Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Managing Bubbie by Russel Lazega is a captivating, spellbinding story that follows a family’s journey as it struggles to manage one of theirs — the elderly Lea Bubbie. The story is so wonderfully told and the setting comes out clearly through the narrative. The reader is transported to what life was like in Miami in the 1980s. This is a story that also takes the reader back to the Holocaust days to learn what it meant to survive the horrors of that heartbreaking historical evil. The author combines wit with humor to give readers a satisfying reading and listening experience. Readers will be immediately drawn to the characters and Bubbie is one heck of a character. As one listens to the story and gets to know her stubbornness, one also gets a glimpse of an intelligence and a wisdom accumulated through the gritty path of grueling experience.

The narrative voice is beautiful and the audio is so masterfully done that the characters’ roles come across distinctly. The dialogues are impeccable and the reader will enjoy the witticism, the humor, and all the fun that comes alongside the gripping story. Just the opening lines had me hooked and laughing, and the Yiddish accent is unmistakably woven into the dialogues, reflecting the history and culture of the characters. “It was the last thing she said to me before I left for college. ‘I vant you should write these tings down,’ she told me. ‘Mine stories — mine life — I vant you should make a book from these tings, a book to tell vhat I did to bring mine children here to this country.’” Reading the conversations and the story is enjoyable, but listening to it is far more fun. Russel Lazega’s memoir is an exciting story that is as enjoyable as a memoir of this nature can be. Managing Bubbie will have you laughing and crying throughout the rollicking ride.

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Live The Life of Your Dreams (33 Tips To Inspire Your Life) by Laura Ponticello is an upbeat self-help book for women going through major life changes. When the author's life takes an unexpected turn, and she finds herself divorced and alone, she has to take stock and change some perceptions. This book is a beautiful mixture of her own spiritual journey and that of others; including stories of surviving cancer, divorce, empty-nest syndrome and more. This audio book helps the listener change her view from being the victim to being a strong, independent woman ready to take on whatever comes her way. Complete with compassionate advice and helpful exercises that allow the listener to get the most from this book. Explore your spiritual side and start on your journey of self-discovery and self-enlightenment.

Live Your Life of Your Dreams (33 Tips To Inspire Your Life) by Laura Ponticello takes the listener on a soulful adventure of faith. This audio book addresses a woman's most urgent issues. By breaking down her advice into simple steps, she helps the reader expand and grow. I liked how the author takes the listener by the hand and gently leads them down a road to true peace, love, and fulfillment. Even by listening to small segments at a time, and applying the principles or tips outlined in this book, I believe that a woman truly can change her current circumstances and live a happier, healthier life. With many unique stories from real women relating their experiences to the author, this book addresses things such as conquering fear, taking time for yourself, and so much more. The author is a well-known inspirational speaker and writer who has made it her life's mission to incite positive changes in women's lives.

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

Thomas Jefferson From Boy to Man by Jayne DAlessandro Cox is a non-fiction audio book that serves as a biography of Thomas Jefferson’s life from childhood to adulthood. This is a book that would appeal to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy historically accurate accounts of Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson is well known for having been an inventor, lawyer, natural philosopher, president, and much more, but what most people do not know is how a young boy grew into the man that would become such a widely known historical figure. Are you ready to learn about Jefferson, not just as a historical figure, but as a unique person?

Thomas Jefferson From Boy to Man by Jayne DAlessandro Cox was a book that I was instantly interested in as Thomas Jefferson was one of my favorite figures in my high school history classes. I found the author did a wonderful job of keeping the book historically accurate regarding both the time period and Thomas Jefferson’s life. The aspect of this book that truly set it apart from others on Thomas Jefferson is the way it shared history while keeping it interesting. There were sections that held my interest in the same manner a fictional novel would.

Thomas Jefferson From Boy to Man by Jayne DAlessandro Cox was narrated jointly by James Brinkley, Alexander Brinkley, Christina Rideout, and Jayne DAlessandro Cox. James Brinkley’s voice acting of a middle-aged Thomas Jefferson clearly showcased his ability to really get into the mind space of a character. It was Brinkley’s voice acting that truly pulled me into the book as I was able to get lost in his voice.