Tag Archive: Fiction



The White LadyThe White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was no Maisie Dobbs. However, it did seem like a lot of plot ideas wanted to be included in the series, but these were leftovers. So, by thinking of the story bits in ziplock bags, I had fun reading (listening) to this non-Maisie.

This probably stands on its own, but I almost wish I had read it before the series rather than after. Still, once again, we inhabit an England during wartime. As only Jacqueline Winspear can, you are transported to layers of the populace amid crimes and courageous efforts by ordinary people. And women get their due in history, even if this is fiction, I’m sure situations like this existed.

Orlagh Cassidy’s great narrating talent makes the reader feel a part of the story.

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Escaping the TwilightEscaping the Twilight by Sigrid Weidenweber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kindle ASIN B0080XHDC2

I am not sure where I learned about this book, but it has been on my TBR shelf for a long time. Although it appears to be an autobiography, it is actually well-researched fiction.

Here, read the blurb from GoodReads:

In this coming-of-age story, Amina, a Sudanese girl experiences a traumatic event at age nine. Intensifying her struggle for identity in the silent world of women, she cannot erase the pain and humiliation of that experience. With steely determination, she vows to do whatever is necessary to prevent her daughter from suffering the same demoralizing fate–even if it means going against the wishes of her husband and the rules of her family. Will she succeed in helping her daughter rise above her own personal tragedy and humiliation? The detailed descriptions of customs and lifestyle give a deep, fascinating insight into the Sudanese culture, as well as entry into the cloaked world of Muslim women in a story about survival, tradition and triumph.

This was an intense story. I hope it is read a lot. I would have loved it in audio form, but text-to-speech on Kindle helped a lot.

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UncharmedUncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This makes a nice bedtime book. And in the fantasy world of witches, it was refreshingly from the older witch’s point of view rather than a Young Adult and flimsy story.

I picked this up from NetGalley and am grateful for that. However, I now realize that there are two books in this series, and this is the second one. And I wish I had read it in Audiobook form. So I may reread the book after listening to Book 1. I think it will be more fun in audio form rather than text-to-speech.

Audio, Kindle, or paper, I think this is a fun read that will keep you enchanted for hours.

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My Name Is Emilia del ValleMy Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

That’s different! Coral Peรฑa and Johnathan McClain, narrators, help make this story feel real. I’m not so sure parts, if not all, are autobiographical for the author, Isabel Allende, even if it seems impossible.

One of my favorite parts of reading fiction is taking voyages to places I’ve never been and living the point of view I don’t inhabit. This book did both for me.

The blurb on Goodreads or Amazon will give you a hint about what to expect, but it would be too lengthy to copy and paste here. Still, maybe you don’t need to, trust me, this is a fun adventure. And guess what? Libby has it to lend! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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The President Is MissingThe President Is Missing by Bill Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Don’t read this at bedtime! Perhaps a great read for jogging or biking? It is one of those thrillers that keeps the adrenaline pumping. I don’t often read books as exciting as this. However, I thought the combination of authorship and team of narrators (Mozhan Marnรฒ, Jeremy Davidson, Peter Ganim, Dennis Quaid, January LaVoy) would make this feel like a radio show. Or a mental movie.

I wish there were an occasional random female voice. I find that a male voice imitating a female pulls me right out of the story. However, aside from that issue, this was quite the adventure. I’m eager to read the next book.

Libby had this book to lend. Yay!

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GoldilocksGoldilocks by L.R. Lam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Patricia Rodriguez (Narrator) told L.R. Lam’s story expertly. It was a fun ride from the very beginning. The reviews and blurbs seem to draw comparisons to other books of extremes. I think this is more of a cautionary tale proving fault can be found anywhere. True, the patriarchal society makes it seem the men were all wrong and the women were saints. However, what we ultimately see is a need for moderation, the scientific method, and a need to thoughtfully repair the planet, as well as a need to reconsider our rigid thinking.

Philosophy aside, this is fun science fiction with space travel and exploration as a possibility.

I didn’t like the ending. I wanted more exploration and experience elsewhere. That could have been a book two, or at least a nice second part, instead of rushing the ending like the author couldn’t wait to leave the book behind.

Still, it is an enjoyable ride. I found the audiobook on Libby. Thank you, Kay, for another great recommendation.

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The Comfort of Ghosts (Maisie Dobbs)The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I put off writing this review because it is so hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful series. I lived with Maisie Dobbs through all her trials and good times. I don’t think it would be easy to write another chapter in this life, but it seemed a good finale.

Libby had all the books ready on audiobooks, so I listened to Orlagh Cassidy narrate all the books. I loved each and every one. I may have to get these on Audible so I can relive the whole story. Jacqueline Winspear’s writing is so compelling that you feel you are right there in Maisie’s head, experiencing everything she sees, feels, and hears.

I have my good friend, Kay, to thank for letting me experience this series. If you get the chance, you will find that truth that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology changes a little, but hearts and minds are complex and give each of us so much to learn and love.

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A Sunlit Weapon (Maisie Dobbs, #17)A Sunlit Weapon by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so sad to say I have finished the series. I read and listened so quickly that I forgot to review the books in between.

Each book has a unique story, and each pulls the reader into the life of the story. One feels they are there, immersed in the time and place with all the triumphs and terrors of the time of war.

This story highlighted the lives of female flyers. And the aftermath of bombing attacks. And murder.

I was fortunate to borrow these audiobooks from Libby.

Jacqueline Winspear’s writing and research are amazing. Orlagh Cassidy’s narration made me see the world from the characters’ eyes.

Thank you, Kay, for recommending this series.

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The Consequences of Fear (Maisie Dobbs #16)The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I hate when my reading gets so far ahead of my reviewing. Luckily, reading the blurb helped refresh my memory of what happened in this book. This book grabbed me right away with the young man witnessing a murder and how it left him confused.

Despite the Second World War increasing in intensity, local murders not only didn’t go down but escalated. Sometimes it is war-related, perhaps even from a previous war, leaving behind lingering bad feelings. So Maisie’s job is cut out for her.

Once again, Jacqueline Winspear’s writing and research are impeccable. And Orlagh Cassidy’s narration is so entertaining.

Thanks to Libby for loaning me the audiobook. And thanks to my friend, Kay, for recommending this series. I’m nearly finished. I’ll be so sad when it comes to an end.

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To Die But Once (Maisie Dobbs, #14)To Die But Once by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Somehow, I have gotten so far ahead in reading and so behind in reviewing that I have forgotten the whole of this story. But all the books in this series are so intriguing that I couldn’t stop. So check out the blurb on GoodReads or Amazon and follow Maisie Dobbs’ story from beginning to end.

Jacqueline Winspear researches the history, style, and places her characters inhabit so you feel you are there, then. Orlagh Cassidy narrates with authentic accents for each character.

Once again, I thank Libby for having these books and audiobooks to borrow. And I thank my friend, Kay, for recommending Maisie Dobbs to me.

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