The Bad Books by Pseudonymous Bosch

Bad Luck
Secret Series Book #2

Book Two in the Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch takes place on a volacnic island. Clay and his friends must solve the mystery of the cave drawings that are attrating the attention of people outside the island. Clay's magical abilities are what will work to save them. The author of this series does it again by providing a series that readers can get excited about. The truth is, I cannot wait for the third book in the series!

Synopsis
At Earth Ranch, things can get a little magical (some might say strange). Intrepid readers will discover a runaway boy, fishy cruise ship, strange cave paintings, dragon-like footprints, and other mysteries that Clay and his friends need to solve. Danger, adventure, mischief, mystery, llamas, and a delightfully irreverent and hilarious narrator make bestselling author Pseudonymous Bosch's anticipated new novel irresistible.

This book, Bad Luck, was the second in the series. A link for the first book can be found below. 
To read a portion of Bad Magic Book One, click here http://www.thebadbooks.com/books.html
To read a portion of Bad Luck Book Two, Click here http://www.thebadbooks.com/book2.html

While I had an audiobook of Bad Luck, I think the book would have been devoured quickly be both me and my children.

Tender by Belinda McKeon

If you are a fan of audiobooks read in an accent, and a great coming-of-age story, then Tender is the book for you. The narrator's Irish accent often lulled me, and I lost the place I was at in the audio. Perhaps because it was not my normal listening, I was not as engaged as some of my other audios, but the story is a good one. This book may have hit the mark more for me had it been in the physical form, but I'm not too sure. Books have to be hit in the right time in your life.Tender has been receiving lots of attention, and many have added this book on their "to-read" lists for Spring/Summer 2016. So read the synopsis and think about this audio for your summer list.

Synopsis

When they meet in Dublin in the late '90s, Catherine and James become close friends. She is a sheltered college student, he an adventurous, charismatic young artist. In a city brimming with possibilities, he spurs her to take life on with gusto. But as Catherine opens herself to new experiences, James' life becomes a prison, walled off by a truth he feels unable to share. When crisis hits, Catherine finds herself at the mercy of uncontrollable feelings, leading her to jeopardize everything.

By turns exhilarating and devastating, Tender is an exploration of human relationships, of the lies we tell ourselves and others. A high-wire act with psychological insights, this daring novel confirms McKeon as a major voice in Irish fiction, alongside the masterful Edna O'Brien and Anne Enright.

©2016 Belinda McKeon (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Happy Listening!

Super Soul Sunday: Audiobook Edition

Audiobook Spotlight: Intentional Living

This audiobook spoke to my heart, because I have been in a period of odd transition. I am in the limbo of my job, and I feel a little like a buoy out in the middle of the ocean. I am holding my place in the world, but I do feel a little like I am floating along, without a greater purpose. I will start this year with a grateful heart, but more than that-in 2016-I will start. I will live my life with intention and be more focused on what it is that sets my heart ablaze with love, excitement and enjoyment. I am creating a "happiness habit" (see work by Sean Achor) that helps me to see, on a daily basis, the love and abundance I am surrounded by every day, every minute, every hour. John C. Maxwell is a master at his craft, and this audiobook is a great way to turn your life in a new direction. Absolutely a game-changer!

Synopsis

"We all have a longing to be significant. We want to make a contribution, to be a part of something noble and purposeful. But many people wrongly believe significance is unattainable. They worry that it's too big for them to achieve. That they have to have an amazing idea, be a certain age, have a lot of money, or be powerful or famous to make a real difference.

The good news is that none of those things is necessary for you to achieve significance and create a lasting legacy. The only thing you need to achieve significance is to be intentional. And to do that, all you need to do is start. You can't make an impact sitting still and doing nothing. Every major accomplishment that's ever been achieved started with a first step. Sometimes it's hard; other times it's easy, but no matter what, you have to do it if you want to get anywhere in life.

In INTENTIONAL LIVING, John Maxwell will help you take that first step, and the ones that follow, on your personal path through a life that matters."

Happy Listening!

Saturday Kid Reads: Audiobook Edition

Saturday Kid Reads: Babe Ruth

Baseball's best slugger, Babe Ruth is the star of this audiobook, read by Nick Sullivan and written by author Matt Christopher. For those looking to satisfy the new non-fiction Common Core standards, this audiobook will satisfy this need. If your theme is teaching students to overcome obstacles, then listen to Babe's story. George Herman "Babe" Ruth helped his teams win more than ten pennants and seven world championships, but winning requires hard work, grit and perseverance. This audiobook is also available in print format to assist students who may need a printed companion to this book. If you are looking for a similar story of overcoming obstacles, check out this inspirational story out of Apricot Farms. It's Chris's story and it is so amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9S3n_tILKo  

Super Soul Sunday: Audiobook Edition

Audiobook Spotlight: The Power of I Am

This Super Soul Sunday (all credit due to Oprah for coming up with the title) is brought to you by The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen. As I sit and watch the show, and all of its wonderful spiritual leaders speaking words of truth that my heart and my brain begin to understand the world more acutely-I find myself grateful for my journey and the possibilities that 2016 holds.
Whatever follows the words "I am" will always come looking for you.

So, when you go through the day saying:
"I am blessed"...blessings pursue you.
"I am talented"...talent follows you.
"I am healthy"...health heads your way.
"I am strong"...strength tracks you down.

Joel Osteen reveals how THE POWER OF I AM can help you discover your unique abilities and advantages to lead a more productive and happier life. His insights and encouragement are illustrated with many amazing stories of people who turned their lives around by focusing on the positive power of this principle. You can choose to rise to a new level and invite God's goodness by focusing on these two words: I AM!

I have heard much criticism of Joel recently by church-going people who believe his opulent lifestyle makes him hypocritical. While I have pieces of that argument that I whole-heartedly agree with, I also think that most of us, given the money he earns would live similarly. I know that he has started from small roots, and has spread enormous wings in the world, and his influence is far-reaching. You cannot argue with the word spoken on this audiobook. It was uplifting and encouraging, and I felt rejuvenated and encouraged listening to it every day to and from work and other events that I had going on. I would highly recommend this audio to those who are looking for a new focus in 2016.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for this audio title which was given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Happy Listening!

Amazing Audio Titles: September Edition

As my anniversary of my audio listening birth quickly approaches, I wanted to share with you some wonderful titles available in audio format for your listening enjoyment. I was a print book devotee for many, many years before transitioning to e-book formats. As I began to receive more books than I could possibly keep up with, I knew a sure way to double down on my book consumption was to listen to audiobooks. I am in love! I am finishing books at a very quick pace, and I feel free to embrace books I normally would not have tried. The narrators make a huge difference! Without further ado, here I some titles I think you will enjoy...

Historical Fiction

Written by Jami Attenberg

• Narrated byTavia Gilbert
• This novel was wonderfully narrated by Talia Gilbert, who breathes life in to a beautifully written novel about Maizie Phillips. Reading back through her diary, readers are transported back to a time when Maizie was young, wild, and free. The story is truly a remarkable one, and to reiterate, the narrator does a superb job bringing Maizie's story to life. 
• Synopsis:

Meet Mazie Phillips: big hearted and bawdy, she's the truth-telling proprietress of The Venice, the famed New York City movie theater. It's the Jazz Age, with romance and booze aplenty - even when Prohibition kicks in - and Mazie never turns down a night on the town. But her high spirits mask a childhood rooted in poverty, and her diary, always close at hand, holds her dearest secrets.
When the Great Depression hits, Mazie's life is on the brink of transformation. Addicts and bums roam the Bowery; homelessness is rampant. If Mazie won't help them, then who? When she opens the doors of The Venice to those in need, this ticket-taking, fun-time girl becomes the beating heart of the Lower East Side and, in defining one neighborhood, helps define the city.
Then, more than 90 years after Mazie began her diary, it's discovered by a documentarian in search of a good story. Who was Mazie Phillips really? A chorus of voices from the past and present fill in some of the mysterious blanks of her adventurous life.
Inspired by the life of a woman who was profiled in Joseph Mitchell's classic Up in the Old Hotel, Saint Mazie is infused with Jami Attenberg's signature wit, bravery, and heart. Mazie's rise to "sainthood" - and her irrepressible spirit - is unforgettable.
©2015 Jami Attenberg (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Young Adult

Written by Virginia Boecker

Narrated by Nicola Barber

Although this book is Virginia Boecker's debut, she does not disappoint. The book is a fabulous listen, and when it comes to YA, I can be quite fickle! Infusing some bits of historical fiction into this novel provides engagement for the listener, and a story that you will enjoy, and won't mind walking the dogs while finishing. 

Synopsis

Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight but what you fear.

Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.

Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: He will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.

But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past - if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.

Virgnia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice that will leave listeners wanting more.

©2015 Virginia Boecker (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Personal Growth

Written by John C. Maxwell

Narrated by Chris Sorenson

At just three hours, this audio will provide listeners with advice and practical tips to help start you off in the right direction. Listeners can engage every day with succinct lessons, stimulating questions, and inspiring quotes. If you are looking to begin with a committed plan to help your life become more inspired, this audio will suit you. I walked away with some easy-to-implement tips for my life. 

©2015 John C. Maxwell (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Happy Listening!