Tracyp0917

Moving and Powerful

Reviewed: 04-27-24

This story pulls you in right away. So well written and Julia Whalen’s narration is brilliant. I found myself looking forward to listening to see what was happening w The Woman. Throughout Frankie’s life you feel her happiness and sadness. I personally liked the part of the story while they were in Vietnam best. But the entire book was great. The post service parts were just a little harder to read as they were so difficult on Frankie. But the whole thing comes full circle. And it is nice to see the growth and strength in many of the characters.

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Another hit by Jewell

Reviewed: 12-16-19

I have yet to be disappointed by any of Lisa Jewell's books and this is no exception! I enjoyed that this was narrated by three different narrators. I felt that gave a nice separation for the characters and gave the story a different life. I enjoyed how she developed each character and gave each their own space to grow within the story. I did not find that the story favored one character over the others it was well paced out. I can, however, agree with some other reviews that the ending was sort of hasty and seemed almost thrown together. It wrapped up too neatly and too swiftly for the characters past experiences in my opinion. I feel there are some things that were felt undealt with but I suppose that could be intentional based on the characters and what they had been through and how they coped.

This was the one book by Jewell that the "house" wasn't a main character for me. It was important but truly played a secondary role for me.

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#ShowThemYourBestLife

Reviewed: 12-06-19

My first book by Kerry Fisher. Such a good story and very relevant to current day. We all live in such a "social media" world. It is hard to remember sometimes that people don't post their worst days. No ones life is "Pinterest Perfect".

A very modern topic and a well executed story. Some chapters are slower than others and at the beginning I would it hard to keep two of the three characters separate. Once i got past the narrator not changing up voices or inflection for each characters I was fine with keeping the woman straight. I did feel more strongly connected to some characters and story lines more than others but I think that is a huge plus for this author and story. I feel like she wrote in such a way that she touch the masses rather than a few readers.

I look forward to another book from her soon.

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Jewell and Duff one of my favorite combos

Reviewed: 12-06-19

Lisa Jewell and Helen Duff do not disappoint. I have enjoyed a number of Lisa Jewell's books; narrated by Helen Duff and Roommates Wanted is no exception.

Such a great story. I love how Jewell has a knack for making the homes themselves main characters. Watching the transformation of the Peacock House simultaneous to Toby is magical. The story did not have a big twist or wow moment but I truly enjoyed every part of the story. Each character, with their flaws and their virtues, I found to be lovable and interesting. Typically there is a character that you just don't connect to; but in Roommates Wanted I did not find that. Maybe because each person was a small personality part of each of us - I don't really know. But not once did I find myself wishing a chapter away because I wasn't interested in the character and their story.

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13 people found this helpful

Fun Quick and Relevant

Reviewed: 12-06-19

I listened to this audible original on my commute and it was a fun quick listen. I only gave the story and overall a 3 but it is really really close to a 4. The characters are great and could be translated to any one of our own family holidays.

The story is well developed and while it is a true novella and is shorter in length it draws you in right away to the characters and there flaws and quirks.

A very very enjoyable story and a nice listen while on my early morning commute. I don't want to sour anyone from this by my closing statement .... I mean this in the very best way (not sticky or sappy and over flowery) but I would be happy to see this made into a "made-for-TV" movie or a Hallmark Channel movie. If Hallmark is wondering I have already cast the roles in my mind for you ***Hallmark CALL ME ****

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1 person found this helpful

Enjoyable book - fast read

Reviewed: 10-10-19

I enjoyed this audio book. It was a quick listen and I found myself engrossed in the characters quickly. While the main couple Gemma and Robert should be sickeningly sweet, they are not. You genuinely like them. And the holders are likable and well written as well. Some authors can over do the “cuteness” of the kids. This author finds a happy medium.
The story is good and well narrated. I like the inflection she uses when voicing the mother in law - it’s brilliant. You can picture a “Joan Crawford Dynasty old money character”.
I saw the initial twist coming but it was well brought out. I enjoyed the cafe scene. Bravo Gemma. However the final extra twist ....meh. It was good and a nice idea but I really didn’t care or need it. It came from a place that wasn’t built up enough for me to be invested in it. It however doesn’t ruin the book and neither will I with any spoilers
ENJOY

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Eleanor Oliphant is Great

Reviewed: 09-25-19

A very different story than I have been reading and that was a very nice thing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love the simple ness and the complexity of Eleanor. You root for her, you laugh with her (and sometimes at her ... in a good way) and you cry with her. But in the end, like Eleanor, I think you come out completely fine.

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The story of a dysfunctional family

Reviewed: 12-20-18

This story of an eccentric and 100% dysfunctional family is sad and heart breaking but warm and full of love all in one. Very well written and well narrated. Some of the “Brit” terms took a minute to “translate” but. It an issue at all.
Very enjoyable. In the moment you always somewhat know what’s going to happen but the author and the narrator both make you look forward to actually hearing it.
Very Very good. Even the characters written in the darker lights are likable - in their own way (Kayleigh for example)

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An excellent trip through history

Reviewed: 10-04-18

While the book is long and sometimes very very detailed I found it to a wonderfully told story of our country’s history from a vantage point not often seen. Unlike most I have not seen the stage version of Hamilton so some parts were news to me and I found them well told.
The narrators were great. They change accent and inflection wonderfully.
And while I will miss the Hamilton / Schuyler family now that I have finished this book I feel I will miss Lafayette the most. He was by far my favorite character. I love his perspective and insight.

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Alice Feeney is a master mind manipulator ~ GREAT

Reviewed: 04-19-18

If you could sum up Sometimes I Lie in three words, what would they be?

Three words are not enough for this book. Unbelievably well written. Expertly narrated - I cannot stress that enough. I went into this thinking I knew exactly how it would play out ..... Boy was I ever wrong. Wrong right up to the last paragraph. Even when Alice Feeney tells you what is true, don't believe her. She is playing with you

Who was your favorite character and why?

Amber is amazing. But honestly I think I like Claire the most she is truly complex yet simplistic and to the point.

Which character – as performed by Stephanie Racine – was your favorite?

Stephanie Racine's narration of this book makes it for me. I truly believe a narrator can destroy a great book. If I can't melt into the narrators telling of the story I easily can lose interest (most of my listening is done on my commute), so I can easily become distracted from the story. NOT IN THIS CASE. I could listen to Stephanie Racine again and again

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were 2 parts that come to mind when I know my mouth dropped open. I won't spoil anything but one involves a pink housecoat and I know I sat mouth open when the book ended. Even in the finish she is playing with you

Any additional comments?

This will be a hard one to follow up - Highly recommend this audio book. It will keep you guessing throughout. I sincerely hope this follows Gone Girl & The Girl on the Train and becomes a film. I already have it all cast in my mind

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