Sunday, May 21, 2023

✱✱Audio Book Review✱✱ The Summer We Fell by Elizabeth O'Roark

 

The Summer We Fell
By: Elizabeth O'Roark
Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor & Teddy Hamilton

An angsty second-chance forbidden romance.

He was my boyfriend’s best friend—and the bane of my existence. I wanted to hate Luke Taylor. I did hate him. I just never hated him enough.

Now, a decade later, tragedy has brought us back to the place where it all happened—my best times and my worst.

Our lives have changed, but that pull between us is just as strong as ever.

Only this time, it’s more dangerous too.


Momma Says: 4 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've had the pleasure of listening to a handful of Elizabeth O'Roark's books, and the thing that always impresses me is how relatable and real her characters are. I found the same great character development in The Summer We Fell. The emotions run high in this one in both the past and present - yep, the story bounces back and forth between then and now. I don't always care for that in a book, but it's totally necessary for this one, and O'Roark does her usual exceptional job with the storyline.
Now, there are elements here that some will find objectionable. Technically, I find some of the character's actions objectionable, but that's the thing about this author's writing. These things happen all the time. The actions of a girl Juliet's age and background are totally believable, and whether I agree with those actions or not, I understand them. I can even empathize with why and how some things came about. And regardless of whether or not I agree with the way things happened between Juliet and Luke, I still found myself rooting for them.
There are characters I liked immediately and some that grew on me. Then there were the ones I didn't like at all and the ones I changed my mind about as things progressed. Isn't that life, though? Some people we connect with immediately and some not so much, and coming from a small town, I'd have to say that so many of these characters ring true.
I realize I've been vague, but there are things I don't want to give away. I'd agree that this book is not for everyone, but if you like Elizabeth O'Roark's books, I'd recommend giving it a go with an open mind.
I listened to this one, and I have to mention Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton. I was already familiar with both narrators, and they always impress me, so it's no surprise that they did so again. They bring out the many emotions of this story, and they do an excellent job of keeping the characters distinct. So, have a listen and let the combination of terrific writing and equally terrific narration draw you into this small-town romance. 


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