Sunday Salon: Stories of Love

It’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

Christmas 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?

Bonnie, Sherlock Holmes And A Giveaway

Mysteries and thrillers are among my favorite genres to read. Today I have reviews of a mystery/thriller audio book and a book about the world’s greatest detective, along with a giveaway.

BONNIE, A NOVEL by Iris Johansen

A fan of author Iris Johansen for years, I have longed for closure for her Eve Duncan character.

BONNIE, the third installment in her recent trilogy, finally provides that closure. While it’s not what I had hoped Eve would find, it was a fitting conclusion.

Eve Duncan’s 7-year-old daughter, Bonnie, vanished one day without a trace. Since then Eve has searched for her daughter and answers to what happened. She has been aided in her search by the love of her life, Joe Quinn.

Years after Bonnie’s disappearance, her father, John Gallo, resurfaced even though Eve had been told he was dead. For awhile, it was believed Gallow had killed his daughter. New evidence leads the trio, along with Quinn’s partner, CIA Agent Catherine Ling, on the hunt to finally track down what really happened to Bonnie.

Author Iris Johansen takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions in this story. She adds numerous twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you know what will happen next, there’s a new fork in the path to finding Bonnie.

The narration by Jennifer Van Dyck flows smoothly giving depth to the story and characters. Her narrative style provides each character with their own unique voice. Her interruption of Bonnie is especially tender and touching. Her voice draws you in and holds you breathless as the action-packed story unfolds.

BONNIE is a stand alone book as Johansen includes bits of background information to help new readers. However, to fully understand the drama of this difficult journey, readers should also read the other books in the trilogy, EVE and QUINN.

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

Listen as Iris shares what the future holds for her, Eve, and new heroines on the horizon...http://www.brillianceaudio.com/podcasts/

Bonnie, A Novel by Iris Johansen, Read by Jennifer Van Dyck, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1441886095, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours 57 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.

SUCCESS SECRETS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES 

by David Acord

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, there is a book being released November 1 that is a must have. If you’re not a fan, you might be after reading this delightful book.

SUCCESS SECRETS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES: LIFE LESSONS FROM THE MASTER DETECTIVE by David Acord gives wonderful new insight into Holmes and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Acord looks at how Doyle created the legendary Holmes using the characteristics from numerous brilliant people he knew. He also points out how readers can apply the insights of Holmes to their everyday life to achieve success.

An intriguing fact about Doyle I found in the book - he wasn’t formally trained in criminology yet Holmes’ techniques have influenced generations of real-life detectives and law enforcement officers. In addition, the first Holmes story (the novel-length A STUDY IN SCARLET) sold for the equivalent of $38 after being rejected numerous times.

This is a witty, fun fact-filled book about Holmes, Watson and their creator, Doyle. It also makes the reader stop and consider Holmes’ methods as seen in today’s light.

SUCCESS SECRETS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES is a must have for any mystery lover. 

Success Secrets of Sherlock Holmes: Life Lessons From the Master Detective by David Acord, Perigee Trade, @2011, ISBN: 978-0399536984, Paperback, 208 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This 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 to Alexandra and the good folks at Penguin, I have 2 copies of SUCCESS SECRETS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES to giveaway. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win SHERLOCK HOLMES.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. Just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at 1 of 2 copies of SUCCESS SECRETS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope I’ve tempted your reading taste buds.