Mary Magdalene: a woman of great faith and thankful living

Mary Magdalene is a well known name in Christianity. She is most well known for being mistakenly characterized as a prostitute or a promiscuous woman. However, the Bible only states she was possessed by demons which Jesus called out from her. Mary Magdalene is a beautiful example of a woman whose life was poured out in response to God’s extravagant grace. Women were vital in Jesus’ ministry. She, along with other women, supported Jesus and his ministry. As an early follower of Jesus, Mary Magdalene deserves to be called a disciple. She was present at the crucifixion and anointed his body for burial. She would watch Jesus’ agony at Calvary. She would also be one of the first to witness the Resurrected Jesus. What is her story? What are the origins of her false portrayals? Why is it important to highlight the importance of women in Jesus’ ministry? 

Growing up in Magdala, a prosperous town on the west bank of Galilee. She suffered as demons possessed her mind. She begged for mercy and nothing came. Then a man named Jesus came. He was like no other rabbi. He wasn’t repulsed or afraid by her illness. He called her name as if he had known her all her life. Suddenly, her mind was clear. She was free! She followed him and supported his ministry where she could. Now Mary grieved as she watched as the man who changed her life suffered. She watched for hours as he agonized, powerless to do anything. But she stayed. She could not bring herself to leave his side, along with other women who remained. When it was over, she watched as Joseph of Armathea and Nicodemus took his body from the cross. Gently, she and other women prepared her body for burial with myrrh and aloes, wrapped in linen, placing him in a tomb. After the Sabbath, Mary walked to the tomb and stood in shock as the stone was rolled away. Inside, the tomb was empty with strips of linen lay on the floor. Her grief grew as she was horrified at the thought of what could have happened to his body. She turned to go when she noticed a gardener, who asked her why she was crying? (John 20: 14-15). It wasn’t until Jesus said her name did Mary recognize the gardener as the Resurrected Jesus (John 20:16-17). 

There are a few false portrayals of who Mary Magdalene was. First, the tradition of portraying her as a prostitute. It began in 591 AD, as Pope Gregory I combined the images of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in Luke 7:36-50 with Mary Magdalene who was introduced by name in Luke 8:2. Although Gregory didn’t directly call her a prostitute in his Easter sermon, he interpreted the seven demons which Jesus called out as the totality of vices and asserted that the oil she used to anoint Jesus’ feet had been previously used for sensual purposes. Catholic churches began to combine Mary Magdalene and the woman accused of adultery as one and the same. It wouldn’t be until the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, the portrayal of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute was rejected. In 1969, Pope Paul VI removed the identification with the sinful woman. Unfortunately, the view of Mary Magdalene as a former prostitute prevails in popular culture. Second, Mary Magdalene as Jesus’ wife. Even though the idea had been around for centuries, it became mainstream with the popularity of Dan Brown’s novel,The Da Vinci Code (2003). The theory postulated in the book has been discredited by Biblical scholars as well as scholars of history, art and architecture. Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute or Jesus’ wife. She was simply a woman who was healed by Jesus and she turned her life over to his ministry in love and appreciation. 

Many people focus on the disciples and apostles in Jesus’ ministry. However, women were active and an important aspect in his ministry too. Several women provided the funds needed to provide for Jesus and the disciples as they traveled (Luke 8:3). They cooked, prepared and served the meals and searched for lodgings (Luke 10:38). It was women who stayed and watched as Jesus suffered. As the majority of the disciples ran and hid, they remained there until he breathed his last. It was women who prepared him for burial. It was women who were first to the tomb on Sunday morning. It was women who were the first to witness the Resurrection. The Gospel of Luke stands out as showcasing Jesus’ love and care for women. Portraying the respect and understanding Jesus had for women. Jesus is the example of the status of women and how they should be treated. Women were also integral in the spread of the gospel as they supported the apostles’ travels and ministries. Women also became important benefactors for the early church and the spread of the gospel. Today, women in ministry is a hot button topic which is too complex for me to discuss here. Simply put, women are equally called to spread the love of Jesus and his gospel. God values women and talks about the gifts he bestows on them (Acts 2:17, 21:9). Women have a role and function in the Kingdom of God.  

In conclusion, Mary Magdalene is a wonderful example of thankful living. Freed by Jesus, she acted out her appreciation. Even though traditionally, she has been given a false portrayal, a study of the Word shows that she is an example of the faithful who are obedient will grow in understanding. Her faith was not complicated but direct and genuine. She was more eager to believe and obey than to understand everything. He honored her childlike faith by appearing to her first and entrusting her to deliver the message of his resurrection. As Jesus called her name when she needed him, he knows each of us. Our names, our hurts and our fears. He can bring us out of our darkness into his light. He will show us a love so powerful that it will change our lives. All we need to do is reach for his hand in acceptance. 

New York, New Year, New You: a self-discovery with a happily ever after

New York, New Year, New You by Rachael Bloome is a story of one woman’s journey to prove herself. Quincy Carmichael is the youngest in a very overachieving family. So overachieving that she can’t keep up so she stopped trying. Earning the nickname, Quincy the Quitter, she finds a reason, any excuse to stop before she gets hurt. When the opportunity for a major promotion comes up, she is challenged to move to New York City and complete 10 year’s worth of unfinished New Year’s resolutions. She stays with her childhood friend, Brynn, and Brynn’s older brother, Ethan, who happens to be Quincy’s childhood crush. With Brynn and Ethan’s help, Quincy finds herself on an eye opening journey of self-discovery she never thought possible. 

New York, New Year, New You is a light, wholesome, feel-good, unable to put it down, novel full of heart, hope, and humor. I loved Quincy and my heart broke for her from the very beginning. And I cheered as she faced each challenge, despite her nerves, and finished each one with success or not. But she keeps going and learns who she truly is and what she really wants in life. I laughed, smiled and teared up as she finally found the strength to stand up for herself and have the confidence to be herself. I also loved Ethan’s character and his interactions with Quincy. If you enjoy sweet, emotional stories with a happily ever after, I highly recommend New York, New Year, New You. 

New York, New Year, New You is available in paperback and eBook

Warrior Girl Unearthed: one simple summer reveals many secrets and mysteries

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley is book two in the Firekeeper’s Daughter series. Perry Firekeeper-Birch is getting ready for her Summer of Slack but plans change when she gets into a fender bender. She is now stuck in a summer program with other outcasts and even her smarter twin sister, Pauline. Together they ace obstacle courses, listen to lectures and plan vigils for missing women in the community. One particular meeting at a local university, Perry learns about the “Warrior Girl,” an ancestor whose bones and knife are stored in the museum archives. She makes it her mission to return Warrior Girl to her tribe. She begins to research the NAGPRA, a federal law that allows tribes to request the return of ancestral remains and sacred items. Perry finds herself hitting wall after wall to bring the ancestors home. As she digs deeper, she learns there are more secrets and mysteries than she realized.

I loved Ms. Boulley’s first book, Firekeeper’s Daughter and when I learned she wrote a follow up story, I knew I had to read it. Taking place a few years after Firekeeper’s Daughter, Perry is now 17 and loving life. When she is faced with a summer program with other tribal youth, she can’t imagine any other torture. She soon finds a purpose and nothing is going to stop her. I loved Perry and her passion for righting a horrible wrong. She is fiercely loyal and caring but she doesn’t back down from a fight. The book is filled with heart wrenching reality and gut punching truth as the residents of Sugar Island battle to bring their ancestors home, to protect themselves and build a stronger community. Overall, I loved this book and I hope that Ms Boulley will continue to give us stories from Sugar Island. I highly recommend Warrior Girl Unearthed.

Warrior Girl Unearthed is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

A Lily in Disguise: secrets, lies, and finding home

A Lily in Disguise by Jessica Scarlett is the first book in the Wycliffe family series. In order to escape the scandals tied to her name, Lillian Markley has lived under an alias for eight years. She hopes to find work as a lady’s maid in order to save enough money to join her sister in America. When a heiress offers her a salary for doing the unthinkable. Miss Mary Raynsford does not want to spend the summer at a country estate, parading around to “catch a husband,” She asks Lily to go in her stead. If she is caught, Lily faces prison but Lilly agrees. Two months, easy right? From the moment she arrives, she is met with a suspicious young boy, run-ins with kidnappers and another guest who seems to know her secret. While she is trying to keep her lies and stories straight, she can’t help but be drawn to Peter Wycliffe, the young Viscount, and very eligible bachelor. One woman with three identities and a handsome lord trying to learn the truth, what could go wrong? 

I normally don’t read Regency era romance novels. I’m not sure why but I usually don’t enjoy them. However, I was intrigued by the premise of A Lily in Disguise that I took a chance. It had a great beginning. I loved Lily from the beginning. She is smart, witty and thinks on her toes. Peter is a great match to Lily’s wittiness and their flirtatious moments were wonderful to read. However, once everyone gathers at the estate and her secrets are threatened, it starts to drag a bit. I think the possible love triangles and the cattiness from a supporting character slowed the story down. But I kept going though and it picked and ended with sweet moments. The ending was a nice wrap up to the story and I closed the book with a smile. While I enjoyed it, I may or may not continue the series. Although I read other reviewers state that the other books were better, I may continue if the opportunity arises. If you enjoy Regency era romances, you may enjoy A Lily in Disguise. 

A Lily in Disguise is available in paperback and eBook

The Bridge: heartbreaking reality with hopeful possibilities

The Bridge by Kay Bratt. In present day China, the home of an old woman faces the Lucky Bridge, the famous bridge where birth parents leave their children in the hopes that someone will find them and give them a better future. In the old days, walking over the bridge during a marriage ceremony or at the New Year was said to bring the individual good luck. Mothers hope that the bridge’s luck would be bestowed on their children. Jing is the unofficial and reluctant guardian of the bridge. When no one else steps in, Jing does. Briefly taking them in and then delivering them to a local orphanage. She always said she was done, no more children. Until one day, one little boy, Fei Fei, softens her heart and changes her life. 

Inspired by her real life experience while working in a Chinese orphanage, Kay Bratt writes a heartwarming and compassionate novella. The Bridge is a short but powerful read. She also wrote a memoir about her experience in China and in the orphanage, Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage. Having read the memoir and knowing the background of this phenomenon of parents abandoning their children gives The Bridge its heartbreaking reality and yet hopeful possibilities. I loved the main characters of Jing, Fei Fei, and Jing’s daughter, Qian. I highly recommend reading The Bridge as well as Silent Tears. It will break your heart but leaving you believing in the power of the change a single person can bring. 

The Bridge is available in eBook

Silent Tears; A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage 

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Bad Fake Boyfriend: bringing the worst possible boyfriend home for the holiday, what could go wrong?

My Fake Bad Boyfriend by Sara Whitney is the first book in the Hot Under the Mistletoe series. Darby St Claire needs a fake boyfriend. No, the worst fake boyfriend in the world. She needs a man to be so bad that her parents never bother her about her love life again. Gabe Dickinson says he’ll pretend to be that boyfriend. To be so bad that she is never asked to bring anyone home again. He promises he is up to the task. As they arrive at her parents’ home for Thanksgiving weekend, he’s a little too good at being bad. Darby and Gabe get so good at their little game, they forget it’s supposed to be an act. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, Darby realizes that their flirty game has gone too far and she wants Gabe to be the gift she unwraps. But if she does, will she be able to walk away? 

I bought this book as the synopsis sounded fun. Fake dating is usually a hilarious trope to read. However, I quickly learned it was not the book I thought it was. First, it is a reverse age gap, which I have learned is not the trope for me. Strike one. Second, when Darby learns about their age difference, she quips “You were in kindergarten when I was getting boobs!” Ugh, I rolled my eyes so hard, I thought they would fly out of my head. Strike two. Third, this story was a fast burn. So fast, that they went from flirting to wanting to get into bed. Strike three. I don’t mind spiciness in a romance but it happens so fast that it was hard to enjoy this story. If you enjoy fast paced, fake dating, reverse age gap romances, My Fake Bad Boyfriend may be the story for you. 

My Fake Bad Boyfriend is available in paperback and eBook

Say Yes to the Mess: an age gap fake dating romance

Say Yes to the Mess by Kira Archer is an age gap fake dating romance. Summer Laurent is finally on a path to a better life. Her divorce from her ex-husband is freshly inked, She loves her job and her new house. Her group of ride-or-die friends adds to the joy in her life. Garrett Vogel was doing a favor for a friend of a friend, when he overhears an egotistical jerk disrespecting Summer. Without thinking, he jumped in and introduced himself as Summer’s boyfriend and put her ex in his place. What he doesn’t anticipate is accompanying Summer to her boss’s weekend long wedding festivities. What could go wrong? To Summer, everything. Almost ten years older than Garrett, she doesn’t see a future for them. Can Garrett convince her otherwise? 

Kira Archer is a new author to me and Say Yes to the Mess sounded fun. I usually don’t read the reverse age gap (or age gaps in general) stories but I decided to take a chance on it. Unfortunately, this story reminded me why I do not read the reverse age gap. I did not find Summer relatable. Although, the initial meeting between Summer and Garrett was electric and how he swooped in and put Summer’s ex husband in his place was hilarious. However, I didn’t buy their relationship. Overall, I didn’t enjoy the story. However, readers who enjoy the reverse age gap genre will likely enjoy it. If you enjoy age gap romances, I recommend checking out Say Yes to the Mess. 

Say Yes to the Mess is available in paperback and eBook

Southern Sunshine: when coming home is life changing

Southern Sunshine is the eighth book in the Southern series by Natasha Madison. Reed Barnes never wanted to be a cowboy. He saw the military as a way out. He enlisted and never looked back until he was injured in the battlefield. Now he is heading back home. Hazel discovered she was pregnant the night before she was supposed to leave for college. While her plans were altered, she was able to keep her baby and built a life for them both. She vowed never to return to her hometown as there are too many memories and too many watchful eyes. However, when she learns about the sudden death of her grandfather, she is forced to return home in order to settle his estate. The plan was to stay for two weeks. In and out before anyone asked questions. She didn’t account for Reed being in town as well. 

When I started Southern Sunshine, I was not aware it was the eighth book in the series. As I read, there are numerous supporting characters that came in and out and their interactions with Reed and Hazel had me confused as to the relationships and history. It wasn’t until I started to write this review that I refigured out why. That being said, the main story of Reed and Hazel was still readable as they are both back in town after six years away. Unfortunately, I could not stand Reed as he desired to leave town as he was sick of living in the shadows of his father and older brother. Ok, understandable. However, when Hazel tries to get in touch with him, he ignores her message. Overall, I did not enjoy Southern Sunshine and I have no desire to go back and read the previous books in the series. 

Southern Sunshine is available in paperback and eBook

Cowboys and Starlight: a sweet city girl meets country boy romance

Cowboys and Starlight by Jacqueline Winters is the first book in the Starlight Cowboys series. Colten Livingston swore he would never fall in love with another city girl. Not after his ex-wife broke his heart. Now that his mother is selling the family home, nothing is keeping him from his dream job at the Glacier National Park. Enter Veronica “Ronnie” Ross. An interior decorator down on her luck, she arrives in town for a much needed vacation to visit her brother in Starlight, Wyoming, when she lands the job renovating the Livingston home. Colten finds her intriguing, beautiful and off limits as she is his best friend’s little sister. He knows he needs to walk away as Ronnie doesn’t plan on staying; however, they are drawn together and discover a reason to stay. 

The Starlight Cowboys series is described as a sweet contemporary small town western romance with happily ever afters. From the opening chapter, the story and the characters drew me in and I could not put it down. I immediately loved the sassiness of Ronnie and the cool demeanor of Colten and I knew the sparks were going to fly. The story was sweet, sassy and heartwarming as both Colten and Ronnie deal with their own heartbreak and issues and discover new dreams. The supporting characters were great and I also enjoyed a hint at future relationships for the rest of the series. Overall, I enjoyed Cowboys and Starlight and look forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy cowboy romances with happily ever afters, I highly recommend Cowboy and Starlight. 

Cowboys and Starlight is available in paperback and eBook

Flawless: financial troubles, a company take over and romance

Flawless is the first book in the Love, California series by Jan Moran. Verena Valent has been running the family company since her parents died tragically in a car accident. Their skincare company caters to the glamorous clientele in Beverly Hills. Along with taking care of her aging grandmother and younger twin sisters, Verena is in the midst of an international expansion into the Asia market. When the news of the sudden and suspicious death of the company’s banker and long time friend, Verena is faced with a financial situation that could break the company. To top it off, her ex-fiancé is acting as if nothing had changed in their relationship. As she tries to navigate this unsettling territory, Verena meets Lance Martel, the executive chef at the Beverly Hills Hotel, who opens her eyes to new perspectives on love, romance and relationships. Can she keep her family’s company afloat? Will she take another chance on love? 

I enjoy Jan Moran’s stories and I was excited to read Flawless. The story hooks readers in the first chapter as they are introduced to Verena’s glamorous world. However, as the story progressed, the story became bogged down with business and legalese. The romance between Verena and Lance was lackluster as well. Overall, I finished the book confused and underwhelmed. I didn’t care for the business plotline. I didn’t care for Verena’s constant ignoring the warnings from others as well as the ones in her own head, to be shocked when things start to fall apart. While I loved Lance’s character, I didn’t care for Verena’s constant pushing him aside or brushing off his concerns and Lance just steps aside. The story seemed longer than it was and I was grateful when it was over. I still love Jan Moran’s books’ however, I am unsure if I will continue the Love, California series in the future. 

Flawless is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Icebreaker: a sweet, spicy romance with laughs and a few tears

Icebreaker is the first book in the Maple Hills series by Hannah Grace. As a competitive figure skater since she was five years old, Anastasia Allen has worked for a shot at the USA Olympic Team. She is hyperfocused on her goals. No exceptions. Nathan Hawkins is a problem solver. As the captain of the Maple Hills Titans hockey team, he takes the responsibility of keeping the team on the ice seriously. A series of events leads to the hockey team sharing a rink with the skaters and Anastasia’s partner gets injured, Nathan finds himself leaving the hockey gear on the sidelines for figure skates and tights. As the two spend more and more time together, they struggle to keep their relationship professional. Anastasia keeps telling herself that she doesn’t even like hockey players but Nathan is making it harder to believe that. 

I first learned of Icebreaker through social media and a romance story of a figure skater and a hockey player reminded of The Cutting Edge, the 1992 romcom. Told through alternating points of view between Anastasia and Nathan, this enemies to lovers romance gets spicy. However, this story is more than just the sex scenes. It is two people who have every right to hate each other, discover common ground and find themselves falling for each other. Again, there are spicy scenes, some scenes were a little much for me. However, there are very sweet and poignant scenes as well. By the end of the story, I was smiling ear to ear as Anastasia and Nathan have their happily ever after. I look forward to reading more in this series. If you enjoy spicy, sweet enemies to lovers romances, I highly recommend Icebreaker. 

Icebreaker is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Ropes, Riddles and Robberies: one case brings the past front and center

Ropes, Riddles and Robberies is the fifteenth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mysteries series by Tonya Kappes. Solving crimes has become a major activity for Mae and Laundry Club ladies. Their next case will be more challenging. Mae has been thinking about the fire that took her family’s lives and more and more she has been having vivid memories about that night. She is more and more determined to discover what happened that night. With the help of her friends, Mae heads to her hometown to prove the fire wasn’t an accident. As their investigation heats up on this cold case, someone wants to make sure Mae and her friends never find out the truth. 

Ropes, Riddles and Robberies is more than just solving a cold case. It is going home, confronting one’s past and finding peace leaving it behind. The mystery had many twists and turns with the reveal who the killer was came as a complete surprise! I loved how Mae’s friends gathered together and helped her solve this case. It wasn’t just another case to them. Ropes, Riddles and Robberies is a great addition to the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mysteries series. If you have enjoyed this series, you will enjoy Ropes, Riddles and Robberies. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend it! The Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series is filled with great afternoon reads! 

Ropes, Riddles and Robberies is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Displaced: an urban fantasy with shocking truths, intrigue and betrayal

Displaced is the first book in The Birthright series by Bridget E Baker. It is the start of a saga of shocking truths, deadly intrigue and sisterly betrayal. Being a twin complicates the Evian line of succession, however, Chancery Alamecha is perfectly fine letting her sister, Judica, inherit the throne. Judica is stronger, a merciless fighter, a ruthless politician and has been groomed for the throne since birth. Until one day when she tries on her mother’s staridium ring, something unexpected happens and forces Chancery into a role she never wanted and didn’t prepare for: she may be the prophesied queen to unite the daughters of Eve and now the heir to the Evian throne. Judica is enraged by the turn of events and vows to reclaim her rightful place to the throne. A challenge is issued and Chancery goes off to train. Training to fight her sister to the death for the throne. She knows she must face her sister. If not, it could cause the end of the world. 

Displaced is a young adult urban fantasy which is outside of my usual genres. However, I enjoyed Ms. Baker’s writing and I often enjoy testing the waters of other genres. The world of Displaced is beautifully written and immediately hooks you into this world. However, I found myself struggling to keep reading. I struggled with the complex character relationships and keeping track of who was who. There was a lot of world explanation, though needed, that seemed to bog down the story a bit. I’m not sure if because the genre is not one of my usual picks, I had mixed feelings as I read but I closed the books grateful it had ended. I have books two and three in this series but I haven’t decided if I want to continue and I may pick up the series in the future. For now, the series is not for me. However, if you enjoy young adult urban fantasy, I think Displaced is right up your alley. I recommend checking out Displaced. 

Displaced is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Winter's Kiss: a second chance romance

Winter’s Kiss is the first book in the Starling Bay series by Sienna Carr. Merry Nichols hates Christmas as the festive season holds devastating memories for her. Especially the fast approaching season as it marks the fifth anniversary of her husband’s tragic death. When she falls in from stress, and at her mother’s insistence, Merry leaves her home in Boston with her surly 12 year old daughter, Chloe, and heads to Starling Bay, a small coastal town, for some R&R. After she arrives in town, an unfortunate accident brings her face to face with Dylan Fraser, a local artist who runs a gift shop. Neither Dylan or Merry are looking for love but something draws them together. Maybe the magic of Christmas can heal both their hearts and allow them a second chance at love. 

Winter's Kiss is advertised as a sweet romance with a happily ever after. Understandable that Merry would avoid Christmas as it is forever connected to her husband’s death. Also understandable that in her own grief, she is unable to deal with her daughter’s grief as well. However, Merry was unlikable as she refuses to look deeper into her daughter’s attitude as more than just being a teenager. Dylan was likable as a former actor who wished for a simpler life as an artist. Their romance was a slow burn as they fought their attraction but I kept reading expecting the happily ever after. However, it didn't materialize. It is hinted that Merry and Dylan were heading to a HEA. Very disappointing. Overall, I did not enjoy Winter’s Kiss and I will not be continuing the series. 

Winter’s Kiss is available in paperback and eBook

The Book of Fire: human resilience and healing in the face of tragedy

The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri is a story of tragedy and the resilience of the human spirit. In present day Greece, deep in an ancient forest, Irini lives with her husband, Tasso and their daughter, Chara. One fateful day, a fire rages out of control, changing their lives forever. In the aftermath, as the village tries to rebuild and injuries begin to slowly heal, Irini stumbles across the man who started the fire. He is dying but whether it was by his own hand or someone else’s is unclear. In her anger, Irini makes a decision that will haunt her. As the local police investigate the man’s death, Tasso mourns for his father who has been missing since the fire and Irini struggles with her decision and the meaning for their future. Can they rebuild their lives? Can they find forgiveness within themselves to move forward? 

Ms. Lefteri’s books are always gorgeously written with haunting images and deeply intimate with emotions and struggles. After falling in love with her writing since The Beekeeper of Aleppo (2019), I eagerly looked forward to The Book of Fire. Inspired by the fires that devastated Greece a few years ago, The Book of Fire is about the search for meaning in the wake of tragedy. It is a look at the human toll in all events, either natural or man made, people must learn to pick up the pieces and rebuild. Irini is deeply relatable as she makes a decision that most of us would probably have made in the heat of anger and the need for retribution and her coming to terms with her decision. Overall, I enjoyed The Book of Fire. If you enjoy deeply moving stories about the human spirit, I recommend The Book of Fire. 

The Book of Fire is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook