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RJR

  • 14
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  • 19
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  • 25
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I Tried Really Hard To Like It

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-05-22

I tried really hard to like this one, but just couldn’t get into the story. The characters were too flat and one-dimensional. While there was a lot of good material for the characters to work with and they had extensive backstories, they both came across as people who let circumstances dictate their lives, rather than fighting for themselves and what they wanted. It got really boring after a while. Oh no, this horrible thing happened to me. I shall just emote angst and feel trapped rather than take action and do something.

The amount of narrative was too much, instead of learning through the characters’ actions, the plot just plodded along, going from one long winded description or character telling others about something that happened in the past to another. No real action moving things along. A lot of “telling” and no “doing”, it seems like the plot was pretty much phoned in.

I started getting anxious by the third section that it wasn’t going to end and I would just be treated to more of the same. Thankfully it did, but I don’t have enough interest in the characters and what they are doing to suffer through the next installment.

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2 people found this helpful

Lackluster and Pedestrian

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-22-13

What disappointed you about Mine to Take?

The book lacks real depth or conflict, the characters are one dimensional, the overarching plot for the series distracts from what little story there is, and the fictional world the author is attempting to establish is trite and confusing.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Perhaps something by Julie Garwood or Karen Marie Moning, who are both able to mix a good plot with a fun romance.

What about Rebecca Cook’s performance did you like?

Cook did a good job with the material she was given. Her voice is pleasant and easy to listen to.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was highly disappointed with the quality of the story. The characterization was nonexistent and the hero and heroine fell flat. They are both paragons of virtue, capable of miraculous feats, but lacking in any sympathetic, humanistic traits that make them believable or likeable. The story was poorly written and lacked depth. It relied heavily on the intimate scenes to carry it. It felt like poorly written fan fiction.

Any additional comments?

I would never recommend this author.

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Superb Version of a Timeless Classic

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-02-13

What did you love best about Pride and Prejudice?

Despite a myriad of obstacles and their own stubborn flaws Darcy and Elizabeth are able to find happiness while learning important life lessons.

What other book might you compare Pride and Prejudice to and why?

Unfortunately, Pride and Prejudice is the standard to which I hold up all other novels, so it would always when in a comparison. The writing, the story, and the characters are timeless and have held up well over two centuries. Although many have attempted to replicate it, none have succeeded.

What about Emilia Fox’s performance did you like?

Fox, who coincidentally portrayed Georgiana Darcy in the 1995 BBC miniseries, was superb. Her narration and delivery embodied the spirit and tone of this classic novel and brought the story and characters to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Although some label this novel as light and fluffy, I find it to be a sparkling and charming look into the human condition, complete with heroes and villains along with lessons we can all learn from. Austen was a shrewd observer of people and wittily portrayed human nature at its best and worst without having to drag her characters through unnecessary pain and hardship to gain her point. The characters and situations were entirely relatable and life like.

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2 people found this helpful

Suspense, Excitement, Romance

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-13

Would you consider the audio edition of Ransom to be better than the print version?

I like both versions equally and for different reasons. The audiobook is fun to listen to and thoroughly enjoyable. Great for when I am working in the kitchen or doing other tasks with my hands. The book is fantastic for whiling away time in the imagination.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that it was a continuation of sorts to a previous novel. It revisited the hero and heroine of a previous book and gave a glimpse into their lives several years later. It also took a secondary character from the original novel and gave him his own exciting story.

Have you listened to any of Susan Duerden’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The original novel was narrated by Duerden as well. She did an admirable job on The Secret and even better on Ransom.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It definitely made me laugh in certain places. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the writing, and the narration.

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Amusing Romance, Lighthearted Fun

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-13

If you could sum up The Secret in three words, what would they be?

Lighthearted, Fluffy, Romance

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret?

The wedding scene, was especially amusing. The dialogue was witty, charming, and laugh out loud funny.

Which character – as performed by Susan Duerden – was your favorite?

I was especially fond of Frances Catherine, her light brogue and characterization were spot on and particularly sparking and bright. Duerden did an all around good job with all the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Judith confronts her father for the first time and realizes every assumption she had ever made about the man was incorrect and based on lies. Obviously this is a light fluffy romance, lacking any particularly serious or weighty subject matter, but the characters were well rounded out, believable, memorable, and rang true. The plot did cover interesting ideas and was thought provoking, but did not bludgeon the reader over the head with a moral.

Any additional comments?

Another listener commented on the narrator's ability to do male voices. While they were not spot on, they were not horrible either, nor did they unduly detract from the story. Whilst the heroine did sound somewhat like a little girl in certain parts, especially during whispered dialogue, didn't find it to be particularly annoying. Overall, I enjoyed the narration and would definitely listen again.

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3 people found this helpful

Poor Narration Ruins an Otherwise Fun Romp

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-13

What did you like best about The Prize? What did you like least?

The story is a fun, lighthearted romance with strong comedic elements set in the time of William the Conquerer. It is fluffy and sparkling with a strong, like able cast and believable (for a romance novel) characters and situations. The plot is fun, moves at a decent pace, and doesn't require too much thought, perfect for a rainy afternoon, to enjoy a few hours of mindless amusement. All this being said, the poor choice in narrator virtually ruins the story.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how the protagonists were both continually trying to get the better of each other and the situation. It made for some cute, memorable scenes, and made them both interesting and likeable.

What didn’t you like about Anne Flosnik’s performance?

Her narration skills were poor to non-existent. I'd seen previous reviews as to the quality of her performance, but stubbornly bought the book because I wanted something lighthearted and fun for a car trip. As I have always loved the author and this book, I thought I could ignore a mediocre performance. However, the terrible voice depictions, poor timing, pacing, and delivery, all made it a chore to listen to. Flosnik's inability to make The characters sound like anything other than old women or sinister villains with a head cold was distracting, disheartening, and disturbing.

Could you see The Prize being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

If The Prize was ever immortalized on film as a romantic period comedy, Chris Hemsworth and Margot Robbie would nicely fill the lead roles nicely.

Any additional comments?

Skip the audiobook and go straight to the paperback!

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Captivating Story, Interesting Subject Matter

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-13

Would you listen to A Break with Charity again? Why?

Yes, I very much enjoyed the novel. Both the subject matter and the story are captivating and the author is able to draw readers in and keep them listening/turning pages.

What did you like best about this story?

The main character is this story is flawed, just like everyone else. She makes choices in her life and then must live with the consequences of those choices. The story did not necessarily have a happy ending and was aptly able to convey a moral.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Susanna is chastised by Joseph for not coming forward earlier. She made some obvious errors in judgement, doing the wrong things to protect her family. Joseph did a good job acting as a conscience and evoking an emotional response in the reader, feeling the position Susanna had been out in.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Susanna decides to let go of her anger and hate and forgive Ann Putnam. She seems to have realized that not letting go would continue to be a blight upon her own life.

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1 person found this helpful

Fascinating Look into the Justice System

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-13

If you could sum up Law and Disorder in three words, what would they be?

Thought Provoking Reading

What other book might you compare Law and Disorder to and why?

Anything else written by Douglas and Olshaker. He recaps and updates previously covered materials and delves further into the dark side of humanity.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator did a fine job. His timing and tone worked well with the material and he was easy to follow and understand.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Justice is not blind. People sometimes turn a blind eye to facts and the truth to believe outlandish, illogical, and sensationalized information.

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5 people found this helpful

Laugh Out Loud Listening

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-13

Where does Dad Is Fat rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is very enjoyable, fun to listen to, especially when I need a good laugh. It is near the top of my favorites list.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jim Gaffigan? Why or why not?

Yes, we're he to write another book, I would definitely be interested in it.

What does Jim Gaffigan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

As this book is composed of anecdotes of the author's experiences as a father, having him narrate really brings his voice and perspective into the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but only because it contained anecdotes and no specific plot. It is great for short car trips and listening while doing other tasks.

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Poor Choice of Narrator

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-13

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, but only in the written format. No one need suffer through such a narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Duty and Desire?

When Darcy investigates the mystery regarding Lady Sylvanie.

What didn’t you like about George Holmes’s performance?

His voice, his timing, and his delivery.

Was Duty and Desire worth the listening time?

Yes in that it let me "reread" the book during a car trip. No in that the narration was poor.

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