I don’t know how I have managed to do so much reading lately. I think listening to audio books definitely helps me make good use of my time. I have three more reviews of great books to share before Christmas just in case you are looking for last minute presents.
Swamp Ghosts: Riverbend Book 1 by Marcia Meara
I listened to the audio book of Swamp Ghosts and I really enjoyed both the book and the narrator. The narrator’s voice perfectly complimented the story and really added to my enjoyment of this book.
Maggie Devlin is a beautiful but conflicted woman with a past. She has lived alone, providing for herself by running ecotours from her boat, for a long time. She is independent and she doesn’t get involved with men, particularly men who either work for her or who she works for. That is until Gunnar Wolfe comes into her life. Gunnar is a wildlife photographer who is looking for someone to help him in his search for a very rare bird that he is desperate to photograph. This will put Gunnar’s photography on the map. Maggie desperately needs the money that Gunnar is willing to pay and she soon finds herself teaching Gunnar how to paddle a canoe so that they can tour the river in search of this elusive bird.
Swamp Ghosts is a lovely story of a scarred woman’s journey to finding love and faith but this romantic theme is woven between the excitement and horror of a terrible discovery by Maggie and Gunnar in the waters of a secluded part of the river. The pair soon find out that there is a serial killer on the loose in Riverbend and their idyllic trust is about to be challenged.
I thought this was rather a unique read with two such strong threads, one a romance and the other a series of murders, running through it. The author did a marvelous job of keeping the me on the edge of my seat throughout this book and also tied up all the loose ends beautifully at the end.
Purchase Swamp Ghosts
My Old Clock I Wind by K Morris
A wonderful collection of poems by the talented Kevin Morris all of which have the underlying theme of life and time passing.
Three of my favourite poems from this collection are as follows:
- Hatters and hares – a very clever poem based on Alice’s experience of having tea with the March Hare and the Mad Hatter in the classic story Alice in Wonderland. The poem makes the point that everything in our technology based word is not as it seems and that the progress we think we see is deceptive;
- What is a double bed? – this extraordinary poem also makes the point that life is temporary and illustrates how we need to grasp it and make the most of life’s moments before we pass on; and
- Count Dracula Went Out to Dine – this poem appealed to my dark sense of humour and I found the depiction of Count Dracula out for a meal and his interaction with the staff in the restaurant very interesting and amusing.
If you like intriguing and well written poetry, then this is the book for you.
Purchase My Old Clock I Wind
Amazing Matilda by Bette A. Stevens
What a delightful book for children. A tale of a caterpillar who wants to fly and her interaction will all the creatures around her who encourage and support her. Toad and Rabbit both tell Matilda their stories of how they achieved their goals through trying over and over again. Sensible Sparrow advises Matilda to be patient and wait to see what happens. There is also a lovely learning message a caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly.
This book is packed full of beautiful hand drawn illustrations which will delight any child.
Purchase Amazing Matilda
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Robbie and Michael Cheadle are the co-authors of the Sir Chocolate Book series and Robbie Cheadle is the author of Silly Willy goes to Cape Town
Blog: robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
Facebook: @SirChocolateBooks
Plus.google: https://plus.google.com/105609586198905397891
You’ve read or listened to some great books. I imagine you can listen to books while you bake and create all those amazing goodies.
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Yes, that is exactly what I do, Darlene. That is why I like audio books so much. I bought four new books today.
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Such lovely reviews Robbie. I Think Kevin is a very talented poet too.
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Thank you, Paul. Kevin’s poetry is very different and unique. I really enjoyed his book.
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They look like three winners, Robbie. I’ve read Marcia’s Swamp Ghost and enjoyed it (loved Big Blue). The poem with Dracula at dinner sounds like a hoot!
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Thank you, Mae. I saw your review of Swamp Ghosts and that is where I got the spelling for Gunnar Wolfe as I listened to the audio book and wasn’t sure about it. Kevin’s poetry is very interesting and different.
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What a delightful collection of books, Robbie. Thanks for these mindful reviews. Congrats to Martha, Kevin, and Bette on a job well done! Hugs.
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I am so glad you enjoyed these reviews, Teagan. Holidays are for reading, aren’t they?
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That’s a lovely thought Robbie!
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More great books Robbie!!!
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Yes, Ritu. I do recommend Kevin’s book for you, lots of lovely ideas for poets.
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Three fantastic choices of new-to-me authors, I’ll definitely be looking them up!
Happy holidays!
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Thank you, Jacquie, happy holidays to you and yours too.
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Thanks so much for your lovely review of AMAZING MATILDA, Robbie. The reviews for K Morris’s poetry collection and Marcia Meara’s SWAMP GHOST, have me adding both to my TBR! ❤ xo
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Amazing Matilda is lovely, Bette. I am going to get it as a “proper” book for my niece. I always like children’s book in a physical form.
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Hugs & kisses! ❤
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Excellent reviews, Robbie. I’ve read Matilda, but the other two are new to me. Thanks for the recommendations 🙂 Happy Reading.
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Thank you, Diana. I am still waiting for your book to arrive. The postal service in South Africa at this time of year is awful.
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I’ll stop complaining about the postal service here, Robbie. I hope it arrives soon and that you enjoy the read. 🙂 ❤
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These are wonderful reviews, Robbie. I think I need to invest in audio books, because finding time to read has become a big challenge 🙂 ♥
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Audio books are marvelous, Tina. Such a time saver. I listen to them in the car and while I bake and do fondant modelling. Happy holidays.
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Happy Holidays, my friend ❤
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Swamp Ghosts sounds like a book I would enjoy. Wish I had time right now for more reading.
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Hi Tandy, I also struggle to find time to read and that is why I am now listening to lots of audio books. I can listen and drive or bake so it is two birds with one stone.
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Thank you for the reminder about Swamp Ghosts, I read this book a while ago and really enjoyed it too.
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I am pleased to hear that Rosie. If liked the two different threads in this book.
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Swamp Ghosts sounds like a book I would enjoy while the hubby watches football over the holidays. Thanks for the suggestion.
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My pleasure, Susan. I really enjoyed it.
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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There’s something about old clocks that is enticing. I still love that song, Grandfather’s clock. Both of these look good, Robbie.
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Thank you, Jacqui. I really enjoyed Kevin’s book of poetry.
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Wow, well done Robbie! You’re a reading machine. 🙂
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Not all the time, sadly, Debby. Only when I can get the time and then I really go for it.
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I hear you on that Robbie. 🙂
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That is a fascinating story. Thank you for the lovely review, Robbie!
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Thank you, Amy.
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Thank you so much for joining in the #ABRSC read and review Robbie and not just reading one but three great books! I’ve only read one out of these three – Swamp Ghosts and enjoyed it very much. 🙂
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It is my pleasure, Marje. I really enjoyed Swamp Ghosts.
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Reblogged this on M J Mallon Author and commented:
Thank you to Robbie for joining in the #ABRSC read and review and reading not one but three great books by authors Bette A Stevens, Marcia Meara, and introducing me to K Morris.
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Thank you for sharing this post, Marje.
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Thanks so much for the great review of Swamp Ghosts, Robbie. You have the distinction of being the first to review the audio book, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And thanks, also, for including Swamp Ghosts here today, with two other very interesting sounding books. I’m especially fond of poetry, and I’ve been meaning to download My Old Clock I Wind for the last week or so. Gonna go do it now, before I forget again.
Lovely post! Merry Christmas, All! 🙂
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Hi Marcia, I found you in my junk mail. So sorry it took me so long to release your comment. I loved Swamp Ghosts and I am glad you like the review. I also managed to put it on Audible [bit of a trial as Audible has a different format]. Have a wonderful Christmas.
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No problem at all, Robbie. I’m so busy right now with holiday things, I forgot to reblog your post on The Write Stuff. But I’ve done it now, and again, I’m very, very happy that you enjoyed listening to Swamp Ghosts! Have a great Christmas!! 🙂
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Three wonderful reviews of three interesting books, Robbie! I’m really intrigued by Marcia Meara’s book. I’m adding it to my TBR list. Thank you! Have a very happy and peaceful holiday season! ❤
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I hope you enjoy Swamp Ghosts, Vashti, when you have a chance to read it. Thanks so much, and Merry Christmas!
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I’m sure I will, Marcia. Thank you! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
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I am glad you enjoyed these reviews, Vashti. Enjoy your wonderful Spanish Christmas.
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Thank you, Robbie! ❤ Have a fantastic start to the new year!
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Robbie you are a wonderfully quick reader! Thanks for inspiring reviews. Happy reading and Happy Holidays 🙂
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Thank you, Balroop.
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
I was very pleased to find the first review of my audio version of Swamp Ghosts on Robbie’s Inspiration, along with reviews for Kevin Morris and Bette Stevens. So happy that Robbie enjoyed the story and the narration! Check these out, if you have a moment during your holiday rush. And thanks so much, Robbie!
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Thanks for the recommendations, Robbie. They all sound great and I must try and catch up but I haven’t managed to fit in as much reading recently. Have a lovely and sweet Christmas!
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Congratulations on the wonderful review, Marcia. Thank you for sharing, Robbie. I have a couple of Marcia’s books on my TBR list. I may add this one too. Hugs to you both
Merry Christmas to you both! ❤️ 🌲 🎁
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My mother and I both listened to Swamp Ghosts and we both loved it.
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Thanks, Janice! Hope you’ll enjoy them all when you have a chance to read them. (I KNOW about those TBR piles!! 😀 ) Have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year! 🙂
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