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pattyfgd's review
5.0
This may be a Christmas romance, but the moral of the story is throughout all time! Duncan and Isla have been best friends for years. Isla is determined to follow her dream, but Duncan poses a different plan. Let's do 12 things you want on your bucket list in the next 12 days. I loved this idea, think out of the box and not place all of your hopes in one place. All through the story, we feel their love for each other, but each is hesitant to say anything. But with a major twist, and some planning, we do have a wonderful ending to this inspirational romance. I want to say that I love Kari Trumbo's writings. She is a master at including messages in her stories that are somewhat forgotten in today's rushed world. Duncan's character is full of hope and love, helping kids who need attention is a trait that I love to see. Emmalyn Miles narrates the story beautifully and it's a listen good for any time of year!
dukefn99's review
3.0
So, up front, I got a free copy of this audiobook for review. But all thoughts are my own.
Christian romance is a tough sell for me a lot of the time. I think it's hard for the author to find that right mix of interjecting faith into the story without it being overly preachy. For the most part, I feel that Ms Trumbo did a decent job. There as really only one time that I felt she got a little judgey... it had to do with tattoos. And perhaps I just misunderstood and since I was listening to a book rather than reading, I just didn't go back to listen (read) the passage again. At any rate, I was just rubbed the wrong way.
For the most part, I liked the characters. It was refreshing to have a heroine who has a physical disability. Isla wasn't the easiest character to like, but she did grow during the story and that's what I want to see when read. Duncan was almost too good to be true, but he was exactly what Isla needed. He didn't have quite the same sort of character growth as Isla, but he definitely moved the romance along. And there was a romance that was developed and there wasn't any sort of insta-love.
The big downside of the story for me was the narration. I've never listened to a story narrated by Ms Miles before and I'm not sure I'd search any out. I felt that she read too fast. There didn't seem to be any breaks between dialog or descriptions. There also wasn't much emotion poured into the performance. It just fell very flat for me.
All in all, it wasn't a bad story. I wouldn't be adverse to reading more from Ms Trumbo, but I'm not sure about audio versions.
Christian romance is a tough sell for me a lot of the time. I think it's hard for the author to find that right mix of interjecting faith into the story without it being overly preachy. For the most part, I feel that Ms Trumbo did a decent job. There as really only one time that I felt she got a little judgey... it had to do with tattoos. And perhaps I just misunderstood and since I was listening to a book rather than reading, I just didn't go back to listen (read) the passage again. At any rate, I was just rubbed the wrong way.
For the most part, I liked the characters. It was refreshing to have a heroine who has a physical disability. Isla wasn't the easiest character to like, but she did grow during the story and that's what I want to see when read. Duncan was almost too good to be true, but he was exactly what Isla needed. He didn't have quite the same sort of character growth as Isla, but he definitely moved the romance along. And there was a romance that was developed and there wasn't any sort of insta-love.
The big downside of the story for me was the narration. I've never listened to a story narrated by Ms Miles before and I'm not sure I'd search any out. I felt that she read too fast. There didn't seem to be any breaks between dialog or descriptions. There also wasn't much emotion poured into the performance. It just fell very flat for me.
All in all, it wasn't a bad story. I wouldn't be adverse to reading more from Ms Trumbo, but I'm not sure about audio versions.
jlwright04's review against another edition
2.0
Ok so this is a Christian romance so I get that it’s clean, no problem. BUT the romance of this story was sooooo dragged out!
The narrator (Emmalyn Miles) was perfect for the story as her slow cantor fit the superbly slow drag.
I will not be seeking out another story by this author if all of them are like this.
Once it got to the end and the couple finally fessed up to their feelings it was lovely but still so dang slow!
The narrator (Emmalyn Miles) was perfect for the story as her slow cantor fit the superbly slow drag.
I will not be seeking out another story by this author if all of them are like this.
Once it got to the end and the couple finally fessed up to their feelings it was lovely but still so dang slow!
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