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erinnejc's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story, I found it to be a real page turner, even though you knew the husband was released from prison. Well written, and I would read more by Ann Swann any day.
nessismore's review against another edition
3.0
"Lilac Lane" by Ann Swann had so much potential, but flat characterization and awkward pacing led to a rushed and disappointing finish. I liked Ella and her son. The relationship between them was one of the highlights of the story. However, Ella's relationship with Nick was an entirely different story. It felt clunky, hurried and then stagnant, and generally it didn't feel like a natural progression. And in general, it seemed like there were tons of gaps in the story where characterization and general exposition would have been sorely helpful.
It's always great to see stories with abused women fighting back and reclaiming their lives, and "Lilac Lane" has a lot of the best elements of that trope. However, the good isn't enough to pull this past 2.5 stars for me.
It's always great to see stories with abused women fighting back and reclaiming their lives, and "Lilac Lane" has a lot of the best elements of that trope. However, the good isn't enough to pull this past 2.5 stars for me.
charmainelim's review against another edition
4.5
This was even better than I had expected and kept me hooked throughout the entire book! There wasn't a single moment where I was bored, and every written word drove the plot forward!
Full review here: https://charmainelimen.wordpress.com/2015/02/05/review-lilac-lane-by-ann-swann/
Full review here: https://charmainelimen.wordpress.com/2015/02/05/review-lilac-lane-by-ann-swann/
petra_reads's review against another edition
4.0
My original Lilac Lane audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Lilac Lane is the second book in the Stutter Creek series, but the third I have read, as I ended up reading these in the wrong order. But that didn’t really matter, as each book works fine as a standalone and focuses on one couple in particular. Characters from the other books in the series make an appearance, which is quite nice because after a couple of Stutter Creek books it feels like you are returning to a place you know which is inhabited by very likable characters. This one has been my favorite of the three I’ve now read/listened to.
It concentrates on Ella and her son, Nick, who are hoping for a fresh start in Stutter Creek after escaping the abusive behavior of husband and stepdad, Anson. The relationship between Ella and her son was touching and a very enjoyable element of the story. The romantic relationship between Ella and the local wildlife biologist, Chet, was believable and nicely done. The romantic elements remained very ‘mild’. Lilac Lane was heavier on the suspense than on the romance. But there wasn’t any overly bloody or gory violence either. [a:Ann Swann|5420711|Ann Swann|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1359688850p2/5420711.jpg] did a good job of creating a creepy atmosphere and building up the suspense.
The narration by Mindy Grall was excellent. She had a very pleasant voice, nice intonation, and good tempo to make this into an enjoyable listening experience. All her characters sounded credible, including the 10-year-old child and the male characters. This was the first time I listened to Mindy Grall. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by her, and I’m pleased there was a change of narrator from book 1 to book 2. There were no issues with the quality of the production.
Overall, an easy and enjoyable listen which should appeal particularly to listeners who like fairly clean, almost ‘cozy’, romantic suspense stories.
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
Lilac Lane is the second book in the Stutter Creek series, but the third I have read, as I ended up reading these in the wrong order. But that didn’t really matter, as each book works fine as a standalone and focuses on one couple in particular. Characters from the other books in the series make an appearance, which is quite nice because after a couple of Stutter Creek books it feels like you are returning to a place you know which is inhabited by very likable characters. This one has been my favorite of the three I’ve now read/listened to.
It concentrates on Ella and her son, Nick, who are hoping for a fresh start in Stutter Creek after escaping the abusive behavior of husband and stepdad, Anson. The relationship between Ella and her son was touching and a very enjoyable element of the story. The romantic relationship between Ella and the local wildlife biologist, Chet, was believable and nicely done. The romantic elements remained very ‘mild’. Lilac Lane was heavier on the suspense than on the romance. But there wasn’t any overly bloody or gory violence either. [a:Ann Swann|5420711|Ann Swann|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1359688850p2/5420711.jpg] did a good job of creating a creepy atmosphere and building up the suspense.
The narration by Mindy Grall was excellent. She had a very pleasant voice, nice intonation, and good tempo to make this into an enjoyable listening experience. All her characters sounded credible, including the 10-year-old child and the male characters. This was the first time I listened to Mindy Grall. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by her, and I’m pleased there was a change of narrator from book 1 to book 2. There were no issues with the quality of the production.
Overall, an easy and enjoyable listen which should appeal particularly to listeners who like fairly clean, almost ‘cozy’, romantic suspense stories.
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
pmgunter's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book as a goodreads give away. I really loved this book. It was suspenseful and mysterious. It had a love story in it and the characters were very likable. Overall an excellent story, wonderful characters and terrific suspense.
pmgunter's review
5.0
I received this book as a goodreads give away. I really loved this book. It was suspenseful and mysterious. It had a love story in it and the characters were very likable. Overall an excellent story, wonderful characters and terrific suspense.
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