Too Dramatic!

Would you try another book from Steena Holmes and/or Kate Rudd?

Unlikely.

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

The premise was enticing but the over-the-top drama of the mother, Megan made it nearly unbearable. She was so ego driven and lacked empathy for others especially the her daughter who recently was returned to their family. The father was the voice of reason and the daughter wise beyond her years and the mother didn't deserve either of them. Her drama was not driven by the kidnapping or external events but her own sense of insecurity, lack of esteem and need for attention.

Any additional comments?

It wasn't a complete waste of time but I felt cheated. The only reason I continued listening because of the father and daughter's characters.

2 people found this helpful

Deja vu

The story was good but the story line was extremely similar to another book that I have read. I couldn't help but wonder which story was written first. Overall, the story kept your interest and was pretty good. I would recommend.

2 people found this helpful

Book 2 Completed the Original Story Nicely

I'm glad the author wrote a second book, because there was more of the story to be told. It delivered for the most part, although it got a bit tedious and redundant toward the end. Ultimately, the ending paid off, and I was satisfied. It's a good read/listen.

1 person found this helpful

It drew me in from the beginning.

Would you listen to Emma's Secret again? Why?

The reader, Kate Rudd, has the voice of an angel. Not only did the story itself draw me into the characters from the very fist page, Kate's voice and diction were beautiful and lyrical. It was, quite literally, an "I can't put this down for a minute!" book. I've since ordered the other three books in the Finding Emma series. . . . And I'm not a series reader usually. 5 stars!

1 person found this helpful

Emma's Secret

Would you listen to Emma's Secret again? Why?

Yes, it was a relaxing interesting book that I didn't want to stop. A story that was enjoyable and written very well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters intrigued me. Each one brought life and harmony. It would be difficult to name one character. Peter was very calm and sensible usually making good decisions for Emma. All made the book excellent.

What does Kate Rudd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Life..I felt as though I was right in the middle of the scene. The voices were superb. I could not have found that in the book. I enjoyed each voice of the character which made me not want to turn off the audible. To me the book would have been more boring without hearing each character. I thought she was amazing!

If you could rename Emma's Secret, what would you call it?

I don't know I would rename. The title is what grabbed me as I bought the book first.

Any additional comments?

Excellent writing by the author! An awesome put together story drawing in friends and community. It was real! I never rate a book a 5 but this one deserved a 5.

1 person found this helpful

Heartwarming

A very heartwarming story, at the same time a sad situation, but you won't be disappointed, I really enjoyed the book...

1 person found this helpful

Engaging story that challenged my thinking.

What did you love best about Emma's Secret?

I got this book on sale and did not know it was book 2 of a series. I took a few days to decide if I should continue before reading Finding Emma and I did (though I will read Finding Emma). The story took turns that I did not expect and really challeged how I wanted to feel about the characters.

What about Kate Rudd’s performance did you like?

The performance was ok. Not great but not the worst I've heard. She did try to change her performance for different characters but it sometimes came off poorly. However, it was consistent.

If you could take any character from Emma's Secret out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Gosh, that is a hard one. I guess I would have to say Jack. He is a character I'd like to explore more fully. I'd like to know more about his life, the thoughts he had during Emma's disappearance and things like that.

Any additional comments?

I was pleasantly surprised with the story overall. I was frustrated how my feelings towards Papa and Dottie were changed through the story. I felt very close to Megan and expected I would have been much like her. I cried more than once but especially at the end.

1 person found this helpful

Whiny, empty, boring

What would have made Emma's Secret better?

A plot and better character development. The main person in the story, Megan, is shallow and annoying. The author uses the tired technique of going back in forth between protagonists none of which has anything to say.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I will not take a risk next time and listen to something from a familiar author and narrator.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Kate Rudd?

I won't look for one but I won't avoid it either.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Listen to the reviews. And if there are none, well, bite the bullet.

1 person found this helpful

Not as good as I hoped it to be...

Would you try another book from Steena Holmes and/or Kate Rudd?

yes

Would you ever listen to anything by Steena Holmes again?

yes

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I felt the narrator was decent.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

All of those reactions were noted throughout the book. I felt bad for her family and the family who took her.

1 person found this helpful

Great story!

This book has let me on edge waiting for the next shoe to drop! It is well written, full of suspense and heartfelt emotion. I suggest one read Finding Emma 1st and then this book. Enjoy!!