Book and Audio Review: Mr. Darcy's Mail-Order Bride by J. Dawn King

Mr. Darcy’s Mail-Order Bride by J. Dawn King

Publisher & Release: Quiet Mountain Press, November 24, 2016

Time and setting:  1869, Oregon

Genre: Historical Romance/Pioneer Western

Book Length:   354 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice meets the Wild, Wild West.

In 1869, females are in short supply in the west while a single man in want of a wife is rare in the east. When lonely Charles Bingley convinces his good friend, Will Darcy, to write a letter offering marriage to Miss Jane Bennet, she likewise convinces her sister, Elizabeth, to pen the reply. Elizabeth is struck by the beauty of the letter and responds by opening her heart to the Oregon wordsmith, who she believes to be Mr. Bingley. It’s love at first letter—for both the couples. Misunderstandings and bad impressions abound as the true identities of the authors are discovered.

In the days following the double wedding, Will and Elizabeth Darcy face challenge after challenge while Mr. and Mrs. Bingley appear to live in wedded bliss. Will Mr. and Mrs. Darcy find their own true love? In this sweet variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we will see open disdain shift to a wary friendship and the wary friendship grow to the tenderest of emotions—or will we?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Mr-Darcys-Mail-Order-Bride-Prejudice-ebook/dp/B01MRLCJAR

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33015399-mr-darcy-s-mail-order-bride

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Ms. King, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from the first page to the last. I found this through the romance package on Audible and selected it because I love Wendy Rich Stetson’s narrations. 

Mr. Darcy’s Mail-Order Bride is a Pride and Prejudice variation, and I am normally less than thrilled with those, but Ms. King allowed me to visit the beloved characters from that classic in a completely different setting that works surprisingly well. She caught Lizzy’s optimistic personality and Mr. Darcy irascible one perfectly.

This emotionally-charged romance brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. The pacing is excellent, and the writing flows smoothly. Ms. King gives enough description without giving too much detail. 

Now, for the main reason, I am writing a full review. As I mentioned, I love Wendy Rich Stetson as a narrator. She is amazing. She truly brings all the characters to life, from Lizzy and Darcy to the children in this story, to Lydia and Mr. Wickham. I became totally enmeshed in this story through her astonishing abilities as a narrator. If you have never listened to her, then you are truly missing out!

If you enjoy seeing some of your most favorite characters brought to life in an entirely new setting, yet one where their personality traits are still true, then you will love this book. I highly recommend Mr. Darcy’s Mail-Order Bride by this very talented author. Happy reading/listening!

Book and Audio Review: Help Wanted by Barbara Valentin and narrated by Wendy Rich Stetson

Help Wanted by Barbara Valentin

Publisher & Release: Gemma Halliday Publishing, May 11, 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy

Book Length: 207 pages

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

From bestselling romance author, Barbara Valentin, comes another hilarious and heartwarming Assignment: Romance novel...

When Claire Nelson decided that her happily-ever-after lay not in marriage but in a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, she vowed never to tie the knot. But that was before she met Paul Mendez, handsome and charming enough to have her breaking said vow and marrying him shortly after college.

Almost fifteen years and four sons later, Claire is now a burned out breadwinner ready to ditch her quest for happily-ever-after, and Paul has traded his dream of chairing corporate board meetings for volunteering at PTA meetings as a stay-at-home dad. Feeling trapped in a demanding job, Claire's repeated attempts to get Paul to return to work fall flat. Contemplating divorce, she drafts a letter to the Plate Spinner, a popular advice columnist, asking for help. But when the reply contains an offer that may just put her bestselling author dreams back on track, Claire’s only question is: will Paul be on board? Or does her charming husband make a surprise move of his own?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Help-Wanted-Assignment-Romance-novel-ebook/dp/B00XK8ZSLK

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25529385-help-wanted

Vikki’s Musings

I recently read/listened to Fresh Start by Barbara Valentin and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wendy Rich Stetson asked if I would be interested in listening to this book, and since I loved the first book in this series, I eagerly accepted. Help Wanted is another great example of romantic comedy!

Claire Mendez is stuck in a dead-end job, but since she’s the bread-winner ever since her husband lost his job and decided to be a stay-at-home dad to their four boys. She’s grown resentful toward her husband and is questioning her commitment to their marriage.

When she receives her pink slip, she sees this as a chance to shake up her life in more than one way. While browsing the want ads, she stumbles across and advertisement for a writer of an advice column in a magazine. Unable to resist, she answers the ad and receives an offer to interview. Part of the process, the editor sent her a few letters from people needing advice, and she needs to write her responses.

The editor loves her answers and immediately offers her the part-time position. She accepts it, and fortunately, an old friend in her old career offers her a temporary position, one which will still give her the opportunity to write the column. Unsure of her husband’s reaction, she does not tell him about the column.

When Paul realizes his marriage is on the line and that Claire is close to calling it quits, he finds a temporary position as an accountant. He does not tell his wife since he can work from home and still handle their boys.

Can these secrets each is keeping from one another work in their favor and ultimately save their marriage?

Help Wanted is a hilarious romantic comedy with plenty of heart. The couple’s boys add a lot of flavor to the story. The pacing is fast and makes this book an easy read/listen. Although it has its serious moments, they are dealt with in a light- hearted manner that does not take away from the seriousness of the couple’s issues.

Claire is a great character. I fell in love with her from the first page to the last. I could understand her resentment toward her husband and her disappointment in having to give up her dreams because her husband has given up on his. She deals with her problems with humor and does not allow her difficulties affect her boys.

Paul lost his corporate job through no fault of his own, but nonetheless, it destroyed his confidence, rather than risk failure again, he has thrown himself into being a great dad. I completely understood why he made the decisions he did, but I was glad he could recognize he needed to change.

If you enjoy great characters, in interesting plot and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, then you will love Help Wanted. Wendy Rich Stetson does another fantastic job bring the characters to life. Her narration is so good, I will go out of my comfort zone and listen to books I normally would not consider. I highly recommend Help Wanted, you’ll love it as much as I did. Happy reading!

False Start by Barbara Valentin

Publisher & Release: Gemma Halliday Publishing, October 15, 2014

Time and setting:  Present Day, Chicago

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Mattie Ross is probably the last person who should be doling out good counsel to anyone on anything. Still smarting after being left at the altar two years earlier, she is strapped with debt, has sworn off men, routinely buries herself in her work and despite her well-proportioned figure, remains haunted by childhood taunts of "Fatty Mattie." But to her publisher at the Chicago Gazette, and readers, she is their latest advice columnist, The Plate Spinner, a self-assured working parent to adorable fake children and multi-tasking savant.

Enter Nick Derosa, the twin brother of Mattie's cold-footed fiancé who is trying to get back on his feet after his brother steals his identity and implicates him in an illegal investment scheme. But thanks to Nick's legendary running career, the publisher of the Chicago Gazette proposes a wager: If Nick can train an out-of-shape working parent in time to compete in the Chicago Marathon, he will contribute enough to help Nick launch his own non-profit running club for kids.

Suddenly "Fatty" Mattie and Nick are thrust together as the most unlikely of pairs and under a deadline to put their trust issues aside and avoid another false start in their lives.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/False-Start-Assignment-Romance-novel-ebook/dp/B00OL2MWAE

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/False-Start-Audiobook/B01MCWRMDA/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1479685124&sr=1-1

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23437971-false-start

Vikki’s Musings

I received a request from Wendy Rich Stetson to listen to her latest recording. False Start is not my usual type of book, but since I have loved all the other books that Ms. Stetson has sent me, I did not hesitate. Wow! I’m so glad I did. Not only did I get to listen to another excellent narration, False Start is an awesome book!

Mattie Ross is left at the altar with a ton of debt for a wedding that never happened. She takes a position as an advice columnist at the Chicago Gazette. She has sworn off men and buries herself in her column, The Plate-Spinner.

When her publisher decides she needs to run a marathon and even hires her a personal coach, none other than Nick Derosa, her ex-fiance’s twin brother, she reluctantly agrees. But, how does an out-of-shape, supposedly overworked parent become fit for the challenge?

Nick and Mattie are thrown together and work toward a common goal. Can they unite to achieve that goal, and fall in love along the way?

False Start is fast-paced and kept me enthralled from the first page until the last. This book is very thought provoking and filled with all kinds of positive messages wrapped up in a delightfully funny story. False Start had me rooting for Mattie, hoping she could achieve her overwhelming goal and even find love along the way.

Mattie’s character is truly inspiring. This was a perfect book for me to read since I really need to keep active. I was doing great, but life has a way of throwing in curve balls to interfere. I’m hoping I can use Mattie’s character as an example to jump start me again. If Mattie can do it, anyone can make the life-style changes that will improve one’s quality of life. Mattie is so optimistic and determined, a character to truly admire.

Nick’s character is also inspiring. Even though, he was dealt a huge blow when he was arrested because his twin assumed his identification for his criminal activities, he does not let it get him down. He is determined to succeed with the opportunity given him. While he starts out helping Mattie because of the money, he truly wants her to achieve her goal and devotes his time and energy to help her make it happen.

I listened to the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. She gives a stellar performance as I have grown to expect. She truly brings the characters to life. Her ability to give each character their own distinct voice is astonishing. She is one of the most talented narrators I’ve had the pleasure of listening to, and I listen to a lot of audio books.

If you are looking for a book that will lift your spirits and help you find inner-strength, then False Start is the perfect book for you. I highly recommend this book and the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. Happy reading!

Book & Audio Review: Showing Jessie by JoMarie DeGioia

Showing Jessie by JoMarie DeGioia

(A Cypress Corners Novel)

Publisher & Release Date: Bailey Park Publishing, June 3, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, Cypress Corners, Florida

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length:  306 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The guy who wants to settle down

The girl afraid to lose herself again

Showing her hand…showing his heart

And a chance to have forever

Jessie Wilde survived an abusive boyfriend and now just wants to live her own life. Her enthusiasm and expertise sell the environmental features of the idyllic town of Cypress Corners but she doubts her own worth, often hiding behind her glasses and bulky clothes.

Former beach bum Noah Brady builds houses but he wants to make a home for himself and his young son. He doesn’t know if he has it in him, though. He’s never been a commitment or future kind of guy.

When he meets Jessie, and gets to know the sweet smart girl inside, he has to figure out how to do this relationship thing. He’s starting to think she just might be his forever.

Can Noah show Jessie there’s more to life than just surviving?

Or will her fear of the past keep her from reaching for her future?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Showing-Jessie-Cypress-Corners-Book-ebook/dp/B01G97FXTU

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Showing-Jessie-Audiobook/B01J2EYC4E

 Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30306638-showing-jessie

Vikki’s Musings

I’ve become quite a fan of Cypress Corners. Showing Jessie is the fifth book in this delightful series. Each story in this unique setting has been an enjoyable read. When Ms. Stetson asked if I would be interested in listening to this recording, I immediately accepted the offer. Showing Jessie is an excellent addition to this series. I’m glad I had an opportunity to listen to it.

As with all Ms. DeGioia’s books, Showing Jessie is an easy read. The pacing is fast, and I love the small town atmosphere of Cypress Corners. Not only did I enjoy the hero and the heroine, I had the chance to find out what the Chapman siblings are doing.  

Noah is an awesome hero. He’s of course good looking, but he’s also a genuinely nice guy. He’s uncomplicated, and he’s just perfect for Jessie. While his son was definitely not planned, but instead the result of a one-night stand, Noah has accepted full responsibility for him and did right by the boy’s mother. It would have been easy for him to just do the minimum, as many men would have done in this situation, but Noah is a great father instead. Just loved his character from start to finish.

Now Jessie, her character is much more complicated, which worked well for this story, creating a good bit of conflict for her to resolve. At times I did get a bit frustrated with Jessie. She struggles so much with accepting that Noah really cares about her. The ex really did a number on her self-esteem. All in all, I did enjoy her character, but just not as much as I enjoyed some of the other heroines in this series.

Now, I listened to the audio version performed by Wendy Rich Stetson. As always, Ms. Stetson truly brings the characters to life for me. From the delightful southern-bred older lady, Lettie, with her scandalous comments, to the young receptionist at the sales center where Tammy and Ben work. She gives each character a distinct voice, making it easy to recognize who is speaking, even if the author didn’t use many dialogue tags.

The author does that very well, by the way. That’s so important in an audio recording. Too many he said, she saids, become tedious to listen to, but that is definitely not the case with Ms. DeGoia’s books.

This is not the first performance I’ve listened to by Ms. Stetson and it will definitely not be the last. I love Ms. Stetson’s smooth voice and well-modulated tone a great deal. With each performance, her skill as a narrator shows amazing growth, and I’ve enjoyed seeing her brilliance only become brighter.

If you enjoy light-hearted, witty contemporary romances with plenty of heat between the sheets, then you will enjoy Showing Jessie. I highly recommend this book, along with the other four books in this great series. Happy reading!

Book & Audio Review: 50 Acts of Kindness by Ellyn Oaksmith

50 Acts of Kindness by Ellyn Oaksmith

Publisher & Release: Gemma Halliday Publishing, May 17, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC, North Carolina

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Women’s Fiction

Length:  294 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating:

Story: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Narration: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Being overly kind isn't in Kylie Harrow's nature. This has never been more evident than when Kylie vents her frustrations to an innocent employee—and the whole scene is posted online, tanking her career and earning her the dubious distinction of "World's Worst Boss." But when she flees home to the South, Kylie finds her childhood home has changed. The high school quarterback is now the hot and handsome sheriff. Her mother has turned her home into a nudist colony. And worst of all, having heard about her daughter's exploits, her mother won't let her in the door until Kylie completes fifty kind acts in fifty days.

The task seems easy enough at first—and may even help repair her media image—but it quickly turns into a hilarious quest that leads Kylie down a bumpy road filled with new challenges. What started as a gimmick to save her career evolves into a mission to save a spunky old woman and her little dog from homelessness. As Kylie learns about the nature of kindness, she finds the path to happiness and, for the first time ever, maybe even love.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/50-Acts-Kindness-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B00XUZGUEW

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/50-Acts-of-Kindness-Audiobook/B01DE7GTMI

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25627681-50-acts-of-kindness

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first time I have read a book by this author, but it is not the first time I have listened to Wendy Rich Stetson. When she asked me to listen to 50 Acts of Kindness, I agreed, even though, the book is not my usual type of read. As always, Ms. Stetson delivers a another stellar performance with this book.

The story:

While I struggled to like Kylie, her character did keep me on my toes and interested in what the next outlandish thing she would do. Underneath her tough exterior, I was able to find some redeeming characteristics.

I did like Chet, the sheriff, quite a lot. He has many qualities I enjoy in a hero. I also liked his determination to not give into lust, even though he found Kylie very attractive. That is not something you find in many romances.

This is definitely Chick-Lit with romantic elements. While it is quite humorous throughout the book and had me laughing out loud several times, it did go over the top a few times. The bottom line for me was Kylie’s unlikable character. Even at the very end, I still didn’t truly warm up to her. I also did not feel a strong sense of attraction between Kylie and Chet. Nonetheless, I did enjoy this book, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.

Narrative:

Wendy Rich Stetson does an outstanding job with this one. Her narrative always brings the characters to life. She did a fabulous job with the multitude of secondary characters, especially the cantankerous Margaret. I marvel at her ability to give so many characters a distinctive voice. If you enjoy a narrator who reads with plenty of emotion, then you will love Ms. Stetson. It’s truly a delight to listen to her performance.

If you enjoy romantic comedy with a zany heroine, and a book with plenty of action, along with an adorable animal that almost steals the show, then you will want to read 50 Acts of Kindness. The moral of the story alone makes it worth your time. Happy reading!