Story 4.5 stars. Narration by my favorite Xe Sands was an amazing 5 stars. I knew little to nothing(the blurb) about this book before I found it on AuStory 4.5 stars. Narration by my favorite Xe Sands was an amazing 5 stars. I knew little to nothing(the blurb) about this book before I found it on Audible. Nothing about the author either. To me it was almost a family saga, full of heartbreak, tears, laughter and actually quite a bit of mental illness. This is not a romance, although there are a few romantic things that happen as an aside to the rest of the story. At times mental illness took center stage, at others the characters go through many horrible situations.
Through it all, everyone loved Henry, the brother with Downs Syndrome and actually the light of this book. He was easily my favorite character. Actually quite a few of these characters are not sympathetic people-horrific circumstances being the cause of so much strife in this family’s life. But as in real life, it’s not always all fun and games and this family has more than their share of bad luck. There is humor though. The grandmother with dementia that thinks she is Amelia Earhart and acts the part no matter what’s going on made me laugh at times even though I do know dementia isn’t funny. It was just so well written and I swear Xe Sands can always keep me in thrall with her excellent storytelling. She’s just the best.
While not the easiest story to read/listen to, it was a good story with a main character that is seemingly not exactly sane initially, although moving on to show a growth of character throughout the book that was amazing. Actually quite a few of this ensemble of characters show a lot of growth in the end.
Highly recommended to adult readers of woman’s literature. Trigger warning of stories of past rape and another attempted rape in the book. ...more
Story 4.25 stars Narration 5 stars. I listen to Harper’s books because Amanda Ronconi is a wonderful narrator and perfect for Harper’s work. This actuStory 4.25 stars Narration 5 stars. I listen to Harper’s books because Amanda Ronconi is a wonderful narrator and perfect for Harper’s work. This actually was one of the better ones of this series. Nothing I can put my finger on, I just enjoyed this one a bit better than some earlier installments. Humor is the key element here, along with paranormal creatures of all sorts. And of course a good romance. Recommended!...more
I listened and gave narration 5 stars as usual with this narrator. However, what is usually a full 4 to 5 stars for the content was more a 3.5 stars fI listened and gave narration 5 stars as usual with this narrator. However, what is usually a full 4 to 5 stars for the content was more a 3.5 stars for me. Too many names to keep track of while listening. Having what seems to be two different cases happening at the same time might have had something to do with that. Perhaps if I had read instead of listened all the names wouldn’t have run together for me.
As usual, I loved Tracey and Dan’s relationship and now their baby. I thoroughly loved the new nanny as well. I enjoyed other characters from earlier books being around in this one as well. But besides being confused a lot of the time while involved in Dan’s legal case, I thought the mystery Tracey was trying to solve wasn’t as compelling as usual. It was good and I really liked how it all turned out, but it was just not as good as some of the others. However, there were some edge of my seat moments which is a good thing.
Recommended to adult mystery/thriller readers....more
Very short listen about two strangers on a train on Christmas Eve. What happens when the tracks get snow covered and they get stranded in a small ItalVery short listen about two strangers on a train on Christmas Eve. What happens when the tracks get snow covered and they get stranded in a small Italian village is the beginning of a good story. Story 4 stars Narration is 4 stars and features a full cast including Amanda Ronconi whom I happen to really love. Lots of sound effects as well. Fun, sweet read. ...more
Everything you could want in a book. Romance, tragedy, friendships, family drama, and some tears, I am sure, for some readers. I’m just not a crier whEverything you could want in a book. Romance, tragedy, friendships, family drama, and some tears, I am sure, for some readers. I’m just not a crier while reading, but I’m sure some will need tissues. I was pulled into the story immediately and really loved the whole thing. Kristen Higgins is a wonderful storyteller. It’s the story of two sisters, both of whom go through heartbreak of different kinds at about the same time. It’s told in dual points of view.
Xe Sands continues to amaze me as a narrator doing voices for men as well as she does females. So narration was 5 stars for me. Great listen! Recommended to adult readers of romance or fiction....more
One of the best unique books I’ve read in awhile. Loved the premise especially. It’s a kind of be careful what you wish for read/listen. This is not aOne of the best unique books I’ve read in awhile. Loved the premise especially. It’s a kind of be careful what you wish for read/listen. This is not a fun story, instead it’s a fairly dark read. Having said that, I highly recommend it to adult readers. Exceptionally well written. I admit to being fascinated while listening to it. 5 huge stars!...more
Story 4.5 stars rounded up. Narration 5 stars. I absolutely loved this book. I loved all of the characters and I also really liked that there wasn’t sStory 4.5 stars rounded up. Narration 5 stars. I absolutely loved this book. I loved all of the characters and I also really liked that there wasn’t some vapid reason for a breakup right before the two finally get together. This author duo found a way to tell a great story without resorting to that. It gets old after awhile. I really enjoyed the side characters as well, most notably the H’s little girl and the h’s father.
Highly recommended to adult contemporary romance readers. There’s sex involved, but nothing real explicit. Good listen!...more
Story 3.75 Stars rounded up. Narration 3.25 stars. To be honest, when I first started listening, the female narrator put me off the book. I just didn’Story 3.75 Stars rounded up. Narration 3.25 stars. To be honest, when I first started listening, the female narrator put me off the book. I just didn’t enjoy her voice and I know that’s a personal choice. I stuck with it for 6 days and ended up liking the male narrator’s voice a lot better.
It’s one of those story within a story books which I actually enjoy. I’m glad that in each chapter the narrator announced what year it was from. I think it took place in 1916 and 1983. There’s two romances, one in each of the years. One of them goes horribly wrong. It’s a story with good characters, but is a bit dark at times. There’s even more than a hint of the paranormal as well. No creatures though! It’s also a clean romance book if you’re wondering. Perfectly fine for 13 or 14 year olds and up, although there is some violence....more
5 star story. 5 star narration. I really enjoyed the whole thing. Good main characters, a wonderful baby and best friends of both mc’s made it even be5 star story. 5 star narration. I really enjoyed the whole thing. Good main characters, a wonderful baby and best friends of both mc’s made it even better. I enjoyed seeing characters from other books I had read(some out of order)so that was fun too. Does have some angst, but given the story line it was inevitable. Didn’t bother me. So far I haven’t read/listened to a book by this author that I haven’t loved. Highly recommended to adult romance readers. ...more
Story 3.75 Narration 4 stars. Still loving this series but if I’m being honest there were some things I didn’t care for this time. The angst is revvedStory 3.75 Narration 4 stars. Still loving this series but if I’m being honest there were some things I didn’t care for this time. The angst is revved up majorly and some of the heroine’s choices(really one big one)left a lot to be desired. The main problem in the story was one I could see coming a mile away. But all in all, I enjoyed the listen as usual. There’s also magic involved of sorts that never gets explained as to how it happened, etc. Got the next one ready to listen to though. ...more
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, these books are like eating candy, you just can’t stop at one. Each of them tell an interesting, romantic, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, these books are like eating candy, you just can’t stop at one. Each of them tell an interesting, romantic, and yes, magical at times story. Each is loosely or like this one, closely connected to the other books in one way or another. You could say this one is truly the sequel to book 9, The Color of Time.
Past lives remembrance? Yes, pretty much. I was pretty fascinated as I was with the previous book. And that’s all I’m saying. Too good to tell and ruin the story. Recommended! 4.25 stars....more
It’s short, a novella I guess, but l loved it and finished it with a smile on my face. Sequel to Wallbanger and I enjoyed catching up with Caroline anIt’s short, a novella I guess, but l loved it and finished it with a smile on my face. Sequel to Wallbanger and I enjoyed catching up with Caroline and Simon. There’s more to it of course. If you loved Wallbanger then you will love this. Story 4.25 stars Narration 5 stars. Recommended!...more
Fantastic listen of this series ender. I’m so happy I found this series. It’s romantic at times, mysterious at times, heartwarming and even magical atFantastic listen of this series ender. I’m so happy I found this series. It’s romantic at times, mysterious at times, heartwarming and even magical at times. As in real magic. It encompassed all sorts of situations people face in life. The good and the bad.
This particular one has two stories going on at the same time on different sides of Canada. How they end up intertwined is the story. Of course, one couple I liked way more than the other. This also features a near death experience. And a little girl that I adored. That’s all I am saying, except to say I highly recommend the whole series. Narration was 4 stars for me. ...more
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