Lanier Larkin is a copywriter for a major marketing firm in New York having fled her roots in Georgetown, South Carolina nine years before. She’s also slightly estranged from her family, limiting her visits to annually at Christmas. But when she receives a desperate call from her grandmother, CeeCee, saying that her mother, Ivy, is missing, Larkin drops everything and returns home to the place that has so many wonderful—and hurtful—memories.
There are three narratives telling this lushly designed story of family, friendships and secrets and how they shape the people in its web. CeeCee is the woman who raised her best friend’s daughter, Ivy, after her death and was Larkin’s greatest influence. Ivy, who was seriously injured in a devastating fall, tells her story while in a coma. And, of course, Larkin, the daughter and granddaughter who is searching for answers and holds the key to unlocking secrets spanning over fifty years, as well as revelations of her own.
I loved how this story was presented with an homage to place, family and roots that are so important in Southern traditions. The three narrators were just excellent, handling transitions from 1951 to 2010 (present day) seamlessly. I always knew who was handling the story and where we were. There were a LOT of secrets and my one criticism is how long it takes for any of them to be revealed. The audiobook is much longer than the printed version because of the dramatic license taken by the narrators (it works).
This was my first book by the author and I loved her style of storytelling. I highly recommend the audio version because it takes the time to put emphasis on the relevant elements that underpin the meat of the story. It was a long journey (16 hours but I sped it up) but one that I was saddened to see end. And, it was worth the wait to learn those secrets in a most powerful ending.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 5, 2018
- Narrators: Shannon McManus, Cassandra Campbell & Susan Larkin
- Audio Length: 16 hours, 30 minutes
Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Lovely review, Jonetta! I love her style, too, and it’s great to know about the audio!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jennifer! I have another of her books on audio that I need to bump up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am seeing some good things about this book and I am so glad you enjoyed it, Jonetta. Now, if I could just get into audiobooks! 🙂 Super review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marialyce! If you’re one to get easily distracted when listening to audio, this one might be problematic as it’s long and requires careful attention.
LikeLike
I loved this one to but The Nights The Lights Went Out rocked my face off. I am looking forward to reading/listening to more of her books. Great review Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kimberly! That is so great to hear as I have that on audio. Definitely moving it up.
LikeLike
Sounds like a good one! Thanks for your review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That it was!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review I must look out for this on audio!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki! I think you’d enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonder review, Jonetta! I haven’t read anything by this author. I do have a few on my want to read list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Brenda! I highly recommend you give her a try.
LikeLike
Lovely review! I love Karen White!! She is an auto-read author for me. So far my favorite book is The Night the Lights Went out – Sugar is priceless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tina! I have that book, too…on audio. Now I’m dying to get to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You gotta let me know what you think when you do. Where do you get your audiobooks from?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most from the library and others from the publishers. I have an Audible account for those I cannot get from either of those two sources.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just checking to see if you had a secret source that I was unaware of lol
I get most of mine from my library, sometimes from audible when they are running a special price.
LikeLike
I haven’t read anything by Karen White yet but I always hear such great things about her writing so I’m glad to see how much you enjoyed this book. Wonderful review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Suzanne! It took me awhile to just start this and now I’m kicking myself for not reading it earlier. She’s an excellent writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Jonetta. I have read two books by Karen White and definitely want to read more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carla! I’m now a fan, too.
LikeLike