Anything but Extraordinary, Volume 1

By: Mary Frame

Narrated by: Leah Casey

When the local authorities ask Ruby Simpson to help them find a thief in the small town of Castle Cove, she doesn't have much of a choice. She predicted the most recent theft, and the cops have no other leads.

There are just two small problems.

One, she's not psychic.

Two, she's not Ruby Simpson.

Okay, maybe they're not small problems. But Charlotte needs a place to lay low with her younger sister, somewhere her parents won't find her and the locals won't ask too many questions. Getting involved with the cops, especially Deputy “Cute Butt” Jared, isn't a smart thing for a reformed con artist to do. But Charlotte has to make a choice: raise her little sister on the right side of the law or put food on the table.

What the real Ruby doesn't see in her crystal ball won't hurt her, right?

©2017 Mary Frame (P)2018 Mary Frame

A funny, clever, book with a touch of romance

Anything but Extraordinary, Volume 1
By: Mary Frame
Narrated by: Leah Casey
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is a crazy and fun book about a young woman and her teen sister who are broke and decide to house sit for some money. The psychic who they are house sitting for just moved in and will be overseas for a few months so they are to set up her books and get ready for her to return. The young gal decides to pretend to be the psychic just once to get quick cash but her prediction causes a stir when it comes true, sort of... Now the cops want her help, the town wants readings, and the owner will be coming home! A total blast!
The narrator is terrific! Good clear voice that makes each person different and fun. Great job! Really made it Pop!

Great!

Fascinating storyline and great characters made for a fantastic listen. Great narrator too! I received a review copy of this audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Cute cozy mystery

I was not expecting this story from this author. The previous books I had read had more simmering romance in them than this. Not to say this one was lacking, I was just surprised.

This story had a more family element to it. I really liked about this book. As an older sister I can totally relate to wanting to make sure my younger siblings are ok and have everything they need. And I can relate to having shitty parents as well. The mystery aspect was cozy and cute. It took me a while to figure out whodunit and I felt not enough emphasis was on that part of the story. Most of it was Charlotte struggling with her morality versus making sure her sister and her were able to eat and have somewhere to sleep.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions and all that jazz.

I can say that I was not feeling the narrator…at all. Usually they grow on me but this one wasn’t hitting the feels like I needed. I think this impacted my enjoyability of the story because I couldn’t really connect with the characters like I usually do.

Also, not all the loose ends were tied up in the ending. Sure, the mystery was solved and the romance aspect was put to rest…… but we never find out about her basically stealing someones identify and how the town will feel about it once they find out. This is pretty major since the town made her feel welcome and accepted, hence the morality issue. I will be honest and say that I will probably not be reading the next in this series because I don’t really want to invest more time in these characters. It was a cute cozy mystery and I’m good with letting it be at that.

An Accidental Con

Charlotte and Paige are starting over but things are . . . complicated! Wonderful characters in a small town short of younger people, well narrated by Leah Casey. I cannot wait for Volume 2!

Not a standalone--says so in ALL CAPS in the description. But, frankly, this was so delightful I didn't care.

First part only

This is a great book but beware. I would't call it a series. I'd say it's one book in three parts. I really want to know what happens to Ruby! Will just have to get the next book.
I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review.

Cute Story

I love how "Ruby" takes cares of her little sister, determined to allow her sister to live a "normal" life without her fraudulently parents around influencing their lives. "Ruby's" natural mother instinct, not only to her own sister but to the little boys is wonderful and leave a warm tingle in your heart. I would have loved to have heard more about her new, upcoming romance, but I would suppose that will be in book 2 since this book sort of left the romance between the two hanging. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Contemporary romance with some funny moments.

This is not a murder mystery as I first thought but more of a robbery mystery. The plot is not the best but I loved the characters. I believe it is the main character Charlotte that pulls the book. She was complex and had some grey areas and I really liked her, which is strange because usually I don't really like the MC due to things they do that I find annoying.

I would highly recommend this book. This is more for 16+ due to profanity and some mild sexual content.

Misunderstandings and Mayhem!

Charlotte is 21 and she has basically been a mother to her 13 year old sister Paige, since their parents are con-artists whose only concern are themselves. Tired of the lifestyle Charlotte takes her sister to begin anew in Castle Cove where she has arranged to set up a psychic shop for the next four months for the owner and in exchange they can live there rent free.

Before she knows it, she is mistaken with the owner Ruby and is now giving readings for money. As is that isn’t enough not only has she caught the attention of the police department but also the attention of Deputy Jared whose intentions much more personal.

I enjoyed this cozy humorous mystery that is shows small town quirky personalities at their best. This is the first in a three part series so it does end on a minor cliffhanger. I thought the narrator did a great job and her nuances were spot on.

Wonderful characters+ great plot =a must listen

A terrific book that is delightfully, different and interesting. She comes to town as a psychic, hoping to pull a con on people, in order to support her sister. Even though she is a fake, being a good detective, she knows how to pick up on clues. By working with the local sheriff, which adds a bit of romance, she often saves the day and becomes a well liked member of the community. Can't wait for the next instalment in the series.

Fun Madcap Romantic Comedy

I read the ebook version of this book a while ago, and I really enjoyed it. Now, I've listened to the audio book version, and I'm in love with it. The narrator perfectly fits the story. She made the characters spring to life, gave them dimension and emotion, and, generally, made it all work together perfectly. If I liked the characters in print, I loved them in audio.

Charlotte and her younger sister Paige are on the run from their parents, who use them as pawns in their con games. The girls, with no money, wind up in the small, seaside town of Castle Cove, where they find themselves quickly welcomed, The girls have lucked out in finding a nice place to live for free in exchange for setting up a new psychic's (Ruby) shop while Ruby heads off to spend time with the Dalai Lama. By accident, before she and Paige could introduce themselves to the town, Charlotte is mistaken for Ruby. Hoping to avoid detection by "the parents", she goes with it.

This book is light and flirty, kind of a madcap romantic comedy, but it has a bit of a dark undertone where Charlotte and Paige's parents are concerned. There's friendship, romance, and a sense of community to offset that darkness. All around, it's a fun read and a great listen.

I was given this book as a gift by the author. I thank her for her generosity, but all comments are based on my genuine opinions of the book. I truly enjoyed listening to this book.