Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Summer That Made Us
- Author: Robyn Carr
- Narrator: Thérèse Plummer
- Length: 10:22:54
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 05/09/2017
- Publisher: Recorded Books
- Genre: Romance, Contemporary
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
I’ve always believed that stories, much like the winding roads I’ve traveled, have a way of pulling us back to places we thought we’d left behind. ‘Summer That Made Us’ by Robyn Carr, narrated by the incredibly talented Thérèse Plummer, is one such journey. This contemporary romance novel, steeped in the bittersweet ache of nostalgia, unfolds like a dusty map of childhood summers, revealing hidden paths to heartbreak and healing. As a travel writer who’s spent years chasing human connections across continents, I found myself utterly captivated by this audiobook experience, which felt like sitting around a campfire with old friends, sharing secrets under a starlit sky.
The story centers on a television talk show host who returns to her childhood summer home – a neglected lakeside house brimming with memories of endless summers spent with her sisters and cousins. It reminds me of a time when I was a boy in Puerto Rico, spending long, golden days at my abuela’s house near the coast. The air was thick with the scent of salt and mangoes, and every evening, we’d gather on the porch while she spun tales of family lore. Listening to this audiobook, I could almost taste the sticky sweetness of those memories, the way Carr weaves the past into the present with such tender care. The protagonist’s return is not just a physical one; it’s an emotional pilgrimage to uncover the truth of a tragic event that fractured her family. As she reconnects with her sisters and cousins, their shared stories reveal how differently they each remember those summers – a poignant reminder of how memory shapes us in unique ways.
What struck me most about Carr’s narrative is its exploration of healing through connection. The women in this story, each carrying their own scars, come together in an uneasy reunion, peeling back layers of pain and misunderstanding. The story unfolds like a slow river, meandering through themes of loss, forgiveness, and the quiet strength found in sisterhood. As someone who’s often documented the hidden histories of the places I visit, I appreciated how Carr unearths the buried truths of this family’s past. Her prose is rich with emotional texture, painting vivid pictures of a lakeside haven that feels both idyllic and haunted. You can almost feel the creak of the old dock underfoot, hear the lap of water against the shore, and sense the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.
Now, let’s talk about the audiobook experience itself, because Thérèse Plummer’s narration elevates this story to something truly special. Her voice is like a warm embrace, carrying the weight of each character’s emotions with such authenticity that I often forgot I was listening to a single narrator. She captures the distinct personalities of the sisters and cousins – each with their own cadence and tone – making their individual struggles and joys palpable. Whether it’s the weary resignation of the protagonist or the sharp edges of a cousin’s lingering resentment, Plummer’s performance is a masterclass in storytelling. It took me back to those evenings in Oaxaca, staying with a family whose grandmother would weave stories with such intimate power. Plummer has that same gift – using silence and inflection to draw you in, making the listening experience feel like a personal conversation. The audio quality, courtesy of Recorded Books, is crisp and immersive, ensuring that every sigh, every whispered confession, lands with impact.
That said, no story – or audiobook – is without its flaws. While Carr’s focus on family dynamics is deeply moving, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven, particularly in the middle sections where the narrative lingers on certain revelations a bit too long. As a listener who thrives on momentum – much like I do when trekking through unfamiliar terrain – I occasionally found myself wishing for a swifter current to carry me forward. Additionally, while Plummer’s narration is exceptional, there were a few instances where the emotional intensity felt slightly overdone, almost tipping into melodrama. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise captivating contemporary romance audiobook that resonates with the heart of what it means to belong.
Comparing ‘Summer That Made Us’ to other works in the genre, I’d place it alongside novels like Kristin Hannah’s ‘The Nightingale,’ which also delves into the complexities of family and memory, though with a more historical bent. Carr’s work, however, feels more intimate, focusing on the quiet, personal battles rather than sweeping external conflicts. For fans of romance and contemporary fiction, this audiobook offers a deeply emotional journey that pairs well with a quiet evening or a long drive – much like the one I took through the Atacama Desert years ago, losing myself in the surreal magic of an audiobook that matched the landscape.
Who would I recommend this audiobook to? Anyone who’s ever yearned for a second chance to mend a broken bond, or who finds solace in stories of women rebuilding their lives piece by piece. It’s a perfect pick for lovers of romance and contemporary fiction, especially those who appreciate narratives that explore the messy beauty of family ties. And while I can’t confirm if this audiobook is free, I’ll say that the emotional richness of this listening experience is worth every penny – though if you can snag an audiobook free, even better! Search for deals on platforms like Audiobooks.com to see if you can dive into this story without cost.
Reflecting on my time with ‘Summer That Made Us,’ I’m reminded of why I’m drawn to stories in the first place. They’re a way to travel without moving, to revisit the places and people that shaped us. This audiobook took me back to those endless summers of my own, to the laughter and the losses that linger like ghosts. It’s a reminder that healing often comes not from running away, but from returning – facing the past with open eyes and an open heart. As I’ve learned from years of wandering, sometimes the longest journeys are the ones that bring us home.
Until our paths cross again, amigos, keep seeking the stories that move you. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of lakeside memories and a longing for the next great tale. Stay curious, and keep listening.
