#thisplaceofwonder #barbaraoneal #coleenmarlo #amylandon #alaskajackson #underthemagnolias #tilowe #susanbennett #luladeanslittlelibraryofbannedbooks  #kirstenmiller #januarylavoy #passionsindeath #jdrobb #susanericksenÂ
Happy Fall Y’all!!! Yes, that was corny, but I’m sure we’re all looking forward to some cooler temperatures, some colorful foliage, and some good listening. September’s listens may seem to have nothing in common, but if you pay close attention, you’ll find that books or libraries play an important role in each one. Of course, the latest installment in the Eve and Roarke story is going to rely heavily on Eve’s murder book; then there’s Lula Dean’s library of banned books; the psychos come out to play in a book where a motherless young girl gets most of the information she would normally get from mom from a library; lastly, a would-be writer who is obsessed by an author and chef because of her book, winds up falling in love with the author’s ex-husband.
By Barbara O’Neal
Narrated by Coleen Marlo, Amy Landon, & Alaska Jackson
This Place of Wonder is one of those books that has been in my library for a while and I want to start by saying I regret waiting so long to listen because Barbara O’Neal‘s storyline easily exceeded the book description. The subject matter is not unique: we have business success, romance, tragedy and addiction wrapped in a package with just enough mystery to draw me into the plot immediately, and because the characters are so engaging, I could have listened straight through if time had allowed. The central character is Chef Augustus Beauvais, a man who can accurately be described by that tired old phrase “larger than life.” Our story opens with Augustus’s death and its impact on four of the women in his life. Wives, lovers, ex-wives, daughters, and a would-be tell-all writer who is also a lover have all succumbed to Augustus’s unique magic. In addition to his charm, the man could also cook which is my favorite quality in a man, so I would have been doomed along with all the other ladies. There are three narrators for the three POVs and their performances add authenticity to the character’s stories, and each character does have quite a story. Be prepared for layer upon layer of surprises and twists.
By T. I. Lowe
Narrated by Susan Bennett
Under the Magnolias is for my readers and listeners who like a suspenseful storyline with likable characters, none of whom are serial killers. I’m sure y’all didn’t know I actually ever listened to books like that, so SURPRISE! Author T. I. Lowe has written one of those books that will keep you on edge waiting for disaster till the last lines are written. That isn’t to say there won’t be plenty of angst along the way: the unexpected death of a mother, a child who is the victim of a disabling accident, a father who suffers from debilitating mental issues, and the uncertainty that always surrounds those who grow crops for a living. The sudden death of her mother will make it necessary for Austin Foster to grow up too fast leaving her no time to follow her dreams. It seems for every blessing the family receives, there is an equal curse. I don’t think it will be too much of a spoiler to say there is light at the end of the tunnel for these world weary travelers or should I say a storm at the end of a tunnel since the life-changing climax comes about in the midst of a much-needed rain. The narration is excellent and the author’s conclusion is the kind that gives you hope in a troubled world.
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books
By Kirsten Miller
Narrated by January Lavoy
I hardly know what to say about Kirsten Miller’s latest Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books. I have to say I have given more thought to what observations I want to make about this book than most anything I’ve read or listened to recently. It’s expertly narrated by January Lavoy and written with humor and satire and filled with engaging characters that will make you LOL while they are making you either see red or do fist bumps depending on your personal views of the world we live in. I chose this book because I was curious as to what fictional story this gifted author could come up with related to the book banning issue. With January Lavoy as narrator, it seemed to be a win-win. There is no question the author has made a very compelling case against the banning of books which makes me very proud to say I oppose the banning of books. In her author’s note, she also defends her rationale for including so many of the “hot topics” of our time. Whether you agree with her or not, I think you will find her story well-written. She makes a clear case for the importance of including books of every genre in libraries, and her twist that turns Lula Dean’s library into a neighborhood icon is hilarious! Open minds begin with open libraries and open books.
By J. D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Erickson
Passions in Death begins with a bride-to-be who is dead. She has been murdered in an establishment owned by one of Eve Dallas’s favorite friends – none other than Crack, the owner of the notorious Down and Dirty Club which has figured prominently in other Eve and Roarke books. And what’s even more chilling, the body is found in a room at the club where Eve had a near-death experience the night before her own wedding to Roarke. Talk about dĂ©jĂ vu! What could have happened that would result in a wedding party becoming a murder scene? It’s up to Eve and Peabody, along with Roarke and McNabb, to figure out which of several likely candidates would rob one bride of a life-long dream and steal the other bride’s life. The whole thing screams “jealous ex-lover”, but which one is it? Is it one bride’s too nice ex-boyfriend or the other bride’s bitchy ex-girlfriend. We know our girl Eve has her murder book handy where she’s taking names and jotting down ideas. Can J.D. Robb write any kind of happy ending to a story that has left a woman dead and a host of grieving family and friends? Can this be one of those times when nice guys do finish last? Is it proof that too much kindness can kill? Mavis and her family pop in for an update on their house project, and other familiar characters will stroll through as they do their jobs. Susan Ericksen continues to voice Darlin’ Eve and her tribe with humor and consistency. For those who love police procedurals, this one is for you!
Thank You For Following Us at Literati Literature Lovers and Happy Listening in October!
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