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When Willa Fell

By: Laraine F. Eddington
Narrated by: Lauren Dietzel
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Publisher's summary

Growing up under wide blue skies, Effie is snug on the family ranch in Arizona. But in an instant, she learns that life and death and plans aren’t even on speaking terms. Hiding her part in the death of her best friend covers grief with guilt.

And then there is the foster sister invading her life. Straight off the Navajo reservation, Verna Yazzie’s differences infuriate Effie. Confronting her own prejudice and searing loss, she must share her home and family with someone she loathes. Both girls stumble to understand each other in a year long journey filled with humor and heartache.

Will Effie cling to her guilty secret, or chart a path to trust and friendship?

©2021 Laraine F. Eddington (P)2021 Laraine F. Eddington
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What listeners say about When Willa Fell

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Amazing!

This book is a work of art. I loved each detail, it made me feel like I was there. I could picture each thing perfectly and felt so immersed in the story. I couldn’t stop listening and finished in one day! The narrator was perfect for the story and I was impressed with her voices for each character, it really made them come alive.

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Childhood resilience with warmth and humor

This was an uncensored, funny, heartbreaking story about childhood friendship, family and loss. Ultimately the story is about childhood resilience. I loved reading about this little girl growing up on a ranch in Arizona. The language was straight out of my 1960’s childhood. The reader was outstanding as a reader/actress.

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Loved it!

Had me smiling, chuckling and crying. Wonderful depiction of the characters and their surroundings. I loved the descriptions of the Arizona landscape.

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Delightful read!

I didn’t just listen to this book. I was immersed in the world of Effie, Willa and Verna. Their childhood became mine. I felt their tears and their triumphs. This is a story of family and friendship, growth and loss, pain and joy. Laraine Eddington’s vibrant words and Lauren Dietzel’s charming narration will stay with me for a long time to come.

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Absolutely love this book from the first words to the last words

I bought this book and listen to it on audible. The narrators voice was awesome. The storytelling by Larayne is awesome, the story is great and the characters are awesome. If you grew up anytime in the 70s in any small town in America you will absolutely love this book. Again the writing is terrific and everything comes to life so profoundly that you feel like you are right there alongside !!!

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Outstanding Narration for Superb Story

The narration was absolutely perfect for this gem of a book. I highly recommend it!

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❤️❤️❤️

A beautiful story with small town Arizona vibes. I loved it. Well written and well read.

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Healing power of stories

my sister has lost 5 family members during this year (2021), 2 being daughters and our brother. I found this book to be beautifully written and the messages are insightful and inspired. I know that I found healing in its stories and hope. Thank you for sharing your talent in story telling with the world.

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Wonderful Read!

Such an authentic experience. The characters are alive and real and consistent. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story with such a tragic event. It is true to its time period and location. Laraine Eddington is a gifted writer. Let’s hope this isn’t her only book.

The narrator is very talented and did an amazing job of getting us to believe she was the main character. She mispronounced a few words. Too bad she didn’t know a little bit more about Arizona.

Overall an amazing book!!

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Home Run Hit

Eddington covered all the bases with this beautifully written story of family, faith and friendship. When Effie's cousin and best friend dies, she is lost in grief, and sadness, and guilt. The remedy is administered in a very unexpected and somewhat symbolic way. Laraine perfectly reflects life in the 70's in "When Willa Fell", bringing back memories of when farts were called toots, families worshipped and ate together, and Kick the Can was what kept kids out (side) late at night. Lauren Dietzel's narration is spot on, as is her singing voice.

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