A Nantucket Christmas and The Week Before the Wedding

A NANTUCKET CHRISTMAS by Nancy Thayer

What starts off as a sad tale ends up being a funny, heart-warming story perfect for the holiday season in A NANTUCKET CHRISTMAS.

Narrator Joyce Bean does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. From the whinny Kennedy to the thoughts of Pooh and all in between, Bean gives each character their own distinct voice. Her mannerisms delight and enhance the words of author Nancy Thayer.

A NANTUCKET CHRISTMAS features two stories that merge into one. The first story focuses on a small puppy that has been abandoned by his owners on Nantucket Island. Its winter and they are returning to the mainland with no need for a dog anymore. The puppy struggles to survive finding food and warmth where he can.

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the island Nicole Somerset is preparing for the first Christmas with her new husband Sebastian. The troubling part is Sebastian’s pregnant daughter Kennedy, her husband James and their youngster Max will be visiting for Christmas.

Despite the fact that both her parents have new partners and seem happy, Kennedy will do all within her power to bring her parents back together. At every opportunity Kennedy schemes to push her father away from Nicole. When her mother unexpectedly arrives at the house on Christmas Eve, she’s sure the family will be reunited and Nicole will be out in the cold.

When Max finds the stray puppy in his fort and wants to bring it inside, a huge argument among the adults begins. When Kennedy snaps at Max, he takes the puppy and runs away. As the search for Max unfolds, things happen that changes the divided family forever.

Thayer has created such realistic characters you find yourself wanting to shake some sense into a few saying ‘grow up.’ She gives them emotions and concerns listeners can relate to. The characters are a mixture of sweet, fun, lovable and downright spoiled.

An eye for detail, the author paints a beautiful winter wonderland with her descriptions. Her take on the town’s Christmas setting places the listeners in the middle of the festive atmosphere.

If you’re an animal lover, you will both hate and love this story. Thayer explores the bond between animal and human and the loving connection that is made, but also the terrible way pets are sometimes abandoned.

A NANTUCKET CHRISTMAS is a quick, charming story that will have you smiling and humming a Christmas tune by the end.

Author Nancy Thayer’s website is http://nancythayer.com/

A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer, Performed by Joyce Bean, Brilliance Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1469295848, Unabridged, 4 Discs, Listening Time: 4 Hours and 26 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 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING by Beth Kendrick

THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING is a prime example that things aren’t always what they seem.
Narrator Nicole Poole does a terrific job giving the various characters their own voice. She delivers the emotions with a flourish.

Author Beth Kendrick spins a wonderful tale of love, laughter, and what might have been.

Emily only wants a stable family and a house with a white picket fence. She’s about to realize her dream with her marriage to a wonderful surgeon. Their wedding is taking place at a quaint resort in Valentine, Vermont, and will also serve as a family reunion for her fiancé Grant’s family. Emily only has her mother and former step-sister so she’s excited about becoming part of a large family.

As she goes over last minute details and the wedding party arrives, an unwanted guest from Emily’s past arrives. Her ex-husband Ryan, now a successful film producer, is in town scouting locations.

During the final days leading up to her dream wedding, Emily discovers things about both men in her life she never imaged. She also discovered there is no such things as a perfect family.

Kendrick tantalizes listeners/readers with her well-developed, realistic characters. She created zany secondary characters that add charm and depth to the story.

Kendrick’s vivid descriptions bring the picturesque setting to life. The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace. The author adds twists and turns to keep you wondering, while surprising you with those who bond.

THE WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING is a lighthearted romance that may have you rethinking your dream wedding. This story features fun characters and an entertaining story to delight the heart of romantics. 

Author Beth Kendrick’s website is http://bethkendrick.com/

The Week Before the Wedding by Beth Kendrick, Performed by Nicole Poole, Tantor Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1452617145, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 8 Hours 

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 everyone for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed your reading/listening taste buds a bit with these two fascinating audios. What are you currently reading/listening to?