loved this short story! already looking into what else L. Austen Johnson has published! also definitely ended up on a foraging website about the different types of yarrow

This short audio book is like a teaser for a modern fantasy series - it whets your appetite for the movie. It's a pity there is no sequel (yet?). Fabulous narration by Penny Scott-Andrews.

I am grateful for NetGalley, IBPA, Lore and Lyre, and the author for this ARC.

This was an interesting short story inspired by a Balkan folktale. The story was very short and though it was interesting, there seem to be some gaps in the story line. I would have appreciated more depth and backstory to understand this better.

This is indeed a short story - in fact, it almost feels too short. The audio version was delightful to listen to, but I wanted more from it. Her friend sounded really interesting, and I wanted to know more about her. I wanted to know more about Riley, for her to be a bit more fleshed out. I feel like I would have benefited from knowing the Balkan Folklore that this was based on before I listened to this version. The ending came on fast, and I wasn't sure I totally understood who the two men were, or why they showed up. In the last fifteen seconds, we get some sort of answer, but it wasn't enough for me.

As an educator, I could see using this in a unit if I could find the original tale this was based on. Then I could supplement this material, and answer the questions I know my students will definitely have.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lore & Lyre for the audio ARC of this in exchange for my honest review.

This short story was a little too short for me. I felt like it wasn’t fleshed out enough and could’ve easily been better explained without leaving the short story length. I was hoping to find out more about why the mysterious strangers needed yarrow, where they came from, why it impacted them the way it did, why they needed Riley to get it, etc. The narrator did a good job!

Cute and fun short story! I wish it was a full book I would love to see what the author would do if they had more time to develop the characters and plot!

A very short story, it wasn't bad but as short storied go not a lot was explained or told.
No character description or anything and Riley just does what she is told no questions asked.

The narrator did a fantastic job. The story was inspired by a Balkan fairy tale and it definitely had that feel. Overall, I enjoyed what I heard.

I was left wanting more though, in a good and bad way. I was drawn in to the (very) short story so I wanted to know what happened afterwards. However, it ended so abruptly that I was a little confused. It felt like there should have been another chapter or section. It probably would have translated better as a picture book rather than an audiobook.

A whimsical (little) listen. Worth the time though.

𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒

TRUE LOAF
Author: L. Austen Johnson
⭐⭐
#gifted by @netgalley in exchange for an honest review
pub date is 27 July 2021

𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎:
Riley, a baker, receives an unusual request from a strange man who enters her work place one day. Due to this request Riley goes on an adventure to search for a secret ingredient, and later finds out a different secret altogether.

𝙈𝙔 𝙊𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙊𝙉:
This was a YA fantasy micro-story inspired by Balkan folklore that lasts about 15 minutes in audiobook format (took me a little longer because I was taking notes). It wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it either, and wouldn't want to listen to it again. Maybe if the story was a little longer and had more characters or plot twists or something of the sort...

It's described in NetGalley as "a fun and enchanting modern fairytale" but it just didn't do it for me.

But a positive aspect I'd like to mention is that, according to information present on the NetGalley website, the author has partnered with One Tree Planted and for each audiobook sold within the first year of release one tree will be planted in North America. Also about the author: she is also a disability advocate and a book cover designer.

💬 Buuuut I'd like to get to know more about Balkan folklore so please reply if there's any book you think I should read. Fiction or non-fiction, YA or adult fiction, anything will do!


#TrueLoaf #NetGalley


📸: goodreads
no copyright infringement is intended

Cute story, shorter than I'd like. It could have used a little more fleshing out all around. I generally like a short story and a good fairy tale re-telling, but this one needed a little more oomph. It was very bare bones and really if you want me to get my "happily ever after" feels, a few more conversations would be good. Maybe instead of just giving directions, they could walk together for a while? Maybe the story could take place over more than 24 hours? There's definitely more story to be told here.

Thank you for the ARC!

Things I liked about the audiobook of "True Loaf": The narrator was pretty good, the story was short but quirky and atmospheric. Stuff I think I missed: It was maybe too short and although it definitely read like a fairytale, i feel it lacked a more impactful or fun ending.

i'm sure this story is great and it sounds really interesting so i will check it out later on my own on my kobo or with a physical copy, but i couldn't continue listening to the audiobook. nothing against the narrator, but i just dont think that narration was for me and that sucks because the narrator sounds very talented, but their narration was my cup of tea.

A wonderful and engaging short story with a beautiful cover and a great narrator in the audiobook edition. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and enjoyed all of the magical twists and turns. My one complaint is that it ends too soon; I want to know what happens to Riley next!

VERY short story. Had a "fable" like feel, even though it was set in a modern setting (cell phone, car, even though the bakery and the woods felt more traditional/fantasy). I just expect a fable-type to have a purpose, or a meaning ... and I didn't really get that here. Maybe a "be nice" or you'll get the lesser bread (which was apparently a bad thing). It started off strong, interesting ... but then kind of ended with a "what?" ... didn't really get it. 2.5 stars.

Thought there might more made of the title ... is it straight, one of the loaves was true, or punny "true loaf/love" ...

I liked the narrator a lot - I don't think it's a voice I've heard before, but one I would like for a full novel.

Received the audio free in exchange for an honest review. The cover on Netgalley was different than the one featured on GoodReads. I liked the Netgalley one better.

“Bring me bread baked with yarrow, and I’ll make sure you’re compensated.” -From True Loaf

3 stars

A super short story about Riley, a girl who works at a coffee type of shop. For some reason when this stranger wanders in and demands an odd type of bread she goes trampling through the woods in order to find the ingredient necessary. It was okay, I’m just not really sure of the point- other than just don’t go out fulfilling weird special requests from customers.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved this retelling. I really felt myself pulled into the story and wanting to know more about the original folk tale. But I wished it had been longer. I understand that maybe the original material cut short at the end as well but I wanted more from the characters. Especially since this book was more modern.
Overall I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone
Rating: 4.5 stars

This short, short story is inspired by Balkan Folklore. This isn't something I'm very familiar with and I definitely didn't expect it to fly by so quick but it was a fast-paced engaging short story. It reads like Grimms' fairytale-esque. If one thinks too long and hard about the plot you would be frustrated but that is not the point of this story, I don't think.
The protagonist, Riley is a baker in a small town where everyone knows everyone. A strange comes in with a special request and promises her she will be rewarded for fulfilling this request. She must go on an adventure and requires help from a stranger to fulfill this request.
The ending lacks full closure and details but again I think that is part of the point.

The narration was very good and I recommend it to fans of short stories who just have a bit of time and want to start and finish something.

A wonderful short story based on A Balkan tale. I listened to the audio version, which really brought it to life. The storyteller adds so much tension and intrigue. The old man is remarkably frightening. His request for a special loaf of bread is definitely odd and makes us listen on to discover its significance. The story lasts about 15 minutes so is perfect for a quick listen or bedtime story for teens and adults. Some language like "feel like an ass" make it unsuitable for younger listeners as does the the depiction of the grotesque little man. #TrueLoaf #LAustenJohnston #NetGalley

I was eager to listen to this story for several reasons. First of all, I am from the Balkans, so a Balkan-inspired story is always something I will excitedly pick up. Secondly, I love fantasy, magical stories, fairy tales. And then, this gorgeous cover. It's adorable.

The narrator transported me back to my childhood, when my mom used to play fairy tales to my brother and me via audio cassettes. Ah, those were the days. This has exactly that kind of vibe.

The story itself was sweet, and maybe a bit shorter than I anticipated, but nonetheless, it's what you can expect - a small dose of magic just to get you through the day.

It sort of ends a bit mysteriously, but other than that, it was excellent. I quite enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley, Lore and Lyre, and IBPA for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

First of all, I love the cover of this audiobook! It’s what got my attention, and I’m glad it did because I LOVE this! This was such a captivating short story. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook and thought the narration was good! I would listen to more audiobooks with this narrator.

In this short story, an unusual customer comes into the bakery Riley works at, and submits a special request. Riley must then go out to try to find the special ingredient to complete the customer's order.

Overall, this was a fun audiobook! Even though it was short, the plot made it feel like the story was longer. This didn’t feel like a fifteen minute story, which I really liked. I felt like I could continue listening to more. I highly recommend this audiobook if you’re looking for a quick listen or even a quick read if you get the book!