Audiobook Review: Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello, Narrated by Ben Bailey Smith, Nneka Okoye

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello is a young to new adult romance. The audiobook is narrated by Ben Bailey Smith and Nneka Okoye. Charming, handsome Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland. Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever. 

Love in Winter Wonderland is a great read for young adults, new adults, and everyone else that loves a good holiday romance or underdog coming out on top tale. To make the listen even better, the narrators are absolutely wonderful. The inflections and emotions that they pour into their performances added so much to the book. Honestly, I think I could listen to this pair read the phone book and they would make it entertaining and engaging. I loved Ariel's character, her fears and self doubt felt very realistic and relatable to me. Trey's ambitions and circle of friends were a little less relatable to me- as I was never one of the cool kids myself and hung out with those more like Ariel's group instead. I thought the balance of getting to know each other, figuring out who they are and what they want, and working towards a worthy goal together. I really enjoyed the uncovering of their personalities and coming together. I thought the drama of college age antics and family dynamics was very well done, and I have to admit that there were several points that had me angry or frustrated on the character's behalf.  Not the most calming read, but overall it was extremely engaging and entertaining. 

Love in Winter Wonderland is a wonderful story that fits so many of my favorite categories, I think there is something for everyone here.

Early Book Review: Animals Reviewed: Starred Ratings of Our Feathered, Finned, and Furry Friends by Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Animals Reviewed: Starred Ratings of Our Feathered, Finned, and Furry Friends by Association of Zoos and Aquariums is currently scheduled for release on October 29 2019. Launched by the Oregon Zoo and quickly picked up by zoos, aquariums, scientists, and the funny people of Twitter, #rateaspecies is a global, viral hit, and a chance for people to honestly—and hilariously—review the animal kingdom. This book has crowd-sourced 150 of the best entries, the majority of which are new to the book, from their 233-member zoos and aquariums. Packed with adorable photos of every animal and laced with wit and humor, Animals Reviewed is the perfect gift or self-purchase for animal lovers of all ages.

Animals Reviewed is a fun book that collects the rated reviews of various zoo animals. I liked that the jokes often included information about the animal, such as remarks about its limited availability or the place where it is made disappearing. These reminders about pending extinction and habitat destruction are funny, but reminding people so that they can join the efforts to stop such tragedy is important. I also learned about some animals I never heard of or saw in a zoo or even documentary before. I like that there was such a balance of giggles and information throughout the book, and that there was such a wide variety of creatures. I think animal lovers of all ages will enjoy this- and I think those that work with animals would particularly enjoy this as a gift.