#thereturn #nicholassparks #kyfbrewer #aninfinitelovestory #chanelcleeton #bartoncaplan #kellitager #thehousemaidssecret #freidamcfadden #laurynallman #thesecretsofus #lucindaberry #katerudd #laurenenzo
How is it possible that another month has flown by and is history? Here in sunny Florida, we missed a meeting with Tropical Storm Bertha, but we didn’t miss a scorching heat index and suffocating humidity. The good news is these are perfect days for floating in the pool and listening to some favorite authors and narrators. Because I decided to listen to my palate cleanser first, I chose the latest by an author who is known for feel good books, and I wasn’t disappointed. My second selection turned out to be even more of a feel good book than number one. Book three is by an author who has no intention of making anyone feel good, but she is going to intrigue and entertain and make you smile even when the psychos are running amok. The last book is by an author I haven’t read in a while, so when I stumbled across her book in my library, I decided to add her psychos to the previous psychos and end the month on a wild and crazy ride. I’m still shaking my head.
By Nicholas Sparks
Narrated by Kyf Brewer
If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks, The Return will meet your expectations. We have Trevor Benson, a physician newly retired from the military due to an injury who has returned to his late grandfather’s farm to recover from PTSD and to take his medical career in a different direction. We have Natalie Masterson, a police officer who is keeping a secret, and we have Callie, a young girl, apparently a runaway, who is keeping a secret. And as the world of fiction would have it, it’s possible that Trevor’s grandfather Carl might have also been keeping a secret. I don’t think it’s too much of a spoiler to tell you that one by one, the secrets will be revealed, and that the storyline evolves from how the secrets come to light and how they intertwine with each other. A sweet romance and a primer on beekeeping is woven into the narrative as Kyf Brewer performs this tale of the redemptive power of patience, kindness, and forgiveness.
By Chanel Cleeton
Narrated by Barton Caplan & Kelli Tager
Occasionally while listening to books and then writing my reviews, the historical events I remember occurring during my lifetime are evidence that I have been around for quite a while. More likely than not, when this happens, I’m glad to connect with authors and their work in this way. Some of the books I’ve read by Chanel Cleeton go back so far that I can’t relate, but An Infinite Love Story is one that brings back memories of a president who had so much to give and was robbed of the opportunity; it also brings back memories of a dream he had of space travel and the places we have gone because of that dream. An Infinite Love Story is a work of fiction that uses historical facts to tell an important story about what it was like for the early astronauts and their families. Vivian and Joe Mitchell are the fictional astronaut couple whose love story will take you over. From their first meeting to the words that no military spouse ever wants to hear, there is always love. Even when they acknowledge that Vivian wants stability while Joe dreams of going to the moon, there is always love. And as Vivian begins to sense there is something between her and Joe that transcends time or space, she accepts that love may indeed be infinite. In reading the book description, I confess I was expecting a storyline about time travel. Even though that wasn’t the case, I wasn’t disappointed. There is so much more to this book, so just read it, or even better, listen because narrators Kelli Tager and Barton Caplan will touch your heart with their performances.
By Freida McFadden
Narrated by Lauryn Allman
Millie Calloway, the star of Freida McFadden’s Housemaid books, just can’t seem to stay out of trouble even though she has the best of intentions. Her goal in life is to finish college and become a social worker so she can help women who’ve been the victims of abuse. Her ability to land squarely in the middle of trouble is almost comedic except people keep dying and Millie has a knack for being directly or indirectly involved. When she loses her job as a nanny because the baby she is caring for won’t stop calling her “mama”, she must find another job or risk losing a place to live and her college money. She has a boyfriend who wants her to move in with him, but the situation is complicated by two facts: he doesn’t know she is an ex-con and she doesn’t know if she’s in love with him. If all that isn’t convoluted enough for you, just wait. Millie’s new job will place her in a home where her efforts to rescue the lady of the house who seems to be a victim of spousal abuse get her in more trouble than she bargained for. That’s all I’m going to tell you because you need to travel the same twisty road I did while listening to The Housemaid’s Secret. Lauryn Allman will make it a fascinating ride with her performance of the characters who include folks like you and me along with some really clever psychos. I know there are some very strange people in this world and I think they all need to have a housemaid like Millie!
By Lucinda Berry
Narrated by Kate Rudd and Lauren Ezzo
For those of you who occasionally bemoan the fact that you had a somewhat dull and ordinary childhood … be thankful. Dull and ordinary can be easily changed when you grow up and are on your own. Imagine that you and your chosen sister have been in foster care for a good part of your lives. Imagine that your foster mom isn’t just a little bit quirky, but downright crazy. Imagine that this woman has given birth to a genuinely psychotic child. Maybe you can overcome this, and maybe not. Maybe you’re OK, but your sister isn’t. Maybe a past filled with secrets and unspeakable horror just won’t go away but keeps coming back to haunt you. Doesn’t that sound like a book that will keep you awake at night if for no other reason than you’re hooked on the storyline, and you want to binge listen while others are sleeping peacefully in a world where everyone is dull and ordinary. Is that enough of a teaser? No spoilers because I want you to experience every “gotcha” moment for yourselves. Lucinda Berry will reveal all The Secrets of Us and Kate Rudd and Lauren Ezzo do an exceptional job of performing every cringey moment for you.  This book should come with a nightlight because, without a doubt, you’ll need one before you finish listening!
Thank You For Following Us at Literati Literature Lovers and Happy Listening in August!
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