🎧Have You Heard?🎧Audiobooks For Your Listening Pleasure🎧The Best of May🎧

#thehuntress #katequinn #saskiamaarleveld #thethingswedoforlove #kristinhannah  #susanericksen

First of all, I unapologetically chose the two featured books because of the narrators. I know that regardless of the quality of the story line, Susan Ericksen and Saskia Maarleveld will deliver performances worth hearing. Also noteworthy is the fact that there are only two books this month – don’t think I’m getting lazy but because each one is rather lengthy, I wanted to allow plenty of time to complete them. Book one is my first of author Kate Quinn’s novels. I have no idea why I haven’t read any of her work before, but I’m very pleased her choice of narrator led me to The Huntress! Kristin Hannah is a long time favorite, and nobody does it better, including choosing the voice of “Darlin’ Eve” as narrator for The Things We Do for Love. What these books have in common, besides excellent narration, is strong women, and each one also has at least one male character worthy of them.

The Huntress

By Kate Quinn

Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

I have no explanation for why I’ve never read or listened to a book by Kate Quinn. The Huntress is one of the author’s older books, but because it’s historical fiction, there is a timeless quality that doesn’t require 2026’s technology to be relevant. It’s post-WW2 and the year is 1950 with flashbacks to a period near the end of the war. Several strong characters are included in this book, but I’m going to choose Nina Markova as my favorite because she is what every character wants to be – strong, courageous, resilient, and faithful to herself. We follow Nina through a miserable childhood and her struggle to achieve her dream of being a pilot to her relentless search for justice for others. She is joined by Ian Graham, her partner in a marriage of convenience who also becomes her partner in seeking justice as they search for the ephemeral woman known only as the Huntress who just happens to be the psycho in this book.  Along the way you’ll also meet Ian and Nina’s partner Tony Rodomovsky who brings a light touch to their search.  Jordan McBride longs to be a photographer but will her dreams be thwarted by a woman she wants to love who just isn’t quite who she seems to be?  A bit of sweetness comes to this dark story from a lovable little girl named Ruth and a dog named Taro. Choosing Saskia Maarleveld as my narrator was a gift because her voices for all of the characters – especially Nina – lends an air of authenticity to the author’s work that is compelling. If you haven’t read this one, treat yourself to the audiobook. It’s worth every minute of the 19 hours of listening time.

The Things We Do for Love

By Kristin Hannah

Narrated by Susan Ericksen

It’s no secret that I love JD Robb’s In Death series and that I also love the voice of the series, Susan Ericksen. When I saw Ms Ericksen listed as narrator for a book by one of my favorite authors, Kristin Hannah,  it was an easy choice. At 13 hours of listening time, The Things We Do for Love requires a bit of an investment, but I think you’ll find the storyline engaging. In our present day, there are few of us who aren’t familiar with the struggle of infertility and its effects on marriages. We’re also well-acquainted with the heartbreaking choices that sometimes have to be made by young pregnant girls and the life-altering results of both good and bad decisions. I’ll be very surprised if you don’t tear up at some point as you listen!!! So come meet the DeSaria family and visit their Italian restaurant. Come meet Angie who desperately wants a child but finds a renewed sense of purpose in helping to restore the family business. Come meet Lauren and prepare to fall in love with a courageous young girl who doesn’t deserve the hand she’s been dealt, but demonstrates remarkable strength and determination even though she’s holding all the wrong cards. I’ll give you a mini-spoiler by saying there is a HEA even though it may not be what you’re thinking or hoping for. And in the midst of all the family chaos, emotional turmoil, and unexpected joy is Susan Ericksen bringing the characters to life just as I expected she would.  Treat yourself to a visit with the DeSaria family … it’ll be worth your time.

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