Caitlyn Sullivan comes from acting royalty, beginning with her great grandfather Liam Sullivan, a Hollywood legend. She began her own acting career young and became a child star in her own right. However, her abduction at age ten during a family celebration in Big Sur permanently changed the course of her life. As she matured, Cate’s path led her in a myriad of directions and relationships until she settled into her true calling as a voice actress, which led her back to the home where she was taken and to the family and boy (now man) that once provided her refuge.
In recent years, Roberts seems to be drifting more towards contemporary fiction with elements of romance and suspense. I’m one of those fans whose loving the shift as no one writes these kind of stories better. I was only a few moments into the book when it started to captivate me, pulling me into the warmth and strength of the Sullivan family and its strong ties and history. Cate was surrounded by love, tradition and multigenerational family members so her abduction disrupted a life that was predestined for success. The impact was portrayed subtly and with authenticity, not going down any dramatic tracks but showing how that trauma influenced her personal and career choices.
I’m being deliberately vague about the details as this book covers Cate’s life as a child through adulthood. One aspect I will elaborate on, though, is her career as a voice actress. If you entertained thoughts of what that entails you might want to reconsider. Much is shared not only about the business but the creative art of the performances. It was illuminating and fascinating, made even more exciting because it was being delivered by one of the best voice actresses in the business, January LaVoy, my personal choice as most favorite. She delivered her “typical” great performance but I have a new level of respect for her artistry.
Despite the story having a low level of suspense (except at the beginning which had my heart racing), I very much enjoyed being in a Nora Roberts world that spanned a couple of decades. The richness of the characterizations, settings and storytelling is always a staple and I loved being in it. If ever there was a time to choose the audio version, this is it given that the main character is a voice actress and it’s narrated by one of the best. Cate’s romance with Dillon Cooper is a slow burn but in today’s market of instalove, it was a welcome change. And, she took a circuitous route to get back to him. This one really worked for me and I was sad when I reached the end.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 26, 2020
- Narrator: January LaVoy
- Audio Length: 15 hours, 45 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
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(Thanks to Macmillan Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I’ve recently bought a bunch of Roberts books and can’t wait to give them a try! I enjoy suspense that doesn’t interrupt my sleep (I’m a wimp haha) so this one sounds interesting! I like that it spans a few decades and has an authentic portrayal of voice actors. Fab review Jonetta 😊
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Thank you, Jen💜 This would be a good one to start with if you’re a bit squeamish about suspense levels.
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I have not read her in such a long time. I know I need to bring some of her books up to the top of my list. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 She has SO many good books out there and they’ll be around forever when you’re ready.
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True that
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You are a blessing. I saw this book in Amazon. Now I am gonna get it. Lovely review ❤️
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Thank you, Shalini💜 Fingers crossed 🤞 you enjoy it, too!
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So glad you enjoyed this. I downloaded it yesterday and will be getting to it soon 💚
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Hope you enjoy, Cathy💜
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Thanks 🙂
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Lovely review, once again, Jonetta. 🙂 An abduction at such a tender age will change anyone. Glad to know Cate found her true calling. This may not be true for every victim.
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Thank you, Debjani💜 It was a remarkable story.
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Wonderful review definitely adding this one to my audible wishlist!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 This is a good use of a credit.
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I’m glad to hear how much you enjoyed this one. It’s nice to hear that it offers insights into the voice acting industry too. Great review! 😮
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Thank you, Lashaan💜 It was an incredible education about the voice acting industry.
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Life fiction! IT also is a great author and great narrator. I am working on her long list of books, slowly. Wonderful review!
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜 This definitely fits your definition of life fiction. I’m also working through her backlist while keeping current. FYI, she’s got a fantasy series starting later this year.
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Yay for fantasy
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Thought you might like that😏
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Love to read this review! I just started this one, Jonetta. Would you believe this is my first Nora?!?
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Thank you, Sarah💜 Oh, you’ve a treasure trove of titles in front of you!
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