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Rachel

purple dreamer

Williamsport, PA, United States

22
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 17 reviews
  • 35 ratings
  • 0 titles in library
  • 79 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
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FOLLOWERS
4

  • The Last Boyfriend: The Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By Nora Roberts
    • Narrated By MacLeod Andrews
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1203)
    Performance
    (1050)
    Story
    (1063)

    Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family’s construction business with an iron fist - and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers give him grief for his compulsive list making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn’t plan for was Avery MacTavish... Avery’s popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a firsthand look at its amazing renovation - and a newfound appreciation for Owen.

    Lynne Phelps says: "Speed up your MP3 Player!"
    "Great listen, good narrator"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to The Last Boyfriend the most enjoyable?

    The narrator was very good at making you think you were listening to different characters. The flow of the story was engaging.


    What did you like best about this story?

    I really enjoy trilogies. It picked up nicely from the first book in this series and makes me look forward to the last book in the series.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    I think I liked the concept of one of the main characters empathsizing with the ghost of Lizzie. She is truly the center of the whole story and I enjoyed that she was treated as a person rather than an entity.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    Since I enjoy nearly all of Nora Roberts books, I usually have reactions throughtout the book. I was happy that the misssing "mother" didn't get a pass when she re-entered the picture. Many books seem to think that if a person shows back up after years away, then those that have been left behind should be forgiving and so desperate for the connection that they will fall for whatever excuse is given to them for the crappy behavior. I was extemely amused with the son who walked in on his mature mother and her close "friend" and was shocked that she was still a human with needs of her own outside of being a mother.


    Any additional comments?

    There are not many (if any) of Nora Roberts books that I haven't enjoyed repeatedly. I particularly enjoy the trilogies with a splash of paranormal . Only one series so far has had vampires (I'm not a big fan of the vampire mystique) but I would and have willingiy listened to most of the books over and over and still look forward to the ending. I like that she has friends, relatives... that have a strong bond with each other.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Honeysuckle Summer: Sweet Magnolias, Book 7

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 32 mins)
    • By Sherryl Woods
    • Narrated By Mary Robinette Kowal
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (39)
    Performance
    (23)
    Story
    (24)

    Her devastating marriage behind her, Raylene Hammond is truly thankful for her best friends, the Sweet Magnolias. They’ve taken her in, shielding her from the world. Then she meets sheriff’s deputy Carter Rollins, and suddenly Raylene’s haven no longer feels quite so safe.

    Rachel says: "Good story, horrible narrator!"
    "Good story, horrible narrator!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Honeysuckle Summer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    I have many audiobooks and this rates mid way through all of them.


    What did you like best about this story?

    I enjoy the connection of a group of women and their friendship over time.


    Would you be willing to try another one of Mary Robinette Kowal’s performances?

    I would prefer not to. I have all the books in this series , so I've listened to more of her than I care for. I can usually blank out the narrator if necessary and just go with the story, but I found myself thinking "This is really awful". She's okay when just reading but lousy at the voices.


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    Not really.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Home in Carolina: Sweet Magnolias Series

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 19 mins)
    • By Sherryl Woods
    • Narrated By Mary Robinette Kowal
    Overall
    (54)
    Performance
    (35)
    Story
    (35)

    There’s no place like home, especially if it’s Serenity, South Carolina. For Annie Sullivan, though, the homecoming is bittersweet. She’d always envisioned a life there with her childhood best friend, Tyler Townsend. But Ty’s betrayal has cost her the family and the future they’d once planned.

    Claudia says: "Oh Dear"
    "Tired of the forgiveness"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Sherryl Woods and/or Mary Robinette Kowal?

    I have this series in ebook format but wanted to be able to listen to the series while doing other things. I did not like this narrator nor the one in the previous book. It certainly detracts from the listening experience.


    Would you be willing to try another book from Sherryl Woods? Why or why not?

    I have many books by Sherryl Woods and just purchased another one. No problem with her work.


    What didn’t you like about Mary Robinette Kowal’s performance?

    Lack of differences in voices. Not very good character voices.


    Do you think Home in Carolina needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

    Since I have the whole series, I know there are other books that tie in to this.


    Any additional comments?

    I really get sick of the whole theme of men cheating on "the love of their lives". I'm sorry, but if you really do love someone , you can't justify having so little respect for that person that it's alright to do that. Just to be completely fair, I also don't think too much of the female cheating on the male.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Byte Me

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 56 mins)
    • By Pauline Baird Jones
    • Narrated By Wyntner Woody
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (4)
    Performance
    (4)
    Story
    (4)

    A lawman meets his perfect match. Too bad she's a high tech thief... Deputy US Marshal Jake Kirby is a top tracker, who always gets his fugitive. Now he's hot on the trail of a gang of cyberthieves with an unusual agenda. That trail takes him to Colorado and a country and western bar managed by the sexy, mysterious Phoebe Mentel. Instant attraction quickly complicates this high tech chess game between two people who don't know how to lose and are afraid to fall in love.

    Rachel says: "Good story, bad narrator"
    "Good story, bad narrator"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

    Once again, it wasn't the book itself that was bad, it was the narrator. If you can get over that, it's worth listening to. I have read this series of books several times and wanted to be able to listen to it while I work. The first book in the series (The Last Enemy) had a much better narrator and was very enjoyable.


    What other book might you compare Byte Me to and why?

    Most of the books I've purchased have had pretty good narrators. A few have had really bad narrators. This is one of those.


    How did the narrator detract from the book?

    Horrible voices. Can't really explain how awful it is , but if I hadn't read the book and listened to the first one , I wouldn't have finished it.


    You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

    Story was great. Good author. Would buy other books by this author, but not with this narrator.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Fearless

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 6 mins)
    • By Diana Palmer
    • Narrated By Phil Gigante
    Overall
    (70)
    Performance
    (31)
    Story
    (32)

    Even in the wide open spaces of Texas, secrets find a place to hide...in the heart of a shy determined woman; behind the hard, rugged exterior of a DEA agent; and in the dangerous world of drug smuggling.

    Robbie says: "I have issues..."
    "Worst "hero" and lead female has NO self esteem."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

    Can't decide. Really didn't like the male lead at all. He seemed to be a self-centered arrogant *******. I like the basic plot but it's hard to get into a story where it's as easy to detest the supposed hero as the villain. And I'd like to shake the female and ask where her pride is.


    If you’ve listened to books by Diana Palmer before, how does this one compare?

    I've listened to several of her books, which is why I got this one. I don't know that I will listen to this one again.


    What about Phil Gigante’s performance did you like?

    I like his performance as the males. I think it is difficult to have a man do a woman's voice without it sounding simpering or unintelligent.


    Could you see Fearless being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

    Would rather not. And if it was , certainly not with the "stars" there are to choose from today.


    Any additional comments?

    Most of Diana Palmer's book have quite a bit of political leanings in them. I could do without the whole green, immigration and class soapboxes. I like the stories enough to buy quite a few books, but they would be just as enjoyable without some elements.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Choice

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By Nicholas Sparks
    • Narrated By Holter Graham
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (591)
    Performance
    (184)
    Story
    (187)

    Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life, including boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies, he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door.

    M. Chinander says: "Wow"
    "Attention keeper"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of The Choice to be better than the print version?

    Didn't read print version.


    What other book might you compare The Choice to and why?

    This is not my usual sort of book, so I can't really compare it to others I've read.


    What about Holter Graham’s performance did you like?

    He has a very engaging voice. A little bit of accent and a nice mellow flow of speaking.


    If you could take any character from The Choice out to dinner, who would it be and why?

    I think Gabby. She has a deep down earthiness that I liked.


    Any additional comments?

    I watched the Notebook and cried my eyes out ( I have no idea why this is a good thing). I thought I'd try more of Nicholas Sparks work and since I listen to a lot of books, this was the way to go. Again, I cried through parts of it, not knowing for sure how it would end. Glad I wasn't listening at work :) I really enjoyed all of this book and went back and bought four more of his books. Well worth the credit.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Lost and Found

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By Jayne Ann Krentz
    • Narrated By Sandra Burr
    Overall
    (68)
    Performance
    (30)
    Story
    (31)

    Cady Briggs is very useful to Mack Easton - her expertise in art and antiques helps his shadowy, low-profile company, Lost and Found, find missing treasures for high-paying clients. But as Cady's beloved Aunt Vesta warns her, being useful to a client is one thing - being used is another. But now, Cady must turn to this man she isn't sure she can trust. And instead of tracking down missing masterpieces, they'll be hunting down a killer.

    SassiKassi says: "It was OK"
    "Mystery and romance, can't beat it."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up Lost and Found in three words, what would they be?

    Interesting, twisting and romantic.


    What other book might you compare Lost and Found to and why?

    Maybe Nora Roberts Blue Smoke. Although not quite as gripping as Nora Roberts work, it has the same kind of elements..... trying to figure out who the real bad guy is even though you know the main characters will end up together. Plenty of chemistry and the female lead is not a screaming sissy.


    Have you listened to any of Sandra Burr’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    I've listened to Nora Roberts Three Sisters Trilogy several times and really enjoy this narrator. There is enough difference in the characters so you don't have to guess who is suppose to be speaking.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    Surprisingly, it was when Katie was talking to Mack's daughter. While there was no great drama, the way she let her know that maybe it was time to let her father have his own life was very gentle and insightful.


    Any additional comments?

    Nora Roberts work is my favorite and I have most of her audible books, but I've recently started listening to Jayne Krentz and enjoy it enough to now have most of her work as well. I will definitely be on the look out for more of her books.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Blue Smoke

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 53 mins)
    • By Nora Roberts
    • Narrated By Joyce Bean
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (292)
    Performance
    (129)
    Story
    (132)

    The blaze that night at her family's pizzeria changed young Reena Hale's life in more ways than one. Neighbors and relatives would pull together to help the Hales get through the crisis and rebuild. The Baltimore authorities would arrest the arsonist responsible. But as Reena gazed into the fire, beheld its brutal beauty and destructive power, her destiny began to take shape.

    Carolyn says: "Great"
    "Entertainment from start to finish"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Blue Smoke rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    Since I have close to 700 audiobooks, it's hard to rate it exactly. I am very fond of Nora Roberts , so this is close to the top.


    What other book might you compare Blue Smoke to and why?

    I think maybe High Noon. Strong female lead, lots of suspense, good character interaction and good narrators.


    What about Joyce Bean’s performance did you like?

    I think she did a great job on making the voice of each character seem different from the one before. You got a sense of different people. She didn't make the male voices sound as though it was a female doing them. I like her work.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    I really enjoyed the fact that when Bo (who had been searching for Reena for years) looked up and see's her next door, he recognized her as the girl he'd dreamed of since college. For all you romantics out there, it's a moment!


    Any additional comments?

    I have listened to this book a number of times and always enjoy it. It does have some particularly graphic scenes in it, so you might want to skip over them if you have trouble dealing with that kind of realism. I will listen to this many more times. Well worth the credit.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By E. L. James
    • Narrated By Becca Battoe
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (10764)
    Performance
    (8504)
    Story
    (9113)

    When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

    Penelope Poopendorfer says: "Holy Crap minus the Holy"
    "Paris Hilton school of writing"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

    Apparantly this series is pretty popular, but I think it is for someone younger.


    What could E L James have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

    I haven't read the books, just listened to many hours of the first audiobook. I cannot imagine why anyone would put in so many "holy cows, holy s***, holy crap and that's hot". And the constant references to her inner goddess was annoying.


    How did the narrator detract from the book?

    Although the lead female was suppose to be young and somewhat innocent, the whole valley girl persona was off putting.


    If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Fifty Shades of Grey?

    I don't think that I would get to the part where I needed to edit it. It really isn't for me at all. I have hundreds of audiobooks and I think this is one of my least favorites. Will not be listening to anymore of it.


    Any additional comments?

    I have listened to many books, some with very erotic passages, so have no problems with graphic sexual content. I just really didn't like anything about this book.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Carnal Innocence

    • UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 55 mins)
    • By Nora Roberts
    • Narrated By Tom Stechschulte
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (819)
    Performance
    (695)
    Story
    (705)

    New York Times best-selling novelist Nora Roberts captivates millions of fans with her provocative blend of scorching passion and chilling suspense. With Carnal Innocence, she creates a gripping tale of murder, infatuation, and true love in a small southern town. After beautiful concert violinist Caroline Waverly breaks up with her conductor and lover Luis, she escapes to her late grandmother’s home in Innocence, Mississippi.

    Karen says: "The wait has ended"
    "Surprise!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Carnal Innocence again? Why?

    Yes. I like all of the Nora Roberts books that I've listened to. There are enough twists that it's not a straight line to the ending like some books. I was very surprised at the ending.


    What did you like best about this story?

    That although there was some predictability, the ending wasn't what I'd expected.


    Have you listened to any of Tom Stechschulte’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    I haven't listened to any of his work that I'm aware of. I would have no problem with him being the narrator. He did a very good job. Enough difference so I could tell which character was suppose to be speaking.


    Who was the most memorable character of Carnal Innocence and why?

    I think it was a toss up between the two main characters, Tucker and Caroline. Tucker, because I really didn't want to like him since he seemed to think of women as interchangeable for his purposes. I did end up liking the character as the book started to show more depth of character.
    Caroline because she finally started to show some backbone and became more of her own person rather than what was chosen for her.


    Any additional comments?

    If you can, get the unabridged version. It's much better.

    4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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