Melanie

Loved this book. Loved the performances of each of the narrators. Walked around for the 2-weeks I listened to this book to and from work speaking in my native Southern accent. I didn't realize I was doing it until the people who worked for me asked a few weeks later, "Are you done speaking Southern?" What I mean to say is that this book took me to a place that was a warm reminder of the place of my birth. I loved the humanity of the characters. I loved the perspective offered on the lives of black housekeepers in a changing South. I found myself rooting for the heroines, and their were many, and wanting to make sure that I always look for the humanity of everyone around me. This is the best kind of book -- it makes you want to be a better person, no matter who you are or where you live.

It took me a little bit to get into Twenties Girl, but once I did ... I was all the way in. I found myself loving Aunt Sadie. I loved the story of her life, her love affair with the neighbor and her missing necklace. Of course, I also really enjoyed Lara's story. I was happy to read about supportive parents as I found them very familiar and the charm of this story was just a total joy. I am a Sophie Kinsella fan, and this book was totally satisfying. Two thumbs up!

Everytime I pick up or listen to a new Jennifer Weiner title, I think I look for Candy Shaprio. Ruthie was no Candy. As the key character of this novel, Ruthie is certainly likable as is her grandmother. It felt like there were autobiographical elements here, and maybe even a treatise on the TV show production business -- and while interesting to learn how TV shows are put together, I just never found myself able to fully embrace Ruthie or her story as I have other Jennifer Weiner titles. If you are a die hard Weiner fan, you have no choice but to read The Next Best Thing -- and you will likely find something to enjoy, but if you are a Weiner newbie ... I cannot completely recommend The Next Best Thing.

This book starts out with a bang when Poppy loses her engagement ring and mobile phone at an event that is supposed to be serving as her bridal tea. The ensuing scene has her signing and dancing for a Japanese businessman after she finds the discarded mobile phone of an executive assistant who has quit her job for a high-powered executive. To say this book starts out with a bang and keeps that pace throughout is an understatement. It's funny, tender, warm-hearted, charming, and sweet!

I especially enjoyed Jayne Entwistle's performance. It was worth a credit and the hours I spent listening. I can highly recommend especially if you are a fan of Ms. Kinsella!

I am not ashamed to say that I am falling in love with Sophie Kinsella's books! She had me when Emma admitted to suffering from an uncomfortable thong her boyfriend bought her 2-sizes too small because she lied to him about her weight ... but just by one digit! I laughed so hard listening to this book while driving to and from work that I became self-conscious in the same way you might while singing along to a favorite tune.

Kate Reading was a pleasant narrator and the story moved along .. but somehow it was the combination of both that was even better than the individual parts. I found myself sharing specific vignettes I had bookmarked with friends and colleagues at work .. and they were laughing right along with me.

If you are looking for some escapist chick lit and want a quick satisfying listen that you can depend on for a laugh and a smile and a happy ending ... this is for you! If you are a bonafide love cynic .. move on, there's nothing for you here.

Listening to this story was quite an experience. The reader's performance was fantastic -- among the best I've ever listened to. The book was somehow very slow to unfold but then very quick to wrap up. It seemed there was a lot of prelude -- and then from the point of the car accident on -- it was like the author was on a downhill wrap up -- working sometimes too hard to tie up all of the loose ends. Through it all, even when I was frustrated with the above mentioned issues with the story -- I was enchanted YES enchanted by the reader.

I was sad to learn that Ms. Fields passed away in a flash flood while trying to rescue her recording equipment and found myself deeply moved by her obituary as it aired on NPR -- that I found in my google search of her. I would recommend this book simply for the reader's performance. It was amazing listening to her tell me a story.

Each holiday I look forward to reading one of Mr. Evans novels. This year's is a retelling of Joseph being sold in to Egypt. While some of the small details seemed to be a bit of a reach, the overall integrity of the story holds up. I found myself very touched by the treatment of the relationship between the main character and his beloved Father. I had never thought of this story from the point-of-view of Jacob -- and reading this book sent me right back to the original text in The Old Testament. I hope this little holiday tradition continues long into the future.

This is the first time of read Donna VanLiere. While I found the story a little far-fetched I did appreciate the spirit of the book, and look forward to reading more VanLiere titles. I enjoyed reading about the depth of feeling between the characters and enjoyed reading such an uplifting story during the holiday season. I could easily recommend this book as a good read to any friend or family member, especially if they were looking for a feel good read.

I enjoy Claire Cook's straightforward storytelling. Once again a woman who is under appreciated by those around her and maybe a bit uninspired by her own life gets a makeover. This was a fun read and I enjoyed the Dancing with the Stars references. While her books sometimes seem to wrap up a bit too neatly, I always find myself intrigued by the idea of her stories and I always find time to listen to them quickly. I enjoyed Cassandra Campbell. If you like Claire Cook you won't be disappointed by this title.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would based on the reviews I had read. I found myself laughing out loud at the incident of the rotten chicken left in the refrigerator.

I like the way that Claire Cook examines the stages of women's lives when reinvention seems to be the best available option. As someone who is faceing a reinvention -- it was perfectly timed for me.

I listened to this book very shortly after loosing my mother, suddenly and unexpectedly. So, it was a challenging book to read. I think anytime you read someone's interpretation of how death works -- I think that you can get caught up in measuring every word, every interpretation, every point of doctrine. I found that it was much easier to open myself up to the ways in which healing can come from unexpected sources.

I especially enjoyed learning about life on an apple orchard. And, I could recognize in the story some of the universality of loss and grief.

However, that said, I found the device that Mr. Wright used in the cross gardener a little too distracting. I think the author was well-intentioned and I appreciated the uplifting tone, but this isn't a book I could recommend without reservations.