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.

8 people found this helpful

Heartbreaking and Emotional!

This was such a heartbreaking and emotional story it was difficult to listen to parts of it without taking a break and pulling myself together, especially knowing how one of the stories was going to end. What Elise had to live through is so horrific it is difficult to believe that many women in that era lived a similar life. Mind you the cruelty of her death, as well as that of her lover is hopefully a rare case! Quinn’s story was intriguing as well and also emotional. I am anxious to hear more about how she gets along with Gabe and if she discovers her true parentage. The story was so well written it definitely left me wanting more and I also thought the epilogue was brilliant! Wendy Wolfson did an exceptional job and is one of the best female narrators I have listened to. I would definitely listen to another audiobook she narrates. I received a free copy of this audiobook and have voluntarily provided an unbiased review.

3 people found this helpful

Can't judge a book by it's cover!

This was a great book! I was expecting a book that was about 2 people who fall in love and based on the cover I expected it to be in the 16th century.
Instead what a surprise! This is about a women who is searching for her past while being able to see the past by touching an object that belonged to another person. This one brings her back to the 17th century.

The narration was great.
Can't wait to read the next one.

This book was a gift and this is my honest review.

3 people found this 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!!!

3 people found this 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.

3 people found this 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.

3 people found this helpful

A Time Travel Romance

Lots of mystery , hidden secrets , and a romance story from the past and also the future .
The narrator does an outstanding job .
She knows how to act out the multiple characters .

1 person found this helpful

Ending seemed rushed

I loved most of this book, but it seemed to me that the author didn't spend enough time creating the ending.

1 person found this 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!

3 people found this helpful

tragic love story

Loved this story so glad it is a series. Going on to book 2 now.