The garden is alive and thriving, and takes up so much of my day to day life. Audio books to the rescue.

One of the most difficult things about this past year was the decrease in my reading time. Its my time to recharge; to get lost in a story and think and ponder how the characters grew in the story, how the author creates a garden of their own within the pages and you see everything bloom at their time.

But when the list of what needs to get done just grows by the minute (pun intended), something gets set aside, and lately its been my reading time. Audio books creates the ultimate best of both worlds. I don’t have to give up the enjoyment of gardening for reading, nor visa versa.

Narrators generally fit into 2 categories for me, “meh” and “oooh! she/he is good!” Christa DelSorbo captured me when she began narrating for the Ever After Mystery books. Her way of pausing at just the right moments to let the reader catch something, without dragging it out, is superb. The best way I can describe it is like watching David Suchet portray Poirot. He quirks and eyebrow at a precise moment (and do we expect anything less?), he stares down for a moment before continuing, and well, if you know- you know. Christa DelSorbo has a similar ability for giving us just what we need in a story. Its been a delight and she ranks up there with some of my favorite narrators.

The book, Finding a Memory, is a perfect summer read because it is part of the Independence Island series. But what grabbed my heart and wound me inside the story tighter than a cucumber tendril, was how it was based on one of my favorite songs done by Patti Page- Go On With the Wedding. And for book worms, if you love Though None Go With Me, grab THIS book. Its not the same, and that is what makes it so enjoyable, but it feels inspired without a copy cat. And yet, there is a second part of this story that is deeper and richer as Mallory reads this diary about a young mother that struggles with being married to a Vietnam vet, and by the way, Straight Down a Crooked Lane is mentioned in this, and I LOVE this book so much and have to give a shout out to it! My heart grew to adore Benjamin. His love for Mallory but shyness at reaching out and insecurity with a secret that could shatter their relationship (ok, I may be playing that on a little thick— but it fits!) tugged my heart and had me rooting for him from page 1.

As a romance novel, I wasn’t sure if I would have enjoyed this as much as I did. I didn’t at first. I was actually more or less just not in the mood for a sappy read. But as the story progressed and Patti stepped into the picture, I knew that this was the right book for me. It had been a hard week for our family since we have someone that deals with clinical depression and sometimes there are books that just end up more depressing (even when they mean to be uplifting) during this time. I had none of those thoughts and in fact felt more like I had found a bosom friend in Patti.

Please, if you need a good read, one that has depth but still a light-hearted, fun, summer read. Grab this one.

About the Book

Book: Finding a Memory

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: February, 2022

He loved her then. Will she love him now?

When Mallory Barrows finds an old diary in a box of books, the story she finds within sends her on the hunt for the owner–and maybe more.

Theirs is a story ripped from a country song. A wedding, a former love presumed dead, her new love stepping aside. And over forty years later, their story is one few remember.

With Mallory determined to find the people in the pages of that diary, one couple is offered the second chance of a lifetime.

This “second-chance / seasoned romance” novel introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

More from Christa

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 14

Texas Book-aholic, June 15

Inklings and notions, June 16

By the Book, June 17

For Him and My Family, June 18

deb’s Book Review, June 19 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 20

The Sacred Line, June 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

SodbusterLiving, June 25

Mary Hake, June 26

Simple Harvest Reads, June 27 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a code for the audiobook!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ec2b/finding-a-memory-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway