4.5/5 Stars White Wolf and the Ash Princess by Tammy Lash

April 27, 2021April 23, 2021 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, Christian, historical Adele Adler, Christian, Tammy Lash

Narrated by Adele Adler

Run Time: 12 hrs and 57 mins

Genre: Christian-ish historical fiction

Summary:

A traumatic event in Izzy’s childhood causes amnesia. She doesn’t remember life before she was seven. Jonathan’s always been a friend to Izzy, but he keeps terrible secrets to himself in an effort to protect Izzy.

Additional Comments:

Jonathan and Izzy’s relationship isn’t immediately clear. I think it took about an hour to unfold that he’s her guardian, not an older brother, because their interactions certainly have a sibling vibe.
But Izzy’s entire story isn’t immediately clear. That’s kind of the point. I’m typically not a fan of flashbacks, but these enhanced the story. Flashbacks are a natural thing with a character with amnesia.
4/5 Stars Main Characters: Jonathan and Izzy’s relationship is mildly frustrating, as most romances are – at least fictional ones. He loves her, but she doesn’t love him like that. He keeps secrets to protect her, but that makes her distrust him. Huzzah for a character I don’t want to reach in and smack some sense into. Izzy’s a bit naïve and selfish, but she comes out of her shell nicely throughout the course of the book.
4/5 Stars Plot: The epic journey through the American wilderness is interesting, though there are few enough landmarks mentioned to even get a feel for where they are on the continent.
4/5 Stars Side characters: Tubs is adorable, though his character reads a bit younger than 13.
5/5 Stars Narration: The narrator handled the characters well.
4/5 Stars Fit with the Title: Very nice.
There are little inklings like this wanted to be a steampunk novel and just never made it there.
3.5/5 Stars Cover Fit: The cover’s absolutely gorgeous. While I think it fits the book very well, I don’t think it tells you the genre right off the bat. I had to look up what it’s categorize as because I went in expecting a fantasy. While there may be mild fantasy influences, it’s definitely historical romance and adventure. I do not get that vibe from this cover.
Strong Christian influences, though I’m not sure I’d outright stick it in that genre. It’s certainly not a stereotypical Oregon trail/mail order bride flavor book, though plot-wise there are strong resemblances to that.

Conclusion:

A unique and beautiful tale of love, redemption, forgiveness, and finding oneself.

Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 42 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

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Devya’s Children Series Links:

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian. (Amazon) (free codes)
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live. (Amazon) (Please email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (free codes)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (free codes)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (free codes)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (free codes)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (free codes)

Guardian Angel Files:

Spirit’s Bane – Allister and Mina are training to be Guardians. Satan’s out to get them. (Amazon) (free codes)
Kindred Spirits – Mina’s exiled to Earth. Allister’s stuck in the Heavens. (Amazon) (free codes)

4.45/5 Stars True Nobility by Lori Bates Wright

February 24, 2021February 20, 2021 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, Christian, historical, romance audiobooks, Austenne Grey, Christian romance, Lori Bates Wright

Narrated by Austenne Grey

Run Time: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Summary:

Victoria Haverwood and her father, the Earl of Wrenbrooke, go to America to keep her safe. Her father contracts Nicholas Saberton to bring them both across the ocean from England. But trouble follows.

Additional Comments:

Don’t read the blurb. It pretty much spells out the entire book.
Plot 4/5: It’s fun even with the super far-fetched parts. I typically find these kinds of books (Christian historical romance) terribly boring, but this one had enough action to keep things somewhat interesting at least the second half of the book. There were even a few nice twists.
Characters 4/5: The earl’s not very likable start to finish, which is weird because he’s all the girl has so she adores him. Victoria’s somewhat painfully naïve, but a nice enough lady. I liked her aunt and cousin. The villains are cookie cutter, but they function properly.
Humor: There was one section where Tori’s aunt was trying to explain marital relations to her that was downright hilarious. Nicholas and his family have a little lift to them.
Christian integration 3/5: Kind of superfluous. If you’d just told me this was a “clean” romance, I’d have gotten exactly the same vibe from it. About the only thing that would nudge it toward Christian are random scripture verses thrown in as epigraphs. According to some definitions, this wouldn’t even qualify as Christian fiction because there’s no distinguishable character development that supports it, but that’s nitpicky.
Narration 5/5: Austenne Grey put in a stellar performance. The voices of both male and female characters are distinguishable. Her British accent is distinct yet understandable.
Not sure how this works with being book 1 in a series unless later titles key in on somebody else loosely connected to the MCs. Not sure why this one focuses ¾ on Tori and ¼ on Nicholas if it’s about the Saberton Legacy, but my guess is that books 2 and so on have to do with his brothers.

Conclusion:

Intriguing historical fiction with fun characters, nice plot twists, and superb narration.

Audiobook Promotions …

Many of my 44 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

Audiobook Reviews: 4/5 Davenport House #7: Hard times by Marie Silk

February 12, 2021January 31, 2021 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, drama, historical Allyson Voller, historical fiction, Marie Silk

Narrated by Allyson Voller

Run Time: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Summary:

Joe disappears, leaving Clara practically at the alter, yet again. That messes with her head pretty good. Mary’s still in pain from stuff in the previous book. Her husband’s still kinda clueless.

Additional Comments:

As usual, there’s a lot going on.
There are a lot of spots in this series where ya just want to reach in and smack some sense into the characters, but thankfully, such moments were less in this final book. There are still a few minor threads that are unresolved, but all the main ones have satisfactory conclusions.
There’s even a nice twist concerning one of the semi-villainous characters.
The series is kind of like Downton Abby. Lots of drama. Less drama with the servants this round.
Not many new characters since we’re so far along in the series. Jimmy’s new, I think.
The epilogue is all right. It wraps up a few things and kind of slaps a “they lived happily ever after” sticker on the saga.
Very much character driven with all the triumphs and pitfalls of those sorts of tales. I got bogged down a few months because the characters were being dumb, but overall, it’s a satisfying tale.

Conclusion:

Decent conclusion to a clean historical fiction about some rich folks in the early 1900’s. I think WWI is covered and it starts a few years before that, so 1910’s and early 1920’s. Not that I’m a huge consumer of the genre, but in my limited experience, there aren’t too many family sagas that cover this timespan in America. A nice change of pace from murder and mayhem.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

Narrator Interview: Shamaan Casey – A Lovely, Deep Voice

December 2, 2020November 19, 2020 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, historical, Interviews Lars D.H. Hedbor, Shamaan Casey, Tales from a Revolution

Note: This isn’t the featured book, but it does have the same dynamic duo behind it.

Featured work:

The Siege: Tales from a Revolution- Virginia

What brought you to working on this project?

I have worked with Lars D.H. Hedbor on nearly all of his audiobooks. With this being his latest release in the series, he offered to have me once again bring his characters into the world of audio, and of course I couldn’t refuse.

What was the hardest part of bringing this story to life?

The hardest part for me is trying to get into the headspace of the main character, Nathaniel. In the opening of the story he goes through a disastrous battle and comes home a changed man. Trying to get that sense of weariness and sense of self pity is certainly challenging, while still keeping the story moving forward.

Do you have a favorite character voice from the project?

I like voicing Nathaniel the most, though not just because he’s the main character. He goes through moments where he’s in pain, where he’s frightened, frustrated, depressed, friendly, and trying to get a girl. I like the scenes making me change of his inflection a bit more than other characters going about their daily lives, since he certainly goes through a roller coaster of events.

Do you have a favorite chapter from the project? Why/ why not?

I personally prefer the opening chapter of the book, because usually Lars doesn’t involve the direct action of the historical battles that often in his series (his characters certainly talk about them or get caught in the crossfire, but are not actively participating in many books). With this one, the battle feels horrifying as the main character gets taken out of the fight fairly quickly once the guns start going off, and Lars brings a sense of grim reality that doesn’t glorify the violence, but adds a sense of trauma that haunts the main character throughout the book. Also dealing with the aftermath of the battle, and how different characters react to stories about the battle later on was fun, as many often get caught in the sensational details and neglect the more humane side of enemy forces.

Is there anything you’d like listeners to know about this work before they hear your performance?

If you like deep voices, I’m your guy.

What else are you working on?

How many other works have you narrated?

I have narrated more than 25 titles, some still on their way to stores like Audible.

What was the most challenging other work you’ve voiced? Easiest? Most fun? What made it hard, easy, fun??

I think the most challenging work I’ve voiced was doing another book by Lars, “The Prize” which features two main characters who have French accents. That was certainly new for me, so I had to brush up on the French accent and voice an older man and a young girl while still trying to sound credible. Once I got used to it, the process became smoother, but initially voicing those characters felt like an uphill battle of doubt and uncertainty. The most fun I had voicing characters came in “The Siege” where I got to voice two of my favorite characters in the series, Nichiwake and Tanarou. Both were older Native Americans, so I got to rely more on my lower tones and add a bit more roughness in my voice, and I had a blast voicing them.

Can you recommend any of your other titles for us? What about the work is appealing?

If you like short and quick sports biographies, I have done a few of those, so you can learn the basics on a few of the more popular NBA players. I also have done two sci-fi stories (more of the pg-13 rating), so if you want a more action-packed story, I have those. I also did an as-of-yet unreleased clean romance, so maybe one day that’ll be out and tickle the fancies of anyone interested.

Me: The romance genre isn’t my thing, but I do like sci-fi.

Which work are you most proud to have been a part of? Why?

I’m proud to have been a part of the Tales from a Revolution series. The main draw is that each book takes place in a different colony, and focuses on a group of people not often discussed in the history books concerning the American Revolution. With The Siege, the main character is a disabled veteran. In The Freedman, a freed slave has to fight for his family’s freedom while the nation fights for it’s own. In The Smoke, the Haudenosaunee are forced to choose sides in a war that isn’t theirs, but threatens to destroy them anyway. Every time I do one of these books, I walk away learning something new, and I’m proud to have my name attached to them.

Me: Always good to learn something along the way.

Shaaman in his natural habitat. (And a lovely looking booth it is.)

Tell us more about yourself.

What drew you to voice acting?

All my life, people have told me I should get into radio because of my deep voice, often comparing me to Morgan Freeman or James Earl Jones. However, I decided to pursue a career in culinary arts, getting my Associates Degree in that and Restaurant Management. However, while working my day job as a food demo rep for my grocery store, a customer suggested that I get into audiobooks, mentioning that he records them himself in his home. While I kind of brushed off the idea initially, over time the idea of being my own business and capitalizing on my voice became appealing. So, roughly a year later, I bought a usb mic during a Black Friday sale and threw my hat into the ring with audiobooks. As I quickly discovered, it takes more than having a nice voice to be successful in this industry. It gives me a lot of appreciation for the craft, and the sheer amount of work people do behind the scenes to provide customers the content they want.
Me: You do have a lovely voice.

Do you have a process when you approach a work? Please describe it for us.

Usually I first read my way through the book, and often request a quick summary of the overall story and characters so I can focus on making decisions concerning the production and less about trying to understand what is going on. I make notes on how often characters appear, so I know how distinct I need to make them so that a listener can easily tell them apart from the rest. Pronunciations are something I check online with for local pronunciations (Houston, Tx is pronounced differently from Houston County, Ga) or with the author if it’s a unique character name. After that, I create separate sound files so I can grab a piece of my reading in the character’s voice, and save it for later when I need to keep my voices consistent. If there is an accent involved, I purchase online accent guides to help get me ready for the role, and look up videos of people talking with the native accent to help me further. After that, then I blast chill my recording room with my window AC, and record until I have to cool down the room again.

Do you get to read for fun? Do you have a favorite genre to read for fun?

I honestly prefer reading comics and manga to traditional books, but I do appreciate a good mystery or science fiction novel from time to time.
Me: Cool. I should have you look at my new graphic novel.

Do you have other hobbies? What do you do to relax?

When I’m not recording, I’m either cooking, baking, or playing video games. Often I find inspiration that helps me when it comes to doing character voices, or just to simply focus on something that doesn’t involve deadlines.

Me: Now I want to know what kind of video games.

Want to know more?

Website: www.shamaancasey.com

Social Media Links:

Facebook

Tweets by scaseycontent

Instagram

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4/5 Stars: Davenport House #6: House Secrets by Marie Silk

October 24, 2020September 27, 2020 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, historical, mystery, romance Allyson Voller, Davenport House, Marie Silk

Narrated by Allyson Voller

Run Time: 4 hrs and 40 min

Summary:

Clara tries to push problem aside by hosting a masquerade ball. (Yay, the cover makes sense. Not always a thing in this kind of book.) Her husband’s still a shady cad. She’s still dumb, but circumstances might set her free.

Additional Comments:

Bridget (Fiona’s sister) comes home with a warning Clara absolutely won’t hear, but that’s near the middle/end of the story.
I get that the bad guy should be bad, but it seems like our antagonist has way farther reaching schemes than any normal person has a right to run. The connections and secrets and affairs and whatnot are enough to fuel any soap opera, though it’s all very clean and proper. That said, if you’re like most people, you’ll be counting the seconds until he gets his comeuppance.
It’s a series you can get invested in the characters, even if the genre’s not really your thing.
Ethan and Vollenti (sorry about spelling, I heard the audio) finally make peace.
For those new to the series, stop, go back and start at one or you’re probably going to be really confused.
If you get heavily invested in characters, be prepared to explain why you’re yelling at random if you listen in public.
I find it intriguing that in the midst of Covid-19 making people lose track of their senses, several book series I’ve been going through have mentioned pandemics.

Conclusion:

It’s an American Downton Abby. Drama left and right because half because people are dumb and half because life happens. If you like historical fiction, check this series out.

Audiobook Promotions …

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33 of my 41 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Never Again (mystery, suspense) and Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there.
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian.
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live.
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift.
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma.
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother.
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble.

Were on Audiobookcrave.com (which just went under). Ones with links are relisted at Audiobooksunleashed.com.
5 Steps to Surviving Chemistry
Spirit’s Bane (Guardian Angel Files Book 1)
Kindred Spirits (Guardian Angel Files Book 2)
Violence in Vegas (Eagle Eyes Book 1) – not relisted yet
Rescue in Reno (Eagle Eyes Book 2)
Danger in Dallas (Eagle Eyes Book 3)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Check out my other titles available on Audiobooks Unleashed:

Beyond Broken Pencils – contemporary, literary
Shadow Council Combo (Books 1-4)
The Individual titles are available but not yet listed on an ad site
SC 1: Money Makes it Deadlier
SC 2: Revenge Makes it Sweeter
SC 3: Christmas Makes it Chaos
SC 4: Treachery Makes it Tense)

Eagle Eyes – mystery thriller

Scratched Off – mystery, thriller; FBI agent vs serial killer, more intense than Shadow Council/Eagle Eyes

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy

The Collins Case – Heartfelt Cases Book 1, Christian mystery
The Kiverson Case – Heartfelt Cases Book 2, Christian mystery
The Davidson Case – Heartfelt Cases Book 3, Christian mystery

Other titles:
5 Steps to Better Blurbs – for authors
5 Steps to Better Audiobooks – for authors/narrators, but mostly authors.
Innova – Christian Dystopia
The Golden City Captives – short fantasy
Fatal Interest – short mystery/thriller

3.5/5 Stars Louise’s Chance by Sarah R. Shaber

October 21, 2020September 20, 2020 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, historical, mystery Jenny Hoops, Louise Pearlie, Sarah R. Shaber

Louise Pearlie series #5

Narrated by Jenny Hoops

Summary:

Louise gets a transfer to a new position. She’s assisting in black propaganda. Her new boss gets a gig to go to a prisoner of war camp so they can interview people and see if any can be recruited to the war effort.

Additional Comments:

This isn’t as good as some of the others, but it’s not the worst of the series either.
The end isn’t as satisfying as some, or as exciting as some.
The mini-mystery is kind of fun until the big reveal.
I get that there’s a lot of repetition in case anybody is new to the series. Doesn’t make it less annoying.
Louise is an awesome character, but her worldview is somewhat tiresome after a while. Every other character meant as a foil then comes across as an flat, ignoramus. She also makes pretty dumb decisions, especially the whole affair with Joe.
Nicely performed by Jenny Hoops.

Conclusion:

It’s a worthwhile series, but honestly, the first book I read was book 4 and that was the best.

Audiobook Promotions:

Devya’s Children Series Links:

3.5/5 Davenport House #5 by Marie Silk

October 15, 2020September 20, 2020 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, historical Allyson Voller, Davenport House, Marie Silk

Narrated by Allyson Voller

Summary:

Phillip and Ethan are both off to WWI for different reasons. Meanwhile, Clara’s still being stupid. Oh, she’s fighting for women’s rights, then she marries the first arrogant thing to make her an offer.

Additional Comments:

I enjoyed most of the story line. It’s really part 5 of a longer story. It doesn’t really have the traditional book arcs of rising action, falling action. It’s more like character studies. While interesting, I don’t like all the characters, which made it difficult to listen to at times.
Clara has a lot of potential, but she makes repeated incredibly dumb decisions that make her hard to like. I’m hoping by the end of the series, she has her redeeming moment.
Did I mention I really dislike Lawrence? I have mixed feelings about disliking characters. It takes a certain amount of skill to write somebody that annoying, but still, the annoyance kind of overshadows the admiration.
About the only redeeming quality to Clara’s storyline was the preview to the next book, which fulfills my hope for Clara’s husband.
Mary becomes a midwife.
Abigail and Ethan have marital issues because he comes back from the war with PTSD.
The series is kinda an American Downton Abby. People who inherited more money and not so much sense living their lives with their house full of servants.

Conclusion:

If you enjoyed the previous books, you’ll like this one. If you’re in it for a standalone, avoid.

Audiobook Promotions:

Devya’s Children Series Links:

4/5 Stars Louise’s Dilemma by Sarah R. Shaber

October 12, 2020September 20, 2020 Julie Gilbert historical, mystery Jenny Hoops, Louise Pearlie, Sarah R. Shaber

Narrated by Jenny Hoops

Summary:

OSS flags a mysterious postcard from a sketchy part of France. Louise is the OSS liaison with the FBI sent to investigate the postcard.

Additional Comments:

This one had a pretty slow start.
Louise is Louise, a New Dealer, a progressive woman, a perfectly happy single woman ready to jump into an affair with a foreign national. There’s enough info that you can catch on if this is your first experience with the series. It’s a tad tedious if it’s not your first, but still a great series.
Kind of an adult Nancy Drew but closer to Agent Carter. Set during WWII. There’s some cursing, but no adult scenes beyond Louise and Joe kissing. Talk of plans for more, but that’s about it.
As usual, it’s a period piece, so avoid like a plague if you’re gonna have a heart attack over the fact that the word “colored” is used. Otherwise, enjoy the ride.
This one had a slightly more exciting end than some of the other entries. Our heroine gets herself into yet another fine scrap.
I do find it amusing that she can’t tell anybody the truth about what she does. She’s just a “government girl.”
I enjoy the fact that she’s not the perfect detective. She can—and often does—make mistakes.
Jenny Hoops doesn’t have a huge range of character voices, but you’ll be able to tell males from females. Her voice for Louise is perfect, which is great because it’s first person narration.

Conclusion:

Decent entry in a fun series. Relatively clean, though there is some cursing, even casual cursing.

Audiobook Promotions:

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Audiobook Review: 3.5/5 Stars Louise’s Gamble by Sarah R. Shaber

October 6, 2020September 1, 2020 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, historical Jenny Hoops, Louise Pearlie, Sarah R. Shaber

Narrated by Jenny Hoops

Run Time: 7 hrs and 37 mins

Summary:

Louise gets recruited to be the go between for a possible informant. Somehow, the tale goes deeper, landing her in a place to tangle with both super rich people and mafia lackeys.

Additional Comments:

Technically, this is Lousie Pearlie’s second adventure, but I somehow got the series out of order. So, this is the third story I’m hearing of her exploits as a government girl.
Jenny Hoops is awesome. Her performance is spot-on for the character.
Louise has a lot of heart, but she’s still normal enough for a 1940’s woman.
The series is an interesting peek into that time period in American history. (high patriotism, rightful fear of communism, beginnings of social change) If reading the word colored gives you blood pressure spikes, maybe skip the series.
It’s not my favorite of the series, but it’s still pretty good.
The main character gets into some fine scraps, but she pulls out of it all right.

Conclusion:

Good entry in a great historical fiction series set in WWII Washington, D.C..

Audiobook Promotions:

33 of my 36 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Never Again (mystery, suspense) and Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there.
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest

Devya’s Children Series Links:

3.5/5 Stars We’ve Only Just Begun by Kathleen Ball

October 3, 2020September 1, 2020 Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, historical, romance Kathleen Ball, Tom Jordan

Narrated by Tom Jordan

Run Time: 5 hrs and 2 mins

Summary:

Susan Farr joins a wagon train by marrying the first louse that will have her. The handsome wagon master, Mike Todd, does his best to protect the woman from her bad decision.

Additional Comments:

If you’ve read the back cover copy, you’ve read the entire book.
Tom Jordan’s performance is solid. I like his voice.
Story’s super predictable. I think I already read something by Barb Goss that’s almost the same thing. (Woman marries to get on the Oregon trail. Husband is lousy but mercifully kicks the bucket somewhere along the way. Woman gets to have the hunky saint she always wanted anyway.)
Clean. Characters on the cover are not how I’d picture them, but that’s fine.
Also, there’s no way their clothes would be that pristine 3 seconds along that trail.
Spent the second half of the book just waiting for them to stop being stupid, but overall, a satisfying tale.

Conclusion:

If you like the genre/ subgenre (clean romance set on the Oregon trail), you’ll enjoy this one.