Barefoot Season

A Blackberry Island Novel, Book 1

By: Susan Mallery

Narrated by: Sarah Grace

Michelle Sanderson may appear to be a strong, independent woman, but on the inside, she’s still the wounded girl who fled home years ago. A young army vet, Michelle returns to the quaint Blackberry Island Inn to claim her inheritance and recover from the perils of war. Instead, she finds the owner’s suite occupied by the last person she wants to see.

Carly Williams and Michelle were once inseparable, until a shocking betrayal destroyed their friendship. And now Carly is implicated in the financial disaster lurking behind the inn’s cheerful veneer.

Single mother Carly has weathered rumors, lies, and secrets for a lifetime, and is finally starting to move forward with love and life. But if the Blackberry Island Inn goes under, Carly and her daughter will go with it. To save their livelihoods, Carly and Michelle will undertake a turbulent truce. It’ll take more than a successful season to move beyond their devastating past, but with a little luck and a beautiful summer, they may just rediscover the friendship of a lifetime.

©2012 Susan Mallery (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Solid story arc, very human characters

I enjoyed the book. It is well-written, the characters believable, and the ending satisfying. However, the blurb and placing of the book among lesbian romances led me to believe this was a lesbian romance; I was disappointed that it wasn’t. It was good, though. I finished it,

Great Beach Read!

I was in a hurry to purchase something to keep my interest while I traveled, and I'm embarrassed to say, the cover (and author, as I love you previous work) caught my attention! But I'm glad, because this was a great story and performance! I couldn't shut it off and, unfortunately, didn't last as long as I'd hoped because of my constant listening! Mallery and Grace did not disappoint!

Much more than a simple romance

What did you love best about Barefoot Season?

The fact that it was more. I have been reading a lot lately and so many are same format, boy/girl loves the other-boy/girl can't love the other-something happens and love prevails.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Michele - hard work and a lot of heart

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it took me a full day, but I made sure I stayed up till it was done.

Any additional comments?

So many bad comments on here about narrator- I didn't agree, I thought she did a fine job!

Hitting home

I am a women who served in the military and this book was great. I finished it in two days. Susan Mallery does a wonderful job with details and making you feel like the story is happening around you like you are in the book.

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.

Great Book

This was a very good book and an easy listen. I enjoyed it very much. Starting the second book today.

great book

I loved this book it kept me interested and had surprises, my husband is a combat vet with nightmares and this was so hopeful to me that someone can get the help they need.

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

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…)

awesome

I left the book love the ending can't wait to see more of the characters from the series