Narrator Kaleo Griffith delivers an insightful and moving discussion of the transformative power of art, and the beauty born of sorrow. Balancing journalistic flair and storytelling, this audiobook deepens our understanding of the history and experiences that shaped various renowned artists and their work. Highlights include stories about Artemisia Gentileschi's entrepreneurial... Read More

After giving herself the goal of having 1,000 unplugged hours in a year, author Hannah Brencher narrates her own words on the life-changing importance of disconnecting from our devices, particularly our smartphones. As narrator, her youthful and enthusiastic tone adds the passion listeners need to agree to the idea of using their phones less in order to gain more engaging and... Read More

Pastor Craig Groeschel calls upon both Old and New Testament scripture for a new take on self-help. His use of biblical quotations, plus his explanations and contextual stories, attempt to convince the listener to move from destructive to affirmative thinking. Groeschel employs a dramatic, emphatic, and enthusiastic style. His narration is intentionally preachy, as it is... Read More

Reggie Dabbs--a Black author, life coach, and motivational speaker-- and John Driver--a white minister, writer, and podcaster--who have been friends for years, here explore faith and race. Their back-and-forth conversation was sparked by the murder of George Floyd. Dabbs narrates with deliberation and forthrightness the ways racism has shaped, and continues to shape, his life.... Read More

When Madison Prewett was a contestant on "The Bachelor," others on the show attacked her during the finale. Here she narrates her memoir about having the courage and grace to stand strong in her beliefs. In a well-spoken and thoughtful delivery, she models the strength she demonstrated on the show. Relying heavily on the biblical story of Esther, the Jewish queen who saved her... Read More

In a graceful down-to-earth style, narrator Lisa Wright captures author Myquillyn Smith's quirky personality and creative tastes as Smith recalls decorating dilemmas during her 13 moves. While also offering up Christian-based advice, Wright walks listeners through how to embrace imperfection and take design risks. She gives an abundance of practical interior design tips for... Read More

MSNBC news anchor Richard Lui is easy on the ears as he narrates this thoughtful overview of why giving to others is good for us. He sounds happy presenting--as if he's discovered a life principle that works for him and that he wants to share. True to form, the audiobook is selfless. It's less about his generosity toward others (in particular, he curtailed his work and career... Read More

The author sounds friendly and self-assured narrating this eye-opening guide to preparing for any calamity--from hurricanes and fires to job loss, medical surprises, and even the death of an older pet. Framing many of her ideas with biblical references, she says trust in the Divine or our instincts is no substitute for having a plan when the unexpected happens. Kathi Lipp blogs... Read More

This audiobook's inspiring advice is focused on adjusting your thinking so that you can regain a feeling of wonder about yourself, your possibilities, and your connections with others. Narrating with sincerity, natural pacing, and a gentle tone, the author--a professional magician and personal growth guru--is a humble person whom listeners will like and respect. He says we're... Read More

Devout Christian handbag entrepreneur Rebecca Smith describes how obedient steps of faith toward God's plan brought her happiness and unexpected entrepreneurial success. Narrating with sincerity that sounds at once innocent and steadfast, she is inspiring in substance and tone--she's a humble believer whose vocal sweetness will speak to people of all spiritual persuasions. Her... Read More

Christian motivational speaker and author Sara Hagerty provides her own powerful narration of this new audiobook, which challenges how Christians look at the trials in their lives. Hagerty's work focuses on the seemingly simple practice of using focused adoration. Rather than focusing on one's difficulties, Hagerty suggests turning one's attention to the loving nature of Christ... Read More

This audiobook, narrated by Mark Smeby, introduces the idea that some of our dreams are a form of communication from a spiritual source. It's important to provide opportunities for that communication to flourish by making commitments to ourselves and others and meeting them in our daily living. Listeners will enjoy the conversational tone of Smeby's delivery as it is clear and... Read More

It is refreshing to hear an empathetic author give her best advice on the subjects of stress and anxiety. Rebekah Lyons's voice is reassuring and comfortable when offering wisdom and godly encouragement on how to rest, restore, connect, and create in life to manage stress. Lyons is comfortably pragmatic in her approach and provides helpful suggestions on how to feel more... Read More

Narrator and former "Great American Country" host Nan Kelley lends her vocal talents to this Christian guide on stepping back, taking a break, and bettering your health by listening to your faith. The audiobook is designed to be used as a daily devotional. Kelley's gentle inflection is calming as she provides about 10 minutes of focus each day for 40 days. Her voice has a soft... Read More

Author Kevin Harney narrates his audiobook with the same sincerity, candor, and kindness that he advocates using when one is saying no. Although the word "no" is often associated with selfishness and guilt, Harney enthusiastically explains that saying no actually allows us to say yes to our passions and God-given talents. Harney's firm but gracious tone defines his diverse menu... Read More

"Trading Spaces" host and carpenter Ty Pennington, who has attention deficit disorder, offers a scattered, difficult-to-follow narration of an otherwise fascinating life story. Pennington frequently shares the fact that he wrote this entire work in seven consecutive days. The self-appointed "Ambassador of Goodness," who is quite charitable in his day-to-day life, narrates with... Read More

Writer and narrator Margaret Feinberg takes food lovers on an audio adventure of the edible delights in the Bible with her new feast of an audiobook. Whether it's visiting olive groves in Croatia and making oil with families who have worked the land for generations, learning to bake bread from professionals, or even visiting a "meat apostle" teaching the ways of ethical meat... Read More

Simona Chitescu-Weik narrates this introspective tribute to the life and work of Madeleine L'Engle. She does so in a heartfelt, pensive voice that takes listeners through the writer's childhood and influences. Fans of the Wrinkle in Time trilogy and other work by the prolific author will find insights here, including an exploration of L'Engle's complex spirituality.... Read More

Narrator Lisa Wright adopts a well-suited chatty tone for Smith's ramble through her own learning curve from clutter to cozy as a welcoming feature of an intentionally created home. Smith (a.k.a. "The Nester") makes her living as a coziness guru; here, she reminds listeners that cozy isn't a style but a tool. After explaining how she came to strike a balance in her own home... Read More

Twelve-year-old Trinitee Stokes plays Judy Cooper, a humanoid robot with attitude, on the Disney Channel series "K.C. Undercover." In addition to her acting, Trinitee focuses on tween girls' fashion, always doing the right thing, and living a smart and spiritual life. With this audiobook she takes on her first major writing project, and she narrates it, too. Trinitee is bright... Read More

The social media age is upon us, and its unintended consequences continue to reveal themselves. Narrator Van Tracy's ability to emulate the author's humor, wit, and practical theology makes for a wonderful listening experience. The appropriate humor in his voice coupled with the right assortment of sadness and urgency alerts the listener to the importance of what is being read.... Read More

In this Christian romance, the author realistically depicts life in Nashville, Tennessee, after the Civil War. Melba Sibrel narrates as a relationship between Alexandra, a sheltered teacher, and Sylas, a former gambler turned businessman, gradually builds. After losing her fiancé to a devastating train crash, Alexandra becomes a teacher at the freedmen's school, Fisk... Read More

Sarah MacKenzie, who spreads her infectious enthusiasm for reading aloud to children of all ages, narrates the audiobook she wrote to accompany her blog and podcasts. Her briskly paced reading is filled with energy and warmth, gently conveying her Christian faith along with excellent reasons for reading aloud to children: bonding, delighting in a good story, enjoying time... Read More

Narrator Robin Miles gives voice to Rosa Parks, one of the most iconic figures of the Civil Rights movement. In particular, Parks reflects on her motivation to "stand up by sitting down" on that fateful day in 1955 when she protested the laws of "separate but equal" by refusing to move to the back of a bus for a white bus rider. Parks is more than this moment, of course; she... Read More

Eric Motley's memoir is about both his youth and the African-American community where he grew up. Narrator Brandon Maloney delivers Motley's stories of life in Madison Park, Alabama, with warmth and a feeling of fond memory. Listeners learn about Madison Park's history, the grandparents who raised him, and the neighbors who helped them. The memoir is mostly nostalgic and... Read More

Author/narrator Melanie Shankle takes a trip down memory lane as she recounts the many simple and ubiquitous daily experiences of her life in light of God's goodness. In presenting her own work, she projects an unpretentious flair and exuberant joy that will immediately engage the listener. With personal touches of emotion, she instructs everyone to quit making life more... Read More

As she humbly shares the lessons she's learned about track, life, and God, Sanya Richards-Ross encourages listeners to never stop striving to run the good race. Richards-Ross begins her story by inviting listeners into her family's home in Jamaica, where she is preparing for one of her earliest races. She transitions into each new chapter as she would into the next stretch of a... Read More

Stu Gray narrates this controversial work, which wrestles with historical doctrines of Christianity and the current political climate in America. Gray's voice is smooth yet excitable. He offers compassion and empathy to those struggling to understand what in the world is going on between the church and the secular world. As his tenor naturally rises and falls with the content,... Read More

We all struggle with how to handle the areas of difficulty we encounter in our lives--the imperfect parts of our lives that can feel "broken." Ann Voskamp offers the solution: Look to another. That is, look to the Lord Jesus for help--and look to our neighbor(s) to provide service where needed. Jamiee Paul narrates as one who understands this often-missed truth. Listener will... Read More

Narrator Nan Gurley convincingly portrays Casey Cox as she flees in shock after discovering the murder of her boyfriend, Brent Pace. Pace was investigating the supposed suicide of Cox's dad, a cop, and the possibility that some of Shreveport's police are dirty. The gripping chapters alternate between the kind, resourceful Cox, who goes on the run, and PTSD sufferer Dylan... Read More

Narrator Windy Lanzl's Southern accent enhances this sweet story of love and faith, which alternates between the lives of two characters. Miss Cora Scott and Haley Morgan live in different time periods in Heart's Bend, Tennessee. Their lives become part of the long history of The Wedding Shop, an old-fashioned store lovingly providing wedding dresses, accessories, kindness, and... Read More

Shauna Niequist invites listeners to leave behind an anxious, chaotic life for a more peaceful and purposeful one. The author narrates her collection of essays with the intent that sharing her journey from being busy and unfulfilled to slowing down and embracing simplicity will help others who know the same burned-out feeling. Niequist's soothing, warm voice supports her... Read More

With many practical suggestions that listeners can put into practice right away, the author of a popular decluttering blog offers action plans and rationales to make overstuffed lives manageable again. Windy Lanzl's gentle performance will help listeners grasp this way of living at their own speed--when they're finally tired of the visual pollution and inconvenience of all... Read More

Narrator Stefan Rudnicki weaves political corruption, terrorists, and global warming to skillfully capture the tense drama of the second title in this prophetic fiction series, The End. Rudnicki’s delivery of events, foretold in Revelation thousands of years ago, is chilling as terrorists shoot down Flight 199 from Chicago and plot to detonate a nuclear bomb in New York City.... Read More

There are other audio Bibles on the market, including others that come like this one, with musical backgrounds and sound effects. But Zondervan’s STORY differs in one major area: It’s a compilation of numerous biblical narratives selected to tell one continuous story—from the Genesis account of Creation to the end of time in John’s Revelation. It is dramatized by narrators... Read More

Because she lost a bet, Harriet Beamer is moving across the country to live with her son, but before she settles down, she decides to travel the country by bus. Laural Merlington portrays the plucky 72-year-old in a friendly, open voice as Harriet interacts with a wide variety of people, strangers who become her friends as she inspires them and is in turn inspired to “really... Read More

Ben Carson, the African-American neurosurgeon who was the subject of the movie GIFTED HANDS, asks questions about the course of the nation and offers his ideas for its future. While he faults both parties for emphasizing winning and for catering to special interest groups, Carson's devout Christianity forms the backbone of his moral viewpoint. With its emphasis on religious... Read More

Lucado’s message of self-discovery will help listeners identify their life drama or “script.” His advice includes references to the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, and the books of Acts. Mark Bramhall’s steady narration underscores the reasons that self-examination is important and explains how that effort adds clarity, purpose, and relevance to a life orchestrated by God.... Read More

Fifteen-year-old Nina struggles with her mixed-race identity. Her classmates want her to choose to be black or white, but that makes Nina miserable. Worse yet, her parents are divorcing over that very issue. Nina finds solace in stories of her ancestor Sarah’s escape from slavery. Bahni Turpin brings Nina’s problems to life in a jazzy, energetic voice. Her even pacing is a nice... Read More

Mark and Paula’s storybook marriage ends when Paula demands a divorce after she spends four months in Rome, working with world-famous movie director Tony Troncati. Patrick Lawlor’s performance of Mark’s initial shock and devastation is powerful and believable. His rich characterization of Paula’s overnight success, new boyfriend, and high-powered legal advisers contrasts... Read More

Dion Graham's rich voice and conversational tone add a needed personal dimension to the flat writing found in Dr. Ben Carson's memoir. Carson’s genuinely inspiring life journey led him from inner-city Detroit to the Ivy League and eventually to his prestigious position as a groundbreaking surgeon. He credits his supportive mother and timely Divine intervention, along with his... Read More

Dr. Sleeth writes with conviction and great concern for a call to Christian action regarding the stewardship of Earth. While many may not agree with his foundational premise, and some of his views will be controversial, he does offer many salient points to be considered that will cause one to think deeply. At first, Dick Hill’s voice seems out of place as he reads this... Read More

John Stott’s work is an excellent resource for new and old Christians alike. Stott examines the many different aspects of the world in which the events of the Bible took place so that today's readers can have a deeper appreciation for the scriptures. Simon Vance delivers this work with little fanfare. His straightforward delivery is due in large part to Stott's writing style.... Read More

Tim LaHaye is back, doing what he does best—writing end-of-the-world novels. In this one, read by Stefan Rudnicki, a myriad of conspiracy theories comes to life as Joshua Jordan saves Manhattan only to become the most wanted man in the world—and not for good reasons. At first, Rudnicki’s voice seems like a poor match for the novel. By the end, however, the international element... Read More

Ravi Zacharias’s apologetics (defense of the Christian faith) explores the reasons that many people today have departed from Christian beliefs. He shares personal experiences as well as stories he has heard from others, along with research into the ideas of popular proponents and opponents of Christianity. Narrating with a smooth intonation, Zacharias speaks eloquently and with... Read More

Dick Hill narrates this Civil War story with the gruffness one would expect from its main character, veteran Michael Palmer. Both author and narrator have done their research to bring Palmer to life in the listener’s mind. Bacon offers an account of life as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War, as well as vivid descriptions of the landscapes that soldier found... Read More

Children's voices energetically dramatize 50 Old and New Testament stories from the New International Version of the Bible. Their youthful sounds, along with background music, enhance the narration, especially in the depiction of emotional aspects of the stories. Musical breaks lead from story to story, starting with Genesis. The cast’s portrayal of Noah, his Ark, and the... Read More

Review pending. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine... Read More

Lyrical free verse crosses time and reaches hearts as Dion Graham animates the parallel stories of Ishmael, the biblical son of Abraham and Hagar, and contemporary African-American teenager Sam, whose father has left his family to marry a white woman. Both sons feel lost, diminished, and jealous after second sons are born; both curse God, mourn losses, and finally come to love... Read More

Parker James, Christian songwriter and performer, is embroiled in a series of murders when the receptionist at a Nashville recording studio is killed. As Parker’s police detective brother, Gibson, investigates this murder and those that follow, Parker discovers that the dead girl's mother, a Christian singer, has stolen her songs. Narrator Cassandra Campbell contrasts Parker’s... Read More

Infusing the Old Testament with a contemporary feel may seem a daunting task, but this production rises to the challenge using the vocal talents of over four hundred African-American performers and a wealth of sound effects and background music. Often-heard stories of The Creation, Noah, Moses, and King David vie for listeners’ attention. But sometimes it’s the small things... Read More

Kathy Garver's gentle voice creates vivid personalities in her depictions of 20-year-old Emily Anderson and her fiancé, Justin Baker, an Army Reservist, as he prepares to leave for Iraq. In excited and poignant tones, Garver depicts the couple's anticipation at his return. Her portrayal of Emily's youthful exuberance brings smiles. Their shining example of new love provides... Read More

It’s now been eight months since the occurrence of the world power outage featured in Blackstock’s Restoration series. People are learning to live off the land, help each other, and survive. However, hatred, violence, and all sorts of crime abound. The Banning family does not escape these horrors. But, in spite of them, romance, faith, and hope blossom. The third in the series... Read More

The world is plunged into darkness--and no one knows why. This is the basis of the recent series by Christian author Blackstock. In a steady and carefully measured voice, narrator Dick Hill adds a sinister quality to the story that keeps listeners enthralled. When the catastrophic events take place, the prosperous Banning family suddenly find themselves without power. As weeks... Read More

Susie Breck contributes significantly to the emotional tone of the second installment in Blackstock's Restoration series. After a catastrophic event, the Banning family, along with the rest of the world, must learn to live without electricity. Crime abounds, danger is ever present, and no one knows or understands what is happening. Doug Banning seeks to organize a neighborhood... Read More

THE BIBLE EXPERIENCE is just that—an experience—that bypasses many of the previous Bible recordings with a full show of music, sound effects, and a dazzling array of celebrity voices. The producers from Inspired By Media Group put together a cast of more than 80 African-American actors who deliver a rich, diverse rendering of the contemporary Today’s New International Version... Read More

Proselytizing is woven into this novel of suspense, which examines beliefs about life, death, reincarnation, heaven, and hell. Although David Kauffman is an agnostic, he takes comfort from reassurances that his daughter had found God before her suicide. Then his investigation into her death uncovers the complex plot in which she unwittingly found herself. Bill Myers gives an... Read More

British actor Lacey has turned his retelling of the Bible into a performance. Lacey, who is cancer survivor, treats the Scripture as a seamless story that carries listeners from Creation to Exodus to Kingdom to Exile to Christ to the Early Church through Revelation and New Jerusalem. His is a blunt and sometimes gritty retelling of the Bible, which he performs splendidly. A... Read More

Zondervan is to be commended for bringing the Bible to a child’s level. Rather than straight narration, the production is broken up with scripture for memorization, vignettes of life in biblical times, practical applications of Christian doctrine, and biblical trivia. Approximately twenty readers, ranging from children to teenagers, bring talent and enthusiasm, though little... Read More

Zondervan is to be commended for bringing the Bible to a child’s level. Rather than straight narration, the production is broken up with scripture for memorization, vignettes of life in biblical times, practical applications of Christian doctrine, and biblical trivia. Approximately twenty readers, ranging from children to teenagers, bring talent and enthusiasm, though little... Read More

Zondervan is to be commended for bringing the Bible to a child’s level. Rather than straight narration, the production is broken up with scripture for memorization, vignettes of life in biblical times, practical applications of Christian doctrine, and biblical trivia. Approximately twenty readers, ranging from children to teenagers, bring talent and enthusiasm, though little... Read More

An updated BIG CHILL set in Britain, GHOSTS is the slow internal journey of old friends to new awarenesses. Christian author Adrian Plass creates David Herrick, a recent widower and Christian scholar, still mourning the death of his beloved wife. Herrick grudgingly accepts an invitation to catch up with old friends who are meeting at an estate in the country. Throughout the... Read More

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with the NIV AUDIO BIBLE NEW TESTAMENT.]--The New International Version, begun in 1967 and published in its complete form in 1978, is not only one of the most widely popular English translations, but it also is among the most effective at finding the balance between accuracy and accessibility. These audio adaptations come in... Read More

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with the NIV AUDIO BIBLE.]--The New International Version, begun in 1967 and published in its complete form in 1978, is not only one of the most widely popular English translations, but it also is among the most effective at finding the balance between accuracy and accessibility. These audio adaptations come in several flavors:... Read More

Debra Evans introduces the listener to various biblical and historical characters who demonstrate six godly and admirable traits. In a kind and soft-spoken style, Evans reflects on women's frenzied lifestyles in a confusing world void of role models. She then interprets these six incredible tales in a tranquil and peaceful manner that reflects her own Christian devotion. She... Read More

This novelization of the Bible doesn't include every story in the scriptures, and many included are abridged. Some are told from the viewpoint of one of the characters involved. In reading his own work, Wangerin displays energy, enthusiasm and passion. At times, his enthusiasm spills into over-acting, and some of the vocal characterizations are a bit stereotyped. However, these... Read More

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks is credited with starting the Civil Rights Movement on December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus to a white man. Deforia Lane's soothing, clear voice effectively brings forth Rosa's message of peace and courage and leaves listeners with the feeling that they've been in the presence of the great woman herself.... Read More

The stress of motherhood can be helped with some proven stress relievers. Side one features Deborah Lewis reading various episodes, which illustrate the stress; these continue onto side two. The few coping techniques are quickly covered on side two. Lewis's reading comes across as amateurish, strained and theatrical. But on side two her reading improves, becoming more natural... Read More

"Smedes's voice is sincere and well-modulated as he defines and distinguishes shame from guilt as a step toward spiritual growth." E.T. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine... Read More

Everyone loves lists that tell us how to live: Ten Commandments, Girl Scout laws, 12 steps, 7 habits, etc. Collins plays right into this predilection with his 14 principles. Followed faithfully, the 14 principles, no doubt, would guide one to lead a fruitful life, but this is true of any of our sacred lists. The packaging on this program promotes Collins as a clinical... Read More

Review pending. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine... Read More

Review pending. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine... Read More

Review pending. ... Read More

AudioFile review pending. FROM THE PUBLISHER: A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever. An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that... Read More