Bonnie

I thought this would be one of my favorite books and I really wanted to like it - it had everything - outdoors, hiking, female lead character, etc. So why couldn't I finish it? First of all, there were a couple of instances where I thought my iPhone fast forwarded on its own - she was hiking the trail and all of a sudden it was several days later - I had no idea what happened in between when she started and felt like I had missed something. Then there was what I felt was a flippant reference to an abortion, however, I figured her decisions and struggles might be reconciled on the trail and the story would get back to that later (near the end). I was still "struggling" through until a scene involving a horse - I turned it off and never went back. Disappointing.

Classic love story - well read - great listen! Just as good as "Me Than You" - different, but just as well written and read. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Overall, I enjoyed the story - at times I found it redundant - things were repeated unnecessarily. It's definitely not up there with Virgin River as far as I'm concerned. I had a tough time with the narrator - I never became immersed in the story because I felt she was just reading (rather than performing) most of the time.

I think I'm addicted to this series and only have 2 books per month on my subscription! The author seems to know just how much to give and how much to hold back to hook you on the next book. Good suspense regarding the story line as well as the character relationships!

There are a few books missing on audible between this one and the 2nd but I felt like the listener was brought up to speed well enough to figure out what happened to Kate during the gap. I got a bit lost with the Russian story line at times, but, overall, enjoyed this book. I actually really liked the twist between Kate and Jim and thought it added to the story!

I'm really starting to like the characters - great, easy listens while driving to and from work! Would recommend this series!

yes, I found it that good

The characters

This was an unexpected surprise for me and I loved the book - would highly recommend!

The stories about the people

The stories about the people and what changed them.

The ending

I really feel this book can be life changing, not only as a runner, but in the ways one approaches life. There were a few parts that I felt were tedious and boring (some of the scientific parts regarding hunting antelopes), and I prefer stories about people, but my husband really enjoyed some of the scientific parts so there's something for everyone! I find myself eating better and trying to make a move towards minimalistic running.

Kate - she's independent and loves the outdoors, yet has needs like everyone else

I liked this book because I really grew to like Kate and I loved hearing about Alaska and the people and the customs - hearing in entertaining ways that were woven into the story. I ended and bought the 2nd in the series so that says something!

I'm reluctant to criticize at all for fear of being beat up by other reviewers who seem to think any negative criticism is criticism against Jaycee herself - but here goes: I almost stopped listening on numerous occasions - her story is incredible on so many levels and I applaud Jaycee for writing it and for sharing her story. I kept reminding myself that if she could endure so many years of what she went through, I could withstand listening to it - it's tough to hear what she had to endure! I also find myself a little more aware and so many of us take for granted our safety in our cars or bedrooms as we're listening to this story - sadly, there are other young children with similar or worse fates than Jaycee. The criticism I have, and it's a strong one, is that I found the narration horrible and distracting from the story - I would highly recommend reading this book instead of listening to it.