Where The Road Bends by Rachel Fordham, audio read by Coleen Marlo

 

This is a double review as I have read the story and listened to the audio. I loved Quincy and ora's story. Both were broken people who stepped up to care for others. It is a story of forgiveness and redemption. I love the gentle storytelling of Rachel Fordham. She tells wonderful stories in a way that keeps you engaged and wanting to spend more time in her world.

As to the audible version, Coleen Marlo does a fantastic job reading the story. She reads the book in such a way that I could easily tell who was speaking, each character had a distinctive "voice".

I highly recommend both versions of Where the Road Bends.

Brew up a pitcher of tea and settle in for a great read whether you prefer printed books or audiobooks.

I was given a copy of both versions by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it--even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she's planned.

Norah's care does more than aid Quincy Barnes's recovery--it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.

Rachel Fordham invites you to experience the strength and beauty of love forged in the crucible of hardship in this heartwarming story.

About the author:

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writes plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com

About Coleen Marlo:

From AudioFile magazine:

"I've always felt a desire to be able to express the beauty of the world in all of its complexities, and audiobooks give me a chance to do that," says Coleen Marlo, winner of the 2011 Audie Award for Fiction for her reading of Robert Helenga's novel SNAKEWOMAN OF LITTLE EGYPT . "Winning that award was a true fulfillment as well as a wonderful acknowledgment of this craft."

Marlo's life as an audiobook narrator began with her acting training. First and foremost, she credits the consummate actor and teacher Salome Jens with being her mentor and her friend. As a member of the Actors Studio, Marlo has been privileged to work with such master moderators and close colleagues as Mark Rydell and legends such as Martin Landau, Shelley Winters, Harvey Keitel, and Al Pacino.

"After many years of training and theater work, I auditioned for Dan Musselman at Books on Tape." Eventually, she was asked to record her first audiobook. Each narrator has her own method of preparing for recording. Marlo reads the manuscript before she records. "I approach each book as I would any other acting job, the difference being that I'm now playing all the characters." She keeps her mind open to all the possibilities. "I allow myself to feel the material rather than intellectualize it. I jot down comments on all the characters, noting anything that gives me insight into their souls. Then, by the time I get to the studio, I can just let it sail, allowing it to unfold, moment by moment, yet still remaining open to the discoveries and surprises that come along."

Marlo's AudioFile Earphones-winning recording of NO BIKING IN THE HOUSE WITHOUT A HELMET by Melissa Fay Greene led to some fascinating dinners at Ethiopian restaurants and chats with owners and waiters as she did research on the Ethiopian accent. Recording SOURLAND by Joyce Carol Oates proved a different kind of challenge for the talented narrator. With 16 short stories and some 200

Free Fall (Quantico Files #3) by Nancy Mehl

 

Free Fall by Nancy Mehl is a very suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat novel. The Quantico Files follow a team of FBI profilers. Nancy has obviously well researched the methods used by profilers and has written a thrilling series of books. While the books could be read as stand-alone, they are best read in order. Alex and Logan are an interesting couple and I really cared about what happened to them. I enjoyed the faith element. I can't wait to read more books by Ms. Mehl.

I would suggest you brew a pitcher of tea and settle in under a tree for a fantastic read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

The closer she comes to the truth, the deadlier her chase gets.

FBI behavioral analyst Alex Donovan and her colleague Logan Hart have been called upon to write a profile for a missing woman, but a little digging quickly turns up more disappearances in Virginia with the same physical description.

Alex is in a race against the clock to rescue the missing victims, so when the UNSUB makes demands of her in exchange for information, Alex takes the bait. But when her life is put in jeopardy, Logan must do whatever it takes to track them down before time runs out.

Alex works to think one step ahead of the suspect, but the more Logan and the BAU learn about the serial kidnapper, the more they fear Alex may not make it out alive.

"The relentless pace will keep readers glued to their seats . . . This pulse-pounding romantic thriller is a wild ride."--Publishers Weekly

about the author:

Nancy Mehl lives in Missouri, with her husband Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored thirty books and is currently at work on a new FBI suspense series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "It's a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan, especially for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help."

You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: www.nancymehl.com. She also is active on the Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com and on FaceBook!

The Victor by Marlayne Giron

 

The Victor is the second book I have read by Marlayne Giron. Both books are a little bit different but that is ok, as I enjoyed both of them. The Victor is at first glance a medieval tale and as such is quite enjoyable. But when one digs deeper it is an allegory for the Bible. It also includes themes from King Arthur and Robin Hood. The story is quite enjoyable and I would recommend it for a fun, relaxing read about good versus evil.

Grab a pot of tea and settle in for a good story.

I read my copy on Kindle Unlimited. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

A benevolent king;
...his sword of power;
...a ruthless traitor bent on revenge;
and the faithful son who stands in his way with the woman destined to share his throne.

Who shall emerge as the victor in this epic struggle between good and evil to rule the lives of hapless men?

About the author:

Marlayne Giron is a wife and mother living in Orange County, California. She currently works full time and enjoys cooking for her family every night, scrapbooking, making high teas, and entertaining. She is also the author of Make a Wish, In Plain Sight and The Victor Companion Lesson Plan.

I also have a blog about my experience with breast cancer (no disturbing photos but plenty of humor). My blog is: https://mmgiron.wixsite.com/website

The Truth Seeker (Audio Version) by Dee Henderson

 

I have read the Truth Seeker many times. This time I listened to the audio version. It was very enjoyable. Tom Stechschulte is a wonderful narrator and I look forward to reading with him again!

From Amazon:

Women are turning up dead. And Lisa O'Malley digging into a crime means trouble is soon to follow. She's a forensic pathologist and mysteries are her domain. Audio book number three in the O'Malley series brings back Lisa O'Malley and U.S. Marshal Quinn Diamond from The Guardian in a tense investigative thriller. She's not a believer, and her journey toward faith is a fascinating look at how a forensic pathologist views the Resurrection. Quinn has found loving her is easier than keeping her safe. Lisa O'Malley's found the killer, and now she's missing too.

About the author:

Dee Henderson is the author of 27 fiction and non-fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. Visit her at www.deehenderson.com.

We were saddened to learn of the loss of narrator Tom Stechschulte in late spring 2021. Tom had a wonderfully deep, resonant voice, and he brought an authentic feel to characters from the American West and the South. His keen ear for cadences and speech patterns made his characters completely memorable. Tom recorded many essential titles, including Tim O’Brien’s THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, Kent Haruf’s PLAINSONG, H.G. Bissinger’s FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, Annie Proulx’s THAT OLD ACE IN THE HOLE, Rick Bragg’s AVA’S MAN, Jimmy Carter’s AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT, and titles by Cormac McCarthy and James Lee Burke. In our review of Dennis Lehane’s SHUTTER ISLAND, contributing editor Sandi Henschel noted, “One difference between simply listening and having a listening experience is Tom Stechschulte.” A narrator who prepared rigorously, Tom told us, “Good writers give signposts, and if you look hard enough, they are there.” Tom’s acting career began as a diversion. He was a college athlete and business major, and a friend dared him to audition for the spring play. He got the part, and soon after traded the locker room for the dressing room. Regional theater roles, including Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird at Boston’s Huntington Theatre in 1996, eventually brought him to New York City and to recording audiobooks.

The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart...review added May 18, 2022

 

My review: 

Wow! Have you ever sat back and wondered how someone could write such a story, one that keeps you engaged and causes you to go to Google over and over to see what the author is talking about. TheMaster Craftsman was such a book. In the manner of true historical fiction, The Master Craftsman is based on a true story, that of Peter Karl Faberge and the Imperial Eggs he created. I loved the three timelines that Ms. Stuart used in the story. She created three storylines all focused on an egg that Faberge might have created. It also demonstrates the true value of treasures, both monetary and otherwise. And the ending was not at all what I expected but was the perfect ending.

I recommend you brew a pot of chai. find a cozy nook and prepare to be whisked away to a world of jewels and plots and suspense...The hunt is on!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own

I hate to admit but I am seriously behind on my reading. I was supposed to have finished Kelli Stuart's The Master Craftsman and posted a review today. Well unfortunately that is not happening. So I thought I would give a shout-out today and post my review soon. 

From Amazon:

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. 

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.

About the author:

Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English Professional Writing, and a minor in the Russian language, Kelli has honed her skills in the written word through editing, ghostwriting, blogging, and traveling the world.

Kelli is the author of the Carol-award winning novel, Like a River From Its Course, based on true stories from Ukrainian World War II survivors. Her second novel, A Silver Willow by the Shore, was the NIEA winner for literary fiction and received the IPPY silver award for literary fiction in 2020.

Kelli's third book, The Fabulous Freaks of Monsieur Beaumont released in August, 2021. She will release her fourth novel, The Master Craftsman in April, 2022 with Revell books. In addition, Kelli is part of a collection of short stories in the Christmas release, It's a Wonderful Christmas: Classics Reimagined.

Kelli has co-authored the non-fiction books Dare 2B Wise with Joe White, and Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake. Kelli lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband and five children.

Link to The House of Faberge:

https://www.faberge.com/the-world-of-faberge/timeline

 Examples of Faberge Eggs

A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson

 

Jen Geigle Johnson is a new to me author, and after reading A Foreign Crown I will definitely be reading more of her books. I loved the way she weaves a story that explores marriage for love or duty. I really enjoyed the historical detail of King George the 3rd and Queen Charlotte's court. The characters came to life and enticed me to keep reading late into the night. I will be adding Ms. Johnson to the list of authors whose books I seek out! 

I recommend that you brew a pot of tea, curl up in a comfy chair and travel back in time to the court of the mad king!

All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Following a devastating series of misfortunes, Lady Aribella Bardsley has bravely shouldered the responsibilities of her household. But just as the bleakness of her situation threatens to overwhelm her, a summons arrives from the Queen with a providential offer: Aribella’s presence is requested as a lady-in-waiting at the palace. 

Prince Layton Wilhelm’s family has clung to their neutrality in the war for far too long. As the youngest of the King of Oldenburg’s eight sons, Layton is determined to prove his worth and is unwilling to turn a blind eye to Napoleon’s encroaching privateers. When Layton embarks on a journey to England, it is for one purpose: to petition the British navy for aid. But when he becomes acquainted with the lovely Lady Aribella, he cannot deny their powerful connection. Amid the intrigues and schemes within the walls of the palace, Layton and Aribella know a future together is impossible—but torn between loyalty and love, will they risk everything to follow their hearts

About the author:

An award-winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. History is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter--@authorjen

Instagram--@authorlyjen

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGeigleJohnson/

The Letter From Briarton Park by Sarah Ladd.

 

All Cassandra Hale has ever known is the orphanage where she grew up. She receives a mysterious letter that leads her to Briarton Park. There she is caught between two worlds, one of the gentry and the other of the villagers. She catches the interest of two men and gets caught up in a mystery. I loved the setting and the plot was very interesting. Ms. Ladd does an excellent job telling of life in Regency England. She tells lovely faith-filled stories that compel you to read long after bedtime.

So brew your favorite tea, shut off your phone (unless that is where you read) and curl up for a relaxing afternoon.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient estate that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future.

Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But her world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, Cassandra travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.

James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks.

The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home.

Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling.

Praise for The Letter from Briarton Park:

“The swoon-worthy romance of Jane Austen meets the suspense of Charlotte Bronte in Sarah Ladd's enthralling The Letter from Briarton Park. As Cassandra navigates the mystery of her own life, it is absolutely clear that family—either of blood or heart—are where she, and we, ultimately find our home.” —Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society and The Greenbrier Resort

• Sweet Regency romance with mystery elements
• The first book in the Houses of Yorkshire series, but can be read in any order
• Book-length: approximately 91,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

About the author:

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance.