The History of Us

a novel

By: Jennifer Bardsley

Narrated by: Whitney Dykhouse, Alexander Cendese

From Sweet Bliss author Jennifer Bardsley comes a poignant romance about a small-town crime that throws together ex-high school sweethearts who have never quite gotten over their past.

Andrea Wint’s life in the small town of Port Inez, Washington, is a simple one. She works, enjoys the gorgeous view from her bay window, and visits her dad at the memory-care facility. Her father is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, but Andrea brings in one coin from his valuable collection every day—little bits of precious metals that seem to bring him back to himself, even if just for a few moments.

So when Andrea’s house is burgled and the coins disappear, she’s bereft.

To track down the culprit, she turns to Dustin Karlsson, who just happens to be her former high school sweetheart. Years ago, they broke each other’s hearts, and some wounds are slow to heal. But Dustin feels indebted to the ailing Tom Wint and wants to help.

What’s more, Dustin has a personal stake in finding the perpetrator. In fact, he suspects the thief could be his own brother-in-law, a gambler and a drunk who skipped town, leaving Dustin’s sister and two young nieces behind.

As Dustin and Andrea travel the Pacific Northwest in an effort to recover the missing coins, old feelings rekindle. Maybe their happily ever after can still be minted.

©2022 Jennifer Bardsley (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Jennifer’s story peels back layer after layer until Dustin and Andrea get down to what really matters—what they feel down deep in their hearts. A lovely story of finding love, healing old hurts, and working together toward a lovely future together.”—Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Riverbend Reunion

“Equal turns thoughtful and sweet, The History of Us is a darling read. Dustin and Andrea shine as a couple, and Port Inez is the type of small-town that will draw you in like you are a member of the Karlsson family.”—Addie Woolridge, author of The Checklist

“Jennifer Bardsley delivers a beautifully written story of love, family, and second chances. You will experience all the feels as the hero and heroine navigate their way toward happily ever after. The characters were written with such authenticity that you will feel as if you know them personally. I enjoyed the love and devotion both main characters showed for their families. Bardsley skillfully handled the delicate subject of Alzheimer’s disease with grace and care, weaving it into the storyline flawlessly. These two characters truly went on a journey that led them back to each other.—Joy Avery, author of Something So Sweet

Great story!

The story was fantastic but there was such a discordance in reading speed by the narrators that it was jarring. The female narrator spoke sooooo slowly that the speed had to be ramped up. But the male narrator read at a good pace so with the increased speed he sounded like a cartoon character. Switching back and forth between 1.0 and 1.4 was a real pain…and not possible while commuting to and from work. This really needs to be mastered to increase the females narration speed.

it's a perfect summer read

I love the small town, clean romance. it's down to earth and a relatable story.
Gives me warm and fuzzy

Meh

Guy doing the girls voice is really annoying, it’s horrible. The story is ok. Very PG.

Family love

A good tale of the history of two families ties and the present dilemma. Well told, but the voices were at times funny. I don’t know if it was done intentionally. Yet I found it fit in some places. I loved the ending very much.

Fabulous book!!!

Brilliantly written and beautifully performed. I couldn't put it down and ended up "binge listening"

Love, love, love!

Sappy

I didn't like the voices of the narrators, especially when they were trying to do other voices. The story lacked romance.

Heartwarming!!!

This book had romance, intrigue, a witty banter and the heartwarming small town feel that I love. The book had a flow that kept my curiosity peaked and Jennifer tied up all the loose ends by the conclusion. I felt like I had a good appreciation of the characters and would like to hear more! Narration was excellent.

Realistic view of difficult visits with loved ones

Loved story. 18 year halt in forever relationship is unfolded in story to HEA. The pain of visiting a loved one who you feel should recognize you but doesn't is written spot on.