Publication Date: June 13th 2023 by Thomas Nelson
Pages: 358
Audio Book Length: 10hrs 2min
Narrator: Jorjeana Marie
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★½
My
Thoughts:
At thirty, Isadora’s life is bland and far from happy. So when
she spies a magazine article proclaiming “31 Ways to Be Happy (Today!)”, as an academic
researcher she feels she can debunk this ridiculousness. However, as she starts
trying out the suggestions in the name of science, it forces her to open up to
others and she finds her life changing. Isadora was hurt badly in the past which
ultimately led to her being guarded, her life stagnant, so I was thrilled
seeing her start to embrace life and happiness, making friends, and finding
love along the way! Isadora’s journey was of self-discovery and healing. This
was such an uplifting story with a sweet romance as icing on the cake!
The audio was excellent! Jorjeana Marie's performance breathed life into the characters and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.
4.5 Stars
Good Girls Don't Die by Christina Henry
Publication Date: November 14th 2023 by Berkley & Penguin Audio
Pages: 320
Audio Book Length: 9hrs 31min
Narrator: Lisa Flanagan
Source: Publisher & Library lend audio
Rating: ★★★½
My
Thoughts:
There are three stories, with three different women: Celia wakes
up as a wife, mother, and restaurant owner, but doesn’t remember any of it.
Allie is supposed to get away with her two besties to
celebrate her birthday, but plans change when one of the boyfriends (total
jerk!) hijacks the trip and takes them to a secluded cabin out in the woods.
Maggie wakes up with several other women forced to participate
in deadly competitions.
All three stories connect by the end.
Good Girls Don’t Die had a kind
of Twilight Zone vibe. Wished there was a little more to the ending other than
that abrupt one, but I was happy with how it turned out for the most part.
Lisa Flannagan's audio performance was excellent. Sort of reminded me of Lorelei King, one of my favs! I listened at 1.5x normal speed.
3.5 Stars
Oh, yeah! I have a hold for Isadora, and your review has me thinking that it was a great choice. You know me, uplifting and sweet are two adjectives I love seeing in reviews.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd really enjoy Isadora, Sam!
DeleteI really enjoyed The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley! So cute and fun. And I still need to read Good Girls Don't Die. Have a great week, Rachel! :D
ReplyDeleteIt was fun and it had wonderful depth to it too. I must read more of Walsh! You too, Lark! :)
DeleteI don't know if I'm likely to read either of these but Isadora was a good one for you, so maybe.
ReplyDeleteIsadora was heartwarming, Anne!
DeleteBoth of those sound attractive in their own ways. I haven't read Christina Henry in a bit.
ReplyDeleteSophia Rose
They were. :)
DeleteWonderful reviews, Rachel. I have The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley on my tablet and the audiobook is available on Hoopla, so after reading your review, I am bumping it up.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy it, Carla! At least I hope you will! I look forward to your thoughts!
DeleteGood to know the audiobook for Isadora Bentley is excellent. I'll add it to my winter TBR 😊.
ReplyDelete