The Audiobook Shelf

The American Indians and Their Music
Frances Densmore, author
Shaun Taylor-Corbett, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781799784807, $9.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/American-Indians-Their-Music-AmazonClassics/dp/17997= 84800

Synopsis: During the early twentieth century, the American government's sta= nding expectation was that Native Americans should be adopting Western cust= oms. In the face of that prospect, anthropologist and musicologist Frances = Theresa Densmore sought to preserve Native American culture -- particularly=
as it was expressed through music. In her extensive writings on Native Ame= rican lifestyles, music, and history, Densmore opened a window onto America=
n experiences that had been obscured by stereotypes, and encouraged a bette=
r appreciation of the varied traditions of tribes nationwide. In the variou=
s essays collected here (covering everything from dances and games to love = songs and instruments) Densmore overturned the misrepresentation of a rich = heritage and shared the vital importance of music as a gateway to knowledge=
and understanding.

Critique: An 'Amazon Classic' audio book production from Brilliance Audio, = this complete and unabridged edition features the vocal narrative skills of=
Shaun Taylor-Corbert whose superbly crafted reading of "The American India=
ns And Their Music" is very highly recommended for personal, family, highsc= hool, community, college, and university library audio book collections in = general, and supplemental Native American Studies curriculum lists in parti= cular. (MP3-CD, 1 disc, 3 Hours, 31 Minutes).

Editorial Note #1: Frances Theresa Densmore (1867 - 1957) was an American a= nthropologist and ethnomusicologist born in Red Wing, Minnesota. After stud= ying music at Oberlin College, she devoted her life to recording and transc= ribing Native American music and documenting its cultural significance. Col= lecting thousands of recordings, Densmore worked with tribes nationwide, in= cluding the Chippewa, Sioux, Pawnee, Seminole, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Pueblo, a=
nd many more. Throughout her career, she wrote monographs for the Smithsoni=
an Institute; contributed to American Anthropologist, among other journals;=
and, in 1926, published The American Indians and Their Music.

Editorial Note #2: An American actor, singer and writer, Shaun Michael Tayl= or-Corbett (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaun_Taylor-Corbett) is the son =
of choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett and Music Executive Michael Corbett. = Shaun Michael Taylor-Corbett is of Native American descent.

The Raven Song
Luanne G. Smith, author
Susannah Jones, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781713668725, $14.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/Raven-Song-Novel-Conspiracy-Magic/dp/1713668726

Synopsis: Forever untangling the branches of her strange family tree, Edwin=
a Blackwood is at a turning point. Her parents' disappearances still strike=
her as unaccountably odd. Her sister's questionable life and untimely deat=
h have left her shaken. Spellfire has transformed her home and livelihood t=
o ash. And now a devious stalker is on her trail. With supernatural detecti=
ve Ian Cameron by her side, Edwina can't get out of London fast enough.

Gaining safe passage, she finds refuge with Sir Henry Elvanfoot, famed wiza=
rd of the north, and is promised protection from ill-aimed curses. But in t= his unfamiliar city of fair folk and witches, where the veil between Earth = and the Otherworld is about to be lifted, something is amiss. How else to e= xplain Edwina's sudden prophetic visions? Or the fear that surviving whoeve=
r pursues her will require the powers of an ancient bloodline she's only be= ginning to comprehend?

Whatever destiny awaits, it's Edwina's to finally control. Where will it le= ad? Only time, cunning, and magic (in this world or the Other) will tell.

Critique: Now brought to life in a vivid and memorable 'theatre of the mind=
' experience by narrator Susannah Jones' remarkable vocal talents, this com= plete and unabridged audio book production from Brilliance Audio Luanne G. = Smith's fantasy novel "The Raven Song" is an especially welcome and recomme= nded addition to personal and community library audio book collections. (MP= 3-CD, 1 disc, 8 Hours, 47 Minutes).

Editorial Note #1: Luanne G. Smith (www.luannegsmith.com) is also the autho=
r of The Raven Spell, The Vine Witch, The Glamourist, and The Conjurer.

Editorial Note #2: Susannah Jones (https://www.beeaudio.com/narrator/susann= ah-jones) is an audiobook narrator, writer and actress with over 150 books = under her own name and her pseudonym.

A Christmas Candy Killing
Christina Romeril, author
Bernadette Dunne, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666616675, $22.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Candy-Killing-Christina-Romeril/dp/1666616= 672

Synopsis: Identical twin sisters Alex and Hannah are the owners of Murder a=
nd Mayhem, a mystery bookshop that sells their famous poison-themed Killer = Chocolates. But now, there's a real killer in their midst.

Shortly before Christmas, their septuagenarian neighbor, Jane, confides to = Alex that a murderer from a true-crime show has taken up residence in the v= illage. Unfortunately, she's also shared her suspicions with town gossip Ne= tta. The next morning, Alex shows up at Jane's house to watch the show, but=
instead she discovers Jane's body, with a box of Killer Chocolates nearby.

The sheriff quickly zeroes in on two suspects: Alex, a beneficiary in Jane'=
s will, and Zack, a handyman who was seen leaving the crime scene. But Alex=
maintains her innocence and sets out to draft a list of other potential su= spects -- townsfolk who'd recently been seen arguing with Jane. When Alex g= ets hold of Jane's journal, she begins to understand the truth. But a beare=
r of ill tidings is arriving early this year -- and Alex just might not mak=
e it to Christmas.

Critique: One of novelist Christina Romeril's classic cozy mysteries, "A Ch= ristmas Candy Killing" is superbly performed by the vocal talents of Bernad= ette Dunne in this complete and unabridged MP3-CD edition from Dreamscape P= ress. A 'must' for all dedicated cozy mystery fans, "A Christmas Candy Kill= ing" is unreservedly recommended for both personal and community library au= dio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Christina Romeril (https://christinaromeril.com) is a co= zy-mystery writer. She grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, and has been devourin=
g stacks of books since third grade when the Trixie Belden series sparked h=
er love of the genre.

Editorial Note #2: Bernadette Dunne (http://www.bernadettedunne.com) has be=
en honored to narrate the work of some of the finest fiction and nonfiction=
writers of our time, including Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, and San= dra Day O'Connor. The winner of more than a dozen Earphones Awards and a th= ree-time Audie Award nominee, she has voiced countless bestsellers, includi=
ng Memoirs of a Geisha, The Devil Wears Prada, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn=
.. She studied at The Royal National Theater and lives in New York.

When Life Gives You Vampires
Gloria Duke, author
Meg Sylvan, narrator
Dreamscape Media
https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com
9781666614466, $22.99, MP3-CD

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-life-gives-you-vampires-gloria-duke/1= 140788894

Synopsis: Twenty-five-year-old Lily Baines is used to waking up hungover, o= verweight, and underemployed. Waking up with fangs? Not so much. But when a=
little light necking has more serious consequences than she ever imagined,=
Lily is determined to get to the bottom of it or die (again) trying.

Tristan hadn't meant to turn Lily (it's against vampire law) but now that s= he's here, they need to team up to save both their hides. They strike an un= easy truce, fending off other vampires, Lily's work-rival-turned-slayer, an=
d her mother's tone-deaf romance and fitness advice -- all while Lily faces=
down her insecurities about the fact that she lives in a diet-obsessed wor=
ld with a body that will never age, never die, and never change.

Falling for her maddeningly gorgeous sire? Easy. Surviving an ancient vampi=
re Master determined to see her twice-dead? Piece of cake. But can Lily eve=
r truly learn to love the woman she'll be forevermore?

Critique: Fun, funny, and a vampire fans delight from beginning to end, "Wh=
en Life Gives You Vampires" by Gloria Duke is exceptionally well narrated i=
n a superb vocal performance by Meg Sylvan. This complete and unabridged MP= 3-CD edition from Dreamscape Media is a 'must' for personal and community l= ibrary audio book collections.

On Good Authority
Briana Una McGuckin, author
Lauren Irwin, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781713667827, $14.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Authority-Novel-Suspense/dp/1713667827

Synopsis: When lady's maid Marian Osley and footman Valentine Hobbs assume = their positions at the cliff-top estate of Valor Rise, they already share a=
history. Raised together as paupers in a London workhouse, they escaped th= rough games of imaginary crimes and sublime punishment. Now they've been un= expectedly reunited -- in subservience to the brooding Wythe Bornholdt and = his frail wife, Diana. A master and mistress with their own dark secrets.

In private, Marian and Valentine return to their playful and addictive game=
s -- now tinged with BDSM. But when lecherous Wythe sees something he desir=
es in Marian, he turns the pair's diversions violently against them. The li=
ne between servitude and bondage is drawn, and the dynamics of dominance an=
d submission will shift in this sensually charged story of Gothic suspense.

Critique: The stuff of which BBC movies are made, author Briana Una McGucki= n's historical thriller "On Good Authority" is now available as a riveting,=
complete and unabridged audio book ably and effectively narrated by an out= standing vocal performance by Lauren Irwin. In a 1 disc MP3-CD edition from=
Brilliance Audio, "On Good Authority" is an ideal addition to personal and=
community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note: Briana Una McGuckin writes Gothic Romance/Romantic Suspense=
and fabulist fiction. Her work appears in the Stoker-nominated Not All Mon= sters, an anthology of women's horror (Rooster Republic), as well as The Ar= canist, Breath & Shadow, and Hides the Dark Tower (Pole-to-Pole Publishing)=
.. She has an MFA from Western Connecticut State University. She can be foll= owed on Twitter @BrianaUna, and has a blog at: http://brianaunamcguckin.com

Beautiful Graves
L. J. Shen, author
Cassandra Campbell, narrator
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781799790228, $14.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Graves-L-J-Shen/dp/1799790223

Synopsis: They say first loves are oftentimes the end of one's innocence. T= hose words couldn't ring truer for Everlynne Lawson, whose first brush with=
romance came with a heartbreak and the thing that seems to follow her ever= ywhere she goes -- Death.

After a great tragedy, Everlynne loses all she cares about -- her dreams, h=
er family, and her soulmate, Joe. Guilt-ridden, Everlynne decides to isolat=
e herself in Salem, Massachusetts. A shell of the woman she once was, she t= akes her days one at a time, careful not to allow herself the joy she belie= ves others in her life were robbed of.

But when the mysterious, handsome Dominic storms into her life, it becomes = more difficult to stay in solitude. Dominic is different: adventurous, joyo= us, with lust for life and a passion to make her his. Everlynne is on the c= usp of reinventing herself once again when the old wounds of her past are r= esurrected, rawer than ever.

There is nothing worse than being in love with two men. Especially when one=
of them hates you!

Critique: A unique, clever, fascinating, engaging, and with a special appea=
l to fans of angst riddled contemporary romance, L. J. Shen's new novel, "B= eautiful Graves" is brought to life in the mind's eye by the superbly perfo= rmed narration of Cassandra Campbell in this Brilliance Audio complete and = unabridged MP3-CD edition. With a running time of 11 Hours 46 Minutes, "Bea= utiful Graves" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal and = community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: L. J. Shen (www.authorljshen.com) is a an author of cont= emporary, new adult, and young adult romance. Her books have been sold in t= wenty different countries. She can be followed on Instagram (@authorljshen)=
, or her Facebook group at http://goo.gl/QZJ0NC. Fans can sign up for her n= ewsletter at https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb, and text SHEN to 313131 to get new rel= ease alerts (United States only).

Editorial Note #2: Cassandra Campbell has hundreds of audiobook credits to = her name each one with refreshing clarity and honesty. (https://www.audible= ..com/ep/narrator-cassandra-campbell).

The Last Hill
Bob Drury, author
Tom Clavin, illustrator
George Newbern, narrator
Macmillan Audio
www.macmillanaudio.com
9781250866738, $39.99, CD

https://www.amazon.com/Last-Hill-Ranger-Battalion-Defined/dp/1250866731

Synopsis: In the European Theatre of World War II, "Rudder's Rangers" was t=
he most elite and experienced attack unit the American Army had. In Decembe=
r 1944, they would be the spearhead into Germany, taking the war into Hitle= r's homeland at last. Their colonel was given this objective: Take Hill 400=
.. The second objective: Hold Hill 400. To the last man, if necessary. The b= attle-hardened battalion had no idea that the German Volks-Grenadiers, who = greatly outnumbered the Rangers, had been given the exact same orders. The = clash of the two determined forces was one of the bloodiest and costly ones=
of World War II.

Castle Hill, the imposing 400-foot mini-mountain the grunts simply called H= ill 400, was the gateway to still-powerful Nazi Germany. Even an entire div= ision had been repulsed by the desperate defenders. The Allies had to have =
it to drive a dagger into Germany's heart. Hitler had to hold onto it becau=
se hidden behind it was the massive army of men and machines poised to smas=
h their way through Allied lines in the Battle of the Bulge.

The stalemate could not continue. For Gen. Dwight Eisenhower and his top br= ass, there was only one solution: Send in the Rangers. After two days, when=
they were finally relieved, only 16 Rangers remained to stagger down from = the top of Hill 400. The Last Hill is filled with unforgettable action and = characters -- a gripping, finely detailed saga of what the survivors of the=
battalion would call "our longest day."

Critique: Unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic li= brary audio book and WWI military history collections, this complete and un= abridged audio book edition of Bob Drury and Tom Clavin's "The Last Hill" f= rom Macmillan Audio is brilliantly narrated by the vocal performance of nar= rator George Newbern who brings this bit of World War II history vividly to=
life as a true 'theatre of the mind' production.

Editorial Note #1: Bob Drury (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Drury) is t=
he recipient of several national journalism awards, a three-time National M= agazine Award finalist, as well as a Pulitzer Prize nominee. Drury honed hi=
s investigative skills writing for all four New York City newspapers as wel=
l as a variety of national publications. His journalism career has arced fr=
om sports to crime to adventure travel to foreign correspondence. He is als=
o the author, co-author, or editor of ten non-fiction books, including Bloo=
d and Treasure, Valley Forge, and Lucky 666.

Editorial Note #2: Tom Clavin (https://us.macmillan.com/author/tomclavin) h=
as worked as a newspaper editor, magazine writer, TV and radio commentator,=
and a reporter for The New York Times. He has received awards from the Soc= iety of Professional Journalists, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and Nat= ional Newspaper Association. His books include the Frontier Lawmen trilogy = (Wild Bill, Dodge City, and Tombstone) as well as Blood and Treasure with c= oauthor Bob Drury.

Yule Be Sorry
Kim M. Watt, author
Patricia Gallimore, narrator
Isis Audio
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781399124331, $98.95, MP3-CD

https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/Yule%20Be%20Sorry

Synopsis: One should never meddle in the affairs of dragons, but someone ha=
s been doing just that. They've been making imitation dragon scale baubles = that are nothing short of lethal, and kidnapping delivery drivers all over = the Yorkshire Dales. They've also been leaving behind some distinctly drago= n-ish traces.

Beaufort Scales, High Lord of the Cloverly Dragons, is hot on the trail - o=
r would be, if he wasn't having certain political problems at home. That le= aves Alice and Miriam to track down the real culprits, rescue the hostages,=
and salvage Mortimer's bauble reputation, all while misleading the police = regarding the of existence of dragons, and hopefully without being blown up=
by unexpectedly aggressive Christmas decorations in the process. Luckily t= hey have the full resources of the Toot Hansell Women's Institute at their = disposal. They'll need it.

And then there's the small question of who stole all the Christmas turkeys.= ...

Dragons, the Women's Institute, and one very suspicious cat. What could pos= sibly go wrong?

Yule Be Sorry is the perfect Christmas cozy mystery for anyone who likes th= eir crime funny, dragonish, and full of cake and friendship.

Critique: A festive tale of kidnapping, explosions, & stolen turkeys, "Yule=
Be Sorry" is Book 2 of the Beaufort Scales Cozy Mysteries by novelist Kim =
M. Watt. This Isis Audio edition is a complete and unabridged production fe= aturing the impressively entertaining narrative storytelling skills of Patr= icia Gallimore. With a running time of 11 Hours 5 Minutes, (and featuring d= ragons!) "Yule Be Sorry" is especially recommended to fans of the Cozy Myst= ery genre and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Kim M. Watt (https://kmwatt.com) is renowned for her ori= ginality, humor, and narrative storytelling skills. A listing of her books = can be found at https://kmwatt.com/books

Editorial Note #2: There is a complete listing of audio books narrated by P= atricia Gallimore at https://www.audiobooks.com/browse/narrator/3722/patric= ia-gallimore

Murder in Tuscany
T. A. Williams, author
Simon Mattachs, narrator
Boldwood
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781804832233, $88.95, MP3-CD

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-in-tuscany-t-a-williams/1142057304?= ean=3D9781804832233

Synopsis: A remote retreat nestled high in the Tuscan hill, Villa Volpone i=
s home to renowned crime writer Jonah Moore and his creative writing course=
.. It's also the last place retired DCI Dan Armstrong expected to spend his = retirement! Dan's no writer, but maybe this break will help him to think ab= out the next chapter in his own life story?

Then there is a gruesome murder only days into the course. Jonah Moore is f= ound stabbed to death with his award-winning silver dagger! And Dan finds h= imself pulled out of retirement with a killer to catch.

There are eleven possible suspects (the other guests) each of whom seem sho= cked by Jonah's death. But Dan knows that one of them must be lying. And as=
he and Italian Commissario Virgilio Pisano begin to investigate it quickly=
becomes clear that everyone at Villa Volpone has secrets to hide. But can = Dan discover who the murderer is before they strike again?

Critique: "Murder in Tuscany" is a gripping new murder mystery series launc= hed by novelist T.A. Williams that is brought vividly to life in a true 'th= eatre of the mind' experience for dedicated fans of the Cozy Mystery genre =
by the narrative skills of Simon Mattacks. 7 hours and 15 minutes of pure e= ntertainment, this MP3-CD audio book edition of "Murder in Tuscany" will pr= ove a prized and appreciation addition to personal and community library au= dio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: An accomplished novelist, there is a complete listing of=
books by T. A. Williams at https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/t-a-williams

Editorial Note #2: Simon Mattacks (https://www.simonmattacks.com) has been = and continues to be a prominent voiceover actor/performer for more than 30 = years.

The Wrong Bridesmaid
Lauren Landish, author
C.J. Bloom & Teddy Hamilton, narrators
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781799798897, $14.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Bridesmaid-Lauren-Landish/dp/1799798895

Synopsis: Wyatt Ford hightailed it out of Cold Springs to get away from his=
influential family and the unwanted privilege that came with it. Returning=
for his brother's wedding dredges up every reason he left. One unexpected = bright spot: a curvy knockout who slings burgers, hustles pool -- and hates=
the last name Ford.

Hazel Sullivan is fiercely independent and happy to be maid of honor for he=
r best friend's wedding, but she isn't looking for romance. Especially not = with a man whose family is dividing her town into a battleground with their=
development plans. Fighting the family is easy. Fighting Wyatt? Not so muc=
h. Why does the enemy have to be so drop-dead gorgeous?

The sparks that fly between Hazel and Wyatt might start out as combat, but = one kiss and it's total surrender. How is a happy ever after even possible = for two people with so little in common? Except, of course, for an overwhel= ming attraction and that growing temptation to say "I do" themselves.

Critique: Complete and unabridged, this audio book production of "The Wrong=
Brides Maid" from Brilliance Audio features romance author Lauren Landish'=
s fun and funny novel to life thorough the dual (and dueling) narrative ski= lls of C.J. Bloom and Teddy Hamilton. Providing 9 Hours and 29 Minutes of p= ure entertainment in a 1 disc MP3-CD format, "The Wrong Brides Maid" will b=
e an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal and community li= brary audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Lauren Landish (www.laurenlandish.com) writes books that=
have garnered praise from her legion of readers and is the author of the T= ruth or Dare series, the Irresistible Bachelors series, and the Bennett Boy=
s Ranch books. She can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lauren.land= ish.

Editorial Note #2: C.J. Bloom (https://www.silvertonagency.com/narrator-sam= ples/cj-bloom) is an actress and voice-over artist. She can be heard on com= mercials, video games, and promos. She comes to narration with a passion fo=
r performance along with the capability to span several genres, from romanc=
e to children's literature and thrillers.

Editorial Note #3: Teddy Hamilton (https://www.facebook.com/TeddyHamiltonII=
I) is a seasoned and highly skilled romantic audio book narrator with a dre= amy and the steamy -- and swoon worthy.

Murder at Black Oaks
Phillip Margolin, author
Therese Plummer, narrator
Macmillan Audio
www.macmillanaudio.com
9781250867100, $29.99, CD

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Black-Oaks-Robin-Lockwood/dp/125086710X

Synopsis: Defense Attorney Robin Lockwood is summoned by retired District A= ttorney Francis Melville to meet with him at Black Oaks, the manor he owns =
up in the Oregon mountains. The manor has an interesting history -- origina= lly built in 1628 in England, there's a murderous legend and curse attached=
to the mansion. Melville, however, wants Lockwood's help in a legal matter=
- righting a wrongful conviction from his days as a DA.

A young man, Jose Alvarez, was convicted of murdering his girlfriend only f=
or Melville, years later when in private practice, to have a client of his = admit to the murder and to framing the man Melville convicted. Unable to re= veal what he knew due to attorney client confidence, Melville now wants Loc= kwood's help in getting that conviction overturned.

Successful in their efforts, Melville invites Lockwood up to Black Oaks for=
a celebration. Lockwood finds herself among an odd group of invitees -- in= cluding the bitter, newly released, Alvarez. When Melville is found murdere=
d, with a knife connected to the original curse, Lockwood finds herself fac=
ed with a conundrum -- who is the murder among them and how to stop them be= fore there's another victim!

Critique: Philip Margolin is a true master of the suspense thriller genre a=
nd the impressive narrative skills of storyteller Therese Plummer does full=
justice in bringing to life all of the deftly crafted characters embedded =
in the this fascinating 'whodunnit' mystery. Complete and unabridged on 5 C= Ds, "Murder at Black Oaks" is an especially recommended addition to persona=
l and community library audio book and mystery/suspense collections.

Santa's Little Yelpers
David Rosenfelt, author
Grover Gardner, narrator
Macmillan Audio
www.macmillanaudio.com
9781250867087, $29.99, CD

https://www.amazon.com/Santas-Little-Yelpers-Carpenter-Novel/dp/1250867088

Synopsis: 'Tis the season in Paterson, New Jersey: Lawyer Andy Carpenter an=
d his golden retriever, Tara, are surrounded by holiday cheer. It's even sp= read to the Tara Foundation. The dog rescue organization, not used to havin=
g puppies, has their hands full with a recent litter. Eight puppies are a l=
ot to handle, and Andy is relieved when his co-worker Chris Myers agrees to=
foster them.

Myers, a newer employee at the Tara Foundation, did time for a crime he swe= ars he didn't commit. When Myers discovers a key witness against him lied o=
n the stand, he goes to Andy to ask for representation in getting the convi= ction overturned. Myers thinks they can have this wrapped up by Christmas, =
no problem.

But when the witness is murdered, and Myers is arrested for the crime, thin=
gs go from bad to worse. Suddenly, it's all elves on deck to make a list an=
d check it twice, so they can prove Myers is innocent.

Critique: Another brilliantly plotted 'whodunnit' addition to author David = Rosenfelt's 'Andy Carpenter Mystery' series, "Santa's Little Yelpers" is su= perbly narrated by vocal performance artist Grover Gardner. A compelling 't= heatre of the mind' experience for any and all dedicated mystery buffs, thi=
s complete and unabridged audio book edition of "Santa's Little Yelpers" fr=
om Macmillan Audio is an especially recommended addition to both personal a=
nd community library audio book collections. (6 CDs).

The Brilliance of Stars
J'nell Ciesielsky, author
Areil Hanson & Callan Friesen, narrators
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781978694941, $16.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/Brilliance-Stars-Jack-Ivy-Novel/dp/1978694946

Synopsis: Washington, DC, 1914. Ivy Olwen knows how to survive on the stree=
ts without two coins to rub together. But when destiny thrusts her into the=
nest of a covert agency of assassins sworn to drive back the world's darkn= ess, she acquires a new set of lethal skills. Her education (from explosive=
s to etiquette, sharpshooting to sabotage) is as far-reaching as the organi= zation's missions. But it's the hours she spends among the towering bookshe= lves in the library and stargazing on the roof with Agent Jack Vale that ma=
ke her heart fly.

Jack knew plenty of hardship before the agency refined his rough edges, tra= nsforming him into the man who never misses. But he didn't know the feeling=
of home until Ivy entered his world. Now, Jack's heart drums with a singul=
ar purpose: he will fight for her, fight alongside her. No matter the cost.

When the pair is sent on a seemingly simple mission to take down Russia's n= ewest and most dangerous arms dealer (a soulless man using the Great War as=
an opportunity to further his own depraved agenda) they discover that no a= mount of training could have prepared them for a manhunt that takes them ac= ross the frozen tundra, to the Crimean Peninsula, and along the Trans-Siber= ian Railway -- only to discover that there is evil in the world they are ju=
st beginning to understand.

Critique: Brilliantly narrated by the vocal storytelling talents of Ariel H= ansen and Callan Friesen, "The Brilliance of Stars" is the first book of an=
epic duology by novelist J'nell Ciesielski and fully incorporates her sign= ature blending of thrilling adventure, glamorous espionage, and sweeping ro= mance. With a special appeal for readers who appreciate wholesome historica=
l war time romance, this complete and unabridged audio book edition of "The=
Brilliance of Stars" is strongly commended for inclusion into personal and=
community library collections. (12 Hours, 24 Minutes).

Editorial Note #1: An author with a passion for heart-stopping adventure an=
d sweeping love stories, J'nell Ciesielski (https://jnellciesielski.com) we= aves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. She can be followed on Ins= tagram: @jnellciesielski and Facebook: @J'nellCiesielski

Editorial Note #2: Ariel Hanson (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Ariel= -Hansen) and Callan Friesen (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13727334) are expe= rienced and professional voice actors.

You Were Made for This Moment
Max Lucado
Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781713637332, $26.99, MP3-CD

https://www.amazon.com/You-Were-Made-This-Moment/dp/1713637332

Synopsis: Queen Esther concealed her Jewish identity. As far as anyone knew=
, she was pure Persian. But then came the royal decree that would annihilat=
e her people. She had to make some tough choices. Would she remain silent o=
r would she speak up? Would she blend in or would she stand out? Esther cou=
ld have refused. She could have cowered in fear. But she spoke up. She stoo=
d out. And God used her to save the nation. It's not hyperbole to say that = her courage changed the course of history. Nor is it an overstatement to sa=
y that God can do the same with you.

Like Esther, you may be staring down a seemingly impossible situation. And = what's true for Esther is true for you: deliverance will come. God will hav=
e his victory. He will rescue his people. He will right the wrongs of this = world. The question is not, Will God prevail? The question is, Will you be = part of the team?

With the publication of "You Were Made for This Moment: Courage for Today a=
nd Hope", pastor and author Max Lucado will help you: Reclaim your eternal = identity as a citizen of heaven; Put your hope in the God of grand reversal=
s; Cultivate courage for your challenging times; Discover your role in God'=
s story. You don't need to become undone by tough times, you can become unl= eashed by our triumphant God because we were all 'made for this moment'.

Critique: Superbly performed by voice actor Ben Holland, this complete and = unabridged audio book edition of "You Were Made for This Moment: Courage fo=
r Today and Hope" by Pastor Max Lucado is especially and unreservedly recom= mended listening for all members of the Christian community regardless of d= enominational affiliations. (4 Hours, 4 Minutes).

Editorial Note: Max Lucado (https://maxlucado.com) is a pastor, speaker, an=
d bestselling author who, in his own words, "writes books for people who do= n't read books." He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, T= exas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the d= iscouraged: God loves you; let him. Known for combining poetic storytelling=
and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor, all of his trade books bega=
n as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max = asking himself this question: "What can I say on Sunday that will still mat= ter on Monday?" He's been dubbed "America's Pastor" by Christianity Today, = and "The Best Preacher in America" by Reader's Digest.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these=
reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte= rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi= duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.

The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo= rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat= ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
, and list price).

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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