Good story. Wooden performance.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Usually, I am quickly involved in the tale Susan Mallery spins. However, with this particular audiobook it took me a while, The narrator was juvenile in her performance of this book and that detracted from my enjoyment. One of the few times I wish I had read the book instead of listened to it. Too bad. I hope the narrator for the next book in the series is better.

4 people found this helpful

Narrator Ruins It

What disappointed you about Barefoot Season?

I couldn't get into the book due the the poor quality narration. I think I could have done a better job! Guess I've gotten spoiled by Therese Plummer and Tanya Eby! I'm going to download the Kindle version.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I may try the second on in this series if I recognize the narrator and know I can trust her.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Monotone, no real differentiation between the female characters. Sounds bland and beige.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I couldn't finish it, so can't answer. Only made it a few chapters in before I threw in the towel.

4 people found this helpful

Nice Story but horrible narration.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator for this book had a terrible sing song voice. It was hard to finish the story listening to the narration. She was high pitched and even the descriptive passages were done in a sing song voice.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was good with the background of the island and inn.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

It was difficult to finish the book listening to her sing song voice. I would have given it a lower rating if there was one available.

Any additional comments?

I will definitely watch closely and listen to samples before selecting any other books and will certainly never get another by her,

3 people found this helpful

It was O.K

This was my first book for Susan Mallery. It was an OK book. Sonething simple and sweet to pass time with. No element of excitement. Was a bit bland but not entirely boring. The community that the author created and their dynamics were the strength points of the book. I will get the next books in the series because of this.
The narration needs improvement BIG TIME !

3 people found this helpful

Excited for new Mallery book...but just ok.

I have enjoyed many of her books, this was just a little flat. Thought it would be extra fun having 2 love stories going on...but there just was not that much there to grab you...

3 people found this helpful

story was ok

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

not time well spent. I would like to read the book.

Would you be willing to try another book from Susan Mallery? Why or why not?

I have all of Susan's books. I like them.

What didn’t you like about Sarah Grace’s performance?

I'm not sure if it was her voice or her reading of the story

2 people found this helpful

Uncharacteristically vague for Susan Mallery

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I'm not sure that the narration is not to blame for this irritating book. I went back to check to make sure I was reading the first in the series. Details were doled out piecemeal to explain actions and comments were already completed. By chapter 6 I was seriously frustrated by how unnecessary the confusion, rudeness and lack of communication between the characters was. I have read almost all of Susan Mallery's books. This book is not the Susan Mallery I am used to. Part of this could have been the slow speed and the overly dramatic inflection of the narrator. Where was Therese Plummer, for example, when they chose the narrator? I will try the book in print, but I almost resented the time I spent listening to this.

Would you ever listen to anything by Susan Mallery again?

I really enjoy Susan Mallery's books. Most of them are light with just enough conflict to make the story keep flowing. I have listened to many of them more than once, just because they are entertaining, without requiring serious emotional involvement of the audience. I believe that such is the role of romantic comedies in our lives. Any book by Susan Mallery goes on my "must read" list. This one is the first exception to that personal policy.

What didn’t you like about Sarah Grace’s performance?

The pace was too slow. Increasing the speed of the narration on my iPhone just made it really choppy. At any speed the inflection that she used in an attempt, I assume, to stress the importance of somewhat mundane actions or comments, was distracting and eventually irritating. Every detail in a story is not of equal importance.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

With the right actors, I believe this book might have good movie potential. Part of the benefit would be that the details that were so sparingly doled out could be built into the scene rather than needing to be explained verbally.

Any additional comments?

I read many books in hard copy. I may give this one a try in that format.

2 people found this helpful

Good Story, not so much for the narrator

The story was good, but the narrator was not so hot. it was hard to tell te characters apart and her reading would speed up and slow down. I will not be buying any more books with her as a narrator.

2 people found this helpful

Love Susan Mallery, not loving Sarah Grace

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I usually love anything that Susan Mallery writes and although I know this is a "Woman's Novel" as opposed to a Romance, I am intriqued by the plot. What I am truly having a hard time with is the narrator's voice. She sounds the same no matter which character is talking; sometimes she talks way too fast, and her voice sounds too young for the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Barefoot Season?

Still reading this so not quite sure yet

Would you be willing to try another one of Sarah Grace???s performances?

NO

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

maybe

2 people found this helpful

A story of Best Friends

This was a wonderful “Chit Lit” about best friends and sisters. I am a fan of Susan Mallery and have enjoyed all of her many books. This was a bit different because it wasn’t really a romance. I felt like I was taking a trip getting to know the island and Michelle and Carly. I really didn’t want to like Michelle, but as I got to know the friends, it was impossible not to relate to both of them. Like many of Mallery’s characters, they are imperfect and full of flaws. The best part of the book was the comeuppance. (If only really life served up karma like that…)

1 person found this helpful