Kindle Audiobook:The Sideways Life of Denny Voss By Holly Kennedy

 

Rating: 4/5

So sweet and tenderly told. At first, I thought it might echo The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time or The Rosie Project; however, this story quickly found its own charming voice.

We meet Denny, a young man with cognitive challenges due to complications at birth. Raised with love and fierce loyalty by his Nanna Jo, Denny navigates the world with innocence, honesty, and a gentle humour that stays with you. 

He gets  arrested for murder. What stands out most is the purity of Denny’s perspective. It is a quiet, moving read about love, and resilience.

Libby Audiobook:Another Life by Kristin Hannah

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.8/5)

This was my first  Hannah read, and I can see why she is so widely loved. Another Life offers a quietly powerful story about second chances, grief, and finding purpose when life takes an unexpected turn.

I had always thought Kristin Hannah only wrote historical fiction, so the contemporary setting was a surprise. It was not what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are rich, relatable, and written with care. You feel drawn into their world and invested in their healing.

A gentle, character-driven story that lingers quietly in your thoughts.

Synopsis:

Angie and her husband long to become parents, but after years of heartbreak and disappointment, their marriage begins to unravel. Following their divorce, Angie returns to her large, boisterous Italian family and helps out at the family restaurant while grappling with the grief of losing her father. At the same time, Lauren, a bright and ambitious teenager raised by an indifferent mother, is preparing for college and dreaming of a future with her boyfriend, David. When their lives intersect, a new kind of hope begins to emerge for both women.

Kindle: Child Missing, Lynn Miclea

 

I wanted to enjoy this, but unfortunately, Child Missing fell quite flat for me. The writing felt dry and bland. I’ve been spoiled with richly written mysteries full of twists and layered characters, this simply did not compare. The narrative was repetitive.

On the plus side, it was a quick read, so I do not feel I wasted too much time. I kept reading in the hope for a big twsist. Spoiler alert, the detectives suspected the teacher, and it was him.

Summary:

Detective Matt Holden investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young boy from a park. As the search intensifies, the case uncovers potential suspects and hidden secrets in the community. The story follows the detective’s step-by-step investigation, aiming to find the child before it is too late.

Meh.

2/5

Libby Audiobook: Edda Mussolini, Caroline Moorehead

 

Despite the title, this book is far more about Benito Mussolini than his daughter Edda. I was hoping for an in-depth look into Edda. Instead, what I got was a long, often dry political biography of Mussolini himself.

At the halfway mark, I was still waiting for Edda’s voice to come through. By 90%, I thought we might finally focus on her... but no. The narrative continued to orbit around Mussolini’s regime, with Edda remaining more of a shadowy side figure than the main subject.

I found the book long, labour-intensive, and misleadingly titled. If you are interested in Edda as a standalone historical figure, this one will disappoint.

2/5

Kindle Audiobook: Grave Water Lake by A.M. Strong and Sonya Sargent

 

Oegh, meh. This one had all the ingredients for a chilling page-turner: a frozen lake, an isolated cabin, and a nameless woman shivering in the deep of night. The premise is strong, initially really enjoyed it. Could have gone in so many ways.

But it started to irritate me more than anything.

Synopsis:

A woman awakens beside a remote, frozen lake with no memory of who she is or how she got there.

Bleary‑eyed and frightened, she stumbles to a nearby house where a man named Gregg offers shelter. As a brutal winter storm traps them together, she adopts the name “Anna” after the initial on her bracelet  . Strange noises, phantom footsteps, whispered voices and odd hints erode her sense of safety. Flashbacks to another woman, Adria, run parallel—hinting at hidden connections. As Anna pieces together her identity, she must decide if Gregg is protector or predator—and whether her regained memories are truth or threat.

(*Spolier* she's an author and confuses the book she is writing with real life because of a concussion.)

Kindle Audiobook: Follow Me: A Thriller, Elizabeth Rose Quinn

 

Follow Me: A Thriller by Elizabeth Rose Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.8/5)

The story started off a bit slow, and I wasn’t sure if it would hold my attention. It picked up as it went along, and I found myself keen to hear how it would all unfold. The plot was fairly standard and didn’t quite blow my hair back, but the writing was strong. It was well crafted and easy to listen to. I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed it overall.

Libby: Counterfeit, Kristen Chen

 

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Counterfeit sets out to be a smart, stylish story about two women caught up in the world of fake designer handbags. What it becomes is a tale of manipulation, deceit, and getting away with it – and that did not sit well with me.

Ava, a quiet, seemingly respectable lawyer, is drawn back into the orbit of Winnie, an old college acquaintance with a commanding presence and a shady plan. Winnie steamrolls everyone in her path. Ava plays the victim, but she is just as complicit. The dynamic felt toxic. I don’t enjoy stories that glamourise crime or reward bad behaviour – and this one certainly did.

The writing was slick, and the world of counterfeit goods was interesting to explore. But I couldn’t get past the fact that there were no consequences. No redemption. Just two morally bankrupt characters dressed in designer lies.

Final thought: Stylishly written but ethically empty. If you are looking for something with substance and integrity, this one might leave you cold.

2.8/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Surfacing, Claire Ackroyd

 

★★★☆☆ 3/5

The Surfacing started with promise but quickly became slow and drawn out. It felt like it was trying too hard to be suspenseful, with only a few twists that didn’t land as powerfully as intended.

The present-tense writing style made it harder to get into, and overall the pacing lacked momentum. That said, the narrator did a good job and kept me listening even when the plot dragged.

Not terrible, but not memorable either.

Premise:

It’s been twelve years since teenager Peter Ferguson drowned in Loch Ness while Stephanie’s family were camping by the shore. Now, as her estranged sister Aurélie prepares to wed, Stephanie returns for the wedding—only to find old suspicions bubbling back up. As drink flows and long‑held secrets start to surface, the festive weekend becomes a tense battleground of guilt, silence, and the search for truth .

Libby Audiobook: Anxious For Nothing, Max Lucado

 

"Today, I will live today. Yesterday has passed, tomorrow is not yet. I am left with today, so, today I will live today. Relive yesterday? No. I will learn from it. I will seek mercy for it. I will take joy in it. But I won't live in it. The sun has set on yesterday. The sun is yet to rise on tomorrow. Worry about the future? To what gain? It deserves a glance, nothing more. I can't change tomorrow until tomorrow. Today, I will live today. I will face today's challenges with today's strength. I will dance today's waltz with today's music. I will celebrate today's opportunities with today's hope, today. May I laugh, listen, learn and love and tomorrow if it comes, may I do so again. A new day awaits you my friend, a new season in which you will worry less and trust more. A season with reduced fear and enhanced faith. Can you imagine a life in which you are anxious for nothing? God can, and with his help, you will experience it." Max Lucado

Kindle Audiobook: Hold Strong, Robert Dugoni, along with Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree

 

Wow. Just wow.

Although Hold Strong is presented as a novel, knowing it is based on true events makes it all the more compelling. It is one of those rare reads that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go.

The resilience, courage, and raw humanity captured in this story are extraordinary. Robert Dugoni, along with Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree, masterfully weaves a tale that is both heart-pounding and deeply moving.

An unforgettable tribute to endurance and the indomitable human spirit. 

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Aftermath, Gail Schimmel

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

I thoroughly enjoy Gail Schimmel’s writing and always love supporting a talented South African author. 

The narrators were good. Daniel was very grating. Julia too. (Which they were supposed to be!) I do feel a bit sorry for Julia, but she brought it on herself by getting involved with her best friend’s husband.

A sweet story with emotional depth.

4.5 stars from me.

Libby Audiobook:Magda: My Journey, Magda Wierzycka

 

Magda: My Journey is a bold, brilliant and deeply human story of one of South Africa’s most formidable business leaders.

I listened to the audiobook and felt as though Magda was speaking directly to me, sharing not just her rise from political refugee to powerhouse CEO, but also the raw, real moments that shaped her. She does not shy away from her vulnerabilities, which makes her resilience all the more powerful.

From fighting corruption to challenging the status quo in the financial services sector, Magda is a force. What struck me most was her unwavering sense of purpose and her refusal to look away, even when doing so would have been easier.

This is more than a business memoir. It is a masterclass in grit, integrity and the courage to lead with both head and heart.

Highly recommended for anyone navigating leadership, ethical entrepreneurship, or just needing a reminder of the power of standing up and speaking out.

5/5

Libby Audiobook: No Return, No Surrender, Oscar Chalupsky

 

🌊 Book Review: No Retreat, No Surrender by Oscar Chalupsky with Graham Spence

★★★ ★☆

What an inspiring story. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Oscar Chalupsky, a man who refuses to let obstacles stand in his way. He meets challenges head-on and uses them as stepping stones to become even better.

I listened to the audiobook, and a great feature is the “Lessons Learnt” Q&A with Oscar at the end of each chapter. It adds depth and makes the experience feel personal and engaging.

What I did not enjoy as much were the sound effects. While they were clearly intended to set the scene, the waves and background music sometimes overpowered the narrator and became distracting.

Still, an excellent and motivational listen. Highly recommended for anyone needing a reminder of the power of perseverance.

4.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Across Borders, Ton Vosloo

 

Across Borders – Ton Vosloo (Libby Audiobook)

★★★☆☆

In a word: deurmekaar.

While Ton Vosloo’s life is undoubtedly rich with fascinating experiences, the structure of Across Borders left much to be desired. The timeline jumps were jarring—jumping from the 1960s to the 1990s and then back to the 1970s—making it difficult to follow the narrative thread. I usually enjoy memoirs, especially when they unfold in chronological order, offering a sense of journey. This one felt more like flipping through a scattered photo album than reading a story. Interesting at times, but ultimately disappointing.

3/5

Kindle: The Day That Never Comes, Caimh McDonnell 3

 

★★★☆☆ 3.8/5

Second in the Dublin Trilogy, The Day That Never Comes brings another brilliant blend of chaos, crime, and Caimh McDonnell’s razor-sharp humour. I am such a fan — his writing never fails to entertain, and this instalment had me grinning more than once.

The story dives straight into Dublin’s murky depths with protests, corruption, and colourful characters galore. Bunny and Paul are back, and the banter is as brilliant as ever.

My only (minor) challenge? The sheer number of character names. But to be fair, this was my bedtime read… so nodding off mid-chapter may have left me a bit plot-lost now and then!

If you enjoy crime fiction with wit, warmth, and a wicked sense of humour — you’ll be right at home here.

Kindle Audiobook: The Patient's Secret, Loreth Anne White

 

★★★☆☆

I usually enjoy Loreth Anne White’s writing, she’s vert good at crafting gripping who-dunnits with unexpected twists and layered characters. The Patient’s Secret has all the ingredients: a mysterious death, an idyllic coastal setting with dark undercurrents, and a network of secrets waiting to unravel.

The story follows Lily Bradley, a respected therapist in a small town, whose carefully controlled life starts to fall apart when a woman is found dead at the base of a cliff. As the investigation unfolds, Lily’s connection to the victim and the secrets she’s buried start to come dangerously close to the surface.

It’s a well-written slow burn, but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as some of the author’s other titles. The pacing felt a bit off at times, and while the twists were there, they didn’t quite land with the same impact.

Still, if you like psychological suspense with a few red herrings and a moody atmosphere, it’s worth a listen.

Libby Audiobook: The Gift of Imperfection, Brené Brown

 

I am a big Brené Brown fan.

Beautiful quote on authenticity.

4.5/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Birthday Party, Shalini Boland

 

The Birthday Party by Shalini Boland

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

I am a fan of Shalini Boland’s work—her thrillers usually deliver those lovely, juicy twists that keep me hooked. The Birthday Party had all the right ingredients, but this one stretched credibility a bit too far for me.

(Spoilers ahead!) Jo, the Mom of Elle that disappears' decision not to tell the police about Mateo felt inexplicable, and the DNA test twist just did not hold water. These plot holes made it harder to stay fully invested.

That said, I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator did a great job—engaging, well-paced, and added to the overall atmosphere.

A twisty tale with potential, but not quite as satisfying as her other books.

Libby Audiobook: Caster Semenya, The Race to be Myself

 

Beautiful. Great insight given.

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Lying Man, Andy Maslen

 

Book Review: The Lying Man by Andy Maslen

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

I can’t believe I’m already on the fourth instalment — these books feel like catching up with old friends. The Lying Man is not a literary masterpiece, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable. Fast-paced, entertaining, and filled with familiar faces, it’s the kind of read that keeps you turning the pages without overthinking it. A solid 3-star read if you’re after something sharp, snappy and satisfying.

Libby Audiobook: For My Country, Themba Maseko

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down.

What stood out most for me was the theme of integrity, and the reminder of why governance structures exist in the first place. State capture, as Maseko so clearly shows, takes root when people are driven by greed and disregard the rules.

He shares his journey with honesty and depth — from his early years as an activist, through the hopeful days of our new democracy, and into the harsh reality of state capture. I’m deeply grateful to him for having the courage to be the first whistleblower. It could not have been easy, especially being ostracised by former friends and social circles. His entire family felt the impact.

The book is sensitively written and genuinely moved me. It reminded me that there are still people who have fought — and continue to fight — for the soul of our beautiful country.

That said, I am still left wondering: how is it that the Guptas have not been brought to book?

Libby Audiobook: The Pathway to Success, Joyce Meyer

Always such great wisdom shared.

3.8/5
 

Libby Audiobook: Like Sodium in Water, Hayden Eastwood

 

Book Review: Like Sodium in Water by Hayden Eastwood
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Two stars—and that’s being generous.

The book begins with promise. Hayden Eastwood paints an evocative picture of his childhood in Zimbabwe during the 1980s and 90s. For anyone who grew up during that era, there’s a nostalgic familiarity in his anecdotes and pop culture references. It’s easy to feel drawn in and curious about where the story might lead.

Unfortunately, it veers off in a deeply uncomfortable direction. What begins as a memoir morphs into what feels like a public airing of intensely private family matters. The amount of personal, painful “dirty laundry” shared about his family is staggering—and quite honestly, unnecessary. It leaves the reader questioning the intent behind the book. There’s a faint glimmer of remorse, especially in relation to his father, but it’s fleeting and overshadowed by what often feels like bitterness rather than reflection.

One can appreciate that writing about trauma and truth can be cathartic. But storytelling—particularly memoir—comes with a responsibility: to handle shared histories with sensitivity and care. In this case, that balance is sorely lacking. 

Proceed with caution if you value discretion, healing, and empathy in memoirs.

Libby Audiobook: Deadly Pretender, Karen Kingsbury

 

Had no idea what to expect. Was 11hours long listen, was worried that I wouldn't get through it in the two week period. Binge listened to it with time to spare.

So good! David Miller is a bigamist. Tells wife one he is in the CIA. Rolled my eyes si many times during the book at how he duped everyone around him.

He ends up killing wife two!

Very good book.

5/5

Libby Audiobook: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Alice Feeney

 

This is the second Alice Feeney book I listened to, and really enjoyed it. 

Again, binge listened to it. Love the twists.

We meet Adam an author and playright. He suffers from faceblindness and is married to Amelia. They + Bob, their lab,  head up to Scotland for a weekend away that Amelia had won at work.

Very good.

4.5/5

Libby Audiobook: On a Quiet Street, Seraphina Nova Glass

 

This was very good! Quite long, but I binge listened to this. Intrigue of friends. Paige has lost her son and believes everyone on the street is guilty, Cora is married to a serial philanderer and Georga/Nicola married to an absolute psycho.

Very good narrator.

I would like to read more of her work.

4.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Dare to Lead, Dr Brené Brown 4/5

 

Great book on boundaries. Love that Brené reads the book.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: Conversations with Friends, Sally Rooney

 

This was a weird one, didn't love it.

A bisexual 23 year old writer has an affair with a 32 year old actor.

Meh.

3/5

Kindle Audiobook: Playing for Freedom, Zarifa Abida and Anne Chaon

 

Interesting to learn more about Afghanistan. 

3.8/5

Kindle Audiobook: Unspeakable Things, Jess Lourey

 

It's a novel based on true events. From the perspective of a little girl who's living in a town where little boys get abducted and molested. By the sounds of it, she alludes to her dad molesting her.

Her mom and dad also regularly have swing parties.

3/5

Kindle: Into the Pines, J.C Fuller

This book took very long to complete, mainly because I read it while drying my hair in the mornings.

I enjoyed it, but again, loads of names. 

I do enjoy her writing style and the beautiful details giving the story colour.

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Maid's Diary, Loreth Anne White

 

Not too bad either. The only comment is that the narrator really battled with the accents.

Spoiler: Saw the twists with Kit, Mia, Vanessa.

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: The Swimmer, Loreth Anne White

 

Loads of twists and turns, not too bad for an alternative thriller author. 

Husband has affair and has two year old, tried to kill wife with jetski, but, kills wrong person. Witness is next door neighbour who has an obsession with the wife.

3.8/5

Libby: Judaskus, Rudie van Rensburg

I really like the Kassie Kasselman series by Rudie van Rensburg. What I don't like are all the names /characters, and trying to keep track of who is who it just becomes gobbledygook after a while.

Also, there should be a trigger warning. The death of a dog is involved. 

3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: The Light we Carry, Michelle Obama

 

Wonderfully inspiring. Go higher.

Michelle learnt how to knit during lockdown, helped her to relax.

Can hear the passion and pain of the new dispensation that has no respect or regard for tradition, others.

4.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice, Dr Brené Brown

 

Choose discomfort over resentment 

Saying no is a moment of discomfort, gives you back 6 months worth of resentment.

Boundaries help you to live with integrity 

Extend true compassion when you are clear on your boundaries 

Fear, grief, perfectionis gets in the way

For forgiveness to happen, something needs to die. Grief is the biggest barrier to forgiveness.

4.5/5

Kindle: A Man With One of Those Faces, Caimh McDonnell

 

I enjoy his writing, marvellously, dry, dark British humour.

The only problem is that this was my nighttime read, so I would more often than not, fall asleep. Which meant that I had difficulty keeping track of all the characters, but that was a 'me' problem.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: One Medicine, Dr Matt Morgan

 

Written and read by Welsh doctor, Matt Morgan.

Very interesting all the lessons animals teach us in treating human illness. 

He encourages Dr to work with vets. Nurses with veterany nurses.

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: This one life, Amanda Prowse

 

Very sweet.

Madeleine gets pregnant with Jimmy's child, only realises she is pregnant at seven months.

She has no intention to be a mother. Her mom and dad as well as Jimmy raises little Edith while Madeleine heads up the corporate interior decorating ladder.

3.5/5

Libby Audiobook:Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer

 

How to Survive a Tsunami, Rael Levitt

 

Enjoyed this book. Interesting to learn about Auction Alliance, their growth and downfal. Had a vague recollection of Wendy Appelbaum taking on some big organisation.

Good lesson on reputation and building relationships and what not to do.

Initially quite a bit of name dropping. But suppose that is part of the story.

4/5

Kindle Audiobook: You Killed Me First, John Marrs

 

Absolutely love John Marrs' work. This is his latest one, and a bonus was that it was an audiobook on Kindle Unlimited. Binge listened to it. Got a bit confused with all the names and keeping track of who was who and keeping track of what was going on, but, it all made sense, with marvellous twists along the way. Love the narration.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: The Alice Network, Kate Quinn

 

The narrator was so good with all the accents.

Interesting book about women spies in the first world war. It ctosses over between first world war and right after the second world war.

4/5

Libby Audiobook: Overcoming Every Problem, Joyce Meyer

 

Wisdom is doing now what you will be satisfied with later

Ask for discretion.

Libby Audiobook: Understanding and overcoming depression, Joyce Meyer

 

We grow in the hard times not the good times .

Don't waste a day by being depressed/unhappy 

Complain and remain.

Libby Audiobook: Your Battles Belong to The Lord, Joyce Meyer

  

Kindle Audiobook: Table for Five, Izzy Bromley

 

Very sweet, light read.

Abbie gets fired from a high powered marketing position. She befriends a motley crew that hang out at the coffee shop at a supermarket.

Ethel 84 year old ex ballerina, Bob, a homeless guy who lost everything when he was robbed, Dawn who l suspect is on the spectrum and Viraj who recently moved to Leeds but does not know anyone.

Reason for 3.8. I don't like present tense writing. And, I think it's highly unlikely that Ethel, at 84, after a stint in the hospital, would model clothes on point shoes.

Narrator was very good.

3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy

 

Wasn't too keen on this one, but, it is actually quite beautiful.

But, oh so sad.

Learnt so much about the cast system.

So many layers.

4.8/5

Libby Audiobook: The Charming Man, C.K McDonnell

 

I am so enjoying this series. Vampires & monsters are definitely not my normal genre I enjoy. But, these are such fun. And, the narrator is absolutely brilliant.

Not full 5/5 because I did get a tiny bit confused with the characters.

Even the acknowledgements are fun!

Libby Audiobook: Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer

What would Jesus think.

Don't be a stinker thinker.

Your attitude determines a lot.

Definitely want to listen to it again.

4.8 / 5

Why not 5/5 thought it was a book and parts she is laughing with the audience which is great, but clearly something happened was said there that we can't see.