About Michelle

Michelle loves books, travelling and her adopted cats, Grizzly and Oats. When she's not reading, she can be found hiking.

STAFF PICK: An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendriks and Sarah Pekkanen

Title: An Anonymous Girl
Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Narrator: Julia Whelan and Barrie Kreinik

After getting pulled into the deep end of The Wife Between Us fan base, I was ecstatic to hear that Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen were coming out with a new thriller, An Anonymous Girl (and devastated that I had to wait an entire year before I could listen to it). I always get anxious with anticipation whenever an author I love (or in this case, authors) comes out with a new audiobook. Will it live up to my expectations after being blown away by their first work? In the case of thrillers, will it follow a similar climax be too predictable? Of course, the very best suspense audiobooks are the ones we think we have figured out before being knocked off our feet and high horses.

When Jessica, a struggling makeup artist signs up for a psychology study conducted by Dr. Shields, she thinks she’s in for answering a few questions and collecting an easy check. But the questions are uncomfortably intense, and Dr. Shields is more interested in Jessica than she ever could’ve imagined.

The more Dr. Shields is inserted into Jessica’s life, the more paranoid she grows — but so does the money she’s being offered. A wicked game of cat and mouse is played throughout the book, which had me hooked right from the beginning. I was so pleased that Julia Whelan performed, as she did a fabulous job narrating The Wife Between Us. She speaks fluidly in a low, tantalizingly suspenseful tone. Having her paired with Barrie Kreinik made me extra glad I listened to the audio version of this book.

Each time I thought I had things figured out, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen threw me for a loop. Just as their last one did, this book kept me up into the wee hours of the night so I could finally get to the end. I was sad when I did, but one can hope that this powerful duo will return with another delicious thriller.

An Anonymous Girl.

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7 Audiobooks That Are More Naughty Than Nice

Turn up the heat this winter with erotic audiobooks that guarantee a spicy holiday season.

 

1. Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle, narrated by Vanessa Daniels

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas.

When firefighter and single dad Steve Springfield moved his kids to a Christmas tree ranch, he intended it to be a safe haven. He never expected danger to follow, or that he would come face-to-face with the one girl he could never forget. It doesn’t take long before she’s in danger of falling for him. But as fires break out across the sleepy Colorado town, they will have to fight if they want their happy family to survive.
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2. A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss by Paula Quinn, narrated by Carrington MacDuffie and Paula Quinn

A Highlander's Christmas Kiss.

Christmas may be coming to Linavar, but Temperance Menzie is far from joyful. Grief stricken over the death of her father, she almost didn’t see the wounded stranger in the woods. And now she’s determined to give this brooding Highlander the help she couldn’t give her father. But there’s a secret lurking in the depths of his blue-gray eyes. And Temperance won’t rest until she uncovers it.
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3. Their Christmas Bride by Vanessa Vale, narrated by Kylie Stewart

Their Christmas Bride.

Allison Travers is in love with two men. Quinn and Porter are both irresistible, and choosing seems impossible. But she fears she’ll lose the chance to decide when a malicious man seeks to force her into marriage with him by spreading rumors.Quinn and Porter aren’t about to buy the lies. They love Allison, and what’s more, they both want to marry her and make her their Christmas bride.
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4. Submitting for Christmas by Em Brown, narrated by Em Brown

Submitting for Christmas.

The Marquess of Alastair has doubled the dowry he is providing Miss Abbott. The sooner she’s married, the sooner she’s out of his care — and his fantasies. All she wants is an encore of her night where Alastair once fulfilled her most wicked desires. When just such an opportunity unexpectedly arises, Alastair concedes to her proposition on one condition: that she never again return.
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5. Christmas with the Marine & Her Naughty Holiday by Candace Havens, narrated by Alexander Cendese and Gabrielle Cendese

Christmas with the Marine & Her Naughty Holiday.

Guys are the last thing on personal shopper Ainsley Garrett’s list. But her icy resolution melts when she sees an incredibly hot Marine toy shopping. A hot man in uniform with a heart of gold? Maybe she can believe in Santa after all… When it comes to Ashley, Major Ben Hawthorne is willing to break his own rules, at least for one night — provided they can get this insanely wicked attraction out of their systems.
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6. Saint Nick’s Naughty Helper by Jeffrey D. Peterson, narrated by Jeffrey D. Peterson and Ali Peterson

Saint Nick's Naughty Helper.

A hot and explicit Christmas Comedy featuring a brave romantic with a warm fire and a hot man on her mind. Carol is alone at Christmas time, and determined not to be. When she lays eyes on a dreamboat named Nick the sparks fly and she’s in over her head… right where she wants to be.
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7. The Christmas Present – A Collection of Four Festive Erotic Stories by Miranda Forbes, narrated by Trixi Godwin

The Christmas Present.

A Good Little Girl: Kay’s girlfriend gets a new job and becomes a sexy Santa.
The Perfect Meal: Emily rushes out to find the perfect pudding and finds the perfect man instead.
Payment In Kind: Kate’s work flirtation goes from innocent to white hot.
The Scent of Pine: Having the in-laws stay puts a damper on Julie and Robert’s sex life, but abstinence has its rewards after Christmas.
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Holiday page to screen

Get even more into the spirit by listening to these classic holiday books that have been turned into classic holiday movies.

1. The Polar Express by Theodor Seuss GeiselRob KapilowChris Van Allsburg, narrated by Nathan GunnIsabel LeonardOlivia LombardiThe Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra, and The Polar Express Children’s Choir

The Polar Express.

On Christmas Eve, a young boy climbs aboard a magic train filled with other children being treated to goodies while en route to the North Pole, where Santa is to offer the very first Christmas gift to one lucky passenger. This magical Christmas story is one of self-discovery that shows listeners that the wonders of life never fades for those who believe.
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2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, narrated by Walter Matthau

How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville’s holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday.
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3. The Greatest Gift (film adaptation: It’s A Wonderful Life) by Philip Van Doren Stern, narrated by Edward Herrmann

The Greatest Gift.

Unable at first to find a publisher for his tale of a man named George who ponders suicide until he receives an opportunity to see what the world would be like without him, Stern originally published the story in a small pamphlet and sent it out as his Christmas card for 1943. One of those copies found its way into the hands of a producer, and the film that has become a cherished holiday tradition for many was born.
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4. A Christmas Carol (film adaptation: Scrooge) by Charles Dickens, narrated by Paul Scofield

A Christmas Carol.

“Every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding,” says Scrooge. Mean old Scrooge despises Christmas… until Christmas Eve, when a haunted voice from the past changes his life overnight.
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5. A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd, narrated by Dick Cavett

A Christmas Story.

Ralphie Parker is in for a disappointing Christmas: he discovers his decoder ring is really an Ovaltine promotion; his parents battle over a lascivious leg lamp; the savagery of bullies is ripe; and, most crucially, Ralphie’s campaign to get a Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle results in the adult world saying, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.”
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6. Skipping Christmas (film adaptation: Christmas With The Kranks) by John Grisham, narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris

Skipping Christmas.

Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas this year. Theirs will be the only house without a rooftop Frosty; they won’t be hosting their annual Christmas bash; they aren’t even going to have a tree. Instead, they’re going on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings consequences.
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7. The Bishop’s Wife by Robert Nathan, narrated by Stephen R. Thorne

The Bishop's Wife.

Bishop Henry Brougham wants to build a new cathedral, but doesn’t know how he’ll find an archdeacon to help fund it. But that’s not his only problem. Him and his wife, Julia, are in a passionless marriage. When the bishop prays for help, it comes in the form of Michael, who takes the position of archdeacon. With the holidays approaching, the bishop senses the attraction between Julia and Michael.
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8. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, narrated by Barbara Caruso

Little Women.

Lovely Meg, talented Jo, frail Beth, spoiled Amy: these are hard lessons of poverty and of growing up in New England during the Civil War. Through their dreams, plays, pranks, letters, illnesses, and courtships, women of all ages have become a part of this remarkable family and have felt the deep sadness when Meg leaves the circle of sisters to be married.
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9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May, narrated by Stephen R. Thorne

Rudolph.

Rudolph, loveable and generous, humble and good, embodies the spirit of Christmas, and reminds us of the magical possibilities that exist within us all. In the companion story, “Rudolph Shines Again,” Rudolph loses his light and is certain he is of no use to Santa now; he decides to go far away, where no one knows how bright his nose used to be. But on his journey, something magical happens.
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New to Audiobooks.com? Get a free audiobook when you sign up for our one month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobook!

5 New Christmas Audiobooks to Listen to This Holiday Season

If you’ve already listened to all of the classic Christmas audiobooks, treat yourself to these new Christmas stories that will warm your heart and make you believe in the magic of the holiday season all over again.

1. The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan, narrated by Mandy Weston

The Christmas Sisters.

There is nothing like the holidays to bring family back together. I enjoyed the way this book deals with emotions, conflicts, and crisis all with the warmth of the season.
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2. Christmas at the Palace by Jeevani Charika, narrated by Carlyss Peer

Christmas at the Palace.

I’m still revelling in the magic of the royal weddings this past year, so this was a perfect story to add to my Christmas reading. You’ll devour this delightfully modern Christmas romance.
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3. The White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright, narrated by Samantha Desz

The White Christmas Inn.

There are some books you just want to jump into and experience; this is one of those books for me. Filled with lovable characters — each pulling through their own difficulties — in a picture perfect setting, you’re sure to enjoy this lighthearted holiday read.
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4. A Nancy Drew Christmas by Carolyn Keene, narrated by Jorjeana Marie

A Nancy Drew Christmas.

This book transported me back to my much younger days of reading Nancy Drew as a young girl. For adults coming to Nancy Drew again, you will not be disappointed. For newcomers to Nancy Drew, you will enjoy this Christmas themed adventure.
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5. The Noel Stranger by Richard Paul Evans, narrated by Erin Mallon

The Noel Stranger.

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without reading Richard Paul Evans. He’s back and totally on Christmas spirit form with The Noel Stranger. While for me this one was a slight departure from his normal Christmas titles, you will still enjoy the true meaning of the holidays with this book and this is a not-to-be missed story.
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New to Audiobooks.com? Get a free audiobook when you sign up for our one month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobook!

5 Hanukkah Audiobooks for Kids

Celebrate Hanukkah by listening to an audiobook with your children that will educate, entertain, and inspire.

 

1. Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel, narrated by Laural Merlington

Hanukkah Bear.

A bear wakes to wonderful smells that leads him to the house of Bubba Brayna. Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, but at 97, she doesn’t hear or see well. When the bear arrives at her door, she believes he is her rabbi. Bubba Brayna and the bear light the menorah, play the dreidel game, and eat all the latkes.
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2. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel, narrated by Gildart Jackson

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

On the first night of Hanukkah, a traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village. But when he arrives, not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over, and the villagers cannot celebrate. Hershel vows to help them. But can one man alone save Hanukkah, and live to tell the tale?
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3. Dreidels on the Brain by Joel Ben Izzy, narrated by Joel Ben Izzy

Dreidels on the Brain.

Joel, a magician who dreams of being a superhero, fails miserably at making himself disappear at school. Home isn’t any better, with a family that’s embarrassing and broke. That’s why he’s betting everything on these eight nights, to see whether it’s worth believing in God or miracles or anything at all. He’s scrambling to come to terms with the world he lives in — from hospitals to Houdini to the Holocaust — before the last of the candles burns out.
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4. Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer, narrated by Kirby Heyborne

Latke, the Lucky Dog.

Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, Latke the puppy joins the family just in time for the celebrations. Although he has trouble learning the house rules, he is one lucky dog! Told from the pup’s point of view, this sweet Hanukkah song is perfect for little ones.
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5. In The Month Of Kislev by Nina Jaffe, narrated by Theodore Bikel

In The Month Of Kislev.

Every night during Hanukkah, the Mendel children stand outside the window of a wealthy and arrogant merchant to enjoy the delicious smell of golden latkes. When Faivel, the merchant, discovers the children on the eighth night of Hanukkah, he is outraged. He insists they face Rabbi Yohah for judgement, and takes the family of a poor peddler to court. It is here that he learns the true meaning of Hanukkah.
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New to Audiobooks.com? Get a free audiobook when you sign up for our one month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobook!

 

STAFF PICK: Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Title: Beartown
Author: Fredrik Backman
Narrator: Marin Ireland

Nestled deep within a lush Swedish forest lies a small town experiencing what feels like an inevitable death. The factory workers who founded the town once had big dreams of Beartown becoming a hockey haven, and with it, an abundance of jobs and a booming economy. But the costs that accompany those dreams are higher than anyone could have anticipated.

The junior ice hockey team is gearing up for the national semi-finals — and they actually have a shot at winning. In one fell swoop, the future of a dying town lies on the shoulders of teenage boys, and in the same breath, threatens to unravel the secrets, violence, and callousness of those we thought we knew, and who we wanted them to be.

Within the first few chapters, Fredrik Backman joined the ranks of being one of my favorite authors. So rarely do I find a book as beautiful as it is devastating, so powerful that I never want it to end, yet so damn satisfied when it does.

Backman’s ability to bring to light the small details about each character, even those in the shadows, allowed me to resonate with the entire town — those who went against the grain, those who created the trauma that ripples throughout, those whose shoes I never hope to be in. In Beartown, no one is unaffected. Everyone’s vulnerability is uncovered, and no small character truly exists in this story.

“small towns need a head start if they’re going to have any chance in the world… people are standing in silent lines with their eyes half opened and their minds half closed, waiting for their electronic punch cards to verify their existence… if they keep quiet, they can hear it in the distance: bang. bang. bang. bang. bang.”

Marin Ireland does a fabulous job of narrating the story in an appropriately moody tone. Her ability to bring out the emotions of the characters transported me into their town, their lives, their dreams, and their demons.

 

Beartown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New to Audiobooks.com? Get a free audiobook when you sign up for our one month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobook!