Audio Book review of Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury Read by Kirby Heyborn and January LaVoy

Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury
Read by Kirby Heyborn and January LaVoy

From Goodreads:
When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s one true love Sami Dawson has moved on.

A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.

A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step.

It is time for the mission to begin… 

My Take:  I enjoyed this book and look forward to listening to or reading the next books in the series.  I liked the way that Karen Kingsbury  went about putting angels in the story doing small things to move the miracles along.  One of the things was just putting the tv on a certain station.  I liked how the story came together and the characters learned the lessons of forgiveness of others and themselves.  I liked the way that the author used the character with Alzheimer's.  This especially hit home as my father is suffering from this horrible disease.  It just proves that God can use us in whatever state we are in.  If you have enjoyed other books by Karen Kingsbury than you will probably enjoy this book.

Audio - I will have to be perfectly honest and say that I really didn't like Kirby Heyborn's reading of this book.   He is just alittle to monotone for me.  I just don't like him as a narrator.  I really have  enjoyed January LaVoy's parts though.  I have liked her in other things that I have listened to by her.

I received a review copy of this audio book from Simon and Schuster Audio in exchange for my honest review.  

Audio Book review of Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury read by Kirby Heyborne

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury
read by Kirby Heyborne

Publisher's Summary

#1 New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury shows why she is America’s favorite inspirational novelist with this dramatic story about character, compromise, and the cost of having it all.

Zack Dylan has a dream. He wants to sing on the biggest stages, for the biggest crowds, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make it come true. But Zack also made a promise to his college sweetheart when he left Kentucky to compete on the popular TV show Fifteen Minutes: If he made it, nothing would change him or his faith in God.

Overnight, Zack becomes the nation’s most popular contestant, a country singer comparable to a young Tim McGraw. As his star rises, Zack is often asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs. Just as he’s on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster. Meanwhile, a former Fifteen Minutes winner is searching for meaning amidst her own private losses. Can she warn Zack about the real price of fame? Or will Zack lose everything he loves for his fifteen minutes of glory?

From the novelist dubbed the "Queen of Christian Fiction" by Time magazine, Fifteen Minutes explores the cost of fame and celebrity set against the backdrop of America’s favorite singing competition.

My Take:  I usually like Karen Kingsbury books so I thought I would give this book a try.  I did like this book but not as much as some of her other books about the Baxter's.  I did like it more than The Chance.  This book takes a look at a singing show much like American Idol where the singers get their Fifteen Minutes of Fame.  Zach swears that he is in the competition just to try and get enough money to bail out his families failing Horse farm.  He also makes a promise to his girlfriend.  while Zack is waiting in line he meets a group of cheerleaders who's Zoey flirts with him.  The producers see them together and thinks they should be a couple.  They edit footage to make it seem as if they are together and after awhile of being together everyday things start to happen .. Will Zach compromise the promise he makes to God and to His girl back home?  This boo was interesting from beginning to the end as I use to watch American Idol every season up until a couple of seasons ago.  I liked the way Karen Kingsbury explored how the shows manipulate people for ratings and how what is seen on the show is not really how things are in real life.  I think this is very much done in the so called reality shows.  If you like Karen Kingsbury I think you will like this book. 

Kirby Heyborne did a fairly good job with the narrating.  It was kind of awkward when he read the lyrics of songs when the characters were suppose to be singing.  other than that he did a good job.  

I received a review copy of this audio book from Simon and Schuster Audio in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Audio Book Review of Reunion by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley narrated by Sandra Burr

Reunion by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley
 Read by Sandra Burr

From Audible.com

Publisher's Summary

A Deadly Diagnosis. . . In the fifth and final book in the Redemption series, plans are being made for a

family reunion. Nearly all the adult Baxter children have a reason to celebrate - except one. As the preparations get under way, a deadly diagnosis sends shock waves through the Baxter family and threatens to tear them apart. A Heartbreaking Secret. . . The reality of what might lie ahead brings each of the Baxters to a place of faith and honesty. In the process, Elizabeth and John come to grips with a secret they haven't shared with anyone, a secret they rarely admit even to themselves. At the same time, a young man is making his rise in Hollywood and wondering about his place in life.
A Glorious Celebration. . . Amidst the threat of sorrow, the Baxters share in their most wonderful celebration of all - a moment to remember that love always wins out, no matter how long the struggle, a reminder that God reigns even in the darkest night.
A story of God's grace and redemption, his victory even in the most difficult times.

My Take:  This is the last book in the first series that involves the Baxter family.  In this book there are several  revelations that have you on the verge of tears of both sorrow and joy.  This book also sets up the next series so perfectly.  The Baxter's meet the challenges head on with their faith and don't hesitate once. And God is faithful and grants a dying wish. 
This was once again an abridged version and I so wish that these were available in the full versions.  Sandra Burr once again does a great job of narrating this book. 

This was taken from my personal audio library.

Audio Book Review of Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley Narrated by Sandra Burr

Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley
Narrated by Sandra Burr


From Audible.com
 A Terrible Tragedy. . . Brooke and Peter are struggling in their marriage when they are faced with the single worst moment ever. What was supposed to be a pool party for their two daughters and a handful of children ends in disaster. As three-year-old Hayley fights for her life, the Baxter family draws together, not even sure how to pray.
A Shattered Life. . . Peter is devastated by Hayley's accident. Unable to see past his own guilt, he distances himself from Brooke and their girls and finds other ways to ease his pain. Illegal ways. Peter's choices send him spiraling into a cavernous abyss that threatens to destroy not only his relationship with Brooke but his life.
A Reason to Rejoice. . . Against the backdrop of great pain and loss, a Baxter wedding takes place in New York City, a wedding that gives all of them a reason to smile again. Now, what will it take for Brooke and the Baxters to move forward, and how will the sudden loss of one special woman change them all?

My Take:  This is the fourth book in the Redemption series.  Like all the others this book holds back no punches and shows that even though you may be a Christian that your life will not be charmed and drama free.  In this book there is a tragic accident and there are alot of ramifications from that accident.  But as is always the case the Baxters rely on God and allow Him to guide them through this tragedy.   There are some happy endings and some wait and see what happens endings.  There is one more book in this series. 

Audio:  Once again I am disappointed that this is an abridged version of the book but not having read the book I don't know what was left out.  It just makes the book so short.  Sandra Burr does a good job of narration. 

This book is from my personal audio library.

Audio Book review of The Chance by Karen Kingsbury Read by January LaVoy

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury Narrated by January LaVoy

From Simon and Schuster Audio:

From number-one New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury comes a heartwarming story about childhood friends, broken lives, and a long ago promise that just might offer the hope of love for today.
Dubbed the "Queen of Christian Fiction" by Time magazine, number-one New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Karen Kingsbury is arguably America's favorite inspirational novelist with a dozen best sellers to her credit. In The Chance, she delves deeply into a theme that resonates with us all: It's never too late for those willing to take a chance.
Years ago, the day before Ellie moved from Georgia to California, she and her best friend, Nolan, sat beneath the Spanish moss of an ancient oak tree where they wrote letters to each other, and sealed them in a rusty old metal box. The plan was to return 11 years later and read them. But now, as that date arrives, much has changed. Ellie, bereft of the faith she grew up with, is a single mom living in a tired apartment trying to make ends meet. Sometimes she watches television to catch a glimpse of her old friend - Nolan, now an NBA star, whose terrible personal tragedies fueled his faith and athletic drive in equal measure. But Nolan also suffers from a transcendent loneliness that nothing has ever eased.
In their separate lives, as Ellie and Nolan move toward the possibility of a reunion at the oak tree, Kingsbury weaves a tale of heart-wrenching loss, the power of faith, and the wounds that only love can heal.

My Take:  I like Karen Kingsbury I really do but this book I really had make myself finish it.  I had a hard time with the characters especially Ellie.  Many times I wanted to yell at her and tell her to get over it.  I know alot can happen in eleven years and what her father did to her was not right but I felt like to suspend reality quite a bit.  I knew how things were going to end up.  It was good to see a Christian character that maintained there convictions like Nolan did.

I thought that the narrator did a very good job.  You could tell the difference between the characters and her reading wasn't distracting.

This book was just ok for me.  I have had a hard time with Kingsbury's books that weren't about the Baxter family or an extension of that series. 

I received a review copy of this book from Simon and Schuster Audio in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am linking this review up to DevourerofBooks.com Soundbytes.  head over there and check out what others are listening to. 

Remember by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley Audio Review

Remember by Karen Kinsbury and Gary Smalley
Read by Sandra Burr

From Audible.com
She has locked up her heart, convinced that no one - including God - could love her. Four unlikely people - Alzheimer's patients - find the cracks in Ashley's heart and slowly help her to remember.

Then comes the nightmare of September 11, which forever changes the lives of the Baxter family, causing them to remember what is important and leading them to make decisions that are both heartbreaking and hope-filled.

Landon Blake, who has loved Ashley since he was a teenager, tries to dull the pain of her rejection by immersing himself in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero.

Tragedy and healing...hurt and forgiveness. Redemption and powerful lessons about remembering. Novelist Karen Kingsbury and relationship expert Gary Smalley have teamed up to bring you an inspiring series of stories that explore the relationship principles Gary has been teaching for more than 30 years.

My Take:

I really like the Baxter Family.  This book came up on my list right as we were remembering the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and since the main theme of this book centered around those attacks I thought it was a great time to listen to it.  Different people grieve in different ways and even if they are in the same family they react differently as is shone very well in this book.  Landon needs to go to ground zero to try and find his friend who was working that fateful day.  Luke's girlfriends father was in one of the towers.  He is racked with guilt because she was with him and ignored her father's call the night before.  The Entire nation must ask their questions and figure out where God fits into all of this. 

The narrator did a good job of reading the story.  I don't think that there were any outstanding voices or anything although she did change her voice for the different characters a bit.  Again my main complaint about this audio production is that they only have the abridged version available on Audible.  There were times during the story that I felt like I was missing something from the story.  

This book was taken from my personal library.  

Devourerofbooks.com  Hosts SoundBytes every Friday which is a Meme Where you can share the books that you have recently listened to a give your review.  Head over to see what others are listening to. 

Redemption by Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury Audio book review.

Redemption

• ABRIDGED
• by Karen Kingsbury , Gary Smalley
• Narrated by Sandra Burr
• Series: Redemption, Book 1


From Audible.com:

A Betrayal . . . Kari Baxter Jacobs is furious, hurt, and confused. Her husband, Tim, a respected professor of journalism, is having an affair with a student. Stunned, Kari returns home to the Baxter family to sort things out. But when an old flame shows up, she is more confused than ever.
A Decision. . . How can Kari forgive her husband? And what about her own revived feelings for Ryan, a man she knows she should avoid? What remedy could possibly ease the pain?A Hope. . . The gifted writing team of Gary Smalley and Karen Kingsbury brings us a profound story of redemption. A betrayal. A broken marriage. Will Kari ever love again?


My Take:  I have loved everybook that I have read by Karen Kingsbury but I have never read the series that started the saga of the Baxter Family , although I have read this book.  I decided that I wanted to listen to the series and maybe move onto the other series about this family.  This book is abridged which I really don't like to listen to abridged books but that is the only version that is on audible.com right now so....   Anyway this book was just as good as I remember it.  It had me listening to very end along with the twists and turns that are a part of every life.  That is what I like about thissereis it shows a Christian family warts and all. 

I thought that the narrator Sandra Burr did an excellent job.  She didn't do voices but just read the book but she used alot of emotion at just the right points of the story.  It made the story on that made you want to keep listening. 


check out Devourer of Books every Friday for other audio book reviews. 

Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury Book Spotlight

Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury

 From Shelfari.com

Coming Home is a novel about tremendous victory and unprecedented loss, a story of faith and a forever kind of love, love that will stay with you long after the last page. This stand-alone novel will serve as either a grand introduction or a beautiful conclusion in the saga of the Baxter Family. The Baxters make plans to come together for a summer lakeside reunion, a celebration like they haven't had in years. But before the big day, the unthinkable happens. As the Baxter Family rallies together, memories come to light in the grief-stricken hours of waiting and praying, memories that bring healing and hope during a time when otherwise darkness might have the final word. In a season that changes all of them, the brilliance of family love overshadows even the valley of heartache as the Baxters draw closer to God and each other. Along the way, secrets are revealed and the truth about the Baxter Family history is finally made known. Ultimately, in this portrait of family love, the Baxters cling to each other and to God's promise of forever.

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury Audio Book of the Week

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury Audio book

Read by Roxanne Hernandez

From Publisher:
Holden Harris is an 18-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal - on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different.

Ella Reynolds is part of the 'in' crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high-school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him... the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery - she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school, including her boyfriend, Jake.

Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden's praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.


My Take:  I usually love anything by Karen Kingsbury.  According to my Goodreads Author Stats she is the number one author that I read.  For some reason this book didn't grab my attention like most of her others.  I was highly distracted by the reader's attempt at a southern accent.  Not sure that she really got it right and it was just plain distracting. 

The story is one that did finally got me into it after about half way through.  I felt for Holden as he was bullied and for the others that were bullied also.  I thought that the kids that were doing the bulliying should have been confronted especiallay after a tragedy occurred.  I was glad that Ella took the time with Holden and they rediscovered the friendship that they had.  

This was a good book but it does take awhile to draw you in. 



I listened to this from my personal library from  Audible.com.

Sarah's Song and Hannah's hope by Karen Kingsbury

I finished the final two books in the Red Gloves collection.  They were both okay but they liked the drama that I have come to know and appreciate from karne Kingsbury books.  Now I know that you can't pack alot fo drama in a novella but still I reaally like her full length books much better. 
For what they were these books were a quick read and just right for the Chrismas Season. 
Sarah's Song is about a lady who is in a nursing home and will prabably be celebrating her last Christmas and about an aide who is disallusioned with her marriage and has told her husband that she is leaving after Christmas.  Sarah has a ritual that she has 12 ornaments that represent part of her life and she wrote a song that goes along with the ritual.  You will have to read the book to find out what happens next.
Hannah's Hope is about a girl named Hannah whose mother tells her that the man she has thought is her father is really a stepfather.  The mother does this just to keep Hannah occupied over Christmas break as the parents are ambassadors and won't have time to come home.  Hannah's real father is in the army and is in Iraq on a special mission which he takes because he has given up hopw every finding his daughter.  Read it to find out what happens. 

It's been alittle while since I reviewed here and I have read several

I have recently read two of Karn Kingsbury's Red Glove collection.  I read Gideon's Gift which was about a little girl named Gideon (I have never heard of a girl named Gideon before) who has cancer and what she does for a homeless man at Christmas times.  The second book I read was Maggie's Miracle which is about a woman named Megan who has given up on love and a man name Casey who is still getting over his wife's death.  These stories are quick little books that are perfect for this time of year as they are set during the Christmas time.  I kinda knew what was going to happen in both of the books but it was enjoyable to read them.  I came away feeling goos which is what I wanted out of them.

Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti audiobook.  I listened to an abridged version of this and I really do prefer the unabrideged version.  I guess the abridged version wouldn't be bad if you didn't already know the story but as this is a book that I have read several times I could tell that parts were missing.  It is a good story none the less.  It is the continuation of the book This Present Darkness.  In this story the forces of good and evil are at it again but over a small Christian School.  This edition was read by Frank Perretti the author.  I recommend this series if you like suspense but read or listen to the unabridged versions.

Cooking Up Murder by Miranda Bliss e-reader.  I read this on my ereader at work before I went to bed. It was okay but not sure if I will continue with the series.  A recently divorced women and her friend sign up to take a cooking class only to have someone die in the parking lot after class one night.  Was it a heart attack or murder?  And if it was murder who would want the man dead?  It did keep me guessing but really I didn't come to carre for any of the characters that much so by the end of the book I really didn't care.

The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson and Martin Dugard audio.  I really enjoyed this book as it was written like a novel but packed alot of history into the story.  It went back and forth between when Tut was alive and when he was discovered.        

Take One by Karen Kingsbury

What a great idea. I was sad when the Baxter series ended (although I need to read the first series). This book takes the family but focusing on Bailey and Cody in college and adding new characters. The Baxter family are secondary characters but it is nice to reconnect with them just a bit. In this book we are introduced to
Kevin and Chase who want to make a movie that is not a Christian movie per se but one that will impact lives. Kevin's daughter Andi has started college and is Bailey's roommater. She wants to shed her missionary kid image and makes some decisions that aren't all that great. this is a great book.

Sunset by Karen Kingsbury

     This is the last book in this series about the Baxter Family.  John and Elaine are going to get married but can he get through the feelings of guilt about remarrying?  Kari meets and counsels someone from her past.  Can Luke and Regan put their marriage back together?  What abut Ashley and Landon will they try to have another child?  all these questions are answered in this book. 
This book had me on the verge of tears several times. I have come to love the Baxter Family through these series of books.  I am going to have to go back and read the first series as I have only read the first one.  These are not your generic Christian novels they deal with the very real problems that Christians deal with and they are very human and make human mistakes.

Someday by Karen Kingsbury

Someday by Karen Kingsbury is the third book in the third series about the Baxter family.  This time various family members have some decisions to make.  John Baxter has to decide what he wants out of his relationship with Elaine.  Katy and Dayne have to decide what they want out of their careers as actors and Luke has to decide what he wants out of his marriage.  i really like the book by karen Kingsbury and find myself getting sucked into the book right away and enjoying the ride all the way to the end.