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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
Have you ever experienced the sensation that you are reading something very special right from the first chapter of a book? That is the feeling I had with listening to the audiobook of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, or want to read a book full of emotion, this is a must read.
The story begins in Texas in 1921. Elsa is a young woman whose been repeatedly told by her family that because of a heart ailment, and her advanced age of 25, that she will likely never marry. The farm community in which she lives is experiencing prosperous times, with farmers accumulating more land as the result of bumper crops. When she meets a young man from one of these farms who expresses his interest, her life changes and she becomes his wife and mother to their daughter Loreda.
The story then advances to 1934 to a time when millions are out of work and a drought devastates the Great Plains. The dust bowl era has taken away the livelihood of many men leaving families struggling to survive. Without giving too much of the story away, Elsa is required to take some meagre savings, a few belongings, and her children to try and find a better life in California. What they find in California is something very different then what they had expected.
The story is told from the dual narrative of Elsa and Loreda. The characters are so well developed that I couldn’t help but be fully engaged throughout the book. This pair really represented the strength and resilience of women at a time in history where being female meant being subservient. Elsa’s journey from one lacking confidence and self worth to one of strength and powerful leadership was particularly heartwarming. Indeed, my experience of reading this book was both emotional and memorable. The Four Winds reminds us of the challenges of the generations that came before us which lends perspective into the challenges of today’s pandemic world.
I listened to the audiobook format of the book which was narrated by Julia Whelan who gives an exceptional performance. Her clear articulation and cadence provided a realistic quality to voices of Elsa and Loreda. I listened to this audiobook at my usual 1.25x speed which provided a comfortable listening experience. I highly recommend this format to those readers who appreciate audiobooks, and feel it enhances an already incredible book.
The story begins in Texas in 1921. Elsa is a young woman whose been repeatedly told by her family that because of a heart ailment, and her advanced age of 25, that she will likely never marry. The farm community in which she lives is experiencing prosperous times, with farmers accumulating more land as the result of bumper crops. When she meets a young man from one of these farms who expresses his interest, her life changes and she becomes his wife and mother to their daughter Loreda.
The story then advances to 1934 to a time when millions are out of work and a drought devastates the Great Plains. The dust bowl era has taken away the livelihood of many men leaving families struggling to survive. Without giving too much of the story away, Elsa is required to take some meagre savings, a few belongings, and her children to try and find a better life in California. What they find in California is something very different then what they had expected.
The story is told from the dual narrative of Elsa and Loreda. The characters are so well developed that I couldn’t help but be fully engaged throughout the book. This pair really represented the strength and resilience of women at a time in history where being female meant being subservient. Elsa’s journey from one lacking confidence and self worth to one of strength and powerful leadership was particularly heartwarming. Indeed, my experience of reading this book was both emotional and memorable. The Four Winds reminds us of the challenges of the generations that came before us which lends perspective into the challenges of today’s pandemic world.
I listened to the audiobook format of the book which was narrated by Julia Whelan who gives an exceptional performance. Her clear articulation and cadence provided a realistic quality to voices of Elsa and Loreda. I listened to this audiobook at my usual 1.25x speed which provided a comfortable listening experience. I highly recommend this format to those readers who appreciate audiobooks, and feel it enhances an already incredible book.
I’m going to start right off by saying this is one of my top reads so far in 2020. The story surrounds three college friends - Mackenzie, Robin and Lily who now twenty years later are living in the same perfect neighbourhood. On the outside, these women have perfect lives. Two of them are presently married with children. However, as the book reveals, not everything is as perfect as it seems. Told from the point of view of all three women, we learn that secrets, disloyalties and deceptions from the past and present are sometimes stronger than the bonds of friendship.
I was highly entertained by this storyline which I categorize as a combination of Women’s Fiction/Thriller. The author has created likeable and relatable characters. The book is a quick read and I couldn’t wait to do a household task so I could listen to more (and I hate housework)! The flow and transition of the book are logical and well presented. The author identifies, with sensitivity, topics of rape, spousal abuse, sexual consent, misogyny, and drug abuse. These topics are not dwelled on and are important to the storyline - I only mention it here as to warn those who are completely intolerant of such subjects. This would be the perfect read for book clubs.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Sarah Borges who was perfectly cast as an age appropriate woman. I appreciated her strong and articulate voice- one that doesn’t feel as though she was simply reading the book. Her performance enhanced an already amazing book.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Audio UK for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
I was highly entertained by this storyline which I categorize as a combination of Women’s Fiction/Thriller. The author has created likeable and relatable characters. The book is a quick read and I couldn’t wait to do a household task so I could listen to more (and I hate housework)! The flow and transition of the book are logical and well presented. The author identifies, with sensitivity, topics of rape, spousal abuse, sexual consent, misogyny, and drug abuse. These topics are not dwelled on and are important to the storyline - I only mention it here as to warn those who are completely intolerant of such subjects. This would be the perfect read for book clubs.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Sarah Borges who was perfectly cast as an age appropriate woman. I appreciated her strong and articulate voice- one that doesn’t feel as though she was simply reading the book. Her performance enhanced an already amazing book.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Audio UK for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
4.5 stars.
Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to curate a collection of artifacts being recovered from the recently discovered Pulaski. While researching the disaster, she comes to learn of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together including two women - Augusta Longstreet and her niece Lilly Forsyth. Both of these aristocratic women were part of the Savannah society and each was faced with heartbreaking decisions to be made in the wake of the disaster.
The themes of the book are the role of fate and the challenges of survivor’s guilt not only by those on the ship, but by Everly herself. Indeed the author has noted that fate has also had a role in her experience in learning about the Pulaski, researching the passengers and artifacts found, and finding the drive to see the book to its completion.
I really enjoyed the book and was captivated throughout. The level of research that went into the writing of this book is evident. The characters are well developed and likeable. The flow of the parallel stories, each holding my interest, was excellent. I appreciated the inclusion of diversity of the characters which felt respectful to the original passengers of the Pulaski. I recommend this book to those readers that enjoy historical fiction or women’s fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was performed by Brittany Pressley and Catherine Taber. These women gave an impressive performance, which was articulate and expressive. I found their voices to be believable and easy to listen to. Additionally, I appreciated listening to the author’s notes at the end of the book in her own voice which provided some interesting facts about the inspiration to write this book. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.
Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to curate a collection of artifacts being recovered from the recently discovered Pulaski. While researching the disaster, she comes to learn of a family of eleven who boarded the Pulaski together including two women - Augusta Longstreet and her niece Lilly Forsyth. Both of these aristocratic women were part of the Savannah society and each was faced with heartbreaking decisions to be made in the wake of the disaster.
The themes of the book are the role of fate and the challenges of survivor’s guilt not only by those on the ship, but by Everly herself. Indeed the author has noted that fate has also had a role in her experience in learning about the Pulaski, researching the passengers and artifacts found, and finding the drive to see the book to its completion.
I really enjoyed the book and was captivated throughout. The level of research that went into the writing of this book is evident. The characters are well developed and likeable. The flow of the parallel stories, each holding my interest, was excellent. I appreciated the inclusion of diversity of the characters which felt respectful to the original passengers of the Pulaski. I recommend this book to those readers that enjoy historical fiction or women’s fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was performed by Brittany Pressley and Catherine Taber. These women gave an impressive performance, which was articulate and expressive. I found their voices to be believable and easy to listen to. Additionally, I appreciated listening to the author’s notes at the end of the book in her own voice which provided some interesting facts about the inspiration to write this book. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.
I love a good thriller every now and then so when I was approached by OrangeSky Audio to listen to Savage Row by Britney King I jumped at the chance. It has all the suspense and excitement that I want in a thriller combined with all the insight of a Women’s Fiction read.
Told from multiple POV, Amy Stone is a wife, mother and real estate salesman. She’s content with her life but is also ambitious, striving for the gold status with her company. When she agrees to host an open house for another agent, the last person who she thought she’d see is Jack Mooney, a career criminal whose spent the past decade in jail. He remembers her very well - after all, she sat on the jury that found him guilty. She’s all he’s been thinking about these past ten years and so for Jack it’s time for revenge. As Mooney begins his crusade of terrorizing Amy and her family, the police don’t seem to be able to offer much. Will Amy be able to outwit him before it’s too late and she loses everything?
I enjoyed this book, my first for this author, which kept me engaged throughout. There are several other characters on the periphery of the story who keep you guessing if all the chaos surrounding Amy is solely due to Mooney. The book is a shorter one at around 250 pages, but you’d never know it because so much happens during the course of the book. The characters are well developed and interesting. Savage Row has some violent scenes including an incident involving the family dog, so readers should be aware of this going into the book.
I listened to the audiobook format of Savage Row which was narrated by Laura Jennings, who really gives a fantastic performance. I felt as though she was almost whispering at times - accounting for what had happened so as not to be overheard which provided an interesting layer to the book. Her voice was clear and expressive and really held my interest. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which I found to be comfortable. I encourage those who enjoy audiobooks to choose this format.
Thank you to OrangeSky Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Told from multiple POV, Amy Stone is a wife, mother and real estate salesman. She’s content with her life but is also ambitious, striving for the gold status with her company. When she agrees to host an open house for another agent, the last person who she thought she’d see is Jack Mooney, a career criminal whose spent the past decade in jail. He remembers her very well - after all, she sat on the jury that found him guilty. She’s all he’s been thinking about these past ten years and so for Jack it’s time for revenge. As Mooney begins his crusade of terrorizing Amy and her family, the police don’t seem to be able to offer much. Will Amy be able to outwit him before it’s too late and she loses everything?
I enjoyed this book, my first for this author, which kept me engaged throughout. There are several other characters on the periphery of the story who keep you guessing if all the chaos surrounding Amy is solely due to Mooney. The book is a shorter one at around 250 pages, but you’d never know it because so much happens during the course of the book. The characters are well developed and interesting. Savage Row has some violent scenes including an incident involving the family dog, so readers should be aware of this going into the book.
I listened to the audiobook format of Savage Row which was narrated by Laura Jennings, who really gives a fantastic performance. I felt as though she was almost whispering at times - accounting for what had happened so as not to be overheard which provided an interesting layer to the book. Her voice was clear and expressive and really held my interest. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which I found to be comfortable. I encourage those who enjoy audiobooks to choose this format.
Thank you to OrangeSky Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Every once in a while, I read a book that has absolutely surprised me. Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher is one such book. This book is so much more than the publisher’s notes let on. It is a deeply moving and highly engaging read and one I am absolutely recommending.
The story is told from the POV of the two Cole sisters. Marin is the extremely responsible one who took on the role of caring for her younger sister Sadie upon the death of their single parent mother. Once Sadie became an adult, she chose to travel the world and photograph it - a career that sustained her way of life. Occasionally, she comes home to spend time with her older sister - in contrast, Marin that has never left the state of Tennessee. When Sadie returns home from her most recent assignment, Marin agrees to a sisters’ spa weekend on the island of Saba in the Caribbean.
On travel day, Sadie calls Marin to say she’s running late and will meet her at the airport. But Sadie doesn’t arrive. There’s plenty of turbulence on the plane and Marin is thrown into Lucas Tsai, the handsome stranger sat next to her. Luckily Lucas is there to guide Marin as she loses her luggage and the plane lands on a different island. Marin’s spa weekend with Sadie suddenly looks very different. The weekend proves to be one that has Marin letting go of her responsible ways and experiencing life in a way she hasn’t been able to for quite some time. Without giving anything away, Marin learns that Sadie hadn’t ever intended on joining her that weekend.
I really enjoyed this book. The book began as the perfect beach read with Marin exploring the island and taking on activities she really had not intended on. I appreciated all the characters from the island which definitely gave me a Caribbean laid-back vibe. I admired the focus on the island’s ecology that was strung throughout the book. But, for me, where this book really excels is in the character development of these two sisters and their relationship. I felt a gamut of emotions when reading Meet Me in Paradise - it was such a beautiful read.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Josephine Huang and Kristen Sieh. Their performance was highly expressive and authentic to the characters. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which was comfortable. I have no hesitation in recommending this version of the book to those who appreciate this format.
The story is told from the POV of the two Cole sisters. Marin is the extremely responsible one who took on the role of caring for her younger sister Sadie upon the death of their single parent mother. Once Sadie became an adult, she chose to travel the world and photograph it - a career that sustained her way of life. Occasionally, she comes home to spend time with her older sister - in contrast, Marin that has never left the state of Tennessee. When Sadie returns home from her most recent assignment, Marin agrees to a sisters’ spa weekend on the island of Saba in the Caribbean.
On travel day, Sadie calls Marin to say she’s running late and will meet her at the airport. But Sadie doesn’t arrive. There’s plenty of turbulence on the plane and Marin is thrown into Lucas Tsai, the handsome stranger sat next to her. Luckily Lucas is there to guide Marin as she loses her luggage and the plane lands on a different island. Marin’s spa weekend with Sadie suddenly looks very different. The weekend proves to be one that has Marin letting go of her responsible ways and experiencing life in a way she hasn’t been able to for quite some time. Without giving anything away, Marin learns that Sadie hadn’t ever intended on joining her that weekend.
I really enjoyed this book. The book began as the perfect beach read with Marin exploring the island and taking on activities she really had not intended on. I appreciated all the characters from the island which definitely gave me a Caribbean laid-back vibe. I admired the focus on the island’s ecology that was strung throughout the book. But, for me, where this book really excels is in the character development of these two sisters and their relationship. I felt a gamut of emotions when reading Meet Me in Paradise - it was such a beautiful read.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Josephine Huang and Kristen Sieh. Their performance was highly expressive and authentic to the characters. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which was comfortable. I have no hesitation in recommending this version of the book to those who appreciate this format.
This tale really tells a story about the darker side of instant wealth. For Lexi and Jake, this win becomes a glaring example of how two people can vastly differ on what to do the money. The story was engaging, enlightening and full of twists. There were flashbacks in the story which added a sense of mystery and drama. Each character was developed over a strategic period of time which I thoroughly enjoyed. There were characters I admired, and also those I despised. I appreciated the slow reveal of secrets held by all six members of the group, which had been simmering for quite some time.
4.5 stars.
At this time of the year, when we start to see flowering bulbs and cherry trees begin to bloom, I’m ready for some great beach reads. Set in the island location of Martha’s Vineyard, Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin is the first instalment in the author’s Oak Bluffs series. This book has all the beach vibes I have come to love and more.
Amelia Vaux Tanner and her husband built a cottage thirty years ago in the exclusive black beach community of Oak Bluffs. Although their home has hosted many political and business icons, the couple’s favourite guests have been their three “goddaughters” : Perry a talented Afro-Latina lawyer, Olivia a gifted Wall Street analyst and Billie a successful marine biologist. These young woman refer to Amelia as Ama and have cherished their summers growing up together in Oak Bluff.
This summer, Ama is seventy-one and has lost her beloved husband. She has invited the three young women for one last summer together. At the end of the summer she will leave this prized home to one of them. The three young women each have secrets of their own and hope that this will not diminish their chances of inheriting this home. What they don’t realize is that Ama also has a secret to share with each of them.
I adored this book and was pleasantly surprised to find it to be more dramatic than I expected. The characters were all well developed, with unique personalities and histories. The story was engaging, full of intrigue and mystery, and embraced in romance and love. I loved the diversity in this book and the inclusivity. I appreciated the fact that the protagonists were all strong, successful women. The theme of the book to me was that none of us are perfect: we are human, and we make mistakes. It is what we do to amend the situation that elevates us. I look forward with anticipation to reading the second book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by January LaVoy. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance, which was full of expression and well articulated. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed and this was very comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book for those that appreciate this format.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
At this time of the year, when we start to see flowering bulbs and cherry trees begin to bloom, I’m ready for some great beach reads. Set in the island location of Martha’s Vineyard, Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin is the first instalment in the author’s Oak Bluffs series. This book has all the beach vibes I have come to love and more.
Amelia Vaux Tanner and her husband built a cottage thirty years ago in the exclusive black beach community of Oak Bluffs. Although their home has hosted many political and business icons, the couple’s favourite guests have been their three “goddaughters” : Perry a talented Afro-Latina lawyer, Olivia a gifted Wall Street analyst and Billie a successful marine biologist. These young woman refer to Amelia as Ama and have cherished their summers growing up together in Oak Bluff.
This summer, Ama is seventy-one and has lost her beloved husband. She has invited the three young women for one last summer together. At the end of the summer she will leave this prized home to one of them. The three young women each have secrets of their own and hope that this will not diminish their chances of inheriting this home. What they don’t realize is that Ama also has a secret to share with each of them.
I adored this book and was pleasantly surprised to find it to be more dramatic than I expected. The characters were all well developed, with unique personalities and histories. The story was engaging, full of intrigue and mystery, and embraced in romance and love. I loved the diversity in this book and the inclusivity. I appreciated the fact that the protagonists were all strong, successful women. The theme of the book to me was that none of us are perfect: we are human, and we make mistakes. It is what we do to amend the situation that elevates us. I look forward with anticipation to reading the second book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by January LaVoy. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance, which was full of expression and well articulated. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed and this was very comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book for those that appreciate this format.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
4.5 stars
The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley is one of my favourite reads so far in 2021. The story is an honest look at hope, friendship and community and one I’m highly recommending.
I absolutely loved this book. The story is fascinating and engaging, and is one of hope, love and friendship. The author does a fabulous job at providing a detailed account of the quirkiness of the island and its characters. My heart broke for Piper with the loss of Tom and I found myself hoping that he was still alive. It was endearing to see the community support her need to include Tom, based on the medical advice of the retired dentist cum island doctor.
Where this book excelled to me was in the character development. Piper’s character was much more complex then at first look. Well loved and protected by the island’s residents, the author provides insight to her character that were not part of her persona she presented to the rest of the community. It was also interesting to the change in Anders over the course of the book. It seemed the things that had been important to him and which fuelled his move out of his comfort zone, eventually became less urgent and desirable. The discussion regarding his relationships to his father(s) was particularly salient and provided insight into his character.
The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley is one of my favourite reads so far in 2021. The story is an honest look at hope, friendship and community and one I’m highly recommending.
I absolutely loved this book. The story is fascinating and engaging, and is one of hope, love and friendship. The author does a fabulous job at providing a detailed account of the quirkiness of the island and its characters. My heart broke for Piper with the loss of Tom and I found myself hoping that he was still alive. It was endearing to see the community support her need to include Tom, based on the medical advice of the retired dentist cum island doctor.
Where this book excelled to me was in the character development. Piper’s character was much more complex then at first look. Well loved and protected by the island’s residents, the author provides insight to her character that were not part of her persona she presented to the rest of the community. It was also interesting to the change in Anders over the course of the book. It seemed the things that had been important to him and which fuelled his move out of his comfort zone, eventually became less urgent and desirable. The discussion regarding his relationships to his father(s) was particularly salient and provided insight into his character.
The Last Goodbye is a highly engaging story right from the very beginning. The book is emotional at times, but one that had me rooting for both Anna and Brody as they worked their way through their grief. Each of these characters was extremely well developed. I loved their ability to push each other out of their comfort zone to reclaim some joy in their lives. There is a scene reminiscent of Sleepless in Seattle that will keep you guessing. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Antonia Beamish. The clarity and tone of her voice was perfect for this story. I would not hesitate to recommend this version to those who enjoy this format.
What I Liked About The Last Goodbye
- The well developed characters
- The poignant, beautiful storyline
- The theme of trying to let go of past relationships to move on
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Antonia Beamish. The clarity and tone of her voice was perfect for this story. I would not hesitate to recommend this version to those who enjoy this format.
What I Liked About The Last Goodbye
- The well developed characters
- The poignant, beautiful storyline
- The theme of trying to let go of past relationships to move on
Haven Point is a lovely story of three women of the same family across three time periods. The setting off the coast of Maine, with charming events and lots of gossip, was ideal for a summer read. The characters were interesting and likeable. The author provided references to music and world events for each of the time periods which I appreciated. The story felt a little too long in places, however, and I felt myself disengaging at times. Having said that, I did enjoy this book and appreciated the theme of family love, compassion and survival.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Cassandra Campbell who gave a very good performance. Her clear, easy to listen to manner of her narration was enjoyable. I listened to this audiobook at 1.5x speed - slightly faster than my normal speed which I found to be comfortable. I have no hesitation in recommending this format those readers who enjoy audiobooks.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Cassandra Campbell who gave a very good performance. Her clear, easy to listen to manner of her narration was enjoyable. I listened to this audiobook at 1.5x speed - slightly faster than my normal speed which I found to be comfortable. I have no hesitation in recommending this format those readers who enjoy audiobooks.