Anything but Extraordinary, Volume 1

By: Mary Frame

Narrated by: Leah Casey

Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

When the local authorities ask Ruby Simpson to help them find a thief in the small town of Castle Cove, she doesn't have much of a choice. She predicted the most recent theft, and the cops have no other leads. 

There are just two small problems. 

One, she's not psychic. 

Two, she's not Ruby Simpson. 

Okay, maybe they're not small problems. But Charlotte needs a place to lay low with her younger sister, somewhere her parents won't find her and the locals won't ask too many questions. Getting involved with the cops, especially Deputy “Cute Butt” Jared, isn't a smart thing for a reformed con artist to do. But Charlotte has to make a choice: raise her little sister on the right side of the law or put food on the table. 

What the real Ruby doesn't see in her crystal ball won't hurt her, right?

©2017 Mary Frame (P)2018 Mary Frame

An Accidental Con

Charlotte and Paige are starting over but things are . . . complicated! Wonderful characters in a small town short of younger people, well narrated by Leah Casey. I cannot wait for Volume 2!

Not a standalone--says so in ALL CAPS in the description. But, frankly, this was so delightful I didn't care.

Great mystery

This book made me laugh. I had to hurry and get the second one! Good job Mary! You have made me proud!

Great!

Fascinating storyline and great characters made for a fantastic listen. Great narrator too! I received a review copy of this audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Cute cozy mystery

I was not expecting this story from this author. The previous books I had read had more simmering romance in them than this. Not to say this one was lacking, I was just surprised.

This story had a more family element to it. I really liked about this book. As an older sister I can totally relate to wanting to make sure my younger siblings are ok and have everything they need. And I can relate to having shitty parents as well. The mystery aspect was cozy and cute. It took me a while to figure out whodunit and I felt not enough emphasis was on that part of the story. Most of it was Charlotte struggling with her morality versus making sure her sister and her were able to eat and have somewhere to sleep.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions and all that jazz.

I can say that I was not feeling the narrator…at all. Usually they grow on me but this one wasn’t hitting the feels like I needed. I think this impacted my enjoyability of the story because I couldn’t really connect with the characters like I usually do.

Also, not all the loose ends were tied up in the ending. Sure, the mystery was solved and the romance aspect was put to rest…… but we never find out about her basically stealing someones identify and how the town will feel about it once they find out. This is pretty major since the town made her feel welcome and accepted, hence the morality issue. I will be honest and say that I will probably not be reading the next in this series because I don’t really want to invest more time in these characters. It was a cute cozy mystery and I’m good with letting it be at that.

Fun Madcap Romantic Comedy

I read the ebook version of this book a while ago, and I really enjoyed it. Now, I've listened to the audio book version, and I'm in love with it. The narrator perfectly fits the story. She made the characters spring to life, gave them dimension and emotion, and, generally, made it all work together perfectly. If I liked the characters in print, I loved them in audio.

Charlotte and her younger sister Paige are on the run from their parents, who use them as pawns in their con games. The girls, with no money, wind up in the small, seaside town of Castle Cove, where they find themselves quickly welcomed, The girls have lucked out in finding a nice place to live for free in exchange for setting up a new psychic's (Ruby) shop while Ruby heads off to spend time with the Dalai Lama. By accident, before she and Paige could introduce themselves to the town, Charlotte is mistaken for Ruby. Hoping to avoid detection by "the parents", she goes with it.

This book is light and flirty, kind of a madcap romantic comedy, but it has a bit of a dark undertone where Charlotte and Paige's parents are concerned. There's friendship, romance, and a sense of community to offset that darkness. All around, it's a fun read and a great listen.

I was given this book as a gift by the author. I thank her for her generosity, but all comments are based on my genuine opinions of the book. I truly enjoyed listening to this book.

Extraordinary!

Wow!!! Mary Frame wrote a book that pulled me in from the very beginning. I love romance and mystery and this story has both. Leah Casey added to the enjoyment of the story with her smooth delivery. I thought the story was well written. I like imperfect characters who are trying to change their ways for the better. Charlotte (aka Ruby) has a good heart in wanting to give her sister a better life. I loved how she developed her friendships and relationships with several people in the small community. This book has so many endearing characters, an original storyline, and a continuation to come.
I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. The story is a standalone listen, yet it is not complete. I want to know what happens next to the boys, how Charlotte reveals she is not really Ruby to her friends, and if her parents ever catch up with her and her sister. This story was time well spent listening. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.

First part only

This is a great book but beware. I would't call it a series. I'd say it's one book in three parts. I really want to know what happens to Ruby! Will just have to get the next book.
I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review.

Contemporary romance with some funny moments.

This is not a murder mystery as I first thought but more of a robbery mystery. The plot is not the best but I loved the characters. I believe it is the main character Charlotte that pulls the book. She was complex and had some grey areas and I really liked her, which is strange because usually I don't really like the MC due to things they do that I find annoying.

I would highly recommend this book. This is more for 16+ due to profanity and some mild sexual content.

Cute Story

I love how "Ruby" takes cares of her little sister, determined to allow her sister to live a "normal" life without her fraudulently parents around influencing their lives. "Ruby's" natural mother instinct, not only to her own sister but to the little boys is wonderful and leave a warm tingle in your heart. I would have loved to have heard more about her new, upcoming romance, but I would suppose that will be in book 2 since this book sort of left the romance between the two hanging. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Cute, fun story

Ok, so this might not be the most believable story, but it's fun and has a good cast of characters. Two sisters who are close and trying to make it on their own fall into the perfect opportunity to make a little extra money to help them make a new start. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.