Tag 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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July 9th Book Signing Event at Turn The Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD

Posted on July 17, 2016 | Leave a comment
Book Signing, Boonsboro, Maryland, Nora Roberts

Line for tickets at the July 9th Turn The Page Bookstore Book Signing Event in Boonsboro Maryland

Beautiful weather and people at the July 9th Event at Turn The Page Bookstore at 18 N. Main Street, Boonsboro MD  21713 – follow this link for more information about the event:  http://ttpbooks.com/category/VB.html

The authors all the authors and staff had smiles.  I enjoyed talking about the books they write and the libraries we both support.

Here are the pictures from the event with the authors:

Book Store, Maryland, Boonsboro, Nora Roberts

July 9th, 2016 Books on Display for the Book Signing at Turn The Page Book Store

Gage Shepherd children's book author

Gage Shepherd 1st in line and busy with book signing.

Stephen Bockmiller, Boonsboro, Maryland, Book Signing, Turn The Page Bookstore

Hagerstown and Washington County historical account of how the Civil War impacted the people living in the war zone.

Lisa Scottoline, Francesca Seritella

Mom and daughter writing team. Lisa loves libraries and said Hi to my librarians in Minneapolis, Minnesota – Hennepin County Library.

Maya Banks, Kendra Castle

Maya Banks writes great books with excellently developed characters. I haven’t read any from Kendra yet more to follow as I work my way through her book.

Samantha Chase, Turn The Page Bookstore

Samantha Chase greeted us in the line and gave us a very nice pen with stylus top for tablets – thanks much, Samantha. The book I bought during the event will be the first I’ve read from you.

Nora Roberts, J. D. Robb, Turn The Page Bookstore

Thanks for the picture and signatures, Nora and for hosting the event for the Fans of your writing. I’m glad you support libraries and literacy for everyone.

Laura is Nora Roberts' personal publicist

Thanks to Laura for taking all the pictures with Nora and organizing the social media accounts and Fan events.

Eva, Boonsboro, Book Signing, Friends

Eva and I after the book signing event – happy to have met so many of the Authors we enjoy reading.

Troops, USA, Support

Support for the troops evident in Boonsboro on all the lights along the downtown street. Thanks for all that have served and continue to serve USA.

Water Lilly, flowers, Boonsboro, Maryland

Boonsboro Flowers I found after the Book Signing Event

Sunflowers, Boonsboro Maryland

Sunflower plants found after the book signing in Boonsboro, Maryland

Rose, Boonsboro, Maryland, local gardens

Rose at the perfect point to before the peddles start to fall.  I found this Rose in Boonsboro, Maryland backyard garden – thanks to those that garden.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Book Signing Events, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Boonsboro MD, Brick and Mortar Business, Francesca Serritella, Gage Shepherd, Historical Novel, In Death Series, JDRobb, Kendra Castle, KGI Series, Lisa Scottoline, Maryland, MayaBanks, Monica Murphy, MurderMysteries, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Novel, Samantha Chase, Stephen Bockmiller

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Review of Slated for Death (Penny Brannigan Book 6) by Elizabeth J. Duncan read by Anne Flosnik

Posted on September 14, 2015 | Leave a comment
Audio Book Reviews's photo.
Audio Book Reviews

Guest ‪#‎audiobook‬ Review of Slated for Death (Penny Brannigan Book 6) by Elizabeth J. Duncan read by Anne Flosnik

http://audiobookreviewer.com/…/guest-review-slated-death-p…/

Anne Flosnik Thank you so much for your generous words Melissa! This is part of a delightful traditional mystery series set in Wales. Each book stands alone or builds on the others. The focus of each changes, with the spotlight being on a slate mine in this one. They are beautifully wriiten by Elizabeth J. Duncan, and completely absorbing.

Note from Melissa Blanchard:

I’m sharing this post from my Facebook account from an Anne Flosnik share. Anne Flosnik is an excellent narrator providing voices for all the characters. I enjoy her narrations and will be picking up this audiobook to add to me reading list.  I’ll let you know how I like it blog followers but for now this is an Audio Book Reviews link above shared by Anne and then by me on Facebook.  Enjoy.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Anne Flosnik, Elizabeth J. Duncan

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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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“Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts

Posted on May 11, 2014 | Leave a comment

Shadow Spell Front CoverShadow Spell Inside Front CoverShadow Spell Signature PageShadow Spell Back Cover2Shadow Spell Back FlapShadow Spell Back Jacket

Why do I recommend, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts?

First, “Shadow Spell” is a mystery that spans the centuries.  Nora does an excellent job connecting the Autumn of 1268 with the Autumn of 2013.  Eamon and Connor are kindred spirits finding common ground in the spiritual world.

Second, I find “Shadow Spell an intriguing study of old and new Ireland from the landscape to the customs.  Especially how each family unit made their income then and now.  Nora’s description of the tourism of modern Ireland makes me want to visit there and see for myself.

Finally, “Shadow Spell” speaks to the heart.  The importance of family in the good and bad times.  Learning how to work through disagreements within the family both those of the blood and those created through love and understanding.  Nora let me see how love grows through sharing and caring.

I hope you find the story of “Shadow Spell” as inspiring and enlightening as I have.  I’m looking forward to reading “Blood Magick” by Nora Roberts, hopefully to be released in October of 2014.  I’m hoping Cabhan gets what he deserves in this final installment.  I feel it will take spiritual strength and heart that extends back to the year 1268.

I purchased the novel “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts online via Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at this link http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COD2

Requesting signed books is still possible. Please follow the instructions on the website carefully to be sure to get the book signed as you request, see this link for further information https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/

The site is safe and secure – I’ve been using it since August 2013 with great success. I visited Boonsboro, MD last July and am also able to say the staff and store are both friendly and helpful in customer service and layout.

Audio is also available via ttpbooks.com but I didn’t realize until after I purchased the audiobook on iTunes via Brilliance Audio see this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/shadow-spell-book-two-cousins/id824435002

The narrator, Allan Smyth, has a lovely accent which adds to the feel of traveling to Ireland.  Nora’s excellent descriptive writing does the rest.  I enjoyed listening as I did my daily walks and working on preparing my meals.  Allan’s ability to bring emotions to life with his tone of voice brought depth to the battle scenes.

Thank you Nora Roberts, for giving us this story of family that spans the centuries in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy with Book 1, “The Dark Witch” reviewed at this link:  https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/dark-witch-book-one-of-the-cousins-odwyer-trilogy-by-nora-roberts/ and Book 2, “The Shadow Spell” and Fall release of “Blood Magick”.

You deliver with every book and I appreciate all you share from the romance, to the family love that is of blood and spirit.  I appreciate the signature as well.  I did “Imagine” and found acceptance and love.  Peace.

 

 

 

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Posted in Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, FindingOneself, hawks, horses, Inspire, Magick, Mystery, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, NRBookReviews, Professional Woman, Roberts, Romantic Suspense, Shadow Spell, Tourism, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe, Witch

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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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“The English Daughter” by Lindsay Townsend

Posted on April 13, 2014 | 4 comments

The English Daughter Cover Image from an Internet Google search on the phrase: The English Daughter, by Lindsay Townsend

“The English Daughter,” by Lindsay Townsend is a beautifully written romantic suspense novel showing the same mastery of the genre as Phyllis A. Whitney in her novel “Hunter’s Green”.

How do I explain the significance of this style of writing?  Scenes so well crafted I can see the characters in my mind’s eye.  Flowing movement of the players in quiet desperation to escape an evil force that is not fully identified until the very end.

“The English Daughter,” is about life and death with a tender romance that heals Val’s self-image.  The love scenes are tasteful and allow for imagination – they are not the focus of the tale.  The mystery of Val’s dreams and the unknown killer is the purpose of the telling.

First, I traveled to Corfu in Val’s dream – vivid and dark, where she witnesses a crime she could not have seen.  Then I arrive in the beautiful Corfu – a place I’ve never been but feel as though I’ve been there through the brilliant depictions designed by Lindsay.

Beautiful landscapes, towns and intense sunlight is the backdrop where the crime was committed.  Lindsay also uses Val’s vocation of piano restorer in the narrative. She weaves the intricacies of restoring wood to its original unblemished state into the healing of her cast.

Why do I recommend this book to all that enjoy romantic suspense? The account of Val’s life and travels in the here and now and in her dreams brings fulfillment to me as a reader. All of Lindsay Townsend’s work has had this impact on me. Her writing is a reminder to me of why I love reading books. Examing her work now takes me back to the stories I read as a teenager finding ideas of stories I’d like to explore from my Grandma Effie’s book of the month club. When yarns were written to engage the reader and take them on an adventure of discovery. “The English Daughter,” is a story that appeals to all generations and all genders. I hope you take the time to look up this book and take a trip to Corfu.

I enjoyed the audiobook production of this story as well. The narrator, Michelle Ford, does an excellent job of telling the account. Her voice is very melodic keeping me absorbed in the descriptive tale as I listen to it over and over.

I bought the audiobook from the following source:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/english-daughter-unabridged/id547504841

Kindle e-book is available at the link below

Learn of other points of purchase at Lindsay Townsend’s blog:

http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/2008/04/english-daughter.html

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Amazon (UK), Amazon UK (Kindle), Audiobooks, BookReviews, e-book, Hope, Inspire, iTunes, Kindle, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Romance, Romantic Suspense

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