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Carolyn Cessna

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Superb narration and politically learned.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-24-25

What began as an interesting coal mining community story in itself soon became so much more from unsuspecting relationships with aristocrats and politicians through World War I experiences. Battlefield strategies and government overhauls for human rights strengthen each character's purpose while their struggles are many. This is a very good history lesson of all the countries involved.

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The love of animals

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-21-24

The narrator was truly exceptional. She drew me into the story immediately. I gained a new perspective as to how people of Berlin were affected by the politics, war and fear of the coming Russians. The setting in the zoo with its beloved animals and keepers is heart warming and breaking when the bombs hit. The intricate weave of identifying the present day vet's real grandmother during that time exposes the trauma of birthing in the bunker and gifting of babies.

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The narration is superb.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-31-24

This is a story you can't put down. It stays on your mind all the time. The river life and later the hope of normalcy to return is exciting. The young girl Rill is the family's strength. Her thoughts, wisdom and decisions while confronting dangerous situations to not say anything and avoid escalating trouble is awesome. She sacrifices her own ambitions for the sake of others. I'm so glad that she woke up from the river's dream and accepted the music of another life.

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Behind the scenes in Vietnam

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-30-24

For most of the book, I wondered why it wasn't called The Nurses instead of The Women which seemed pale given the honest, reliable closeness of the three girlfriends. Until I came to the emotional end at the memorial wall. The title now means to me "all the women" who served in Vietnam.  Combat surgical nursing and expressive compassion to the trauma injured is an incredible gift together. It brings hope to those who receive their medical service. Part Two is to learn about stress disorder, group therapy, awareness of deceit, wrong choices, and friends you can count on in the recovery. More lucky to have are wealthy, helpful parents who at least don't start you on a journey of addictive pills to cope.

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Deserves ten stars!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-04-24

These two stories of determined young women, past and present in alternating chapters, build to a fascinating historical lineage. Hannie is sweet and strong, a friend when you need one.  I love the way she thinks. She is honest with herself. The title could be The Blue Beads. Love of family and friends and freedom from slavery join to form a bond hard to describe but thrives in your heart for a grand purpose.

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Mentally insane

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-16-24

There was so much meanness dealt to the poor girl who handled it with tolerance and humility.  She admitted guilt and being sorry to things not her fault just to keep the job. This story is downright scary and eerie all the way to the end. I breathed a little relief when she found the pepper spray in the bucket.

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Effects of the resistance

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-25-24

This is a dynamic story of saving yourself during the resistance once caught. Each of the nine young women were nicely introduced in separate chapters as the story moved along. Descriptions of their hunger, health, friendship, concentration camp life, and escape route take you to an unfamiliar world of suffering. The psychology afterward is understandable such as not wanting to eat or talk about the experience anymore.

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She had courage

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-29-23

I am amazed how friendly people were across the country to accommodate the travelers. And I really adore the bond between horses and dog to communicate especially under stress like crossing bridges. This is as much an animal story as well as a human one.

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A wonderful series

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-23

I am 76 years old and thought it was about time that I should get to know the works of C.S. Lewis starting with The Chronicles of Narnia.  There were so many stories other than the Wardrobe one! My favorite might be The Horse and His Boy. All the narrators are superb, they really bring the characters and events to life! The parallels of the lion to God and Jesus, including the stable door with everyone going to the left or right, and the lion freely giving up his life and forgiving the donkey, are heart warming.

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Great dog training

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-22-23

Thank you to Jim who puppy trained the dog. I am glad that he and Jason got to meet. I really felt the emotional handover. The achievements of a dog's training abilities and devotion to owner for commitment to service are amazing.

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