*
Wrap Up: My second year participating, I anticipated 6 ARC reads.
The month ended with
[along with a Lot of other reading, being Short Story Month, as well].
Very pleased with that - and surprised. It proves to me, once again, the motivational impact of
taking up challenges that make my choices intentional. With some pretty great outcomes!
~ Thanks for hosting, Kimberly ~
~*~
*
~*~
Two audiobook arcs by the amazing Susan Meissner for review,
I 've decided to hold off til June for Audiobook month..
I 've decided to hold off til June for Audiobook month..
~
I did love the print library copy of
SECRETS OF A CHARMED LIFE. WWII story, London setting, tells the story of two sisters during the evacuation just prior to the blitz. Now to review the audiobook arc as to narrator and recording quality... as well as for A FALL OF MARIGOLDS, a dual storyline of past and present losses. Cover love for both these beauties!~
*
- ARC’s must be read between May 1st and May 31st, 2014
- Challenge starts and ends at midnight in your local time zone
- All ARCS/finished copies that were provided by publisher/author are eligible.
They can be in any format (eBook, physical, audio) - Post start-up post with goals (can be posted during event)
- Tweet using hashtag #CleanSweepARC
- You do not have to post review on blog during the month of May. Just provide a link to Goodreads showing read May 1 to 31st with a two sentence review.
- Twitter Party Wednesday May 13th 7pm (EST) #CleanSweepARC
- Participate in at least one challenge.
- The Participant Giveaway will include entries for books read (1 book entry a day allowed on giveaway), posting about challenge, start up/results post (can be combined), having button on your sidebar, participation in Twitter party, entering challenges and for following hosts.
- Grand Prize- One winner will receive a new release of their choice (can be audible credit, novel or gift card) valued at up to 20.00 US dollars. Open internationally.
- Challenge Schedule and entry form will post on May 1st and
participant giveaway will close on June 3 at 11:59 (CST)
Jan Cramer's expressive narration follows the story with excellent voice inflection, providing characterization and colour. The authentic British accent is tops - one I'd highly recommend for audio listening. The quality of recording is clear and free of distraction, adding to listening enjoyment. Sharing these tales is like accepting Victoria's personal invitation to further the acquaintance begun by reading her novels. A definite pleasure.
Put the kettle on for a cuppa while you listen to this highly recommended memoir.
352 pages
Expected publication: May 19th 2015 by Zondervan
I'd happily give this historical novel
5+ many more *s
It is that good.
5+ many more *s
by Marie Bostwick
352 pages
Published March 31st 2015 by Kensington
~
Emotionally rich, inspiring new novel about family, second chances--and the connections that bring women together in hope and healing. . .
Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown she'd left as a teen. - publisher
~
*My Thoughts of ARC?
New to me author, Marie Bostwick, offers a homecoming journey to roots, discovery of healing, and a new beginning for several characters plus our protagonist.
Well drawn contrast between politically driven environment and characters surrounding Lucy vies with the multi-layered stories of hometown neighbours growing in friendship and support as women who begin quilting together. Fulfillment of the deceased sister's hopes for her pragmatic, politically involved and ever absent younger sister. As does reconnection with a former school crush.
A surprise twist in the history of these two sisters leads to a welcome though unexpected
and very satisfying conclusion.
Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown she'd left as a teen. - publisher
~
*My Thoughts of ARC?
New to me author, Marie Bostwick, offers a homecoming journey to roots, discovery of healing, and a new beginning for several characters plus our protagonist.
Well drawn contrast between politically driven environment and characters surrounding Lucy vies with the multi-layered stories of hometown neighbours growing in friendship and support as women who begin quilting together. Fulfillment of the deceased sister's hopes for her pragmatic, politically involved and ever absent younger sister. As does reconnection with a former school crush.
A surprise twist in the history of these two sisters leads to a welcome though unexpected
and very satisfying conclusion.
~*~
~
*My thoughts?
A favourite of the customers,
her nasty boss, Oscar, is another story. Ms Stewart describes a vibrant jazz era and draws well defined characters, easily denoting my likes from dislikes! Though Nell is surrounded by supportive friends,
Oscar is a nasty piece of work. I kept watching for strength in Nell to stand up against his bullying and cheered inwardly at every step she took in that direction. Yet it appeared there was no denigration of her to which he would not go. Oh, and those promised work recognition perks? right!
Only when it served to ingratiate him in the eyes of the public...
Romance seems at once closing in on Nell, then with the turn of the tide she's facing life standing on her own.
Excellent writing kept me guessing.
Plot twists shocked then provided for a satisfying yet surprise ending.
Another novel endearing Carla Stewart's writing to this reader -
~*~Canadian Book Challenge #8 -
You're invited to participate
- all broaden our reading and
