The Magic Room: A Story about the Love We Wish for Our Daughters

I found this book interesting when I found out it references a bridal shop in Fowler, Michigan and that it is about daughters. I have three daughters and can share the emotion and excitement that goes along with a daughter’s wedding. Finding the perfect dress, shoes, etc. that makes the wedding day perfect.

The Magic Room tells, the secrets, memories, and  family tales that are shared between a mother and daughter. It also shares the heartbreaking as well as joyful tales of  mothers and daughters. Illuminating the poignant aspects of a woman’s journey to the altar, The Magic Room tells the stories of memorable women on the brink of commitment. Run by the same family for four generations, Becker’s has witnessed transformations in how America views the institution of marriage: some of the shop’s clientele are becoming step-mothers, some are older brides, some are pregnant. Shop owner Shelley has a special affection for all the brides, hoping their journeys will be easier than hers.

The book tends to drag on as a story is told on the background of each bride. Then it would be several chapters before she was mentioned again. Towards the end, I started to feel more connected to the lives of these women and their families, but I still didn't feel there was a cohesive theme or message to the book. I did however, enjoy this book and would recommend it to anyone sharing a wedding with their daughter.

K.R.

New York Dead

It's that time of year—time to stock up on audiobooks for the winter. I have been looking for a good series to keep me entertained during the all-so-dreary winter months in Michigan, and I believe I found a winner: Stuart Woods' Stone Barrington Series.

The series begins with New York Dead, and the well-formed characters and fast-paced suspense sucked me right in—just what type of series I need to keep the cabin fever at bay. I had never listened to a title narrated by Robert Lawrence and I am always a little wary being introduced to a new narrator. No worry needed—he did a great job with the characters in this novel.

Now on to the next book... With book twenty-two, D.C. Dead, releasing this month, this series will be sure to keep me entertained wherever and whenever I am snowbound this year!

-H.B.

Christmas Time Listening

Christmas is right around the corner and just like every year before, I have dusted off the Christmas movies and stories to get myself in that holiday spirit. My favorite Christmas story to re-read (and watch) is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
 

Do you have a special book or short story that you like to read around the holidays? Have you tried anything new that you really liked? I would love to hear some of your holiday traditions. Maybe I’ll find a new favorite…

-L.E.

The Reasons for Marriage

I decided to listen to The Reasons for Marriage after proofing our catalog for this month.  As you know, I am a big fan of series and would love to find another one to listen to.  I also really wanted to listen to a historical romance because I know that genre is a real fan favorite for so many of our customers. 

I have read historical romance before and enjoyed it but I have never listened to a historical romance in audio before.  One of the advantages of the audio was the narration!  The narrator for this title is Helen Stern, I thought her English accent was very good and it added a lot of depth and warmth to the story.  

This story is a classic romance based on a young woman Miss Lenore Lester and a dashing yet notorious playboy the Duke of Eversleigh.  The two banter back and forth through England’s high society, and strike a deal on a marriage that will convenience them both.  What starts out as a mutual agreement inevitably morphs into something much more.  It is a delightful, light romance that will keep you entertained and rooting for love.  The best part:  now I can listen to book number 2, A Lady of Expectations!

~ AP