I am so sad. The library where I got my Hoopla books decided to cancel the renewal of anyone’s library card that wasn’t living in the county the library was in. UGH. That is so frustrating to me. Our small town libraries can’t afford Hoopla so I can no longer use it. I’m so bummed. I do have another free online option but so often I have to wait for 2-6+ months for a book that I put on hold. It’s really frustrating. Because of that, I opted to renew my Audible subscription. Luckily Audible has a free catalog for people who subscribe to their services so I went through the catalog and downloaded a few of the books. The book I’m telling you about today is one of those books.
The book I got found was The Girl from Blind River by Gale Massey.
This is the story of a troubled family who was in the depths of dysfunction and Jamie, the main character, struggles to get out of it. The book was pretty good…the story was believable and not wildly far-fetched with unbelievable happenings. The story tells a lot about gambling and playing poker. It’s Jamie’s ability to bet on the right hand that gives her the chance to leave her old life behind and have a shot at a new life…
Here is what Amazon has to say:
Everyone says the Elders family are nothing but cheats, thieves, and convicts, a fact nineteen-year old Jamie Elders has been trying desperately to escape. She may have the natural talent of a poker savant, but her dreams of going pro and getting the hell out of the tiny town of Blind River, New York are going nowhere fast. Especially once she lands in a huge pile of debt to her uncle Loyal.
At Loyal’s beck and call until her debt is repaid, Jamie can’t easily walk away, not with her younger brother Toby left at his mercy. So when Loyal demands Jamie’s help cleaning up a mess late one night, she has no choice but to agree. But disposing of a dead man and covering up his connection to the town’s most powerful judge goes beyond family duty. When it comes out that the victim was a beloved athlete and Loyal pins the murder on Toby, only Jamie can save him. But with a dogged detective on her trail and her own future at stake, she’ll have to decide: embrace her inner criminal, or defy it; and face the consequences.
Amazon readers give the book 4.3 stars. I would have to agree. It was a pretty good book but not one that I would scream from the rooftops that you really must read.
If you are interested in reading this book, you can find it HERE.
Have you tried Libby? I also do Audible but only 1 a month so I’m between I listen to Libby books.
You should see if your local library has Libby. I just got info about it from my library. It seems similar to hoopla. I haven’t used Libby yet but plan to soon.
I live in Texas and any Texas resident can get a card for the Houston Public Library. I get most of my books there via Libby.
I also pay a yearly fee of $5 to belong to the library in the next county where I do most of my shopping etc.
Between the 2 of them I have been satisfied. But don’t know about hoopla. I’ll have to check that out.
Our Library just announced a limit on the number of books you can get from Hoopla because the cost to the library has gone up so high. It’s sad there’s a limit on any reading.
Libby is what I use too. Check and see if you can use that, Jo.
I have used Libby for a few years now. I LOVE it and highly recommend it. It has literally been a blessing!
Several years ago, I got an Amazon Fire Kindle. I was able to download Hoopla free onto the device and there was no charge. I don’t know if that is still possible, but you could give it a try. I hope that the download is still free.
Thanks for sharing.
Check with the county library that will no longer accept you.in many cases, for a nominal fee, you can get a card ($25-50 a year)
Sorry that happened Our county library allows free library cards to county residents only. I can understand that as we pay a county library tax. They do allow out-of-county residents to get a card for a small fee. Maybe that might be the case for you. Hope you can find another source.
I just signed up for Libby today at our county library.
Jo,
Have your tried Scribd? $11.99 a month and unlimited listening and reading. So many new releases and great series books. They have audio books, print books (even found your quilt book there and several of Bonnie’s, and many other great designers too), pod casts, magazines (so many quilt ones), and sheet music. Most new releases are here too or you might wait a month. I rarely listen to audible anymore and have downgraded my subscription with them. I loved listening the Elm Creek Quilt series on scribd. That’s what got me hooked. I think you can get a month free.
I love Scribd! I’ve used it for several years now. They have so many choices. Lots of quilting books too.
I sometimes use Chirp. They have specials all the time and no monthly fee. Not free but I can usually get books for less then thru Audible.