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  • Title: Family Gathering
  • Author: Robyn Carr
  • Narrator: Thérèse Plummer
  • Length: 10:10:14
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 17/04/2018
  • Publisher: Recorded Books
  • Genre: Romance, Contemporary
  • ISBN13: 9.78E+12

Dear fellow wanderers and story lovers,

There’s something magical about listening to an audiobook while on the road, the narrative weaving through the landscapes outside your window. This was my experience with *Family Gathering* by Robyn Carr, narrated by the incredibly talented Thérèse Plummer. As I drove through the winding roads of the Colorado Rockies—a setting that mirrors the book’s own Sullivan’s Crossing—I found myself completely immersed in Dakota Jones’s journey of healing and self-discovery. Carr’s storytelling, combined with Plummer’s evocative narration, made this audiobook feel less like a passive listening experience and more like a shared adventure.

*Family Gathering* is the third installment in Carr’s Sullivan’s Crossing series, and it’s a deeply emotional exploration of family, resilience, and the power of place. Dakota Jones, a military veteran grappling with the scars of war and a troubled past, seeks solace in the same small mountain town where his siblings found their own redemption. As someone who has traveled extensively and witnessed the transformative power of new landscapes, I resonated deeply with Dakota’s journey. The novel’s themes of finding belonging and confronting one’s past reminded me of my own experiences in Oaxaca, where I stayed with a family whose grandmother shared stories of resilience and hope. Her voice, much like Plummer’s, carried a weight of wisdom and authenticity that made the stories feel alive.

Robyn Carr’s writing is warm and empathetic, a hallmark of her storytelling. Her ability to craft relatable characters and weave their lives into the fabric of a community is unparalleled. In *Family Gathering*, she delves into the complexities of familial relationships with a gentle yet unflinching hand. Dakota’s struggles with his parents’ mental illness and his own sense of displacement are portrayed with raw honesty, making his eventual healing all the more satisfying. Carr’s descriptions of Sullivan’s Crossing are vivid and immersive, painting a picture of a place that feels both rugged and nurturing—a perfect setting for a story about growth and renewal.

Thérèse Plummer’s narration is nothing short of masterful. Her voice captures the essence of each character, from Dakota’s quiet introspection to the warmth of the townspeople who welcome him. Plummer’s pacing and emotional nuance elevate the story, making it feel as though she’s not just reading the book but living it. Her performance reminded me of the grandmother in Oaxaca, whose storytelling had a rhythm and cadence that made every word feel significant. Plummer’s ability to convey the emotional depth of Carr’s characters is a testament to her skill as a narrator.

One of the strengths of *Family Gathering* is its exploration of the idea that healing is not a linear process. Dakota’s journey is filled with setbacks and moments of doubt, mirroring the real-life struggles of anyone who has faced trauma. Carr doesn’t offer easy solutions but instead emphasizes the importance of community, self-acceptance, and the courage to keep moving forward. This theme resonated with me on a personal level, as I’ve often found that the most profound growth comes from embracing the messy, imperfect parts of life.

While *Family Gathering* is undeniably a heartfelt and engaging story, it’s not without its limitations. Some readers might find the pacing slow, particularly in the middle sections where the focus shifts to the town’s subplots. However, I found these moments to be a welcome opportunity to immerse myself in the world of Sullivan’s Crossing and its inhabitants. Additionally, the novel’s resolution, while satisfying, might feel a bit too tidy for those who prefer more ambiguous endings.

In comparison to other works in the contemporary romance genre, *Family Gathering* stands out for its emphasis on emotional depth and character development. It’s less about the romance (though there is a tender love story) and more about the journey of self-discovery and the bonds of family. Fans of Carr’s Virgin River series will find much to love here, as will readers who enjoy authors like Kristin Hannah or Elin Hilderbrand.

For potential listeners, I highly recommend experiencing *Family Gathering* as an audiobook. Thérèse Plummer’s narration adds a layer of intimacy and connection that enhances the story’s emotional impact. Whether you’re on a long road trip, relaxing at home, or simply looking for a story that will stay with you long after the final chapter, this audiobook is a perfect choice.

As I finished listening to *Family Gathering*, I found myself reflecting on the power of stories to heal and connect us. Just as Dakota finds his place in Sullivan’s Crossing, I’ve often found a sense of belonging in the stories I’ve encountered during my travels. Robyn Carr’s novel is a reminder that, no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, there’s always the possibility of finding home—whether in a place, a person, or a story.

With wanderlust and a love for stories, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera