Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sunday Salon: Stories of Love


TSSbadge1It’s time for Sunday Salon again where we relax and share information about the wonderful books we’ve read and/or listened to during the past week.

The stories I share today have been out for awhile, but have been re-released in audio form thus introducing them to a new audience. Re-fill your cup, sit back and relax as I tell you about two very different books that the same central theme - love.

5-B POPPY LANE by Debbie Macomber

978-1-4418-6318-8Christmas stories don’t always have to involve Santa and presents. Sometimes the best Christmas stories are the ones about families coming together.

That’s the case of Debbie Macomber’s 5-B POPPY LANE, a Cedar Cove Book. This is a story of Helen Shelton who receives a Christmas visit from her granddaughter, Ruth, and Ruth’s husband, Paul.

However, before they arrive Helen’s neighbor, Charlotte, asks her to re-tell how Ruth and Paul meet and came to be married. In telling the story, Helen also recounts her own breath-taking adventures during World War II.

This is a heart-warming story of love, devotion, strength, courage, and compromise. 

Sandra Burr does a lovely job of narrating this delightful story. She brings emotion to the characters giving them greater depth. Her interruption of Helen as she recounts her ordeals during the war is heartbreaking.

Author Debbie Macomber makes the holidays special with a visit to Cedar Cove and its intriguing residents.

Author Debbie Macomber’s website is www.debbiemacomber.com

5-B Poppy Lane by Debbie Macomber, A Cedar Cove Book, Read by Sandra Burr, Brilliance Audio, @2010, ISBN: 978-1441863188, Unabridged, 3 Discs, Listening Time: 3 Hours 11 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THE BRONZED HAWK by Iris Johansen

THE BRONZED HAWK is about danger and romance, outlaws, rugged terrain, fiery passion, and misunderstandings.

Kate McKenna is a photojournalist who enjoys daring assignments. Nick O’Brien is a brilliant inventor who avoids the press as much as possible. When Kate blackmails her way into an experimental hot air balloon ride with Nick, the sparks begin to fly.

As the pair’s desire for one another ignites, so does the balloon. They are forced to crash land, face ruthless bandits, and bargain their way to safety.

While the story line is fun, Nick’s character seems a bit too overbearing at times. Kate is described as fearless and independent, yet she seems to coward to Nick’s every demand and order. But then love does tend to make one do things they wouldn’t normally do.

The misunderstandings between the two where their true feelings are concerned leads to bouts of humor.

The narration by Christina Traister adds depth to the characters and makes for a pleasant audio. The mannerisms she includes throughout the read enhances the story.
THE BRONZED HAWK is filled with passion and adventure.

Author Iris Johansen’s website is www.irisjohansen.com

The Bronzed Hawk by Iris Johansen, Read by Christina Traister, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1455832521, Unabridged, 5 Discs, Listening Time: 6 Hours 7 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. What did you read or listen to this past week?

1 comment:

  1. Hi Mason, no love story this week.
    I read Kathy Reichs's Spider Bones.
    I'm in awe of this woman:legal anthropologist here in Quebec, teacher in NC, writer.
    I admit having diffuculties with some descriptions of her books and skipping bits now and then but, all in all I learn things that I wouldn't have otherwise ( having not a scientific "bone" in the body).
    Have a good week.

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