Anything For You by Kristan Higgins - Audio Version

Anything For You

by Kristan Higgins

Anything For You is from the Blue Heron series.

Connor O'Rourke has been in love with Jessica Dunn

since they were 12 years old.
Connor has not had the easiest life. But really, he always

had his twin sister, Colleen. Their parents broke up.
Their mother did not take it well. Their dad started a

new family for himself.
Meanwhile, Jessica has been trying to survive. Taking care

 of her parents, herself and her little brother, Davey.

Davey suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Only Jessica

can take care of him. At least, that's what she thinks.  

She never asks for help from anyone. Never.

That is hard for Connor to accept. He is the guy that takes

care of the people around him. Especially the women.

Its always been his fondest wish to take care of Jessica.

But Jessica is determined to take care of herself and Davey.

She struggles and strives to reach her goals.

With her own personal life being her last concern.

The story runs over a long span of time. The way its written

draws you in. Closer to the characters. Into their relationships.

You will find yourself cheering when the good things happen for

everyone. Then, of course, crying when the bad things happen.

The Holland clan. The O'Rourkes. Everyone from Manningsport

is in this story. Oh gosh, just thinking about this story makes

me smile and tear up a little bit.

I have to add, I have read quite a few Kristan Higgins stories.

I have always liked them. I feel like her writing style is

changing. The last two stories of hers have felt different.

More and deeper emotion. The characters are interesting

and real. Even the ones that aren't so likable are important

and you want to know about them.

Amy Rubinate is a wonderful narrator for Kristans books.

I have not listened to her for a while and as soon as she

started talking, it reminded me how great she does.

Review by Lisa Hutson

I bought my audio copy from Audible.com





The Color of Joy- audio version

The Color of Joy

by Julianne MacLean

Audio Version

Book #8 in The Color of Heaven series.

 I have listened to all the stories of this series.

Each story defines the importance of every person

in a different way. Every story has a moment when

the reader will gasp in awe. When things start to

come together.
Every person is important to so many others in

so many ways. None of us ever knows how many

people we effect. But Julianne MacLean will remind

you to live your life the best you can. Because you

are making a difference to someone else.

 Any given day. Every little choice.

All the moments that make up our lives

make a difference in someone else's life.

Riley and Lois are happy and in love.

Parenting two small children

and excitedly expecting their third one.

Jenn and Jake are expecting their

first child. Also happily in love.

But the two couples are very different.

You will find yourself conflicted reading

this story. As the tale winds up, its hard

to believe all that has happened.

Its a story of faith, love, trust,

forgiveness and the wonder of life.

I have enjoyed the audio version of this entire 

series. Sarah Naughton, Graham Halstead

and Samara Naeymi are the narrators of
Color of Joy. They did a great job.
I like audio books and I thoroughly enjoy

when they have more than one telling

the story. It adds depth and feeling to it.

The stories all wind and connect together.

But they are easily stand alone reads. You will

not miss anything by picking any story from

the series to start with.

I bought my copy of Color of Joy from Audible.com
Review by Lisa Hutson

Axel by Grace Burrowes ( Jaded Gentlemen Series)

Axel Belmont has been summoned from his warm and cozy greenhouse during a cold January evening because his neighbor has been murdered. He is the local magistrate and is required to investigate the case. Axel needs to ascertain if Colonel Stoneleigh committed suicide, if his death was an accident or if he was killed. After observing the body and crime scene in Colonel Stoneleigh’s study, Axel is certain that the colonel was murdered. However, he suspects that something is amiss with the colonel’s widow Abigail.

The first chapter of Axel outlines the story and provides insight into the main characters of Axel Belmont and Abigail Stoneleigh. Grace Burrowes does a fabulous job of weaving murder, mystery and romance in this novel. There are several concurrent minor plot threads in the novel which are effortlessly intertwined with the main characters actions. Axel has a different feel than the other books in the Jaded Gentlemen series because the element of suspense is felt throughout the entire book. As a reader, I needed to focus on each word in each scene so I would not miss a nuance or clue. Axel approached solving the murder using his observation skills and scientific knowledge. His expertise helped Axel sort out which clues would lead to the identity of Sir Gregory’s murderer. 

There are several villains in this suspenseful drama. Sir Gregory’s true nature is disclosed as Axel investigates his murder. The author does a fabulous job revealing Sir Gregory’s character and motivation as the investigation unfolds. Enjoyed the conversations between Nicholas Haddonfield, Matthew Belmont, Abigail and Axel which take place at the breakfast table and in the study. Matthew provides Axel with advice on how to approach interviewing the Stoneleigh servants. The discussions between Matthew and Axel provide the reader with insight into Axel’s first marriage, the importance of Axel’s work in his greenhouse and Axel’s desire for the Oxford fellowship. Nicholas (my favorite Grace Burrowes hero) flirts with Abigail. The banter between the two motivate Axel to come to terms with his feelings towards Abigail and allows the author to add the element of romance to the story. 

The attraction between the characters evolves as the murder investigation continues. Axel is one of the author’s longer novels. The longer length enabled the author to provide a story which perfectly blends the elements of romance, mystery and suspense. I enjoyed this book very much and am hoping the author will write another romantic suspense novel very soon! 

Reviewed By Susan Gorman 

Edited By Brian McGee 

Book purchased via Amazon