The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan - Audio version

 The Christmas Bookshop

by Jenny Colgan

Audio Version

Jenny Colgan has a simple way of writing. She gets

all the feels. All the love. All the confusion and

uncertainty that we all feel when the rug is pulled 

out from under us with life. Whether it is the loss

of a job. The loss of a loved one. Maybe a plan you 

had for your life did not work like you were sure

that it would. Whatever it is, Jenny Colgan writes all

the fear that we feel at times like that. But then she 

builds her characters back up. Brings the life back

to them. There is no sad endings here.

 Carmen starts out as a typical whoa-is-me little

sister. The next thing she knows, she is living in 

her sisters spare room. The perfect sister that can 

handle everything well. Working at a bookshop 

that is on its last leg! How on earth did she find 

herself in this situation? She talks to a friend that

found a restaurant job that is paying well. One that 

won't end after the holiday. Carmen decides to find

her own restaurant job. But Mr McCredie, the shop 

owner picks the right moment to let Carmen see

just how much he needs her to help him 

save the shop.

 In the end, Carmen has turned her life around,. 

turned the Christmas bookshop around and become an 

Aunt. Again. Life could not be better. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

 The Last Bookshop in London

by Madeline Martin

Audible Version

To begin, I want to give a big round of applause to 

Saskia Maarleveld for her wonderful narration. 

This is a marvelous story. But the beautiful narration

by Ms Maarleveld only puts you deeper in the events

and the times. 

Grace has always wanted to live in London. The 

excitement and sophistication. When the time finally 

arrives for her dream to come true, it is also time 

for a world changing war to take place. Grace has never

thought of herself as brave or strong. But as the 

world changes, so does she. She finds the courage and

muscle to help. To make life better for everyone around 

her. She isn't the only one. Grace helps others to find

the strength inside them they never knew they had.

 The bravery Grace finds in herself spreads out to all. 

Madeline Martin has written such a dramatic story that

can inspire everyone. The Last Bookshop in London, as

you would imagine, has a lot about people reading in it. 

But the bookshop isn't just about books or reading. 

It is about community and love and hope.

Events like the ones in this story probably happen in 

real life during wars. Real heroes are born in these times. 

I loved listening to this book. I hope you will too. 

I bought my copy from Audible.com

Review by Lisa Hutson

Me Before You / After You / Still Me by Jojo Moyes - Audible Version

Me Before You

After You

 Still Me 

by Jojo Moyes

Audible Version

☆☆☆☆☆

I had seen the movie. It was wonderful. 

I loved it. Now, a friend highly suggested

the series. My library had all three stories.

The audible versions. I dived it. 

The first one, Me Before You, was very much

like the movie. Which means it was great. 

I never have any trouble seeing characters 

faces in my head as I read or listen to stories.

But this time, they were already there. 

I could not wait to move onto the second

installment, After You. I wasn't sure with the 

beginning. But very shortly, I could see it all in my

head. Louisa and her life as she moved on. 

Then, in the third book, she has moved on. 

Well, sort of. 

Louisa stays true to herself. 

And once you get to know her, you will recognize

that she is every woman. Her family and her life. 

It's the story of all of us. 

The narration is terrific. Jojo Moyes is a 

terrific storyteller. I will move onto 

more from her. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Sisterchicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn

Sisterchicks Go Brit!

by Robin Jones Gunn

Part of the Sisterchicks series.

Robin Jones Gunn has written a series of books based

on the friendships women form with other women.

And how the experiences they share can bring about

a stronger inner faith. This is a wonderful series.

Liz has had a thing for Big Ben since she was a

teenager. While her life has been a happy one, filled

with blessings and comfort, she has never made it

to London to meet the subject of her mad crush.

Kellie dreams of her own interior design business.
Its the interior design that sets Kellie and Liz on a

path to London. The trip is nothing like they planned.

Nothing goes as they figured.

As the days roll along, they continue to find that

they are having a much bigger trip than they ever

dreamed. Each unexpected experience brings them

closer to each other. They find more and more

strength and comfort in their faith. The warmth of it

circles them. The friend that arranged this trip is

not done with her surprises. Even after they get home.

This is a wonderful story. Full of easy happiness.

Reminding me to follow more and not always

try to be in control of everything.

Review by Lisa Hutson