AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott

 

Despite the fact that I am in the middle of a 30 day 50 thousand word writing challenge; I am still listening to MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR, I am almost finished Volume 1; I am also reading, still, Tailor Made Terror by Sheri Richey, book review coming soon; while Scripture writing, hand embroidering and finishing up a quilt. Which is why listening to the classic novel: LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott would not make sense to anyone but an avid reader. This rendition of LITTLE WOMEN  is narrated by: Emily Bauer, Laura Dern, Lauren Fortang, Allison Hiroto, which makes it an excellent listen. This rendition, there are quite a few versions 12 hours and 15 minutes, a good deal even if you have to pay for it, I didn’t.   

This historical fiction tell the story of 4 young ladies who transition into adulthood. Their father is off to war and their mother helps care for those “less fortunate’ while dealing with these very individual young ladies.  It is their individual personalities that make this story interesting, I suspect the listener or reader will identify with one of them.  I love the purity of the story, the realness of the story line and the joys and sorrows that are woven, believably, in the plot. There is no sex, violence or profanity within these pages which is why I still love the book.

As a teenager I remember watching the 1949 version of the movie and I loved it,as an adult I still appreciate watching the original version which included:  June Allyson,Margaret O'Brien, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh, Mary Astor, Peter Lawford and, Rossano Brazzi. I am a fan of June Allyson and Margaret O’Brien. I have never read the book. I think I am going to find a print copy, just because. 

This is a link to one of the versions I found on YouTube, of course it is FREE: LITTLE WOMEN 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FROM PRINT TO AUDIO

  “The whole world opened up to me when I learned to read”   Mary McCleod Bethune

Not everyone has the space for print books thus an eReader, such as Kindle, is a great alternative. A third alternative is audio-books which I “discovered” last year. 

I grew up reading. My first favorite author was Barbara Taylor Bradford, this was in the early 1970’s,I plan to buy her books just to have them in my library. I stopped reading fiction around about the time I started reading the Bible because there were so many Christian author books, non-fiction, that I wanted to read. 

I turned my back on print books when I discovered that I could download the Kindle app onto my tablet. Kindle offered FREE books, an economically sound decision. You can download more books than you can read, especially if they are free. I was gifted a Kindle a few years back and not only did I download numerous free books I also took advantage of the 99cent book sales, thus I have even more books to read. I realized, at some point, some books are better in print, particularly craft books.

I happened onto audio-books, I knew about them but they were not relevant to me. I watched a lot of YouTube, I canceled my cable  years ago and it and a few other internet channels became my secondary source of entertainment. One day while searching for something to watch I happened upon a recommendation for an audio=book and  the rest is history. I listen to audio-books when I am driving, when I am cleaning and when I am just sitting in my chair sewing or playing a game on my tablet. 

I have since returned to my first love, the print book. I have found that reading at a leisurely pace with a cup of tea is very relaxing.  If I don’t know the author then I can purchase the Kindle version if it is cost effective. There are many used book stores available on line thus purchasing the print may be cheaper than purchasing the e-book. I own a few print books that I have struggled to read and I listened to the audio book, THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S WORD by Watchman Nee and UNCLE TOM’S CABIN by Harriet Beecher Stowe, having someone read it to me helped me appreciate Nee’s writing style and get through the tough parts in UNCLE TOM’S CABIN.  Another example is  a two volume book in which the audio version  43 hours long: MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR; I am taking my time listening. 

As a book reviewer there is an advantage to utilizing all three mediums but I will say my preference is print. 

“For my whole life, my favorite activity was reading. It’s not the most social pastime.” ― Audrey Hepburn

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

CIRCLE OF QUILTERS by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

The Elm street Quilt series is officially not  “historical fiction”. CIRCLE OF QUILTERS by Jennifer Chiaverini brings fans of the series to another level and proves that the author deserves the title “Best Seller”.  Yes, I have the next book in the series but let me tell you about this one first.

HELP WANTED

CIRCLE OF QUILTERS is six mini-stories of individuals applying for the same job. The job is at Elm Street Quilt Camp. Jeniffer Chiaverini successfully approaches the camp in reverse, by introducing new characters and sharing their quilitng journey. As I read each mini-story: I cried, I called someone a jerk, and I was caught off gurad but pleased with one particular applicant. I was mad when I cried and as I read about the jerk, I was disappointed but then pleasantly surprised. Yes you have to get this book.

Technically, you can read this before you read the other 8, I think this is the 9th in the series, but it makes more sense if you start at book one THE QUILTERS APPRENTICE, that way when you become surprised at how Diane behaves you will simply say “ooooooh!” when you find out why. 

If you read my other reviews in this series then you will know, I can’t tell you much because not knowing is what makes the reading great.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLEE 2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY (Full Unabridged Audiobook)

 

MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLETE TWO VOLUME BIOGRAPHY (FULL UNABRIDGED AUDIO-BOOK) by Dr. And Mrs Howard Taylor produced by Scroll Reader VOLUME 1 Hudson Taylor in Early Years: The growth of a soul; VOLUME 2, Hudson Taylor the growth of a work of God At the time of this writing I am about at hour 9 of 43 total, I don’t think I will finish listening within a month’s time. Each volume is available seperately or as one unit in audio; it is also available in print.

Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV) 
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

The reason I am writing this review, MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLETE 2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY  (Full Unabridged Audiobook),  though I have not even reached the 20 hour mark? Is because there is so much to learn within the ‘pages’ of this story. I am listening section by section.

The biography begins with an overview of the family history and the birth of Hudson Taylor. It is important for the reader to understand two things: he did not grow up as a perfect follower of Jesus Christ and the call to serve China came before he was ready to serve.

James 1:2-4 (KJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 

As I read his story I understand and appreciate the trials and tribulations Mr. Hudson went through, much was self imposed; there was always an easier road to travel yet he consistently made decisions that would challenge his faith.  It is in these descriptive trials that I started questioning my trust in the Lord. 

Isaiah 28:13 (KJV)
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. 

The road to being a missionary was not easy for Mr. Hudson, he had to learn the language and the culture of a community that in the 1800’s did not desire European intervention. Mr. Hudson decided to trust God for food, clothing and shelter while maintaining an external life of serving. I understood the why but the thought of me trusting that much is something I think about. 

As I continue to listen to the story of Mr. Hudson, I can see how he is being matured precept upon precept. Faith and purpose is the motivating theme of this book. Fast forward to what I see today: far to many church leaders are motivated by money. I see extremely large churches being built, church leaders living in luxury, and wives of the senior church leaders being identified as the “First Lady”; umbilical extravagance. The book is worth the listen or read, it is very very humbling. 

        Written by Marsha L Floyd
       ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FOOTNOTE: I finally finished Volume 1 10/2/2025  It took about one month, not listening daily 19 hours, 37 minutes and 17 seconds out of 43 hours six minutes and 08 seconds. 

AUDIO LINKS

2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY HUDSON TAYLOR YOUTUBE 

           VOLUME 1 without Volume 2 

PRINT LINK

THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JAMES HUDSON TAYLOR FREE 8 page PDF    

HUDSON TAYLOR 2 Volume set    PRINT   This site provides Free access to volume 1 and 2 separate or a hard cover print copy for a fee.

THE BAKERS BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy

I ordered the e-book version of THE BAKER’S BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy is a novella (short novel) that is also available on audio  and paperback (118 pages). I chose to read this book because it is a historical fiction featuring  Black Characters. After I began reading the book, I learned the book is promoted as a “Historical, Clean and Wholesome Inspirational Underground Railroad Romance Novella”, this is exactly what it is.  

The story is about a woman who was given her freedom and moved to Philadelphia and worked for a rich Black family. Yes there were wealthy, free Black men and women in the 1800’s.

“Numerous wealthy Black Americans prospered in the 1800s, accumulating fortunes in the face of systemic racism and obstacles. They built their success through entrepreneurship, investment, land ownership, and inheritance. Some were former slaves who achieved great success, while others were born free.”  Google Ai

Within the narrative the discussion of the underground railroad and the abolitionist movement is discussed. Historically the abolitionist movement and the church played a key roll in helping slaves seek freedom. What I appreciated in THE BAKER’S BRIDE is the fact that Black Americans  were presented in a positive manner and the focus was on the unity White and Black individuals were presented. Far to many individuals talk about Whites who owned slaves but neglect the fact that many Whites did not own slaves and some helped slaves escape.

THE BAKER’S BRIDE by Cecelia Dowdy is a pleasant historical fiction  to read.  It is a quick read that I chose to stretch over 3 days. The next book in the 3 book series is THE DOCTOR’S BRIDE which I will read via e-book  as well as book 3 when it is released: THE BLACKSMITH’S BRIDE. 

For me this book was a great break in between the other books I am reading which includes a few non-fictions. biographies, in depth readings and work.  I am putting the series on my Christmas list because I do love print books! 

The author: Cecelia Dowdy is a wife, mother and a successful author. She is also the author of The Candy Beach 5 book  Series.  

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ELM CREEK QUILTS - QUILT PROJECGTS INSPIRED BY THE ELM CREEK QUILTS NOVELS

 

ELM CREEK QUILTS - QUILT PROJECTS BY THE ELM STREET CREEK QUILTS NOVEL  by Jennifer Chiaverini and Nancy Odom is the “workbook” that could accompany the first four Elm Street Quilt historical novels; The Quilters Apprentice, Round Robin, The Cross Country Quilter, and The Runaway Quilt. If you are not a quilter, this book will not interest you, if you are a quilter you will love this book. 

This book of projects includes a chapter for beginners, Quilting 101. Each chapter includes: a brief story behind the quilt, the templates and directions. I ordered the book because I am reading the series and for the pictures BUT, The Runaway Quilt is now on my list of potential projects. 

I purchased this book from THRIFT BOOKS, a used book store with great deals. I cannot imagine anyone letting go of such a book with such beautiful projects, there are 12 in all.  You do not have to read the series to appreciate this book but if you do I can see a quilter sewing along as he or she reads along! 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MURDER ALL SEWN UP by Sheri Richey

 

Two things I must admit before I tell you how much I like this book: 1) kI did not read the SPICETOWN series, and 2) This is my first print book I have read in a lonnnnng time!  I have been reading ebooks and listening to audio-books.  

MURDER ALL SEWN UP by Sheri Richey, my first venture in reading it myself, is a very good read. I was attracted to the book because the title had my two favorite sources of entertainment: swing and watching murder mysteries. If these two topics interest you then you will love this book IF, and this is a big if, you don’t like blood and gore. In the beginning of the story you learn that a garment was made and someone died; I think I can also tell you the garment was owned by a woman who died 20 years ago.

Did I mention the puppy? He is on the cover of the book so that is not a spoiler! If nothing else you will have to read the book to learn more about the pup, including: What’s his name?

I enjoyed reading this book and will be reading TAILOR MADE TERROR BOOK #2 OF 4 IN THE Carom Seed Cozy series. It is an easy read, a gentle nonviolent 343 page book. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED