I have been listening to audiobooks while working in the yard and walking for exercise. I want to thank Tantor Audio for my copies of the three books included below. All of these books were provided upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

Almost a BrideAlmost a Bride (The Bride Ships #4) by Jody Hedlund, Esther Wane (Narrator)

Published August 25th 2020 by Northern Lights Press, Tantor Audio

4.5 Stars: 

Almost a Bride is the fourth book in the Bride Ships series, but can easily be read as a stand alone novel if you have not read the other stories, although I would recommend reading them all as they are all wonderful stories. The research that Jody Hedlund puts into her books is well done and adds much to the story. Zeke and Kate are both wonderful characters. They both have flaws and feelings that have prevented them from marrying and finding their own happiness. They need to search themselves and find what it is that needs confessing and self-forgiveness. They are also both good, kind and caring people who others see through different lenses. As Zeke and Kate try to find their way and recognize their feelings for one another, there are other things happening. Jealousy and greed come into play and cause some issues not only for our two main characters, but for others who work for Zeke. The plot was well-developed and I loved the various characters that added to the story. This is the last book in the series and I am sad to see it end. The audiobook narrated by Esther Wane, a narrator I have listened to before. Being British, she is a great choice for this book as the main characters are English. She does a great job with the voices, especially the expression. The pacing is wonderful and her voice is nice and easy to listen to. Overall, these stories of love, faith, forgiveness, courage and acceptance are ones that I definitely recommend to others who enjoy Historical Fiction, Romance and stories of Faith, whether you read them or listen to the audiobooks.

54232039. sx318 Lowcountry Boondoggle (Liz Talbot Mystery #9) by Susan M. Boyer, Loretta Rawlins (Narrator)

Published June 30th 2020 by Henery Press, August 25th 2020 by Tantor Audio 

5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Once again, I enjoyed my visit to Stella Maris, South Carolina. Catching up with PIs, Liz Talbot, her husband Nate and their friends and families is always interesting. In this outing, Liz and Nate are hired by celebrity Darius Baker to prove that his newly discovered son, was not involved in either his adoptive family’s death nor the death of his friend’s uncle. Brantley and two of his friends are starting up a Hemp Farm to sell the stems to make parts for technology. They have been trying to round up investors and Professor Hamilton had recently turned them down. As it turns out, there are others who may have wanted him dead, so Liz, Nate and ghostly friend Colleen set out to find the killer.

I always enjoy Liz and Nate’s adventures. This is the ninth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. You will miss some character development on the personal side of the characters, but you will still be able to enjoy this story. Susan Boyer does a great job balancing the characters personal lives and the mystery. I enjoy the many quirky characters that we meet in these stories, although this one follows Liz and Nate more closely than some of the others. There is always some humour in these stories and this one is no exception. I love how Nate and Liz look out for each other, but also have the same concerns and disagreements that other married couples have. The mystery is well-plotted with some red herrings that kept me guessing. I did figure out who the killer was just before the reveal, and there was quite a twist at the end.  I enjoyed listening to this story narrated by Loretta Rawlins. She gave the characters a voice that became recognizable as the story went on. Her southern drawl was prefect and her expression and intonation was spot on. I will definitely look for more books narrated by this talented voice actress. This was another well written story by Susan M. Boyer. I definitely recommend this series, especially if you enjoy a southern setting in your mystery.

55141167. sx318 Three Treats Too Many (Sarah Blair Mystery #3) by Debra H. Goldstein, Emily Beresford (Narrator)

Published August 25th 2020 by Kensington Publishing, Tantor Audio

4.5 Stars: 

This is the third book in this series and we find Sarah and her sister, Chef Emily still trying to get approval to open their restaurant. When Jane, Sarah’s dead ex-husband’s girlfriend gets approval to open her restaurant, she rubs it in. She hires vegan chef Riley Miller and her patrons are raving about the food. When Riley is found dead outside the restaurant, Sarah’s friend Jacob is the main suspect. It was well-known that he was infatuated with her and he did find the body. Can Sarah figure out who the real murderer is? Will Sarah and Emily ever get their approvals to open their restaurant?

Once again, I enjoyed my visit to Wheaton, Alabama. If you have not read the first two books in this series, you will have missed out on some of the background bringing our characters where they are now, but you can still read this as a standalone. Debra H. Goldstein does a good job connecting the mystery with town life and connecting the various characters with one another. This book has a plotline involving various groups of motorcycle riders including veterans, as well as a subtle look at safety and equipment while riding. There were a lot of secondary characters in this one, which made for a large suspect pool, but I was never confused or lost. Just as important as the human characters are Sarah’s animal companions, RahRah and Fluffy. They each have unique personalities and add a warm and fuzzy layer to the books. There were a couple of red herrings that had me guessing and heading down the wrong path, but was able to sort things out just before the final reveal. This was another well-plotted mystery, with great characters and a wonderful setting. I love the small town environment with all that goes with that. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Beresford. This book was very enjoyable to listen to as she did a great job bringing the story to life. It was easy to tell which character was speaking as she gave a distinct voice to each of them. This is the second book I have listened to that she narrated and I will definitely listen to more books by this delightful narrator. I am already looking forward to the next Sarah Blair mystery. I recommend this series to those who enjoy a well-developed cozy mystery with great characters.