Joan

Quite a harrowing listen.

Reviewed: 17-12-24

Quite a sad book, it’s ironic that the author named it “Joy”. I’ve listened to all of DS audiobooks and usually derive some comfort from them, but I guess being in a rather sad mood myself after a bereavement, this story was quite a sad listen. Don’t get me wrong, of course the main character is a strong girl who becomes a strong eoman and this novel is all about her experiences as a lonely child who continues to be a positive person throughout her journey through life. It could do with a sequel but I guess DS chose the ideal ending for her characters. Always worth a go, and the narrator is, as usual, excellent. I’ll be interested to read other reviews on this one.

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Feel good Danielle Steel classic

Reviewed: 15-12-24

Well, I’ve listened to over 100 of Danielle Steel books and I listen when I need some solace from real life. This novel was very satisfying but it took place during a pandemic so if you have distressing memories of Covid, it might be worth giving this one a miss. Dan Miller is an ideal narrator and always does the best job with these books. There aren’t many surprises, but it’s a good story and took me away from reality for a weekend.

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Beautifully written and poignant

Reviewed: 01-09-24

I loved everything about this audiobook. The narrator was excellent, just right for the characters and the atmosphere of the story. Set in the pandemic during 2020 this beautifully crafted narrative is a study of human nature and family relationships. It’s down to earth, thoughtful and full of hope as well as of reflection and memories of a lifetime of experiences. I will think back on this story often and remember what a wonderful treat and joy it was to listen to such a gem of a book.

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Oh no, What a disappointment.

Reviewed: 21-10-23

I was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately John Grisham did not deliver. The plot didn’t go anywhere, the chapters were rambling and the,ending predictable. No twists or great plot reveals. I can hardly believe that the publisher went ahead with this one. I usually love GRISHAM’S novels but perhaps it’s time for him to hang up his laptop and to be remembered for his top rated legal bestsellers.

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1 person found this helpful

Well worth a listen.

Reviewed: 30-05-23

If you listen to all of Danielle Steel books then you’ll know that she is prolific and that in her old age she is continuing to write between 4 and 6 books a year. I find most of them now are like this one, a satisfying listen, great for a feel good and absorbing read but not her best work ever. Then, every now and then she pens a corker of a story, so it’s always worth reading all of her work. She often writes three books at a time and it shows, but she’s such a great storyteller and she has the fans to prove it. This book is a really satisfying love story. Good comes out of tragedy. The narrator does an excellent job. Well worth a listen but not as good as WITHOUT A TRACE, which I think is her stand out best novel of late.

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1 person found this helpful

Sometimes you just need this type of audiobook to keep you entertained

Reviewed: 28-05-23

I’ve listened to over 70 Danielle Steel books, if you’re a fan like me then you’ll know that she is prolific, currently writing approximately five novels a year. Her stories are somewhat similar and formulaic. I find some very poor and some absolute classic gems that despite being far fetched in places, deliver a captivating plot and characters you can loathe and those who bring out empathy and loyalty. So, after saying all of that, this one is one that I couldn’t put down, it was interesting and well formed, just the right length for finishing in a day. There are scenes of graphic abuse in parts so it won’t be for everyone. But, I was glad to listen to this book when I needed something to get absorbed in on a rainy Sunday. The narrator is also a regular DS reader and he did a great job on this one.

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Standard DS story with great narrator

Reviewed: 19-02-23

Sometimes a Danielle Steel book eases stress and pain of my real life. I’ve listened to over 100 of her novels. She churns them out even now she’s in her late 70’s. She’s a fascinating writer, she lives to write and writes to live and despite the simple formula and obvious outcome, she is brilliant at what she does. Nine Lives is one of her average books. Some are terrible some are outstanding but this one was very good. I listened over the weekend, it was gripping, it was from another world of tragedy after tragedy and with the usual exceptionally financially rich characters. It helped me get absorbed and forget my own troubles and I’ll always be grateful to Danielle for that. This is a Feel good story of an exceptional woman.

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Another Mike Gayle classic

Reviewed: 25-12-22

Familiar themes of loss, grief, diverse friendships, family relationships and positive change. Mike Gayle does not disappoint. Every book would make a good screenplay and his writing is simple but incredibly clever as he draws the listener in and makes us invest in his storyline.

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A Remarkable Book

Reviewed: 16-11-22

Freddy H Jacquin is a wonderful man. I purchased this audiobook out of curiosity and found that not only is it read by the author but that he also has a large bonus section of incredibly helpful and relaxing hypnotic programmes to aid with pain, anxiety, and other habits and concerns.
The first section of the book explains what hypnosis is, in very easy to understand language. Freddy is an expert in this field and is a genuinely helpful, enthusiastic and skilled hypnotist. I totally recommend that everybody listens to this book, it is truly remarkable and will change your life for the better. Thank you Freddy. I now use the techniques that you taught me, and you have greatly enhanced my outlook on life.

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Clare’s best yet

Reviewed: 07-08-22

Loved this book, and could tell that the author is attached to the beautiful surroundings of Wales because of her descriptive ability of the area and community which greatly enhanced the atmosphere and feel of the story.
The plot and characters were complex but drew me in, there were surprises along the way and I’m left wanting another book to find out what happens next.

This book was a joy to listen to because Chloe Angharad Davies is an exceptional narrator. I hope she continues to record the future books in this series.

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8 people found this helpful