Audio Book Discussion 5

Where do you learn about great audiobook titles? Buy your audiobooks? Share your secrets with the rest of us! We’d particularly love to know what narrators or publishers are active in social media or do a great job communicating with listeners.

I usually learn about great audiobook titles from other bloggers, publisher's emails, new arrival lists at Audible. 

I buy my audiobooks from Audible.com.  I have the 2 credit a month plan.  I also get books occasionally from the library but it is a very small selection.  I do reviews for Audiobook Jukebox, Simon and Schuster, Christianaudio.com.  I use to belong to Christianaudio.com but decided I would rather up my credits on Audible.  I have used Librivox in the past and just recently have gotten my husband to listen to Shakespeare on it. 

I receive an email from Simon and Schuster every month with a list of books available.  I also get an email from Christianaudio.com twice a month with two books to choose from (I need to review one book every 3 months to stay in the program).  I haven't really had much contact with narrators but am open to explore this area. 

Audio Book Discussion 4

What do you do while you listen? Any particular tasks or games that you find amazing for audio time?


 I find that I am like many other audio book fans.  I listen while I drive to work.  Since we live in the country and basically have to drive 1/2 to go into Lancaster I usually have an hour whenever I go anywhere.  I have about a 35-45 minute drive to work four days a week so that is about an hour and a half a day .  I listen occasionally while I am on the computer if I am really caught up in a book.  I don't listen often while I do housework but I have started doing it more.  I always listen for at least a half an hour before I go to sleep.  I make sure it is something that doesn't have to much action to it.  That does the opposite of what I want which is to relax.  I have played Candy Crush Saga while listening a few times but there again I was really into the book. 

Audio Book Discussion 3

Current/most recent audiobook:

Current/most recent favorite audiobook:

Listened to this book because my hubby and I are going to see the play that is based on this book.  I have the next in the series but have to decide when it will come in order to listen to it. 

This was one of this summer's Sync titles.  I was so excited to see a James Patterson title being offered this year.  I enjoyed this book alot even though it is considered YA. 

Favorite narrator you’ve discovered recently:

I don't have a new narrator that I have discovered.  I do like Davina Porter and I hope to get to the last couple books of the Outlander series in the near future. 

One title from your TBL (to be listened) stack, or your audio wishlist:

another Sync title  really looking forward to listening to this

have had this in my audible library for awhile but just haven't gotten to it. 

Audio Book Review of Good Call by Jase Robertson and Mark Schlaback read by Jase Robertson and Missy Robertson

Good Call: Reflections on Faith, Family and Fowl by Jase Robertson and Mark Schlaback
Read by Jase Robertson and Missy Robertson

From Goodreads.com
The closer we look at the Robertson family, the more we discover the substance and authenticity below the surface of these well-known TV characters. In this enlightening book, Jase Robertson gives us a deep look behind his funnyman exterior. In addition to stories of life in the Robertson family and epic tales of hunting of all kinds, readers will get an inside look at Jase 's personal faith in the Creator of the outdoors he so dearly loves: 

My first thoughts about God came in a duck blind as I gazed upon the diversity and beauty of creation. There is nothing in nature that can be reproduced or equaled by humans. None of our computers, microchips, or cell phones can duplicate what God has put forth. Viewing the details of this magnificent earth is better than any sermon from any preacher I have heard about the evidence of God. 

More than a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved Duck Dynasty character, readers will be inspired and encouraged to implement Jase good call reflections on faith, family, and fowl into their own lives.

My Take:  Although I don't regularly watch Duck Dynasty I have enjoyed listening to all the books that the Robertson's have released over the last year or so.  This book is no exception.  I enjoyed listening to Jase's and Missy's story.  The part I especially liked was how they handle the knowledge of Mia's special needs and how they eventually helped other families in the same situation.  All of the Robertsons seem to be exceptionally nice people and they are people that I would like to know.  I like the way that they always turn to God in whatever situation they find themselves in.  Even though they are well off now it wasn't always that way and they seek out the Lord in all their situations.  Jase seems to have always had a good solid foundation and was always trying to witness to others.  He even relays a story of when he had a confrontation with a girl's boyfriend and he witness to him in the midst of everything.  That boyfriend ended up coming to church and getting baptized and is now a good friend of the family's.  This book is just packed full of similar stories.  I think you would like this book if you are a fan of the show Duck Dynasty or you just want an uplifting experience. 

Audio:  I sometimes like it when authors read their own books especially in the situation like this.  I thought that Jase and Missy did a good job of narration but you could tell that they aren't professionals.  

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

The Revealing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the book: 

Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can't see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don't know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.

When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can't ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work--- something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.

As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments' downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.

In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ywEHT 

About the author: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.

Download Suzanne's free app! http://bit.ly/10Tygyi

Find Suzanne online: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

My Take:  This is another great installment in the series The Inn at Eagle Hill.  I enjoyed revisiting the characters that live in and around The Inn.  This is the third book in the series and the final book.  Although you don't have to read the other two books to enjoy this book you will want to read them just so you can enjoy these characters that much more.  There are many twists and turns in this book and many of the issues are resolved in ways that you will find enjoyable.  I was kept guessing about alot of the situations that I had no idea how they were going to be resolved but was happen with the resolutions.  I did not want to see this series end as I have grown to love these characters.  A must read for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction. 

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Audio Book Discussion 2

How do You Choose Your Audiobooks?
How do you decide what you’ll listen to? Do you mostly listen, or split time between listening and reading? Particularly if you split time, how do you decide what you’ll consume in audio and what in print? 

Most of the time I decide what books to listen to depending on what I am in the mood for.  I have been doing quite a bit more audio books for review lately so I will admit I feel a need to listen to those books sooner than later but I have decided that I will listen to one of my personal books before I go to sleep at night.  I split time between print and audio but audio seems to have gotten alot more time this year.  I think this is because I can consume audio so much easier as I can multitask.  There are certain books that I prefer in audio like James Patterson books and The Outlander Series but I am also an equal opportunity reader/listener of other genres like Amish fiction (my husband enjoys these books too so I will get alot of them) .  Lately whenever I see a book that caught my eye on the blogosphere I will quite often check to see if it is on audio and see if I can get it for review or I will put it on my wishlist on Audible and use one of my credits for it the next time my credits are renewed. 

Audiobook Discussion Number 1

Are you new to audiobooks in the last year? Have you been listening to them forever but discovered something new this year? Favorite titles? New times/places to listen? This is your chance to introduce yourself and your general listening experience. 


I have been listening to audio books steadily since 2006 when my Husband bought me a MP3 player that came with a trial membership to Audible (because I had mentioned that I wanted to fill my 1/2 hour one way commute time more constructively) and I haven't turned back since (I actually wore that MP3 player out.  I use my phone most of the time for listening now).  I generally listen in the car but I do occasionally listen while I am doing stuff on the computer .  I also use my audible app to listen before bed as I can set the app to go off by itself.  I also listen while I am walking  for exercise.  I actually like to listen to longer books most of the time. I think I like to listen to longer books because that way I can read shorter books and get more read that way.  I have listened to most of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.  I listened to Under the Dome by Stephen King.  I have to the first  Game of Thrones book. and I need to schedule the next ones in the Outlander series and the Game of Thrones series.  It was a little difficult to listen to the Game of Thrones because so many of the names sound alike.   I almost exclusively listen to James Patterson books on audio, They make a good filler book as I will quite often take a break in the middle of the longer books and listen to a shorter book. I also like to listen to Ted Dekker  books on audio. I have noticed that I also like to listen to biographies and autobiographies on audio and it is usually a plus when the book is read by the person it is about (I listened to two books read by Carol Burnett and one read by Kristin Chenowith)  One series of books that did not work for me on audio was The Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke.  I didn't like the recipes read to me.  They are a more visual experience for me.

Where was I Last month

I cannot believe that I let the whole month of June go by which was Audio Book month without even mentioning it.  I usually participate in Audio Book Week which didn't seem to happen this year or I just missed it.  I have been listening to alot of audio books.  I consistently read books in this media more so than in any other media because it is just habit to turn on my audio book on the way to and from work.  I hope to post some audio book reviews in the remaining days of July.  I will also take some of the old questions from past audio book weeks and update my answer for my current situation.  My job has changed as I am now working third shift which has changed my whole life and the way that I do things.  Thus I have been finding it harder to write review posts but I will make an effort to do a better job in this area.

Mini Review and Book Spotlight of Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis

Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis

From Goodreads.com
Bestselling Author Duo Delivers Heart-Stirring Drama 
Jack Livingston has been raising his nine-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. While he travels for work, Natalie is lovingly cared for by Laura, an Amish nanny who loves her as her own. 
Kelly Maines is nearing the end of her rope. Her baby was kidnapped, the apparent victim of a black market adoption ring, and for eight years, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. Now, there's one last lead from a private investigator: Just a few miles away lives a girl who matches the profile. Could this, at long last, be her beloved child? 
Desperately, Kelly initiates a "chance" meeting with Jack Livingston. It goes really well. So well, in fact, that Jack asks her out. One date leads to another, and before she can come clean with her original motives, Kelly realizes Jack is falling for her--and she for him. 
Now how can she tell Jack why she's really here? And having gotten to know Natalie, what if she isn't her long-lost daughter, after all? This was all supposed to be so simple. 
But nothing in Natalie's world is simple.

My Mini Take:  I am calling this a mini review because I haven't finished reading this book yet.  I have been hooked on Beverly Lewis Books ever since I read her Abrams Daughters Series.  This book is turning into a great book just like those were.  I find myself turning the pages just to find out what happens next.  Although there is a picture of an Amish woman on the cover of the book this book is not really about the woman although she is an important character in the book.  So if Amish fiction isn't your cup of tea don't toss this book aside.  The book is very well written and you will find yourself caring about the characters.  This is a great story. 

I received a review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Family, Community, and a Free Episode of Adventures in Odyssey

 

 For a limited time, you can listen to a new episode of Adventures in Odyssey for FREE! Album 58, The Ties that Bind, will be available this fall for digital download and CD purchase, but if you join the Odyssey Adventures Club, you can listen to the full album now! Guess what? The $5 special held last month was extended through the end of July, too, so you can join in the fun for only $5! Here's what part one is about (which you can listen to for free HERE):

It’s a time of surprises as Wooton becomes the celebrity guest at Comic-Connellsville and Whit finds himself in conflict over the upcoming “Let’s Get Together Festival” in Odyssey. Plus, hear an interview with writer-director Paul McCusker about the entire 14-part series.

Album 58 was inspired by Focus on the Family’s The Family Project, a 12-session small group experience that explores the theological, philosophical, and cultural underpinnings of the traditional family, and combines that information with inspiring stories and practical tools to help 21st-century families thrive. One way families can carry out God's design for families is by serving their community—right where God has planted them, being His hands and feet together. Want to serve your community with your family, maybe make a day of out it? Here are some fantastic ideas from some Adventures in Odyssey bloggers and club members:

• Make scarves through the year and deliver them to your local homeless shelter at the start of winter, or regularly donate food to your local food bank. —Shirley 
• Our family likes to help with Meals on Wheels. We also do reenactments of the Civil War and WWII to help educate people on history. I like to show my kids that we should be servers and givers by taking meals to people who need them (i.e. baby just born, someone died, someone had surgery, etc.). —Erin 
• We have been visiting a nursing home with friends once a month. The kids just sing and then we fellowship, but the ladies love it! —Lisa 
• We make lap blankets for nursing home residents and take the time to visit with them. We also collect food for the local food pantry. —Donna 
• We make blessing bags to give to the homeless when we encounter them. We also donate clothes and food to a local shelter. —Amy 
• Our MOPs (Mothers of Prechoolers) group supports our local Pregnancy Support Services with donations, gifts, and notes. We also supports the Durham Rescue Mission, which helps people break free from addictions and restore families. —Melissa 
• We live in a very rural area. Our church serves two of the poorest zip codes in the state, and about a decade ago, they started operating a food pantry out of a closet. It has expanded since then, so we now use the closet for storage, but the pantry is basically a classroom. The kids and I serve over there a lot. My 17-year-old and I go to Care & Share (50 miles away) to get food to bring back to the pantry. All of us help unload and stock shelves. On pantry days, everyone can get involved with helping people go through the line, playing with the kids, carrying boxes out to cars, etc. There are so many hungry folks, especially in the summer when school breakfasts and lunches aren't available, and helping a bit to put food on some tables is such a blessing for us all. —Debra 
• We pack food bags each month for the homeless and needy through a thrift store that offers an outreach to the community. We also help clean our church and our Sunday school. —Michele 
• We work through our AHG troop to do several service activities a year. My girls just recently made bracelets they are selling, which 100% of the profits goes to Hope House in Africa to help young girls. —Sarah 
• Our church works with a homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta. We cook food ahead of time, and when our schedules allow we ride down with the group to serve the food. My son always reminds me when we haven't been for awhile, so it's something he looks forward to. —Maria 
• We do lots of random acts of kindnesses within our community: pay for others' meals, leave change at a vending machine, hand out Gatorade/granola bars to people on the side of the road asking for food. We also love to support Mobile Loaves and Fishes. —Kathryn

Did that provide some ideas to give your family service activity the kick-start it needs? What other ideas do you have for serving your community? Share in the comments!