the setup…
Arden Bowie works in a bookstore in North Shot, Ohio and has launched her debut novel to great success. At her first author event, she meets Dustin Dubecki, a fan and an aspiring writer. Though he comes on a little strong, she’s able to handle him. When he shows up at her next event and then the next, Arden decides to accept his invitation for coffee and advice so she can “politely” shut him down. When he later shows up at her apartment, she again ignores that inner voice and becomes victim of a brutal assault. Slowly Arden becomes a prisoner in her own home and after a time, decides to leave Ohio for Riverbend, Oregon to regain her power and build a new community for herself.
the heart of the story…
I love how Roberts takes the time to develop a character and create a strong sense of time and place. Arden’s emergence from victim to survivor takes that time and I reveled in her emergence and embrace of her adopted family. What she created in Oregon was like a warm blanket, being in close proximity to her family and introducing new friends who were vividly crafted. One of them is Gideon Riley, a former L. A. detective now helping his grandfather in his store and crating amazing woodwork. Their romance was organic and simmered nicely.
the narration…
I have a long list of favorites but January LaVoy holds the number one spot. She’s a master storyteller and is superb at creating distinctive voices for all characters. She was in her element here and put me in my happy place.
the bottom line…
It’s classic Nora, setting the stage early and taking the time to slowly develop characters, community and tension. It not only is a case of Arden regaining her power but doing so with the building anxiety around her perpetrator someday being released. I felt and loved everything, not able to stop, wanting more even after 15 hours of listening. This is must read!
Book Info
- Release Date: May 26, 2026
- Narrator: January LaVoy
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 59 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
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Blue Mood Café 
Great review Jonetta! Happy to see you loved it so much!
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