Audiobook Challenge Mid- Year Accounting

I didn't make my goal in 2017 but I hope to in 2018 ... but am on track. Most likely I need to get a move on! Yes sure I am half way to 20 but really I need to be further into the 20's to be satisfied! Like 28 would be good. However the good thing about doing the mid-year accounting is that I had forgotten to add two books to my total so now it is looking a little healthier!

The Challenge Details can be found at Caffeinated Reviewer   and Hot Listens.

This year I am going  for the Binge Listener Level which is the 20 -30 level, and hopefully it will be closer to 30 than 20.  

1. The Sea of Tranquillity   Katja Millay. Book 5 stars Narrated: Kirby Heyborne and Candace Thaxton.  5 stars    Length 13hrs 10 min 
    
2. A Grown Up Kind of Pretty   Joshilyn Jackson 4 stars  Narrated: Joshilyn Jackson     5 stars Length: 12 hr 25 min  
   
3. The Secret Hour  Luanne Rice. Story 4.5 stars Narrated: Christine Traister  4.5 stars Length 10hr.53 min  
   
4. The Pearl Sister.  Lucinda Riley. Story 5 stars Narrated: Stephanie Racine; Rehanna MacDonald  5 stars. Length  19hr 55min 
   
5. Sweet Tea and Sympathy.  Molly Harper. Story 4 stars  Narrated by Amanda Ronconi.  4 stars. Length 9hr 27 min 
   
6. Still Me   Jojo Moyes. Story  4.5 stars Narrated by Anna Acton  4.5 stars  Length 13hr 27 min
   
7. The Denim Blue Sea   Joanne Demaio  Story  4 stars  Narrated by Nick Cracknell 3.5 stars Length 10hr 25 min  
   
8. The Endless Beach  Jenny Colgan Story  5 stars   Narrated by Sarah Barron   5 stars Length 10hrs  
   
9. The Secret to Southern Charm Kristy Woodsen Harvey  Story  5 stars Narrated by Janete Metzger; Candace Thaxton.  5 stars  Length 10 hr  
   
10. Meet Me at The Cupcake Cafe   Jenny Colgan Story  4.5 stars   Narrated by Penelope Rawlins 5 stars  Length 14hr 33 min  
    
11. Beard Science  Penny Reid  Story 4 stars Narrated by Joy Nash; Chris Brinkley  4.5 stars   Length 13hr 55 min  
    
12. Promise Me Dad.  Joe Biden (Memoir) Narrated by Joe Biden.  5 stars   Length 8hr 53 min
    

Last month - Audiobook Month I did mean to write a post but life got in the way! So a little more about audiobooks!

Have I always listened to audiobooks and when did I begin?

As I thought about this I realised it began as a child. Yes... on the radio, there were always books and stories read. I grew up without TV (can you believe it!) TV didn't arrive in my house until I was a teen. So we sat around the radio. ( Talking 1950's here). I remember still listening to Nevil Shute's  A Town Like Alice. Magical, I waited every Saturday night for the next episode!

Then many years later I discovered Audible and I am talking early days. Soon after it started I guess.  When it took forever to download a book. And then I had to convert it to CD. Were iPods invented then? I am not sure!  Then I got tired of the slow download and cancelled.

In 2008 I came back. Downloading was a little faster but not much! However so much faster now and of course I have an iPod and an iPad. I don't like listening on my iPhone but I could. Yes I am Apple through and through. Blame it on a Principal at school, my colleague, in the late 1990's who was big time Apple.

My favourite audiobook in the above list?

I pick my audiobooks carefully - well I am paying for them! So I rarely have a dud. Out of this list I have to say I really loved The Sea of Tranquillity.  I guess its YA or maybe New Adult. Who cares, I am neither of those! Heh! Heh!

What's My Least Favourite Thing About Audiobooks?

I hate a narrator that spoils a book. There are some books I'd like to listen to but the narrator is weak so I read them, I love that I can pre-listen to a little bit.  The other thing is I am not an audio person, I like an enormous amount of quiet so I don't have the urge when I am doing housework etc to pick up my iPod.

Oh and I should add a huge pet hate! Lack of world book rights so that we can't listen to a book we want to because ... yes we don't live in a certain part of the world. I know! It happens to us all, right! 

Yes I hate this in my wish list. And how do I get rid of it anyway. Now that I can't have it!!

Do I speed up the listening?

Anathema! Didn't I tell you I pay for these books. I want the whole experience. Yes listening to a book is a little slower than reading it but so what. The narrator has had to read it at normal speed after all! I want to savour it all.  Savour! 

A book from this list I think is better listening to.

The Pearl Sister for sure. It's a long book and the narrators do a fantastic job of keeping you on focus and besides they just nail it!  They send it up a notch. It's also the longest book on this list! The longest books on audio that I have listened to are the Outlander books (I've read them all and listened to many of them) The narrator of those in a class of her own. Superb. Yes that would be Davina Porter.

What! An author narrating her own book.

Yes well most of them I hate when they try that. Was going to name but won't. Let's just say if they narrate their own book I won't buy the audio version. But......  Joshilyn Jackson - she nails her own books every time. Perfection. Nobody else should narrate them.

Hmm okay. A little listening today, I better get on to it!

Over The Teacups #8

This is audiobook month, so it is quite fitting that my three books this time round for Over the Teacups are all audiobooks.

Why? I had read/listened to the previous book The Cafe by the Sea and loved it so I was totally in for listening to this one. 

Plot This continues life on Mure which is a small island off the coast of Scotland. It sounds both unappealing and appealing. We meet all the same characters. Flora is running her cafe, her brother is about to get married, there is a doctor who wants to find his wife and children from a war torn area. And Flora is still wondering really about her relationship with Joel.

What Appeals to me? Well I loved the narration by Sarah Barron, perfection. I loved the setting, the characters and the bittersweet angst. We learn so much about the background of Joel, the doctor's struggle with his search and find of his family, and well... there is one very sad loss happening.
And so...  It was a 5 star listen for me.  A keeper shelf book and most likely a notable book of 2018 for me.

Why?  I saw this listed over on the AAR website where they had the top 100 romances as voted I guess by their readers. As I had read quite a few on this list I thought I'd try this one - new to the list. I also heard it discussed on a couple of podcasts and reviews on Goodreads were generally very positive.
Plot.  This was about Jennifer - the Banana Queen, a baking genius who is totally exploited by her parents. And Cletus Winston - Jen blackmails him into helping her prepare for someone to marry. He sets out to educate her giving her tasks to do - like do something different every day. Cletus is a devious, loveable, quiet and clever individual but it turns out Jen is all of that and more.
What Appeals to me.  It was a fun set up, and all the Winston family were a load of fun. They all have their own books I do believe.  I listened to the audio and it was an easy listening experience reasonably well narrated.
And so...While  I most likely won't read about the rest of them in their books its only because there are so many books to be read... and if I only had time!   A 4 star story and narration.

Why?  I heard Joe Biden being interviewed by Oprah on SuperSoul Sunday Podcast awhile back and I was just so impressed by him. So I put the book into my wish list at Audible.
Plot. Joe Biden recounts some of his experiences as Vice President of the USA, and the years that led up to his son Beau's death from brain cancer.
What Appeals to Me. I really liked Joe Biden's values, his devotion to family and to duty and service. His life is inspiring, his simplicity, his authenticity, humility and loyalty. I liked his positivity and belief in his country even as times changed after his time in office.  He narrates this book himself, he doesn't have the most varied of voices, but the fact he is speaking it himself was enough for me.
And so...I was pleased I picked this one out to listen to, Joe Biden because of his life experience with tragedy has a compassion and ability to connect with others who have suffered.  A 5 star reading experience.

Audiobook Challenge 2018

I am going to be in again on the Audiobook Challenge mainly because I love audiobooks! I didn't quite make my goal in 2017 but was close. For me it is enjoying the listening experience and appreciating the narrator and author's combined talents. I only listen at normal speed.  

The Challenge Details can be found at Caffeinated Reviewer   and Hot Listens.

This year I am going to go for the Binge Listener Level which is the 20 -30 level, and hopefully it will be closer to 30 than 20.  I have a few audiobooks already in the line up from the sales at Audible in 2017 and a few credits already to be used. And... I am hoping to make use of some library listens as well. 

1. The Sea of Tranquillity   Katja Millay. Narrated:Kirby Heyborne and Candace Thaxton.  5 stars
2. A Grown Up Kind of Pretty   Joshilyn Jackson   Narrated: Joshilyn Jackson     4 stars
3. The Secret Hour  Luanne Rice.  Narrated: Christine Traister  4.5 stars
4. The Pearl Sister.  Lucinda Riley. Narrated: Stephanie Racine & Rehanna MacDonald  5 stars.
5. Sweet Tea and Sympathy.  Molly Harper.  Narrated by Amanda Ronconi.  4 stars.
6. Still Me   Jojo Moyes.  Narrated by Anna Acton  4.5 stars
7. The Denim Blue Sea   Joanne Demaio   4 stars  Narrated by Nick Cracknell 3 stars
8. The Endless Beach  Jenny Colgan  5 stars   Narrated by Sarah Barron   5 stars
9. Meet Me at The Cupcake Cafe   Jenny Colgan 4.5 stars   Narrated by Penelope Rawlins 5 stars
10. Beard Science Penny Reid
11. Promise Me Dad.  Joe Biden (Memoir) Narrated by Joe Biden.  5 stars
12. Beach Blues Joanne DeMaio  3.5 stars   Nick Crackness narrator 3.5 stars
13. *** The Rogue Not Taken Sarah Maclean  3.5 stars story 3.5 stars narration by Justine Eyre
14. The Sugar House Blues   Mariah Stewart. 4 stars story 4.5 stars narration by Joy Osmanski
15. Her Royal Spyness    Rhys Bowen  4 stars story 5 stars narration by Katherine Kellgren
16. A Royal Pain   Rhys Bowen  4 stars story   5 stars narration by Katherine Kellgren
17. Crimes Against A Book Club 4 stars story  5 stars narration by Katherine Kellgren
18. Persuasion  Jane Austen 4 stars story 5 stars narration by Juliet Stevenson
19. Leverage in Death J. D. Robb 5 stars   5 stars narration
20. The Lilac Bouquet    Caroline Brown 4 stars 5 stars narration  Brittany Pressley
21. Royal Flush Rhys Bowen  4 stars. Narration Katherine Kellgren 5 stars
22. How to Find Love in a Bookshop   4 stars. Veronical Henry Narration Julia Barrie 4 stars
23. An Island Christmas.  Jenny Colgan  5 stars.  Narrator Sarah Baron 5 stars
24. The One You Really Want  Jill Mansell 4.5 stars  Narrator Sarah Baron 4.5 stars
25. Brothers and Sisters Fiona Palmer  4.5 stars   Narrator Anna Steen 4.0 stars
26. Lake Silence   Anne Bishop  4.5  stars  Narrator Alexandra Harris 4.5 stars
27. Little Fires Everywhere  Celeste Ng. 5 stars. Narrator Jennifer Lim 5 stars

Over the Teacups #3 - Short Reviews.

Why? I would like to reread this series or for some of the books read for the first time.

Plot.  In Anne of the Island we see herself and Gilbert and Prissy go of to Redmond college to study hard to attain their degrees.

All goes well the first year and Anne makes a new friend as well - Philippa. In the second year they come across a place that they are able to rent "Patty's Place".   While Anne is not that fond of cats a mangy, but feisty one attaches itself to Anne and a love affair is born between them.

Anne has started writing and faces both rejection and some success. She receives a few proposals of marriage that she turns down, among them Gilbert who is pretty heart broken about that. But Anne is looking for something magical and really takes a long time to decipher true love. Finally though all is well.  Anne realises her true love!

What Appeals to me. I enjoyed the story, well narrated again by Barbara Caruso. I don't ever remember reading this book, as a child, perhaps I did, perhaps I didn't. I am now quite motivated to go right through the series. 

Somehow I got the order wrong and passed by Anne of Windy Poplars so will need to go back to it - possibly now when I have finished the others.

Plot.
The story continues in Anne's House of Dreams as Anne and Gilbert are married and take up residence in a darling house. They make new friendships and the characters made me smile. Lesley is a near neighbour and she and Anne eventually become dear friends. And what a story surrounds Lesley. Then there is Captain Jim with his stories, Miss Cornelia with her "Just like a man" additions to most statements. Which to be honest got a bit too much!

What Appeals to Me. The story is both heartwarming and sad with some tough tales told. However what comes through is the closeness of good friends, the start of a new family and a home that suits perfectly... for now!

The audiobook was read by Karen Savage on LibriVox and a fine narration it was, I could listen along in my podcasts app on my iPad and it was perfect.  My first time trying LibriVox and a positive one.

And so...While I might take a rest from these for awhile I will continue on. I may have to read Anne of Windy Poplars  and Anne of Ingleside because I don't see them anywhere on audio for my part of the world.

 Why? 
 I saw a review for Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine at  Debbish,  her review put the book firmly on my radar. Excellent review.

I chose the  audiobook form and it was excellent. The narration by Cathleen McCarron was perfectly suited to the voice of Eleanor Oliphant the heroine of this story.

Plot. Eleanor is rather different - straight forward, somewhat out of touch socially and scarred. She is a hard worker, quick to judge and a little finicky. And I just must mention Raymond who befriends her, and shows her what true friendship and family is all about.  Is Eleanor the same at the end of the book as she was in the beginning? Absolutely not. And there was a little twist at the end I did not see coming!

What Appeals to Me? Her life story as it unfolds is captivating, sad and yet told with a light touch and glimpses of humour.  I loved Eleanor's development over the book.

And so...I think if you liked The Rosie Project or A Man Called Ove  you'd like this book. For me it was ahead of those.  Certainly will  be on my list of top books read in 2017.  And I'll be wanting to read the next book by Gail Honeyman, this was her debut novel.

Audiobook Challenge 2017

Hosted this year by Hot Listens and Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  You can find out all about it over there at both places.

Again I will be going for 30+ level My Precious.  Not quite up to the 50+ level!!  And quite okay for that. While the goal is to listen to more than last year, my goal is to enjoy what I listen to. However hope I listen to more in 2017. 

Audiobooks 2017

January to June

1. Anne of Green Gables   L. M. Montgomery   Narrator: Barbara Caruso
2. The Chocolate Thief.  Laura Florand   Narrator: Teri Clark Linden
3. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend.  Katarina Bivald Narrator: Fiona Hardingham and Lorelei King.
4. True to the Highlander  Barbara Longley    Narrator: Angela Dawe
5. The Shadow Sister    Lucinda Riley. Narrator: Jessica Preddy
6. Etched in Bone  Anne Bishop  Narrator: Alexandra Harris
7. The Last Chance Matinee   Mariah Stewart   Narrator: Joy Osmanski
8. True Blue        Luanne Rice   Narrator: Christina Traister
9. A Man Called Ove    Fredrik Backman     Narrator Joan Walker
10. One Good Thing   Wendy Wax   Narrator Amy Rubinate
11. Lover's Knot   Emilie Richards  Narrator Isabel Keating
12. The Chilbury Ladies' Choir  Jennifer Ryan   Narrator by a number of people
13. Goodnight from London  Jennifer Robson   Narrator Saskia Maarleveld

July to December

1. The Forever Summer   Jamie Brenner  Narrator Amy McFadden
2. Anne of the Island   L. M. Montgomery
3. The Stars are Fire  Anita Shreve
4. Until it Fades  K. A. Tucker
5. Sister's Choice   Emilie Richards
6. Clean Sweep  Ilona Andrews
7. The Widow of Wall Street   Randy Susan Meyers  Narrator Susan Bennett
8. Someone to Love   Mary Balogh   Narrator Rosalyn Landor
9. Anne's House of Dreams   L. M. Montgomery  Narrator  Karen Savage
10. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.  Gail Honeyman. Narrator Cathleen McCarron
11. Secrets in Death  J. D. Robb   Narrator Susan Eriksen
12. Falling to Pieces  - A Quilt Shop Mystery.  Vanetta Chapman   Narrator Pam Ward
13. The Lighthouse Keeper   Cynthia Ellingsen   Narrator: Kate Rudd
14. Christmas in Cold Creek   RaeAnne Thayne  Narrator: Celeste Ciulla
15. The Rejected Writers' Book Club    Suzanne Kelman  Narrator: Tanya Eby

28 books listened to in 2017. So no I didn't make my goal of 30+. Close though. I enjoyed all that I listened to with The Chilbury Ladies Choir  and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine being my absolute favourites.  Well actually The Stars are Fire was also excellent. I could go on!!

A Look Back at the Audiobooks of 2016.

1. Falling Home Karen White narrated by Lyssa Browne  4.5 stars story and narration

2. Magic Bites Ilona Andrews narrated by Renee Raudman  3 stars story and narration
3. No Child of Mine  Susan Lewis narrated by Julia Franklin 4.5 stars story 4 stars narration

4. Year Of Yes  Shonda Rhimes narrated by herself. 5 stars.
5. Driftwood Summer Patti Callahan Henry narrated by Julia Whelan  4 stars for story and narration.
6. Secrets of a Charmed Life    Susan Meissner narrated by Alana Kerr Collins 4.5 stars story and narration.

7. Wedding Ring   Emilie Richards Narrated by Isabel Keating  5 star read and narration
8. Marked in Flesh  Anne Bishop Narrated by Alexandra Harris  5 star read and narration
9. Don't Let Me Go  Susan Lewis Narrated by Julia Franklin 5 star read and narration

10.  The Renegade's Heart  Clare Delacroix Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld 4 star read and narration.
11.  Only Enchanting Mary Balogh Narrated by Rosalyn Landor 4 star read and narration.
12. The Opposite of Everyone  Joshilyn Jackson - narrated by herself. 5 star read and narration.

13  Only a Promise    Mary Balogh  Narrated by Rosalyn Landor  5 star read and narration.
14  Miller's Valley Anna Quindlen  Narrated by Britney Pressley. 5 star read and narration.
15  The Seven Sisters  Lucinda Riley  Narrated by Emily Lucienne. 4 star read 3 star narration.

16. Sunshine Beach   Wendy Wax   Narrated by Amy Rubinate. 4 star read 5 star narration

17. Beach Town Mary Kay Andrews  Narrated Kathleen McInerney. 4 star read 5 star narration.

18.  Tempting Fate Nora Roberts  Narrated by Angela Dawe.  3 star read 4 star narration

19. New York to Dallas   J. D. Robb Narrated by Susan Ericksen  4 star read 5 star narration.

20  Only a Kiss   Mary Balogh  Narrated by Rosalyn Landor 5 star read and narration

21 Beach   Colors  Shelley Noble  Narrated by Erin Bennett  4 star read 5 star narration

22  Breakaway   Catherine Gayle   Narrated by Angel Clark. 4 star read and narration

23. Delusions in Death  J. D. Robb  Narrated by Susan Ericksen  4 star read 5 star narration

24  Big Magic. Creative Living Beyond Fear. Elizabeth Gilbert. 4 stars.

25. Don't Let Me Go  Catherine Ryan Hyde Narrated by Chris Chappell and Cassandra Morris. 4 star read and narration.

26.  It Ends With Us    Colleen Hoover  Narrated by Olivia Song.  4 star read  5 star narration

27.  All the Possibilities   Nora Roberts  MacGregors #3 Narrated by Angela Dawe. 3 star read 4 star narration

28   Calculated in Death.  J. D. Robb Narrated by Susan Ericksen. 4 star read 5 star narration

29. The Garden of Happy Endings  Barbara O'Neal Narrated by Tanya Eby 5 star read and narration

30.  The Little Shop of Happily Ever After    Jenny Colgan Narrated by Lucy Price-Lewis. 4 star read 5 star narration. Also titled The Bookshop on the Corner.

31. Don't Want to Miss a Thing    Jill Mansell Narrated by Clare Corbett. 4 star read 5 star narration.

32. The Look of Love   Sarah Jio  Narrated by Julia Whelan and Cassandra Campbell. 4 star read and  narration.

33. Endless Chain   Emilie Richards Narrated by Isabel Keating. 5 star read and narration.

34. Closer Than You Think   Karen Rose    Narrated by Susie James. 5 star read  3 star narration.

Thanks to the hosts of this challenge

I took part in the Audiobook Challenge for 2016 and set my target at 33. I thought I wasn't going to make it. But more than did! Thoroughly enjoyed my listening all year.