The Lovers

Gem of a story

This is a story that will stay with me for a very long time. Irina Shapiro is an amazing storyteller. I read at least a couple of books a week so how has it taken me this long to find her? Lovers is the type of story we all hope to have when starting a new book, that gem of a story that will make you want to cancel plans and call in sick to work. Nothing else matters except the story of the two lovers. I loved having the two stories running simultaneously as both stories held my interest equally. The blurb let’s you know that one of those stories ends tragically but I was still not prepared for the total devastation I felt at the conclusion of James and Elise. I was emotional drained and literally cried as I opened an expensive bottle of wine to mourn the Lovers. Wendy Wolfson did an amazing job bringing this story to life. Her narration was perfect for the story. I probably could go on and on as once my review is written the book will truely be over and I’m just not ready for that. Luckily I already purchased book 2.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

History comes to life

Great story. Love the Past and Present storylines. I didn't think Foresenic anthropology would spark my interest. But I am history minor so this is right up my alley. The ending is a whoa moment. I highly recommend this audiobook. You must listen to it!!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

another wonderful book from Irina Shapiro!

I loved this book. the story was great and was well written. The narration was wonderful and the narrator took on the different voices without being fake or cringe worthy. there were enough twists and turns to keep it interesting and flipping back and forth between time periods was done seamlessly. I am looking forward to listening to more books in this series when they become available. Irina Shapiro is definitely one of my favorite authors and I have loved everything she has written.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wish I could rate this book with 10 stars!!

I was a bit skeptical going into this book...not sure how the two timelines would work...but, oh my, am I glad that it did not scare me off!!! The writing was stellar, the narration was on point and I want more!!
The book starts of with the discovery of a chest with human remains, that appear to be from the 17th century, and dubbed 'the Lovers'. Renowned archeologist, Dr. Quinn Allenby, is called in by producers from BBC, who are doing a series "Echoes from the Past" on this discovery. Quinn is a psychic and can see into the past by touching objects. When Quinn touches a piece of jewelry that is found in the chest, she begins to see into the life of Elise de Lesseps, a 17 yo English woman that was sold to Lord Asher to satisfy her father's debts. What should have been a joyous time in her young life, turns into one of humiliation and loneliness, but, since she is 'just chattel' to her new husband, Elise has no choice.
The story of this courageous and kind hearted young woman is heart rending...so glad that I wasn't born into that time in history!!! Amidst discovering the life and mystery surrounding the deaths of 'the Lovers', Quinn is discovering secrets of her own past. This book is captivating and one of those 'unputdownable' ones for me...I completed it in one day. The narration is phenomenal and keeps you engaged. If you enjoy romantic suspense and historical genre, this combo is definitely for you!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Perfect Story and Narration!

Every so often you come upon a book you know will be an all time favorite. As you go through it, you want to keep reading, yet don’t want it to end. And as an author, you’re both enamored with the story and almost jealous you didn’t think of it first! I found that with this audiobook!

In 1665 Elise de Laseppes has been biding her time, waiting to announce her secret betrothal to a common lad to her father. But one morning, her father calls for her, telling her to prepare for her wedding to Lord Asher. Lord Asher is rich, widowed, twice her age, and able to save the de Laseppes from ruin. While she wants nothing more than to run away with the boy who promises her the world, she can’t. Her two little sisters depend on her to keep the family afloat, even if they don’t fully understand it. So she leaves her childhood home to become the literal lady of the manor. But her well-bred husband hides more than one secret and Elise will be tasked with not only saving her family, but herself as her husband strives to get an heir.

In 2013 London, Dr. Quinn Allenby is straight off a nasty breakup and home from a successful archeological trip to Jerusalem when she receives a new task. A pair of skeletons was found in a chest, a makeshift coffin with evidence to show that neither person was dead when they were left alone in the dark. She’s approached by a producer who wants her to head a historical drama show, featuring the mysterious skeleton, and implores her to find the true story by any means necessary. Using her special skills, Quinn sets off to give them back their identities. But as she works to discover the skeletons’ pasts, her own comes into clearer focus.

Two women, centuries apart, brought together by chance and a blue brooch that holds the secret behind the hidden chest.

One of the hardest parts about writing reviews is that sometimes you need to leave out some of the best parts, as to not spoil anything. All I can say is that Quinn has certain abilities that ties her to Elise in a way she can’t fully explain. As more of Elise’s life is revealed, the deeper Quinn’s character development goes. She lives her life alongside Elise’s past in a seamless way that Shapiro should be congratulated for. It’s difficult to time hop without confusing readers or muddling the stories, but everything is crystal clear in this book by the end.

As a historian, I love to take note of the bits and pieces in all historicals I read. Shapiro’s book was a a fine example of a well researched piece. The food, clothing, ailments, and accessories such as birthing chairs and plague doctors were slipped in naturally, setting up the time period without it being forced. Still, Elise and her loved ones had personalities that transcended time.

The narration of The Lovers was wonderful. Wolfson’s voice was clear and easy to get lost in. The pace was perfect and the slight changes in the characters through their own voices wasn’t overdone or cartoonish as some are. Usually I limit my audiobook listening to car rides and dog walks, but I found myself listening to this one almost nonstop until the end.

Overall, if you couldn’t tell, I loved this book. I could see it as a movie with the same thrilling, dramatic feel as The Da Vinci Code or Tulip Fever. In ebook, paperback, or audiobook, this is the perfect read for lovers of thrillers, romance, and mysteries.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

You won't be able to stop listening!

I loved the story and the two different time lines of the characters. You will not be disappointed!

Great Story!

This was my first Irina Shapiro's book. Wow! This is a wonderful and well written historical story with a great storyline, filled with mystery. Quinn is a great character. I love the scenery, so well described. The back and forth past and present is well done and it's easy to follow the two stories. Wendy Wolfson has a great voice, easy to understand. She did an amazing job with the narration.

Fantastic Suspense!

I absolutely loved this story! Alternating between the past to the present—it’s two excellent stories in one! I was totally immersed in the mystery of the two lovers from the past and the present-day mystery of Quinn’s parentage and heritage. Keep a tissue handy for the end—as well as be prepared for a very surprising end. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

I liked this one!

Good writing and great narrator. I recommend this one. Will be looking for more from this authoer and narrator.

Love this series!

I absolutely love Irina Shapiro's Echos of the Past series of books! Even better as an audio book! I would recommend this series, as well as her other books as well. Great stories that will keep you guessing and entertained at the same time.