Ups and Downs

It is a great story in many ways. undying love, family values, mistakes and forgiveness, constant twists and turns.... l

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A Wonderful Romance!

This is the first book in the Paines Creek Beach series. I really enjoyed it.

I downloaded this book in audiobook format as I have listened to this author's work in this way before and really enjoyed it. This story is narrated by George Kuch. His narration was easy to listen to and his reading pace kept me engaged.

Finn McGraw is a wonderful character. I really liked this young man. He fell in love with a mysterious young girl he met on the beach when he was seventeen and had an affair. Ten years later he's married and working at the Seacrest, a horse farm, when his life is turned upside down by a tragic accident and his wife and his estranged brother are killed. As he delves deeper into his brother's life, he finds out secrets long kept hidden. With the help of his employer's daughter, he begins to realise that things are not all as they seem. However, Libby Van der Horne has her own secrets and demons from her past.

It is not often that I come across romance books told through the male POV, but I must admit that it makes a nice change. Each chapter is told through alternating time lines, flicking between 2013 to 1997. I did find myself wondering who the girl Finn met and fell in love with really was, as her identity was hidden for the majority of the story. Even Finn never really knew her real name until later (he gave her a nickname - Sassy). Nevertheless, their love story was extremely touching and made me a little teary-eyed at times.

There are a few story threads in this tale that weave into the whole. There is Finn's past and his one true love. Then there's the car accident that killed Finn's wife, Cora, and his brother Jackson, which creates a mystery that sees him trying to piece together the events leading up to the accident. Then there is Libby's past and her secret. All in all, this story is masterfully told with several twists and turns that kept surprising me. There is mystery, suspense, love, loss, forgiveness and redemption, along with a whole emotional roller coaster from start to finish. My only gripe is that I would have loved to have known the identity of "Sassy" long before it was revealed. However, that is only my opinion. Other readers may not have the same reaction. The ending, for me, was bitter sweet and something I didn't expect. I am looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, The Seacroft, as soon as I can.

Aaron Paul Lazar has written a fantastic tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. I also love the flow. He has found another fan. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some slightly explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

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Good

The tension of his feelings the heartbreak in his life for one so young, was well done by the author and the narration of this story. The narration was also excellent in the depth and clarity, well done. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

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Wonderful

The Seacrest by Aaron Paul Lazarwas the first book I read by Lazar, so it is only fitting that it is my first Audible experience. Narrated by George Kuch, this book is perfect in every way. Kuch is a master of voices, keeping all of the different from each other, yet consistently the same throughout. This is a fantastic story, so it was a fantastic audible.

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I was hooked!

If you could sum up The Seacrest in three words, what would they be?

First love forever

What did you like best about this story?

It's very difficult to switch time frames and make it work without jarring the reader, but Mr. Lazar does it beautifully in The Seacrest. Each chapter becomes a short story in itself, and the reader is taken back and forth as the story unfolds into the present. And what a story. There's something in the book for everyone: mystery, suspense, but it's mainly a love story that survives lies, mistrust, and misconceptions. Fortunately, I listened to it on a long drive, and I was totally caught up in the story and eager to find out what happened next.

What does George Kuch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Both reading a book and listening to one offers totally different experiences. Reading allows you to create the scenes and voices in your mind. Listening adds emotion, and Mr. Kuch does a fine job drawing the reader into the head of the main character. I felt the pain and joy and love through his narration. Fine job, Mr. Kuch.

Any additional comments?

Mr. Lazar is a fine writer. Period. End of story.

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Another Winner From Aaron Lazar

Would you listen to The Seacrest again? Why?

This first class recording, rich with layers and visuals, is worthy of more than one listen. I found the audiobook to be the perfect companion to the print version of the book. George Kuch's voicing kept me on the edge of my seat for much of the recording.

What other book might you compare The Seacrest to and why?

The first book that comes to mind for comparison is John Hart's "The Last Child." Fraught with tragedy love won and lost, and regret, "The Seacrest" raises expectations from the average coming-of-age journey.

Which scene was your favorite?

The fire scene was particularly compelling. Intense and terrifying, I could all but feel the flames.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have listened to the recording in one sitting if I possibly could have. I found Finn's journey from teenager to adulthood quite fascinating. The characters, locations and settings are rich and visual and narration by George Kuch is flawless and compelling.

Any additional comments?

I'm a big fan of Mr. Lazar's books and the audio version of this release brings the words to life--a satisfying, at times harrowing movie I could all but see and feel. Finn's tale is heartbreaking and I couldn't help but love this character.

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A story of love, wrapped up in a riddle

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I definitely would! Exquisitely told in the manly voice of Finn McGraw, and charged with intrigue and emotion, this is a story of love, wrapped up in a riddle. The closer we come to solving it, the more reachable is the promise of gaining a second chance at that first love. It is that combination—the soft, romantic note and the sharp, quick one of finding a way to solve that mystery—that is essential in the story telling of The Seacrest. At the romantic mode, Aaron Paul Lazar infuses his descriptions with sensual details, such as the scent of the sea. “A fresh breeze laden with the scent of the sea rustled blue flowers…” At the mystery writing mode, he sounds a shrill note of alarm, for example in the very first sentence: “Life can change in the blink of an eye. This blink came when…”

What about George Kuch’s performance did you like?

Really enjoyed the voice of George Kuch as Finn. After listening to him reading Seacrest I checked out some of his other work, and I can hear that even when he does non-fixtion, such as in Write Like the Wind: Volume 1 and Volume II, he can be lift the text from the page and make it personal, even intimate. That, to me, is the mark of good narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

“I held her, realizing with a start that in spite of the horror of what happened, our future now lay open…”

Any additional comments?

The story keeps alternating between two time frames: the past, when Finn first fell in love with Libby and lost her, and the present, when his wife, Cara and his brother Jax are found dead as her car goes off a cliff. Are these events, separated by time, connected? Can Finn put together the clues and gain an understanding, perhaps even redemption, so that love can blossom over the ruins of his past, as once it did?

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Received free copy from author on Goodreads

What did you like best about The Seacrest? What did you like least?

BEST

Interlocking mysteries
Complexity of family life
Shocking conclusion

LEAST

Too much sex, often excessively explicit (leave more to the imagination)
The love story was insufficiently developed, making it feel like "insta-love".

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

MOST iNTERESTING

What does it mean to follow our dreams? Can we ever be truly happy pursuing someone else's aspirations?

LEAST INTERESTING

Our young lead falling in love with a girl he doesn't know and can't trust.

Would you be willing to try another one of George Kuch’s performances?

Not likely. Very wooden, sounds too old (sorry, sir!) and accent is wrong for the setting.

Did The Seacrest inspire you to do anything?

Yes. To be myself, embrace my flaws and seek out meaningful relationships.

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Second chance love

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes because it's all about love,second chances and betrayal

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Seacrest?

There were several memorable moments especially between Finn and Libby, and between Finn and his family

What does George Kuch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration brought the characters to life

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Betrayal love and second chances

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed Aaron Paul Lazar's depiction of family life

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Powerful Romance Literature

Aaron Paul Lazar is a truly gifted writer, who has brought to life an amazing story of love and forgiveness. The book builds as it progresses. It became so good that I couldn't stop listening! The storyline shifts between the past and the future in the characters' lives before merging into an unexpected ending. It has depth. It is a story of life lessons rather than a simple romance. I felt like I grew as a person through sharing the emotional experience. I wish that I could rate this audiobook higher than five stars! I would highly recommend this gem to others!

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