Murrell's Story Audiobook By Barbara Arnold Linkous cover art

Murrell's Story

Life on Bays Mountain Series, Book Two

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Murrell's Story

By: Barbara Arnold Linkous
Narrated by: Marcus Barton
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A Southern historical fiction, Murrell’s Story is Book Two in the Life on Bays Mountain series and can be enjoyed as a standalone book.
Born in the late 1890s and coming of age on a remote mountain in Tennessee, Murrell soon realizes that his wit and common sense may be all he has to help him navigate his journey through life.
As a young child Murrell endures the death of his Mama and emotional abandonment of his Daa. Murrell works hard to overcome his physical disability, only to end up alone at a Work Farm. His survival on a farm for the poor is filled with heartaches, loneliness, and perilous situations.
Murrell’s first-person account of his risky quest to halt a human trafficking gang will entertain and surprise the listener. When Murrell finally gets to return to his Bays Mountain, he reunites with his Daa. His determination and grit to build a good life and win the love of his life, Cora, will entertain, educate, and surprise the listener.
Murrell’s Story is filled with adventure, a dash of romance, and God’s forgiveness.
If you listened to Cora’s Story Life on Bays Mountain, you know that Murrell Crawford married Cora. What you don't know is the story of Murrell’s life growing up on Bays Mountain.

©2023 Barbara Arnold Linkous (P)2024 Barbara Arnold Linkous Christian Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Sagas Inspiring Heartfelt
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Murrell’s Story: Life on Bays Mountain is one of those rare audiobooks that grabs your heart from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. Barbara Arnold Linkous delivers a poignant, emotionally rich story rooted in Southern historical fiction, and Marcus Barton’s narration brings it all vividly to life.

Told in the first person, this book follows Murrell Crawford, a young boy growing up in the rugged hills of Tennessee in the early 1900s. After losing his mother and being emotionally abandoned by his father, Murrell faces one hardship after another—poverty, disability, and the crushing loneliness of being sent to a work farm for the poor. But what makes this story unforgettable is Murrell himself: his wit, grit, and moral compass guide him through each challenge, especially when he sets out on a daring mission to stop a human trafficking gang.

Marcus Barton’s narration is stellar. His voice perfectly matches the tone of Murrell’s character—honest, raw, and grounded. Barton has a natural ability to embody the voice of a young man shaped by hardship but not defeated by it. He brings authenticity to every scene, whether it's a quiet moment of reflection or a tense confrontation. His pacing and vocal inflection keep the listener fully engaged throughout.

This audiobook is more than just historical fiction—it’s a coming-of-age story, an adventure, and a testament to faith and perseverance. Even if you haven’t read Cora’s Story, you can easily jump into Murrell’s Story as a standalone. But if you have read it, this fills in the gaps beautifully and adds a whole new layer to the Life on Bays Mountain series.

Highly recommended for listeners who enjoy heartfelt stories of resilience, a touch of romance, and strong, faith-based themes. This is Southern storytelling at its finest.

A Powerful, Heartfelt Journey on Bays Mountain

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Listener received this title free

Murrell's Story
Life on Bays Mountain Series, Book Two
By: Barbara Arnold Linkous






5 STARS




A Historical Christian Story with Clean Romance
Murrell arrived two months early and his life was tough from then on. He had some very good times as well. This is an inspirational story. What an interesting life.



The narration was well done, by Marcus Barton. His voice was quite enjoyable.


I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have
voluntarily left this review.


A Historical Christian Story with Clean Romance

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Listener received this title free

The story of Murrell is a Southern historical fiction about a young man’s journey into adulthood. His mother died, his father became lost in an alcoholic stupor and his brothers and sisters went their way to leave Murrell on his own to live on a Work Farm. His good heart, common sense, and quick wit help him maneuver the world despite his disability and earn the respect he deserves. Faced with a situation that challenges his morals and survival, Murrell makes a life-changing decision.

The author, Barbara Arnold Linkous, tells the story of Murrell’s childhood and the situations that made him. The storyline involving child trafficking and other sinister practices during the 1890s is well-researched and presented creatively. The author skillfully and masterfully builds the essence of each character creating the opportunity for the listener to become embroiled in the storyline. The author utilizes a detailed writing style that allows the listener to vividly see the narrative as it unfolds.

The narrator, Marcus Barton, further brings to life Murrell through his talented voice and energy. Together with the author, Barton captures the essence of Murrell and brings a richness that captures true emotions experienced by a child being forced into adulthood quickly through deadly situations. His projection of each character is rich and allows the listener to keep the characters straight. His delivery and deliberate pauses add to the richness of the storyline and experience.

This audiobook is a must-listen, offering a deep dive into history with an emotional depth that enriches the overall experience.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Historical Fiction with life lesssons

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I'd consider this more of an autobiography than a novel. However, I really enjoyed it.

Murrel's life was challenging. He lost his mother at a very young age and his father never got over losing his wife and was unable to physically care for Murrel. Murrel did grow up to be a good man, but he still faced much adversity.

He fell in love with a neighbor's young granddaughter but had to watch her fall for someone else. However, after much adversity Murrel and Cora did end up having life together. Whioe it had its trials, it also had triumphs.

Murrell was a good man, but he was not a man of faith. I love seeing how redemption came to him. I really did enjoy the first person perspective as the story was written.

The narrator did a wonderful job on this book.

Very good!

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"Barbara Arnold Linkous' audiobook, 'Murrell's Story: Life on Bays Mountain Series, Book Two,' narrated by Marcus Barton, is a masterful journey into the heart of a young man's life, beautifully capturing the essence of a bygone era. Linkous pays remarkable attention to historical details, language, and provides an informative reflection of the time, making it an engrossing read.

Murrell Crawford's life is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of goodness. Despite enduring numerous hardships, Murrell's story revolves around his unyielding determination to find the silver linings in life. His experiences, from the loss of his Mama and emotional abandonment by his Daa to the grueling challenges faced on a work farm, offer a stark portrayal of the harsh conditions that orphans often endured during that period.

Linkous delves deep into the world of orphans and work farms, shedding light on the unkind treatment they faced in these unforgiving environments. It's impossible not to be moved by the plight of these unfortunate children, with their lives being compared to the struggles faced by those on the infamous orphan trains. Murrell's story serves as a poignant reminder of the harshness of their lives and the strength required to endure such hardships.

What truly shines in 'Murrell's Story' is the message of forgiveness and understanding that permeates throughout. Murrell's ability to rise above adversity through these virtues is both inspiring and heartwarming. His journey to halt a human trafficking gang showcases his unwavering determination and the lengths to which he is willing to go for the people he loves.

Marcus Barton's narration complements the story wonderfully, enhancing the overall listening experience without overshadowing the narrative. While not extravagant, Barton's performance is solid and engaging, making the audiobook an enjoyable companion for listeners.

In 'Murrell's Story,' we find a tale that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is a captivating story of resilience, forgiveness, and the pursuit of a better life. Linkous has crafted a historical fiction gem that reminds us that, indeed, running away from our problems is a race we'll never win, but understanding and forgiveness can lead us to victory in the end. This audiobook is a testament to the enduring power of the human heart."

Life down on the farm. This isn't Bob Evan's

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Listener received this title free

A wonderful book from this author! I would recommend the first book should be read first. This second in the series will have more meaning. However, it is not imperative. This book stands alone as well. The characters are so realistic and the historical aspect is informative and interesting. I learned much about in the mountains of Tennessee that was new to me. About the effects poverty and war had on the people there. Murrell did not have an easy life, but when he meets Cora he falls in love almost immediately. The story of his life and the trust he came to have in God is interesting and inspirational. Looking forward to all of the books in this series.

The narration was very well done and made the story realistic and the characters live.

I received this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Inspirational

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What a beautiful picture Barbara has painted with this story. I remember my Native grandmother telling me about the hard times they had during that time period. She too used herbs in healing, especially during the 1918 flu. She went with our local doctor and helped him and they used the horse and buggy to travel. This is an example of what happened during that time period. The people relied upon God to get them through good and bad times. I loved it. The narrator did a great job and he brought it to life.

Wonderful!

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Loved how this book followed the same life (for the most part) of Cora’s story except digs a bit further into Murrel’s life. Definitely heart touching to hear what these 2 went through.

Great addition to Cora’s story.

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Listener received this title free

Listening to Murrell’s Story was an enjoyable. It was an interesting story, but the hardships that were endured by Murrell were tough. He will tell you in the story about them from the time he is a young boy on the mountain until he married Cora. I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review.

Mountain Life

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