tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2075199128821658032024-02-19T03:14:49.272+00:00Miss Lawrence is Hearing ThingsAudiobook Reviewer based in the UK. Accessible audiobook reviews and recommendations from the curator of an extensive audiobook athenaeum.MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-35002489932068121032020-07-23T10:00:00.000+01:002020-07-23T10:00:00.130+01:00AudiobookSYNC 2020 - July<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3eglEEoooD6n0eLu3LeQ4sj-dhv1buicKP41vooapEH9MUJnsgMQMlCmWlWae76JxEuZEQqcJdqtjN7C7lSg4ZcceQt6D7Y8okZc_goVjuJkAtiUw_3lPtNMY0WSZqoGksT7bDjGzUsk/s1600/m4-july2-july29.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A screenshot of the audiobooks available for the last week. All the information is available in the post." border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3eglEEoooD6n0eLu3LeQ4sj-dhv1buicKP41vooapEH9MUJnsgMQMlCmWlWae76JxEuZEQqcJdqtjN7C7lSg4ZcceQt6D7Y8okZc_goVjuJkAtiUw_3lPtNMY0WSZqoGksT7bDjGzUsk/s320/m4-july2-july29.webp" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
AudiobookSYNC is back! The summer program aimed at supplying audiobooks free of charge to teens has reached its final week. There have been some wonderful books given away so far, and the last four are no exception.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each summer <a href="http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/" target="_blank">AudioFile</a> release two audiobooks per week, to be downloaded for free and then played using the app for mobile and desktop.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Please note: in previous years these titles have been available on the Overdrive app, but this year you will need to install the <a href="https://meet.soraapp.com/" target="_blank">Sora app</a> (made by Overdrive) to access them. Each pair of audiobooks will still be available to download for one week only, but once downloaded they are yours to keep.</b></div>
<br />
<i>"SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens. Returning April 30, 2020, SYNC will give away two complete audiobooks a week - pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes. Sign up for email or text alerts and be first to know when new titles are available to download at <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a>."</i><br />
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These are the pairs of books that will be made available for the next week. For weekly reminders you can text SYNCYA to 25827 or visit <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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The audiobooks available for week 13 are:</div>
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<b>Week 13, 23rd - 29th July:</b></div>
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<i>Kindred</i> by Octavia E. Butler, and <i>Burn Baby Burn</i> by Meg Medina.<br />
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Links to the books, samples, and instructions to download can be found <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019-syncwk1&utm_content=ctatxt" target="_blank">here</a>. All you need to supply is your email address and AudioFile will let you download as many of the books as you like throughout the summer. But be quick, as each pair of books is only available for one week.<br />
<br />
For a preview of the books coming up later in the summer, check out <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagazine/sets/sync-2020" target="_blank">this playlist's</a> samples from all the books that will feature in this year's giveaway.<br />
<br />
A full sized version of the poster featuring the July books is available to view, <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/content/uploaded/images/toolkit2020/m4-july2-july29.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<i>Remember to subscribe to my newsletter using the form in the sidebar to have these monthly reminders and all the latest reviews and giveaways straight to your inbox!</i></div>
</div>
</div>
MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-29683485258197932282020-06-25T10:00:00.000+01:002020-06-25T10:00:09.440+01:00AudiobookSYNC 2020 - June/July<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwpt-KZ9teBjUl8_JIJY-x2kh_vScggiId8txEo6AxFDH0rhdrHHxj6UbAc67AEVI5-QkljTIc39BXPulVEg2GzHbT8sxGVjleojTWzT22DoprO5Zd8pW_N3V34Vr1yPz1tNteJiftMfk/s1600/m3-june25-july22.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A screenshot of the audiobooks available for the third quarter. All the information is available in the post." border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwpt-KZ9teBjUl8_JIJY-x2kh_vScggiId8txEo6AxFDH0rhdrHHxj6UbAc67AEVI5-QkljTIc39BXPulVEg2GzHbT8sxGVjleojTWzT22DoprO5Zd8pW_N3V34Vr1yPz1tNteJiftMfk/s320/m3-june25-july22.webp" title="" width="320" /></a>AudiobookSYNC is back! The summer program aimed at supplying audiobooks free of charge to teens is now into its third month.! I've loved the selection we've had so far, and here are the audiobooks that will be available in June and July.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each summer <a href="http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/" target="_blank">AudioFile</a> release two audiobooks per week, to be downloaded for free and then played using the app for mobile and desktop.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Please note: in previous years these titles have been available on the Overdrive app, but this year you will need to install the <a href="https://meet.soraapp.com/" target="_blank">Sora app</a> (made by Overdrive) to access them. Each pair of audiobooks will still be available to download for one week only, but once downloaded they are yours to keep.</b></div>
<br />
<i>"SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens. Returning April 30, 2020, SYNC will give away two complete audiobooks a week - pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes. Sign up for email or text alerts and be first to know when new titles are available to download at <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a>."</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These are the pairs of books that will be made available for the next four weeks, and I'll post again at the end of July with the next month's selection. For weekly reminders you can text SYNCYA to 25827 or visit <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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The audiobooks available for weeks 9 - 12, are:</div>
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<b>Week 9, 25th June - 1st July:</b></div>
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<i>The Silence Between Us</i> by Alison Gervais, and <i>Mexican Whiteboy</i> by Matt de la Perla.</div>
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<b>Week 10, 2nd - 8th July:</b></div>
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<i>Fresh Ink</i> by Lamar Giles [Ed.], and <i>Hope Nation</i> by Rose Brock [Ed].</div>
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<b>Week 11, 9th - 15th July:</b></div>
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<i>A Christmas Carol</i> by Charles Dickens, and <i>Twelfth Night</i> by William Shakespeare.</div>
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<b>Week 12, 16th - 22nd July:</b></div>
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<i>Fake</i> by Eric Simonson, and <i>New York 2140</i> by Kim Stanley Robinson.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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Links to the books, samples, and instructions to download can be found <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019-syncwk1&utm_content=ctatxt" target="_blank">here</a>. All you need to supply is your email address and AudioFile will let you download as many of the books as you like throughout the summer. But be quick, as each pair of books is only available for one week.<br />
<br />
For a preview of the books coming up later in the summer, check out <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagazine/sets/sync-2020" target="_blank">this playlist's</a> samples from all the books that will feature in this year's giveaway.<br />
<br />
A full sized version of the poster featuring the June/July books is available to view, <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/content/uploaded/images/toolkit2020/m3-june25-july22.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Remember to subscribe to my newsletter using the form in the sidebar to have these monthly reminders and all the latest reviews and giveaways straight to your inbox!</i></div>
</div>
</div>
MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-48127214203843443862020-06-18T17:54:00.003+01:002020-06-18T17:54:56.204+01:00Update: Absent Without Leave<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYCKMxfvhCbKU-On_zXuz8WGqiMVFWBrdKu1UzEGj0uSZlFRWIwdZepIYLxNhqBmlDZoiNzr219rJ3Q-K-PGw-9zn9XTJXfrnkVGZsR0l89n-e3q-k81jwsKgvh7-6Cj4hS9NO8i1mNEw/s1600/Take+it+slow....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A photo of a snail on a bubble below the words "Take it slow..."" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYCKMxfvhCbKU-On_zXuz8WGqiMVFWBrdKu1UzEGj0uSZlFRWIwdZepIYLxNhqBmlDZoiNzr219rJ3Q-K-PGw-9zn9XTJXfrnkVGZsR0l89n-e3q-k81jwsKgvh7-6Cj4hS9NO8i1mNEw/s1600/Take+it+slow....jpg" title="Image by Pixabay." /></a></div>
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The world has changed a fair bit since my last update, in ways that many of us couldn't have imagined. We've all had to cope with levels of isolation and anxiety for which society as a whole was unprepared, and I'm sure that a lot of us have had to adapt our plans for the year quite dramatically.</div>
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Whilst I was fortunate not to have a family holiday to cancel or a dream wedding to re-book like many of the people facing disruption, all the well-intentioned ideas I'd had to post regular Lockdown Listens have fallen by the wayside. My complete radio silence (aside from the few pre-scheduled SYNC updates) was an unexpected side-effect of the UK's coronavirus restrictions, as I found myself very suddenly without access to the care that helps my increasingly-wonky body to function in any meaningful way. Losing my usual help around the house was a challenge but one I thought I could meet in the short term if I was careful. Unfortunately, I severely underestimated the impact of the additional activity and anxiety, and failed - rather spectacularly - to avoid the sort of 'crash' that usually involves an adventurous testing dummy.</div>
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Throughout the flare-up of the various conditions I've collected in my twenty years as a lab rat, all my specialist doctors were, quite-rightly, redeployed to fight the Great Plague. The addition of a viral something-or-other (which retains an air of mystery as our government was not initially testing in the community) meant that my lockdown has been spent without the energy to engage in much besides coughing, and completely unable to share the updates, reviews, recommendations, and distractions that I had hoped would help bring our little community together during these strange times.</div>
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The tentative easing of restrictions and a slight reduction in the pressure on the NHS is beginning to mean that I have a little help once more, which I hope will mean that I can begin to resume reviewing again soon. It allowed me to rest enough to dictate this post at least!</div>
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I will endeavour to contact all the people who have been in touch over these past weeks, but the rate at which I can do so will, sadly, be very dependent upon the necessary support remaining available. Experience has taught me that recovery from anything is slow, and never as smooth a process as I'd like, which is a frustration that I think most of the world is grappling with at present.</div>
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I am incredibly grateful to all those who have reached out with well wishes, interesting projects, and news of their own experiences throughout lockdown, and I hope to be able to 'join in' again very soon! In the meantime, I'd love to hear about the audiobooks that have been keeping you entertained; whether as the soundtrack to working from home, to help homeschool your kids, to distract you from isolation, or to keep you sane while out there as one of the key workers who allowed the rest of us to stay at home.</div>
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Yours, if still rather feebly,</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">-Kate x</span></i></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-18583331739482803222020-05-28T10:00:00.000+01:002020-05-28T10:00:00.543+01:00AudiobookSYNC 2020 - May/June<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSbuJiHGnMRvaAmt01TGoPPahIHyQKEr0tK5nqQotFahHxa_GyRlqGQILYmPoiYuM4mIJk2Y2ZixZl4FiPUx_odLoeakHTC3NhMVOZ2ETclJdJBsxvjW1Z8Q5LnyBCdfY_-nDYIBze4Ri/s1600/SYNC2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A screenshot of the audiobooks available for the second quarter. All the information is available in the post." border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSbuJiHGnMRvaAmt01TGoPPahIHyQKEr0tK5nqQotFahHxa_GyRlqGQILYmPoiYuM4mIJk2Y2ZixZl4FiPUx_odLoeakHTC3NhMVOZ2ETclJdJBsxvjW1Z8Q5LnyBCdfY_-nDYIBze4Ri/s320/SYNC2.webp" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
AudiobookSYNC is back! The summer program aimed at supplying audiobooks free of charge to teens is up and running. There have been some great audiobooks so far, so let's take a look at the audiobooks that are coming up for May/June.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each summer <a href="http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/" target="_blank">AudioFile</a> release two audiobooks per week, to be downloaded for free and then played using the app for mobile and desktop.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Please note: in previous years these titles have been available on the Overdrive app, but this year you will need to install the <a href="https://meet.soraapp.com/" target="_blank">Sora app</a> (made by Overdrive) to access them. Each pair of audiobooks will still be available to download for one week only, but once downloaded they are yours to keep.</b></div>
<br />
<i>"SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens. Returning April 30, 2020, SYNC will give away two complete audiobooks a week - pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes. Sign up for email or text alerts and be first to know when new titles are available to download at <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a>."</i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These are the pairs of books that will be made available for the next four weeks, and I'll post again at the end of June with the next month's selection. For weekly reminders you can text SYNCYA to 25827 or visit <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The audiobooks available for weeks 5 - 8, are:</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Week 5, 28th May - 3rd June:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In Search of Us</i> by Ava Dellaira, and<i> Serpent & Dove</i> by Shelby Mahurin.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Week 6, 4th - 10th June:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Like No Other</i> by Una LaMarche, and <i>Into White</i> by Randi Pink.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Week 7, 11th - 17th June:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Easy Prey</i> by Catherine Lo, and <i>Mark of the Raven</i> by Morgan L. Busse.</div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Week 8, 19th - 24th June:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Music of What Happens</i> by Bill Konigsberg, and <i>The Bronte Plot</i> by Katherine Reay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Links to the books, samples, and instructions to download can be found <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019-syncwk1&utm_content=ctatxt" target="_blank">here</a>. All you need to supply is your email address and AudioFile will let you download as many of the books as you like throughout the summer. But be quick, as each pair of books is only available for one week.<br />
<br />
For a preview of the books coming up later in the summer, check out <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagazine/sets/sync-2020" target="_blank">this playlist's</a> samples from all the books that will feature in this year's giveaway.<br />
<br />
A full sized version of the poster featuring the May/June books is available to view, <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/content/uploaded/images/toolkit2020/m2-may28-june24.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Remember to subscribe to my newsletter using the form in the sidebar to have these monthly reminders and all the latest reviews and giveaways straight to your inbox!</i></div>
</div>
</div>
MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-68325116037395167502020-04-30T10:00:00.000+01:002020-05-06T22:26:59.569+01:00AudiobookSYNC 2020 - April/May<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DmDIv4c10kNikuw9M_vD-8DlVjCI-GNeakgigG1GJV6D_Y3I87qBUPPcadwGWYP4Bz_nym8VIAP4dwoQX7xJv0nTrfnUGImEie74CXsZZ9sHS3ikpC4X6zXNzECmw2VgXCBUDAuh5qLt/s1600/SYNC1+%25282%2529.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A screenshot of the books for the first quarter. All the info is in the post." border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DmDIv4c10kNikuw9M_vD-8DlVjCI-GNeakgigG1GJV6D_Y3I87qBUPPcadwGWYP4Bz_nym8VIAP4dwoQX7xJv0nTrfnUGImEie74CXsZZ9sHS3ikpC4X6zXNzECmw2VgXCBUDAuh5qLt/s320/SYNC1+%25282%2529.webp" title="" width="320" /></a>AudiobookSYNC is back! The summer program aimed at supplying audiobooks free of charge to teens starts up again this week, and the first books are available to download now. </div>
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Each summer <a href="http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/" target="_blank">AudioFile</a> release two audiobooks per week, to be downloaded for free and then played using the app for mobile and desktop.<br />
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<b>Please note: in previous years these titles have been available on the Overdrive app, but this year you will need to install the <a href="https://meet.soraapp.com/" target="_blank">Sora app</a> (made by Overdrive) to access them. Each pair of audiobooks will still be available to download for one week only, but once downloaded they are yours to keep.</b></div>
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<i>"SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens. Returning April 30, 2020, SYNC will give away two complete audiobooks a week - pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes. Sign up for email or text alerts and be first to know when new titles are available to download at <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a>."</i><br />
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These are the pairs of books that will be made available for the next four weeks, and I'll post again in June with the next month's selection. For weekly reminders you can text SYNCYA to 25827 or visit <a href="http://www.audiobooksync.com/">www.audiobooksync.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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The audiobooks available for weeks 1 - 4 are:</div>
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<b>Week 1, 30th April - 6th May:</b></div>
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<i>The 57 Bus</i> by Dashka Slater, and <i>Monday's Not Coming</i> by Tiffany D. Jackson.</div>
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<b>Week 2, 7th - 13th May:</b></div>
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<i>Picture Us in the Light</i> by Kelly Loy Gilbert, and <i>Secret Soldiers</i> by Paul. B. Janeczko.</div>
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<b>Week 3, 12th - 20th May:</b></div>
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<i>Faust</i> by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and <i>Stalking Jack the Ripper</i> by Kerri Maniscalco.</div>
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<b>Week 4, 21st - 27th May:</b></div>
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<i>Sisters Matsumoto</i> by Philip Kan Gotanda, and <i>Disappeared</i> by Francisco X. Stork.</div>
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Links to the books, samples, and instructions to download can be found <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2019-syncwk1&utm_content=ctatxt" target="_blank">here</a>. All you need to supply is your email address and AudioFile will let you download as many of the books as you like throughout the summer. But be quick, as each pair of books is only available for one week.<br />
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For a preview of the books coming up later in the summer, check out <a href="https://soundcloud.com/audiofilemagazine/sets/sync-2020" target="_blank">this playlist's</a> samples from all the books that will feature in this year's giveaway.<br />
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A full sized version of the poster featuring the April/May books is available to view, <a href="https://www.audiobooksync.com/content/uploaded/images/toolkit2020/m1-april30-may27.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<i>Remember to subscribe to my newsletter using the form in the sidebar to have these monthly reminders and all the latest reviews and giveaways straight to your inbox!</i></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-81750453402786182712020-03-29T10:00:00.000+01:002020-03-29T10:00:00.972+01:00Short & Sweet Review: A Shot in the Dark<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46204824" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Shot in the Dark audiobook cover. A couple in 1920s clothing walk towards a manor house." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpHNjuEO8BD2qt2pvqNNkB0Aurb0OGO_O0LEJoGbeGugxSAbZ1_H9t7XWh6O1lKoKE9v403sm6IgJJhDwd9IpFwV-2ztmJ6CIeUh68Mq0D-da-2roPPOYxAzDtYHuUNA6ABpHWZvJ6XOK/s1600/61n-eoH8lqL._SL500_.webp" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpHNjuEO8BD2qt2pvqNNkB0Aurb0OGO_O0LEJoGbeGugxSAbZ1_H9t7XWh6O1lKoKE9v403sm6IgJJhDwd9IpFwV-2ztmJ6CIeUh68Mq0D-da-2roPPOYxAzDtYHuUNA6ABpHWZvJ6XOK/s1600/61n-eoH8lqL._SL500_.webp" title="" /></a>
<a href="http://tidd.ly/37fd6c82" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Shot in the Dark</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/211">Neil Richards</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3219049416">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 3 hrs 28 mins.<br />
Publisher: Lübbe Audio.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/37fd6c82" rel="nofollow" target="">A Shot in the Dark, Mydworth Mysteries - A Cosy Historical Mystery Series, Book 1</a> by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards kicks off another charming mystery series from the authors of the best-selling Cherringham audiobooks.</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>Sussex, England, 1929. Mydworth is a sleepy English market town just 50 miles from London. But things are about to liven up there, when young and handsome Sir Harry Mortimer returns home from his diplomatic posting in Cairo, with his beautiful and unconventional American wife, Kat.</i></div>
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<i>No sooner have the two arrived, when a jewel robbery occurs at Harry's aunt's home - Mydworth Manor. The police are baffled and overwhelmed with the case. But Harry and Kat have an edge in the hunt for the dangerous culprit: not only do they have certain useful "skills" they've both picked up in service of King, President and Country, they also have access to parts of English society that your average bobby can't reach ...</i></div>
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<i>©2020 Lübbe Audio (P)2020 Lübbe Audio</i><i>."</i></div>
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This audiobook was an easy purchase for me, as not only do I enjoy two other cosy mystery series from this publisher, Lubbe Audio, but it combines the authors of one (<i>Cherringham</i>) and the narrator of the other (<i><a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/05/review-bunburry-1-murder-at-mousetrap.html" target="_blank">Bunburry</a></i>). As I wait - rather impatiently - for new books in those series, I took my first trip to Mydworth, where Harry Mortimer and his his wife, Kat, arrive with quite a splash. It's unusual to have a happily-married young couple as the amateur sleuths in a story like this, but they make such a good team that it was a very welcome change. Harry's unguarded devotion to his wife and the pride he took in her skills and successes was a delight, and made him far more likeable.</div>
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As with all Lubbe productions, this audiobook featured their signature jangly musical intro - which I'm not especially fond of. This one sounds a bit like someone is playing the<i>Pink Panther</i> theme on a spinning-ballerina jewellery box, and rather louder than necessary, but then the story's heroine cannot be called shy or retiring, so it certainly set the tone.</div>
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Mydworth is another excellent cosy mystery series from Lubbe, and it was the perfect audiobook to take my mind off the tumult in the world right now. It's a short enough adventure that it didn't seem daunting to embark upon at a time when my attention is being pulled in 100 different directions at once, but it still packs a punch. </div>
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Told in the traditional house-party format, the crime seems to be quite straightforward; a robbery gone wrong. But things are never quite as simple as they first appear, and none of the distinguished guests are above suspicion. By the end of the story, Harry, Kat, and Aunt Lavinia feel like old friends, and I can't wait to find out what mystery the Vicar has in store for them next.</div>
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I think my other half would have a lot of empathy with Harry, especially here: </div>
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<i>"Kat, can I not leave you for an afternoon without a war starting?"</i></div>
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<i>"I didn't start <b>this one<b></b></b></i>."</div>
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The narrator, Nathaniel Parker, was a joy to listen to, as ever. He has the perfect classic, refined voice to bring out the best in aristocratic characters from the roaring 20s, and even manages Kat's American accent without it sounding too false or out of place in the English village. He has such a soothing voice that he makes a wonderful narrator for cosy mysteries, and I knew the story was in good hands from the start. Though hearing Parker talk about Harry's friend <i>"Alfie"</i> at the beginning was quite odd, as it took me straight to Bunburry!</div>
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I've already put book 2 on my wishlist, and I'd heartily recommend the Mydworth series to fans of <i>Cherringham</i> and <i><a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/05/review-bunburry-1-murder-at-mousetrap.html" target="_blank">Bunburry</a></i>, but also to listeners who enjoy T. E. Kinsey's <i><a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/05/review-quiet-life-in-country.html" target="_blank">Lady Hardcastle</a></i> series, which is set in a similar period.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click here to buy this book, listen to a sample, or add it to your wishlist!)</span></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-42802758758812188282020-03-28T17:28:00.000+00:002020-03-28T17:28:47.055+00:00Review: The Darcy Monologues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34188549-the-darcy-monologues" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Darcy Monologues audiobook cover, featuring two gentlemen; a modern hero on the left and a more traditionally dressed one on the right." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIDv09_ahU8_OdXavEGYBwwzmTVK4mhd0H7WBx4KMNYAhovbMRwMQajBX4etoSazwCyZ-6E6Gwt-LCfBrp2j1X5PrW19R2EYk-oX7Fuj8GANB6BmP1_muT3SoMRahAlFElr0LwIVxXrj7/s1600/510glgdQceL._SL500_.webp" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIDv09_ahU8_OdXavEGYBwwzmTVK4mhd0H7WBx4KMNYAhovbMRwMQajBX4etoSazwCyZ-6E6Gwt-LCfBrp2j1X5PrW19R2EYk-oX7Fuj8GANB6BmP1_muT3SoMRahAlFElr0LwIVxXrj7/s1600/510glgdQceL._SL500_.webp" title="" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34188549-the-darcy-monologues">The Darcy Monologues</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7716206.Christina_Boyd">Christina Boyd</a>/<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3231753903">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 14 hrs 53 mins.<br />
Publisher: The Quill Ink, LLC.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/78833e64" rel="nofollow" target="">The Darcy Monologues</a> is a diverse and diverting anthology of tales featuring Austen's most famous hero, by Christina Boyd, Susan Adriani, Sara Angelini, J. Marie Croft, Karen M. Cox, Jan Hahn, Jenetta James, Lory Lilian, KaraLynne Mackrory, Beau North, Ruth Phillips Oakland, Natalie Richards, Sophia Rose, Joana Starnes, Melanie Stanford, Caitlin Williams.</div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;">For over 200 years, Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy has captivated readers' imaginations as the ultimate catch. Rich. Powerful. Noble. Handsome. And yet, as Miss Austen's Pride and Prejudice is established through Elizabeth Bennet's fine eyes, how are we to know his mind? How does Darcy progress from "she is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt me" to "I thought only of you"?</i><br />
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<i>In this romance anthology, 15 Austenesque authors assemble to sketch Darcy's character through a series of re-imaginings, set in the Regency through contemporary times - from faithful narratives to the fanciful. In The Darcy Monologues, the man himself reveals his intimate thoughts, his passionate dreams, and his journey to love - all told with a previously concealed wit and enduring charm.</i></div>
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<i>Edited by Christina Boyd.</i></div>
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<i style="font-style: italic;">©2017 Christina Boyd dba The Quill Ink, LLC (P)2017 Christina Boyd dba The Quill Ink, LLC</i><i>.</i><br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of stories, some of which re-imagined the Darcy we know, and others reinvented him completely. It is impossible to review such a varied collection of tales as a whole, for they each have their own merits, so I shall instead rate the short stories individually and provide a little information about each. I hope these whet your appetite and encourage you to use one of those precious credits on this fun, frivolous collection.</div>
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The majority of the stories - like the original - are sweet/clean, with a few containing a little mild heat. I will note that on each story for those who prefer one or the other, but I think there's a good enough balance to have very broad appeal.<br />
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Chapter 1 - <b>Introduction by Christina Boyd.</b></div>
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Chapter 2 -<b> Death of a Bachelor by Caitlin Williams.</b> (46mins.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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An interesting take on Austen's Darcy as we know him best, as he muses on his upcoming wedding to Elizabeth. In this story, the strain of the preparations is taking its toll on introverted, antisocial Darcy, as he adjusts to the demands of his garrulous in-laws, and oscillates between longing and dread as he contemplates his rapidly changing circumstances. </div>
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The tenderness between Darcy and Lizzy was as sincere and true to their characters as their passionate exchanges. </div>
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This story was my favourite kind of P&P short, sharing insights into our favourite stories and characters by exploring aspects not covered by dear Jane. It felt very in-keeping with his character in almost every way, except for certain previous experiences, and was a charming way to begin this anthology and remind the listener why they first fell for him. </div>
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Heat: Mild. </div>
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Chapter 3 - <b>From the Ashes by J. Marie Croft. </b>(43 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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In the aftermath of Darcy's disastrous proposal to Elizabeth at the Collins' parsonage, he stumbles - with lubricated spirits and a very sore head - to the bed-chamber in which he will spend a torturous night replaying her refusal before writing that infamous letter. </div>
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I thought it was interesting that the narrator gave this Darcy a slightly more pinched, officious tone, to contrast with Colonel Fitzwilliam's more louche manner. It helped set this story apart from the previous one, and Darcy's indignant frustration was palpable as he fought his inner turmoil - and the effects of the brandy. </div>
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There were a few too many phrases borrowed from the original novel, but they were used in a suitable context rather than feeling forced. Though the letter-writing scene is most strongly associated with the marvellous 1995 BBC adaptation rather than the novel, it was nice to see it expanded here. </div>
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Heat: Clean.</div>
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Chapter 4 - <b>If Only A Dream by Joana Starnes. </b>(49mins.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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An alternative reflection on the same post-refusal days as the previous story. Having them positioned together in this anthology was initially disappointing, but that sentiment was only fleeting. Fortunately, it took a very different - and in many ways more faithful - approach, as Darcy ruminates upon his lack of success with Miss Bennett. </div>
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As in Chapter 3, Anne de Bourgh is allowed a little more character, reminding me just how tokenistic her presence was in its original form. </div>
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Heat: Clean. </div>
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Chapter 5 -<b> If Only a Dream (continued)</b> (33m.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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Joana Starnes' vision for Darcy and Elizabeth continues, skipping the letter-writing, incapacitating Lady Catherine, and considering an alternate timeline of events resulting from Darcy remaining a little longer at Rosings.</div>
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This one was good fun and carried the extra time devoted to it well, with two linked-but-distinct vignettes which almost sit as standalones.</div>
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Heat: Clean. </div>
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Chapter 6 - <b>Clandestiny by KaraLynne Mackrory. </b>(49 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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Another look at the famous dance at Netherfield, in which Darcy and Elizabeth's heated emotions rose with each clipped word throughout their exchange. We see it here from Darcy's perspective, as he battles temptation, frustration, and ire. </div>
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As their dance comes to a close, they are thrust together even more intimately in this alternative tale of passion and restraint.</div>
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Heat: Clean.</div>
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Chapter 7 - <b>The Beast of Pemberley by Melanie Stanford. </b>(1 hr 7 mins.) ⭐⭐</div>
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A fun if rather too plagiarised retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This one was a great idea, with the potential for some interesting parallels, but it was cheapened with gimmicky, Disneyfied choices, which was a real shame. I think it could have been an excellent tale with greater subtlety and more original material.</div>
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It was a sweet story and nicely told, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was a missed opportunity to do something a little cleverer than simply mash two iconic love stories together. The author writes well, and could - I feel certain - have created something compelling that was also more her own. </div>
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Heat: Clean. </div>
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Chapter 8 - <b>A Resentful Man by Lory Lilian. </b>(50 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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A fairly faithful retelling of Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley with the Gardiners, which allows the companionable tenderness between them to take centre stage as we approach the scene and all its nascent promise from Darcy's perspective.</div>
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Heat: Clean</div>
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Chapter 9 - <b>In Terms of Perfect Composure by Susan Adriani. </b>(1 hr 12 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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As Darcy ruminates upon Wickham's misdeeds and his own poor handling thereof, Lydia's wedding comes and goes and Mr Gardiner questions his intentions toward Lizzy.</div>
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I have always liked the Gardiner's and their welcoming acceptance of their nieces. I felt that Mr Gardiner was well-drawn here and a plausible confidant for our reserved hero. </div>
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There was also a very interesting exchange with Lady Catherine, which toyed mischievously with the original text in a way that was equal parts sacrilegious and delightful. </div>
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Heat: Clean. </div>
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Chapter 10 - <b>Without Affection by Jan Hahn. </b>(1 hr 4 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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50 Years after marrying, an ageing Darcy reflects upon life with his beloved Elizabeth, and the turbulence he experienced when parenthood shattered his peace of mind. </div>
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I do wish authors wouldn't try to shoehorn expressions into their stories because they think them to be quintessentially British, as they often sit somewhat unnaturally in the text. This time it was a slightly ill-judged <i>"b*llocks"</i> that told me the author was not, herself, English. </div>
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Heat: Very Mild.</div>
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Chapter 11 - <b>Hot for Teacher by Sara Angelini. </b>(51 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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The first contemporary tale in this collection re-imagines Darcy as an American school Principal at Pemberley Academy. Once I recovered from my proprietary indignation, it was intriguing to see how the characters would fare in such unfamiliar circumstances. </div>
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In many ways, these are not the people we have come to know, simply relocated in time and place. Their modernisation is neither true to the original in personality or situation, but Austen's cast provides enough inspiration for their 21st Century counterparts that they are not strangers to us. It was interesting to see how this variation would play out. </div>
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Heat: Mild</div>
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Chapter 12 - <b>You Don't Know Me by Beau North.</b> (1 hr 23 mins.) ⭐⭐</div>
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Another contemporary American take on Darcy's story sees our hero working for Rosing's Communications; run, naturally, by his Aunt Catherine. In a departure from the original, North's Darcy is something of a corporate playboy, and it takes earnest, creative Elizabeth to teach him that there's more to life than money and success. </div>
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I struggled to engage with the characters or truly connect with their depth, but if you like the 'billionaire romance' genre then this one will probably be more your cup of tea than mine.</div>
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It was certainly a fresh take on the classic, but one which owed as much to Helen Fielding as Jane Austen. </div>
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Heat: Mild. </div>
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Chapter 13 - <b>Reason to Hope by Jenetta James. </b>(49 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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Moving back in time a little to the 1940s now finds Group Captain Darcy in the middle of WW2, joined in the RAF (Royal Air Force) by Squadron Leader Bingley, <i>"bouncing around the mess like a puppy". </i></div>
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With Lizzy as a can-do Land Girl and a fresh approach to Lydia and Kitty, this one was very good fun. With the names of the characters changed it would stand alone as a sweet, wartime short-story, and that is always the mark of a fun vagary. </div>
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Heat: Clean. </div>
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Chapter 14 & 15 - <b>Pemberley by Stage by Natalie Richards. </b>(41 mins & 38 mins) ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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This was my first Austenean Western, and as we joined Will Darcy in California in 1860, it was certainly an intriguing prospect. </div>
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Despite the alternative setting, the characters were essentially true to their Regency namesakes, and it was a fun romp through the very wild, West. </div>
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Like the previous story, its merits do not rely solely upon our fondness for the original characters, and it was a compelling adventure in its own right. </div>
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Heat: Clean.</div>
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Chapter 16 - <b>Darcy Strikes Out by Sophia Rose.</b> (1 hr 3 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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In this Americanised tale, Darcy is a baseball star struggling to keep his head in the game following a bitter rebuffing of his affections. The captivating sports journalist, Liz Bennet, is far less impressed by his stardom than his fans and leaves him in no doubt of how little she thinks of him. </div>
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As she comes to know him better and learns his family secrets, she sees a side of him that had previously eluded the media. </div>
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This one was quite fun, and I thought the 'Dandy' moniker was a nice touch. </div>
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Heat: Clean. </div>
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Chapter 17 - <b>The Ride Home by Ruth Phillips Oakland.</b> (33 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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This Transatlantic story is very sweet, and is amusing enough to balance its fluffiness. </div>
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Once again it tries far too hard to squeeze in British colloquialisms, which may not seem as exaggerated on the page as they do when read aloud. Darcy, here, is less Colin Firth and much more Hugh Grant, who is already something of a caricature of Britishness before being Darcy'd.</div>
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Heat: Mild-Moderate (some descriptive language). </div>
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Chapter 18 -<b> I, Darcy by Karen M. Cox.</b> (53 mins.) ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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In this contemporary re-imagining, a cynical Darcy loathes the <i>"kissing book"</i> whose hero shares his name. </div>
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When his big business meeting is booked at the same hotel as a Regency renaissance fayre, his tolerance for all that mushy stuff is pushed to the limit. Upon meeting a passionate and attractive young Janeite, he is forced to reflect upon his strong opinions and the way his company is run. </div>
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Heat: Clean. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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The narrator, Harry Frost, was new to me but was a delightful discovery! He was wonderful, and the perfect choice to bring us so many interpretations of Darcy. He had a rich, rounded voice, with a natural-sounding nobility and authority that instantly transported the listener back in time or across the Atlantic.</div>
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He also did well with the other accents required for this story, especially Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose haughtiness shone through her every incarnation. His American accents were also very pleasant, and sounded natural to my uneducated ear, though I cannot vouch for their regional accuracy. I also enjoyed some of his regional dialects (such as that of Smithers) and the clipped BBC RP that is so evocative of wartime Britain. </div>
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Frost sometimes read a little fast - which was especially noticeable in the introduction when he was reading quoted passages - and could do with the confidence to slow down his performance and demand that we follow suit. His talent as a narrator is undeniable, but a little training concerning controlling his breathing and pacing would elevate his performance significantly. He is definitely 'one to watch' in Historical Romance circles, and is an exciting new-to-me narrator!</div>
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His confidence seemed to grow as the collection progressed, and the early issues with pacing and breath became less noticeable. </div>
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His performance will be memorable for the excellent job he did in giving such different personalities to each of the Darcy's presented in this anthology, and I was impressed by his range. Most narrators can put on a multitude of very divergent accents, but it takes real skill to make more subtle changes feel distinct and recognisable. </div>
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There's an interview with Harry Frost about his career as a narrator and the process of recording The Darcy Monologues on <a href="https://youtu.be/v8XkCouo2_Y" rel="nofollow">Youtube.</a></div>
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I'd recommend this collection to Janeites everywhere, but also to anyone who enjoyed the Quill Ink's previous anthology, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=207519912882165803" rel="nofollow"><i>Rational Creatures</i></a> as much as I did.</div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click here to buy this book, listen to a sample, or add it to your wishlist!)</span></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-36798694553930284832020-03-28T15:33:00.000+00:002020-03-28T17:29:07.452+00:00Review: A Rational Proposal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39847162-a-rational-proposal" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Rational Proposal (Furze House Irregulars Book 1). A dark-haired young woman in a pink gown gazes curiously over her shoulder." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Qr1yShaxhd-_zIf2DkR8ar1VivsWjxulLS7rF0Lc13-5TDBoE1Tzce_WrNrFipHVHMDqjJUa4LX2sEXAkiPGNahlGSXEw2_YyiE6_QvF8qSTloeRs5Z-E8-Y63srBWm-X0056x5Qtro/s1600/9781407985251.webp" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-Qr1yShaxhd-_zIf2DkR8ar1VivsWjxulLS7rF0Lc13-5TDBoE1Tzce_WrNrFipHVHMDqjJUa4LX2sEXAkiPGNahlGSXEw2_YyiE6_QvF8qSTloeRs5Z-E8-Y63srBWm-X0056x5Qtro/s1600/9781407985251.webp" title="" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/e42c9caa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Rational Proposal</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/181634.Jan_Jones">Jan Jones</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3141977198">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 6 hrs 29 mins.<br />
Publisher: A Choc-Lit Production from Soundings.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/e42c9caa" rel="nofollow" target="">A Rational Proposal, Furze House Irregulars, Book 1</a> by Jan Jones is a highly enjoyable Regency mystery, which introduces a cast of characters I am excited to hear more from.</div>
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<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/11/the-bennet-sisters-scale-rating-regency.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#BennetSistersScale: Lizzy - 🌹🌹🌹🌹</a> Bright, unconventional, and passionately devoted to those closest to her, Verity makes this story a classic Lizzy.<br />
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Audible Summary: "<i>When spirited Verity Bowman is left a sizeable legacy by her uncle on condition that she spends six months 'in a wholly rational manner', neither she nor her long-suffering attorney Charles Congreve have any idea where it will lead them. Nor, it has to be said, does anyone else. </i></div>
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<i>Set in Newmarket and London, A Rational Proposal is the first in the Furze House Irregulars series featuring women of spirit, women of courage, women who don't see why, in this male-dominated Regency era, they should not also play their part in bringing wrongdoers to justice.</i></div>
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<i style="font-style: italic;">©2018 Jan Jones (P)2020 Soundings</i><i>."</i><br />
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Verity, like all women of her class, is meant to be <i>"biddable and decorative"</i>, but as her exasperated friends and family frequently note with a sigh, Verity is far better described as 'incorrigible'. This made her quite my favourite type of heroine, and Charles' determination not to become entangled in yet another of Verity's schemes was, obviously, doomed from the off.</div>
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It is not often that I enjoy a new series as much as I did this one, and though we met a plethora of colourful characters in this first Furze House Irregulars story, they each earnt their place, and I'm delighted that they will feature in future stories. Charles and Verity's personalities and their situation developed nicely throughout, and the seeds of their friends' upcoming mysteries were sown alongside the promises of further domestic intrigue and excitement. </div>
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I did feel that some of the elements of this mystery were hinted at rather too heavily at the beginning, making the denouement less revelatory than it could have been with a little more subtlety early on, but it was still an entertaining investigation and reached a satisfactory conclusion.</div>
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A Rational Proposal is a witty and spirited Regency, but it doesn't feel anachronistic for that. It was a little 'wordy' in places but generally struck a good balance between period language and contemporary understanding. It was an evocative and engaging audiobook, with the descriptions of the period's cultures, practices, and fashions giving the listener enough detail to create a vivid mental picture of the characters' experiences without overloading them with information.</div>
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There was a passage early on which made me smile. <i>"James Harrington was under orders to join his ship. Will Lawrence travelled down to Portsmouth with him, saw him safely away, then set off to visit his grandmother..."</i> I do enjoy little coincidences such as these, and in this case it was not at all difficult to imagine another Lawrence traversing the streets of our iconic port town!</div>
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The narrator was Karen Cass, who I first heard narrating Jane Robinson's <i>
<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2020/03/review-ladies-cant-climb-ladders.html" rel="nofollow">Ladies Can't Climb Ladders</a>
</i>. I hadn't realised that she was also the narrator for this series, but it provided me with the perfect opportunity to compare her style when reading fiction and non-fiction. Both were excellent, and her gentle, refined, lively voice suited the era very well and helped me find an instant sense of Verity's bright humour and vivacity. Cass paired a timeless gentility with contemporary warmth to really bring this audiobook alive.</div>
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She also did very well with the male characters, accessing a nice depth of tone that enhanced the voices of our principled hero, the sneering villain, and all the gentlemen in between. I felt that she sometimes lacked the exasperation and tumultuous yearning in Charles' more frustrated moments with Verity, but still enjoyed her portrayal of the characters.</div>
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It was a little unfortunate that she chose the French pronunciation of the card game <i>'Piquet'</i>, calling it 'PEE-kay' instead of its more period-appropriate 'pi-KETT', but it's a very common misunderstanding in historical fiction as both forms are in use in modern English. As far as I understand it, the Anglicised version was more common in the Regency era, but do let me know if you uncover evidence to the contrary!</div>
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As this story concluded I was sorry to see this it end, which is always the best sign of a good book, and the perfect way to leave the first of a new series. I'm already looking forward to the next Furze House Irregulars book, <i>A Respectable House</i>, when it becomes available in audio.</div>
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I'd recommend this audiobook to everyone who enjoys Regency romance and light historical mystery, especially fans of Lynn Messina's <i>
<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2018/12/review-brazen-curiosity-regency-cozy.html" rel="nofollow">Beatrice Hyde Clare Regency Cozy Mysteries</a></i>.</div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge from the publisher in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click here to buy this book, listen to a sample, or add it to your wishlist!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Rational Proposal is also available on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null">Audio/MP3 CDs </a>and Large Print from Ulverscroft's website.</span></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-24877165130735388022020-03-27T15:48:00.000+00:002020-03-27T16:23:03.110+00:00Review: Ladies Can’t Climb Ladders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45298344-ladies-can-t-climb-ladders" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Ladies Can’t Climb Ladders: Early Adventures of Working Women, the Professional Life and the Glass Ceiling audiobook cover." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiolytx9kxOH0r_NDl4CBXdi4LZ6W2YQ1fP4xDVFqtvg0qICXbXXQgEZRCSlQZMUkvwNQLk4gJlkQTrSHWF9MA198tA9jRLB8zkH4m2C50rt4VrrOmdl7Sq_p4Z1qvPalti0Axtn1aNt_k/s1600/51VPgPLppXL._SL500_.webp" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiolytx9kxOH0r_NDl4CBXdi4LZ6W2YQ1fP4xDVFqtvg0qICXbXXQgEZRCSlQZMUkvwNQLk4gJlkQTrSHWF9MA198tA9jRLB8zkH4m2C50rt4VrrOmdl7Sq_p4Z1qvPalti0Axtn1aNt_k/s1600/51VPgPLppXL._SL500_.webp" title="" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/67f7142f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ladies Can’t Climb Ladders: Early Adventures of Working Women, the Professional Life and the Glass Ceiling.</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/103739.Jane_Robinson">Jane Robinson</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3188931707">5 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 10 hrs 54 mins.<br />
Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/67f7142f" rel="nofollow" target="">Ladies Can't Climb Ladders</a> by Jane Robinson is a rich, evocative, essay in recognition of the determined, headstrong, unassailable women who challenged the status quo. It is to many of these lesser-known women that society owes the freedoms we now enjoy, and if they taught us anything, it's that a woman's work really is never done...</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919 was one of the most significant pieces of legislation in modern Britain. It should have marked a social revolution, opening the doors of the traditional professions to women who had worked so hard during the War, and welcoming them inside as equals. But what really happened? </i></div>
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<i>Ladies Can’t Climb Ladders focuses on the lives of pioneering women forging careers in the fields of medicine, law, academia, architecture, engineering and the church. In her startling study into the public and private worlds of these unsung heroines, Jane Robinson sheds light on their desires and ambitions, and how family and society responded to this emerging class of working women.</i></div>
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<i>©2020 Jane Robinson (P)Isis Publishing Ltd</i>." </div>
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As we look back a hundred years to the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919, Jane Robinson reflects on the pioneering women who helped pave the way for a more egalitarian future. These are the tales of many ordinary women, a <i>"hexagonal citadel"</i> of female workers and academics who revolutionised six main professions at times when women's presence in the workplace was either unwelcome or disrespected; by both society and their male colleagues.</div>
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The book begins with the trailblazers; the women who first managed to obstinately wedge a foot inside a door that most people wanted to slam in their faces.</div>
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<a href="https://dlcs.io/pdf/wellcome/pdf-item/b21532825/0#_ga=2.27916924.1135071306.1585317849-1161686216.1585317849" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><img alt="Penny Cookbook cover." border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="226" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOPN0DsoSkWFfx9p7p_VZtwltQmutO77aX2gqW_85ZQ2qVJUzeXX_UD9jCy2bfjGZjMK4QSxpZYbdvva8iiSLxOX-o7vstfq2i2cFRAIciqfmI0Pa9TT9yMxyLIR6cVlUQbHIU3R8kN9o/s200/default.webp" title="" width="128" /></a>These women included Elizabeth Blackwell, whose efforts involved founding a revolutionary National Health Society, whose belief that prevention was better than cure led them to educate the public on matters of healthfulness, and in 1880 they published an affordable cookbook to help families gain adequate nutrition on a budget by doing things like leaving the skins on carrots and potatoes as that is where the goodness lies. <i>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null">The National Health Society's Penny Cookery Book</a>
</i> by Edith A. Barnett is now a Public Domain document which has been digitised by the Wellcome Trust and can be read in its entirety online.</div>
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Click the cover to download the book in PDF format.</div>
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It was interesting to note that, in the workplace, 'ladies' of circumstance, breeding, or education were at a disadvantage to women of a lower class. <i>Women</i> worked, <i>ladies</i> didn't, and this rigid distinction with the 'working class' explained some of the barriers into medicine that were placed before females who wished to become doctors, rather than nurses. Ladies' constitutions were not only considered inferior to those of men, but far weaker than their lower born counterparts.</div>
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Another fascinating resource from the Harvard University Library is <i>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null">The Englishwoman's Yearbook (1899)</a>
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I love the way Robinson provides brief but evocative vignettes into the lives of many other women whose stories have been largely overlooked by history. Many of my favourite stories celebrated the medically-minded women, whose reminiscences included Louisa Martindale and her friend 'Booming Bobs', a Russian Countess with <i>"human bones sticking out of her coat pocket; absentmindedly swept up from the dissecting room".</i></div>
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I also admired the macabre ingenuity of Isabel Hutton, who procured a skull from a gravedigger at home in Scotland because she couldn't afford a medical skeleton to aid her revision. Then there was Gladys Worcup, whose mother:</div>
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<i>"will only let her practice as a doctor if she continues to live at home. Gladys agrees, resignedly screwing a plaque to the wall outside the family's front door and getting a handyman to connect the bell push to an alarm by the bed she has occupied since childhood. To allay maternal fears about her going out to see patients after dark, she loads her medical bag with enough heavy objects to brain any would-be attacker."</i></blockquote>
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I could have listened to a whole book of their stories alone, especially when one considers that they were often up against the most strident opponents when it came to their right to practice medicine. Sir Henry Maudsley, an eminent psychiatrist, believed that <i>"women had a finite amount of life force in their bodies and that if they spent it all on thinking, their wombs were likely to atrophy."</i> It sounds ludicrous to us today - as I'm sure it did to many of this book's women at the time - but there were plenty within society who would not dare cast doubt upon the learned opinion of a respectable man.</div>
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Proving that such sexism was not confined to medicine, the memorandum from the BBC discussing women who had appealed the Marriage Bar was equally fascinating and horrifying. Writing off 30-something women as being at risk of not marrying if they were encouraged to postpone domesticity any longer, it determined another woman more valuable to the company because her male boss was difficult to work with, making her <i>"inconvenient"</i> to replace. </div>
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It was within this challenging climate that Hilda Matheson became the BBC's first Director of Talks, after having previously worked for Nancy Astor, the War Office, and the department that later became MI5. (Her department at the BBC was known as "<i>the University of the air"</i> due to its focus on provoking intellectual debate.) Matheson enjoyed a passionate, uninhibited, fulfilling three-year relationship with Vita Sackville West, documented across 800 pages of love-letters, and which she took no pains to hide at a time when it could have had serious repercussions for her career. </div>
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Sportswomen, too, had their share of additional hoops to jump through in pursuit of a professional career. Ladies Golf had additional rules for female players, such as one which decreed that women, <i>"should not be allowed to drive the ball above 70 yds. Any further and they were liable to swing their arms above their shoulders, making an inelegant and possibly embarrassing spectacle of their upper torsos".</i></div>
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With such great opposition across so many sectors, we should be thankful to all the ladies who persevered, often sacrificing personal happiness or comfort in pursuit of virtually unattainable goals. Each successive generation has built upon the foundations laid by their predecessors, and though we still have a long way to go to achieve true equality in the workplace, one thing is certain; Ladies may have been dissuaded from climbing ladders, but nothing will prevent us from lifting each other to new heights. From the shoulders of our mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, we will rise. We owe it to the women who made it possible to try.</div>
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The narrator, Karen Cass, had a bright, lively, friendly voice. It can be difficult preventing oneself from drifting off when listening to non-fiction, but Cass holds the listener's attention and delivers the information very nicely, in an accessible and engaging manner. Her reading brought Robinson's women to the forefront of their stories, helping their voices be heard by the wider public in ways few of them could contemplate within their own lifetimes. </div>
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Together, Robinson and Cass bring us a book which feels less like it is <i>about</i> these women, and more like one for which they are simply the mediators, allowing the women in its pages to share their stories with us across time. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in social history. It is very human, and not at all preachy, and deserves a place in the library of everyone who has ever been told that something is not for the likes of them. </div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click here to buy this book, listen to a sample, or add it to your wishlist!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This audiobook is also available on <a href="https://www.thereadinghouse.co.uk/search/9781445086897" target="_blank">Audio CD and MP3 CD.</a></span></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-57605649703272427762020-03-23T23:44:00.000+00:002020-03-23T23:44:44.203+00:00Update: A New Kind of Normal...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ikd47XeZAhfkAepR2EQ0RQhEtDIOOlP4HxTXDt0L-cvkf9JUmxvVKq3XG1T9-Xvd9EXmXfOrArnaHrNWsWRCLr5vX9KpI9j9D0MQfuno9uVG56Rgr4pued6w4FN0CstwV3Ldz8BhwnTt/s1600/20200323_2325100.40856104433587537.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A living room scene overlaid with a home symbol and text reading "Stay Home, Stay Safe, Help our NHS"" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ikd47XeZAhfkAepR2EQ0RQhEtDIOOlP4HxTXDt0L-cvkf9JUmxvVKq3XG1T9-Xvd9EXmXfOrArnaHrNWsWRCLr5vX9KpI9j9D0MQfuno9uVG56Rgr4pued6w4FN0CstwV3Ldz8BhwnTt/s1600/20200323_2325100.40856104433587537.webp" title="" /></a><br />
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In the coming weeks, I'll do my best to keep this blog and the social media pages associated with it as free from stressful news as I can, because I think we could all use a bit of distraction at the moment. Audiobooks are the perfect way to escape, and as this continues and more people find themselves stuck indoors, I'll endeavour to point you in the direction of things to keep yourselves and your families entertained.</div>
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Due to the unrelenting health nonsense I've been dealing with for the last couple of decades, the best thing I can do for our NHS right now is to stay indoors, out of the way, and hope not to become a burden on them. This means that I'll be self-isolating as much as possible until it all blows over!</div>
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As it stands right now, the increased restrictions on visitors mean that I have less help around the house than usual, and a greater amount of my energy is going on day-to-day things and trying not to become overwhelmed by the anxiety so many of us are feeling. (I'll try and make a useful list of a few audio-based coping strategies, soon.)</div>
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What does all this mean for us, and for MLHT?</h4>
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With less energy for reviewing than usual, there may be fewer posts and they might be shorter. It could take me longer than predicted to get reviews up on the blog, and correspondence may not be swiftly addressed. I hope you will all bear with me, and that the delays won't be too noticeable.</div>
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Barring something catastrophic, I will honour all the reviews I have taken on already and I am looking forward to losing myself in your worlds. If you're an author, narrator, or publisher with an audiobook out soon then get in touch! I may not always be able to commit to a review, but I will try to put together a release blitz where possible and let people know about your books.</div>
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If anyone fancies submitting a guest post, we can talk about that, too! </div>
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Nobody should feel alone, however isolated we have to be physically, and you can always drop me a line on any of our social media channels. I'll be back soon with a few audio freebies in my Lockdown Listens, but until then I hope that you are all staying safe, and - where possible - staying indoors.</div>
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Best wishes,</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>-Kate</i></span></div>
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P.S - My current earworm is this song by The Mighty Boosh. I wonder why...</div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-43347039904973597102020-03-18T10:00:00.000+00:002020-03-18T10:00:11.757+00:00Blog Tour: Kingdom of Embers Author Interview & Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today it's my pleasure to introduce Tricia Copeland, author of<i> Kingdom of Embers</i>, the first in a fun YA fantasy series. Read on for an audio excerpt of the book, an interview with the author, a peek behind the scenes of audiobook creation with the narrator Amy Deuchler, and the chance to win a 3 month Audible subscription!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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There's no review from me for this one, I'm afraid, but it'll be added to my wishlist! Check out some of the other tour stops listed at the bottom of the post for more exclusive features and full reviews.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ KINGDOM OF EMBERS ~</span></h4>
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Author: Tricia Copeland.</div>
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Narrator: Amy Deuchler.</div>
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Length: 8 hours 18 minutes.</div>
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Publisher: True Bird Publishing LLC 2020.</div>
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Genre: Fantasy; YA.</div>
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Series: Kingdom Journals, Book 1.</div>
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Release date: February 1, 2017.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ SYNOPSIS ~</span></h4>
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<i>Her pale skin and weird diet make her a target at school. If only they knew the truth about her feeding habits…</i></div>
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<i>Seventeen-year-old Alena Scott is tired of pretending to be something she’s not. As an outlawed vampire-witch hybrid, she’s forced to abide by the oppressive secrecy imposed by her Vampire Chancellor mother. But she’ll have to ignore the rules when she comes face-to-face with a handsome, full-grown version of her childhood imaginary friend.</i></div>
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<i>Shocked that he recognizes her as his own pretend play pal, the two embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their fantasized companionship. And as they unravel their entwined destinies, Alena realizes she holds the key to a curse which could free them all—or condemn witchkind to eternal suffering.</i></div>
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<i>Can Alena and her impossibly familiar partner reverse an ancient spell before they’re sent to a mortal grave?</i></div>
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<i>Kingdom of Embers is the first book in the enthralling Kingdom Journals YA urban fantasy series. If you like intriguing characters, shadowy magic, and a fresh twist on modern vampire storylines, then you’ll love Tricia Copeland’s heart-stopping tale.</i></div>
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<i>Buy Kingdom of Embers to embrace a prophetic fate today!</i></div>
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Buy from:</div>
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hg7XyO8XN6tvFHnGCrUkQM5Ik0tdTbwg1EppIOlgO-5LzyT63N5nS2CAoo2E2Oml33VY9KQwGA2G22EVQLFdwBQ0LbM0ZfdYqVPd8cT2TdfaKmvTh8goBZ087wiY13FBl4XvJd97" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" /><a href="https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/442966984/Kingdom-of-Embers-Alena-s-Story" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scribd</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Tricia_Copeland_Kingdom_of_Embers?id=AQAAAEBsRiYGWM" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Google</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/kingdom-of-embers-alenas-story/id1494961149" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">iTunes</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/kingdom-of-embers-1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kobo</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ AUDIO EXCERPT ~</span></h4>
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/746395240&color=%238d28bd&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~</span></h4>
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Tricia Copeland grew up in a hot, sticky, rural south Georgia town where pine trees and alligators ruled the landscape. Since then she’s moved west to the purple mountain majesties of Colorado. Her books span from the dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy, to coming-of-age and new adult romance genres. You can find more about her and all her books at <a href="http://www.triciacopeland.com./" target="_blank">www.triciacopeland.com.</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.triciacopeland.com/index.html" target="_blank">Website</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://twitter.com/tcbrzostowicz" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ AUTHOR INTERVIEW ~</span></h4>
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<b><i><b><i>Hi Tricia! Can you tell us about the process of turning your book into an audiobook?</i></b></i></b><br />
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TC: I searched for two years to find the right narrator for this story. Frustrated, I’d almost given up. Last fall at a book con, Amy stopped by my table and introduced herself. I spoke with her for a few minutes and afterwards looked up her work. I loved what I heard and contacted her immediately to talk about starting the narration. After the gave her the manuscript and character list, she sent me a six minute clip. I was hooked! I wanted more! I loved listening to my words come to live [<i>sic</i>]. I also thrive on learning new things, so while daunting, I feel so empowered by all I’m learning about the audiobook industry.</div>
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<b><b><i>Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing? </i></b></b></div>
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TC: In the future I think I will be more conscious of names and pronunciations. I will be more clear on how a name is pronounced to ensure ease of transition between ebook or paper copies and the audio versions.</div>
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<b><i>How closely did you work with your narrator before and during the recording process? Did you give them any pronunciation tips or special insight into the characters? </i></b></div>
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TC: My narrator read the manuscript and gave me a list of questions. I also provided her with a character bio sheet with a bit of history as to age, ethnicity, gender, etc. of my characters.</div>
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<b><b><i>Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?</i></b></b></div>
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TC: I love that I can listen to an audiobook almost anywhere. Listening to books and podcasts helps me get through mundane chores like laundry and cleaning, dishes and cooking.<br />
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<b><b><i>What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?</i></b></b></div>
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TC: I don’t feel like audiobooks are cheating at all. I love the technology because I can listen in the car, on a run, or while doing chores.</div>
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<b><b><i>Writing a novel can be a lengthy and exhausting process. How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for writing?</i></b></b><br />
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TC: Interacting with readers and authors keeps me excited and motivated. I love chatting about books, characters, plot, and hearing feedback and future ideas for my work.</div>
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<b><i>In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of writing a stand-alone novel vs. writing a series? </i></b></div>
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TC: I love both stand alones and series. I try to wrap up each of my series books so it can act as a stand alone as well as add a little bit of an OMG, what’s next! If I fall in love with characters and a storyline it’s hard to let them go. I’m always sad when I finish writing a book because I miss my characters.</div>
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<b><b><i>Quiz time! What's your favorite:</i></b></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Food</b><b> - </b>pizza<b>.</b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Song</b><b> -</b> there are so many, anything with a good beat and inspiring lyrics keeps me grooving<b>.</b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Book</b><b> - </b>Twilight, Cassandra Clare, Kristin & P.C. Cast, The Crystal Cave, Gone with the Wind, I love paranormal fantasy, light sci-fi, and dystopian, and when I’m feeling tired a good sweet romance.</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Television show</b><b> -</b> The Vampire Diaries, Reign, The Originals, iZombie.</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Movie</b><b> -</b> I love rom coms; The Holiday, Love Actually, Twilight movies.</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Band</b><b> - </b>Bastille, The Fray, Imagine Dragons, Twenty-One Pilots.</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Sports team</b><b> - </b>not a huge sports fan but always go back to my roots, GT Jackets.</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">City</b><b> - </b>Wow! Hard one - I loved NYC when I visited with friends and plan on visiting New Orleans this year, love Savannah, and Denver.<br />
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<b><b><i>Are any of those things referenced in your work? </i></b></b></div>
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TC: I make playlists for all my books! The Kingdom of Embers playlist top pick is Fire Escape by Andrew McMahon which can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfU-S6ovooQ&list=PLvDHIXOY-_1nyrONsyLrvU6acy3tTnBy2&index=6" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b><i>What’s next for you?</i></b></div>
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TC: My narrator is starting the second book of the Kingdom Journals series and that audiobook will release this summer. I have a short story follow up to the Kingdom of Embers journals that will release later this year (fingers crossed). I’m also working on release materials of the second in a dystopian series for this spring. I haven’t decided whether to pursue writing another romance or another full-length extension of the Kingdom Journals yet. Both are swirling around in my head so we’ll see which one rises to the top.</div>
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<i><b>Thanks for answering our questons, Tricia! Good luck with your upcoming projects!</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ NARRATOR BIO ~</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIf9IYtQLKp4mYbS4EgI1Xhyphenhyphen4HGvBDI9FGS-8avgGJZ0IX-B37ZwHHqZYTtDmhSABoBWJNspccOAVzuy7dGXVYq_pQNmNr0h_cbwNX8ioAHZ8HzFYpHGfoQIscbDRxo7en0q8g4UBOYvr/s1600/Amy+Portrait-153+%25281%2529.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Amy Deuchler smiling and speaking into a microphone." border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIf9IYtQLKp4mYbS4EgI1Xhyphenhyphen4HGvBDI9FGS-8avgGJZ0IX-B37ZwHHqZYTtDmhSABoBWJNspccOAVzuy7dGXVYq_pQNmNr0h_cbwNX8ioAHZ8HzFYpHGfoQIscbDRxo7en0q8g4UBOYvr/s1600/Amy+Portrait-153+%25281%2529.webp" title="" /></a></div>
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Amy Deuchler is a Chicago-based voice artist and actor specializing in audiobook narration, e-learning, and radio or TV commercials. Amy is professionally trained in commercial and narration voiceover and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Marquette University and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In her spare time, Amy also enjoys reading, painting, designing lights and scenery for theatre, and biking. She lives with her boyfriend and their three cats just north of Chicago.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amydeuchler.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></a><a href="https://www.amydeuchler.com/" target="_blank">Website</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://twitter.com/amy_deuchler" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">⎮</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AmyDeuchlerNarrator/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ MEET THE NARRATOR ~</span></h4>
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<b><i>Hi Amy! When did you know you wanted to be an audiobook narrator? </i></b></div>
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AD: I was listening to more and more audiobooks and I just kept getting the urge to do it.</div>
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<b><i>How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?</i></b></div>
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AD: I just researched until I found ACX, and on their website it talked about what you needed, how to do it and I just went for it. </div>
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<b><b><i>A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career? </i></b></b></div>
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AD: I don’t know if it’s essential, I have a very limited background from when I was in school. I love theater. However now I do find training very important. Getting an instructor for the type of narration you want to perform, attend seminars and classes in both performance and audio technology – you should really know how to use the equipment you are utilizing and some ‘employers’ will only accept your work if you are using certain technology.</div>
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<b><b><i>What did your training involve?</i></b></b></div>
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AD: I am seeing a coach for non-fiction (Sean Pratt - @SPPresents) and another for fiction (Andi Arndt - @andi_arndt). Between the two a variety of topics in narration and the business of narration are covered. I see improvement every time I have a session, which is really encouraging, I am lucky that although I may not have years of professional acting or collegiate acting training I am able to utilize my coaches to help me improve and to learn more about what it is that I do.</div>
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<b><b><i>We often hear that it takes 6x as long to record an audiobook as the finished product is to listen to. What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for narrating during such long projects? </i></b></b></div>
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AD: For me it is a combination of things. Because of the performance aspect, if I am not feeling it, I try not to push through. I will walk away and do some of the many other things I am responsible for in real life. My hours are really flexible because I work out of a home studio, so sometimes it is just as simple as hanging out with the family. Other times, I find that listening to others narrate in the genre’s I work in really helps. Especially when they are good they will motivate me to want to get back in the booth.</div>
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<b><b><i>What are your favourite and least favourite parts of narrating an audiobook? </i></b></b></div>
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AD: My favorite is recording, getting to immerse myself into another world. I also love the read through of the book; it really gets me excited and helps me to plan out where I am going to go. I guess editing is my least favorite part, but only in comparison to the other parts, I love to do it, just not as much as performing or reading.</div>
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<b><i>What about Kingdom of Embers compelled you to audition as narrator?</i></b></div>
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AD: It is exactly the story I would read as a consumer, and if it has my attention in that way then I want to audition because I know I will have fun with it while recording.</div>
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<b><i>How closely do you prefer to work with authors? </i></b></div>
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AD: I love having input from the authors, although every relationship is not the same. I do prefer it when even if they are not the ones who hire me, they have made the decision to have me be the voice of their book.</div>
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<b><b><i>Who is your “dream author” that you would like to record for?</i></b></b></div>
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AD: Dream author – I think CD Reiss, I love her work!</div>
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<b><i>If you could narrate one book from your youth what would it be and why?</i></b></div>
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AD:<i> I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</i> – that book spoke to me in my soul on so many different levels I can’t even fully describe!</div>
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<b><i>What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”? </i></b></div>
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AD: Maybe to them, but as a mother of five kids, I know everyone does not learn the same way, receive things the same way and we are very lucky to live in a time that we have audiobooks as a way for people to enjoy books.</div>
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<b><i>What are you working on next? </i></b></div>
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AD: Project wise I am getting ready to dive into<i> Stepping Stone</i>, book 2 of <i>The Stone Series</i>, <i>Asher Black </i>by Parker S. Huntington,<i> Stryker</i> by Tess Oliver, <i>Fighting Dirty</i> by Sidney Halston, and <i>Dark Love</i> Part 2 by JB Duvane. </div>
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<b><i>Thank you for your insights into the audiobook world, Amy! I'm sure we'll be hearing more of you soon!</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLts6aRGM17iHPtctHW7lXlcf-2cyt3ZOzUo0d-Qt_KtWtwiuyAMqOVG8iw3NAiWOP4WsU93Pn3SylQFKGyJlrK8-ViCJj4Z0iApa3f3VtKm8kuu0clNI-cNPEmLSkidZuTU24A594uG0/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="320" height="28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLts6aRGM17iHPtctHW7lXlcf-2cyt3ZOzUo0d-Qt_KtWtwiuyAMqOVG8iw3NAiWOP4WsU93Pn3SylQFKGyJlrK8-ViCJj4Z0iApa3f3VtKm8kuu0clNI-cNPEmLSkidZuTU24A594uG0/s200/divider.png" width="200" /></a></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ GIVEAWAY ~</span></h4>
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<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/ztri2/kingdom-of-embers-giveaway-3month-audible-membership" rel="nofollow">Kingdom of Embers Giveaway: 3-month Audible Membership</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLts6aRGM17iHPtctHW7lXlcf-2cyt3ZOzUo0d-Qt_KtWtwiuyAMqOVG8iw3NAiWOP4WsU93Pn3SylQFKGyJlrK8-ViCJj4Z0iApa3f3VtKm8kuu0clNI-cNPEmLSkidZuTU24A594uG0/s1600/divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="46" data-original-width="320" height="28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLts6aRGM17iHPtctHW7lXlcf-2cyt3ZOzUo0d-Qt_KtWtwiuyAMqOVG8iw3NAiWOP4WsU93Pn3SylQFKGyJlrK8-ViCJj4Z0iApa3f3VtKm8kuu0clNI-cNPEmLSkidZuTU24A594uG0/s200/divider.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">~ TOUR SCHEDULE ~</span></h4>
For more exclusive content, reviews, dreamcasts, and playlists, check out some of the other stops on the Kingdom of Embers audiobook tour.</div>
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<b>Mar. 15th:</b></div>
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<a href="https://amysbooketlist.com/">Amy's Booket List</a> </div>
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<a href="https://joyffree.blogspot.com/">A Wonderful World of Words</a></div>
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<a href="https://4theloveofaudiobooks.wordpress.com/">4 the Love of Audiobooks</a></div>
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<b>Mar. 16th:</b></div>
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<a href="http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/">Smada's Book Smack</a></div>
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<a href="https://dabofdarkness.com/">Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews</a></div>
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<a href="https://audiobook.news.blog/">Audiobook News</a></div>
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<b>Mar. 17th:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.tsstuff.net/">T's Stuff</a> </div>
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<a href="https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/">The Book Junkie Reads . . .</a></div>
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<a href="https://superbooked.wordpress.com/">Super Booked!</a></div>
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<b>Mar. 18th:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.2girlsandabook.com/blog">2 Girls & A Book</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/">Miss Lawrence is Hearing Things</a></div>
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<b>Mar. 19th:</b></div>
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<a href="https://sometimesleelynnreads.com/">Sometimes Leelynn Reads</a> </div>
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<a href="https://booksteahealthyme.home.blog/">Books, Tea, Healthy Me</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.gigisreads.wordpress.com/">GigisReads</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mar. 20th:</b></div>
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<a href="https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com/">Nesie's Place</a></div>
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<a href="https://onelastpagebookblog.home.blog/">One Last Page Book Blog</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://audiobookfascination.blogspot.com/">Audiobook Ebook Fascination</a></div>
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<b>Mar. 21st:</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/">Jazzy Book Reviews</a> </div>
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<a href="https://gingermomandcompany.com/">Ginger Mom and Company</a></div>
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<a href="https://willowwritesandreads.com/">Willow Writes and Reads</a></div>
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<i>With thanks to <a href="http://www.hearingthings.co.uk/" target="_blank">Audiobookworm Promotions</a> for organising this tour.</i></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-50857690766305391212020-03-13T23:02:00.003+00:002020-03-13T23:07:13.947+00:00Series Review: School For Manners (Part One)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">'If you have a Wild, Unruly, or Undisciplined Daughter, two Ladies of Genteel Birth offer to Bring Out said Daughter and Refine what may have seemed Unrefinable. We can make the Best of the Worst.'</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHaABThginjZq42S9rYJAf7aLJ50DqTgA5fOu8NM0d7cd07qwPKgNFjYXYgEm08B8qbcuhTZXeYJiHPZHfH0c8FXMW4tZ6AboFhZZYxQHrkqQ1nSAWK4_miShijbcjM3RkZXHtJUq0ozw/s1600/sfm.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Collage of covers for books 1, 2, and 3 of the School for Manners series." border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHaABThginjZq42S9rYJAf7aLJ50DqTgA5fOu8NM0d7cd07qwPKgNFjYXYgEm08B8qbcuhTZXeYJiHPZHfH0c8FXMW4tZ6AboFhZZYxQHrkqQ1nSAWK4_miShijbcjM3RkZXHtJUq0ozw/s1600/sfm.webp" title="" /></a></div>
<i>"When Amy and Effie Tribble, two charming but impoverished spinster sisters, lose out on an inheritance, they place this advertisement in The Morning Post and hire themselves out as professional chaperones. Vowing to prepare even the most difficult misses for marriage, the Tribble sisters will spend a London season on each client, educating them in their School for Manners."</i><br />
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The six-part <i>School for Manners</i> series by the late M. C. Beaton was originally published under the author's real name, Marion Chesney, across several years in the late 1980s. Revamped with a lively new narrator and stylish artwork, the series re-release promises to introduce Beaton's most unruly ladies to a new generation of fans.<br />
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Desperately balancing their pride and penury, spinster twins Effie and Amy are initially introduced as a pair of 'Ugly Sisters' caricatures; almost grotesques with their exaggerated unflattering traits. They grow on the listener once we get to know them, however, and see their goodness and vulnerabilities. Deftly aided by the calming influence of their old friend Mr Haddon, the sisters set out on their new venture with only slightly less trepidation than their incorrigible charges.</div>
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The <i>School for Manners</i> series is both written and narrated much in the style of modern women's fiction, which may make these audiobooks a more accessible way into the world of historical romance for younger readers, or those who find the classics too reserved. It's a sort of <i>Bridget Jones</i>-style take on the Regency, and as such is very entertaining but doesn't really reflect the female experience of the time (and the abject mortification and social exile that would accompany behaviour like the girls who are sent to the Tribble's). The series felt much like many of the 'enlivened' period drama adaptations; it was rather refreshing and freed me from the burden of expecting perfection - something which reflected the girls' own rejection of propriety.<br />
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In Part One of my review of the series, we'll take a quick peek at books 1-3, and learn a little more about the author, M. C. Beaton. In Part Two (coming later in the year), we will cover books 4-6, and shine our spotlight on the narrator, Joanna Bending.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ REVIEWS ~</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/548479.Refining_Felicity" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Audiobook cover for Refining Felicity. A dark haired lady in a purple dress." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mlTBt11ocXVvgZ01k5spFFITtfxlYhMkgCMEJLuoaTX9CxMUWQzCVa_ScLLBvNHrB3RwaXIr_T0-iFxSJXm_thdah1KJwaApyiza273QMFP_jp4HoCVzBtVNzrqU0hI_s7ItwlYfSTOI/s1600/9781445084619+%25281%2529.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mlTBt11ocXVvgZ01k5spFFITtfxlYhMkgCMEJLuoaTX9CxMUWQzCVa_ScLLBvNHrB3RwaXIr_T0-iFxSJXm_thdah1KJwaApyiza273QMFP_jp4HoCVzBtVNzrqU0hI_s7ItwlYfSTOI/s1600/9781445084619+%25281%2529.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/3dec4b08" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Refining Felicity, School for Manners, Book 1</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50258.Marion_Chesney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">M. C. Beaton.</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3141973683">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 5 hrs 5 mins.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/11/the-bennet-sisters-scale-rating-regency.html" target="_blank">Bennet Sisters Scale:</a> Lydia 🌹🌹🌹 - Frivolous but delightful, this series is filled with women who are improper and incorrigible but they will all make you smile.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tropes: #Finishing School, #Cross-dressing, #Opposites Attract.</span><br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/3dec4b08" rel="nofollow" target="">Refining Felicity, School for Manners, Book 1</a> by M. C. Beaton is unconventional for a Regency romance, as it has quite a bombastic, colourful style, but it's packed with Beaton's signature humour and ease of listening. There's an Agatha Raisin in every century, and in the early 1800s, she may well have been selling her social services to the <i>Ton...</i><br />
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<i></i>Audible Summary: "<i><i>Felicity Baronsheath, their first assignment, turns out to be more of a challenge than they could have ever imagined. Not only is Felicity indifferent to the idea of marriage, she is also a spoilt brat! And when, despite their best endeavours, Felicity insists on remaining unrefined and hoydenish, the Tribbles begin to fear that her season - and their new business venture - will end in disaster.</i></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>©2019 M.C. Beaton (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK</i>.</span>"</i></div>
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Felicity Baronsheath's father always wished that she'd been a son, and - much to her Mama's exasperation - Felicity does her best not to disappoint him. Loud, brash, and hoydenish in the extreme, Felicity must make her debut, but Lady Baronsheath hasn't the faintest idea how to launch her daughter into society without scandalising the <i>Ton. </i></div>
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When she sees the Tribble's notice in the paper she hasn't much to lose and entrusts her daughter to their dubious care. When we first meet Felicity she is very reluctant to change; especially when Lord Ravenswood tells her that she should!<br />
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When Ravenswood proposes to a nice, delicate girl who is decidedly <i>unlike</i> Lady Felicity, he finds his attention repeatedly drawn to the unrefined debutante. A house party at his family home is the perfect time to showcase his fiancee's talents, but it's Felicity's assets that pique his interest...<br />
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<i>Refining Felicity</i> is a historical coming-of-age, and though the romance is central to the plot, its main focus is on helping Felicity figure out who she is in a world where everyone has their own ideas about what that should be.<br />
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Beaton is not trying to compete with Austen, or even Heyer, with this novel but she tells a diverting story in her own comic, colourful fashion, and it was very enjoyable.<br />
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Refining Felicity is available to <a href="http://tidd.ly/3dec4b08" rel="nofollow">pre-order on Audible</a>, releasing on 23rd March 2020, and can be bought on CD from <a href="https://www.thereadinghouse.co.uk/search/9781445084619" rel="nofollow">The Reading House</a>, now.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/3fe4f3c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perfecting Fiona, School for Manners, Book 2</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50258.Marion_Chesney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">M. C. Beaton.</a></div>
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐</div>
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Duration: 5 hrs 2 mins.</div>
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<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/11/the-bennet-sisters-scale-rating-regency.html" target="_blank">Bennet Sisters Scale:</a> Lydia 🌹🌹🌹 - Frivolous but delightful, this series is filled with women who are improper and incorrigible but they will all make you smile.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tropes: #Finishing School, #Nobility/Trade, #Ingenue & Rake.</span></div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/3fe4f3c" rel="nofollow" target="">Perfecting Fiona, School for Manners, Book 2</a> by M. C. Beaton is the second book in a lively series of stories about recalcitrant Regency women and the gentlemen who find them irresistible.</div>
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Audible summary:<i> "</i><i>Fiona has been sent to [the Tribbles] by her guardians as a last resort, for at 19, the beautiful and wealthy Scottish heiress still has no prospect of a suitable marriage. The Tribbles are puzzled, however, by their charge's demure perfection, until they take her to her first ball - and discover she is an incorrigible flirt! And when quizzed by the Tribbles, Fiona betrays her real feelings... so the sisters are forced to confront the truth about her past!</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">©2012 M. C. Beaton (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK.</span>"</i><br />
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Unlike the Tribble's previous charge, Felicity, Fiona Macleod initially appears to be everything a good society Miss should be. Demure, accomplished, and obscenely wealthy, Fiona should have been married ten times over by now. Yet something keeps scaring her suitors away, with her aunt and uncle never receiving any offers for her hand. </div>
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As Fiona gets to know the Tribbles and learns to trust them, she reveals her past dalliances and we learn the myriad ways she has dissuaded men from forming a serious <i>tendre</i> for her. Discovering why Fiona is so opposed to marriage becomes the chief pastime of notorious rake, Lord Peter Havard. Determined to reform and settle, he is certain that he would never wish to do so with Fiona... Right up until she becomes all he can think about.<br />
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This one felt a little rushed at times, with Peter's conversion from rake to eligible bachelor feeling rather too swift to be believable. Fiona doesn't have Felicity's bombastic personality, but she has a gentility and kindness that make her endearing. This second story in the series is slower and quieter than the first, but it's still good fun.</div>
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<i>Perfecting Fiona</i> is available to <a href="http://tidd.ly/3fe4f3c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pre-order on Audible</a>, releasing on 23rd April 2020, and on CD from <a href="https://thereadinghouse.co.uk/search/9781445084640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Reading House</a>, now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias1099h3mIndbBpEiMDrn0emDU9V3rktI6u-lkcyRRMmiWnOZBxmYMjP8BlNfxtrl7ueBnNDUSC8Rs3zuz51ITpeQR14lEWG10qtJpRWC5EFG6wHN0Uf5Z0JmXecEwq8E0zRbLMnSlGka/s1600/9781445084671.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Audiobook cover for Enlightening Delilah. A lady with dark ringlets and a pink dress." border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEias1099h3mIndbBpEiMDrn0emDU9V3rktI6u-lkcyRRMmiWnOZBxmYMjP8BlNfxtrl7ueBnNDUSC8Rs3zuz51ITpeQR14lEWG10qtJpRWC5EFG6wHN0Uf5Z0JmXecEwq8E0zRbLMnSlGka/s1600/9781445084671.webp" title="" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/b0e56968" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Enlightening Delilah, School for Manners, Book 3</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50258.Marion_Chesney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">M. C. Beaton.</a> </div>
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐</div>
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Duration: 4 hrs 44 mins.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/11/the-bennet-sisters-scale-rating-regency.html" target="_blank">Bennet Sisters Scale:</a> Lydia 🌹🌹🌹 - Frivolous but delightful, this series is filled with women who are improper and incorrigible but they will all make you smile.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tropes: #Finishing School, #Second Chance, #Enemies To Lovers.</span></div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/b0e56968" rel="nofollow" target="">Enlightening Delilah, School for Manners, Book 3</a> by M. C. Beaton is the third lightweight Regency-set tale in this series of finishing school romances.<br />
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Audible summary: <i>"Stunningly beautiful, the dazzling Delilah has had plenty of marriage proposals but having once been spurned by Sir Charles Digby, the only man she has ever loved, she is now a hardened heartbreaker who toys with all her suitors. And so it is up to the eccentric Tribble sisters to teach her the meaning of true love again. </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">©2012 M. C. Beaton (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK.</span>" </i></div>
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Delilah Wraxall is a flirt. She wasn't always, but heartbreak hardened her to male attention, and she is content to run her father's country house and not look for a husband. Before she scandalises the family name in every household in the County, her father seeks the aid of the Tribbles to try and reform her.</div>
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Also in Town is Sir Charles Digby, recently returned from War and very surprised to find that the immature schoolroom chit he left behind has blossomed into a diamond of the first water. Delilah cannot forgive him for discarding her affections so cruelly, and the better he comes to know her the more he regrets the hastiness of his actions. But Delilah's own mistakes are not easily forgotten, and one of them - in particular - does more harm than the others.</div>
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I especially loved the quote from Rev. Sydney Smith at the start of this book, <i>"There is great happiness in the country, but it requires a visit to London every year to reassure yourself of this truth."</i></div>
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<i>Enlightening Delilah </i>is a colourful and engaging romance, and another great addition to a fun series. As well as Delilah's story, the Tribbles' characters have developed nicely throughout the series, with matronly Amy taking an especially prominent role this time around.</div>
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<i>Enlightening Delilah</i> is available to <a href="http://tidd.ly/b0e56968" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pre-order on Audible</a>, releasing on 21st May 2020, and on CD from <a href="https://thereadinghouse.co.uk/search/9781445084671" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Reading House</a>, now.</div>
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The series' narrator, Joanna Bending, has a friendly, engaging, voice which is adept at conveying the characters' different personalities, and particularly the juxtaposition of Amy's brashness and Effie's comparative delicacy. Though her performance is lively, Bending's general narration is also soft and soothing throughout, and helps with the feeling of 'escape' that most listeners seek in a Regency romance. There are a few odd pronunciation choices, such as <i>"rakey hell"</i> for 'rakehell', but her Scottish accent for Fiona was very pleasant. Overall she did a great job at refreshing this delightful series.</div>
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I'd recommend the <i>School for Manners</i> series to those who are looking for a simple, airy way into historical romance books with a Regency setting, or want a more humorous take on the genre. These audiobooks are mostly clean with some swearing and a few saucy scenes, but nothing too explicit. If you are expecting them to be true to the classics, then you'll be tearing your hair out before the end of chapter one, but if you can park your inner Janeite then you'll chuckle all the way through.<br />
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Beaton says that she wrote <i>"for escape"</i> and that is just what this series provides.</div>
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<i>*I received these audiobooks free of charge </i><i>from the publisher</i><i> in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click here to buy the books from this series, listen to a sample, or add them to your wishlist!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ AUTHOR BIO ~</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">M. C. Beaton (1936 - 2019)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC4cHh_vMtnkjwuBWIpgVCDDB-d1Cl7SCVgJEofJkPbbqynh4LyRlClJUhyphenhyphen8MpdSQy3aCqqSXD-A5l9N0wQdnMhtdQ0APXOfdyyMgSzYhyphenhyphen6CFBtqGK_hvdWAP6eQl5KddxFkSPYuw2K_h/s1600/41c5fa1d92a791f076ffb82b08ce6d9e.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of M. C. Beaton, courtesy of MidasPR." border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC4cHh_vMtnkjwuBWIpgVCDDB-d1Cl7SCVgJEofJkPbbqynh4LyRlClJUhyphenhyphen8MpdSQy3aCqqSXD-A5l9N0wQdnMhtdQ0APXOfdyyMgSzYhyphenhyphen6CFBtqGK_hvdWAP6eQl5KddxFkSPYuw2K_h/s320/41c5fa1d92a791f076ffb82b08ce6d9e.webp" title="Photo courtesy of MidasPR." width="213" /></a></div>
Marion Chesney Gibbons, better known by her most famous pseudonym M. C. Beaton, was the bestselling author of the much-loved mystery series featuring sleuths <i>Agatha Raisin</i>, and <i>Hamish Macbeth</i>. Also writing as Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Marion Chesney, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, Chesney-Gibbons was extraordinarily prolific throughout her long writing career, writing over 150 novels in the Romance, Historical Romance, and Crime genres.<br />
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Born in Balornok, north of the River Clyde in Scotland, Chesney-Gibbons became a fiction buyer for the oldest bookshop in Glasgow, John Smith & Son, upon leaving school. A move into journalism soon took her to London, where she married fellow Express journalist Harry Scott Gibbons. It was during the family's stint in America that Chesney-Gibbons decided to try her hand at writing historical romance, after being disappointed by the quality of the novels hitting the market.<br />
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It was upon returning to the UK that Chesney-Gibbons embarked upon her bestselling Agatha Raisin series of village mysteries, which in no small part contributed to the author becoming the <a href="https://www.bl.uk/plr/most-borrowed-authors">7th most borrowed author </a>from UK library services in 2017-2018. It is believed that Chesney-Gibbons sold more than 21 million books in her lifetime, continuing to write until death interrupted her relentless "Scottish work ethic". <br />
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Few authors can rival the 153 English-language audiobooks Chesney-Gibbons has to her name on <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?ref=a_search_l1_feature_six_browse-bin_0&pf_rd_p=ff83f79f-3ec9-4d26-81d0-a70cf6f8e4e3&pf_rd_r=EW8PZZEZYWE1HCRHR2M0&searchAuthor=M.C.+Beaton&feature_six_browse-bin=5177374031" target="_blank">Audible.co.uk</a> alone, narrated by, amongst others, Penelope Keith (<i>Agatha Raisin</i> series), David Monteith (<i>Hamish Macbeth</i> series), Lucy Scott (<i>Daughters of Mannerling</i> series), and Joanna Bending (<i>School for Manners</i> series).</div>
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During an <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/M-C-Beaton-Audiobook/B01IRGIME4?" target="_blank">exclusive interview</a> with Audible in 2016, Chesney-Gibbons described her career, from her humble beginnings as a fan of Georgette Heyer to the author of almost 100 Regencies of her own, and onwards to becoming the Queen of cosy mysteries (even if she did resent the title). She also extolls the virtues of audiobooks, and their importance to people who rely on them as an escape. The interview is free for all Audible members to listen to, and provides far better insight into her character than any biography or obituary. After all, how better to remember such a prolific author than in her own words?</div>
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The <i>School for Manners</i> audiobooks in order, are:</div>
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1 - Refining Felicity.</div>
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2 - Perfecting Fiona.</div>
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3 - Enlightening Delilah.</div>
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4 - Finessing Clarissa.</div>
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5 - Animating Maria.</div>
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6 - Marrying Harriet.</div>
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The whole series can be purchased on <a href="https://thereadinghouse.co.uk/search/school%20for%20manners" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Audio CD and MP3 CD</a> directly from the Ulverscroft website.</div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-28370210678442925822020-03-02T21:48:00.000+00:002020-03-02T22:06:30.085+00:00New Releases Roundup: February 2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I always have so many audiobooks queued up to listen to that I seldom keep up with all the new releases that pique my interest. This year, I'm hoping to use these 'roundup' posts to highlight a few of the most recent releases have have been added to my wishlist (or which have sometimes jumped straight into my library).<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ AUDIBLE </span>SHOWS ~</h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>(Free for UK Audible subscribers)</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/6455be6c" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="We Need to Talk About the British Empire cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Afua+Hirsch&ref=a_pd_We-Nee_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=KG92HX5ET6MB6QV4EKFP">Afua Hirsch</a>.</div>
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Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins.</div>
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Release date: 13-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Audible+Original&ref=a_pd_We-Nee_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=KG92HX5ET6MB6QV4EKFP">Audible Original</a>.</div>
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<i>"Making sense of the British Empire's legacy... through the stories of people who lived through it.</i></div>
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<i>Journalist Afua Hirsch tries to break through old cliches, and unpick the true legacy of this complicated and difficult inheritance. She speaks to leading figures in British culture today - from poet Benjamin Zephaniah to actress Diana Rigg, discovering vivid family stories of the people who made the Empire what it was."</i><br />
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I always enjoy Benjamin Zephaniah's insights, and I think this examination of the Empire legacy, for better and worse, is a very timely listen.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ AUDIOBOOKS ~</span></h4>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/810dca1b" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414aeXroBEL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/810dca1b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock.</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Jane+Riley&ref=a_pd_The-Li_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=FWYQNTTGVG86R2ZGMKKV">Jane Riley</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Steve+West&ref=a_pd_The-Li_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=FWYQNTTGVG86R2ZGMKKV">Steve West</a>.</div>
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Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 01-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Brilliance+Audio&ref=a_pd_The-Li_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=FWYQNTTGVG86R2ZGMKKV">Brilliance Audio</a>.<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<i>"Oliver Clock has everything arranged just so. A steady job running the family funeral parlour. A fridge stocked with ready meals. A drawer full of colour-coded socks. </i></div>
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<i>When a terrible tragedy takes secret-love Marie out of his life but leaves him with her private journal, he discovers too late that she secretly loved him back. Faced now with an empty life, Oliver resolves to open himself up to love - and all the mess that comes along with it."</i></div>
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We all know an 'Oliver' we'd love to see allow some colour into their lives, and I think this will be an interesting (and hopefully uplifting) story.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/2b0374e7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Patient Man.</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Joy+Ellis&ref=a_pd_The-Pa_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=d81f388e-aad8-49be-9402-84373f0be1df&pf_rd_r=EYR6HXD67N790JW5ZBH5">Joy Ellis</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Richard+Armitage&ref=a_pd_The-Pa_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=d81f388e-aad8-49be-9402-84373f0be1df&pf_rd_r=EYR6HXD67N790JW5ZBH5">Richard Armitage</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Jackman-Evans-Recommended-Listening-Order-Audiobooks/B07DM4D7FY?ref=a_pd_The-Pa_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=d81f388e-aad8-49be-9402-84373f0be1df&pf_rd_r=EYR6HXD67N790JW5ZBH5">Jackman & Evans </a>Book 6.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 18-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Audible+Studios&ref=a_pd_The-Pa_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=d81f388e-aad8-49be-9402-84373f0be1df&pf_rd_r=EYR6HXD67N790JW5ZBH5">Audible Studios</a>.</div>
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<i>"Join the detective duo as they enter a lethal game of cat-and-mouse with an old nemesis, and battle to locate a deadly sniper taunting the police. Is it too much to bear for Jackman and Evans? Brimming with Joy Ellis’ trademark twists and turns, this unmissable crime thriller will keep you captivated until the very end."</i></div>
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I'm not caught up with this series yet but have bought them all as soon as I could. Armitage is one of my favourite narrators (have I mentioned that yet today?) and this series is an instant-buy for me.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/439a9fc0" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Book of Hidden Things cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61urO5wAjrL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/439a9fc0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book of Hidden Things.</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Francesco+Dimitri&ref=a_pd_The-Bo_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8DSP2SETEHGJRRBG0SC7">Francesco Dimitri</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Andrew+Wincott&ref=a_pd_The-Bo_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8DSP2SETEHGJRRBG0SC7">Andrew Wincott</a>.</div>
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Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 13-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Whole+Story+Audiobooks&ref=a_pd_The-Bo_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8DSP2SETEHGJRRBG0SC7">Whole Story Audiobooks</a>.</div>
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<i>"Four friends have a pact: to meet up on the same day every year in their small hometown in southern Italy. Art, the charismatic leader of the group, has always been adamant about the pact. But this year, he doesn't show up. Searching for him, the friends make a worrying discovery. Asking around in town, they hear bizarre and incredible rumours. And then, amongst the chaos of his house, they find a curious manuscript written by Art called The Book of Hidden Things, which promises to reveal secrets enchanting as flames, and just as treacherous.... "</i></div>
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This one was recommended to me, and whilst not my usual genre it certainly sounds intriguing!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/d5d0cdb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She-Merchants, Buccaneers and Gentlewomen.</a></span><br />
<i><i>British Women in India.</i></i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Katie+Hickman&ref=a_pd_She-Me_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=0XQATYJA3ZCJG6FXKSGS">Katie Hickman</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Katie+Hickman&ref=a_pd_She-Me_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=0XQATYJA3ZCJG6FXKSGS">Katie Hickman</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Tania+Rodrigues&ref=a_pd_She-Me_c1_narrator_2&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=0XQATYJA3ZCJG6FXKSGS">Tania Rodrigues</a>.</div>
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Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 27-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Hachette+Audio+UK&ref=a_pd_She-Me_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=0XQATYJA3ZCJG6FXKSGS">Hachette Audio UK</a></div>
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<i>"The first British women to set foot in India did so in the very early 17th century, two and a half centuries before the Raj. </i></div>
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<i>For some it was painful exile, but for many it was exhilarating. Through diaries, letters and memoirs (many still in manuscript form), this exciting book reveals the extraordinary life and times of hundreds of women who made their way across the sea and changed history."</i></div>
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I love the sound of this audiobook, and the previously-untold stories it reveals of some of the most intrepid women of the 1600s.</div>
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<a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bg2j1a+RL._SL500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="False Value cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bg2j1a+RL._SL500_.jpg" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/f21570b1"></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/f21570b1"><span style="font-size: large;">False Value.</span></a></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Ben+Aaronovitch&ref=a_pd_False-_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WVBH9AFPMY7HVR6CX546">Ben Aaronovitch</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Kobna+Holdbrook-Smith&ref=a_pd_False-_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WVBH9AFPMY7HVR6CX546">Kobna Holdbrook-Smith</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Peter-Grant-Audiobooks/B00PG20IJ0?ref=a_pd_False-_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WVBH9AFPMY7HVR6CX546">Rivers of London Series</a>, Book 8.</div>
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Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 20-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Orion+Publishing+Group+Limited&ref=a_pd_False-_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WVBH9AFPMY7HVR6CX546">Orion Publishing Group Limited</a>.</div>
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<i><i>"Drawn into the orbit of Old Street's famous 'silicon roundabout', Peter must learn how to blend in with people who are both civilians and geekier than he is. Compared to his last job, Peter thinks it should be a doddle. But magic is not finished with Mama Grant's favourite son. </i></i></div>
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<i><i>Because Terrence Skinner has a secret hidden in the bowels of the SCC. A technology that stretches back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage and forward to the future of artificial intelligence. A secret that is just as magical as it technological - and just as dangerous."</i></i></div>
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As you'll already know if you've seen <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2020/02/review-false-value.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my review</a>, False Value was one of the only books I began listening to on its publication day, having pre-ordered it for instant access. It was great fun, and was lovely to have Peter back. </div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/42b0ee9f" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Humanology cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
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<i>A Scientist’s Guide to Our Amazing Existence.</i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Luke+O%E2%80%99Neill&ref=a_pd_Humano_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=B9E9E7VBRVRNWYZV9FJ0">Luke O’Neill</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Ruairi+Conaghan&ref=a_pd_Humano_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=B9E9E7VBRVRNWYZV9FJ0">Ruairi Conaghan</a>.</div>
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Length: 8 hrs and 1 min.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 01-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Bolinda+Publishing+Pty+Ltd&ref=a_pd_Humano_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=B9E9E7VBRVRNWYZV9FJ0">Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd</a>.</div>
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<i>"Taking us on an incredible journey across centuries and galaxies, accompanied by his characteristic wit, Professor O’Neill explains how it all began, how it will all end and everything in between. Listeners will benefit from Luke’s insatiable curiosity for life when they dive into this ultimate journey through life and death.</i></div>
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<i>Humanology is a humbling reminder that we’re just a small speck in a big universe - so sit back and embrace the adventure."</i></div>
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I like listening to non-fiction in the evening, especially history or science, and the narrator for this one sounds great. </div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/574c1bf1" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Doing Time cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JV0yCAgrL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/574c1bf1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doing Time</a>.</span><br />
<i><i>Time Police, Book 1.</i></i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Jodi+Taylor&ref=a_pd_Doing-_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8SBJ3S82HGW0S1222RHY">Jodi Taylor</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Zara+Ramm&ref=a_pd_Doing-_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8SBJ3S82HGW0S1222RHY">Zara Ramm</a>.</div>
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Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 25-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Audible+Studios&ref=a_pd_Doing-_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8SBJ3S82HGW0S1222RHY">Audible Studios</a>.</div>
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<i>"A long time ago in the future, the secret of time travel became known to all. Everyone seized the opportunity - and the world nearly ended. There will always be idiots who want to change history. </i></div>
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<i>And so, the Time Police were formed. An all-powerful, international organisation tasked with keeping the timeline straight. At all costs. Their success is legendary, and the Time Wars are over. But now the Time Police must fight to save a very different future - their own."</i></div>
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This was another instant-buy for me, even though I'm saving the last couple of Chronicles of St Mary's books this is a spin-off from. I love the world Taylor created for Max and the gang and am looking forward to this new set of adventures.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/356adf20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Besotted Scots Series 3 cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LU37LjF3L._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/356adf20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">For the Sake of a Scottish Rake.</a></span><br />
<i><i>Besotted Scots Series 3.</i></i><br />
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Anna+Bradley&ref=a_pd_Besott_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=HSQDPWB9X95GV1CEPBNM">Anna Bradley</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Antony+Ferguson&ref=a_pd_Besott_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=HSQDPWB9X95GV1CEPBNM">Antony Ferguson</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Besotted-Scots-Series-Audiobooks/B07NL6M1JB?ref=a_pd_Besott_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=HSQDPWB9X95GV1CEPBNM">Besotted Scots Series</a>, Book 3.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 28-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Tantor+Audio&ref=a_pd_Besott_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=HSQDPWB9X95GV1CEPBNM">Tantor Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"When Lucy realizes that her uncle plans to quickly marry her off in exchange for a slice of her fortune, she begs a favor of a new acquaintance, Ciaran Ramsey. If Lucy remains single until she turns 21, she - and her money - will be out of her uncle's power. All the charming Scot needs to do is woo her for six weeks, and then jilt her...</i></div>
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<i>The Ramseys don't need the scandal of a false engagement attached to their name. But Lucy's older suitor is both distasteful and dangerous, and Ciaran can't allow his lovely friend to be forced to marry such a man. And besides, the more time Ciaran spends with his new "betrothed," the more their ruse begins to feel very much like the real thing."</i></div>
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'Friends to lovers' is always a fun historical romance trope, but the narrator is the main draw with this one. I haven't listened to any of the others in this series yet, but am looking forward to listening to Ferguson reading it.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/25743f9c" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Diary of a Yorkshire Vet On Call cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51rEc455m4L._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/25743f9c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Diary of a Yorkshire Vet On Call.</a></span><br />
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Julian+Norton&ref=a_pd_The-Di_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=Y3JY3W7611KFYAB6KKEB">Julian Norton</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Gordon+Griffin&ref=a_pd_The-Di_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=Y3JY3W7611KFYAB6KKEB">Gordon Griffin</a>.</div>
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Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 01-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Soundings&ref=a_pd_The-Di_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=Y3JY3W7611KFYAB6KKEB">Soundings</a>.</div>
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<i>"Consisting of articles taken from his popular column in The Yorkshire Post, Julian Norton's The Diary of a Yorkshire Vet On Call features anecdotes from his veterinary work in North Yorkshire. From hairy pigs near Helmsley to a bullock with an enormous eye at Old Byland, these true stories bring to life the drama and humour in the daily routine of a rural vet."</i></div>
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This sounds like a lovely, gentle book, which will be perfect for unwinding in the evening.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/64601c63" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1000 Years of Annoying the French.</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Stephen+Clarke&ref=a_pd_1000-Y_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=TSFBYVEV6BQE6DZRA7YC">Stephen Clarke</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Justin+Edwards&ref=a_pd_1000-Y_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=TSFBYVEV6BQE6DZRA7YC">Justin Edwards</a>.</div>
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Length: 20 hrs and 4 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 06-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Penguin+Audio&ref=a_pd_1000-Y_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=TSFBYVEV6BQE6DZRA7YC">Penguin Audio</a>.</div>
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<i><i>"Was the Battle of Hastings a French victory? Non! William the Conqueror was Norman and hated the French. Were the Brits really responsible for the death of Joan of Arc? Non! The French sentenced her to death for wearing trousers. Was the guillotine a French invention? Non! It was invented in Yorkshire. </i></i></div>
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<i><i>Ten centuries' worth of French historical 'facts' bite the dust as Stephen Clarke looks at what has really been going on since 1066.... "</i></i></div>
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I hope this will offer a little light-relief and a tongue-in-cheek look at our closest continental neighbours, at a time when European politics are more fractured than ever.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/506bd424" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/506bd424" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lord Vile cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/506bd424" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lord Vile.</a></span><br />
<i><i>Beastly Lords, Book 3.</i></i><br />
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Sydney+Jane+Baily&ref=a_pd_Lord-V_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WYVWBQKTWWMWSF565HXA">Sydney Jane Baily</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Tim+Campbell&ref=a_pd_Lord-V_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WYVWBQKTWWMWSF565HXA">Tim Campbell</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Beastly-Lords-Audiobooks/B082KXXLW9?ref=a_pd_Lord-V_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WYVWBQKTWWMWSF565HXA">Beastly Lords</a>, Book 3.</div>
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Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 25-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Tantor+Audio&ref=a_pd_Lord-V_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WYVWBQKTWWMWSF565HXA">Tantor Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"Drinking and carousing with the lowliest wenches to the highest aristocrats, Alder greets each day with a throbbing head, a sour stomach, and an even sourer disposition. Until a desirable new lady arrives in London, a polished stranger, not a hint of vengeance. If Lord Vile thought he understood betrayal and heartache, he hasn't seen anything yet...."</i></div>
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Enemies-to-lovers is a trope I always enjoy, and I keep hearing what a great narrator Tim Campbell is, and can't believe that I haven't actually heard any of his audiobooks yet! The Inspector Hobbes series has been in my wishlist for ages, as have several Christi Caldwell books, but I think this one will be where I finally take the plunge!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/ad67d936" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bury Them Deep.</a></span><br />
<i><i>Inspector McLean, Book 10.</i></i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=James+Oswald&ref=a_pd_Bury-T_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=1JFDQ05Z0ZZDVRH80W5X">James Oswald</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Ian+Hanmore&ref=a_pd_Bury-T_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=1JFDQ05Z0ZZDVRH80W5X">Ian Hanmore</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Inspector-McLean-Audiobooks/B00HST5IHG?ref=a_pd_Bury-T_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=1JFDQ05Z0ZZDVRH80W5X">Inspector McLean</a>, Book 10.</div>
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Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 20-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Wildfire&ref=a_pd_Bury-T_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=1JFDQ05Z0ZZDVRH80W5X">Wildfire</a>.</div>
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<i style="text-align: center;"><i>"DCI Tony McLean and the team are preparing for a major anti-corruption operation - one which may raise the ire of more than a few powerful people in the city. Is Anya Renfrew's disappearance a coincidence or related to the case? </i></i><br />
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<i style="text-align: center;"><i>McLean's investigations suggest that perhaps that Anya isn't the first woman to have mysteriously vanished in these ancient hills. Once again, McLean can't shake the feeling that there is a far greater evil at work here...."</i></i><br />
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Though I don't get much time to review crime drama these days, I have always enjoyed this series and its blend of gritty crime Scottish crime noir and supernatural resonance. Hanmore's voice is still relaxing when describing the goriest murder scene! </div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/fb491e6e" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Case of the Wandering Scholar cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/fb491e6e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Case of the Wandering Scholar.</a></span><br />
<i><i>Laetitia Rodd, Book 2.</i></i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Kate+Saunders&ref=a_pd_The-Ca_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W1FNJGPR6NSR34W8ZDQB">Kate Saunders</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Charlotte+Strevens&ref=a_pd_The-Ca_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W1FNJGPR6NSR34W8ZDQB">Charlotte Strevens</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/A-Laetitia-Rodd-Mystery-Audiobooks/B084MN1HQT?ref=a_pd_The-Ca_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W1FNJGPR6NSR34W8ZDQB">A Laetitia Rodd Mystery</a>, Book 2.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 08-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Oakhill+Publishing&ref=a_pd_The-Ca_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W1FNJGPR6NSR34W8ZDQB">Oakhill Publishing</a>.</div>
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<i>"1851. Wealthy businessman Jacob Welland is dying of consumption and implores private detective Laetitia Rodd to find his beloved brother, whom he has not seen for 10 years. An impoverished Oxford scholar who left college to live as a wandering hermit, Joshua Welland has been spotted in a gypsy camp, where it was rumoured he was learning great secrets. Her search reconnects Laetitia with a couple from her past, but then a murder is committed. Laetitia's friend, Inspector Blackbeard of Scotland Yard, dismisses her talk of gypsies and secrets, but Laetitia is convinced something sinister lurks in this peaceful landscape."</i></div>
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This series sounds great, so I've added the first two books to my wishlist ready to check it out.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/3d55fd69" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Difficult Women cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/3d55fd69" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Difficult Women.</a></span><br />
<i><i>A History of Feminism in 11 Fights.</i></i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Helen+Lewis&ref=a_pd_Diffic_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=KEWWJGX9XTQQ79ZHST31">Helen Lewis</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Helen+Lewis&ref=a_pd_Diffic_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=KEWWJGX9XTQQ79ZHST31">Helen Lewis</a>.</div>
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Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 27-02-20.</div>
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Language: English.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Penguin+Audio+&ref=a_pd_Diffic_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=KEWWJGX9XTQQ79ZHST31">Penguin Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"Well-behaved women don’t make history: difficult women do.</i></div>
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<i>Helen Lewis argues that feminism’s success is down to complicated, contradictory, imperfect women who fought each other as well as fighting for equal rights. Too many of these pioneers have been whitewashed or forgotten in our modern search for feel-good, inspirational heroines.</i></div>
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<i>Drawing on archival research and interviews, Difficult Women is a funny, fearless and sometimes shocking narrative history which shows why the feminist movement has succeeded - and what it should do next."</i></div>
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Whilst this one won't be everyone's cup of tea, it sounds like it could be a refreshing take on a subject that has struggled with more in-fighting than a political party.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/1eee41ce" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A Shot in the Dark cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/1eee41ce" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Shot in the Dark.</a></span></div>
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<i>Mydworth Mysteries - A Cosy Historical Mystery Series 1.</i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Matthew+Costello&ref=a_pd_A-Shot_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3JHF4KAHYMZWBBTFHHTA">Matthew Costello</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Neil+Richards&ref=a_pd_A-Shot_c1_author_2&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3JHF4KAHYMZWBBTFHHTA">Neil Richards</a></div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Nathaniel+Parker&ref=a_pd_A-Shot_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3JHF4KAHYMZWBBTFHHTA">Nathaniel Parker</a></div>
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Length: 3 hrs and 28 mins</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook</div>
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Release date: 31-01-20</div>
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Language: English</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=L%C3%BCbbe+Audio&ref=a_pd_A-Shot_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3JHF4KAHYMZWBBTFHHTA">Lübbe Audio</a></div>
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<i>"Sussex, England, 1929. Mydworth is a sleepy English market town just 50 miles from London. But things are about to liven up there, when young and handsome Sir Harry Mortimer returns home from his diplomatic posting in Cairo, with his beautiful and unconventional American wife, Kat.</i></div>
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<i>No sooner have the two arrived, when a jewel robbery occurs at Harry's aunt's home - Mydworth Manor. The police are baffled and overwhelmed with the case. But Harry and Kat have an edge in the hunt for the dangerous culprit: not only do they have certain useful "skills" they've both picked up in service of King, President and Country, they also have access to parts of English society that your average bobby can't reach ..."</i></div>
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This was another instant-buy for me, as it's a new series from the writers behind Cherringham and the narrator who helped bring the Bunburry series to life. Lubbe Audio have firmly cemented themselves as one of my favourite publisher's of episodic cosy mystery audiobooks, so I'm really looking forward to this one.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/ac45abd1" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A Rational Proposal cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VCTrg9REL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/ac45abd1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">A Rational Proposal.</span></a></div>
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<i><i>Furze House Irregulars, Book 1.</i></i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Jan+Jones&ref=a_pd_A-Rati_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=R6BJVPER6SQTJTZ4T5PR">Jan Jones</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Karen+Cass&ref=a_pd_A-Rati_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=R6BJVPER6SQTJTZ4T5PR">Karen Cass</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Furze-House-Irregulars-Series-Audiobooks/B082V84MVC?ref=a_pd_A-Rati_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=R6BJVPER6SQTJTZ4T5PR">Furze House Irregulars Series</a>, Book 1.</div>
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Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins.</div>
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Release date: 01-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Soundings&ref=a_pd_A-Rati_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=R6BJVPER6SQTJTZ4T5PR">Soundings</a>.</div>
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<i>"When spirited Verity Bowman is left a sizeable legacy by her uncle on condition that she spends six months 'in a wholly rational manner', neither she nor her long-suffering attorney Charles Congreve have any idea where it will lead them. Nor, it has to be said, does anyone else. </i></div>
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<i>Set in Newmarket and London, A Rational Proposal is the first in the Furze House Irregulars series featuring women of spirit, women of courage, women who don't see why, in this male-dominated Regency era, they should not also play their part in bringing wrongdoers to justice."</i></div>
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I loved the sound of this series from the first moment, and it's another book that is already waiting in my library!</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/9ab23783" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Nate Temple Series: Books 0-3 cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I8y-v98tL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/9ab23783" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nate Temple Series: Books 0-3.</a></span><br />
<i><i>The Nate Temple Series Boxset Book 1.</i></i></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Shayne+Silvers&ref=a_pd_The-Na_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=D5219QHP55QN6Y6721X8">Shayne Silvers</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Joel+Richards&ref=a_pd_The-Na_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=D5219QHP55QN6Y6721X8">Joel Richards</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Temple-Chronicles-Audiobooks/B072J37H9L?ref=a_pd_The-Na_c1_series_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=D5219QHP55QN6Y6721X8">Nate Temple Series</a>, Book 0-3.</div>
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Length: 41 hrs and 37 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 26-02-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Argento+Publishing%2C+LLC&ref=a_pd_The-Na_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=D5219QHP55QN6Y6721X8">Argento Publishing, LLC</a>.</div>
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<i>"The first three novels and the prequel novella in the million-selling Nate Temple Series: Obsidian Son, Blood Debts, Grimm, and Fairy Tale.</i></div>
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<i>My name is Nate Temple, and I’m secretly a wizard. I ride a foul-mouthed unicorn, I drink with Achilles, and I’m pals with the Four Horsemen. I’ve even cow-tipped the Minotaur. I understand the theory of following the rules...I’m just not very good at the application."</i></div>
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It feels like cheating to include this series for the second month in a row, but I put the first book, Obsidian Son, on my wishlist in January and spotted a 3-book boxed set this month. While I like to own individual titles, I can't resist a bargain and I figured this would be the better way to sample a new series.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/d0e72f39" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Maltby Collection: The Complete Series 1-3 cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51lh8wii1CL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/d0e72f39" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Maltby Collection: The Complete Series 1-3.</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=David+Nobbs&ref=a_pd_The-Ma_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=6BZX23C43CAWAK7MH8N4">David Nobbs</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Geoffrey+Palmer&ref=a_pd_The-Ma_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=6BZX23C43CAWAK7MH8N4">Geoffrey Palmer</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Julian+Rhind-Tutt&ref=a_pd_The-Ma_c1_narrator_2&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=6BZX23C43CAWAK7MH8N4">Julian Rhind-Tutt</a>.</div>
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Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 20-02-20.</div>
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Language: English.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=BBC+Audio&ref=a_pd_The-Ma_c1_publisher&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=6BZX23C43CAWAK7MH8N4">BBC Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"Rod Millet has always dreamed of working at the Maltby Collection, but on being appointed Deputy Curator of Painting and Sculpture, it quickly becomes clear that the son of a self-made biscuit mogul isn't going to fit into the musty, insular world of London antiquities. But when, on his first day, Rod learns that the museum has been earmarked for closure, he starts a campaign to save it (threatening his boss Walter Brindle’s plans for a cushy early retirement).</i></div>
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<i>With the collection’s future secured, the staff turn their energies towards romance. Rod competes with colleague Julian for the affections of the lovely Prunella, Walter makes a move on Susie Maltby and there are wedding bells for several members of the team - but heartbreak for another."</i></div>
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I always re-listen to this series whenever it's repeated on BBC radio, so having it in my library to listen to whenever I like is too tempting to resist.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmVC3a6GBW0OyP3PX0MXHCCz6ce0EvkG8HSSNFoI3XkBEcymflwmRap_gujinGZpK4MvkkTm_vCOwGM9inmdCaC8K_VGyPDOOn9-Em_OdV6E-38Xwa7TEulljxCI-Nr2BXqv7-aCon8Yr/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmVC3a6GBW0OyP3PX0MXHCCz6ce0EvkG8HSSNFoI3XkBEcymflwmRap_gujinGZpK4MvkkTm_vCOwGM9inmdCaC8K_VGyPDOOn9-Em_OdV6E-38Xwa7TEulljxCI-Nr2BXqv7-aCon8Yr/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited about some of these amazing releases. Now all I need is a Time Turner to listen to them all!</div>
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Which new releases have you listened to this month, and what has been added to your wishlist?</div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-8882082777609090422020-03-01T13:21:00.000+00:002020-03-02T15:43:53.375+00:00Competition: Win one of 100 Audible annual subscriptions!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/79216d1d" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Screenshot of the Audible Win Your Freedom competition banner. An older, bearded gentleman wearing headphones and cheering. " border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyf4irUt8MPe8URzeUAoc44bP3Pc5KUcl9vPuK8tSUaOaVki-IISPCEGs-LzYPUYteOnFNlOf9X-gzzSRc6AkfThJavsXbXTVWZXOFt6fcfQXuLcRZyJMIolHvaVFFM1i99N1_xOk1Lkd/s200/20200301_130427.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Win Your Freedom!</h3>
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Audible UK have 100 annual subscriptions to give away to existing members. All you have to do to enter is buy an audiobook with cash or credits! Here's what Audible have to say:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CDzC4k4H9BAqvMr5FM5vf_uw5JnOpxY-J2PwIuRkyAcjKGFh5wY0kNyBMfcTY498XnBTcJU8UwUA5dn7Fm76Cf5yXurq24cehayDAfA8EpqMhlR6qkseEGHSY3iic00GsMNSK9wAbGT/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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<i><b>Audible, free for a year</b></i></div>
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<i>We're giving away 100 annual membership plans, on the house. The competition is open to existing Audible UK members only. Winners' membership will continue for 12 months at no extra cost. </i></div>
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<i>Promotion ends Sunday, 8 March.</i></div>
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<i><b>How do I enter?</b></i></div>
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<i>To enter the prize draw, all you need to do is buy any audiobook using a credit or cash (excludes free Audible Original Podcasts).</i></div>
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<i>Multiple purchases mean your chances of winning are increased, so start shopping now.</i></div>
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<i>To enter, simply buy an audiobook in either of these two ways:</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>- purchase an audiobook using a credit</i></div>
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<i>- purchase an audiobook using cash</i></div>
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<i>The “Prize draw" starts Sunday 1 March and ends Sunday 8 March. Only members are eligible to enter. Excludes Republic of Ireland residents. Audible UK Ltd will award prizes at the end of the prize draw. Multiple entries allowed. Winners will be notified by email.</i></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-49884710015935783962020-02-29T18:24:00.001+00:002020-02-29T21:51:26.697+00:00Review: What a Courtesan Wants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48138281-what-a-courtesan-wants" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="What a Courtesan Wants audiobook cover. A handsome black man in an open shirt and waistcoat in a Regency boudoir." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTjyttFCajOW3ejNkgQaE1ElPVY_h9Tm0mk2IIb1T7tFuSshA-igNZanBMz1D-NwFwqPsIsSNXpXtt26qCaiy9QZcszB5nP1n-VwuiBz_QqsfWJdh5zvEspX57fRHWohA_YLOMea2d2tP/s1600/51ZyIqiAPlL._SL500_+%25281%2529.jpg" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTjyttFCajOW3ejNkgQaE1ElPVY_h9Tm0mk2IIb1T7tFuSshA-igNZanBMz1D-NwFwqPsIsSNXpXtt26qCaiy9QZcszB5nP1n-VwuiBz_QqsfWJdh5zvEspX57fRHWohA_YLOMea2d2tP/s200/51ZyIqiAPlL._SL500_+%25281%2529.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/a6d61329" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What a Courtesan Wants</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10797320.Victoria_Vale">Victoria Vale</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3169914610">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 9 hrs 40 mins.<br />
🔥 Steamy content! 🔥<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/11/the-bennet-sisters-scale-rating-regency.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bennet Sisters Scale:</a> Kitty 🌹🌹🌹 - This book is not a Kitty because it lacks character, but simply because there's a little bit of everything in this story, and - just like Kitty - Lucinda only truly comes into her own with the right encouragement.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tropes: #Widow, #POC/Interracial, #OppositesAttract, #EmployerEmployee</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/a6d61329" rel="nofollow" target="">What a Courtesan Wants, Gentlemen Courtesans, Book 2</a> by Victoria Vale is the stern and explicitly-steamy Regency tale of two people from very different sides of the tracks, who may just be exactly what the other needs. When Lucinda's husband dies she not only loses her Lord but her Master. Can trained Dominant, Aubrey, really fill the hole that Magnus left behind?</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>Lady Lucinda Bowery has decided to cast off mourning attire and begin moving on from the loss of her husband. Hiring the gentleman courtesan known as an experienced dominant seems like just the thing to propel her out of bereavement and back to life. She intends for him to give her pleasure and, perhaps, help her find a bit of the woman she was before being widowed.</i><br />
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<i>Aubrey Drake became a courtesan to help bolster his expanding business as well as provide a trousseau and dowry for his ward. Over time, he has grown bored catering to women who only see him as an exotic offering to be enjoyed temporarily and then discarded. Thus, the thrill of mastering a submissive bedmate has lost its luster, leaving him cold. </i><br />
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<i><i>When Lady Bowery is suggested as his new keeper, he expects to be as apathetic toward her as all the others. But, when sparks fly at their first meeting, Aubrey becomes determined to master Lucinda in every way possible, even though she seems intent on keeping him at arm’s length.</i></i></div>
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<i><i>As she finds comfort and pleasure with her new courtesan, Lucinda finds it increasingly difficult to deny that what she feels for him goes beyond simple lust. Yet, embracing the possibility of a future with him means letting go of her past. Aubrey is determined to win Lucinda’s heart, but she still clings to the memory of her first husband.</i></i></div>
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<i>©2019 Victoria Vale (P)2020 Victoria Vale</i>."</div>
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<b>Content Warning: This audiobook contains references to child loss which some listeners may find upsetting.</b></div>
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When we first meet Lucinda she is determined to try and recapture a little of the spirit that deserted her after her husband's passing, and once at Lady Dane's townhouse, Benedict entices Lucinda to peruse Aubrey's wares most tantalisingly. As his suitability for her was discussed, Vale made a healthy point about a proper D/s relationship requiring a Dominant who is trained in his (or her) arts and understands the difference between taking control of a submissive and being controlling or coercive. Both Lucinda and Aubrey are experienced within the scene, such as it was, and they have each trained with an experienced Master. This informed consent allows the listener to fully engage with their steamy affair, without the discomfort of dubious consent.</div>
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During the night of debauchery in Half Moon Street where Lucinda selects her Gentleman Courtesan, the author describes one of the scandalous parlour games as <i>"Blind Man's Bluff"</i>. The literal 'name of the game' is etymologically interesting, as it was historically known as 'Blind Man's Buff', or 'Dead Man's Buff', where 'buff' was used in its original sense of a little shove or push. (Think also of 'rebuff', meaning to reject or deflect.) Over time, as we have come to use 'buff' more to describe a polishing action or the subject of our admiration, the traditional name has corrupted and is now often found as 'bluff'. As late as the Victorian era it was still recorded as 'buff' or 'buffe', though, so Aubrey may have been a little ahead of his time in referring to it as <i>"Blind Man's Bluff"</i>. </div>
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Of greater salacious interest is, of course, the evening's other scandalous delight; the notorious game of Hot Cockles, wherein one player would kneel on all fours and bury their head in the lap of another while trying to guess who kicked, slapped, or paddled their behind. The game came out of the French court and was even painted by Jean Honoré Fragonard in his 1775 - 1780 piece, <i>
<a href="https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.32684.html" rel="nofollow">A Game of Hot Cockles.</a>
</i> It was while looking up a link to the painting to include for you here that I discovered Fragonard also painted a larger work called <i>
<a href="https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.46115.html%20" rel="nofollow">Blind Man's Buff</a>
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BBC4 filmed a game of Hot Cockles for Waldemar Januszczak's programme, <i>
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01qck11%20" rel="nofollow">Rococo: Travel, Pleasure, Madness</a>
</i> in 2014 if you want a better idea of the required positions.</div>
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Though <i>What a Courtesan Wants</i> was ostensibly about the relationship that developed between Lucinda and Aubrey, it was also a farewell to the man she had married. I adored Lucinda's reminiscences of her husband; the depth of her love for him and the impenetrable loss he left in his wake. Too often the late husbands of Regency widows are little more than a plot device that grants them the freedom of independent means, and her story was richer and more engaging because she had known unconditional love before, and her torment came from its absence. </div>
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I also enjoyed the departure from the historical 'norm' that we saw in Aubrey Drake. I really liked the way that Aubrey's frustration with his profession mirrored that of many modern sex workers. Not only had he become increasingly uncomfortable with the commodification of his very person, but he also had to cope with having his ethnicity fetishised by rich, powerful women who passed him around like an exotic pet. These themes are not at all unfamiliar in our own age, but even now it is unusual to hear about the experience from the male perspective. </div>
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Despite his dissatisfaction with the work as a Courtesan, it was nice to see a man with African heritage in a historical who does not have firsthand experience of slavery, despite a moving reference to the nearness of its influence upon him. Historical fiction has neglected the diversity of the British Isles for far too long, and the romance genre as a whole has a widely-acknowledged problem with inclusivity. We know from the factual historical record that the English populace was not quite white as the driven snow in the way we are often led to believe, so - contrary to the claims of naysayers - it is not at all anachronistic for Aubrey to be a strong, respectable tradesman with Noble friends. I thought Vale did well to articulate Aubrey's humble beginnings and how the ladies of the <i>Ton</i> highlighted his race, without having it play too great a part in the rest of his story. His heritage was not the defining feature of his character or his interactions with others, without downplaying the impact it had on his experiences.</div>
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I was less keen on the repeated use of <i>"making love"</i> in its modern sense, however impressive the stamina of the paramour. I fear that I may have to resign myself to its creeping misuse, though in reality the telephone and motor car are both older than the sensual meaning of the phrase, and I doubt they would ever appear in a Regency! If it was simply anachronistic then I could get used to it, as it's such an evocative description for modern readers and listeners, but it had a distinct meaning of its own at the time; flattering someone, courting them, or otherwise being especially complimentary of them. As it is used both ways in historical romance and only one of them is correct, I find the misappropriated version irksome.</div>
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I laughed aloud at the description of a playful object, with <i>"its base winking in the firelight"</i> but, alas, dare not furnish you with the context in such polite company.</div>
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Vale's stories are always deeply character-driven. She does not neglect the setting, but there is always the sense that their surroundings recede a little as the couple's interest in each other grows. They are the stories of lovers who happen to live in the Regency era, rather than tales of Georgians who happen to be in love. Her characters are also very real; flawed, frustrated, afraid, overwhelmed, desperate, determined, and brave - but never perfect. </div>
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One of the things I especially enjoy about the <i>Gentlemen Courtesans</i> series, and <i>What a Courtesan Wants</i> in particular, is its focus upon male friendship. Historical romance often features a heroine and her gaggle of sisters, or a hero and his second, but it is rare to find a group of men who are invested in each other's lives; bound like brothers by time, loyalty, hardship, and trust. Though none of the individual relationships they have with each other is the same, there's an implacable sense of unity that underscores their interactions, even when they're at odds with one another. This is especially true of Aubrey and Benedict. </div>
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Aubrey is very paternalistic in his care of his friends, taking pains to check upon their well-being when they seem out of sorts. Having had the guardianship of his niece since he was barely past his majority, it is no surprise that he adopts a similarly parental attitude to the gentlemen close to him, particularly when they are estranged from their own families. </div>
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I also love the way Vale describes male desire, passion, and satiation. There is something so much more sensual about really being able to feel that yearning build and become an unstoppable crescendo. With the majority of historical romance novels championing the female experience - and thus the feminine perspective of events both within the bedroom and without - it is uncommon to have so much insight into both characters, and is one of the reasons I so enjoy Vale's writing.</div>
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In a testament to the fact that her books are not just bonk-buster bodice-rippers, my favourite quote from the series so far was one of simmering tenderness rather than scorching carnality:<br />
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<i>"I love your mouth, even though you won't let me kiss you. I dream about it, you know, all the time. I have imagined kissing you so many times, and in so many ways. I do believe that if you ever let me touch my lips to yours, I'll go mad for wanting to try them all at once."</i></blockquote>
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There were a few places in which tighter editing would have helped avoid several close repetitions, such as <i>"I am certain it has been some time for you, so we will take our time."</i> Nothing egregious, but sensual moments in particular benefit from careful editing to smooth the passage of the unfolding scene without stumbling. The narrator's skill and familiarity with Vale's writing meant that he handled the obstacles well, minimising their impact and reducing the potential to interrupt the flow.</div>
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As I have come to expect, the narrator, Darcy Stark, continued his good work on this series. Stark moves seamlessly from cool, clipped tones to softer and more sumptuous vocals, clearly differentiating not only the different characters and sexes but their moods and desires.</div>
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We're treated to glimpses of more depth in his voice in this book, which was very nice, though I sometimes have the feeling that the part he most revels in narrating is that of the snarky society columnist for The London Gossip.</div>
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As in previous novels, he still mispronounces <i>"wont"</i> as <i>"won't"</i> (instead of 'want'), but it's a very minor niggle. Such things are simply more noticeable in historicals because the language of the era - and Stark's crisp accent - is so precise.</div>
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I would recommend <i>What A Courtesan Wants</i> to everyone who enjoys dark Regency stories, and especially to those seeking historical romance with broader representation than is standard. It can be listened to as a standalone but is at its best as part of a wickedly entertaining series.</div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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The titles in the Gentlemen Courtesans series so far, are:</div>
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Book 0.5 - <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=207519912882165803" rel="nofollow">Tempting the Bluestocking.</a></div>
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Book 1 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/09/review-portrait-of-lady.html" rel="nofollow">Portrait of a Lady.</a></div>
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Book 2 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2020/02/review-what-courtesan-wants.html" target="_blank">What a Courtesan Wants.</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click here to buy this book, listen to a sample, or add it to your wishlist!)</span></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-69662775900889971612020-02-25T00:24:00.000+00:002020-02-25T16:41:46.212+00:00Review: False Value<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45016688-false-value" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="False Value (Rivers of London, #8) audiobook cover. A map of london in green on a black backdrop, with a towel holder, drone, and computer hardware." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcxWr-QaSMczcxdW36YbfDswZf39bV7GjktJrNksg4i5zKoERR6Kxb0hp8RnGNkv5nhd7Hpwpc4OOGAmw7R3DEnyrlHZV0dowbMgcHnX-5X2_gWMZKKw7QV-hFa4gSPcjBbaCjSRYIP9K/s1600/61bg2j1a%252BRL._SL500_+%25281%2529.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcxWr-QaSMczcxdW36YbfDswZf39bV7GjktJrNksg4i5zKoERR6Kxb0hp8RnGNkv5nhd7Hpwpc4OOGAmw7R3DEnyrlHZV0dowbMgcHnX-5X2_gWMZKKw7QV-hFa4gSPcjBbaCjSRYIP9K/s1600/61bg2j1a%252BRL._SL500_+%25281%2529.jpg" title="" /></a><a href="http://tidd.ly/6335b8a8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">False Value</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/363130.Ben_Aaronovitch">Ben Aaronovitch</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3199001416" target="_blank">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 11 hrs 3 mins. <br />
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited. <br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/6335b8a8" rel="nofollow" target="">False Value, Rivers of London series, Book 8</a> by Ben Aaronovitch sends Peter Grant to the Serious Cybernetics Company. Our favourite Starling barely has time to register where his towel is (inexplicably wrapped around his head) before he stumbles upon some more of the 'weird s*it' that seems to follow him around. The geek rapture is coming, and the Americans are already here...</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>Peter Grant is facing fatherhood and an uncertain future with equal amounts of panic and enthusiasm. Rather than sit around, he takes a job with émigré Silicon Valley tech genius Terrence Skinner's brand-new London start-up - the Serious Cybernetics Company. </i><br />
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<i>Drawn into the orbit of Old Street's famous 'silicon roundabout', Peter must learn how to blend in with people who are both civilians and geekier than he is. Compared to his last job, Peter thinks it should be a doddle. But magic is not finished with Mama Grant's favourite son. </i></div>
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<i>Because Terrence Skinner has a secret hidden in the bowels of the SCC. A technology that stretches back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage and forward to the future of artificial intelligence. A secret that is just as magical as it is technological - and just as dangerous. </i></div>
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<i>©2019 Ben Aaronovitch (P)2019 Orion Publishing Group Limited</i>."</div>
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Having nonchalantly skipped a re-read of the previous book in the Peter Grant arc of the <i>Rivers of London</i> series, <i>Lies Sleeping</i>, I was at a bit of a loss when this audiobook began with Peter starting work at a tech company having been suspended from his job with the Metropolitan Police, and The Folly. I hadn't actually forgotten a whole novel's worth of adventures, for <i>False Value</i> is told in a series of discombobulating flashbacks, identified only by reference to the month at the start of each chapter. Once I realised this (which took far longer than it ought to have done) it became much easier to follow. This swirling inconsistency and feeling of time being stretched, squished, smooshed, and otherwise manipulated, suited the theme very nicely once I stopped feeling like I was grappling with an <a href="https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Infinite_Improbability_Drive" rel="nofollow">Infinite Improbability Drive</a>. Starting to feel like there have been too many Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy references in this review already? Well buckle up hoopy froods, because more than any other book in the series so far, <i>False Value</i> is an ode to Douglas Adams (with Terry Pratchett's hat on). </div>
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The Serious Cybernetics Company base their entire operating structure around H2G2 references, in that pretentious way kooky tech startups think is cool and ironic, and everyone else stops finding funny after the second or third time they were allowed to call someone a Vogon without being hauled in to HR. It lends an absurdity to the whole situation that makes it harder to spot the things that are really wrong, but it's not long before Peter finds himself tangled up in a web with worldwide implications. </div>
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<i>False Value</i> is very much Peter's book, perhaps more than any to date. Though he is supported by Nightingale, Guleed, and Silver, and we see more of the gentle domesticity of his life with Beverly and her growing <i>"bulge"</i>, the true bulk of the story has nothing to do with the twins. Peter spends much of the book cut off from the badge and uniform that usually prop up his investigations, and while surrounded by the kind of tech that his magic usually fries, he must rely on old-fashioned detective work to help him catch the 'rat' hiding amongst the mice.</div>
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Because the setting for this book is so self-contained in many ways, we see less of the wider magical community than usual, with references to the demi-monde but fewer opportunities to delve into it. We are treated to more information about the Practitioners of the USA and how the various states regulate the use of magic, and the ways this differs from their European counterparts. As we had a full novella devoted to the Folly's German equivalent with last year's <i>October Man</i>, I am hopeful that we will see Stephen and Mrs Chin again for more adventures of their own, especially now that they are on Agent Reynolds' radar.</div>
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In the opening moments of this audiobook, there was a touching - albeit fleeting - reference to the public reaction upon learning of David Bowie's death, which helped anchor it in time (though not every dead millionaire came out of it quite so well). This helped remind me that it takes place a few years before the present day, which was especially useful given the time-jumps from one chapter to the next.</div>
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This audiobook contains all the signature humour and every-man bluntness we have come to love from Peter Grant, and touches like this made me glad to have him back:</div>
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<i>'In her arms was an overwrought toddler in a green romper suit, whose tantrum paused briefly while he eyed me up, suspiciously. The woman followed suit. "No," she said, "I don't want a personal friend in Jesus." </i><i><i>I showed her my warrant card, "But have you let the Metropolitan Police into your heart?" I asked.'</i></i></blockquote>
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In more general terms, Aaronovitch once more, presents a vision of London distilled and celebrated; beautifully multicultural in characters, food, and culture. All the books have had elements of this, but it seemed much more vibrant this time. I don't know if that's Aaronovitch rebelling against the current political climate, or me noticing it because it's an oasis in an increasingly-isolationist age.</div>
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My favourite quote from <i>False Value</i> is, I think: '<i>He'd obviously wanted to tell someone about it for a long time and I was a convenient ear. I get that a lot. Stephanopoulos calls it my secret weapon. "It's that vacant expression," she said, "people just want to fill the empty void".</i>'</div>
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The last chapter of the book is this podcast by Orion, which interviews Ben and Kobna about the Rivers of London audiobooks and what lies in store for them, and Peter, next.</div>
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I loved hearing that Aaronovitch enjoys listening to the books as a refresher when writing new ones. That he so appreciates the value of the audio editions is wonderful, as a listener, because it all helps combat the snobbishness that still lingers around the format when compared to print. </div>
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If you can't wait until your next credit becomes available, can also listen to the first five minutes of the book, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/orionbooks/false-value-by-ben-aaronovitch-read-by-kobna-holdbrook-smith?in=orionbooks/sets/false-value-rivers-of-london" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</div>
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As always, the narrator, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, was marvellous. He always brings the books so vividly to life, and somehow copes with the myriad of accents that Aaronovitch tries to trip him up with. He will always be the voice I hear in my head when I think about Peter Grant, and I'm so glad that he enjoys working on the series and is committed to continuing as its narrator as I'd be gutted if they ever had to replace him.</div>
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I also enjoyed hearing the trust that Aaronovitch puts in KHS to select the right voice, sometimes for characters that the author himself hasn't <i>"thought through"</i> far enough to have given a voice in his own imagination. Their process is truly collaborative in such a friendly, respectful way, both appreciating the skill of the other and determining to help their process shine. Long may it continue!</div>
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Overall <i>False Value</i> is an excellent Peter Grant novel, and - despite being quite a departure from the rest of the series - it felt like it harked back to the earlier novels before they became a little too bogged down in the resolution of the Faceless Man story arc. I would recommend <i>False Value</i> to anyone who enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but would suggest that fans of urban fantasy who have yet to try Rivers of London go back to the beginning, as it is not really a standalone tale.</div>
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Ben Aaronovitch's Peter Grant/Rivers of London audiobooks, in order, are:</div>
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Book 1 - Rivers of London.</div>
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Book 1.5 - The Home Crowd Advantage (not available in audio).</div>
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Book 2 - Moon Over Soho.</div>
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Book 3 - Whispers Underground.</div>
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Book 4 - Broken Homes.</div>
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Book 5 - Foxglove Summer.</div>
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Book 5.5 - The Furthest Station.</div>
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Book 6 - The Hanging Tree.</div>
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Book 6.5 - A Rare Book of Cunning Device (audio exclusive).</div>
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Book 7 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/01/throwback-thursday-review-lies-sleeping.html" target="_blank">Lies Sleeping</a>.</div>
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Book 7.5 - October Man.</div>
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Book 8 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2020/02/review-false-value.html" target="_blank">False Value.</a></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-4981171448083368952020-02-24T18:01:00.001+00:002020-02-24T18:18:48.582+00:00Review: The Smoke: New York<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19447357" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Smoke: New York audiobook cover. An autumnal forest scene." border="0" datapin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivVDxuZHdAt8MguJ7lYvnRmqQOS43XadvpSj_mupNCSCBg0DeWmU9YYRLBhUU3Aa3ITz2rN5Q5u6oBcPcwLfXWJ1SAR2p5VH5rE9v1xGSzUqHh8gj3UXY9Lc90-qSYDTz_ufMz11PEylu/s1600/51qIhriku4L._SL500_+%25281%2529.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivVDxuZHdAt8MguJ7lYvnRmqQOS43XadvpSj_mupNCSCBg0DeWmU9YYRLBhUU3Aa3ITz2rN5Q5u6oBcPcwLfXWJ1SAR2p5VH5rE9v1xGSzUqHh8gj3UXY9Lc90-qSYDTz_ufMz11PEylu/s1600/51qIhriku4L._SL500_+%25281%2529.jpg" title="" /></a>
<a href="http://tidd.ly/bbd3abab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Smoke: New York</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1073706">Lars D.H. Hedbor</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3164778487">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 4 hrs 54 mins.<br />
Publisher: Brief Candle Press. <br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/bbd3abab" rel="nofollow" target="">The Smoke: Tales From a Revolution - New York</a> by Lars D. H. Hedbor is another fascinating glimpse into America's history from a lesser-told perspective that educates and entertains.</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>As the quiet cycle of life in the forested realm of the Skarure is shattered by the outbreak of war between the British and Colonial forces, the old alliances of the Haudenosaunee Confederation are pulled in divergent directions, pitting brother against brother, even within the clans.</i><br />
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<i><i>Thrust into the middle of this maelstrom, young Joseph Killeen will rely upon the guidance of an unexpected community to decide not only what is right and wrong, but ultimately, who he even is. </i></i><br />
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<i><i>©2013 Lars D. H. Hedbor (P)2020 Lars D. H. Hedbor</i>."</i><br />
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<b>Content Warning: This story contains a depiction of maternal mortality and child-loss.</b></div>
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I have enjoyed the previous audiobooks in Hedbor's series, <i><a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/02/review-freedman-tales-from-revolution.html">The Freedman</a></i> and <i><a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/05/review-tree-tales-from-revolution.html">The Tree</a></i>, and was keen to revisit the series to learn a little more about the period. In this tale from the Revolution, we glimpse the impact of the fighting on the Native American peoples. </div>
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Once again, I was glad that Hedbor did not make this a novel in which things are black and white, with a 'right' side and a 'wrong' one, and most specifically that he did not pit the indigenous population as a whole against the Rebels. Allowing for a more nuanced story, in which the local tribes become embroiled in the affairs of both sides, is important in ensuring that their tale does not generalise or dismiss any of the characters as part of a broad, homogenised group. Neither the soldiers nor the tribesmen are one-dimensional, with each capable of as much harm as joy as they fight to secure the future of their kin. Ultimately, <i>The Smoke</i> challenges the ways those men classify 'kin' and proves that even those from very different worlds can become brothers in arms. </div>
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One quote in particular sums up the general theme of the book when someone says, <i>“They are but people, whose ways are strange to us, without a doubt, but they laugh, love and lose just as we do.”</i></div>
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As with many of the other audiobooks in the <i>Tales From a Revolution</i> series, I knew very little about this period from the American perspective and even less about the effect the War had upon the Native Americans, whose communities had been decimated by the settlers' conflicts before. The fear of further reprisals, more bloodshed, and an understanding that the 'pale men' would not <i>"grind themselves to dust"</i> as they clashed against one another, ultimately led the Tuscarora to defy the position of the Iroquois council, shattering the peace between tribes and pitting the clans against themselves as they struggled to survive the white men's vicious war. We see it through the experiences of Native American Ginawo and Confederacy soldier Joseph, who joins with the tribesmen and learns more about their culture and the impact his countrymen have had on the native people's lives. As conflict rages all around him and he struggles to decide which world he belongs in and where he loyalties now lie, Ginawo's greatest battle is faced much closer to home.
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Hedbor did well to capture a sense of the domestic lives away from the conflict, and introduced enough of the Native American way of life to explore their culture without it feeling voyeuristic or exploitative. There was a very good depiction of a difficult pregnancy, which was emotive and candid; not only in the risks for the woman and child, but the turmoil endured by the husband. When one of the women was in labour, the elder woman took her partner aside to remind him: <i>"You can do nothing, but must only stand aside and watch your beloved fight the bad spirits that would take her, with no help from you."</i> The helplessness of the mother, the father, and the midwife in these scenes was palpable.
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Though I struggle to connect with this story as easily as I did with <i>The Freedman</i>, it was still an interesting and valuable insight into the struggles of people whose stories are so often lost in the romanticised tales of rebellion told by those who became the ultimate victors of the war.
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The narrator, Shamaan Casey, did another great job with this audiobook. I love the depth and resonance to his voice, which gives the stories a gravitas that helps the historical setting feel as though it is telling the true stories of the characters we meet in Hedbor's novels. His performance always holds my attention and is quite relaxing to listen to, even when he is describing some of the Revolution's hardest times.
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I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories from the Revolutionary era, or those - like me - who are looking for a gentle introduction to the times that covers the many facets of the war and its impact, without specific bias.
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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Though each of the books can be listened to as a standalone story, the titles in Lars D. H. Hedbor's <i>Tales From a Revolution</i> series, in order, are:</div>
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Book 1 - The Prize: Tales From a Revolution - Vermont <i>(not yet in audio)</i>.</div>
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Book 2 - The Light: Tales From a Revolution - New Jersey.</div>
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Book 3 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2020/02/review-smoke-new-york_24.html" target="_blank">The Smoke: Tales From a Revolution - New-York.</a></div>
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Book 4 - The Declaration: Tales From a Revolution - South Carolina.</div>
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Book 5 - The Break: Tales From a Revolution - Nova-Scotia <i>(not yet in audio)</i>.</div>
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Book 6 - The Wind: Tales From a Revolution - West-Florida.</div>
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Book 7 - The Darkness: Tales From a Revolution - Maine <i>(not yet in audio)</i>.</div>
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Book 8 - The Path: Tales From a Revolution - Rhode-Island <i>(not yet in audio)</i>.</div>
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Book 9 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/02/review-freedman-tales-from-revolution.html">The Freedman: Tales From a Revolution - North Carolina.</a></div>
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Book 10 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/05/review-tree-tales-from-revolution.html">The Tree: Tales From a Revolution - New-Hampshire.</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click here to buy this book, listen to a sample, or add it to your wishlist!)</span></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-38590079923356750152020-02-19T23:38:00.001+00:002020-02-19T23:40:22.398+00:00Review: Never Borrow a Baronet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40176154" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Never Borrow a Baronet audiobook cover. A blonde woman in a pink gown stands before a sweeping staircase." border="0" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaYKGZCrqZYQAkxF_mz5-pGyMzfTasvtxQVPsSlIKQCecovyNUlnvbK9JZJlhyjpcYGbBFEHBi1iJOg9RnBdS_3fpXa6vqbk19J_qojoMWyjJ-Sera8BqLK-Sbf-tWID3hewqplKzdVFl/s1600/51hE6HlZeNL+%25281%2529.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaYKGZCrqZYQAkxF_mz5-pGyMzfTasvtxQVPsSlIKQCecovyNUlnvbK9JZJlhyjpcYGbBFEHBi1iJOg9RnBdS_3fpXa6vqbk19J_qojoMWyjJ-Sera8BqLK-Sbf-tWID3hewqplKzdVFl/s1600/51hE6HlZeNL+%25281%2529.jpg" title="" /></a>
<a href="http://tidd.ly/5fbf10d6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Never Borrow a Baronet</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/332375">Regina Scott</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3164779218">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 8 hrs 26 mins.<br />
Publisher: Regina Scott.<br />
<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/11/the-bennet-sisters-scale-rating-regency.html" rel="nofollow">#BennetSistersScale: Jane - 🌹🌹🌹🌹</a> Love, honour, and... Orwell? A sweet, clean, light Regency romance with a dash of intrigue and an honourable heart.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/5fbf10d6" rel="nofollow" target="">Never Borrow a Baronet, Fortune's Brides, Book 2</a> by Regina Scott is another charming audiobook in what is shaping up to be a highly diverting series. A cross between a Regency romance and a cozy mystery, this audibook will sweep you away to more elegant times.</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance.</i></div>
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<i><i>Then, her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.</i></i></div>
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<i><i>Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade.</i></i></div>
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<i><i>As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?</i></i></div>
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<i><i>This sweet, clean regency romance is the sequel to Never Doubt a Duke. Fortune’s Brides: Only a matchmaking cat can hunt true love.</i></i></div>
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<i><i>©2018 Regina Lundgren (P)2020 Regina Lundgren</i>."</i></div>
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I was delighted to return to Regina Scott's <i>Fortune's Brides</i> series with Patience's story, as she was an interesting minor character in the previous novel, <i><a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/12/review-never-doubt-duke.html" target="_blank">Never Doubt a Duke</a></i>, and deserved a tale of her own. When we meet her again she is in the process of escaping her irascible employer, Lady Carrolton, and assuming a new position as the laboratory assistant to an eccentric but warm-hearted maiden aunt.</div>
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<i>Never Borrow a Baronet</i> was charming and traditional throughout, and very easy to listen to. I especially loved little Fortune's expanding presence and the way she judges the character of the people she meets, offering a regal dismissal to those who do not pass the test. This series' style contains very little of the formality that is found in classic Regencies, but that gives it an ease and air of friendliness that makes it a relaxing and undemanding listen, which is always very welcome from audiobooks of this genre.</div>
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This second book involves more intrigue and 'cosy mystery' than its predecessor, taking the familiar house party setting and pitting the guests against an unknown villain who seems intent on harming the inhabitants. As their suspicions grow so do their characters, with the peril they face challenging their perceptions of themselves and each other, often in the most surprising ways. Scott does very well to introduce so many characters without it feeling slow or crowded, and as well as concluding Patience's story, Scott answered a few questions about Meredith's history with Julian, too. </div>
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There is a little too much repetition at times, in lines such as <i>"Harry moved from bush to tree, keeping the fellow in sight. Even while Harry kept out of sight."</i>, and the various occasions when nodding <i>"set her silver earbobs to sparkling"</i> or <i>"set her greying curls to bobbing"</i>. Because the language used elsewhere does not adhere too rigidly to period grammar, it stands out a little more when historical phrasing is reused. Despite this, the chapters are structured exceedingly well, with a good hook at the end of each, compelling the listener to play 'just one more chapter' again and again.</div>
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The main mystery - the identity of the hidden gunman - was not as cryptic as I would have liked it to be. As such, the characters' blindness to the truth was frustrating, but it was nicely resolved at the end in an entertaining and inventive manner than made up for any earlier chagrin. The book hints at the romance to come later in the series, with Lydia, Meredith, and Yvette all considering their hopes for the future, and the final chapter reveals the plot of the next instalment.</div>
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<i>Never Borrow a Baronet</i> was also another great performance from the narrator, Jannie Meisberger. Her voice always reminds me a little of Anna Massey reading children's stories in my youth. (Massey's tone is lighter in her narration of books for young listeners than for her regular fiction.) Meisberger also reminds me of Angela Thorne's style in <i>
<a href="http://tidd.ly/187e4357" rel="nofollow">The Secret of Platform 13</a>
</i> (which is renowned for its similarities to the Harry Potter books, which it pre-dates). I had this audiobook on cassette in my youth, and still have the tapes somewhere, and it was lovely to be reminded of it as I listened to Meisberger bring Scott's world to life once more.</div>
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There's something wonderfully nostalgic about Meisberger's performance in more general terms, too; harking back to the classics I grew up loving. Though her performance is lively enough that it does not feel old-fashioned, it is still traditional and comforting for its familiarity. As with the previous book in this series I did tweak the speed a little, to 1.10x, which helped it to feel like it bubbled along a little more brightly than it did otherwise.</div>
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I can recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoyed the previous book in the series, and all those who are looking for a Regency that is not sweet but not saccharine. </div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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The Fortune's Brides series, in order, are:</div>
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Book 1 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/12/review-never-doubt-duke.html" target="_blank">Never Doubt a Duke</a>.</div>
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Book 2 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2020/02/review-never-borrow-baronet.html" target="_blank">Never Borrow a Baronet</a>.</div>
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Book 3 - Never Envy an Earl (not yet in audio).</div>
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Book 4 - Never Vie for a Viscount (not yet in audio).</div>
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Book 5 - Never Kneel to a Knight (not yet in audio).</div>
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Book 6 - Never Marry a Marquess (not yet in audio).</div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-50943317495988798752020-02-10T23:02:00.001+00:002020-02-17T07:12:56.438+00:00Review: The Wages of Sin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50904181-the-wages-of-sin?from_search=true&qid=NdP0xmZIs7&rank=6" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Wages of Sin audiobook cover. A sepia-tinted image of a grand, country estate." border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41jcE5-nSBl02Z_9RJ4ypqYuxSuMsP8dfXD_9evEQMjNQg0fxC7nfJ6qVBHRkVM6aShC1kQiAD4HK2fbMO3PraNYyI4whC9_su4vrWwL9Nd5_OzAvyPXozxzYACJKYleZEOe55RfGFmfp/s1600/download+%25286%2529.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41jcE5-nSBl02Z_9RJ4ypqYuxSuMsP8dfXD_9evEQMjNQg0fxC7nfJ6qVBHRkVM6aShC1kQiAD4HK2fbMO3PraNYyI4whC9_su4vrWwL9Nd5_OzAvyPXozxzYACJKYleZEOe55RfGFmfp/s1600/download+%25286%2529.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
<a href="http://tidd.ly/a52a4c0f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wages of Sin</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/63594">Judith Cutler</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3141976767">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 9 hrs 35 mins.<br />
Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd. <br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/a52a4c0f" rel="nofollow" target="">Wages of Sin, Matthew Rowsley Series, Book 1</a> by Judith Cutler is the first book in an intriguing new series of Victorian mysteries, in which a young estate manager and the manor's diligent housekeeper must combine forces to uncover the secrets that threaten their home, their neighbors, and their livelihood. But their pursuit of the truth shines a light into all the darkest recesses, and they must confront their own hidden shames and heartbreaks if they are to succeed.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Audible Summary: "<i>Newly appointed as land agent to the youthful Lord Croft, Matthew Rowsley finds plenty to keep him busy as he attends to his lordship's neglected country estate. But he's distracted from his tasks by the disappearance of a young housemaid. Has Maggie really eloped with a young man, as her mother attests - or is the truth rather more sinister? What's been going on behind the scenes at the grand country estate, and where has his lordship disappeared to?</i><br />
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<i><i>Teaming up with housekeeper, Mrs Faulkner, to get to the bottom of the matter, Matthew uncovers a number of disturbing secrets, scandals and simmering tensions within the household.</i></i></div>
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<i>©2019 Judith Cutler (P)2020 Isis Publishing Ltd</i>." </div>
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<b>Content Warning: There are both assaults and sexual assaults in this audiobook, involving men, women, and minors. Most of the violence is only viewed after the fact, but the rape and its aftermath are covered in more detail and with greater presence, so please listen with caution if you would find those themes upsetting.</b></div>
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I was excited to begin listening to this book as I've been meaning to read more Victorian historicals and had high hopes for the sleuthing potential of a land agent and a housekeeper. Though the book was not quite what I had expected, I am already looking forward to Rowsley's next outing!</div>
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I had anticipated the housekeeper being a Mrs Hudson figure and was surprised to find the role filled by a youngish, attractive woman, who would - rather swiftly - become Matthew's romantic interest. It's quite unusual not to have such an attachment be a slow burn that ebbs and flows in will-they-won't-they fashion throughout a series, so it was quite startling to have that convention overturned. I do not think it is a spoiler to say so, for a potential listener ought to know that in many ways this is as much a historical romance as it is a Victorian mystery. That is not to its detriment, as it allows us to see a softer side to the often-austere interactions of the day, which makes it easier to 'get to know' the characters.</div>
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This novel takes quite a matter-of-fact, black and white approach to the characters and their circumstances overall. People are generally good or evil, compassionate or preachifying, respectable or profligate, and there's seldom much ambiguity about which side of the line they fall. That is quite in-keeping with an era which viewed society through a similarly reductive lens, though not necessarily reaching the same conclusions, for this novel is far kinder to the 'have nots' than the Victorians themselves ever were. This was, perhaps, informed a little by Cutler's own family history, <a href="https://severnhouse.wordpress.com/2019/10/28/illegitimate-children-and-family-scandals-judith-cutler-on-the-real-life-inspiration-behind-her-new-novel/%20" rel="nofollow">which helped inspire some of the servants' stories.</a></div>
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From the beginning, this novel positions itself on the progressive side of history; referencing the fact that Rowsley's father corresponds with Darwin, that his physician-uncle does not charge the poorest families for his medical services, and that Matthew was aware of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christiana_Willes" target="_blank">Christiana Willes</a>' cricketing prowess. Early in the book Rowsley opposes the Vicar's view of keeping the poor 'in their place', instead wishing to make basic education available to all by building a school.</div>
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Much as I think there is a responsibility within historical fiction to shine a light upon unhealthy attitudes in one way or another when portraying challenging or uncomfortable themes, I felt that Wages of Sin was a little <i>too</i> strident in its focus upon issues relating to women's disenfranchisement, discrimination, and abuse. Rowsley, in particular, is exceedingly vocal on these topics, which was refreshing at first but soon became a tad unbelievable, given quite how unusual it would be for a man to be quite so sympathetic to the female cause. A little subtlety may have helped it to feel in-keeping with the time, but as it was it felt very heavy-handed throughout, with characters of all sexes and classes discussing things they would usually be very reticent to disclose; especially with their 'betters' or in mixed company.</div>
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Despite the very modern sensibilities and candid conversations, there were some very nice historical references adding colour to Cutler's world, such as using limewashed wallpaper to feed runner beans, and the (outmoded, even in Victorian times) custom of the butler, Bowman, fetching the upstairs servants' dessert. Food is an evocative theme throughout, with the cook's menu and the extras that they send to the poorer families helping to enrich the setting. And indeed it does, for I can have nothing but praise for an audiobook that includes the consumption of cheese straws. (The oldest printed recipe for Cheese Straws that I can find is of Victorian origin - contemporary to this story - and comes from <i>
<a href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Page:Mrs_Beeton%27s_Book_of_Household_Management.djvu/1347" rel="nofollow">Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management</a>
</i> (1861). Which of the two methods yielded the melt-in-your-mouth delicacies eaten by Lord Croft's household we shall never know, but I'm willing to take a punt that it's not the recipe that includes breadcrumbs in the mixture.)</div>
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The language of this book was quite loose and lacking some of the Victorian formality, but it was gentler for it and easy to listen to. As such, it was not always instantly evocative of the era, but this was when the additional time spent adding colour in other areas really came into its own, and there was enough period detail to bring the past to life. Some close repetition in word choice occasionally made the writing feel a little unrefined, but it was never anything egregious. Audiobooks often highlight such passages in a way that is far less noticeable when reading words on a page. Descriptions such as <i>"I thought of the neat bean rows flourishing in cottage gardens. A man's body would fit neatly under the canes"</i> will always sound clumsier when softly spoken into a listener's ear than they ever do in a reader's imagination. The narrator's lively performance conceals any awkwardness well, and the characters are sufficiently well-drawn that it is their dialogue, more than their internal observations, that really drive the story.</div>
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Most of the revelations in this audiobook were not a surprise, but as with most mysteries, the fun comes not only from guessing the ending correctly but from navigating the twists and turns as the various threads weave together. I enjoyed the storytelling and having come to know the characters I would be interested in their next mystery. I'm curious about their future given the scope of the changes that occur in this inaugural outing, and would like to see Dr Paige featured a little more in future adventures.</div>
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The narrator, David Thorpe, was new to me but I liked his voice very well. His performance was clear and expressive, and he reminded me a little of Kris Dyer and Mark Meadows in the style of his delivery. All the book's personalities had voices with plenty of character, and emotion, and he managed the tricky flashback scenes without confusing the listener, which is always admirable (and very welcome).</div>
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He had a rather unusual, and varying, pronunciation of <i>"Ianto"</i> (EE-AN-tow rather than the soft Welsh ee-AN-tow or Anglicised YAN-tow), but delivered a nice, rounded, resonant Welsh accent for the character in question which was full of warmth and perfectly suited a kindly village clergyman.</div>
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I would recommend this audiobook to people who like Victorian tales from below stairs and all those who enjoy mystery novels, though the distressing themes it covers mean that it is not quite the 'cosy' mystery some might expect.</div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-22767904321818618002020-02-09T19:52:00.000+00:002020-02-16T19:42:07.167+00:00Review: Infernal Justice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50143299-infernal-justice?from_search=true&qid=xrZOGMbpaK&rank=1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Infernal Justice audiobook cover. A man in a long coat strides away from a hellish city filled with demons." border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5Xk2xdjCsok3h1nvJxwfd0wpJQ_7ElwjU8QaUi6F1g-V0VzcfaxV5uub3PWjEV5upXk-Ad-acenRSCV_GTNjvPqCSzbK1PzNe4LIMQsAQMuAVyHHwH94aJVVNu8MMI-nPknOQj0nJca3/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5Xk2xdjCsok3h1nvJxwfd0wpJQ_7ElwjU8QaUi6F1g-V0VzcfaxV5uub3PWjEV5upXk-Ad-acenRSCV_GTNjvPqCSzbK1PzNe4LIMQsAQMuAVyHHwH94aJVVNu8MMI-nPknOQj0nJca3/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" title="" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/36230a71" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Infernal Justice</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8146388">N.P. Martin</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3122108540">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 8 hrs 29 mins.<br />
Publisher: Dark World Press.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/36230a71" rel="nofollow" target="">Infernal Justice, Ethan Drake Series, Book 1</a> by N. P. Martin is a gritty urban fantasy whose flawed antihero's only hope comes in the form of a fallen angel and a trash-talking unicorn.</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>In a lightless world, only darkness can drive out darkness. </i><i><i>My name is Ethan Drake and I’m a police detective... And I got plenty darkness to give. </i></i><br />
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<i><i>So does my partner, who’s a demon, and frankly, a royal pain in my ass. But occult investigators are in short supply in the PD, so what are you going to do? Anyway, we just caught a body-snatching case that has the stench of occult workings all over it. Seems someone wants to summon something bad into this world, something that threatens the very fate of humanity. I could[n't] care less about the fate of humanity myself, but hey, when it’s your job, you gotta do something, right?</i></i></div>
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<a name='more'></a><i><i>Only my job has been made harder by a demon who’s decided it wants me as a vessel, and will stop at nothing until it gets what it wants. Internal affairs are also gunning for my badge over the murder of some guy who deserved it, and on top of that, I’m trying to solve the murders of my ex-wife and daughter. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the snarkiest Hellicorn in the known universe... You know that thing threatening all of humanity? I might just let it succeed....</i></i><br />
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<i><i>©2019 Neal Martin (P)2019 Neal Martin</i>."</i><br />
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<b>Content Warning: Child loss is a central theme, with graphic flashbacks to his daughter's death.</b></div>
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Ethan Drake is an ex super-soldier security enforcer turned cop, who finds himself still battling the same demons and frequently outside of the law. Making use of all the bodily upgrades he received in his previous occupation, working for the notorious Blackstar, it takes more than just his cutting-edge biotech like steel knuckles, and arms enhanced with werewolf bone, to keep the city safe. For lurking in every shadow - and most high ranking offices - are the MURKS; <i>"Monsters, Unnaturals, Reapers, and Killers/K**ts".</i></div>
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We meet Drake as he is called to investigate a grave-robbing, and - in a nice nod to D.C - the corpse that goes missing is that of convicted murderer Barbara Keane, and the SOCO we find processing her grave is named Gordon. It soon becomes clear that this is not the only way Infernal Justice harks back to D.C Comics, as it seems there's a fair bit of (one of my favourite Legends), Constantine, in the inspiration for Drake. Ethan lacks John's roguish charm, however, and in many ways is less anarchic than D.C's introspective 'punk' hellraiser. Drake may not like taking orders, but treats the job and its regulations as a necessary evil that affords him much-needed structure and some legitimacy. Despite that, Ethan is too lost in his own darkness in this book to really shine the way Constantine - or most of the infamous antiheroes of popular culture - do. Drake is at an exceedingly bleak point in his life following the loss of his family, and that informs his choices and his perspective.</div>
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As such, this book is quite graphic in places. If you like to listen to audiobooks in your lunch break this is not the book for you. There's rather a lot of evisceration, which is meant to be shocking but I've seen more of my insides than most of the bloodied victims did in their final moments, so the novelty has long since worn off. But if you <i>haven't</i> been taught how to cough while holding the tattered remnants of your own abdomen together after surgery, then you might find those scenes more unsettling. Especially if you ever want to cook raw sausages again.</div>
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I enjoyed Martin's storytelling, and it takes some skill to help the reader (or listener) care about a character who isn't sure whether or not he really cares about himself - or anything else - anymore. The writing is a bit clunky in places with lots of repetition in certain scenes and more than a few clichés, but it doesn't detract from the story, it just adds to the sense that Ethan rubs you up the wrong way and is a bit of an irritant, like the nucleus in an oyster that eventually forms the pearl.</div>
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Lines like <i>"If you decide to come for me, you better be ready for a whole world of pain, because right now, I got a lotta f*cking pain to give."</i> remind me more of 80s hard-man films or Eastenders' Mitchell Brothers parodies than contemporary urban fantasy, but, as I said, Ethan's no everyman.</div>
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The Hellicorn provided some much-needed levity, albeit of a very dark kind, and I hope he features in the rest of the series.</div>
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My only real gripe was one that is so prevalent in sci-fi and fantasy books that I'm more surprised when it's not an issue than when it is. Disappointingly, none of the female characters were anywhere near as well-developed as the men, and many conformed to distinct negative stereotypes. (Three out of six of the mothers who feature in the series were prostitutes or gangland mistresses, there was a teenage girl with a few lines but most of them were vacuous or about Twilight, and even Ethan's partner, Hannah Walker, was more notable for her ethnicity and drug problem than for being a demon.</div>
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And, of course, no male fantasy author can have an <i>"Asian girl"</i> in their story without mentioning her petite stature and small breasts when things get intimate! This alone may not seem like much, but earlier in the book an ignorant teen had already given her the backhanded compliment that she was <i>"really pretty for an Asian girl"</i>, and then it's revealed that she's actually <i>only</i> half Japanese. I'm no expert, nor do I have any personal experience of racial discrimination or stereotyping, but I can imagine the combination might seem a little ill-judged to anyone with a background that's more like Hannah's than my own, where lighter skin and more Western features have often been favoured or idealised. It's great to see some diversity in fantasy, but considering how much effort has been made to give Drake's character some nuance that straddles the veil between 'good' and 'evil', it would have been nice if Walker's character bio ticked a few more boxes than a pornhub search filter.</div>
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Admittedly, the men in this book aren't healthy role models either. Nobody's winning father of the year, and even the 'good guys' are weak and crooked. Ethan himself has a very flexible moral code, but despite his reliance on an illicit substance to function, his habit isn't treated with as much scorn as 'junkie' Hannah's. The men may not be heroes, but they're not <i>all</i> simple stereotypes, either. Hopefully this will improve as the series progresses, as there were a lot of characters to introduce in this book and it's inevitable that some come out of that process better than others. As Hannah finds her footing in the mortal realm, it will be interesting to see if her supernatural strength is reflected in her personality as well as by her growing abilities.</div>
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That said, none of the characters are really likeable; nor are they meant to be. Drake's perspective was stark and melancholic, ruled by grief and dampened by the Mud, and his work brought him into contact with not only the worst of <i>humanity</i>, but some of Hell's less favourable offerings, too. Despite his antihero status, he does have a code of honour driving him to pursue justice; he's just not very particular about how it is achieved. He's probably happier setting his small army of pet pervert-demons onto a criminal than arresting them, yet he clings to his badge like a Shield of Faith. It makes him an interesting protagonist because it's never easy to judge what he'll do next or how he will react to any given situation. </div>
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This was my first audiobook narrated by Brian Wiggins, but I enjoyed his performance and felt that he had a good pace and tone to his voice. The slightly flattened, hollow tinge to the voice he gives Drake anchors the performance in grief and speaks of a man whose torment has exhausted his spirit.</div>
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The disgusting and recalcitrant hellb**tards were great fun, and the somewhat camp voice Wiggins gave Scroteface was nicely creepy and inhuman. They reminded me a little of the Worms from <i>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null">Men In Black</a>
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I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a new fantasy crime series and is happy with a hero who not only gets his hands dirty but accrues a few nasty stains on his soul as well.<br />
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3.5 Stars for this one have been rounded up to 4 because I liked the narrator and the world-building, and enjoyed the book enough to keep an ear out for book 2.</div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-19402640240573409662020-02-09T17:33:00.000+00:002020-02-16T16:25:33.941+00:00Short & Sweet Review: Death Around the Bend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/19355a34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Death Around the Bend</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9208948">T E Kinsey</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3180103918">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 8 hrs 36 mins.<br />
Publisher: Brilliance Audio.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/19355a34" rel="nofollow" target="">Death Around the Bend - A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 3</a> by T. E. Kinsey is another garrulous adventure for Emily and Flo, as they bimble about countryside society sticking their noses everywhere they don't belong.</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>When Lady Hardcastle and her maid, Florence, are invited to Lord Riddlethorpe's country estate for a week of motor racing and parties, they both agree it sounds like a perfectly charming holiday. But when one of the drivers dies in a crash during the very first race, they discover that what seemed like an uncharacteristic error in judgement may have a more sinister explanation... Closer investigation reveals that the driver's car was sabotaged - and the driver murdered. The local constabulary are quick to dismiss the case, but Flo and Lady Hardcastle are determined to find out just who has committed this dastardly act, and why.</i></div>
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<i><i>As the pair begin to make enquiries of Lord Riddlethorpe's servants and guests, it seems that, below stairs and above, there is more to this case than meets the eye. And, even in the quiet of the countryside, death is always just around the bend.</i></i></div>
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<i><i>©2017 T E Kinsey (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing Inc., all rights reserved.</i>."</i></div>
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I can always rely on the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries to cheer me up, for nothing ever seems to fluster the amiable Emily Hardcastle and her loyal ladies maid. Having grown up in the circus, Lady Hardcastle's companion is useful for more than just repairing her gowns and arranging luncheon, which is especially fortunate given the pair's penchant for finding trouble. This time around we're treated to a traditional House Party murder-mystery, and not all the guests will make it through their country sojourn.</div>
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Packed with all the charm and humour of the previous books in the series, it didn't take me long to settle back into Kinsey's world and view the characters as old friends. The murders had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing for a while, and the conclusion - whilst not surprising - was satisfying. There's a cosiness to this series that means they are always relaxing, even when they're tempting me to sacrifice an hour's sleep to squeeze in one more chapter! As Lord Riddlethorpe so eloquently puts it, <i>"Suffering is good for the immortal soul, and hers needs all the help it can get."</i></div>
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In this book I especially identified with <i>"poor Miss Titmus"</i>, whose lack of confidence always left her a little overshadowed by her friends, except when pursuing her hobbies. When Lady Hardcastle asked her <i>"Is this new, all this photography lark?"</i> and she said <i>"No, not really. I believe the first photographs were taken in the 1820s..."</i> I felt her well-intentioned pedantry a little too keenly...</div>
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This audiobook has also furnished me with my favourite new expression, <i>"Sharp as a hedgehog's overcoat"</i>, which I shall be using as frequently as I can.</div>
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The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden, once again gave a lively and articulate performance. She handled the voices for all the characters very well especially given that there were several upper-class ladies and gentlemen of the same ages and backgrounds to try and make distinct, and neither muddled their voices in her reading nor left me confused over which who meant to be speaking.</div>
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I'd recommend this audiobook to everyone who thinks they would enjoy lighthearted cozy mysteries with a pinch of P. G. Wodehouse, and anyone who enjoys stories with humour, heart, and plenty of amateur sleuthing.</div>
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The Lady Hardcastle Mysteries in order are:</div>
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#1 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/05/review-quiet-life-in-country.html" rel="nofollow">A Quiet Life in the Country</a>.</div>
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#2 - In the Market for Murder.</div>
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#3 - <a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2020/02/short-sweet-review-death-around-bend.html" target="_blank">Death Around the Bend.</a></div>
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#3.5 - Christmas at the Grange.</div>
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#4 - A Picture of Murder.</div>
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#5 - The Burning Issue of the Day.</div>
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#6 - Death Beside the Seaside.</div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-44809334623572718392020-02-08T22:40:00.000+00:002020-02-16T16:29:25.473+00:00Review: Mermaid's Destiny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42090798-mermaid-s-destiny?from_search=true&qid=VZeAnQgDWb&rank=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb3vJenxd0GaBWaE8sGKL7INQyCt0wJQHm6ehfc1aT37y-iuDLpcouY-4U0AWa1PvpkzGps7ALUhaycsZCV1ae-UesOWCgz7XB9NjG2RmGssvR8KdhYnykhMHtsXS5XQ0V_DKAMmEyvXd/s1600/download+%25285%2529.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb3vJenxd0GaBWaE8sGKL7INQyCt0wJQHm6ehfc1aT37y-iuDLpcouY-4U0AWa1PvpkzGps7ALUhaycsZCV1ae-UesOWCgz7XB9NjG2RmGssvR8KdhYnykhMHtsXS5XQ0V_DKAMmEyvXd/s1600/download+%25285%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://tidd.ly/e6256fd1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mermaid's Destiny</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18022959">Mira Crest</a>.</div>
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3044314958" target="_blank">2 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐</div>
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Duration: 6 hrs 48 mins.</div>
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Publisher: Alvin Chiew.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/e6256fd1" rel="nofollow" target="">Mermaid's Destiny, Meragon Book 1</a> by Mira Crest is a light, sweet, magical adventure requiring teamwork in the face of adversity, to challenge kingdoms and traditions across the supernatural realms.</div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>Mermaid. Dragon Shifter. An action-filled tale of epic adventure and magic. </i></div>
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<i>Cirona's the royal heir of the Merfolk, locked up in a dark prison next to a large and mighty black dragon, Argun. Bound by the magical cages that imprison them, forging an unwilling alliance might be their only avenue of escape. </i></div>
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<i>But breaking out is only the beginning. Finding themselves in an ancient city, Cirona and Argun must use their wits and magic to battle enemies of dark magic and stop an old evil from arising.</i></div>
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<i>©2018 Alvin Chiew (P)2019 Alvin Chiew</i>." </div>
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Mermaid's Destiny is a sweet, clean, little fantasy adventure, but despite being categorised as Epic Fantasy on Audible, it felt much more like a children's book. Until a gently passionate clinch in Chapter 25, I would have said it was solidly middle-grade, but the romance may bump it up to young YA. (Though it is not a 'kissing book', to paraphrase <i>The Princess Bride</i>, I think that it would have been in the 11-13 Years shelf of my local library.)</div>
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I found the story rather slow to get going, with dragon and mermaid taking forever to figure out where they were, how to escape, and whether or not to work together. Once they did, the action picked up, and they had to combine their strengths and overcome their people's indoctrinated prejudices to save Cirona's soul, and Argun's heart. </div>
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As their journey progressed it was nice to see the quiet, empathetic mermaid prove to be the more magically-powerful of the two, and gain confidence in both her abilities and her character as she battled onwards beside the warrior dragon. Argun, in turn, learnt the benefit of Cirona's compassion and consideration, dampening his fiery arrogance a little as his appreciation and affection for Cirona grew. </div>
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Part of the reason why it felt overwhelmingly like a children's book is because it conforms to all the basic tenets of junior fiction; the language is clear and simple, there is no swearing, the lines between good and evil are distinct and unyielding, and the soulmates' faith in each other turns to a true love that conquers all. There are moral messages throughout which teach the benefits of teamwork and friendship, embracing the differences between communities, and the perils of avarice and the pursuit of power.</div>
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Whilst there is some resolution, it's unfortunate that the story ended on quite such a cliffhanger. It's nice when the first book in a series is a stand-alone story which leaves room for more adventures, rather than feeling so unfinished. It appears that the author prefers beginning series to completing them, as Mira Crest has several 'Book 1' titles for various series' on both Amazon and Audible, but they have not been followed up.</div>
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The narrator, Beverley Murray, had a nice, clear voice and read in a bright, lively, manner. Her performance reminded me of being read fairytales at bedtime as a child. </div>
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The voice Murray gave Cirona made her sound very young, which fit the story well once I realised it was YA. There was not really enough depth in her voice for the dragon, Argun, as he often sounded like a middle-aged, matronly woman. </div>
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I would happily listen to Murray again, though, and think that she would be a wonderful narrator for other children's books and women's fiction, in particular.</div>
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I'd recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fantasy adventure they can listen to on road trips with older children, or those looking for a book to suit kids who are at that 'in between' age; too old for middle-grade books but not quite ready for the adult themes in YA. Be prepared to wait for answers, however, as the next book in the series is unavailable.</div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-36823119820064052222020-02-02T22:29:00.000+00:002020-02-16T16:35:08.272+00:00Series Review: Reluctant Regency Brides Collection Books 1-3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50315345-reluctant-regency-brides-collection-books-1-3?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=JqQj0SzEee&rank=5" target="_blank"><img alt="Audiobook cover for Claudia Stone's Regency Brides Collection, books 1-3. A couple in elegant clothes share a tender embrace." border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfofFRwvACdsSZJ_WusUI0zyBTjN0zCyYNVWPhGC24_GFjv1pueb-gqmSuStNFmSgVB3IkZR_NspaRq7GQr0PZ_d_Ugy3K3mIkmli_aqTmt_kps0XJ7tPpwwWsbCardAFjJpEhqTb64EVn/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpeg" title="" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/b68d3a0e" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Reluctant Regency Brides Collection Books 1-3</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> by </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16483624" style="font-family: inherit;">Claudia Stone</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My rating: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3161883728" style="font-family: inherit;">3 of 5 stars</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ⭐⭐⭐</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Duration: 14 hrs 20 mins. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.hearingthings.co.uk/2019/11/the-bennet-sisters-scale-rating-regency.html" style="font-family: inherit;">#BennetSistersScale: Kitty - 🌹🌹🌹</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Just like the second-youngest Bennet, this trilogy displays traits borrowed from all the sisters. Though the general tone across the series has the trademark sweetness of a Jane, it is easily led astray in places.</span><br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/b68d3a0e">Reluctant Regency Brides Collection, Books 1 - 3</a> by Claudia stone is a sweet trilogy of interlinked romances, setting hearts aflutter from the great townhouses of Regency London to the sweeping estates that pepper the Cornish coast. </div>
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As soon as I opened this audiobook to begin playing it, I was delighted to see that it utilises Audible chapter headings! This meant that I knew exactly how much of each book was remaining, making it easier to switch between audiobooks rather than bingeing them all in one go. I've been nagging Audible about this feature for years and it has slowly started to roll out, but this was the first multiple-book collection I've listened to that made use of it. Alongside an elegant cover, it was off to a good start!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I knew the characters in this series were likely to be well observed because I always enjoy Claudia Stone's storytelling, and she writes compelling characters who are often easy to get to know. The series as a whole could benefit from tighter editing in places, and there are some unfortunate missteps, but overall it was a sweet, fun, and romantic listen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As this is a three-book collection, and they are still also available as standalone novellas, I'll review each one in turn below, with my thoughts on the narrators, Duke and Duchess DeFoix, at the end. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Note: I have slightly edited the summaries of each book to reduce spoilers, but skip the summaries if you'd rather not know too much about the characters in advance, as they do give quite a lot away.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Duke-of-Ruin-Audiobook/B07B1F75NY?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581657290_2741f61aa2612e856c5555078393ac2b" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Duke of Ruin Audiobook cover. A handsome man tilts a woman's chin in preparation for a kiss." border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshKUt5NjaMqkmK57HeoFwbmjVshd5nRGVEUDNYl9iRntvJ7FVZ3zyDKAsUg1kpcOrTFjlkuzpFFrOzOgZ64MGt21c_P1pp24zsiLwkelYQ2pyTmzIRJKyoghzRZ8PznH-WUuJGcpGSXbY/s1600/51piLcbLgFL._SL500_.jpg" title="" /></a><u></u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Book #1 - <a href="http://tidd.ly/c8d547ef" target="_blank">The Duke of Ruin</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Duration approx: 5 hrs 20 mins.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rating: ⭐⭐⭐</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Main tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Secret Identity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary of Book #1 <i>"Rumors abound that the Sixth Duke of Everleigh callously murdered his late wife and killed her lover in a duel - and now Olive is to become his bride... </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ruan Ashford took one look at Olive Greene and knew that he had to have her in his bed. The beautiful, auburn-haired temptress will make a perfect Duchess; there's only one problem - his new wife despises him.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Soon, the Duke of Ruin is hunting the Cornish countryside for his runaway bride. Can he convince her that he's not the dreadful villain the world thinks him to be? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>©2017 Claudia Stone (P)2018 Claudia Stone."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The couple's connection was passionate and steamy, the story was intense and dramatic at times and charming at others. For a while it felt very much like St Jarvis were being set up as a similar 'bluestocking's retreat' to Tessa Dare's infamous <i>Spindle Cove</i>, but it featured less heavily in the later books in this series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I liked Olive's spark, but the Duke's passion and intensity were the most compelling aspect of this story for me. I was a little disappointed that the intimacy which was bubbling so nicely throughout was glossed over, as it was a shame for such a fiery couple to go out with a whimper rather than a bang. I would also have preferred to see more of a build-up before the card game as the arrangement it led to felt rather abrupt, but they were well matched, and their story was a great way to kick off the box-set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I chuckled at the line <i>"They wanted passive, compliant wives; not one with spirit. Spirit was what one looked for in a horse."</i> Though it is rather unfortunate that the main regard in which society has changed is that it is now less commonplace to have a horse...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were a couple of things that stuck out as being a little unfortunate, but none of the errors were too egregious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first was that procuring a Special License from the Archbishop of Canterbury would have been far more difficult than is suggested here. Very few were issued and given the Duke's reputation I doubt he would have been granted an audience. Creativity often circumvents historical accuracy, and in this case a Common License would have been a barrier to the immediacy of the marriage, so only a Special License would achieve that objective. Even so, a Special Licence seldom sped up the process quite as much as it did for Olive and the Duke, as even the infamous Lord Byron had to wait almost a full sennight for his Special License. In reality, it would have been nearly impossible for the couple to marry in such haste without hot-footing it to Scotland. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Contrary to popular belief, annulments were also difficult to obtain, and non-consummation was not one of the reasons for which it could be sought. The confusion seems to stem from the fact that impotence could be used as a reason for annulment, but not without the greatest humiliation for both parties. The wife's intact innocence and the husband's inability to become aroused by <i>any</i> woman had to be proven in the ecclesiastical court, following lengthy and degrading processes (which are laid out in fascinating detail in <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20141011193636/http://www.eclectics.com:80/allisonlane/common_regency_errors.html">Allison Lane's list of Common Regency Errors.</a>) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Accuracy aside, there was also some very anachronistic language, particularly when Ruan was contemplating his friend, Lord Devereux's disdain towards Jane in their youth as <i>"the natural emotion that a teenage boy would feel for his younger sister"</i>. The notion of a <i>'teenager'</i> would not exist for another century. (This modern language is also present in the later books, with <i>"sulky teens"</i> and <i>"teenage boys" </i>appearing in the second.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was also an unfortunate 'Americanism', in the form of the word <i>"posies"</i> used as another word for individual flowers. Ruan <i>"standing at the door with a bouquet of posies"</i> sounds very odd to a British listener, and would have been exceedingly so in the Regency period. Whilst 'posy' does refer to flowers, in British English it is specific to a small bouquet, corsage, or modest bunch of flowers, not the flowers themselves. One might arrive at a lover's door clutching a 'small posy of flowers', but not a <i>"bouquet of posies".</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These niggles aside their story was a good one, and I was rooting for them from early on in their tale, which also sets the next book up well. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Lord-of-Heartbreak-Audiobook/B07CQ6JQ4Q?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581657837_2cd1986af05ff4f22e3d402fb2f91517" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Lord of Heartbreak audiobook cover. A couple in historical clothing embrace." border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn-JAt250Lg6H8HjJy14VGOMazLhFemEg-yoPqRJiwxQuxrfbAIr5QE2Xos3NbME_KqzsQ4vG9esKv9-UmbdPp3LmUBaYWaqHUJeq21CkAoiVdIg4Z9giB-UuxfqFui3KRzo68N4cG1yz/s1600/61hLU8RQt8L._SL500_.jpg" title="" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Book #2 - <a href="http://tidd.ly/a8d22d53" target="_blank">The Lord of Heartbreak</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Duration approx: 4 hrs 20 mins.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rating: ⭐⭐⭐</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Main tropes: Pretense Becomes Reality, Friends to Lovers, Bluestocking and a Rake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary of Book #2: "<i>Miss Jane Deveraux is in a bind; her brother has married and his new wife does not want her bookish sister-in-law encroaching on their wedded bliss. The Viscountess makes it very clear that Jane must find a husband, but the confirmed spinster doesn’t have many suitors lining up to claim her hand. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>What Jane needs is a large sum of money, so that she can buy the local boarding house, and live out her days holding intellectual saloons for the egalitarian set. Though where she’ll find this money is anyone’s guess… </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>James Fairweather, Lord Payne is the heir to the Ducal seat of Hawkfield. Tall, handsome, and with a roguish charm that has women falling at his feet, he should be living the easy life of an entitled bachelor. [But] his father has tired of his rakish ways. What Payne needs is a respectable woman that he can parade around for a season to convince his father that he has changed. The only person who fits the bill is his friend’s sister, Jane, who reluctantly agrees to go along with the charade - for a price. When the Lord of Heartbreak finds himself falling in love with the clever, bookish young woman, he realizes that he’s very much at risk of having his own heart broken. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>©2018 Claudia Stone (P)2018 Claudia Stone."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">James and Jane are an unlikely pairing at first, but slowly we come to see that sometimes opposites really do attract, and James' kind heart is worth more than others' cool intellect. It was nice to listen to a Regency story about a hero who isn't afraid to be warm and friendly. Lord Payne is like a Labrador puppy, full of bubbly exuberance and mischief. His sister, whose name I am unsure of as the narrators seemed unable to agree upon whether it was Carolyn or Caroline, was also a great character. In fact, the whole Payne family were interesting, and I would enjoy hearing the backstories for any of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was glad that Jane ultimately found the support she had been lacking without having to change. Simple things like being able to wear her glasses around James and his family gave her back the dignity that was incrementally stripped by her brother and his wife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They may not have had the most dramatic romance, but I felt that their affection for each other would endure long past the first flush of love.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Marquess-of-Temptation-Audiobook/B07FPTY7M8?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581658484_d29db8ed7bf8af44d7364c0a8307d712" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Marquess of Temptation audiobook cover. A Regency couple embrace." border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwRZ89WE_YV0TOCRTILKoDeoXzocvVcuZ1GXfZWVV2acuaVuGocARu6wqQGSSXBywFKcRzE9XNiVYjNp3YKlgq1x3Cy1GWlhYmBBA3G45b2gX4tAa9VUMJEx004FhSBB2vKwA0xATYD5g/s1600/51DRKOP7pSL._SL500_.jpg" title="" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Book #3 - <a href="http://tidd.ly/184657d1" target="_blank">The Marquess of Temptation</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Duration approx: 4 hrs 30 mins.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rating: ⭐⭐⭐</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Main tropes: Secret Identity, Guardian and Ward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Summary of Book #3: <i>"Since her father’s death, Miss Hestia B. Stockbow has been living a lie. Working as a companion, under an assumed name, all she wants to do is keep her head down and forget about the scandalous tragedy that haunts her past. </i><i>There’s only one problem…</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The usually icy and aloof Alexander Delaney, Marquess of Falconbridge, finds himself entranced. When he discovers [her true identity], Alex realizes there's only one thing he can do... [But] Belinda has absolutely no desire to wed the cold Lord Delaney - and she’s not the type of lady to take orders from anyone; even a Marquess.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>©2018 Claudia Stone (P)2018 Claudia Stone."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was looking forward to this story as the characters have prominent roles in the second book, but it was rather a confusing start, for Falconbridge has an Irish accent in the previous book which has disappeared in this one. That lack of continuity is made more glaring now that all three books are packaged into a boxed set. As the narrators remained the same throughout the series, it suggests that they either failed to cross-reference their previous work, or the author intervened because the previous portrayal was incorrect. Either way, the result is that his character feels completely different in this book, and it undoes all the work that was put into introducing him in the previous story. In fact, his character seems markedly changed in Book 3, with no hint in Book 2 of the man <i>"the papers called The Marquess of Temptation"</i>, which is odd as the stories take place simultaneously (whereas Books 1 and 2 are concurrent in their chronology).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also found it very unsettling and distracting that the gallant Alex's name was inspired by a notoriously bumbling incompetent; Boris Johnson. The latter being named Alexander 'Boris' de Pfeffel Johnson, and Falconbridge's full name given a couple of times as <i>"Alexander Jack de Pfeffel Delaney".</i> Even if you agree with Johnson's politics, it cannot be reasonably argued that a man who has actively misled <i>the Queen </i>possesses any of the honour one expects from a Regency hero. (It does, however, make the error regarding his accent seem much more in-keeping.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, Alex became one of my favourite heroes from this box-set, despite the shaky start. I would have loved a full-length novel from his perspective, including more of his past and his work deciphering codes and hieroglyphics. Hestia was a little bland in comparison, but that may also be because the previous two heroines were rather more robustly drawn, with very a very definite sense of self to each, whereas she was most notably referred to as <i>"delicate"</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There was one anachronistic incongruity that stuck out a little, though I think it is minor enough to go unnoticed by most. When it was stated that Hestia was being sent away <i>"with Lady Bedford's trusty Cavalier"</i> it took me a while to realise they were talking about a dog! I wasn't sure that they would have been known as Cavalier's in the early 19th Century, however, so checked with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, who have <a href="http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/breed/history.html">written a fascinating and very thorough history of the breed</a>. In short, the breed has only been known as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel since 1928, more than a century after the Regency era came to an end. Prior to that, the dogs were simply Toy Spaniels which became known as King Charles Spaniels, after the monarch who popularised the breed and elevated their status. Today, King Charles Spaniels (KCS) retain the domed features that became fashionable in the 19th Century, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have been bred back to look more like the dogs that so delighted the King who gave them his name. It is the little tidbits of information of this kind that bring history alive for me, and I enjoyed learning the difference, though I do think that poor Henry would have preferred to be a longer-nosed Cavalier KCS, for it would have been far easier to race off and snaffle picnic food than he will now find it, with the stubbier snout and shallower breathing of a standard KCS.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was glad to see Captain Black return from the first book, especially with the promise that he may well have a story of his own that will be told shortly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hestia and Alex's story was more complex than Jane and James', but sweeter than that of Olivia and Ruan. Theirs was the perfect tale on which to leave the residents of St Jarvis. For now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The narrators, Duke and Duchess DeFoix, worked well together. I preferred Duke's narration, as it felt more natural and less affected. His voice has an appealing depth and richness, and his accent contains all the easiness that Duchess' lacks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Duchess has a pleasant voice and is a confident, enthusiastic narrator but her performance is hindered a little by the fact that she is, rather obviously, not reading in her native accent. The voice she gave Jane Devereux was bright, lively, and more natural, and was my favourite of Duchess' character voices. Almost all of her character voices (except Polly Jenkins' oscillating accent) were very good, it was just the exaggerated narrative style in between sections of dialogue that was not as enjoyable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The tendency some American narrators have to read very slowly with exaggerated enunciation when attempting a 'BBC RP' accent, particularly for historicals, always takes a while to settle into. Speeding up the narration to 1.20x improved the pacing of Duchess' chapters considerably and helped it feel a little less 'put on'. The increased speed did not suit Duke's narration, and it would have been a shame to speed through it, so I resigned myself to juggling the speed between chapters. This was annoying but less so than listening to either of them on the wrong seed for their delivery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were a few mispronunciations throughout, most notably the odd inconsistency with James' sister's name. I also thought toMAYto/toMAHto was such a well-known transatlantic variation that it wouldn't still appear incorrectly, but it snuck in anyway. <i>"Ratafia"</i> was incorrectly pronounced as ra-TAAH-fi-a instead of rat-a-FI-a by both narrators throughout.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An interesting, though rather more archaic, pronunciation issue came with the insult <i>"black guard"</i>. Whilst there are various different theories surrounding the etymological origins of this disparaging term - historically often reserved for a man who has mistreated a woman - it is actually pronounced 'blaggard'. (People often do not realise that they are the same word; being either familiar with it in its written form in historical fiction or hearing it in historical dramas, but seldom connecting the two.) You can see how the natural contraction would happen, especially as it is no endearment and was often uttered in disgust at heated moments. There's an interesting <a href="https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/18043/what-is-the-etymology-of-blackguard-does-this-british-sounding-word-have-subt" target="_blank">thread on the history of the word</a> over at StackExchange if you fancy reading more about its origins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having recently listened to masterfully narrated Regency romances with solo male narrators, I would very much like to hear Duke DeFoix record a full novel alone. I much preferred his chapters, and given the personality he infused into all the male characters - and their recognisable accents - I'm sure he'd have a serviceable enough go at portraying the women equally as colourfully. He did well with the elderly lady at the boarding house, and I think that a Regency told mostly from the hero's perspective would suit his voice nicely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall I enjoyed this trilogy of love stories despite the missteps, because Claudia Stone's characters are always interesting enough to hold their own, and the romances are lighthearted but filled with affection. I will keep an ear out for other Regencies by Claudia Stone, and my fingers crossed that perhaps one day Duke will get a more prominent role in their narration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></span><br />
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-65916009732127549652020-01-29T20:47:00.000+00:002020-02-17T14:19:05.556+00:00New Releases Roundup: January 2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">What I'm Adding to my Wishlist!</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTJWvi9OZ3M-4NhP1XiIucTScpmwdDVPJjdCbVYUgy8tSwdgdJqZ1POAKrOaCduEOUHx9YN0_36OMy55SwdHv9WFgwcZX-yEzsG8Sb9YT-SvRy-kDEVQKQsM0bcTb_Ow9UjPHj3heRNiJ/s1600/MISS+LAWRENCE+IS+HEARING+THINGS+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What I'm adding to my wishlist January 2020" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTJWvi9OZ3M-4NhP1XiIucTScpmwdDVPJjdCbVYUgy8tSwdgdJqZ1POAKrOaCduEOUHx9YN0_36OMy55SwdHv9WFgwcZX-yEzsG8Sb9YT-SvRy-kDEVQKQsM0bcTb_Ow9UjPHj3heRNiJ/s1600/MISS+LAWRENCE+IS+HEARING+THINGS+%25281%2529.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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I always have so many audiobooks queued up to listen to that I seldom keep up with all the new releases that pique my interest. This year, I'm hoping to use these 'roundup' posts to highlight a few of the most recent releases have have been added to my wishlist (or which have sometimes jumped straight into my library).<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ AUDIBLE SHOWS ~</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>(Free for UK Audible subscribers)</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sleeping-with-David-Baddiel-Audiobook/B082YDSX4G?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581658968_7cf98118e83bdf7903201738b343358d" target="_blank"><img alt="Audiobook cover for Sleeping with David Baddiel" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYoa5EpK1uwnZRwEWR_7K5DBTF3UUmbSslwTabc44LbY6bsZf2ksSFFG7DGhDeoReM4rpYK9CyIDk8nZ4MyQlkZjOwbrdzNfmkRmJYD3mxUwSOzVl2pIRFsz8cQP8L4jT4m_bKizPcAsA/s200/51rITF8sDqL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/9b5aab80" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sleeping with David Baddiel</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Geoff+Jein&pf_rd_p=a010f77c-f9d4-42d3-b7ed-af22e043adc0&pf_rd_r=CVPBWA3TR7JCMA26548N&ref=a_pd_Sleepi_c1_author_1">Geoff Jein</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=David+Baddiel&pf_rd_p=a010f77c-f9d4-42d3-b7ed-af22e043adc0&pf_rd_r=CVPBWA3TR7JCMA26548N&ref=a_pd_Sleepi_c1_narrator_1">David Baddiel</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Dr+Guy+Leschziner&pf_rd_p=a010f77c-f9d4-42d3-b7ed-af22e043adc0&pf_rd_r=CVPBWA3TR7JCMA26548N&ref=a_pd_Sleepi_c1_narrator_2">Dr Guy Leschziner</a>.</div>
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Length: 3 hrs.</div>
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Release date: 08-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Audible+Original&pf_rd_p=a010f77c-f9d4-42d3-b7ed-af22e043adc0&pf_rd_r=CVPBWA3TR7JCMA26548N&ref=a_pd_Sleepi_c1_publisher">Audible Original</a>.</div>
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<i><i>"Struggle to get to sleep? Wake up in the early hours unable to drift off again? Baddiel partners with sleep expert Dr Guy Leschziner to investigate what happens when we sleep, why we need it and what happens when we don't get enough of it."</i></i><br />
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I like the sound of this book because I struggle with sleep quality, and have always found Baddiel's comedy amusing and his documentaries insightful. This looks like a good mix.<br />
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Other-Animals-Audiobook/B07Z8F5CZK?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581659205_1f0ab2b2cd2ccec6c53d06e6e7995401" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Other Animals cover art" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g57kTTafsoKFBKS5_BrRTAqSQwHGo2vl6rTikzeUWcjihjXYdYgjevsj91ZlEzhTwGHgFUkTJK2JQrBGUQsHmOrJ0BNRbimwZtw-AWMX-2v0GsKxFKd0vv9r2j28ltENxS9cWkCQM2Zx/s200/51MMLokcTlL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/4561d1b0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Other Animals</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Lulu+Miller&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_1">Lulu Miller</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Shruti+Swamy&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_2">Shruti Swamy</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Kelly+Weinersmith&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_3">Kelly Weinersmith</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=R.+Eric+Thomas&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_4">R. Eric Thomas</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Ken+Lui&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_5">Ken Lui</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Daniel+Mallory+Ortberg&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_6">Daniel Mallory Ortberg</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Kaeli+Swift&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_7">Kaeli Swift</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Max+McClure&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_8">Max McClure</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Lulu+Miller&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_1">Lulu Miller</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Shruti+Swamy&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_2">Shruti Swamy</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Kelly+Weinersmith&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_3">Kelly Weinersmith</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=R.+Eric+Thomas&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_4">R. Eric Thomas</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Ken+Lui&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_5">Ken Lui</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Daniel+Mallory+Ortberg&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_6">Daniel Mallor</a><a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Daniel+Mallory+Ortberg&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_6">y Ortberg</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Kaeli+Swift&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_7">Kaeli Swift</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Max+McClure&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_8">Max McClure</a>.</div>
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Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins.</div>
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Release date: 16-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Audible+Originals%2C+LLC+%28SFO%29&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=12GD4SQ8Q0E4P48C3KKJ&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_publisher">Audible Originals, LLC (SFO)</a>.</div>
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<i>"This funny, moving collection of eight stories - written by a diverse crew of scientists, literary writers, and comics, and informed by science - explores what animal perspectives can show humans about the world we all share."</i></div>
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I love the diversity of the writers for these short stories, and hope the will be an entertaining glimpse into the natural world and the imagined lives of its inhabitants.<br />
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/You-Heard-it-Here-First-Audiobook/B08299P6T6?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581659457_625de10e77e1190824c35537caf5e3da" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="You Heard it Here First cover art" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP85uAY4gCB7rKCeCUZgzV4k1TDZYTpgZZ_W7I5Xpmci_Q-sBaft9_hpro4U_TLUbauVKavhDpOerUTc_c2cih7ykFnuNJ1BRdgFPqwqOgw0QV09Z4GN8HCRbY3yTnwOIv2rH2rKkG9rM8/s200/4152mDKLbYL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/2f9632f1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Heard it Here First</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Imriel+Morgan&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=N17742FRAWB86CXTRKWX&ref=a_pd_You-He_c1_author_1">Imriel Morgan</a>.</div>
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Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins.</div>
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Release date: 30-12-19.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Audible+Original&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=N17742FRAWB86CXTRKWX&ref=a_pd_You-He_c1_publisher">Audible Original</a>.<br />
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<i>"Hosted by Imriel Morgan, the show cherry-picks from the Audible catalogue of podcasts, audiobooks and dramas, with laughs and fascinating facts along the way... Expect honest recommendations, to hear about listens you didn’t know existed, and to be welcomed in with open arms to our family of podcast, audiobook and audio drama lovers."</i></div>
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I'm looking forward to listening to this, and discovering a few hidden gems and new-to-me books and authors.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~ AUDIOBOOKS ~</span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Other-People-Audiobook/1405939974?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581659821_0ee69da605ba80a5bbf391ba626db5f9" target="_blank"><img alt="The Other People cover art" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ABhxAw0PjJFuWYF0LLj2lE1r6Bxk6TByDf9cP-TnWkJOqjP1vCMtHNWEv4mU-1dvmQKgqCv0YdIzLqk4CelBR8rjbT3li1piYzOdfX9YKdUTJVD0jkGZDwfIGR3TbjDYnSofXDY8O6I/s200/51cnR-OYOdL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/29a6ff27" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Other People</a></span><br />
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=C.+J.+Tudor&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=G7571EF6PQSE2SZCTKSA&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_1">C. J. Tudor</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Richard+Armitage&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=G7571EF6PQSE2SZCTKSA&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_1">Richard Armitage</a>.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 23-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Penguin+Audio&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=G7571EF6PQSE2SZCTKSA&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_publisher">Penguin Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"Three years ago, Gabe saw his daughter taken. In the back of a rusty old car, covered in bumper stickers. He was driving behind the car. He watched her disappear. But no one believes him."</i></div>
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I don't listen to many 'thrillers', but I'd pay to hear Richard Armitage reading the bus timetable, so this is going straight to the top of my wishlist!</div>
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Miss-Austen-Audiobook/1473575826?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581660005_af1e13b8e57088fb893ee8079039624d" target="_blank"><img alt="Miss Austen cover art" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD31LHkXBbXWlmOiV05bFS_2bPFdEWmFTooGNmBICVn2yYRaLCHQgfr3rft0WsJmCo4DfHDBe-xyp1yX2_JmU3Y67xMC1WZZocoejpR655nja8a-GyoSdW9HoiLcqeHaU1i-jU7GuwHNf/s200/615CzSVUwQL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/4488a8a5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miss Austen</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Gill+Hornby&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WP861N3RF3J7W96PZKPX&ref=a_pd_Miss-A_c1_author_1">Gill Hornby</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Juliet+Stevenson&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WP861N3RF3J7W96PZKPX&ref=a_pd_Miss-A_c1_narrator_1">Juliet Stevenson</a>.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 23-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Penguin+Audio&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=WP861N3RF3J7W96PZKPX&ref=a_pd_Miss-A_c1_publisher">Penguin Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"A wonderfully original, emotionally complex novel that delves into why Cassandra burned a treasure trove of letters written by her sister, Jane Austen – an act of destruction that has troubled academics for centuries." </i></div>
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What Janeite could resist a novel which imagines a reason for the destruction of the letters we wish we could read today? I'm also taking part in Listening Books' 2020 Audiobook Challenge and March's prompt is to pick a book that is set to be adapted for the screen. I've heard that this is already set to be turned into a television drama, so at the moment it is my front-runner for that spot.</div>
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Dear-Edward-Audiobook/0241440238?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581660255_ce53224b2b2f6cfd395d574734220686" target="_blank"><img alt="Dear Edward cover art" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM674BP2yUz7bHsuOs_nlXKqhtzdb4FnkbUSyMbar2wKhdsWvOdV3BXvbP4uQXfoNK0JBRWNv-R67YFidkbf9lwvnwDF4XQva5ghbhj4EUnF1bIgz12Q11nOseq38FIxnDB1ndp-PtpJd/s200/41ejt5avbIL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/ea1e949b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dear Edward</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Ann+Napolitano&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=YMD1DY6R36ZRQNJRQY0J&ref=a_pd_Dear-E_c1_author_1">Ann Napolitano</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Cassandra+Campbell&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=YMD1DY6R36ZRQNJRQY0J&ref=a_pd_Dear-E_c1_narrator_1">Cassandra Campbell</a>.</div>
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Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 14-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Penguin+Audio&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=YMD1DY6R36ZRQNJRQY0J&ref=a_pd_Dear-E_c1_publisher">Penguin Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"A luminous, life-affirming novel about a 12-year-old boy who is the sole survivor of a deadly plane crash. As Edward comes of age against the backdrop of sudden tragedy, he must confront some of life's most profound questions: how do we make the most of the time we are given? And what does it mean not just to survive, but to truly live?"</i></div>
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This book isn't my usual genre, but I was moved by reviews I have read and think that it could be an interesting, contemplative listen.</div>
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Sustainableish-Living-Guide-Audiobook/147297560X?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581660649_dad1d5aafb07cf05edc3c3e17cfb65c3" target="_blank"><img alt="The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide cover art" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkX-GzczYRIFpmTifffBpNd9Y5_b1DZgKoijoO0QSQDS56HJiAKvvn5JZ2W6yy7zQKfUki8xhlOTKJKE6GnAqVq8-5sWn_u_ppKuyZiejWY5kFVHWxneiqo4YWeHlbxqYV__23SKX-z2o/s200/51oDSC-7bmL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/9120d84d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide</a></span><br />
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Jen+Gale&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=6DD4FSPK0FX1TNWXXCDZ&ref=a_pd_The-Su_c1_author_1">Jen Gale</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Jen+Gale&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=6DD4FSPK0FX1TNWXXCDZ&ref=a_pd_The-Su_c1_narrator_1">Jen Gale</a>.</div>
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Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 09-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Bloomsbury+Publishing+Plc&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=6DD4FSPK0FX1TNWXXCDZ&ref=a_pd_The-Su_c1_publisher">Bloomsbury Publishing Plc</a>.</div>
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<i>"Easy, do-able, down to earth ideas and suggestions for everyone to help save the planet. If you want to save the planet, but your to-do list is already pretty long and remembering your re-usable coffee cup feels like a Herculean task, then this is the book for you. Find out how to fit "sustainable living" into your life, in a way that works for you. Change your impact without radically changing your life."</i></div>
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I've followed Jen Gale for a while and have already made a few changes but am really looking forward to hearing more of her tips and tricks for maximising my individual impact. Health nonsense limits some of the things I can make more sustainable, but there's always <i>something</i> we can do, and every little really does help!</div>
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<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Too-Many-Lies-Audiobook/3838793765?utm_source=awin&source_code=CMJ30DFT1Bk145032919907Q&awc=8095_1581660777_d90dd0480813f73bfc5bf9010eb07b98" target="_blank"><img alt="Too Many Lies cover art" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjozgZNgBCWxaORfDWLHwql9HG4JjPmRj9wOtTQdJjUibdCO5l0zmjefPtRCcwPQLVTlD6HS55WS2DfAOTYr9ZzFROIsKmgUbvKyGRmdmHZKltjr2mWmmEe03eSp-wGVBodHbSpQ-BFXVC/s200/61y6wHxPfWL._SL500_.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/e0f2add2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Too Many Lies</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Matthew+Costello&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=EV74Q77HMM2VB475VHQT&ref=a_pd_Too-Ma_c1_author_1">Matthew Costello</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Neil+Richards&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=EV74Q77HMM2VB475VHQT&ref=a_pd_Too-Ma_c1_author_2">Neil Richards</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Neil+Dudgeon&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=EV74Q77HMM2VB475VHQT&ref=a_pd_Too-Ma_c1_narrator_1">Neil Dudgeon</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Cherringham-A-Cosy-Crime-Series-Mystery-Shorts-Audiobooks/B07QPSYSNW?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=EV74Q77HMM2VB475VHQT&ref=a_pd_Too-Ma_c1_series_1">Cherringham. Cosy Crime Series, Mystery Shorts</a>, Book 35.</div>
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Length: 2 hrs and 56 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 31-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=L%C3%BCbbe+Audio&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=EV74Q77HMM2VB475VHQT&ref=a_pd_Too-Ma_c1_publisher">Lübbe Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"Set in the sleepy English village of Cherringham, the detective series brings together an unlikely sleuthing duo: English web designer Sarah and American ex-cop Jack. Thrilling and deadly - but with a spot of tea - it's like Rosamunde Pilcher meets Inspector Barnaby. Each of the self-contained episodes is a quick read for the morning commute, while waiting for the doctor, or when curling up with a hot cuppa."</i></div>
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The Cherringham books are one of my not-so-guilty pleasures. Though I will probably wait for the next 3-book compilation to come out, I always put the individual titles on my wishlist to remind me to check for new ones! As well as the shorts and compilations, there are also a couple of full-length Cherringham novels.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/3d4242d1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The First Rebellion cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/3d4242d1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The First Rebellion</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=M.+C.+Beaton&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8QQCZNT6ZWNK3BDT4ATH&ref=a_pd_The-Fi_c1_author_1">M. C. Beaton</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Patricia+Gallimore&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8QQCZNT6ZWNK3BDT4ATH&ref=a_pd_The-Fi_c1_narrator_1">Patricia Gallimore</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/The-Waverley-Women-Audiobooks/B00JXNA79O?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8QQCZNT6ZWNK3BDT4ATH&ref=a_pd_The-Fi_c1_series_1">The Waverley Women</a>, Book 1.</div>
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Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 19-12-19.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Hachette+Audio+UK&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=8QQCZNT6ZWNK3BDT4ATH&ref=a_pd_The-Fi_c1_publisher">Hachette Audio UK</a>.</div>
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<i><i>"The Earl of Tredair has had his fill of balls, routs and silly misses, and he despairs of finding anyone out of the ordinary - that is, until he meets Miss Fanny Waverley. The beautiful Miss Fanny, however, finds it quite hard to think of all men as cruel and lustful beasts - how can she, when now she finds herself longing to kiss one of the most hated of the species!"</i></i></div>
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Technically it's book 2 that came out in January, but I missed the first book in the run-up to Christmas so have added the series to my wishlist. They sound like the perfect diversion for foggy days, when Regency romances keep me company better than any other genre.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/52867c8f" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Last Stop Auschwitz cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I8b5M50pL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/52867c8f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Last Stop Auschwitz</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Story of Survival.</i></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Eddy+de+Wind&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=B19CY0PJP24YSJGG9YD0&ref=a_pd_Last-S_c1_author_1">Eddy de Wind</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Boris+Hiestand&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=B19CY0PJP24YSJGG9YD0&ref=a_pd_Last-S_c1_narrator_1">Boris Hiestand</a>.</div>
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Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 09-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Penguin+Audio&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=B19CY0PJP24YSJGG9YD0&ref=a_pd_Last-S_c1_publisher">Penguin Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"Last Stop Auschwitz is an extraordinary account of life as a prisoner, a near real-time record of the daily struggle to survive but also of the flickering moments of joy Eddy and Friedel found in each other - passing notes through the fence, sometimes stealing a brief embrace. Documenting the best and the worst of humanity, it is a unique and timeless story that reminds us of what we as humans are capable of, but that there is hope, even in Hell. Thought to be the only complete book written within Auschwitz itself, it will linger with you long after the final page has been turned."</i></div>
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75 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz, this book is as important as ever, and though I know it will be a heartrending listen, it's vital that we do not allow ourselves to look away.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/109da69f" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Other Bennet Sister cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/109da69f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Other Bennet Sister</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Janice+Hadlow&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=DHHR7PG3PAS7CJNH2Q7P&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_author_1">Janice Hadlow</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Kristin+Atherton&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=DHHR7PG3PAS7CJNH2Q7P&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_narrator_1">Kristin Atherton</a>.</div>
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Length: 20 hrs.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 09-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Mantle&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=DHHR7PG3PAS7CJNH2Q7P&ref=a_pd_The-Ot_c1_publisher">Mantle</a>.</div>
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<i>"The Other Bennet Sister, though, shows another side to Mary. An introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp tongue; with little in common with her siblings – is it any wonder she turns to books for both company and guidance? And, if she finds her life lonely or lacking, that she determines to try harder at the one thing she can be: right."</i></div>
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I've always struggled to like Mary, so will enjoy hearing a story from her perspective, in which she is allowed to shine.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/e3889d6f" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Glass Room cover art" aria-hidden="true" border="0" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61GZ7FUzOuL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/e3889d6f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Glass Room</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Ann+Cleeves&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=K9QEKS0EXGNXZMRYRK8V&ref=a_pd_The-Gl_c1_author_1">Ann Cleeves</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Janine+Birkett&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=K9QEKS0EXGNXZMRYRK8V&ref=a_pd_The-Gl_c1_narrator_1">Janine Birkett</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Vera-Stanhope-Audiobooks/B01J6LNO7Y?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=K9QEKS0EXGNXZMRYRK8V&ref=a_pd_The-Gl_c1_series_1">Vera Stanhope</a>, Book 5.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 08-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Isis+Publishing+Ltd&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=K9QEKS0EXGNXZMRYRK8V&ref=a_pd_The-Gl_c1_publisher">Isis Publishing Ltd</a>.</div>
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<i>"DI Vera Stanhope is not one to make friends easily, but her hippy neighbours keep her well-supplied in homebrew and conversation. But when one of them goes missing, her path leads her to more than a missing friend... Calling in the team, Vera knows that she should hand the case over. She’s too close to the main suspect. But the investigation is too tempting and she’s never been one to follow the rules."</i></div>
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Having been watching the latest series of Vera on ITV, I've decided that I really need to get back into the habit of listening to the books, too. Can never have too much Vera Stanhope!</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/61ebbcdb" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Don't Hold My Head Down cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61T4NhlHxaL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/61ebbcdb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Hold My Head Down</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Lucy-Anne+Holmes&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=Z3BS8R0EEGTBA0E2X43K&ref=a_pd_Dont-H_c1_author_1">Lucy-Anne Holmes</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Lucy-Anne+Holmes&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=Z3BS8R0EEGTBA0E2X43K&ref=a_pd_Dont-H_c1_narrator_1">Lucy-Anne Holmes</a>.</div>
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Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 23-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Whole+Story+QUEST&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=Z3BS8R0EEGTBA0E2X43K&ref=a_pd_Dont-H_c1_publisher">Whole Story QUEST</a>.</div>
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<i>"In her mid-thirties, Lucy-Anne Holmes still felt like a novice when it came to sex. But when she tried to find out what she could do about it, she realised everything she googled was geared to male pleasure rather than to women’s. Determined not to let this stop her, Lucy penned a list and set out to discover what her sex life was missing. Lucy has written the book about sex she wanted to read. It will make you snort with laughter one minute and weep the next; it is frank, eye-opening and inspiring, and will speak to women everywhere."</i></div>
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This one sounds like it could be good fun when I need something lighter, and I like the fact that it's written by a woman of a similar age who is also very disappointed by the dominance of male desire upon our culture.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/1faff0cb" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Haven't They Grown cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51msvW4XZxL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/1faff0cb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Haven't They Grown</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Sophie+Hannah&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=53H309VKRG0S67W42C28&ref=a_pd_Havent_c1_author_1">Sophie Hannah</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Laura+Kirman&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=53H309VKRG0S67W42C28&ref=a_pd_Havent_c1_narrator_1">Laura Kirman</a>.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 23-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Hodder+%26+Stoughton&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=53H309VKRG0S67W42C28&ref=a_pd_Havent_c1_publisher">Hodder & Stoughton</a>.</div>
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<i>"Flora looks the same, only older - just as Beth would have expected. It's the children that are the problem. Twelve years ago, Thomas and Emily Braid were five and three years old. Today, they look precisely as they did then. They are still five and three. They are Thomas and Emily without a doubt - Beth hears Flora call them by their names - but they haven't changed at all. </i><i>They are no taller, no older. Why haven't they grown?"</i></div>
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I don't listen to much suspense outside of crime fiction, but this one has an otherworldly quality that intrigues me.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/4c2c321d" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Meat Cute: The Hedgehog Incident cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510Pparr6VL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/4c2c321d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meat Cute: The Hedgehog Incident</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Gail+Carriger&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=F7J5V0C0XDAFMWCVDP9Q&ref=a_pd_Meat-C_c1_author_1">Gail Carriger</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Emma+Newman&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=F7J5V0C0XDAFMWCVDP9Q&ref=a_pd_Meat-C_c1_narrator_1">Emma Newman</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Parasol-Protectorate-Audiobooks/B074J8753Z?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=F7J5V0C0XDAFMWCVDP9Q&ref=a_pd_Meat-C_c1_series_1">Parasol Protectorate</a>, Book 0.</div>
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Length: 1 hr and 13 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 03-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Gail+Carriger+LLC&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=F7J5V0C0XDAFMWCVDP9Q&ref=a_pd_Meat-C_c1_publisher">Gail Carriger LLC</a>.</div>
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<i>"Alexia Tarabotti attends what appears to be a very dull London party, until the new werewolf Alpha turns up, is unconscionably rude to her, and sits on a hedgehog. Don't miss this charming novelette featuring the very first encounter between the Parasolverse's most popular power couple, preternatural Alexia and supernatural Lord Conall Maccon."</i></div>
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I bought this as soon as it was released because Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series is one of my favourites and this prequel has been very long-awaited!</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/ff56a9b3" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Our Autistic Lives cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516eD-funkL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/ff56a9b3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our Autistic Lives</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Alex+Ratcliffe&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_author_1">Alex Ratcliffe</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Ric+Jerom&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_narrator_1">Ric Jerom</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Katy+Sobey&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_narrator_2">Katy Sobey</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Mark+Meadows&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_narrator_3">Mark Meadows</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Maggie+Ollerenshaw&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_narrator_4">Maggie Ollerenshaw</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Lucy+Price-Lewis&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_narrator_5">Lucy Price-Lewis</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Gavin+Osborn&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_narrator_6">Gavin Osborn</a>.</div>
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Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 21-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=John+Murray&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=H7F3EV0X81H4VCXCYWP8&ref=a_pd_Our-Au_c1_publisher">John Murray</a>.</div>
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<i>"This collection of narratives from autistic adults is structured around their decades of experience of life, covering 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60 and 70s+. These are varied and diverse, spanning different continents, genders, sexualities and ethnicities, yet the author highlights the common themes that unite them and skilfully draws out these threads."</i></div>
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I have friends and family with diagnoses that sit along the autistic spectrum, but so often 'people with autism' are lumped into a single, homogeneous group, and we seldom hear the experiences of people with autism as they grow older, or step outside the narrow confines of the society that often struggles to understand them.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/4665c433" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Wages of Sin cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51G8I7lICUL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/4665c433" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wages of Sin</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Judith+Cutler&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3BTPVBEVKCWGVJMCKH8P&ref=a_pd_The-Wa_c1_author_1">Judith Cutler</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=David+Thorpe&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3BTPVBEVKCWGVJMCKH8P&ref=a_pd_The-Wa_c1_narrator_1">David Thorpe</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Matthew-Rowsley-mystery-Series-Audiobooks/B083K8HXMH?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3BTPVBEVKCWGVJMCKH8P&ref=a_pd_The-Wa_c1_series_1">Matthew Rowsley mystery Series</a>, Book 1.</div>
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Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Release date: 10-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Isis+Publishing+Ltd&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=3BTPVBEVKCWGVJMCKH8P&ref=a_pd_The-Wa_c1_publisher">Isis Publishing Ltd</a>.</div>
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<i>"Newly appointed as land agent to the youthful Lord Croft, Matthew Rowsley finds plenty to keep him busy as he attends to his lordship's neglected country estate. But he's distracted from his tasks by the disappearance of a young housemaid. Teaming up with housekeeper Mrs Faulkner to get to the bottom of the matter, Matthew uncovers a number of disturbing secrets, scandals and simmering tensions within the household."</i></div>
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This one sounds great, has a superb narrator, and is the first in a new historical mystery series, so this one is waiting for me in my library!</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/c180aaf6" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang Ups: Series 1-5 cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513CXyCWYYL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/c180aaf6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang Ups: Series 1-5</a></span></div>
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<br />
By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Tom+Wrigglesworth&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W15EEC204P2452GFAAXQ&ref=a_pd_Tom-Wr_c1_author_1">Tom Wrigglesworth</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=James+Kettle&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W15EEC204P2452GFAAXQ&ref=a_pd_Tom-Wr_c1_author_2">James Kettle</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Miles+Jupp&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W15EEC204P2452GFAAXQ&ref=a_pd_Tom-Wr_c1_author_3">Miles Jupp</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=full+cast&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W15EEC204P2452GFAAXQ&ref=a_pd_Tom-Wr_c1_narrator_1">full cast</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Tom+Wrigglesworth&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W15EEC204P2452GFAAXQ&ref=a_pd_Tom-Wr_c1_narrator_2">Tom Wrigglesworth</a>.</div>
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Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins.</div>
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Radio/TV Programme.</div>
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Release date: 16-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=BBC+Digital+Audio&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=W15EEC204P2452GFAAXQ&ref=a_pd_Tom-Wr_c1_publisher">BBC Digital Audio</a>.</div>
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<i>"In these 24 episodes, Tom Wrigglesworth phones home for his weekly check-in, giving us a funny, fascinating glimpse into his family background and the influences that have shaped his temperament, opinions and hang ups. As the conversations unfold, Tom takes time out from the calls to explain the situation and his parents’ reactions, and relate various anecdotes from the past which illustrate his family's views. Tom Wrigglesworth's Hang Ups lets us eavesdrop on the Wrigglesworth clan in all their dysfunctional glory - so sit back and enjoy a bit of totally legal phone hacking in these hilarious helpings of down-the-line adventures."</i></div>
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I've loved this series on BBC iPlayer Radio (now BBC Sounds), and listen whenever they are repeated, so it's great to have the chance to keep them in this collection!</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/bb473639" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Hunting for a Highlander cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mZPrI1nJL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/bb473639" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunting for a Highlander</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Highland Brides.</i></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Lynsay+Sands&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=GFHMNBTFZV7H4N2KR0GB&ref=a_pd_Huntin_c1_author_1">Lynsay Sands</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Joel+Froomkin&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=GFHMNBTFZV7H4N2KR0GB&ref=a_pd_Huntin_c1_narrator_1">Joel Froomkin</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Highlander-Sands-Audiobooks/B01MUG6RYJ?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=GFHMNBTFZV7H4N2KR0GB&ref=a_pd_Huntin_c1_series_1">Highlander (Sands)</a>, Book 8.</div>
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Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 28-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=HarperAudio&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=GFHMNBTFZV7H4N2KR0GB&ref=a_pd_Huntin_c1_publisher">HarperAudio</a>.</div>
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<i>"Lady Dwyn Innes feels utterly out of place among the eligible women who've descended on Buchanan Keep, vying for the attention of the last unmarried brothers. She isn't long-legged and slender like her sisters, or flirtatious and wily like other lasses. Since her betrothed died, Dwyn has resigned herself to becoming an old maid. Yet a chance encounter with a stranger in the orchard awakens her to a new world of sensation and possibility...."</i></div>
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I haven't heard any of Lyndsay Sands' Highlander books but loved Joel Froomkin's performance recently, so I'm looking forward to giving this one a go!</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/d62211c7" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Medical Mysteries Across History cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nLkkWSmYL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/d62211c7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medical Mysteries Across History</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Great Courses.</i></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Roy+Benaroch+MD&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=5ZM9DNJYRA6C8QMT783W&ref=a_pd_Medica_c1_author_1">Roy Benaroch MD</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Roy+Benaroch+MD&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=5ZM9DNJYRA6C8QMT783W&ref=a_pd_Medica_c1_narrator_1">Roy Benaroch MD</a>.</div>
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Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins.</div>
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Release date: 21-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Audible+Original&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=5ZM9DNJYRA6C8QMT783W&ref=a_pd_Medica_c1_publisher">Audible Original</a>.</div>
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<i>"In these 10 eye-opening lectures by a practicing doctor and medical educator, you'll walk through a series of medical mystery cases ripped from history and involving well-known historical figures whose identities are nevertheless hidden from you. Every one of these cases (featuring presidents, scientists, singers, kings, and queens) requires you to use your detective skills to identify and diagnose the mystery patient just like the doctors that attended them. In the process, you'll learn fascinating insights into medicine: both the medicine that was practiced thousands of years ago and the medicine doctors practice today"</i></div>
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As a walking medical mystery myself, this one appeals to my curiosity and unfortunate first-hand experience.</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/6f708262" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Obsidian Son cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513Nm4YyfNL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/6f708262" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Obsidian Son</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Nate Temple Series, Book 1.</i></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Shayne+Silvers&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=4QE6TXE5CFJQFHBQMS2E&ref=a_pd_Obsidi_c1_author_1">Shayne Silvers</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Joel+Richards&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=4QE6TXE5CFJQFHBQMS2E&ref=a_pd_Obsidi_c1_narrator_1">Joel Richards</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/Temple-Chronicles-Audiobooks/B072J37H9L?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=4QE6TXE5CFJQFHBQMS2E&ref=a_pd_Obsidi_c1_series_1">Temple Chronicles</a>, Book 1.</div>
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Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 08-01-20.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Argento+Publishing%2C+LLC&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=4QE6TXE5CFJQFHBQMS2E&ref=a_pd_Obsidi_c1_publisher">Argento Publishing, LLC</a>.</div>
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<i>"My name is Nate Temple, and I'm secretly a wizard. I ride a foul-mouthed unicorn, drink with Achilles, and am pals with the Four Horsemen. I've even cow tipped the Minotaur. I understand the theory of following the rules. I'm just not very good at the application."</i><br />
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I don't know anything about this book and have never read anything by the author before, but how could I <i>not</i> add it to my wishlist with that summary?!</div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/f01e2f25" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Why Is Nothing Ever Simple? cover art" aria-hidden="true" class="bc-pub-block
bc-image-inset-border js-only-element" height="200" id="" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516nCK2NLiL._SL500_.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;" width="199" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tidd.ly/f01e2f25" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Is Nothing Ever Simple?</a></span></div>
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By: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchAuthor=Jodi+Taylor&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=JTGYMGXGYA6CK7NK6TCJ&ref=a_pd_Why-Is_c1_author_1">Jodi Taylor</a>.</div>
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Narrated by: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchNarrator=Zara+Ramm&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=JTGYMGXGYA6CK7NK6TCJ&ref=a_pd_Why-Is_c1_narrator_1">Zara Ramm</a>.</div>
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Series: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/series/The-Chronicles-of-St-Marys-Audiobooks/B00NVJ0TEO?pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=JTGYMGXGYA6CK7NK6TCJ&ref=a_pd_Why-Is_c1_series_1">The Chronicles of St Mary's</a>.</div>
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Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins.</div>
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Unabridged Audiobook.</div>
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Release date: 25-12-19.</div>
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Language: English.</div>
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Publisher: <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/search?searchProvider=Headline&pf_rd_p=e04647f3-e54d-422e-b457-e7936304a281&pf_rd_r=JTGYMGXGYA6CK7NK6TCJ&ref=a_pd_Why-Is_c1_publisher">Headline</a>.</div>
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<i>"It's Christmas at St Mary's and time for the traditional illicit jump. Except this one is perfectly legal. It's Major Guthrie's last jump. To the Battle of Bannockburn, no less. An important moment in history for two nations - one that warrants everyone's full attention. But Max soon finds herself grappling with a near-lethal game of pooh sticks, another avian incursion and two turbulent teenagers intent on piloting their own illegal jump. And that's all before they even get near 14th-century Scotland. </i><i>For this is St Mary's, and nothing is ever simple."</i></div>
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I'm not quite caught up on the Chronicles of St Mary's because I save them all until I really <i>need</i> to revisit a favourite world, but I buy them as soon as they become available. This is Taylor's 2019 Christmas story so just sneaks into my January roundup as I didn't manage to add it until New Year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmVC3a6GBW0OyP3PX0MXHCCz6ce0EvkG8HSSNFoI3XkBEcymflwmRap_gujinGZpK4MvkkTm_vCOwGM9inmdCaC8K_VGyPDOOn9-Em_OdV6E-38Xwa7TEulljxCI-Nr2BXqv7-aCon8Yr/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="30" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmVC3a6GBW0OyP3PX0MXHCCz6ce0EvkG8HSSNFoI3XkBEcymflwmRap_gujinGZpK4MvkkTm_vCOwGM9inmdCaC8K_VGyPDOOn9-Em_OdV6E-38Xwa7TEulljxCI-Nr2BXqv7-aCon8Yr/s1600/divider+%2528small%2529.png" /></a></div>
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Phew! That's my wishlist well and truly padded out, and we're only a month in to 2020.</div>
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Which new releases have you listened to this month, and what has been added to your wishlist?<br />
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MLHearingThingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10478614205306243313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207519912882165803.post-47784526006019160482020-01-27T17:53:00.000+00:002020-02-16T18:55:54.121+00:00Review: Servant of Death<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51032208-servant-of-death?from_search=true&qid=E2rT2UxcD5&rank=3" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Servant of Death, Bradecote and Catchpoll, Book 1 by Sarah Hawkswood is an immersive 12th Century murder mystery, and the first adventure for mediaeval men-of-law, Bradecote and Catchpoll." border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" data-pin-media="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoID6lThnVAQTIMc_R_E5K9dITJXRDc6paMc6oCuVid44775LWQedQNg6gQkRsrHr3F7j-yXfV1GxWI4yz5HeOpcAxQHnsnDwGWD9fsnDitCSUxFpmwp4emGcYh0F1Y5VrN3hKYAiWn8yr/s1600/download+%25287%2529.jpg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoID6lThnVAQTIMc_R_E5K9dITJXRDc6paMc6oCuVid44775LWQedQNg6gQkRsrHr3F7j-yXfV1GxWI4yz5HeOpcAxQHnsnDwGWD9fsnDitCSUxFpmwp4emGcYh0F1Y5VrN3hKYAiWn8yr/s1600/download+%25287%2529.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/816c120c" target="_blank">Servant of Death</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8224934">Sarah Hawkswood</a>.<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3141978103">4 of 5 stars</a> ⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
Duration: 8 hrs 11 mins.<br />
Publisher: Isis Publishing Ltd.<br />
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<a href="http://tidd.ly/816c120c" rel="nofollow" target="">Servant of Death, Bradecote and Catchpoll, Book 1</a> by Sarah Hawkswood is an immersive 12th Century murder mystery, and the first adventure for mediaeval men-of-law, Bradecote and Catchpoll. </div>
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Audible Summary: "<i>The much-feared and hated Eudo - the Lord Bishop of Winchester's clerk - is bludgeoned to death in Pershore Abbey and laid before the altar in the attitude of a penitent. Everyone who had contact with him had reason to dislike him, but who had reason to kill him?</i><br />
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<i><i>The Sheriff of Worcestershire's thief taker, wily Serjeant Catchpoll, and his new and unwanted superior, Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, have to find the answer. And as the claustrophobic walls of the abbey close in on the suspects, the killer strikes again....</i></i><br />
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<i><i>©2014 Sarah Hawkswood (P)2017 Isis Publishing Ltd</i>."</i></div>
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Unless you count various re-tellings of Robin Hood, Blackadder, and dozens of episodes of Time Team, then I cannot claim to have any great insight into the mediaeval era in which this series is set. I've neither studied it in any detail nor read it very widely, so it was comforting to know that I was in the hands of a historian who could be trusted to deliver enough authenticity to really bring this fictional mystery to life.</div>
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As anticipated, there is a great deal of historical detail in this audiobook, all woven into the backdrop upon which the story plays out. It is not overwhelming, but provides the listener with enough information to understand the cultural and political temperature of the time, especially as it shifted so greatly, and with such frequency. </div>
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I loved the wealth of almost throwaway period detail, like <i>"the inks gave fantastic colours to the flames"</i> when Master Elias was burning documents. There were two main kinds of inks in use at the time; carbon-based inks, and oak-gall inks, with each formulation containing components that react differently to heat. Ferrous sulphate, as commonly found in the black gall inks, often produces an orange flame when burned, whereas if copper salts were used instead of iron the flame would be blue or green. The mercuric sulphide found in the corrective red ink of the era (for which I have a particular fondness) may burn equally red, with the unadulterated parchment and lamp-black inks displaying standard orangey-yellow hues. </div>
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I used to own a fascinating little book on the history and preparation of inks, bought in the late 90s when I took up calligraphy, but this video from the Getty Museum gives a brief overview of the ingredients used for illuminated documents, in <a href="https://youtu.be/REMPiP5Fgmc" rel="nofollow" target="">The Alchemy of Color and Chemical Change in Medieval Manuscripts.</a></div>
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Due to the introduction of so many characters at the start, it took until I was almost halfway through this audiobook to really feel as though I was beginning to know Bradecote and Catchpoll, and from then it picked up some pace and was more engaging. It is rare for the first book in a series not to have slow spots, and there was enough colour in Hawkswood's mediaeval world to hold my interest until the characters could do so in their own right. </div>
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The author's decision to have the less experienced officer in the superior position allowed for a more nuanced dynamic than the traditional 'seasoned cop takes on a rookie' plot we see so often in popular fiction. I liked the light and shade each investigator brings to the story, and appreciated the fact that they were not cookie-cutter Holmes and Watson stereotypes, with the less-glamorous Catchpoll often being one step ahead of the younger and more learned Bradecote. Though Catchpoll does not have Bradecote's standing or education, Bradecote's experience pales beside Catchpoll's expert efficiency. Where one is rough, the other is smooth - in many aspects - and yet they still feel similar, for their occupation is underpinned by complementary values. This is a formula well known to crime writers, but it is nicely done here and the trope's familiarity helps anchor the investigation in the listener's mind; however alien the medieval landscape may be, the intrepid duo's pursuit of justice spans centuries. </div>
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The insight into Bradecote's relationship with his wife was interesting, for we usually only hear of similar dissatisfaction - arising from ill-matched intellect - from the female perspective. Men in historical fiction are seldom perturbed by a simple wife, providing she remains eager to please, or at least compliant enough to produce an heir. Bradecote's unease at the transactional nature of their union, despite the marriage fulfilling its reproductive obligations, helps make him more relatable to a modern audience. Although Bradecote is no rogue, neither is he without flaw or immune from sin, and that makes him far more real. </div>
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The impenetrable confusion exhibited by most of the novel's males when dealing with calm and competent women was amusing. Even today there is a prevailing expectation of some hysteria when women are involved in a crisis, and I enjoyed the Under-Sherriff's discomfort when interviewing women like Mistress Weaver and Sister Edeva, who did not conform to his, or the Serjeant's, preconceptions of delicate feminine sensibility. In the same vein, it was also heartening that the most powerfully-intriguing woman was not the most charming or the most beautiful, but she who possessed the stronger and more intricate mind. Of all the supporting characters in Servant of Death, it is Sister Edeva whom I would be most keen to see return.</div>
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I smiled, too, at the little linguistic amusements which laid in wait to reward the attentive listener, such as a momentary flirtation of sorts which concludes with a blushing nun advising her companion, in all sincerity, that it is <i>"almost time for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sext" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sext</a>".</i></div>
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Unlike the 18th and 19th Century historical fiction I have reviewed in depth elsewhere, mediaeval language is not as easy to replicate in full, nor is it especially desirable to try. So different is it to our modern usage that it would be too archaic for a novel, and the authenticity comes instead from the names and descriptions, which allow for the use of period terminology within a more contemporary grammatical structure. This helped the era remain accessible, without watering it down un-recognisably. The inclusion of surviving historical landmarks such as the imposing Pershore Abbey helped, too, with photos of its <a href="https://www.uksouthwest.net/worcestershire/pershore-abbey/pershore-abbey-south-transept.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">South Transept</a> still bearing the scars of the buildings which were recreated in the novel.</div>
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The mystery itself felt rather bitty at times, but I think much of that is because there were so many characters to get to know that the tension and intrigue were sometimes lost within the individual reminiscences. This could have been trimmed a little, with less time given to describing already-deceased husbands in quite so much detail. Despite this, I enjoyed Bradecote and Catchpoll's inaugural outing, and am very much looking forward to continuing the series, thanks in equal part to the efforts of both author and narrator. </div>
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The narrator was a large part of my decision to begin Servant of Death this week, for after listening to the marvellous Alex Wyndham reading Noble Satyr this week, I knew he was going to be a tough act to follow. Who else could I turn to with any confidence, but Matt Addis? Once again I was impressed by Addis' performance, and not least for how natural he made many of the mediaeval pronunciations seem. He always has such a deft understanding of pace, never racing through scenes or letting them drag, and ensuring the listener remains fully engaged along the way.</div>
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Addis' talent for making the characters feel not only tangible but recognisable presents this unfamiliar landscape and its people as though we could be within touching distance of their time. In fact, his Hugh Bradecote reminded me a little of John Nettles, though whether as Bergerac or Barnaby I couldn't quite decide.</div>
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Addis always has a good range of character voices to call on; for all ages, classes, and genders. I only realised quite how diverse a cast he weaves in this audiobook when deliberately pondering the question for this part of the review! It is not that his performance is unworthy of note - far from it - but more that it flows so nicely I could listen without being aware that he was 'performing'. Whether portraying the gentlemanly Under-Sherriff, unpretentious Serjeant, or a cunning <i>femme fatale</i>, Addis' voices never feel put-on in the way that so often blights others' narration. Each character is imbued with a personality that feels true to the text, without distracting one's attention from the plot.</div>
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I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and most especially mysteries of <i>Cadfael's</i> ilk. It is likely to hold particular appeal for anyone who enjoys period novels that offer a broad glimpse into life at the time, with the women's situations explored in no less depth than the men's. </div>
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<i>*I received this audiobook from the publisher free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.</i></div>
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This audiobook is also available on <a href="https://www.isis-publishing.co.uk/servant-of-death-13452" target="_blank">CD, and MP3 CD</a>.<br />
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