2014 Year in Review Part 2 - Audio Books

It is no secret that I love audio books, usually averaging one a week.  So in random order here are my favorites of 2014. Out of these 10 books 8 are new to me authors (love that).

Clicking on the cover will take you to Goodreads, the title will take you to my review.

Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads by S. R. Malley

My first venture into the world of short stories, really enjoyed this one.

a Jane Austen daydream by Scott D. Southard

Another genre that I don't normally read but think I might be a convert now.

Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney

Oh, My. Goodness!  I loved this one!!!

That Night by Chevy Stevens

If you are looking for a fast paced, compelling murder mystery look no further this one fits the bill quite nicely.

Secrets of the Lighthouse by Santa Montefiore

The authors writing reminds me of Kate Morton, who is a favorite of mine.

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandell

 "My daddy says that when you do somethin' to distract you from your worstest fears, it's like whistlin' past the graveyard.  You know, making a racket to keep the scardeness and the ghosts away.  He says that's how we by sometimes.  But it's not weak, like hidin'...it's strong.  It means you're able to go on."

 Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

What an emotionally ride!

"You have to look for the little mercies, the small kindnesses and good that come from the terrible."

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

“Dear God," she prayed, "let me be something every minute of every hour of my life.

A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith

Sometimes you just need a nice big juicy book and this one fit the bill perfectly.  Loved it!

 The Queen's Lady by Barbara Kyle

So begins The Thornleigh Series, read by the author herself and did a stellar job. 

A Jane Austen daydream by Scott D. Southard

All her heroines find love in the end—but is there love waiting for Jane?

Jane Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone's guess.

Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years—did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us—to a greater or lesser degree—are head over heels for Jane.

Audible Audio

Published September 24th 2014 by Madison Street Publishing

  (first published December 4th 2012)

 audio provided by author for honest review (thank you)

*****

I am not a big Jane Austen fan.  Not that I dislike her, a number of her books are on my tbr pile and I can say that I have read Pride and Prejudice, even watched the movie.  About Jane Austen herself I know nothing, was she married, kids, siblings, what was her upbringing like?  I am totally in the dark about it all which made me all the most anxious to start this book.

I listened to the audio version (via Audible), Louisa Gummer was the reader and I must say she did a stellar job, it was a pleasure to listen to.  Coming in at almost 12 hours in length the time just flew by.  I loved the Austen family not just Jane.  There was depth here and I got to know so much about the lifestyle, customs and just everyday life in that time period.  Jane was a very likable person, she was strong, opinionated and the author has stirred a desire in me to learn more about her.

I loved how the author used phrases from Pride & Prejudice in this book, I am sure there were some from her other books as well, which has made me want to read them even more now.

Thank you to the author for reaching out to me, I don't think I would have discovered this book on my own and would have missed out.

 

If you are planning a road trip this holiday season or just need to go for a walk give A Jane Austen Daydream a try, you won't be disappointed.