I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child. Once my mother considered me old enough and responsible enough to walk to the shopping centre alone, nothing could keep me away from our local library. We were able to borrow three books at a time. so I was there numerous times each week, for another three books. Living in a small country town, it wasn’t long until I felt that I had read every book in the children’s section of the library. I would have loved to go into the libraries of today, or onto a website where there were so many reading possibilities.

Fast forward to today, and the only thing that keeps me from reading as much as I would like to, is time. I love to sit down with a ‘real’ book, but also love that I can listen  to audio books while doing something else. I listen to them in the car, in the garden, while cooking, in the gym, and when walking. This can add up to many hours of listening time every week. Unless I have something that I particularly want to mull over, I don’t much like spending time in my own head, so audio books are a perfect distraction.

I’ve noticed that the uptake of audio books has increased during times of Covid. I get my audio books, mainly from Borrow Box, and there is much less choice these days, as most of the books seem to be in use. Because of this, I’ve often chosen a random audio book, of a genre I wouldn’t usually be drawn to listen to or read. Those genres are mainly crime and romance. Audio books changed my opinion of crime, some time ago, and  they are now one of my preferred audio books. I still don’t read crime often, but this is probably due more to the dreaded time issues. In the past few weeks, I’ve been listening to romance audio books, and have felt myself becoming slightly hooked.

I’ve become quite addicted to listening to books in a series, which I usually steer clear of in paper back books. I will read them occasionally, but I usually think that my reading hours are too limited to commit to a series. The following eight books were all series books which I’ve read recently and thoroughly enjoyed.

The Matilda Saga Series by Jackie French

This is a YA series that I accidentally came across on the first book, A Waltz For Matilda on Borrow Box. The themes of Australia and Australian poetry and literature really had me intrigued. I enjoyed Waltz For Matilda so much, that I decided to listen to each book in the series. This is when I discovered that there are nine books, with titles such as The Girl From Snowy River, To Love A Sunburnt Country, and Clancy Of The Overflow. You get the idea. These books are very Australian and historic with a modern twist. Each book covers a different time period from 1892, with the the final book beginning in  1978. I was a bit put off at the thought of committing to reading so many books in the one series, but I was very curious.  So far, as well as Waltz For Matilda, I have read The Girl From Snowy River, and The Road To Gundagai. I’d highly recommend them. If you’re a bit put off by YA as I once was, I’d say give them a go as, like me, you may be surprised. I must also say, that I find the covers on these books to be incredibly beautiful.

Emily Grady Series by Josephine Cox

Historical fiction is my favourite genre, and especially Australian historical fiction. It was no surprise that this series jumped out at me. Beginning in London in the 18th century this family saga followed the life of Emily Grady as she was transported to Australia. By book 3, Emma  had returned to England, where her story continued. Though all three books in this series were a bit “romancy” I did enjoy the storyline. I was a little annoyed at how much recapping was done in books two and three, but that was probably because I had listened to all books. I’d recommend these books to lovers of Australian history and anyone who enjoys a good story.

 

 

Rose Hill Series by Rachael Johns

The first book of two in this series, Talk Of The Town, is the book that changed my opinions about romance. Not being a romance reader, I hadn’t heard of the author and chose the title only because I couldn’t find another audio book that took my fancy. I’m probably the only person who hasn’t heard of her, as it seems she is a very prolific writer, with many books written. Surprisingly, I loved this book from the first few words. If you think you would enjoy a book about a new start in a new town and all the problems that brings, along with more than a little angst and romance, then this is the book for you.

Something To Talk About is the second book in this series and it continued on where the first book left off, but with a totally different story line. There was still the angst and romance and ‘unputdownableness” of Talk Of The Town. As was the case with the first book, this was a great read. I’d highly recommend both of these books in the series to anyone who loves to read about romance and/or Australian life.

 

Images: Goodreads

This post has been linked to Natalie’s #Weekend Coffee Share

What have you been reading lately? Do you listen to audio books? I love chatting about books, and promise to reply to all comments left.

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