Home to Big Stone Gap

A Novel

By: Adriana Trigiani

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTELLER • Ave Maria starts a new chapter in this wise, powerful, and humorous novel, the fourth book in the beloved Big Stone Gap series

“[Adriana Trigiani is] one of the reigning queens of women’s fiction.”—USA Today

Nestled in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the town of Big Stone Gap has been home for Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney and her beloved family and friends for generations. But with her daughter, Etta, having flown the nest to enchanting Italy, Ave Maria has reached a turning point, and she realizes that it’s time to go in search of brand-new dreams. Yet before she can put her foot on the path, her life is turned upside down.

Ave Maria agrees to helm the town musical, a hilarious reunion of local talent past and present. A lifelong friendship collapses when a mysterious stranger comes to town and reveals a long-buried secret. An unexpected health crisis threatens her family. An old heartthrob reappears, challenging her marriage. An opportunistic coal company threatens to undermine the town’s way of life and the mountain landscape Ave Maria has treasured since she was a girl. Now she has no choice but to reinvent her world, her life, and herself, whether she wants to or not.

Millions of people around the world have fallen in love with the novels of the New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani, and she’s at her best in this exquisite book. Home to Big Stone Gap is an emotional and unforgettable journey that reminds us that you can go home again and again.

Don’t miss any of Adriana Trigiani’s beloved Big Stone Gap series
BIG STONE GAP • BIG CHERRY HOLLER • MILK GLASS MOON • HOME TO BIG STONE GAP

Go home again - don't miss the rest of the Big Stone Gap series.

©2006 Adriana Trigiani (P)2006 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Once again, Trigiani captures the warmth of family, the comfort of a small town and the power of love. . . . Trigiani’s rich and expressive writing draws readers into Ave’s world with every word and captivates from beginning to end.”—Romantic Times Book Reviews

“Glorious setting . . . a sweet tale about life and loss in a small country town . . . There’s plenty of drama waiting for Ave Maria.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Funny and heartwarming . . . Her quirky characters are at once completely local and utterly universal.”—Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Narration suffered

Not as good as the first three that the author read. The recipes were unnecessary.

Where's Adriana?

I didn't pay attention when I ordered this, but the narrator is not the author. For some that may not be a big deal, but in this case it is. I am working through the series and have enjoyed Ms. Trigiani's voice and character very much. This narration doesn't fit with the rest! Oh, the story is still a great story, but Iva Lou just doesn't sound right in Cassandra's voice!!

NEW NARRATOR WHY?????

What did you like best about Home to Big Stone Gap? What did you like least?

TO be honest, I have just started the story and have no idea where it will lead, but the fact that Adriana Trigiani is not the narrator is SO DISAPPOINTING. Ms Campbell does not have the accent that I have come to love and associate with all the characters of the previous books. I will continue to listen, but with regret.

Any additional comments?

Re release with Adriana narrating

Great Ending for the Series!

I live in this area and know many of the places mentioned in the full series Big Stone Gap books by Trigiani. While knowing the area is one of the reasons I enjoyed the books so much, another was the deceptive simplicity of the books, including this one. The characters stayed true to form throughout the series, the revelations of life matched much of my own experiences. The joy and the sorrow of love, family and friendships were also true to life. This last book in the series was satisfying in its ending while leaving the reader with the desire to know what comes next.

The only concern I had was the change of narrators throughout the series. This last reader did not have the flow of author in the second book which was disconcerting at the beginning. After a few chapters, I was able to connect to the voices of the reader and enjoyed the rest of the book performance.

I would highly recommend this series.

Story is good, narration is terrible.

I thoroughly enjoy the Big Stone Gap series. Adriana's narration of the 3 previous books is wonderful. This narration by Cassandra is forced. She obviously has never heard a person from the south speak because her southern accents fluctuate and edge on sounding British. If I wasn't so invested in the story, I'd stop listening based on the performance alone!

Big stone Gap plus 3 more audio books

I loved Home to big stones gap
I listened two'll all four books and loved every one. I think that it such an honor to share the intimate stories and dreams of family and friends , that are so very close to our own experiences that in someway I feel human. I treasured every word in my audio books and I thank Adriana for bringing us the truth and daring about many lives, many, loved ones and distant family members that mean so very much to . Thank you also got your sense of humor which is one of the reasons I find your books so very joyful. Best ever regards, Sharon Colquhoun " originally from England buy living very happily in Virginia. Words can't express how much your books mean to me. Thank you. Sharon C

Where is Adriana??

Where does Home to Big Stone Gap rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The story for me just wasn't right with someone else reading. This was a big disappointment, I thought it would be no big deal having another reader.....I was soo wrong!

Any additional comments?

I would like to see this book redone with Adriana reading.

disappointed

not the same without the author narrating. Lots of "filler" (why do we suddenly need recipes??). If this had been the first of the four that I listened to I might not even have finished it. But happy to imagine Ave and Jack at home in Crackers Neck Holler for the duration!

Excellent

So thoughtful in opportunities or fate and choices we make in life. Highly recommend this full series.

Disappointed in the narrator

The first 3 books were read by the author who is from Big Stone Gap and has a nearly impeccable vernacular of the area, of which I am familiar having family in nearby Lee County. This narrator made the characters sound like they are from Savannah, Ga!