Please note: My sweets, I am mega behind on responding to comments. I blame summer. But rest assured, I do read them, love them, appreciate each of you, and promise to catch up. Soon.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Audiobook Review: Midnight in Austenland

Think woes, dress up, and mystery. Midnight in Austenland was a delight and much like the novels that inspired Austenland, the story doesn't rush itself. The pace allows the reader to fully envision a stay in a grand regency era home. I smiled alot during this book. I really appreciated the woes and internal dialogue of the unconventional divorced heroine Charlotte. She's a bit lost and who at some point in their lives hasn't felt lost? However, for me the best part was the mystery. Is Charlotte imagining a murder in the mist (a la Catherine in Northanger Abbey) or is she really on to something sinister?  This story is fun. Not fast paced fun but bookish tongue-in-cheek fun. I have one but one message to Mrs. Hale: Girrrrllll I want, no need, a big beautiful love for larger than life Miss Charming. She is nothing short of fabulous. Ya hear? 

 Whodunit: The bad guy took me and Charlotte by surprise.

Wrapping: Meh! I kept wanting to see the cutie regular cover on my iPod.

Wisdom: "Lately the non-fictional world had been thin and drab."

Whippersnappers: Kissing with some minor mentions to alcoholism, infidelity, drug use, and homosexuality.

Words aloud: Stina Nielsen is an excellent narrator. She nailed self-deprecating Charlotte, stuffy Mrs. Wattlesbrook, and the funny quirky Southern Miss Charming. She gave each person a distinctive sound and flawlessly bounced between accents.

Wind-up: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale is read by Stina Nielsen and is 9 hours and 6 minutes long. Audiobook rating: 4 stars. Narrator rating: 5 stars.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
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40 comments :

  1. This sounds so good! I have one of the Austenland books in print - I need to dig it out.

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  2. I loved this book! Glad you enjoyed the audio version!

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  3. Why haven't I read this one yet!?

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  5. I agree with you on the cover... it does not ping my buying radar.

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  6. This is a really fun series, I hope there will be more!

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  7. Ooo la la this sounds amazing! I read some of her YA and it was pretty good so I'll bet I'd like this too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

    xoxo,
    Renee C.

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  8. I finally have the first book of this series on my kindle. It's been a long time coming.

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  9. Haha! I like the "buying radar" comment. Agreed.

    However, the story totally sounds like my cup of tea. Possible murder. Mystery. Accents. Heck yes please!

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  10. This one sounds like a fun read and I always love a good mystery. The heroine sounds quirky and funny, just like I like them. Glad you enjoyed this one and that the narrator nailed the characters!

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  11. Now I know I read and loved this! Thank you for your lovely thoughts!

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    1. Yay! :) But wait, you sure it wasn't the first book in the series?

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  12. Okay this sounds AWESOME! I need to read it!

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  14. I enjoyed the first book so I've been keen to read this one! Glad you enjoyed it.

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    1. I haven't either actually :)
      But I'm totally going to.

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  16. Happy to hear you enjoyed listening to this one. In regards to the narrator: "She gave each person a distinctive sound and flawlessly bounced between accents." - I really like it when someone is able to pull this off. It makes listening to the audio more magical.

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    1. Yes! Not everyone can can they? Sometimes they struggle to give each person their own tone.

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  17. I think I have the first book in this series- must find it b/c I think I would love it! Great review, Juju!

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    1. Yes! I think you will. You love Historical Fiction and this one has lots of fun elements that will appeal to a fan of HF.

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  18. Awesome! I have this one on my audible library and I am glad to hear that it is fantastic :)

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    1. Total fun! Like I said it doesn't rush but it sure did make me smile.

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  19. Well now, THAT sounds like it hit your reading fancy just right! High praises for the narrator, multiple stars for the story...good deal! Agreed on the cover though.... ^_^

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  20. I really liked the first Austenland book so will have to give this one a read too.

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  21. This one sounds cute! Unfortunately my library doesn't have the audio. But I'll cross my fingers that they'll get it soon.

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  22. I haven't read this series yet! Sounds really cute, though. I just saw a funny photo of Keri Russell in the new film which piqued my interest.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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    1. I can't wait for the movie :)
      I'm such a huge fan of hers.

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  23. I loved this book and often find myself wishing there was a real Austenland resort.

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