the setup…
Felicia is a lawyer who volunteers at a local crisis center, manning the phones for national suicide prevention calls. One evening she takes a call from an extremely distraught teenage girl who is threatening to kill herself because of a video that’s being circulated at school by the boys that drugged and raped her at a party. Felicia breaks protocol in desperation, giving out her personal cell number after she realizes the girl attends the same private school as her own son. That marked the beginning of a roller coaster ride that seemed to have no good end.
the heart of the story…
Felicia is a single mother and has raised her son Hunter alone since birth. He’s a straight-A student and star athlete, never having given her a single moment of real concern. But she’s troubled by the girl’s story and questions about Hunter’s time the night of that party. Her inner struggle with believing and trusting in her son versus pursuing the circumstances more felt honest and realistic. Her connection to the girl creates a conundrum as she has an equal desire to protect her as well.
the narration…
It’s a short story so there’s so little time to effectively establish character identities but both narrators accomplished that right away. And the storytelling skills? Outstanding.
the bottom line…
I had no idea where this would go but there were little crumbs along the way that ended up being helpful. And, throughout we get pieces of Felicia’s backstory that make her decisions even more believable. Can’t tell you anymore details so you must grab this audiobook and get ready for a great listening experience. That ending? Wow…just wow.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 12, 2024
- Narrators: A. J. Cook & Tessa Albertson
- Audio Length: 3 hours, 54 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Originals
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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio Originals for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
This book sounds so intriguing and emotional! Great review Jonetta!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 It is loaded with emotion!
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This sounds really good Jo. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 It’s outstanding!
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This is amazing! Everyone should read it. I LOVED it. It’s hard to review because it is not long and shouldn’t be spoiled. Wow is right.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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It’s really tough to review so I just stuck to feelings. I couldn’t stop listening.
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This sounds like one I would love. Great review, Jo. Off to see if I can get my hands on this one.
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Thank you, Carla💜 It’s definitely something you’d enjoy!
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Ever since becoming a counselor, I struggle with stories that contain suicide or to a lesser degree – suicide ideation. It’s become almost a trigger in a weird way. I guess because it’s something I handle professionally and it’s never easy. Never easy. That said, this must have been quite an emotional read!
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Tessa, it was quite emotional💜 I think this is one you’d be more drawn to the phone counselor than the teenager. I’d be interested in your take on how she handled everything.
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