Marie

Stories that seem like the magic of Beatrix Potter

Reviewed: 10-02-23

I’m loving the Tales by Susan Albert about a fictional Beatrix Potter and the land around her Hill Top Farm. They are a mix of descriptions of the actual area in which Potter lived and a fantasy that includes exciting adventures. You get to know and follow the neighbors of Hill Top Farm, both humans and other animals. The stories of the animals have the texture of Beatrix’s books, but developed further and so that the adventures of humans and animals interweave.
This is all brought to life by the beautiful story telling narration of Virginia Leishman. I appreciate that at the end of the books we hear actual activities of Beatrix Potter during the historical period in which the book is set and aspects of her life that may have inspired the Tale we just heard.
I’m looking forward to more of the Tales by Susan Albert.

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Love the story and Mary Jane Wells.

Reviewed: 07-23-23

Lite, but fun story. I wanted to listen straight, through. Hard to put it down. Mary Jane Wells did a great job creating the various voices. It was a little fast, but it’s easy to slow it down a bit. I enjoyed the bright and cherry voices. Kept me awake and focused when needed. Delightful!

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A Delight

Reviewed: 05-28-23

I thoroughly enjoyed this joyful trip around the world. I looked up the places they went on YouTube as they went. Sometimes I need a light and delightful story, when other things can be too serious or depressing. Thank you for a wonderful escape.

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I Love the narrator as well as the stories

Reviewed: 05-10-23

I listen to Holly Martin’s books when I want a fun, joyful story. And I’ve come to expect Penny Andrews fun and joyful voice to represent these books. Thank you for such brightness, Holly and Penny.

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A wonderful series on so many levels

Reviewed: 01-25-23

This “detective “ series is beautifully written. It is set in Victorian England in the days of Sherlock Holmes, and even includes a cameo from Conan Doyle himself. These historical novels are well researched and documented, including appearances from historic figures themselves, from servants “below stairs “ to the prince himself. Lovely descriptions of the countryside, homes and palaces make the scenes vivid.
The leading heroine and her male friend are both strong, intelligent characters that one can trust to unravel tightly woven mysteries. Helen John’s narration is a delight to listen to; her many voices and accents bring the stories to life. I highly recommend this series.

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8 people found this helpful

Holly Martin’s Books Always make me happy.

Reviewed: 01-01-23

When life seems a little down, there’s nothing like a positive book to make me happy. At times like these I don’t need a book mixed with situations that drag me through the muck for chapter after chapter. There are some issues in Martin’s books, but they get sorted out relatively quickly rather than pulling me down. This particular book does require the characters to grow, but it’s mostly happy all the way through. I’m usually listening with a smile on my face. This book is also a wonderful confection for a celebratory time of year. Thank you, Holly Martin!

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Too frustrating

Reviewed: 02-03-22

I love Jessica Redlands other books. But to experience the main character pulled in two directions and unable to let go of a superstition, think clearly or make a decision for so much of the book was so frustrating. I listen to books to escape the issues of the everyday world. This was so frustrating that I just stopped listening to it and went on to something else.

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A Cozy Page Turner

Reviewed: 01-21-22

I love all of the Jessica Redland’s books that invoke the warmth and love of community. This one included that warmth and was more of a “page turner” than most.
The uncertain future of a teen and a 6 year old hangs by a thread while their life is controlled by an abusive, unfeeling family of criminals. This is the same Grimes family who have been vandalizing the Hedgehog farm. When $30,000 is cleaned out of the Rescue Center Account, members of these two groups are drawn together again.
Several love stories are woven through the story, love between parents or guardians and children; love between members of the community; and couples love that can turn out in varied ways.

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Another Beautiful Novel by Julie Caplin

Reviewed: 01-20-22

Julie Caplin,
Thank you for another wonderful story that helps us learn so much about the culture of a different country. Through your descriptive prose you introduce us to philosophies, culture, sights and cuisine of people of other countries. Your descriptions of foods in each book are so vivid I can almost taste them. In this book, in which a young woman visits Tokyo Japan, we learn about the extremes of the culture. You take us from the extravagant immersion in light & sounds in the Digital Art Museum, to the grace and calm of the Tea Ceremony. In this book even more than others, I found myself consulting maps and looking up information in order to learn more about the things you describe so enticingly in the book. I feel as if I just completed a trip to Tokyo myself & I can’t wait to return. You also gave an insight into the art of photography. Thank you for introducing us to various arts and occupations, as well as places and foods.
As usual, I fell in love with the characters and was intrigued by the love story. I often leave your books wanting the story to continue and wishing to visit the characters again. I would also like to revisit the aspects of new cultures which you highlight that encourage calm, peace, nature and simple comforts.
Thank you for doing this again, in spades.
I can’t wait for the next experience you take us on.

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Lovely cozy story

Reviewed: 10-08-21

Even with the tears of loss, this is an uplifting story of moving forward with your life; finding new family and friends. Creating a new future. Strong, likable characters lead the story.

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3 people found this helpful