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Bola

LAUREL, MD, United States | Member Since 2002

HELPFUL VOTES

8 reviews
24 ratings
696 titles in library
10 purchased in 2013

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FOLLOWERS

Love and War: Volume Two of the North and South Trilogy

UNABRIDGED
- by John Jakes
- Narrated by Grover Gardner
Love and War: Volume Two of the North and South Trilogy

UNABRIDGED (42 hrs and 30 mins)

By John Jakes

Narrated By Grover Gardner

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(146)
Performance
(124)
Story
(123)

The Main and Hazard families clash on and off the Civil War’s battlefields as they grapple with the violent realities of a divided nation. America's master storyteller continues his reign with Love and War, a story steeped in passion and betrayal. With the Confederate and Union armies furiously fighting, the once-steadfast bond between the Main and Hazard families continues to be tested. From opposite sides of the conflict, they face heartache and triumph on the frontlines as they fight for the future of the nation and their loved ones.
Marcia A. Anderson says: "The Civil War brought to us on a personal level."
"Fantastic"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Love and War to be better than the print version?

The American civil war and its many component intrigues me. I have listened to many books about this era however John Jakes has done a splendid job in his books – North and South, Love and War. Apart from just enjoying the books, I also learned something about the North and South that I never knew.
I love the story lines- mixing history with some make belief. You feel as if you were there. Both books (since they are connected) as a whole have left a deep impression in my heart about valuing relationships. I am glad a few characters in the book got what they deserved and also very sorry that one of the main characters died. I guess the story will not be realistic if this did not happen.
I have already pre-ordered the last book – Heaven and Hell. I would like to see the three books made into a movie :)

The narrator - Grover Gardner could not have done better - good job

What was one of the most memorable moments of Love and War?

When Orie died or when Charles found his son

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

I loved every part of his performance. Loved the way he could switch from one character to the other

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

movie - perhaps?

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Hothouse Flower

UNABRIDGED
- by Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by Beth Chalmers
Hothouse Flower

UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 43 mins)

By Lucinda Riley

Narrated By Beth Chalmers

Overall
(21)
Performance
(18)
Story
(17)

As a child, Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park estate, where her grandfather tended the exotic flowers. So when a family tragedy strikes, Julia returns to the tranquility of Wharton Park and its hothouse. Recently inherited by charismatic Kit Crawford, the estate is undergoing renovation. This leads to the discovery of an old diary, prompting the pair to seek out Julia's grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed Wharton Park.
alison says: "Life's Too Short"
"What a story!!!"

Overall
Performance
Story

If you could sum up Hothouse Flower in three words, what would they be?

Family stories of long ago. Unfortunate circumstances.

What other book might you compare Hothouse Flower to and why?

I would compare it to Kate Morton’s The Shifting Fog or the distant hours or house at Riverton to mention a few

What does Beth Chalmers bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Love her British accent and the way she changed her voice to represent each character

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

First Bill for his loyalty, then Olivia – she need not suffer for that long

Any additional comments?

Beautiful story. I enjoyed every moment of it. It is interesting the journey life takes each and every one of us. I wish Harry did not marry Olivia because he truly did not love her. They never had a child – the main purpose for marrying. Poor Olivia – I think when life hands you lemon, you make lemonade out of it. Why live a miserable life because of someone!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
True Colors

UNABRIDGED
- by Kristin Hannah
- Narrated by Sandra Burr
True Colors

UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 41 mins)

By Kristin Hannah

Narrated By Sandra Burr

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(135)
Performance
(30)
Story
(30)

The Grey sisters had only each other when their mother died years ago. Their father provided for them physically on Water's Edge, the ranch that had been in their family for three generations, each of them however, longed for their father's love.
Brenda says: "Well written, POORLY narrated... :("
"Fantastic!"

Overall
Performance
Story

Excellent read! I love Kristin Hannah’s book for one simple reason – the stories are always so real and something you can relate to always. It is interesting to know how prejudice can hinder our vision and reasoning.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Winter Garden: A Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by Kristin Hannah
- Narrated by Susan Ericksen
Winter Garden: A Novel

UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 43 mins)

By Kristin Hannah

Narrated By Susan Ericksen

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(548)
Performance
(306)
Story
(302)

Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard: the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father fails ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters
Alysa says: "Gut wrenching....but well done."
"Excellent story and narration"

Overall
Performance
Story

Love the story and there are lessons to learn! Women go through a lot and also have a lot to learn. Will definitely try others books from this author.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Summer of Light

UNABRIDGED
- by W. Dale Cramer
- Narrated by Ed Sala
Summer of Light

UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 1 min)

By W. Dale Cramer

Narrated By Ed Sala

Overall
(50)
Performance
(9)
Story
(9)

After a series of bizarre events, ironworker Mick Brannigan finds himself knee-deep in laundry - and considering a retreat to his hopelessly littered kitchen. He soon learns important lessons from unlikely sources. W. Dale Cramer, multiple Christy Award-winning author of Bad Ground and Levi's Will, delivers a Romantic Times Top Pick tale of a reluctant Mr. Mom who discovers what matters most.
California Rose says: "Wonderul!"
"Maryland listener"

Overall
Performance
Story

I truly enjoyed this book and had a good laugh too! I am glad that Mick was able to connect with his son and all the adventures he had with his 3 children whiles staying at home with them. Good read!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Help

UNABRIDGED
- by Kathryn Stockett
- Narrated by Jenna Lamia , Bahni Turpin , Octavia Spencer , Cassandra Campbell
The Help

UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 19 mins)

By Kathryn Stockett

Narrated By Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, and others

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(24223)
Performance
(10927)
Story
(10951)

Why we think it’s a great listen: The most celebrated performance in all of Audible’s history, The Help has nearly 2,000 5-star reviews from your fellow listeners. We hear the print book’s not bad, either. In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another.
Jan says: "What a great surprise!"
"Wow"

Overall
Performance
Story

Excellent and captivating account of that era. I enjoyed listening to the book.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A Delirious Summer

UNABRIDGED
- by Ray Blackston
- Narrated by Andrew Peterson
A Delirious Summer

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 51 mins)

By Ray Blackston

Narrated By Andrew Peterson

Overall
(67)
Performance
(6)
Story
(6)

To Neil Rucker, seven months, one week, and a day is too long to wait in between dates. But life as a Spanish teacher to missionaries in Ecuador affords little opportunity for romance.
Connie says: "If I had a teen..."
"A delirious Summer"

Overall
Performance
Story

Excellent writing!

1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Les Miserables, Volume 2

UNABRIDGED
- by Victor Hugo
- Narrated by Frederick Davidson
Les Miserables, Volume 2

UNABRIDGED (25 hrs and 7 mins)

By Victor Hugo

Narrated By Frederick Davidson

Overall
(41)
Performance
(6)
Story
(6)

Les Miserables is a romantic novel packed with revealing incidents of slum life and poverty in 19th-century France. The core of the book deals with Jean Valjean, a criminal who serves as an example of the misery and contradictions of society with which Victor Hugo was especially concerned.
Bola says: "Amazing store"
"Amazing store"

Overall
Performance
Story

Very touching story and plenty of lessons's to learn.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful