Audiobook Review: How Do Ants Survive a Flood?: A Book about Bugs by Chason McKay, Narrated by Jesús E. Martínez

How Do Ants Survive a Flood?: A Book about Bugs by Chason McKay, narrated by Jesús E. Martínez, is a children's nonfiction book. Have you ever wondered what makes bugs so special? The latest addition to the How Do series dives into all of the unique things spiders, worms, ladybugs, and many other insects can do. 

How Do Ants Survive a Flood? probably works better as a read along to go with the print edition, or as a print edition on its own. I liked the information in the book, and thought that the chosen facts and phrasing were very well done. However, as an adult listening to this book in the car I have to admit that the attempts to do the effect of chorused voices asking the different subject headers did not work for me, and I found some of the voices annoying. I understood the intent, to entertain and engage children, but you do not always need to be goofy to hold their attention. I also found the pauses to be problematic unless you have a print copy in hand and can use that time to study the pictures. I feel like this is a through back to the read along books with records that we had in my kindergarten days. I think used in that capacity this book and audiobook would be great, but as a stand alone audiobook I was less than thrilled. 

Audiobook Review: Magnetic North: Sea Voyage to Svalbard by Jenna Butler, Narrated by Marysia Bucholc

Magnetic North: Sea Voyage to Svalbard by Jenna Butler, narrated by Marysia Bucholc, takes readers (and listeners) along on a voyage from the endangered Canadian boreal forest to the environmentally threatened Svalbard archipelago off the coast of Norway.  Jenna Butler takes us on a sea voyage that connects continents and traces the impacts of climate change on northern lands. With a conservationist, female gaze, she questions explorer narratives and the mythic draw of the polar North. As a woman who cannot have children, she writes out the internal friction of travelling in Svalbard during the fertile height of the Arctic summer. Blending travelogue and poetic meditation on place, Jenna Butler draws readers to the beauty and power of threatened landscapes, asking why some stories in recorded history are privileged while others speak only from beneath the surface.

Magnetic North: Sea Voyage to Svalbard was a bit of a mixed bag for me, but that is on me for not fully reading the description of the title before requesting it from Netgalley. On one hand I really appreciated getting an account of places and experiences that are well outside me reach. Getting a better understanding of just what it is like at the top of the world, the the lives that those in the region live. The informational, travel, and human experience aspects of the  book were engaging and I feel enriched for having learned more. However, I am not typically one that goes in search of poetry, it is just not one of my preferred genres or mediums. I will say that I could appreciate the skill, meaning, and heart infused in the  work, but I just did not enjoy it the way that readers that really appreciate the form would. It was still an interesting read, and I can see it being a hit with its target audience, that's just not me. 

Early Book Review: A Haunted Road Atlas: Sinister Stops, Dangerous Destinations, and True Crime Tales by Christine Schiefer; Em Schulz

 A Haunted Road Atlas: Sinister Stops, Dangerous Destinations, and True Crime Tales was written and narrated by Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz. It is currently scheduled for release on May 31 2022. 

Pack up your Ouija board, wine bra, and squirt guns full of holy water, we’re going on a road trip! From the podcast And That’s Why We Drink, this is an interactive travel guide to the hosts’ favorite spooky and sinister sights. The world is a scary place, and that’s why we drink! Full of fun facts, travel tips, and beverage recs, this guide includes some of the country’s most notorious crime scenes, hauntings, and supernatural sightings. You’ll also find Christine and Em’s personal recommendations to the best local bars and ice cream parlors, oddity museums, curiosity shoppes, and more. Explore some of the most bizarre cases you’ve heard on the show, as well as exclusive new content from bayous, basements, and bars!

 A Haunted Road Atlas is exactly what the title and blurb promise. The audio book offers a great listen, and the print version has the bonus of pictures, illustrations, the print list od recommendations and such. The audiobook version does offer these items as a PDF for those interested. I liked the tone and mood of the book. It offered interesting information while including fun facts and a great deal of snark and humor along the way. I like that they also encurage readers that might take thier own adventures to go about it with cation and respect. Many of the stories were ones I had heard before, but I did enjoy the way they told the stories and approched it. THe only thing that really bothered me is that they seem to be big fans of Zak Bagans and Ghost Adventures. I have watched many of the paranormal investigation shows, and his is one I could never enjoy. There is something about him that rubs me (and my husband to be completely honest) the wrong way. So the consistent mention of Zak and his show kind of took me out of the enjoyment and mood of the otherwise wonderful storytelling. Others will not have this problem, as it is a me problem, but it did effect my overall enjoyment. I liked the conversational style of the book, and think that must be a product of all the hard work they have put into their podcast and live shows. I think I will give the podcasts a go and enjoy their work even longer. 

Early Audio Book Review: Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain by Gwendoline Smith, Narrated by Liza Seneca

Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain was written by Gwendoline Smith, and the audiobook version is narrated by Liza Seneca. It is currently scheduled for release on May 10 2022. 

This is a collection of the works of Dr. Know that provides a little guide to your big feelings. Clinical psychologist Dr. Gwendoline Smith (AKA Dr. Know) provides an informative and accessible guide to understand and manage your feelings. The Book of Knowing contextualizes the basics of cognitive behavioral therapy for anyone new to these concepts. In The Book of Overthinking, Dr. Know expands on the topics of overthinking, ruminating, and worrying — common symptoms of anxiety. By using her clear advice and tangible examples, you'll find powerful strategies for addressing these issues in your life.

I thought both The Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking were easy to follow, understand, and connect with. Anyone that has struggled with getting caught in a thought loop of depression or anxiety will recognize that spiral as what she using cognitive behavioral therapy to help readers recognize and overcome. I really like how upfront she is about how sometime life is going to throw bad things our way, because it happens, but helps us recognized what we do and do not have control over and taking the time to process the facts over the initial emotional response can make all the difference. I do wish I had read something like The Book of Knowing when I was in high school or college, it would have been very helpful to me at that point in my life. This book is honestly geared more toward young and new adults, although the advice and information is universal. The Book of Overthinking is aimed more at those of us that are no longer claim membership in those age groups, but again the information is universal. There is a good deal of overlap in the two books, but as a big overthinker myself perhaps hearing it twice will help me implement the tools and strategies offered in the book.  

Book of Knowing and The Book of Overthinking: Dr. Know's Guide to Untangling Your Brain was a great listen and I found it helpful and never condescending. There is humor, honesty, and understanding throughout. The narrator, Liza Seneca, did a wonderful job of capturing those emotions and the intent of the book in her performance. 

Audiobook Review: Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life by Pamela Gail Johnson

Practical Happiness: Four Principles to Improve Your Life was written and narrated by Pamela Gail Johnson.  People think happiness is a singular feeling, but it isn't. The real way to feel happier is to expand your definition of happiness and manage your Happiness Zappers.  Pamela Gail Johnson, founder of the Society of Happy People, identified the four practical happiness principles that have helped thousands of people shift their mindsets so they naturally notice more happiness, whether it feels sparse, abundant, or somewhere in between. Pamela shares real stories from real people who put the four practical happiness principles into action. With thought-provoking workbook-style questions, you can immediately apply these principles to your life. You'll discover how happiness is unique to you and your circumstances; how to manage common experiences that zap your happiness; how happiness changes; and thirty-one types of happiness.

Practical Happiness is a well organized book with information and tools for finding and recognizing happiness that could be very helpful to readers. I recognized much of what was written as being true and useful, but mostly things I have heard before in other context and in some cases have been doing for years. Since I am not someone that normally seeks out or reads self help books I found it odd that most of what I was hearing n the audiobook were things that were familiar. However, I did find the descriptions of different types of happiness and it's zappers interesting and mostly new to me. I think many people will find the book helpful, and for me it was a good reminder to be more present and acknowledge the little moments and to allow myself to work through the happiness zappers rather than trying to simply ignore them until they are a bigger issue.  I think that Johnson did a decent job of narrating her book. I find that authors reading their own work do a good job, as they know where they want the emphasis on and what the flow of the text should be. That was true here, but sometimes the pauses were a bit too long- and I feel like she must be a great in person speaker but that does not always translate to a great audiobook reader. Sadly, the pauses and the very natural mouth noises made through out the book often distracted me and made me want to offer her a glass of water. Others might not notice it, but it is one of my irks in life so I found it hard to ignore. 

Practical Happiness is a good book for those looking to learn more about finding and appreciating happiness more. 

Audiobook Review: A Brief History of Timekeeping: The Science of Marking Time, from Stonehenge to Atomic Clocks by Chad Orzel, Narrated by Mike Lenz

A Brief History of Timekeeping: The Science of Marking Time, from Stonehenge to Atomic Clocks was written by Chad Orzel and narrated by Mike Lenz. Predating written language and marching on through human history, the desire for ever-better timekeeping has spurred technological innovation and sparked theories that radically reshaped our understanding of the universe and our place in it. Chad Orzel, a physicist and bestselling author, continues his tradition of demystifying thorny scientific concepts by using the clocks and calendars central to our everyday activities as a jumping-off point to explore the science underlying the ways we keep track of our time. Ancient solstice markers depend on the basic astrophysics of our solar system; mechanical clocks owe their development to Newtonian physics; and the ultra-precise atomic timekeeping that enables GPS hinges on the predictable oddities of quantum mechanics. Along the way, Orzel visits the delicate negotiations involved in Gregorian calendar reform, the intricate and entirely unique system employed by the Maya, and how the problem of synchronizing clocks at different locations ultimately required us to abandon the idea of time as an absolute and universal quantity. Sharp and engaging, A Brief History of Timekeeping is a story not just about the science of sundials, sandglasses, and mechanical clocks, but also the politics of calendars and time zones, the philosophy of measurement, and the nature of space and time itself.

A Brief History of Timekeeping is a thorough and fascinating description about how people throughout history have calculated, marked, and understood time. I thought that the history of calendars, clocks, and all the theories and math that surround them was well explained and that the information about the people involved, and the day to day aspects, made it more accessible. I will admit that there were moments deep into the numbers of physics that I felt a bit over my head, I think that if I had the print version of the book to look at the charts and calculations rather than listening to the numbers being read off it might have felt slightly easier to follow. I think the narrator did a great job of conveying the information with good tone and inflection, as I do not think I could have made it through the more complicated bits if the narrator had been less skilled. I liked the honesty and humor that came into play on occasion- acknowledging that many of the calendar and time decisions were based on politics as much as math and practicality. I also liked that the author disclosed any connection to certain figures in the history, to avoid any potential claims of favor. I thought the book as a whole was interesting, well balanced, and informative. I even gained a new favorite word- perturbation. 

A Brief History of Timekeeping is an informative and engaging look at the history of how people have looked at time. 

Audiobook Review: Between Bloode and Stone (Between the Shadows) by Marie Harte, Narrated by Ellis Evans

Between Bloode and Stone is the first book in the Between the Shadows series by Marie Harte. The audiobook is narrated by Ellis Evans. Cursed long ago to check their growing power, vampires can only coexist in small groups. Yet despite their many conflicts, those Of the Bloode possess similar traits. All vampires, no matter from where they come, are male. They can go unnoticed by humans unless they wish otherwise, and they can’t survive sunlight. Mormo, servant of the goddess Hecate, has created a small new bloode clan at her behest. The six vampires he commands are rough, ill-disciplined, and mean, and they fail to follow orders on a daily basis. But they’re needed. Something big and bad is coming. Hecate, goddess of death, magic, and gateways, has a duty to guard the borders of the mortal world. She knows that without a strong force to contain the threat, chaos will come, destroying everything in its wake. Her secret weapons are those Of the Bloode. Though they refuse to worship anything but themselves, she loves their wild ways. In order to battle gods and monsters and survive, they’ll need ferocity, inner strength, and something to fight for.

Between Bloode and Stone is an interesting urban fantasy and series starter. First off, I think Ellis Evans did a great job narrating. I enjoyed the tone variations and inflections they used, and simply enjoyed listening. I also enjoyed the characters and world building. There was a great deal of ground to cover in the world building, and I suspect more important pieces have yet to be revealed about all the varied supernatural creatures living there in future books. I thought the development of the characters, and their relationships with each other, was very well paced and engaging. I liked that I did get different points of view, and that those view changes were clear as I listened. Getting insight to the minds of more than just the romantic leads was great, and gave me a better understanding of the bigger picture and how important certain things might be later in the series. It also made me more invested in the world and secondary characters. There were moments where the amount of world building seemed too much, but sometimes that happens at the beginning of any series to get a full understanding of the moving parts. I was not put off by this and think that I will continue on with this series, only partly because I want to see more of the vampires and see hoe the teasers in the epilogue play out.  

Between Bloode and Stone is a good start to a series, and I am interested to see where the story goes from here. 

Audio Book Review: Hot for You by Marie Harte, Narrated by Tatiana Sokolov

Hot for You, written by Marie Harte and narrated by Tatiana Sokolov , is a contemporary romance. Firefighter Reggie Morgan is done with love, done with relationships, and done with complications. But when he's called to the scene of a hit-and-run, he finds a scared little girl, a butt-ugly stray puppy, and an unconscious woman he can't get out of his mind. The girl and the puppy are a handful, but the girl's mother, Maggie, might just be the woman to melt his icy heart. He’s loved and lost before, and the pain nearly broke him. But when they can't ignore their unquenchable desire for each other, Maggie, a teacher by trade, is confident she can show him all about falling—and staying—in love.

Hot for You gave me exactly what I expect from this author. The characters are complex, each with flaws and an openness about them that I love. The secondary characters were just as complex and interesting as Maggie and Reggie. I thought the journey to HEA for Maggie and Reggie was well done, and I liked the frank and honest way they discussed problems, the past, and the work that could be involved in creating a future. I could tell that the book is part of or at least related to a series or maybe two- but while I have read several books by the author none of the characters were ones I remember. Newcomers to Harte will not miss anything by not knowing the characters either. I think fans of Harte and and new readers alike can really enjoy this read in their preferred format. The narrator did a great job and I enjoyed her tone and inflections. My only issue with the audio edition comes down to editing. I found the pauses between chapters to be slightly too long. I checked my phone and connection several times thinking something had gone wrong when it was simply a long pause.

Hot for You is a solid romance with great characters and a high heat factor. 

Audiobook Review: You May Kiss the Groomsman (Meet me at the Altar) by Samantha Chase, Narrated by Avery Reid

You May Kiss the Groomsman is the third book in the Meet me at the Altar by Samantha Chase, but can be read and enjoyed on its own. The audiobook is narrated by Avery Reid.

When Josie Sullivan agrees to marry her friend Tyler, it’s just so he’ll get a promotion at work. That’s what friends do, right? But what should have been a quick, quiet affair starts to look like the real thing when his family shows up in the middle of the “proposal.” Now, it’s no longer a quick stop at the courthouse during a lunch break but a full-blown wedding, and there’s nothing Josie can do to stop it. Daniel Alexander hasn’t been home in years. After fifteen years as a Navy SEAL, he’s more than ready to return to civilian life. Being away for so long, he’s missed a lot of his younger brother’s life, and it seems like he’s back just in time to stop him from making the biggest mistake of his life. No matter how he breaks it down, something’s just not adding up about this wedding, and he’s determined to figure out why. And he’s not just trying to stop it from happening because he’s finding himself wildly attracted to the bride-to-be. Josie had given up on finding her own happily ever after, and as her attraction to Daniel keeps growing, she’s suddenly regretting her decision to help out a friend. Now she just needs to decide if she wants to kiss the groom…or the groomsman.

You May Kiss the Groomsman is a romance with plenty of feels and ethical dilemmas. Josie is starting to feel left behind as those around her find their happy ever afters, and wants one of her own. However, a marriage of convenience seems her best option until a chance meeting- and then things really get complicated for her. I have to say, that while I empathized with Josie as someone that tends to go too far in helping friends and family without  considering what I want, there was more than one occasion that my frustration with her overwhelmed my concern and hope. I started dreading what would happen next. I really hated Tyler for most of the book. However, I really enjoyed Daniel's character and thought even when he was in the wrong that he was doing the best he could and owned up to his mistakes and took steps to do better. I liked the idea of the book, and I liked the secondary characters and the banter between the main players. I thought the support and friendship through out the book for everyone involved was wonderful. I think the book has a great deal going for it, however my frustration with Josie just made it hard for me to fully engage with the read. I think it will be a great read for many, but it fell a little flat for me. 

You May Kiss the Groomsman is a romance that fans of the author, and particularly this series, will want to read.

Audiobook Review: Bees and Their Keepers by Lotte Möller, Narrated by Julie Maisey

Bees and Their Keepers is a non fiction book written by Lotte Möller, and the audiobook is narrated by Julie Maisey. The study of bees has often been considered a divine occupation, as the creature’s attention to detail and purpose is so special and the honey they produce, almost magical. In this compelling cultural history that moves beautifully through the beekeeper’s year, Swedish beekeeper and writer Lotte Möller shares her understanding of bees and bee lore from antiquity to the present with deep knowledge and sharp wit. Möller gives insight into the activity in the hive and describes the bees’ natural order and habits. She explores the myths of the past and how and when they were replaced by fact. In stories from her travels, Möller encounters a host of colorful characters, from a trigger-happy California beekeeper raging against both killer bees and bee politics to the legendary Brother Adam of Buckfast Abbey, breeder of the Buckfast queen, now popular throughout Europe and beyond, as well a host of others as passionate as she about the complex world of apiculture both past and present.

Bees and Their Keepers is an interesting book. I learned a great deal, and thought  the stories and information shared where engaging. I have several books about bees, in particular their current plight with pesticides and other dangers they are facing. Getting a look at how people have interacted with bees through out history, both distant and more recently, has given me a more well-rounded appreciation for honey and the work that goes into beekeeping. I liked that moments from the author's adventures in researching the topic, personal explorations, and own beekeeping were included. All of the individual components were informative and interesting to listen to on my commutes back and forth to work. However, I have to admit that sometimes the topic changes or asides to give more information on a very specific topic or adventure caught me off guard and it took me a bit to switch gears. It just felt a little disjointed at times. Similarly, the end rather snuck up on me. That is not likely to happen to those reading a print copy, but in the audiobook version I was listening and expecting more on a topic, or another topic change, and then suddenly I was listening to the copyright information. It just felt a bit abrupt to me.  

Bees and Their Keepers is and interesting look at the history and world of beekeeping. 

Audiobook Review: The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating by Emma Hart Narrated by Savannah Peachwood, Tim Page

The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating is a contemporary romance written by Emma Hart. The audiobook is narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Tim Page.  It is part of a series, but can be read on its own.

With all my best friends off the market, it’s time that I, Tori Sussex, join them. So where better to find my future husband than the internet? It’s great. I get to get all the awkward stuff out of the way and already know if I’m going to like the guy before we meet in person. It’s a shame nothing's ever that simple. My relationship with Colton Lane, my best friend’s brother, is the very definition of complicated—dirty little no-strings-attached hook-ups we’ve somehow managed to keep secret from all our friends for the past six months. We’re bound to get caught, and if I’m serious about dating, I only have one choice: call it quits; end our little covert booty calls for good; tell him my parking space is off-limits to him. It should be easy. It should be simple. And I’m sure it would be, if only I wasn’t in love with him.

The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating is a frenemies to lovers romance. I think the dual narrators was a nice touch, and I like the alternating perspectives. I liked Tori to an extent. I liked her sarcasm and sardonic moments, but her stubborness and faking being angry annoyed me a few times. I really liked Colton. Of the two characters I felt like he was more in touch with, and honest about, what he felt and wanted. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, and was highly entertain by their support and antics. I am not sure if it was because of the format, since I do not normally listen to romance audiobooks, or what but I did not really connect with Tori's character. I am much more interested in what is going on with her grandmother than the future between Tori and Colton- but that is more because I found the elderly characters in the book to be fantastic. Maybe returning readers will feel more of a connection, since the friend group is tightly bound. 

The Introvert's Guide to Online Dating is a fun and entertaining read, or listen.

Audiobook Review: Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going by Neil deGrasse Tyson, James Trefil, Lauren Fortgang

Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going, written by Neil deGrasse Tyson and James Trefil and narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lauren Fortgang, is a book that takes the idea of the StarTalk podcast and expands on some of the more in depth questions and ideas that just do not fit in the podcast format. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe. This illuminating audiobook takes on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia—How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?—and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire listeners of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

Cosmic Queries is an engaging and enlightening audiobook- and I can only imagine that the addition of photographs and any images in the printed or digital version of the book only increase the level of understanding, engagement, and interest in the reader. The alternating narration was very well done, and I found the inflections and phrasing to be very well done and able to keep me engaged even when the subject matter might have lost me otherwise. The writing was well done- and  I found that for the most part I understood the details and was intrigued by the information shared and questions raise. I will admit that there were a few times that my mind drifted or I was interrupted and when I refocused was completely lost with the topic at hand, but a quick rewind was able to fix that. I am not sure how much I retained- but that is on me and not the reading material. 

I think anyone that enjoys StarTalk and related podcasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the universe and how it all works will enjoy Cosmic Queries as an audiobook or traditional read.  

Book Review: For the Love of Books: Stories of Literary Lives, Banned Books, Author Feuds, Extraordinary Characters and More by Graham Tarrant, Narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies

For the Love of Books: Stories of Literary Lives, Banned Books, Author Feuds, Extraordinary Characters and More by Graham Tarrant, Narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies is a book with a variety of bookish information. Which famous author died of caffeine poisoning? Why was Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland banned in China? Who was the first British writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? What was Truman Capote superstitious about? Here is a light-hearted book about books and the people who write them for all lovers of literature. A treasure trove of compelling facts, riveting anecdotes, and extraordinary characters, For the Love of Books is a book about books—and the inside stories about the people who write them. Learn how books evolved, what lies behind some of the greatest tales ever told, and who's really who in the world of fiction. From banned books to famous feuding authors, from literary felons to rejected masterpieces, from tips for aspiring writers to stand-out book lists for readers to catch up on, For the Love of Books is a celebration of the written word.

For the Love of Books is a very interesting book. I think some of it is better suited to the written word than audiobook- for instance some of the author and book lists are probably easier to follow and track when read on the page rather than listening to. However, I found most of the information to be interesting, and some of the stories were new to me while others were familiar. There was a great deal of information covered, but even more left untouched. I know there is no way to get all the information about the past and current state of literature in one book. It did seem to focus more on older material and authors than more recent works- with a slight leaning toward European authors and works- but some of that is not unexpected. I would love to see the subject expanded on in other books- perhaps with a focus on women authors or those from different countries or ethnicities. I know that the majority of information recorded from history is about old white men- and I was glad to see some stretching out of that category in this book- but I think I would have been even happier with a touch more of that. 

For the Love of Books is an interesting and informative read that book lovers will enjoy. 

Early Audobook Review: Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price is scheduled to be released in print and audiobook on March 9 2021. I listened to a simulated audiobook, where a computer generated narration is provide. So, I cannot speak to the skill of the narrator, but I will say that the program did a very good job and there were only occasional moments of stilted speech that reminded me that I was not listening to a person.

This is the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series and a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a whodunit. When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates. Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.

Pride and Premeditation is an engaging work of historical fiction and mystery that had me second guessing my memories of Pride and Prejudice as I read.  I enjoyed getting to see the characters in a new light, and was trying to put the clues together right with Lizzie. The spirited exchanges Lizzie has with Darcy, and just about everyone to be fair, are entertaining and add some more humorous moments to the mystery at hand. I also like that while the details have changed, the spirit of the original still felt very present to me. I also liked that the author included information about the changes she made to the story, and what historical details she had to alter to make her story happen. I think Austen would appreciate the liberties Price took, and most likely wished the freedom she offered characters in the book had been reality in her time. The twists in turns in the investigation, and the way the characters deal with them were well done, and I was fully invested in the characters and the conclusion through the entire book. I am very much looking forward to more in this series, and am disappointed that I listened to a galley so early, because that means I will have to wait that much longer before getting my hands on the books that will hopefully follow. 

Pride and Premeditation is an intriguing and well written book that fans or Jane Austen and Agatha Christie alike will enjoy. 

Audiobook Review: 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime: 30 Amazing Stories: Featuring Frozen Frogs, King Tut’s Beds, the World's Biggest Sleepover, the Phases of the Moon, and More by Britannica Books

 5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime: 30 Amazing Stories: Featuring Frozen Frogs, King Tut’s Beds, the World's Biggest Sleepover, the Phases of the Moon, and More by Britannica Books was narrated by Joanna Lumley. It was written by Jackie McCann, Jen Arena, and Sally Symes.

Why do we sleep? How do sharks snooze underwater? Where is the oldest bed in the world? In this compendium of 5-minute really true stories about bedtime, you can go on a journey of wonder and learning to find out the answers to all these questions, and many more! Travel to Ancient Egypt to explore the beds of Tutankhamun, jet off into space to see how astronauts get ready for bed, or even plunge underwater to learn how hibernating turtles breathe through their bottoms! There are 30 amazing 5-minute stories, with all facts verified by Britannica.

5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime has thirty five minute sections, but I am not sure that I would classify them as stories. Each of the segments is well told and researched, with a combination of silly or weird facts and more serious sounding information about sleep and all sorts of things related to it. They are interesting to listen to and full of information that will be new to most of the young readers or listeners that this book is aimed at. The book information says that the printed version has specially commissioned artwork, which I expect will help keep the attention of young readers, however the audiobook narrator did a wonderful job with inflection and emotion to keep my attention and interest. Please keep in mind that this is a book that uses British vernacular, and some terms in the text are different because of this. Those that have a hard time with things like lorry instead of truck, biscuit instead of cookie, and so on just be forewarned.  I love it, and think it is a great thing for readers of all ages to understand that people that speak the same language do not always sound the same. 

5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime is a great bedtime, or anytime, read. Perfect for short reads together.

Audiobook Review: The Vow (Black Arrowhead) by Dannika Dark, Narrated by Nicole Poole

The Vow is the first book in the Black Arrowhead series by Dannika Dark. The audiobook is narrated by Nicole Poole. Melody is an ambitious entrepreneur who has always loved the thrill of a new adventure, but she's about to get more than she bargained for when the only way to save her business is to secure a deal with a powerful tribal leader. Running Horse, Oklahoma, isn't on the map, and Mel is about as lost as a Shifter can get. When she unexpectedly runs into her best friend's brother, her friendly visit quickly turns treacherous. Lakota Cross is a man with secrets. While tracking a killer, he reunites with Melody, and their friendship sparks into a passionate affair. But if he doesn't quell the fire soon, it might burn out of control. Once again, fate brings these two Shifters together in a moment of need. But will the sacrifice be greater than the reward? Murder, mayhem, and a mating ceremony.

The Vow is a roller coaster ride of world building, character development, and mystery- and I was all in from the very start. I liked Mel and Rose from the very start of the book, and was thrilled to see how trying to do the right thing for others got our main characters their happy ending. While I thought her connection with Lakota and their ending up together was a little predictable, I very much enjoyed the journey that they took to get there. The town and tribe dynamics and cultures were well built, and sadly the prejudice, mistrust, and resentment all too believable. The mystery of the murders was very well done, although I have to admit that the culprit was not a big surprise to me- everytime they popped up in the story I had my suspicions that they were up to something.  The narrator did a wonderful job with the book. She captured the heart of the story and characters in her performance using inflections and slight changes in her cadence to capture the difference in characters. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more.

The Vow is a solid start to a new urban fantasy and romance series. I look forward to reading (or listening) more as it continues.

Audiobook Review: The Bright and Breaking Sea (Kit Brightling) by Chloe Neill, Narrated by Danielle Cohen

The Bright and Breaking Sea is the first book in the Kit Brightling series, written by Chloe Neill and narrated by Danielle Cohen.Kit Brightling, rescued as a foundling and raised in a home for talented girls, has worked hard to rise through the ranks of the Isles' Crown Command and become one of the few female captains in Queen Charlotte's fleet. Her ship is small, but she's fast—in part because of Kit's magical affinity to the sea. But the waters become perilous when the queen sends Kit on a special mission with a partner she never asked for. Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, may be a veteran of the Continental war, but Kit doesn't know him or his motives—and she's dealt with one too many members of the Beau Monde. But Kit has her orders, and the queen has commanded they journey to a dangerous pirate quay and rescue a spy who's been gathering intelligence on the exiled emperor of Gallia. Kit can lead her ship and clever crew on her own, but with the fate of queen and country at stake, Kit and Rian must learn to trust each other, or else the Isles will fall.

The Bright and Breaking Sea is a well written start to a series I look forward to continuing. Kit is a foundling that has worked hard and become a ship captain and trusted asset to the Queen. Her touch of magic and strong moral compass keep her on task and working hard but she is often underestimated for the very things that make her so successful. Grant is tired of war, and fighting, but would rather be thought of as Coronal than Viscount. When they are thrown together on a tough mission they discover that they might have more in common than they think. I found the information about the history, aspect of magic, and the major players to be well delivered through the entire story. While there are things I certainly want to know more about, I think that is more because of how interesting what we do know is, and my on internal curiosity, rather than missing pieces in the story. While their developing friendship, and the building of characters and setting, are a major part of this book the understanding of the dynamics of magic and the growing danger in the world around them is just as important. This book is more than the sum of its parts, and while there is a great deal going on it all fits together and builds to the promising start of what could be an epic series. Additionally, the inflections from Cohen as narrator really matched the story and helped me get lost in the world. 

The Bright and Breaking Sea is a wonderful start to a fantasy series with significant world and character building, as well as surprises, intrigue, and heart. 

Audiobook Review: Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce, Narrated by Bethan Rose Young

Premeditated Myrtle, written by Elizabeth C. Bunce and narrated by Bethan Rose Young, is a middle grade historical mystery. Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father’s law books and her mum’s microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England. When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor. 

Premeditated Myrtle is an engaging mystery set in Victorian England. Myrtle is a very smart, observant girl with perhaps more curiosity than is necessarily good for her.  To be honest, there were a couple moments in the first chapter when I thought this might be the second book rather than the first in the series, but I was soon completely immersed in the story. I liked that Myrtle and Miss Judson were among the smartest characters in the book, but also quite aware of how others thought of them because of their gender, age, and so on. They often used those expectations to their advantage even while being annoyed by them. I thought the mystery was well done, and while I expected one of the twists fairly early on, the way the story unfolded had me doubting myself a bit until the full reveal. I really enjoyed the journey and that there were surprised I was not expecting kept me on my toes through out the majority of the book. I enjoyed the characters and am very interested to see where they all go from here. I really enjoyed that the author included information and resources about historic forensic science in the back matter. Guidance for further exploration- particularly for younger readers- always makes me happy.

Premeditated Myrtle is a charming and entertaining series starter. I am looking forward to seeing what Myrtle and her family get up to next. 

Audiobook Review: Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items by J.W. Ocker, Narrated by Tim Campbell

Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items, written by J.W. Ocker and narrated by Tim Campbell, details strange but true stories of the world's most infamous items. It will appeal to true believers as well as history buffs, horror fans, and anyone who loves a good spine-tingling tale. They're lurking in museums, graveyards, and private homes. Their often tragic and always bizarre stories have inspired countless horror movies, reality TV shows, novels, and campfire tales. They're cursed objects, and all they need to unleash a wave of misfortune is you. Many of these unfortunate items have intersected with some of the most notable events and people in history, leaving death and destruction in their wake. But never before have the true stories of these eerie oddities been compiled into a fascinating and chilling volume.

Cursed Objects is a very entertaining and well researched book. I have a love for the weird, spooky, and just plan strange things in the world. From wacky bits of nature and strange history to the things people believe about themselves and the world. This book did a great job or giving well researched information, and sharing the lore around objects while making sure the difference between what is known and what is speculation is shown. There was also a healthy does of, who knows and you might as well be careful in there too. I liked the organization of the book by type of object, and thought that a great deal of reading, listening, and travel went into getting the research done for this book. Some of the objects were well known to me, and are likely to be at least known about by anyone that picks up a book on this subject matter. However, I also learned new details about those items, and learned about some things that I had need heard of before. There was a good deal of insight that made this a fully engaging read. I also like that the author took the subject matter seriously, but not so seriously that humor is left behind. There is a good deal of tongue and cheek commentary and pop culture references that actually made me chuckle out loud as I was listening to the book. I even let my teenage listen to it with me, and we both enjoyed it.

Cursed Objects is and intriguing and well narrated book. I was fascinated and entertain through the entire listen. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the subject matter, or even vaguely curious about cursed objects.