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Torn on how to rate this one

Revisado: 12-21-24

The performance is stellar. Eva Kaminsky is one of the best narrators I've ever listened to ever. She made the story come to life with absolutely perfect representation for each character. I will purposely seek out books narrated by her.

The Author is an excellent writer: witty, sassy, snarky and fun. The author obviously pulled in the current political climate into the story but handled it without being preachy or giving too much attention positive or negative to either side. That was done masterfully.

Here's what was a bit lacking for me:
1. You really have to suspended your disbelief. That's okay, I'm able to do that, but it's a push and an obstacle that needs to be overcome over and over and over and more and more as the story goes on encompassing every facet of the story.
2. The political line: While the author really walks a tight rope with the politics involved in the story and handled it very well by pretty much making all sides look bad, I still would rather not have politics involved at all. That's my personal preference. I'm just worn out by it all.
3. The ending. To be honest, I'm not completely sure what actually happened. I'm more than a bit confused. I'll leave it at that so as not to spoil it.

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Cute!

Revisado: 12-03-24

Short, sweet, cozy Christmas story. If that's what you're looking for, this book delivers. I understand why the author is so popular. I'll be picking up more of her books. Excellent narrator.

Regarding the book in general: Is it earth shattering? No. Did I want it to be earth shattering? Also no. I just wanted a fun, cute escape and I got what I asked for in this book.

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Thought Provoking. This is art!!!! Brava!

Revisado: 11-30-24

This wasn't what I expected. But so what? The book was very very good. I have so many thoughts about the entire piece. Here's my main takeaway: Fathers are so very important to the development and happiness of their children. If that sounds preachy to you let me assure you that this book was not preachy at all - it just showed how children (and mothers) struggle when their fathers don't step up to their role as a loving, responsible parent.

The writing was spectacular and the narrator was the very best choice for this book. I've never been to this part of California but I really felt as if I were there...seeing, feeling, smelling...truly present in the moment with the writing. The narrator handled the "Spanglish" and other Spanish words interspersed throughout masterfully. She must be a native speaker for sure. With that said, adding the language and the culture really resonated and made it even more real. If you are a native Spanish speaker even if you aren't of Mexican decent, you'll "get it" at an even deeper level. But if you aren't Latino please don't be put off, you don't have to be Latin to understand and grow to love the characters.

This is one of those rare books that really stays with you. It's one I won't just forget. Absolute "Brava" to the author and narrator. THIS...this is ART. I'll be looking for more books from each.

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It's Very Cute and Cozy!

Revisado: 11-04-24

I was between heavy books and needed a nice escape and this book fit that need perfectly. It has enough of a mystery to keep me guessing while also showcasing the relationships between the characters. Sure, it's a little simplistic. No, it's not a "page turner." Yes, I can zone out in places and it doesn't matter...but that's exactly what I wanted when I purchased this book. I didn't want some heart pounding thriller...I wanted this...a sweet, cute, cozy that I could listen and RELAX. So if that's what you're looking for, this book is for you.

A few more important details: The narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life. The writing was very very very good. Neither the narrator nor the writing was distracting and both the author and the narrator made the book come to life.

Now I'm onto a more "heavy" book again...but right after that, I'll listen to the second book in this series. I like to switch it up and I look forward to getting to know these fun characters even better....especially Havarti!

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It's a Good Read (Listen)

Revisado: 09-24-24

Alex Finlay is a great writer. There's no doubt about that. The performance was also quite perfect. I don't normally like multiple narrators, but it really worked with this story. It's definitely worth the credit and it kept me guessing and wanting to keep listening. I found the characters lacking in development - and/or perhaps not reacting in a way that seemed realistic. I think that "lack" is simply a consequence of so much action. There's just a lot that happened and had to happen to bring the story to conclusion and the book just can't go on and on. It's a choice that the author made and not a criticism...it's just what it is. For me, for thrillers, I prefer action over getting to know the characters deeply. So it worked for me. I'll certainly look for more books from this author.

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Fantastic in Every Way - Get it!

Revisado: 03-15-24

Sometimes a book title and blurb are intriguing but fall short. Not this one! This book absolutely delivers and then some. It's inspiring and it makes you think - no matter what age you may be. This review would in no way be complete without mentioning the narrator. Her raspy voice, inflection and cadence simple made the book real. Alex McKenna may be my new favorite narrator (along with Scott Brick). Anyhow, well done to the author and narrator. This book is the total package. I'll be reading more by the author and also the narrator!

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It's a Classic Cozy That Checks All the Boxes

Revisado: 11-30-23

I picked up this book because of the author and it was the perfect listen after the last book.

This cozy checks all the cozy boxes.
> Cute town
> Sweet love blooming
> Adorable Characters
> Cute animals
> Not disturbing
> Satisfying resolution
> Leaves room for another book(s) in the series

I needed a sweet, clean "palate cleanser" after my last novel.

Please don't go into this book thinking that it's realistic, hardboiled, or a heart-pounding page-turner.

Instead it's well written with a solid narrator and a complete (and good) story. Sure, it may be a bit formulaic but sometimes that's exactly what you want.

I see that the other books in the series are not written by the same author. Nevertheless, I can only assume that the various authors have agreed to keep things in line with the first book in the series. So...I will, at some later date, revisit the series when I need a sweet, cute, escape. For now, I'm ready to take on a thriller or a cozy with more edge and realism.

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This Book is EVERYTHING!!!!

Revisado: 11-12-23

Elle Cosimano does it again! Absolutely love me some Vero and I loved hearing a little bit of her backstory and how she and Findley met. The book was just long enough, very fun, answered a lot of questions, and makes me love Vero (and Findley) so much more. It may be a "short story" but it has all of the essential elements of a perfect mystery!

I was concerned that since this isn't the usual narrator for the Findley books that I wouldn't like it. I'm used to Vero having a certain way that she says things that make her part of who she is. Kudos to this narrator for doing a great job in bringing Vero to life.

Get this book now...quickly...don't leave Vero hanging!

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Did Not Finish - Could Not Finish - Too Disturbing

Revisado: 11-05-23

The performers are all very good. The story is so dark, disturbing, weird, inappropriate...morally degraded...that I just had to end it. I will never read or listen to another story from this author again for this reason.

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Twisty-Turny that Ties Up Everything at the End

Revisado: 10-04-23

This is my favorite kind of book. It has a compelling premise, lots of twists and turns, clues along the way and everything comes together elegantly at the end where you say "whoa...I didn't see that coming ...but maybe I did."

Very well written and very well performed.

What else can you ask for?

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