The Endless Forest

A Novel

By: Sara Donati

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 22 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

With a master storyteller’s skill and a historian’s precision, Sara Donati has delighted readers and critics alike with her bestselling novels of the nineteenth-century New York frontier. Now she brings us The Endless Forest, set in the remote village of Paradise, where the Bonner family that listeners first met in Into the Wilderness make their home.

The spring of 1824 is a challenging one for the inhabitants of Paradise N.Y. when a flood devastates the village. But for Nathaniel and Elizabeth Bonner, it’s also a time of reunion as their children return from far-off places: Lily and her husband from Italy, and Martha Kirby, the Bonners’ ward, from Manhattan. Although Lily is nursing her own grief, it is Martha, fleeing a crushing humiliation, who brings with her trouble that will reverberate in all their lives.

In the sudden peace that follows the storm, as families struggle to rebuild, childhood friends Martha and Daniel, Lily’s twin brother, suddenly begin to see each other in a new light. But their growing bond is threatened when Martha’s mother arrives back in Paradise a decade after abandoning her daughter. Jemima Southern is a dangerous schemer who has destroyed more than one family, and her anger touches everyone, as do her secrets. Has Jemima come to claim her daughter–or does she have something else in mind? Whatever happens, Martha and Daniel and all the Bonners must stand united against the threats to both heart and home.

Painful secrets and hidden sorrows, joy, heartbreak, and passion follow the Bonners through a season of change and renewal. A rich, passionate, multilayered portrayal of family strength and endurance in a fascinating place and time, The Endless Forest will be remembered long after it is finished

©2010 Sara Donati (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

“Magnificent . . . [a] sweeping saga . . . highly recommended.”—The Historical Novels Review

“A splendidly drawn cast of characters.”—The Seattle Times

“Graceful, sweeping.”—Publishers Weekly

brilliant

love this series, what a great author and narrator, I just had to keep listening,as good as the outlander series. Could not stop listening, thank you to Sarah and Kate for making my life so much more exciting

Outstanding Series

Starting with Book 1 through book 6, I couldn't stop reading the books. The series kept me interested and unable to sleep. Ending book 6 made me sad but I loved the way Mrs. Donati informed readers of each main character's passing. She shared information about the remaining family and residents of Paradise. I look forward to reading more books written by Mrs. Donations.

Really really wonderful!

Where does The Endless Forest rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best - top ten

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Endless Forest?

The story of Daniel and Martha

What does Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is a great reader. Each character is perfectly defined by her accents and inflections. Loved her

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

No idea

Any additional comments?

I listened to the whole series in just over a week. It was a wonderful story with great characters and real adventures. This genre was never a choice for me before but I was hooked quickly and hated to see it end. This final book was a good ending - but I did have a few lingering questions - perhaps another hour or so would have been able to tie up Ethan's character, or Lily and Simon's story. Or perhaps another few books.....Otherwise, it didn't seem to rush. After listening to all the stories, you are left missing the characters and their stories when it ends. A truly wonderful saga.

fantastic

Absolutly the best series of books I've ever listened to. all six books will keep you wanting more. the narrator does a wonderful job with all the different characters. I'm only sad they've come to an end.

Addictive

The last book in this amazing story was as addictive as its predecessors. I'm going to miss all of the characters and listening to their adventures in and out of the town of Paradise.

beautiful

the series is incredible and I am sad the story is ending. absolutely beautifully written.

Great series!!!

This was a great series and I was sorry to see it end. Well written and perfectly preformed.

Whole collection

This collection from Sara Dontai, is outstanding, I read all the books and listened to the audio Version as well, if this could only be made in mini Series, I fell in love with all the characters, thank you Sara, I had traveled back in time with you, what a Beautiful journey. On this day written in my own hand, Rosemary Henson also none by her people as Rose.

perfect ending to a great series

This series just got better with each sequence. Kate reading did great accents especially Scotts but she never really got Nathaniel Bonners voice. His voice was never convincing even though he was one of my favorite characters.

Wonderful

I laughed and I cried! It’s definitely worth the read! I didn’t want it to end!