Bad Boys in Kilts by Donna Kauffman

Author: Donna Kauffman

Title: Bad Boys in Kilts

(Chisholm Brothers #1)

Genre: Anthologies, Short stories, Romance, Contemporary, & Chick Lit

Format: hardcover

Pages: 320 

Published: March 1st 2006

Where I Got It: My shelf (Flint Public Library Book Sale)

Summary: 

Mad. Bad. (Barely) in Plaid.

Bottoms UP

Rascal Brodie Chisholm has more charm than the law allows, which is a good thing given he's bailed out of university to run the local pub. Brodie loves everything about the pub life: the community, the darts, trading barbs with the lads, flirting outrageously with the lasses - except for Kat Henderson, of course. She'd probably kick his ass. But Kat's about to show Brodie that the woman of his dreams might just be the tomboy next door and that billiards tables can come in handy for games other than shooting pool...

On Tap

Reese Chisholm is a definite man, sure of his ideas and strong of opinion about running the family distillery - until American Daisy MacDonnell shows up. The red-headed beauty has a lot of fancy ideas about promoting his family's whiskey on the Web, singing their praises (very embarrassing) or something. Not that Reese can remember what she says when she's sitting in front of him. He's too busy fantasizing. Moors. Heather. Frolicking and rolling and moaning and....No. Reese Chisholm is all business. He knows what he wants. And what he wants is Daisy...

Night Watch

Tristan always felt he'd been born a century too late. He was a sheepherder, both by profession and desire, with a poet's heart and a need to share a deep, hungry passion with one special woman. Bestselling author Bree Sullivan has come to Scotland looking to escape the paparazzi. Now, a surprise rainstorm has her stuck in the middle of nowhere, rescued by the world's hunkiest sheepherder. And suddenly, being along is the last thing on her mind...

Go on...Tartan up your sex life..

Review:

Picked this up a while back. It's been collecting dust on my bookshelf. Decided to finally dive into this! This is an anthology with 3 stories. 

Bottoms UP

We follow Brodie and Kat. He runs the local pub and she works on cars. They have been friends forever, but Kat has loved him for years. 

This was such a cute friends-to-lovers story! You could tell that Brodie even had some sort of feelings for her, but he didn't even know. Men are blind.

I also loved how Tomboy-ish Kat is. She works on cars and loves it! She was adorable and they were perfect for each other. I thought it was a cute flip. Normally it is the girl who works the bar and the manly man who works on cars. Loved it! Screw gender roles. 

My favorite of the three for sure! 5 stars. 

On Tap

The next one follows Brodie's brother, Reese, and Daisy. Reese is a polished and proper businessman. He only cares about supporting his family and running the family's the distillery. Daisy is an American who just came to town. She wants to help local businesses like Reese get on the map and grow. 

Reese was too stiff. Sure, I get he has to be proper since he is the face of the company now, but still....relax man. I liked Daisy...she was perfect for him. She also has her own business, but she can be relaxed and fun. Just what he needs. He'll learn that life is about balance. 

I think this couple needed more time to get to know each other. They are so different on the outside and he is just too proper.

I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my favorite. 3 stars. 

Night Watch

Lastly, we follow Tristan and Bree. Tristan wants a quiet life...he just wants to herd his sheep with a poet and painter's heart. Bree is a newly famous author who wants to get away so she came to Scotland looking for that quiet. When Bree gets into an accident after a freak storm Tristan rescues her. They find they are so different, but oh so similar. 

This one was cute! Love how they really both want simple lives. Yes, Bree loves that her book is beloved, but the American paparazzi are insane and she wants to get away and just enjoy writing again. Tristan just wants a quiet life too with his paint and his sheep. They were perfect for each other. 

They fall pretty quickly, but it seemed to work for them. They get a lot of alone time and they talk a lot which was nice. No huge drama here. 

The epilogue has me wanting more!! There is a book 2, but I think that follows the last brother who just came home. I'll have to check it out. 

4 stars for this one. 

Overall

I enjoyed this and I am kicking myself that I waited so long to read it. It's been collecting dust on my shelf for years now. I do want to check out book 2 about the last boy. Sounds like he went the ringer and deserves a HEA. Plus I like this town and everyone. They are a good sort. Can I move there???????

I am a little miffed that there was no doggie in the story like the one on the cover...not one I remember that is. That pup is so dang cute! 

In the end, this was good. All three stories were cute. I wanted more for the 2nd one...I feel like the two didn't get much time and Reese was too proper. I'll give this 4 stars overall. For sure worth the read!

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#4)

Book Review: Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea

Author: Charlie Donlea

Title: Twenty Years Later

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Contemporary

Format: ebook

Pages: 357

Published: December 28th 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Hiding her own dark past in plain sight, a TV reporter is determined to uncover the truth behind a gruesome murder decades after the investigation was abandoned. But TWENTY YEARS LATER, to understand the present, you need to listen to the past…

Avery Mason, host of American Events, knows the subjects that grab a TV audience’s attention. Her latest story—a murder mystery laced with kinky sex, tragedy, and betrayal—is guaranteed to be ratings gold. New DNA technology has allowed the New York medical examiner’s office to make its first successful identification of a 9/11 victim in years. The twist: the victim, Victoria Ford, had been accused of the gruesome murder of her married lover. In a chilling last phone call to her sister, Victoria begged her to prove her innocence.

Emma Kind has waited twenty years to put her sister to rest, but closure won’t be complete until she can clear Victoria’s name. Alone she’s had no luck, but she’s convinced that Avery’s connections and fame will help. Avery, hoping to negotiate a more lucrative network contract, goes into investigative overdrive. Victoria had been having an affair with a successful novelist, found hanging from the balcony of his Catskills mansion. The rope, the bedroom, and the entire crime scene was covered in Victoria’s DNA.

But the twisted puzzle of Victoria’s private life just the beginning. And what Avery doesn't realize is that there are other players in the game who are interested in Avery’s own secret past—one she has kept hidden from both the network executives and her television audience. A secret she thought was dead and buried . . .

Review:

Picked this up for book club. Plus...I think I was itching for a good mystery/thriller soooo perfect timing. 

The story follows Avery Mason who is the host of a TV show. Her latest story will be about a murder from 20 years ago. It is laced with kinky sex, tragedy, and betrayal. With the new DNA technology, the New York medical examiner's office makes its first successful identification of a 9/11 victim in years. This victim is none other than Victoria Ford who had been accused of the gruesome murder of her lover. Along with that, there is a chilling last phone call from Victoria who begged her sister to prove her innocence. Avery will uncover a twisted puzzle of Victoria's private life. And what Avery doesn't realize is that there are other players on the board who are interested in Avery's own secret past. 

This book was certainly a puzzle. A lot of moving pieces. I found myself back reading just to make sure I didn't miss anything vital. This is really a book you HAVE to pay attention to. Between the Victoria mystery AND Avery's own personal history...there is a lot at play here. Some are tied together, some are not. 

I was a little unsure about this the first couple of chapters. This started really, really, really slow. There was a lot of character and story building going on SO it makes, but it was slow. 

Once Avery was on the hunt and doing her research and interviews, I was absolutely hooked. The last quarter had me staying up WAY too late on a work night. Whoops. hahaha. I literally could not put it down. I HAD to know what was going to happen next. 

Oh.

My.

Goodness. 

I did not expect the ending. That left me certainly mouth agape and shocked. I even re-read to make sure I didn't misunderstand...I mean it was WAY past my bedtime. It was a shocker, but I was mad. Maybe it was because I had a certain hope in my head? Kuddos to the author, but I pissed at certain character(s). UGH. *shakes fist* 

 Honestly...this would make a great TV special. A few episodes maybe on Netflix or Hulu or something. It was intriguing and dang that twist at the end...

Major parts of the book revolve around 9/11 so it can be triggering for some. Avery interviews and looks into survivors who may have remembered Victoria on that day. I will admit that I was nervous about this since I have struggled to read and watch movies about this event in the past. I felt it was done tastefully and respectively, so I am happy with that. 

In the end, if you love a good mystery and thriller, this is certainly one you should pick up. It had all the elements. The beginning IS slow, so be warned there. There is a lot of character setup and world-building. Overall, I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

 

Book Review: Tea for Three by Melissa Crosby

Author: Melissa Crosby

Title: Tea for Three

(Mulberry Lane #1)

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 264 

Published: September 12th 2020 

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Three women. Three cups of tea. Three new beginnings.

Sarah Gardner's husband went to sleep one night in November and never woke up. At forty-years-old, the new widow is left to care for their three children, all of whom are under the age of five.

Twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate Morgan, thought she had met the man of her dreams during what was a perfect summer vacation. Now married to the handsome American who had swept her off her feet, and over 8000 miles away from home, Kate soon realizes that her mother was right: vacations end and people change.

Louise Delaney couldn’t ask for anything more. At fifty-nine, she had enjoyed almost four decades of blissful marriage to Warren—may his soul rest in peace. But Louise’s seemingly perfect world is upended when she gets a visit from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Warren’s daughter.

Three exceptional women—each of whose hearts are broken into a million pieces—come together in this extraordinary tale of life, love, and true friendship.

Review:

This was a freebie on Amazon that I got last year. Finally decided to give it a read. 

We follow three women who have gone through a lot but they have found each other. They meet up and have some tea and talked about their issues. There is Sarah who's husband went to bed one night and never woke up. At forty she is left alone to care for her three children. We also have twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate, who thought she had met the man of her dreams. He married her and brought her home to America, but she soon realizes that he is completely different. Lastly, we have Louise who has been a widow for a few years. They had been married for nearly four decades. However, everything is about to upended when she gets a visits from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Louise's late-husband's daughter.

Am I the only one who struggled with this? *scrolls through Goodreads* It looks like the average is over 4 stars. SOOOO many 5 stars. Eeee. I seem to be in the minority here. 

Okay. I didn't hate this. I did like this, but I did have my struggles. 

My main issue was that I had a hard time really connecting with ANY of the characters. Not that they are bad. I did feel so bad for them and I wanted them happy....but I just couldn't connect.  The POV would change at the end of every chapters...maybe if we got more time with each of the characters? I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong I loved the whole 3 women...3 cups of tea....etc, but I would've loved more time with each character or something. 

Another issue I had was that the story-telling did feel a little repetitive at points. Things would be repeated multiple times. Made me want to skim especially near the end. 

Besides for those two big things...I did enjoy it overall. It was beautiful watching these women become unlikely friends and get each other through these tough times over a nice cup of tea. Of course it gave me a hunkering for drinking tea so I did find myself brewing some tea while reading this in the morning. ;) But yes, it was for sure a good chick lit and would make a great Hallmark or Netflix movie. 

In the end, I had some big issues with this and I found myself wanting to skim here and there. However....I did think this was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Sad things happen but having good friends can make all the difference. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Heart by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Heart

(Mystic Cove #1)

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 12th 2014

Where I got It: Amazon

Summary: 

It is time…

An ancient book, a power untouched, and a heart unloved lead Keelin O'Brien from her graduate studies in Boston to a small village on the coast of Southern Ireland. Determined to unearth the secrets lying hidden in the enchanted waters of the cove, Keelin has little time for a surly Irishman who infuriates her during the day and haunts her fantasies at night.

Inexplicably drawn to the woman who has stepped from his dreams and into his world, Flynn fights a stubborn battle against his increasing attraction for Keelin. Forces unknown have better plans for the two.

Only the secrets of the cove can show Keelin who she really is, the beauty of her mysterious power, and a love that will break the bounds of what she knows.

Review:

Re-read time! Especially since I have the audio version now so why not!

Keelin comes to Ireland to meet her granny and learn more about her Irish roots and her mysterious powers. Along the way she is enchanted by the waters of the cove and the surly Irishman who infuriates her. 

This was fun and made me miss this world and want to re-read the rest of the series. Such a good series. I especially love the audio versions because I adore the narrator. She is fantastic! Perfect accents....perfect voices for all the different characters. 

I still am not happy with all the lies and BS from Keelin's mom. Sure, we get to learn more about her later on in the series, but even with that knowledge I am still not happy with her. SMH. 

But yes - I still adore this book even when doing the audio version. Maybe even more so because I adore the narrator. 

5 stars of course.  

Challenge(s):
- #85 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Author: Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel (Translator)

Narrator: George Blagden

Title: The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Animal

Format: Audiobook

Published:  November 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from Library

Summary: 

Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to find the place you truly belong...

Nana the cat is on a road trip. He is not sure where he's going or why, but it means that he gets to sit in the front seat of a silver van with his beloved owner, Satoru. Side by side, they cruise around Japan through the changing seasons, visiting Satoru's old friends. He meets Yoshimine, the brusque and unsentimental farmer for whom cats are just ratters; Sugi and Chikako, the warm-hearted couple who run a pet-friendly B&B; and Kosuke, the mournful husband whose cat-loving wife has just left him. There's even a very special dog who forces Nana to reassess his disdain for the canine species.

But what is the purpose of this road trip? And why is everyone so interested in Nana? Nana does not know and Satoru won't say. But when Nana finally works it out, his small heart will break...

Review:

I had to pick this for book club. I read this a while back and I loved it. I decided to shake it up and listen to the audio. 

We follow Nana the cat and his owner Satoru. The two pack up and head out on an adventure. Nana really doesn't know why, but he doesn't car. He gets to see Japan and meet a lot of different people and animals along the way. Satoru won't say, but there is something up and it sounds like life is going to change. 

Ohhh my heart. 

I didn't sob like I did last time. I had a couple of tears still, but since I know the ending I was ready for it. Still broke my little heart. Oooooo Nana and Satoru. I love them. I would love a prequel one day. That would be fun. See them become best friends. 

This will make you laugh. This will make you cry. Def a great book for animal lovers. 

This time I did the audio and I enjoyed it still. The narrator did a good job. The girl voices were...okay....it did the job.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. I think I like paper version a hair more, but this was still a great read. I highly recommend it. You will feel all the feels by the end. 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #76 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: The Christmas List by Chrissie Manby

Author: Chrissie Manby

Narrator: Rebecca Courtney

Title: The Christmas List (Kindle Single)

Genre: Chick Lit, Short story, Fantasy, Contemporary Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 24th 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

What if you got exactly what you wanted this Christmas? Find out why you should be careful what you wish for in best-seller Chrissie Manby's (Getting Over Mr Right, Seven Sunny Days) exclusive Christmas novella.

It’s the 1st of December and Milly Arnold is facing a miserable Noel. Newly single, the last thing she wants to do is join her settled sister and her young family

Review:

Awww randomly stumbled upon this looking at some Xmas short stories. 

What if you got everything you wanted for Christmas? That is what happens to Milly Arnold after she is dumped just about a month before the holidays. The problem is....she is about to learn that she needs to be careful what she wishes for. 

This was a quick listen but I really enjoyed it. Poor Milly. Being dumped RIGHT before the holidays is rough. Luckily she has her family looking out for her and Santa has a wicked sense of humor. 

I would've loved this to be longer. I want to see more of Milly and her family. They were a lot of fun. I adored Milly.

The narrator was good. Perfect for the characters. 

Overall, this was a perfect way to start of the holidays! My first Xmas of the season. 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #75 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review of Fairer Sex Collection by Michelle Miller (part 1)

Stumbled upon this short story series while I was prepping to get my butt outside to start staining our deck. I downloaded all 8 of these short stories from Audible. What is fun about these is that you can read or listen to them all out of order. They don't tie into each other. These are about 8 different women. 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Candace

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019 

Summary: 

Is there any chance of a second date? That all depends on what a woman and a man are willing to invest in the first, in this quick-witted short story of a perfectly equitable modern romance.

After ten years of bad blind dates, Candace is having a hard time believing Patrick is so spot-on. He’s sharp, handsome, and kind—her mind can’t help racing to where it all will lead. Then the check arrives. It’s time to get real.

Review:

The first story is about Candace. She has been on more blind dates than one can count over the years so she has been having a hard time believing that Patrick is so perfect AND then the check arrives. 

This was fun. I wasn't sure what was going to happen when that check arrived and Patrick opened his mouth. Kuddos to Candace! That was certainly clever. 5 stars.

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Meredith

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019

Summary: 

A frustrated lawyer finds release where she least expects it—and where she needs it most—in this exhilarating, sexy romp through the finest gluten-free indulgences in a New York City grocery store. After another long workday, the only thing Meredith wants is a nice big bowl of paleo maple-pecan coconola. But the hour-long checkout line at 7:00 p.m. at an all-organic supermarket stands between her and satisfaction, and the yupster mob is working her last nerve. Then, out of nowhere, a spontaneous flirtation with a stranger shows her there’s a lot more than coconola waiting for her in the bulk-food aisle.

Review:

This one follows Meredith. She is a frustrated lawyer looking for release and finds it where she least expects it....at the gluten-free indulgences in a New York City grocery store. 

This one took a huge turn and that escalated quickly. I was just waiting for the cops or security guard to be called over on her and that guy. Like WOWZERS.

Honestly - I think I wanted more of this...I would've liked to see what happened next. It sort of just...ended. Yes, yes, it's a short story but still. It felt....*thinks of word*....incomplete. 3 stars overall from me. 

 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Alicia

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019 

Summary: 

An aspiring artist gets a seven-figure offer that could change her life forever in this provocative and surprising short story of a woman torn between saying yes and saying no.

Alicia could do a lot with a million dollars. But what’s she willing to do for it? Her top client, a billionaire hedge fund manager, has made a very intimate business proposal. In the world of finance, it’s just another transaction, right? An efficient supply-demand exchange. At least that’s what Alicia tries to tell herself. But as the deadline for her decision closes in, it becomes clear that things are a lot more complicated than that.

Review:

Now we have Alicia. She is an aspiring artist who is given a seven-figure offer that could change her life and let her dreams come true. However....can she get herself to do it? Her top client, a good-looking billionaire hedge manager, has offered to pay for sex one time. 

We mainly get to see Alicia struggling with this decision and waiting at the hotel. 

I found this one really intriguing. Easy answer....heck yes. BUT the ramifications can be bad. And that guy doesn't seem bad...even though what a creepy offer. 

This short really showed that people and situations are never black and white. I'll give this one a 5 as well. 

Narrator: Samara Naeymi

Title: Meredith

Genre: Chick Lit, Short Stories, & Humor

Published: February 14th 2019

Summary: 

For an imaginative screenwriter, the best way to explain Wall Street is to strip the men of their suits in this flirty and provocative short story of sex, romance, and capitalism.

Heidi is writing a script to explain the financial industry, based on how the men within it approach romance. Her clueless heroine is looking for a Wall Street husband, but who’s the best option? The Trader? The Investment Banker? The Venture Capitalist? Scene by sizzling scene, Heidi considers their assets. What she wants for certain is a happy ending—but when she hits a dead end, it might take a real-life finance guy to show her what a long-term investment really looks like.

Review:

We have Heidi now. She is writing a script that explains the financial industry based on how the men within it approach to romance. Her poor clueless heroine is looking for a Wall Street husband...but who is the best option? Scene by scene, Heidi and her heroine consider their assets and their flaws. Heidi hits a roadblock though...how can she make this a happily ever after for her character.

I think I was most excited about this one. What a weird and different way to tell a story. 

I felt like Heidi got the short stick. This should've been named after Heidi's heroine instead because we got to see Heidi only for like 5% of the story. I would've loved to have some glimpses of Heidi as she is typing the story or something. 

But yes - I did enjoy this and it had me laughing...but I really felt like Heidi's heroine took center stage too much. I'll give this 3 stars though.

Challenge(s):
- #52, 53, 54, & 55 for Audiobook challenge

 

Book Review: As The Stars Fall by Steve N. Lee

Author: Steve N. Lee 
Title: As The Stars Fall
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Coming-of-age
Format: ebook

Pages: 300
Published: August 25th 2020 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Where to get this: 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0868X2L3P

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/as-the-stars-fall-steve-n-lee/1136738212

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/as-the-stars-fall

https://books.apple.com/us/book/as-the-stars-fall/id1504483395

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Steve_N_Lee_As_The_Stars_Fall?id=08vYDwAAQBAJ

***

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0868X2L3P

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0868X2L3P

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0868X2L3P

Summary: A desperate dog. A scarred girl. A bond nothing can break.

When a young girl suffering with her own tragedy comes across an injured young dog, she can’t resist helping him. Both having braved the worst the world had to throw at them, the pair quickly form an unbreakable bond. They picture their future as an endless stream of adventures filled with love, laughter, and good times.

But life has one last cruel trick to play…

At one moment heart-warming, the next heart-breaking, this is the story of a desperate dog’s roller coaster journey to be the one thing every good dog dreams of being – a best friend. Through a touching tale, As The Stars Fall explores how compassion can make us whole again and friendship can heal even the most broken of hearts.

Review: I am in love with stories like this. It always hits me right in the feels! 

The story follows a young, desperate dog who has not had a lot of luck. A young girl finds him suffering in a moldy old box and takes him home. Little do they realize that they need each other. They quickly form an unbreakable bond that will last forever. 

Where is my box of tissue?? This had me feeling all the feels. I had tears of joy and tears of sorrow. This author certainly played with my emotions with this one. I felt so bad for that dog and that girl. They really needed each other! It really struck a chord and made me have a lot of self-reflection and take a second look and remember all the animals and all the people that have come and gone in my life. It was a beautiful story for sure. 

I simply love stories set in the animal point of view. It's tough (trust me, I had to do a short story for my creative writing class and it was tough) to really get it right and not be cliche or awkward. The author did an awesome and it felt natural and right and it fit the story that was being told. 

OOOoooOOOoooooOOO that ending had me a blubbering mess. It was so good! But oooooooo the feels!

Honestly...I want to re-read this. It was quick but it certainly was awesome. I finished this in just a couple of sittings. This could've been 500 pages and I would have read every single page. 

No issues at all for me. I was hooked from page 1 until the end. I do wish we had more of a conclusion with Dad though. Maybe he'll get a book someday. ;) I think he really needs something/someone. 

Overall, I highly recommend this. Just be prepared to feel ALL the emotions and all the feels. It was such a good story. Amazing characters and a great story. This is for sure a strong contender for the best book of the year. ;) I'll give this 5 stars of course.