Coffee Pot Reviews are mini-reviews done in the length of time it takes to brew a pot of coffee. Today I have a mix of books that I listened to or read in December from my TBR pile. Grab a cup of coffee and a muffin, curl up and enjoy!
by L. Frank Baum
Series: Oz #1
Narrator: Anne Hathaway
Length: 3 hrs and 52 mins
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Audible *affiliate
Narration: 3.5 cups
One of the best-known stories in American culture, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over 100 years. Best Actress nominee Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, Alice In Wonderland), fresh from filming one of this year's most anticipated films, The Dark Knight Rises, lends her voice to this uniquely American fairy tale.
Follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as they get swept away into the magical land of Oz , where they encounter characters and places you may remember from the movie - and several more that never made it to the big screen - on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City.
"It's such a wonderful book and I was so happy to be a part of bringing it to life", Ms. Hathaway said. "There are a lot of great voices in it. The more fun you have with it, the sillier and the more free you get with it, the better it is because it's a story that can handle it. It's amazing to be able to discover something new about something you feel you know so well."
Years ago I read The Wizard of Oz and of course, I have watched the classic movie again and again. It is a childhood favorite and I delighted in revisiting on audio.
I grabbed this when it was a daily deal on Audible thinking it would be fun to revisit on audio. I enjoyed listening and like Anne Hathaway. I wasn’t entirely sold on the voices she created, but each was recognizable, and her pacing was well done. The Wizard of Oz is the perfect audio to pack for a family road trip as it will appeal to every age group in your car.
by Cindi Madsen
Series: Accidentally in Love #2.5
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Doing the wrong thing has never felt so right...
The last person police officer Nate Walsh expected to discover stranded in a snowstorm is his brother's ex—and former town rebel—Kelsey Cooper. His complete opposite in every way, Kelsey’s the girl he never allowed himself to want. But when she agrees to stay with him until the storm passes, he definitely finds himself wanting the gorgeous, tattooed woman. Too bad Nate’s sure his brother is still in love with her…
Kelsey had only meant to drive through her tiny hometown, not end up spending time there. With a cop. But despite her issues with authority figures, even she can admit Mr. Serious looks pretty hot in his uniform. Unfortunately, she’s sworn off relationships—and she’ll never be the girl for a nice guy.
An Officer and a Rebel is a novella by Cindi Madsen and part of her Accidentally in Love series. I grabbed this on Nook when it was a freebie. The story takes place at Christmas and can be read as a standalone.
While this is a novella and can be read quickly, the romance worked. Kelsey Cooper is traveling home when her car crashes. Nate Welsh comes to her rescue. He is local law enforcement and the older brother of her high school boyfriend. A snowstorm, confessions and long ago attraction are the tropes present, and they all worked nicely. While I would have preferred a full-length novel, the author did an excellent job of delivering all the feels and believability to make this a warm, fuzzy read for any time of the year.
It was fun trying a new to me author and I will pick up a book by Madsen again.
From my TBR pile, Wonderful Wizard of OZ, audio and An Officer and a Rebel coffee pot reviews Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Darlene
I’m currently reading The Wizard of Oz to my nine-year-old daughter! Actually, We are going to read the entire series. I read the first three books when I was a kid, but never the whole series. Last night she begged for another chapter, and I just love that!! After we finish the book, we are going to watch the movie and make a lapbook. I think the audio would be fun to listen to!
Jan
I read a number of the Oz books to my son over several years and we had lots of fun with them. He loved them for awhile! I wish I had noticed the Oz daily deal. It would have been fun to revisit Oz as an audiobook.
Lover Of Romance
oh I do love it when an author can deliver all the feels in a novella….it can be rare.
Di
I love these reviews of yours – so short and sweet! I keep meaning to try a 5 things… or something to that effect but I just haven’t gotten the knack for it yet and keep deleting them. Oh well.
I actually had no idea that Anne Hathaway did a narration and now you’ve got me wanting to get ahold of this one, even though I haven’t picked up other audibles you’ve made me want to try yet!!! (Funny how you’ve done that!!!!).
The little holiday romance novella also interests me – I like having something on standby for a light and fluffy and fun read.
Thank-you!!!
RO
The Wizard of Oz is one of those movies that I never get tired of, so I try to watch it whenever it comes on television. I’m not sure I could listen to it on audio though, despite the wonderful Anne Hathaway doing the narration. Great reviews and great idea for mini reviews! Hugs…
Cyn
Madsen always writes the cutest romance! Glad to hear this was an enjoyable one! Lovely mini reviews, Kim!
Lorna
While I do like Anne Hathaway, I can’t imagine her doing the voices for all those characters. Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow. Nope can’t imagine it. The Officer and the Rebel sounds like a cute Christmas read. Fun reviews!
Sophia Rose
Oh neat! I like the idea of Anne Hathaway narrating Wizard of Oz. I’ve picked up a few classics on audio as a freebie that I hope to listen to this year.
The Christmas one sounds like a cutie, too. A quick warm and fuzzy afternoon read can hit the spot.
The Bibliophile Babe
I love the little reviews! <3
Braine
Not the biggest Hathaway fan, but her speaking voice is pretty distinct and really good! She might annoy me less if I were to try that audiobook lol
Danielle Nolan
I love this feature ❤❤❤
Lily B
I totally agree that sometimes novella’s can be a fun way to experience an authors writing, or accidentally turn you off if you end up wanting more than it was heh.. had that happened..
anyway, glad it wasn’t the case. I always end up wanting more with novellas too, problem why I don’t read them. The story sounds cute tho
Melissa (Books and Things)
I used to own the original version of the Oz book when I was a kid. So different from the movie and I loved the illustrations. I’d be curious about Anne Hathaway’s version of it. The Officer and a Rebel sounds cute. I need cute nowadays. 🙂
Stormi Johnson
I listened to the Wizard of Oz a while back, it was interesting. I don’t remember reading the book but seen the movie a number of times. The book was a little different but enjoyable. 🙂
Angela Adams
Love these reviews! Thanks for the post!!
Angela
I’ve never been overly fond of the Wizard of Oz. I’ve tried the book, the movie, even the new adaptations and I just can’t get into them.
I’ve a few by Cindi Madsen bouncing around on my Kindle, I really do need to give them a go.
Tyler H. Jolley
One of my all time favorite quotes comes from the Wizard of Oz: “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.” I didn’t realize there was a new audible version of it. Thanks for sharing.
Lampshade Reader
I did not know that Anne Hathaway did narration! Kind of cool. Great reviews. Love that small town icon tag, do you mind if I use it? ~Aleen
Jan M Flynn
Should I admit publicly that I find your brief, concise reviews to be more helpful (not to mention easier to digest) than some of the longer, leave-no-surprises-unrevealed reviews I encounter elsewhere? I applaud pretty much everyone who takes the time to write and share reviews, but you know what they say about brevity being the soul of wit. Thank you!
Bookworm Brandee
I’m happy you enjoyed The Wizard of Oz even if Hathaway wasn’t perfect. 😉 And I really like the sound of Madsen’s novella…always good AND bad when you want more from a novella. 😉 I wonder if I one-clicked it…. 😀
Bookworm Brandee
LOL I did! I did one-click it….in December of 2014!!! LOL
sherry fundin
Can be nice to knock some of those books off the TBR mountain. LOL
Kathy
I LOVE these coffee pot reviews! I was always a fan of the movie, The Wizard of Oz, but I have never read (nor listened) to the book. It is one of my childhood favorites, to.
Laurel-Rain Snow
Love the idea of the Coffee Pot Reviews….thanks for sharing!
Quinn's Book Nook
I listened to The Wizard of Oz a few years back but it wasn’t Anne Hathaway as the narrator. I twas an actress, though, but I can’t remember at the moment. I’m glad you enjoyed it, even if it wasn’t AMAZING.
Debbie Haupt
Always love your mini reviews Kim I’m on my way to audible to snatch the Oz right now! Thanks xo
Whitney
I just found your blog and just wanted to say thank you! I’m always looking for new books to read and these reviews are super helpful!
Christine
I have that edition of Oz on my Audible queue! I never read it as a kid (and so many other children’s classics!) but it’s fun to play catch up vas an adult 🙂
blodeuedd
New authors are always fun 🙂
Christine
Love your coffee cups for the voting process! Great idea about being able to read reviews with a cuppa!
Melliane
I enjoyed the Madsen book I read a while ago, I should try more. I didn’t know that Anne A. was doing audiobook, it’s fun!
Paij Slater
Great reviews! When do I need to post for the reading challenge? I think I linked up, but I did it from my phone so I don’t know if it actually did. 🙂