Posted by: kewhite | May 7, 2013

A DOG WALKS INTO A NURSING HOME by Sue Halpern

Lessons in the Good Life from an Unlikely Teacher.B1210_DogWalks_D

Available May 16 from Tantor Audio.

From the Publisher:

At loose ends with her daughter leaving home and her husband on the road, Sue Halpern decided to give herself and Pransky, her under-occupied Labradoodle, a new leash—er, lease—on life by getting the two of them certified as a therapy dog team. Smart, spirited, and instinctively compassionate, Pransky turned out to be not only a terrific therapist but an unerring moral compass. In the unlikely sounding arena of a public nursing home, she led her teammate into a series of encounters with the residents that revealed depths of warmth, humor, and insight Halpern hadn’t expected. And little by little, their adventures expanded and illuminated Halpern’s sense of what virtue is and does—how acts of kindness transform the giver as well as the given-to.

Funny, moving, and profound, A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home is the story of how one faithful, charitable, loving, and sometimes prudent mutt—showing great hope, fortitude, and restraint along the way (the occasional begged or stolen treat notwithstanding)—taught a well-meaning woman the true nature and pleasures of the good life.

My recording experience:

If you know me at all as a narrator (and as a person) you know I’m a sucker for a good animal story.  But this book was not your usual “dogoir” (dog-memoir – coined by author Julie Klam).  Pransky is a rescue, she’s adorable (see video of her saying “I Love You” which my daughter and dog have viewed at least 100 times), but this book is also about the big fears we face as humans (probably not as dogs), the moral challenges we face even in the everyday, and the questions that facing the end of life can bring up.  All with a sense of humor and playfulness.  I love books that make me think about life in a new way, and this book was one of those on top of being a great dog and owner story.  Love it.

p.s.  Another great Tantor audiobook cover design!

Listen to a sample here:

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to all who entered.  I do giveaways regularly, so keep your eyes peeled!

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Posted by: kewhite | May 2, 2013

MIND WHISPERING by Tara Bennett-Goleman

A New Map to Freedom from Self-Defeating Emotional Habits.

Available now from Harper Audio.

mind-whispering

From the Publisher:

In this engaging and insightful work, New York Times bestselling author Tara Bennett-Goleman offers us new ways to cut the strings of our self-defeating habits and find emotional freedom.

By bringing together the latest in cognitive psychology, the neuroscience of habit change, Eastern philosophy, and her experience with horse whispering, Bennett-Goleman helps liberate us from our most challenging mental roadblocks so we can identify emotional triggers and dysfunctional habits in ourselves and our relationships and begin to build new positive patterns in our lives and our world.

A groundbreaking map of the emotional mind, Mind Whispering helps transform our emotions, improve our relationships, connect us with a wise and compassionate heart, and finally live with a more lasting sense of happiness.

My recording experience:

As is often the case, this book was a timely read for me, and one with which I had a myriad of personal connections.  I am a trained yoga teacher as well as a performer, and a daily yoga and meditation practice have been part of my life for years (with lapses, I must admit!).  I had been in one of these lapses since I’d injured my hand in December, making my usual practice difficult to do, and with the extra demands on my schedule of doctor and physical therapy appointments, I’d let it slide.  But reading Tara‘s book energized me to re-approach my practice.  Modifying my yoga practice and re-committing to meditation have been such a boon in these past few months. It’s hard to get on the mat or sit with one’s monkey mind when life is chaotic or changing, but, of course, that’s when we need these practices to stabilize us both.  I highly recommend Tara’s book for those with any interest in Mindfulness, meditation, and/or personal growth.  She’s got some fascinating and inspiring insights.

Listen to a sample here:

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Posted by: kewhite | April 24, 2013

UNTIL I SAY GOODBYE by Susan Spencer Wendell

My Year of Living With Joy.  written with Brett Witter.Until I say Goodbye

Available now from Harper Audio.

From the Publisher:

“A powerfully emotional and irrepressibly joyous at the things that matter most.

Susan Spencer-Wendel’s Until I Say Good-Bye: My Year of Living with Joy is a moving and inspirational memoir by a woman who makes the most of her final days after discovering she has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

After Spencer-Wendel, a celebrated journalist at the Palm Beach Post, learns of her diagnosis of ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, she embarks on several adventures, traveling to several countries and sharing special experiences with loved ones. One trip takes Spencer-Wendel and her 14-year-old daughter, Marina, to New York City’s Kleinfeld’s Bridal to shop for Marina’s future wedding dress – an occasion that Susan knows she will never see.

Co-written with Bret Witter, Until I Say Good-Bye is Spencer-Wendel’s account of living a full life with humor, courage, and love, but also accepting death with grace and dignity. It’s a celebration of life, a look into the face of death, and the effort we must make to show the people that we love and care about how very much they mean to us.”

From the review in Audiofile Magazine:

“With upbeat pacing and wry humor, narrator Karen White reflects the author’s unbroken spirit and ever present wit while her wistful tone conveys all the pathos of the situation without ever becoming maudlin. White’s moving presentation helps realize Spencer-Wendel’s ultimate wish for her incredible book “to make people laugh and cry, and hug their children, and joke with their friends, and dwell on how wonderful it is to be alive.”

My recording experience:

Oh, oh, oh.  This was One of Those Books.  One of Those Books that changes your life.  One of Those Books that, as a narrator, you just hope you do it justice.  And you do the retakes again and again until you’re not crying because you know that the author wouldn’t want that in there, because she’s not crying.  She’s smiling.

Although I’ve recorded a pile of memoirs, it was a particular gift to record this one.  For so many reasons.  But the top of the list was that Susan couldn’t do it herself.  Many writers choose not to record their own work, for all kinds of reasons, but this time someone had to be Susan’s voice, and truly truly I was so honored that I could do this for her.  Because what I received in return were Susan’s words echoing in my head.  Smile.  I am alive today.  Live with joy.  Words that have continued to echo for  me everyday since I read them in December.  I am inspired by Susan to be present in my life, with my kids, with my husband, and to enjoy dog kisses as much as I want to.  I think you will be, too.

Listen to a sample here:

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Posted by: kewhite | April 8, 2013

RESCUE MY HEART by Jill Shalvis

Available now from Tantor Audio.B1221_RescueHeart_D

From the Publisher:

“After a tragic stint in the National Guard, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past and to the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, Adam is the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.”

My Recording Experience:

I have to say that I think this may be my favorite so far in the Animal Magnestism series by Jill Shalvis.  I’ve loved all the characters and the ways that the animal theme is incorporated in each, Adam and Holly’s stories had a depth and darkness to them that drew me right in, I found their struggles to deal with their demons moving, but at the same time Shalvis’ trademark humor was still there in force.  A perfect balance.  Except for one thing.  There were just not enough animals “talking” in this one for me.  I think maybe I got to do one “mew” and one “arf”, although there was a great deal of mind meld communication between Adam and his rescue dog, that’s just not as fun!

So, Jill, if there’s to be another in the series – Griff comes back from the Middle East perhaps??!! I demand more animal sounds! :)

Listen to a sample here:

The Giveaway:

The AudioGals are doing a fabulous giveaway game that involves listening to this book and finding a particula special scene in it.  The winner will receive THREE romance audiobooks of their choice!  I am doing a quickie giveaway that will give a (dedicated, i.e. fast) listener winner time to enter the game.

Just comment below – whatever you want.  I will choose a winner randomly Wednesday April 10 at 5pm PST.  Watch your email then – if you get back to me asap I can get the book in the mail on Thursday am!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who entered.  To find out about future giveaways, follow me here at this blog, or on Twitter or Facebook.

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Posted by: kewhite | April 2, 2013

LOVE, IRRESISTIBLY by Julie James

Available now from Tantor Audio.LoveIrresistibly

From the Publisher:

“A former football star and one of Chicago’s top prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cade Morgan will do anything to nail a corrupt state senator, which means he needs Brooke Parker’s help. As general counsel for a restaurant company, she can get a bug to the senator’s table at one of her five-star restaurants so the FBI can eavesdrop on him. All Cade has to do is convince Brooke to cooperate—and he’s not afraid to use a little charm, or the power of his office, to do just that.

A savvy businesswoman, Brooke knows she needs to play ball with the U.S. Attorney’s office—even if it means working with Cade. No doubt there’s a sizzling attraction beneath all their sarcastic quips, but Brooke is determined to keep things casual. Cade agrees—until a surprising turn of events throws his life into turmoil, and he realizes that he wants more than just a good time from the one woman with whom he could fall terrifyingly, irresistibly in love.”

My recording experience:

What can I say?  I feel so lucky that the very first romance I recorded was Julie‘s JTSMA, and that Julie’s been requesting that I narrate her books ever since.  I love her sense of humor, the sizzle between the leads, the sexy smart heroines and loveably lost heros and the real-world relationship challenges that she addresses on top of it all!  Just mad I had to wait so long to find out more about Cade Morgan.  I knew he had promise when he appeared in About That Night…

Listen to a sample here:

AAAAND a GIVEAWAY!

I’ve got a copy of the CD version of the audiobook to giveaway to an 18+ Continental US listener who comments below – just let me know if you’ve read and/or listened to any of Julie James’ books before.   A winner will be randomly selected Friday April 8 at 5 p.m. PST.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who entered.  To find out about future giveaways, follow me here at this blog, or on Twitter or Facebook.  (Hint: there might be another romance giveaway coming up next week…)

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Posted by: kewhite | March 30, 2013

UNTIL I SAY GOODBYE GIVEAWAY

Until I say Goodbye

Because I loved this book so much, I’m giving away a downloadable copy, which will come to the winner as a gift from my Audible account.

Read more about this book in my previous post, but to enter, just make a comment below and tell me what brings you joy!

I will choose the winner at random on Tuesday, April 2 at 5 p.m. PST.  I will contact the winner via the email you leave when you make your comment, but I won’t use any of your emails for anything else, I promise :)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CHOSEN.

Thanks, all, for entering.  I do many giveaways here, so consider following the blog or following me on Twitter @KarenWhitereads or Liking my Facebook page to learn about future giveaways.

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Posted by: kewhite | March 27, 2013

Dangerous Affairs by Diana Miller

Available now from Brilliance Audio.

From the Publisher:

“When soap opera star Abby Langford leaves Los Angeles for her Minnesota hometown, she’s hoping to give her nine-year-old daughter the peaceful childhood she never knew. But instead of tranquility, Abby finds an old knife hidden between the walls of her new Victorian house. Then the nightmares start: a blood-soaked victim and a killer’s arm slicing through the air, again and again. Police Chief Josh Kincaid assumes Abby is just scheming to get back into the tabloid headlines. But she’s turning out to be nothing like the spoiled diva he imagined. Abby is warm, honest, sexy, and the target of very real death threats. And now Josh wonders if her visions are of crimes past — or a premonition of terrors to come. As passion engulfs them, Abby and Josh must uncover the truth and stop a killer…before Abby’s worst nightmares come true.”

My recording experience:

I thought this book kept its romance and its mystery in perfect balance.  The romance was steamy and both the hero and the heroine are feisty, strong, intelligent characters.  The murder plot is very low on my personal grisly scale (i.e. no nightmares) and does a great job of incorporating Abby’s past in a way that makes her journey believable and the final outcome one I so did not see coming!

From the Audiofile Magazine review:

“Karen White’s buttery voice is alluring as soap opera celebrity Abby Langford…her full-bodied tones and appropriate pacing maintain the suspense in this romantic mystery. Even better, she believably delivers the sexual tension that develops as Josh realizes that the threats on Abby’s life are very real—and so is his growing attraction to her.”

From the Speaking of Audiobooks review:

“…somehow, Karen just keeps improving which is a little amazing. First of all, she “gets” romance and understands the importance of the byplay between the leads and the timing needed for an effective delivery. Second, she clearly distinguishes her characters and has improved her ability to provide the romance listener with that longed-for male deep voice. In Dangerous Affairs, she once again “excels in her narration” – just at a higher level.

Miller delivers a taut mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. In addition, it is quite romantic. For a debut author’s effort, it’s impressive and combined with Karen White’s performance, it’s likely an audio I will listen to again.”

Rated R.

Listen to a sample here:

The Giveaway:

Just make a comment below to be entered to win a copy of the CD version of Dangerous Affairs.  Entrants must be older than 18, and live in the Continental US, please.  Winner will be randomly chosen on Saturday November 10 at 9 a.m. PST.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

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Posted by: kewhite | March 4, 2013

ABOUT THAT NIGHT by Julie James

AudioGals Favorite Listens of 2012: “All three of Julie James 2012 audio releases are full scale listening parties that I look forward to attending often.”

Available now from Tantor Audio.

From the Publisher:

“Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face to face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful Assistant U.S. Attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him.

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten . . .”

From the AudioGals review:

“Once again, pairing Karen White’s straightforward  narration with Julie James’ sophisticated and amusing dialog is a perfect 10 for me”

From the Speaking of Audiobooks review:

“Karen White gives Rylann the sexiest heroine voice yet.”

My recording experience:

I’d already fallen in love with the hot-headed and brilliant Kyle Rhodes in the second book of this series (A Lot Like Love).  He’s the twin brother of that book’s heroine, Jordan, and they have a fun verbally jousting relationship.  And I have to admit I identified just a smidge with this book’s heroine Rylann (not that I’m a Type A uber-planner myself…)

Full of Julie’s signature “not quite sarcastic” humor I had a blast recording this book.  Rylann and Kyle truly are a match for each other – in their stubborness, intelligence and sensuality and going on the ride with them as they come together was a treat.

Listen to a sample here:

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Posted by: kewhite | February 28, 2013

A SMART & COZY GIVEAWAY

I’ve got two titles to give away right now so I thought I’d do them together!

Make Your Brain Smarter by Sandra Bond-Chapman from Blackstone Audio

Make Your Brain Smarter

OR

Easter Bunny Murder by Leslie Meier from Dreamscape

Easter Bunny Murder

To enter, just leave a comment below letting me know which book you’d like to have and why.

 Or why you want both :)

(your email address won’t show, and I’ll only use it if you win to contact you)

I will do a randomized drawing to determine a winner for each on Tuesday March 5 at 5pm PST.  Continental US 18+ entries only, please, as I’ll be mailing the winner the CDs.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!  CONGRATS TO WINNERS WILLIAM & PAULINE.

 I DO LOTS OF GIVEAWAYS SO I INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW ME VIA THIS BLOG (SIGN UP TO THE RIGHT), FACEBOOK OR TWITTER TO HEAR ABOUT FUTURE GIVEAWAYS…

happy listening!

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Posted by: kewhite | February 21, 2013

THOSE WE LOVE MOST by Lee Woodruff

Available now from Hyperion at Audible.

From the Author:

“Drawing on some of my personal experiences, THOSE WE LOVE MOST explores the ways in which a close-knit family is broken and made whole again after one pivotal moment results in the ultimate tragedy.

On a warm June day, Maura Corrigan is walking with her nine-year-old son, James, as he rides his bike to school when the unthinkable happens.  He darts on to the street and is hit by Alex, a 17-year-old neighbor.  What unfolds in the wake of the accident is an intricate web of relationships, secrets, and betrayals that ultimately create a story of resilience.

Told through the perspectives of two generations within the family, THOSE WE LOVE MOST chronicles how an unimaginable sudden twist of fate forces each family member to confront their choices, examine their mistakes, and fight for their most valuable relationships. It raises the age-old question: Why do we hurt the ones we love?”

From the review at Literate Housewife:

“For me Those We Love Most would have been hard to read in print. Being inside of this story was intense. Having Karen White sitting there with me as the story unfolded was a blessing. Her strong, soothing voice was like the calm during the storm. She brought empathy to each character’s voice and let the characters speak without at all betraying her own opinions. This was essential for a novel like Those We Love Most. As much as I enjoyed her work on the whimsical The Peach Keeper, I felt this particular title highlighted how well suited Karen White’s narration is to heavier subject matter. I wouldn’t have experienced this novel any other way.

Lee Woodruff has much to say about marriage, family life, and forgiveness in Those We Love Most. Although I felt that Maura’s story line was resolved incompletely and can only come back to haunt her and her family, this novel portrayed the realities of married life and dealing with personal tragedy sincerely and with honesty. The cost of love is so very precious. Redemption is a long time coming in this novel and Woodward respects her readers by not tying everything up into a neat bow. Be prepared for an emotionally challenging read when you pick up Those We Love Most. Reading it with a trusted friend is even better. With Karen White narrating the audiobook, you’re covered.”

My recording experience:

I have to admit that I have quite a few friends that wouldn’t make it past the inital event of this book because the accident that starts the plot in motion is just too realistic and too possible.   Images from it have haunted me now since I first read it months ago, and every time I see a neighbor kid riding a bike to school as I troop along with my youngest, I check to make sure the helmet strap is securely fastened.

That said, if you can get past the personal nightmares that might be awakened by that first chapter, this book is so worth the read (and I hope the listen).  It was an emotional rollercoaster to record, but its emotional journey is not at all manipulative.  The book takes a good hard look at the challenges of marriage, of fidelity, of taking responsibility for one’s actions and choices.  At the end of this tough journey that Woodruff lays out is hope.  That through all of life’s challenges, searing and simple, family and connectedness are possible to maintain, and worth the effort.

Listen to sample here:

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