2023, audible, audiobook, Author Love, Libby, Me, Review, TBR, Uncategorized

Audiobook Review: The Woman In Me By Britney Spears

Blurb: The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

Review: From when this was first announced it was definitely something I wanted to read. Although, in saying that I knew it would be a novel that took over my emotions. It took me a while in deciding whether I would read or listen. I decided I would listen to it via my library, there was undoubtedly a short wait but it became available when I was off work so at the best time…I devoured her words in a few days. In each chapter I became more and more saddened how an entire family could treat a superstar in the way they did.

Britney was a child star and I still remember when I first purchased her first single Baby One More Time…she was a breath of fresh air and a welcome change. I’ve always loved a boyband but she had sass and cuteness. I hadn’t been that bothered by American stars until Britney. Being a superstar everyone knew somewhat of her struggles but in listening to her story it’s heartbreaking to think she struggled for so long, long before the conservatorship.

It’s also hard to hear the reasonings behind the shaving of her head – the ultimate cry for help. Her mum and sister should feel ashamed profiting from her downward spiral. When in all honesty Britney wanted to be a mum. It’s also sad to hear how much her Las Vegas shows made her sad. She had so many ideas that would have been amazing if only she was allowed to create her own shows rather than simply continuing the same show – which bored her and she stated was unfair on her fans.

Some of what she suffered as a child she shouldn’t have. I mean from her words she fully understands that a lot of her childhood wasn’t normal, yet she’s still a kindhearted person that wanted to live her life her way.

I’m not a mother but I cannot understand how someone who is supposed to be family – someone who loves you unconditionally could keep her apart from her children and as an adult to not be able to spend her own money. Let’s face it she earned it.

A memoir that will leave you feeling differently about the world of celebrity and what you think you know. Considering everything she went through Britney is still a kindhearted soul and as much as she may post some bizarre things from time to time. I fully understand why – she’s now living her life on her terms. I’ve always been Team Britney but even more so following listening to this.

2023, audiobook, Author Love, christmas, Libby, Review, thriller, Uncategorized

Audiobook Review: The Killer In The Snow By Alex Pine

Blurb: The first fall of snow can be fatal….

A year has passed since DI James Walker cracked his biggest case yet, and he’s hoping for peace and quiet this festive season.

But across the fells, a local farmer returns home on Christmas Eve to find footsteps in the fresh snow that lead down to his unused basement – and no footsteps leading away. Days later, his body is found, alongside those of his wife and daughter.

Without a neighbour for miles, there are no witnesses and little evidence. And the crime scene has strange echoes of another terrible murder committed at the farmhouse, 20 years earlier….

James knows that to catch this killer, he needs to solve a case that has long since gone cold….

Review: Back in 2020 I read the first book by Alex Pine – The Christmas Killer. You can read that review here. As I stated in this review I’ve got into cop based Thrillers. I’ve listened to these two and also this year Nadine Matheson’s The Jigsaw Man. I’m yet to read the second in that series. So this is my second instalment of DI James Walker and once again it did not disappoint.

As this story started we are given a lot of information on the town and the people in it. Then we are subjected to the deaths and the intrigue as the events echo a similar tragedy in that same farm 20 years previously.

So not only does DI James Walker have a current case to crack he’s left with various questions from the old case. There are so many questions and so many suspects. As we are drip fed information I found myself doubting different people throughout leaving so much unspoken that kept me eagerly listening. I found myself listening to huge chunks at a time with many of the chapters making me say just one more to get a little more information. This tale took so many turns from mediums, to ex boyfriends and family secrets.

Alongside all of the mystery and intrigue we also have James’s wife Annie who is heavily pregnant in this instalment. Who is worried for herself, her husband and her unborn child due to different events that also add to the suspense in this novel. In listening to this story it honestly felt like a TV show and I lapped up every single aspect. Granted if I lived in Kirkby Abbey I would move as just like Eastenders there seems to be a death at Christmas.

The farm is so interesting with so many things not adding up and making you question anyone and everyone involved. The scenario that won out was heartbreaking in places as grief really does make people act differently in so many ways.

I’ve seen so many scathing reviews for this author but I truly loved both stories and I’ve just downloaded the third in the series. Which means my next audiobook maybe the continuation rather than the other festive treat I was going to listen to.

I also have to add a mention for Sid Sager’s narration, with thrillers I don’t always gel with the narrator but his narration was faultless as I say I’ve just downloaded book three The Winter Killer which I shall start later when I go out on my travels. There were a number of characters and his voice made it clear when another voice was talking and for that I am grateful and pleased. It made it effortless to listen to and really did add to my enjoyment of this novel. Can I squeeze in books three and four before the end of the festive season, now that is a question.

2023, Midweek Reading Roundup, Uncategorized

Midweek Reading Roundup #19

Happy Hump Day Beauts.

I love creating these posts and I’m sorry that there hasn’t been anything since last Wednesday. I have a number of drafts of reviews and I’ve almost penned a few posts having deleted my Monday motivation drafts after not posting.

I will get back on top of this, now I’m feeling well again, over the last few days I was getting back to my fitness classes and running.

Today I had optimistically said I would run but I’m still suffering from the after effects of two fab classes yesterday so I won’t overdo it especially as I’m working this evening. Before I get onto this weeks offering let’s share last weeks post. You can read that here.

Last: The Woman In Me By Britney Spears

This sure was an intriguing listen. My thoughts are partially penned and will be shared soon.

Now: (Physical) The Happiest Ever After By Milly Johnson

When I fell unwell I was busy and headachey so my poor physical book, that I’m loving was left at 60%. I am hoping to get back to that today.

Now: (Audiobook) The Killer In The Snow By Alex Pine

Next: (Audiobook) That Festive Feeling By Heidi Swain

I’m currently not sure what physical/ebook I will read following Milly Johnson’s offering.

Midweek Reading Roundup, Uncategorized

Midweek Reading Roundup #18

Happy Hump Day beauts

Here’s to a wonderful Wednesday. Today I am hoping to banish the cold I have as tomorrow I’m back at work and then we have our Christmas party which I’m looking forward to. I’m just hoping I feel better by then.

Without further ado let’s take a look at my last offering before we delve into todays. You can read that here.

Last: Audiobook: Yellowface By R.F.Kuang

I finished listening to this masterpiece yesterday so watch this space for my thoughts. What I will say is this is so worth the hype and some.

Now: Ebook The Happiest Ever After By Milly Johnson

I’m around 60% through with this one, I haven’t read the past few days as this cold has made my head a bit on and off. Which is how my audiobook overtook. As I’ll be resting and organising a few things today I should have more time to sit and read with any luck.

Next: Audiobook This Girl By Colleen Hoover (the final in this series)

This happened…

Let’s see how many more I can read before the year is out.
2023, audible, audiobook, Author Love, books of the year, Libby, Top Ten Tuesday, Uncategorized

Top Ten Tuesday: Freebie here’s another 10 I’ve loved this year…

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish in June 2010 out of a love of lists. In January of 2018 we decided it was time to close our doors. It was then moved to That Artsy Reader Girl here. It came from a love of lists, books and a desire to bring bookish people together. Today is another freebie post but I am going to post my last post with the 10 books I chose earlier this year alongside the choices now. You can read that post 10 faves so far.

My Review
My Review
My Review
I’m currently listening to this but what I will say is this is worth the hype.
My Review
My Review
My Review
My Review
My Review
My Review

I’ve been lucky enough to read a lot of great reads this year. I am almost at my GoodReads target for the year. I am at the final stages of listening to Yellowface and that will be my 53rd book of the year. I still have a few weeks to read a few more…as I’ve been a bit fluey the last few days I’ve only been listening to my audiobook.