Isadora (Dora) Conroy is a Philadelphia antiques dealer with thespian roots as her parents and brother are seasoned actors and performers. When she travels to Virginia and buys a specific lot of items from a local dealer, she unwittingly places herself in the crosshairs of some extremely dangerous smugglers. Meanwhile, she’s rented the unit next to hers to prickly Jed Kimmerhorn, a former Philadelphia Police Department captain who comes in handy in a number of ways, especially when trouble comes to town.
I’m a collector and for years visited local antique shops wherever I traveled so I liked Dora almost immediately. There’s so much to learn from dealers and Roberts did her homework, as usual, in developing this character who was a fantastic collector. Her theatrical family added a lightness to balance the brutality of the villains in this story and provided context for her personality. Jed is also a multilayered character, coming from two blue blood families but choosing law enforcement as a career choice. A tragic event had him voluntarily leave a force that desperately wants him back. These two weren’t the perfect match and their sparring made things more interesting.
I enjoyed the story but the romance aspect showed its age, somewhat. Jed was a little too rough for my sensibilities, reflecting what was popular in the genre during that timeframe but no longer something you want to see. However, I loved their banter and combined sleuthing, which really advanced their relationship. I also chose to listen to the story but this was one I should have read. The narrator’s depiction of Dora made her sound silly and frivolous, which diminished a woman I found extraordinary. While her performance was otherwise compelling, every time she took up Dora’s voice, she threw me out of the story. My recommendation is to opt for the printed or ebook version as this was a good and suspenseful story with great crop of characters.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 10, 2008
- Narrator: Sandra Burr
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 23 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Blue Mood Café 
Fantastic review Jo, but what a shame the narrator didn’t get Dora’s voice right for her character!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 She was so good with the rest of the story but she was way, way off on Dora.
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Weird how that happens!
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As you well know, a narrator can make or break a story. It’s a shame that Dora’s narrator was not a right fit. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 Whenever she was being Dora, I couldn’t even concentrate on the story. She just got her completely wrong.
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Great review. Always love a theatrical family. 💙
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Thank you, Lindsay💜 The theatrical part was a highlight.
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Wonderful review! Such a shame the narrator wasn’t a good fit though. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 I’m sorry, too, because I had the option to read it.
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I can see how a narrator can have a big impact. I do love Nora Roberts’ books though I always read them. Wonderful review!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I love Nora and the narrator altered my experience. That never happens now as her current narrators are wonderful.
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Great review Jonetta. I read this one years ago, and yes, romance is very different in stories now from what it was 16 years ago. Glad you enjoyed it regardless.
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Thank you, Carla💜 This kind of romance was what drove me away from the genre years ago. It wasn’t that bad but it had some cringe-worthy moments b
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Maybe not my cup of tea, but still, I have a couple or Nora Roberts recommendations on my wish list from you, Jo.
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I liked this one, didn’t love it. Her newer single titles are so much better.
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See, that’s the kind of feedback I love. You let me know just who to choose, and which books to look out for. Thank you! 😀
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You’re welcome! I try hard.
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Excellent review. Good to know as I am collecting some Nora on audio.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Anne, I hated her version of Dora. Check out the sample and see what you think.
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