Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Regretting You
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- Narrator: Lauren Ezzo, Tanya Eby
- Length: 11:17:38
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 10/12/2019
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
- Genre: Romance, Fiction & Literature, Contemporary, Contemporary Women, Family Life, Romance, Fiction & Literature, Contemporary, Contemporary Women, Family Life
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about a story that unfolds like a long, winding road through the desert – full of unexpected turns, raw beauty, and moments that stop you in your tracks. That’s exactly how I felt diving into the ‘Regretting You’ audiobook by Colleen Hoover, a contemporary romance that weaves together family life, grief, and the messy, beautiful bonds between mothers and daughters. Published by Brilliance Audio and narrated by Lauren Ezzo and Tanya Eby, this listening experience pulled me in from the first chapter, much like the vast landscapes I’ve traversed in my travels.
I’ll confess, this story struck a personal chord with me. It reminds me of a time when I was staying with a family in Oaxaca, listening to their grandmother weave tales every evening under a starlit sky. Her voice carried the weight of love, loss, and unspoken regrets, much like the narrative of Morgan Grant and her daughter Clara in ‘Regretting You.’ Morgan, a mother who sacrificed her dreams after a young pregnancy, and Clara, a teenager desperate to carve her own path, are at odds in a way that feels achingly real. Their clashing personalities and the tragedy that shatters their world – a devastating accident involving Morgan’s husband and Clara’s father, Chris – create a rift that’s both heartbreaking and relatable. I couldn’t help but think of the silences that hung between that Oaxacan grandmother and her own daughter, silences filled with years of unspoken pain. This audiobook experience brought those memories rushing back, layering my listening with a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
Hoover’s storytelling in this contemporary women’s fiction masterpiece is a journey through the complexities of family life and romance. The novel explores themes of grief and betrayal with a rawness that you can almost feel in your chest. Morgan’s struggle to rebuild after loss, finding solace in an unexpected connection, and Clara’s forbidden romance with a boy her mother disapproves of, are painted with such emotional depth that it’s like tasting the bitter-sweetness of a roadside tamale – simple yet profound. The story unfolds like a map of hidden histories I’ve uncovered in my travels, revealing secrets and resentments that threaten to tear mother and daughter apart forever. Hoover doesn’t shy away from the messy reality of relationships, and as someone who’s spent years documenting human connections across cultures, I found her portrayal of these dynamics both authentic and piercing.
Now, let’s talk about the audio performance, because the narrators truly elevate this audiobook to another level. Lauren Ezzo and Tanya Eby bring a dual perspective that mirrors the alternating viewpoints of Morgan and Clara. Ezzo’s portrayal of Clara captures the fiery, youthful defiance of a teenager desperate to be seen, her tone brimming with frustration and vulnerability. Eby, on the other hand, lends a weary, tender depth to Morgan, her voice carrying the weight of a woman who’s lived through regret and is grasping for hope. You can almost hear the cracks in her heart as she navigates her grief. Together, their voices create a harmony that feels like sitting around a campfire, listening to two sides of the same story. The audio quality is crisp, with no distractions, allowing their emotional delivery to shine through. This isn’t just narration – it’s storytelling in its purest form, reminiscent of those evenings in Oaxaca when a voice could hold an entire room captive.
That said, I must offer a balanced perspective. While the ‘Regretting You’ audiobook is a powerful listening experience, it’s not without its limitations. At times, the pacing felt a bit uneven, especially in the middle sections where the tension between Morgan and Clara occasionally drags. As someone who’s trekked through endless deserts, I know the value of patience, but I found myself wishing for a tighter rhythm in parts. Additionally, while Hoover’s emotional depth is a strength, some plot twists veer close to melodrama, which might not resonate with listeners seeking a more understated narrative. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping contemporary romance that holds your heart hostage.
Comparing ‘Regretting You’ to other works in the genre, I’m reminded of Hoover’s own ‘It Ends with Us,’ which also tackles heavy themes with unflinching honesty. Both stories share a focus on complex family dynamics and the weight of personal choices, but ‘Regretting You’ feels more rooted in the mother-daughter relationship, a unique lens that sets it apart. For fans of contemporary women’s fiction, this audiobook experience might also echo the emotional resonance of authors like Jodi Picoult, whose family-centric narratives often leave you raw and reflective.
Who would I recommend this audiobook to? If you’re drawn to stories of family life, first love, and the bittersweet dance of regret and redemption, this is for you. It’s perfect for anyone who loves romance and contemporary fiction that doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Whether you’re on a long road trip or curled up at home, the ‘Regretting You’ audiobook offers a listening experience that’s as immersive as any journey I’ve taken. And while I can’t confirm if it’s available as a free audiobook, I’d urge you to check platforms like Audiobooks.com for any deals or trials to snag this gem without breaking the bank.
Reflecting on this story, I find myself thinking about the roads we travel – both literal and emotional. Just as I’ve wandered through the Atacama Desert with an audiobook as my companion, ‘Regretting You’ felt like a journey through the heart. It reminded me that regret, much like a dusty trail, can lead to unexpected beauty if we’re brave enough to keep walking. Hoover, Ezzo, and Eby have crafted something that lingers, much like the taste of a meal shared with strangers who become family. If you’re ready to feel the weight and wonder of human connection, this audiobook is a path worth taking.
Until our next adventure, my friends, this is Marcus Rivera signing off. Keep exploring the stories that move you, whether they’re on the page, in your earbuds, or etched into the landscapes of your own life. Safe travels, and may every tale you hear leave a mark on your soul.
