Category Archives: Audiobooks

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on May 12, 2019 | 2 comments

Hi All,

I hope you are enjoying the Spring where you are. It’s sunny in Minneapolis. I’ve been gardening see pictures here: https://photos2shareblog.com/2019/05/12/happy-mothers-day-all-especially-those-in-heaven/

I’ve been listening to JD Robb’s latest In Death Book too, “Connections In Death”. Very well written & narrated by Susan Erickson. This series is about developing family connections beyond those related to you. It’s a community of characters helping one another out while doing their jobs. I recommend this series to all that enjoy crime drama & finding connections worth holding onto.

Check out another great author here:

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/t/lindsay-townsend/

Lindsay Townsend never disappoints with her witty & timely stories of suspense & romance. Stories that inspire. Worth a click to check out her stories.

May you all find the hope of Spring & enjoy some outside time maybe with family, friends, passerby or a friendly clerk. Smile not only do you feel better doing it you find wonderful connections.

A beautiful view from my terrace garden. Find your view

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Posted in 2019, 5 Stars, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, ebook, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, Hope, JDRBookReviews, JDRobb, Kindle, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, Pictures, Romantic Suspense

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Spring Reading Ideas

Posted on May 19, 2018 | 1 comment

Hi All,

The green is appearing once again in Minnesota so its time to bring some Spring reading ideas.

Here’s the latest from one one of my favorite authors:

Lindsay’s Book Chat

I’m enjoying a mystery thriller that makes you think of things that go bump in the night and laugh out loud at some at Kathy Reichs’s witticisms in her book “Deja Dead”. I like the audiobook so the narrator Barbara Rosenblat is also a favorite of mine. It’s like listening to a one woman play very well done.

Smile Amazon Deja Dead Book Link

If you use Amazon and audible for your audiobook purchases remember to link to Smile.amazon.com where you can pick the charity of your choice while getting much enjoyment from all the products available on Amazon.

Take some time today to begin a new book and take an arm chair journey to places near and far.

Reading is fundamental to leaning about the world around you and the many personalities all around you.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard

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Posted in 2018, 5 Stars, Amazon (Kindle), Amazon (UK), Amazon UK (Kindle), Audiobooks, Barabara Rosenblat, BookReviews, Books, Kathy Reichs, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, medieval, MurderMysteries, reading, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Serial Killers, Spring, Tips, Uncategorized

I Recommend Murder on the Orient Express [Movie Tie-in] by Agatha Christie, narrated by Kenneth Branagh

Posted on April 15, 2018 | Leave a comment

Hi All,

I love a good mystery and Agatha Christie is a favorite author of mine.

I saw this audiobook on Amazon when I was looking for something new to listen too. I was not disappointed.

It seems like every generation of fine actors come together to adapt this book to a movie script and this time they have a another great cast to add their interpretation to this masterpiece of suspense and intrigue.

This cast is all star for the movie and Kenneth Branagh does an excellent narration for the audiobook as well as play the lead in the movie.

I rented the movie from Xfinity too and I’m enjoying it on a cold winter’s night in Minneapolis MN. That’s right snow fall and cold conditions in April here in Minnesota. I hope you enjoy the book and the movie and if you’re in the path of the Minnesota snow storm you’ll be able to relate to those souls on the train trapped by snow.

Here’s a link for the audiobook:

Murder on the Orient Express via Audible

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Posted in 5 Stars, Adaptations, Agatha Christie, Amazon, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, Murder on the Orient Express, MurderMysteries, mysteries, Mystery

Fall Into the Story Brunch Event with Nora Roberts on July 23rd, 2017

Posted on July 26, 2017 | 4 comments

Hi All,

The Annual Fall Into the Story Brunch was excellent food and conversations.  I won the raffle to sit at the author table 2nd year in a row.  This event gives you a longer time to share books you love to read and the styles we enjoy best.  Everyone that attends get the chance to chat with Nora Roberts.  It’s a special event that donates to proceeds to charity.

Check out this link to see what interests Nora Roberts, travel, gardening and writing its all there – Nora writes excellent non-fiction too on her blog.  Nora Roberts Blog Fall Into the Story Managed by Laura

I’m thankful to Jeannie, Laura, Jason and Kat and the staff of Vista for an wonderful meal (including awesome gelato) and the opportunity to meet beautiful people that all like to read:).

I hope to see everyone next year.

Sincerely,

Melissa Jane Blanchard

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Posted in Audiobooks, Author Brunch, Boonsboro MD, Fans, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Readers

Nora Roberts Book Signing Event on July 22, 2017 in Boonsboro, Maryland

Posted on July 25, 2017 | 4 comments

July 22nd, 2017 Book Signing Event Pictures.

I’m thankful to Nora Roberts and all the authors that attended along with all the wonderful fans of romance novels full of suspense and possibilities.

I also appreciate all the efforts of the bookstore staff too.  Check out this link for the next Boonsboro, MD book signing event Turn The Page Book Store a great brick and mortar business with a secure website ordering system too.

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Posted in Audiobooks, Book Signing Events, BookSignings, Bookstores, Boonsboro MD, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts

I Recommend Mary Balogh’s “A Secret Affair”

Posted on March 1, 2015 | Leave a comment

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Mary Balogh’s “A Secret Affair” gets 5 Stars from me.

More than a great romance story between a strong woman and man. This story covered some of the ills of the period and how two caring people were able to make a difference for those unable to improve their lot in life on their own.  Anne Flosnik does an excellent job bringing the characters to life with her narration on the audiobook.  Well done production.  Thank you Hennepin County library for providing the best selection of audio and ebook for any library of similar size.

Sincerely, 

Melissa Blanchard

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Minneapolis MN

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Posted in 5 Stars, A Secret Affair, Anne Flosnik, Audiobooks, Balogh, Believe, Hennepin County Library, HennepinCountyLibrary, Historical Novel, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, Hope, Inspire, Library, Mary, Mary Balogh, MaryBalogh

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Recommend JD Robb’s Survivor In Death

Posted on October 12, 2014 | Leave a comment

I’m traveling to Boonsboro, Maryland for the November 1st book signing event at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe see this link for further details:   http://ttpbooks.com/category/VB.html

I’ve been listening to the In Death Series on digital audio and just completed book 20 in the series.
SURVIVOR IN DEATH AUDIO (select for prices)

This title is available via this link:  http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1AUDIOJDRa20

Summerset shines in this continuing story of the crime busting, Lieutenant Eve Dallas.  10 year old Nixie Swisher finds solace with Summerset when Lieutenant Dallas needs to keep her safe in the fortress Roarke built.
JD Robb writes several moving and vivid scenes in “Survivor In Death”.  The most memorable was the trip to the morgue to take Nixie to say goodbye to her murdered family.  Every time I read this section of the book I cry.  It reminds me so much of those I’ve said goodbye to as a child and adult.  The crowning scene though is when Nixie goes back to Lieutenant Eve and Roarke’s house and sits with Summerset.  Brings tears to my eyes just remembering the moment between them. Take some time today and experience these touching scenes.  This story is also a great Fall book – I love how Peabody describes the falling leaves and how bare the trees are after all the leaves have gone before the first snow falls.  So true to the mid-west and New York too. May you find comfort for any loses you’ve experienced as you read “Survivor In Death”. Peace.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Brick and Mortar Business, BrillianceAudio, Child Grief, fantasy, Five Stars, JDRBookReviews, JDRobb, Mystery, New York, Overcoming Grief, Romantic Suspense, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

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“The Witness” by Nora Roberts

Posted on July 6, 2014 | Leave a comment

 

The Witness by Nora Roberts

Why read “The Witness” by Nora Roberts?

Consider a young girl, Elizabeth, finds out her Mother didn’t give birth to her for love but to make the best out of a sperm donor’s DNA.  Elizabeth finds herself at 16 a college student that has never been on a date nor has she ever been shopping with friends.  She has an opportunity to have a day shopping with a girl from her old high school and forging fake ID’s for them to go out to a popular club.

Elizabeth soon finds herself running for her life.  What comes next will change her life in ways she would have never dreamed possible.

Will this naive girl survive into womanhood?  If so, what sort of life will she have?

All this and more will be answered by Nora Roberts as the story unfolds.  You’ll discover what happened to Elizabeth, her Mother and the Federal Agents assigned to protect Elizabeth or is it to prosecute?

“The Witness,” kept me guessing.  It is a snapshot of a girl left on her own with no guidance and the trouble that finds her.  A Mother’s love is important and this story shows why on so many levels.

The adult Elizabeth finds she still has things to learn about finding and keeping love between a man and a woman too.  She has to find the courage and wisdom within herself to pursue the man of her dreams while staying safe from the men from her nightmares.

Nora brings all the characters in this book to life from the shy and bookish Elizabeth to the sterile, demanding and unfeeling Mother you’ll find those you love and those you will love to hate in this adventure of the heart.

There are very few writers that could bring a character like Elizabeth to life, but Nora Roberts does it beautifully.  From the style of Elizabeth’s hair to the experience of wearing her first pair of heals, you will not be disappointed.  This is a definite re-read for me.  So much detail needs to be savored.

I hope you pick up “The Witness” by Nora Roberts and see for yourself what makes this coming of age story a suspenseful drama full of mystery and hope.  You can get the book in the following formats at the links below:

http://www.audiobookstanddl.com/9B656443-488B-4EA1-813A-6E319CB89573/10/119/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=9C9FA007-8C8F-4C14-A40E-19C9E8FDCAE4

http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1WITNESS

If you buy with the second link you can ask to have it signed by the author and its on clearance for $10.00.

I also enjoyed the audiobook performance by Julia Whelan.  She brings out all the emotions of the characters in her voice tone and reading style. Lovely job, Julia, thank you.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, BrillianceAudio, Courage, Hope, Inspire, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Novel, NRBookReviews, On The Run, Passion, Roberts, Romance, Uncategorized

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“The American Heiress: A Novel” by Daisy Goodwin

Posted on June 7, 2014 | Leave a comment

<span class=The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin_” width=”201″ height=”300″ />

Why do I recommend Daisy Goodwin’s “The American Heiress“?

First, the novel is well written with elements of romance but not focusing on the happily ever after concept. Instead Daisy Goodwin provides a fresh look at turn of the twentieth century America and England. Her perspective is a new one for me painting a picture of how truly callous the wealthy are during this era.

You’ll learn much about what a British title costs the young Cora Cash.  Cora pursues the title to appease her Mother but finds herself drawn to a Duke she meets by chance.

I think what brings depth to “The American Heiress,” is the relationship between Cora and her maid, Bertha. As Cora is drawn more and more into the drama of English Aristocracy, Bertha is able to ground her on what’s most important. Bertha’s story is every bit as important to the plot of this excellent tale as Cora’s.

There’s also plenty mystery and intrigue as the story unfolds. Daisy Goodwin keeps me guessing until the final chapter.

Will Cora be happy? Is Bertha going to be able to keep her position and the love of her life? You won’t find out until the very end, but I can guarantee “The American Heiress” is a page turner that keeps you hooked until the very end.

I listened to the audiobook and found Katherine Kellgren’s narration engaging and full of emotion.  A very well done production.

You can get an audiobook from iTunes or the book or e-book from Amazon at the following links.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/american-heiress-novel-unabridged/id441922680

Enjoy.

 

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Posted in American Heiress, Audiobooks, CivilWar, Daisy, Daisy Goodwin, DaisyGoodwin, Decisions, Destiny, Goodwin, Historical Novel, Hope, horses

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“The Collector,” by Nora Roberts

Posted on May 4, 2014 | Leave a comment

Front Cover The CollectorInside Covers Art The CollectorSignature page The CollectorBack Flap Credits The CollectorBack Cover The CollectorBookSpine

 

“The Collector,” by Nora Roberts surprises, entertains and inspires. Lila is charming with how she makes the most out of all situations. She’s always willing to help out which, in one case, may get her into some trouble.

I don’t want to give away any of the treasures you must uncover for yourself, so not much about the details of the story here. This is a murder mystery romance. It’s also an adventure, comedy and drama.

Laughter, crying and anger are the emotions I experience as I read “The Collector”. Nora is very good at pulling the emotions out of me. She also writes page turners I’m unable to put down – home run with this book. Descriptions of the settings are out of site from downtown New York – street level and a bird’s eye view from the 14th floor window – to Italy. Beautiful scenes of the people, city and rural landscape. Nora took me there for an afternoon better than any movie.

The hard cover book is pictured above with cover and without. Note the back flap is hard to read so I’ll give the credits here:

Jacket design by Richard Hasselberger
Jacket photograph of city
Copyright Sandra Kreuzinger/Getty Images
Photograph of the author Copyright Bruce Wilder [Personal note from me – thank you Bruce Wilder for an excellent picture of Nora – love the scene you chose to frame your subject.]
penguin.com
G.P.PUTNAM’S SONS
a member of
Penguin Group (USA)

“The Collector” book is well crafted and very beautiful with burgundy shades and gold lettering on cover and spine. A great edition to any library shelf. Mine also has a signature from the author virtually via the link: http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COLLECTOR_HC

Getting a personalized copy of your own is still an option, just follow the link above and be sure to read my post at this link: https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/
Where you’ll learn all the best practices to get your signed copy anywhere in the world that mail is able to reach.

I also purchased the audiobook from iTunes at this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/the-collector-unabridged/id852344791

Julia Whelan is an excellent narrator. Her accents and vocal artistry identified each character for me. Every inflection of Julia’s voice convey the emotions of the characters. I enjoy listening to Julia and will again I hope. Nora’s excellent dialog and seamless narratives did the rest.

I hope you all find “The Collector,” as entertaining and adventurous as I do. Now I’m off to read, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts. I’m loving the Cousins O’Dwyer’s trilogy so far. Thank you Nora Roberts for delivering with “The Collector”.

 

 

 

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Posted in Amazon, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Hope, Inspire, Italy, iTunes, MurderMysteries, Mystery, New York, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, NRBookReviews, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

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