the setup…
Every year, Ella and husband Mac take a 7-day wellness cruise on a yacht chartered in the waters of Northeast Australia. This year, however, he’s had to beg off to cover for his ailing partner and, since the trip is non refundable, Ella must go alone. She’s a little nervous about it as Mac is the social butterfly of the two and she depends on him to keep things lively. The captain does this “Speak Your Truth” game everyday to help passengers bond and Ella finds common ground with Chloe, a young oncology nurse, after the first turn. Little did she know that they’d find more to bond over in these uncharted waters.
the heart of the story…
It’s a short story so I’ll spare you too much detail. I had a feeling where the story would lead and I wasn’t wrong but there was still something fresh in how it played out. And, I liked how Ella being on her own led to some self discoveries as she ventured forth is several uncharted waters (yes, I loved the connections).
the narration…
The narrator is new to me and I enjoyed her performance. She made it feel like I was listening to Ella speak and it wasn’t just storytelling. And, I think there was a little something more in delivering the subtle messages of the story in this format.
the bottom line…
One of the things I like about short stories when they’re executed well is the succinct delivery of a particular theme or message that leaves you hanging, just a little. This one checked all of my boxes and left me smiling (a wry one at that). I had this categorized as a mystery but changed it to contemporary fiction. There’s a teeny bit of mystery but that would be misleading. I liked this one, a lot, and am looking forward to exploring the entire collection.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 30, 2022
- Series: Getaway #1
- Narrator: Candice Moll
- Audio Length: 1 hour, 44 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Amazon | Audible
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Ooh you got to this one, Jonetta. Not sure when I will 😉 I have all my audio holds coming in all at once. I’ve been a bit greedy at my libraries I think! Thanks for the recap!
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If you’re an Amazon prime member, this is free. Hope you can get it, Suzanne!
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I feel so silly Jonetta, I’ve never seen audio on Prime, but now I see it on the cover. I do have access to Amazon Prime. Thanks for telling me 💚
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Yay💜
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I have this one too, but in print form. I am so glad you enjoyed it. I am reading her Soulmate right now and it is fascinating and riveting. Love your review, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I do hope you like the subtleties of the story.
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Fab review Jo you’ve really intrigued! Too bad I don’t have prime or audible! 😦
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Great review, Jonetta. Self-discovery stories are worth reading. Will definitely check it out.
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You’ve definitely intrigued me with this review. I just might have to give this a read. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I hope you do give it a try. FYI, free for Amazon Prime members.
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Excellent!!!
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Excellent! I’m so glad to see your review — I love Sally Hepworth’s books, but didn’t know this existed… and I just checked Audible, and it’s on sale today for 70 cents! Thank you!!
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That’s a bargain for this story! I got the entire collection.
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I enjoy a short story if it is well done and doesn’t leave me hanging. This one sounds good and I was able to pick it up through KU read/listen. I will see if I like it and maybe continue with the series. Nice review.
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Thanks, Carla💜 I hope you enjoy it!
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