LISTENING TO A YOUTUBE AUDIOBOOK produced by THE WILD WEST VAULT

My print books are taking second place to audiobooks because I cannot embroider or sew and read a book.  It seems that there are quite a few audiobooks available to choose from  many with similar themes which is why narration is very important. 
What is important to note is the increase number of Ai generated stories. Ai is not the best content creator or graphic facilitator. 

The following video is the 3rd video I have listened to produced by THE WILD WEST VAULT.  It is historical fiction with faith, inspirational. The theme is in the title: "The Sheriff Only Wanted a Housekeeper for Winter—The Polish Girl Changed His Entire Life" .  You could listen to the story while you are driving on errands or to work or, like I do, wile sewing; it is 56 minutes and 45 seconds long.

I have discovered these "historical fiction like, mail order bride" tales are relaxing, they are non-violent,  "G" rated plots worth listening to. I find these stories inspirational and motivational as well as entertaining.  I have decided to share other audiobook channels that I enjoy. 

 by Marsha L Floyd

BOOK THOUGHTS: JOHN JASPER by William E. Hatcher

 

John Jasper 1812-1901 was the founding Pastor of the Sixth Zion Baptist Church in Richmond Virginia. I learned of him from a YouTube channel that I subscribed to, Scroll Reader and I, unashamedly, admit that the fact that he was Black is what interested in me.  I decided to purchase the book:  JOHN JASPER A Remarkable Preacher Raised From the Shadows of Slavery by William E Hatcher, originally published 1908 Revised in 2025 by Scroll Reader.

John Jasper began as an uneducated slave, he learned to read which facilitated his desire to learn God’s word and preach it. His sharing the gospel began on the plantation and as his reputation increased the opportunities to share God’s word spread.  At the end of slavery, 1865, he continued preaching and the crowds grew. One of his most famous sermons was entitled “The Son Don’t Move”.

I liked this book and recommend it. My theological opinion of John Jasper is not solid because as a Pastor his doctrine is not solid but for his time his preaching was good. He, himself, admits that he was not formerly educated and the biographer reminds the reader that he accepted the Bible literally. 

What made this book enjoyable was my listening to the audio book, the narration brought the story to life.  https://youtu.be/pqwVqFuC2Ms?si=zf-26pVxoy831MD1  

It became clear to me that John Jasper was a fantastic story teller. He brought Scripture to life paraphrasing before paraphrasing was a thing. The author was able to share with the reader how the author stimulated laughter, tear, fear and other emotions when sharing the word of God.

Chapter 13 shares the story of a journalist who wrote about his experience attending one of John Jasper’s meetings. He too was caught up in the emotion of the event. Unfortunately, he was not a Christian going in and he was not a Christian leaving the venue. Which had me wondering, how many people attended those meetings for the “entertainment” value without having a true relationship with God? 

Was his ministry any different than some of today’s ministries? Emotional, entertaining, but not leading to salvation? At that time there were other churches people could have attended. 

John Jasper believed in God’s word with all of his heart and soul. What he preached he believed and his unique style was his style. He was a man of integrity and cared for God’s children. As his ministry grew and the church was able to pay him a salary, he initially refused. After much pressure he agreed to receive $62.50, even though the church wanted to pay him more. He said: 

““I get enough now, and I want no more. I’m not here to squeeze my people for all I can get,” he told them. He had enough to pay his taxes and buy what he needed, and he told them that any extra should go to help the Lord’s poor.”  (Chapter 8 Page 60)

I firmly believe John Jasper was very sincere when he spoke, and understood his own shortcomings. In his own words: “Brethren God never lies; He can’t lie. Men lie. I lie sometimes- I am very sorry to say it.” (Chapter 9 Page 70) According to the author, William E. Hatcher, he would challenge the listeners  to prove him wrong, using Scripture. There were, apparently, other Pastors that tried to tell him how he misunderstood the Scripture but he did not accept it, I suspect because all Scripture is not literal.

This book is not written, I don’t think, for the messages John Jasper spoke; it was written because John Jasper was a major influencer of faith among both Black and White individuals, this is what makes him unique and the book worth reading.

Witten by Marsha L Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart

 

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart (1876-1933) is a historical in it’s significance biographical collection of letters originally published in 1914; it is one of the first audio books I listened to. I have since listened to it at least three times in the past 2 years. The letters were originally  printed in the Atlantic monthly, 1914. 

 The letters date from April 1909 to November 1913, a time when railroad travel was not as comfortable as it is today and there were no 2026 motel or hotels to stay in if there was a layover. Upon arrival at your destination you will not look forward to an air conditioned or central heated home, there may be a tub but there is not a spigot to allow the hot water to fill it.  Life in the early 1900’s was harsh, moving to the west was not an opportunity to live a ‘better’ life. This author had made arrangements to work for a man as a housekeeper upon her arrival, even though she brought a young child with her.. 

My interest in the book began quickly and continued to the end book. There are so many tales; so many amusing, heart wrenching, gut gripping, or funny stories found in these letters that I don’t know where to begin to help you understand how interesting this book is.  there is even romance! This book is why I love historical fiction.

The story is inspirational and demonstrates how a strong independent woman can maintain her femininity and fulfill her dreams. It also reveals how hard work and determination is the key to true success. I cannot tell you how much I love this book, and as an audio it was perfect. I suggest you grab a cup of tea, sit in your comfy chair and do some needle work, sew, knit, crochet, or even spin,  while you listen to this enjoyable story: LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. 

The print version of this book is available for free thanks to Project Gutenberg, see link below. Even though I listened to the audio on YouTube and Audible, I plan to purchase the print copy. The good news is you can download it for FREE! (see link below)  es! I recommend this book.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FREE PRINT COPY: PROJECT GUTENBERG

FREE AUDIO: YOUTUBE 

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinor Pruitt Stewart

LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart (1876-1933) is a historical non-fiction book originally published in 1914; it is one of the first audio books I listened to. I have since listened to it at least three times in the past 2 years. This auto-biographical book is composed of letters which were printed originally in the Atlantic monthly, 1914. The letters date from April 1909 to November 1913, a time when railroad travel was not as comfortable as it is today and there were no Motel sixes or Holiday Inns to stay at until the real estate agent found you a nice air conditioned in the summer and heat in the winter home. Life in the early 1900’s was harsh but the author had made arrangements to work for a man as a housekeeper upon her arrival. The interest begins quickly and does not have a dull section in the book. There are so many tales; so many amusing, heart wrenching, gut gripping, stories found in these letters that I don’t know where to begin to help you understand how interesting this book is. there is even romance! This book is why I love historical fiction. The story is inspirational and demonstrates how a strong independent woman can maintain her femininity and fulfill her dreams. It also reveals how hard work and determination is the key to true success. I cannot tell you how much I love this book, and as an audio it was perfect. I suggest you grab a cup of tea, sit in your comfy chair and do some needle work, sew, knit, crochet, or even spin, while you listen to this enjoyable story: LETTERS OF A WOMAN HOMESTEADER by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. The print version of this book is available for free thanks to Project Gutenberg, see link below. I am sad to say that I will have to wate before I purchase the print copy, my current reading list has me busy for all of 2026! And I have a numerous books that I want to purchase after either listening to them or reading them via ebook. I will get a print copy someday. Because I value print books. Written by Marsha L Floyd ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRINT: PROJECT GUTENBERG AUDIO: YOUTUBE

AUDIOBOOK: CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE?

 

I was listening to an audio-book and the voice was: unemotional, bland, generic. I cold not figure out why I was not enjoying the story even though the description of the story was interesting. At that time I was part of a Facebook group that talked about audio-books, the topics was the importance of who was reading the book. Many of the individuals in the group had their favorite ‘readers’.

It was an interesting discussion that was foreign to me  because I was not aware of the nuances associated with audio-books.But I had memberships to audio-book distributors that allowed for one “free” book a month.  

When I looked up the credits on Audible I learned the book was narrated by: Virtual Voice a.k.a. AI. Yes, it was a FREE book. 

I enjoy listening to various leaders of Faith on YouTube, Voddie Baucham (1969-2025) is one of those individuals. Since his death there have been quite an abundance of videos produced more than what he released when he was alive.  As I was listening to one of his videos a few words were mispronounced, I know that depending on where a person lives such words as Tomato and potato may be pronounced slightly different this was not the issue. It became clear to me that this was a computer generated copy of Dr. Baucham’s voice. I rather read his books! 

In that Facebook group an individual who is an author stated that he was going to use the virtual voice to facilitate the creation of an audio-book. He explained that it was less costly to use Ai than to use a person. There are quite a few factors that go into the cost of producing a print book: printing cost, sellers cost, marketing and of course what the author wants to earn.  The cost of a human voice must be calculated in the cost of an audio-book, which may be why some audio-books cost almost as much as the print version. 

I do listen to some computerized voices, particularly murder mysteries on YouTube. There seem to be the right emphasis and  pauses as well as proper word pronunciations that allow for a pleasant listen. If, however, it is a choice between paying $15.95 for a print or $13.95 for an audio I will buy the print. 

It takes me just as long to listen as it does to read because of my schedule. The difference is I can embroider, sew, or wash dishes while listening to an audio-book but I have to sit and read for a print book. I have been known to listen to the free audio-book and purchase the print because I want a hand-holdable copy. 

The bottom line, it is a personal choice, just be aware of who or what is telling you the story.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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.

THE QUILT by T Davis Bunn

 

THE QUILT by T. Davis Bunn, an audio book with my “name on it”. It was a few minutes short of 2 hours to listen to and every second was inspirational. The story reminded me of a book I read as a child: Stone Soup, there are many variations of this theme including woven (pun  intended) within this story. Stone Soup is a short story about someone one preparing a meal and places a stone in a big pot of boiling water, slowly but surely the neighbors came and added ingredients, in the end thre was enough soup to feed the entire village.

THE QUILT is a story of an old woman with severe arthritis who wants to make one last quilt because God told her to. 

The book is inspirational, motivational and full of faith. I needed to hear this story because I am facing challenges that I can overcome but I need to disregard what “they” say just like the main character in this novelette did. 

This book is about having faith in the process. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE CHRISTMAS QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

Jennifer Chiaverini  is skilled at presenting family dynamics that we all can relate to. In the historical fiction THE CHRISTMAS QUILT she takes the reader back, if you have been reading the books in order, to Christmases celebrated in the Bergstrom home. The Christmases covered the family coping with the depression, a war and an ongoing sibling rivalry; it also address death of various individuals.

The quilt; yes there is a quilt, a very unique one that is introduced at the beginning of the story and is created block by block during the Christmas holiday. The difficulties associated with completing the quilt represents the hopes and hindrances in maintaining family cohesiveness..

Each book in the Elm Street series has given me a glimpse into history through the lens of family. ISo far I am glad I am reading the books in order, the novel itself is a stand alone story line. When you read the first book: THE QUILTER’S APPRENTICE, you are introduced to the characters, with every book you get to know more about them. Like most relationships, the longer you know a person the more you know about that person. We learn more about Sylvia and Sarah in this novel.  

Note: Up to know I have been listening to the stories via audiobook. I am now changing to prin. I am waiting for CIRCLE OF QUILTERS to be delivered. In addition I anticipate reviewing Mrs. Chiaverini’s quilting projects book in the upcoming weeks as well. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT

 

My first impression a historical fiction novel the includes slavery. Jennifer Chiaverini already talked about the underground railroad in a previous novel but this had more. As I continued listening to THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT by Jennifer Chiaverini I thought: This is slavery from a White person’s perspective, not just a White person(s) but one(s) who were anti slavery. 

I have said on more than one of my reviews regarding the Elm Street Quilt series that the stories are cumulative. I also alluded to the idea that there were stories within the stories which is why the reader, or listener, must pay attention to the characters. THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT could be read out of sequence but it is best when read in order of release.

Have you ever researched your family tree? You have to go back in time, dig up the names, dates and places but the personalities, character traits of each individual you may not ever know. THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT, is different in that Sylvia and her team are not even born and racism was not politically incorrect. This is the story of Sylvia’s family. And how they dealt with slavery.

This is a much needed story because it not only discusses the pains of slavery but the sacrifices White people made in order to assist Black people. America needs to understand what non-Black people did to help others appreciate the bigger picture, beore the civil war.

The question you might ask: What about the quilt? There is a quilt, it is the catalyst that reveals the mindset of many people. 

Of course I recommend this book. 

I The Christmas Quilt, Circle of Quilters and a Quilt Project book by the same author

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE MASTER QUILTER by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

If you are following the Elm Street book series then you know that life is not all about quilts. (Did I, a quilter just write that!) THE MASTER QUILTER (2004) is about planning the unique gift for Sylvia and Andrew  but family drama may ruin everything. Do you remember the competition / animosity between a member of the Elm street group and the other group? Do you remember all the things there children were going through?  (That’s why we get print copies of books and not audio!) Oh and the financial drama! As I have said in previous reviews the book series is not just about making quilts.

The Elm Street Quilt series has very believable plot lines and with Jennifer Chiaverini the one story is the foundation for the next, you never know when a marriage is going to fail or succeed. You don’t know what is going to happen do the children and you, at least I am, curious as to how a quilt is going to get made with so many busy lives. 

The Master Quilt is almost like a family reunion, I am glad to know what happened to various individuals. 

I had not planned on writing book reviews on this series, I usually review non-fiction, thus I had to write back to back reviews so that I could start writing as I read.  This is the last of the books I listened to before I started writing the reviews and so I am all caught up. I am looking forward to telling you about THE SUGAR CAMP QUILT so I can tell you about THE CHRISTMAS QUILT Iwhen I am finished that one! 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

THE QUILTERS LEGACY by Jennifer Chiaverini

 

The Quilter's Legacy (2003)is book 5 of the 6 books I have listened to. By the time you read this I will probably be on book 8 or 9 since I just finished listening to book 6. Let’s take a quick peak at the author Jennifer Chiaverini before I tell you how awesome this book is! 

Jennifer Chiaverini is a best selling author of historical fiction, I discovered her through her Elm Street quilters series however she writes more. She is a college graduate (University of Notre Dame and University of Chicago) and has received rewards related to her writing. She is a wife and mother residing in Wisconsin. 

In my research I discovered she has written a novel about John Wilkes Booth: FATES AND TRAITORS; I am adding the book to my list but at this point my list of books by this particular author will have me reading  well into 2027! I also discovered her books on quilting patterns, there are 4 that I remember, I ordered one when I ordered the print copy of CIRCLE OF QUILTERS, the book I will be reading after listening to THE CHRISTMAS QUILT. 

THE QUILTERS LEGACY continues to bring the past into the present, as it relates to the time the characters are living, Sylvia wants to find “the quilt”. This story hit home because somewhere among one of my family members storage of stuff is a quilt made by my great grandmother, I just want to see it. In searching for the quilt, Sylvia learns more about her family history. 

But wait! There’s more! This book is why I am a strong supporter of reading the series in order because there are always stories developing within the story as the lives of the various women are presented. And of course a quilt is made. 

The one thing I want to say because I did finish reading  book 7; This book is part of a story line but it is foundational for what is to come. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

WITH CHRIST IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER by Andrew Murray

 

WITH CHRIST IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER by Andrew Murray (1828-1917) a book written by an author that I was once told to avoid! I don’t know why that person said I should not read anything by Ancrew Murray but I will no longer listen to other peoples opinions about anything!  I love this book. I started listening to the audio (see link below) and then I purchased the print book. Unfortunately, the used copy I purchased was small print so I ordered it on my kindle!

If you are a person who loves to pray, a prayer warrior, an intercessor or just have a lot of people you want to pray for, get this book. I have numerous books on prayer by various authors but this is the ultimate book on prayer. WITH CHRIST IN THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER is a step by step, precept upon precept, line upon line manual on praying. I promise you when  you have finished reading this book you will develop a greater confidence in praying.

The book is 238 pages, 31 chapters and a Preface by Andrew Murray. I started listening to the audio book and by the fourth chapter I realized I was listening wrong, which is why I ordered the book. It is a school, a home school, subject matter prayer. It is an excellent Bible study for a small group.  "Lord teach me to pray". the words of every disciple is the theme that flows through the book as Murray walks the reader through how Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. 

Luke 11:1 (KJV)
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 

I know how to pray, I was on an intercessory prayer team, I pray for people, I pray for people that ask me and people who don’t ask; but I lacked the confidence because of what “they” say.  I even wrote a book on prayer: BEFORE YOU PRAY FOR ME. (It was an eBook available on the SMASHWORDS website, I am preparing to rerelease it in 2026, if not sooner.) 

The first lesson, Chapter 1, entitled ”THE ONLY TEACHER” begins with Luke 11:1, when the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray and He does. I don’t care who taught you to pray, you cannot pray successfully consistently unless the Teacher teaches you. Lesson one: What is prayer? The first three chapters are foundational to get the disciple, the student, the reader, to the point in which he or she can fully understand what Jesus was saying when He spoke: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV) 

If you want to improve your personal prayer life, this book is worth the investment. I listened to the audiobook all the way to the end. There was a bonus mini biography about George Muller a man of faith 1805-1898, I will be reviewing his audiobook)  I could not follow along in the reading and the audio, it happens sometimes with classic books, either way, it is worth the investment.  

WRITTEN BY: Marsha L Floyd

         

 AUDIOBOOK FROM YOUTUBE