One Simple Refrain

By: Nancy Ann Healy

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Dr. Jillian Byers only considered two careers: indie rock sensation or physician. Both dreams led her to Los Angeles. She never plotted a course that led back home. With her father's health declining, Jillian picks up her life and returns to Crystal, Maine. At first, it seems time has stood still in her hometown. It doesn't take long for Jillian to realize nothing is quite the way she remembers.

Returning to life in rural Maine never occurred to Marjorie (MJ) Willard. A successful professor, MJ finds herself at a crossroads after a painful divorce. Her mother suggests MJ move back to Crystal with her seven-year-old daughter, Chloe. Needing an escape, MJ agrees. She never dreamed she'd come face to face with her high school crush. Life gets interesting when MJ collides with Jillian Byers at their thirtieth high school reunion.

An unexpected friendship helps Jillian and MJ cope with loss, change, and a few secrets from the past. Finding the way home summons a million questions and some interesting discoveries. There's no greater surprise than falling in love. Sometimes all it takes to make sense of the world is One Simple Refrain.

©2021 Bumbling Bard Creations (P)2022 Tantor

Good book

I like Nancy Ann Healy’s writing style when I’m in the mood for introspection and emotional stories. She’s a great writer. Characters have depth and are very well developed. This book is no exception. I sunk right into it and didn’t want to come up for air.
Xe Sands did a fairly decent job narrating. I found that she portrayed the characters a little sad for the situation at times, and the pace was a tad slow. Otherwise, I was totally on board!
Is it weird that I find the cover I’ll-suited for the story? I’m bothered by the cover for some reason…🤔🤔🤔

What a story of going home and finding life

I loved this story of caring for those we love. Jillian went home to care for her Dad. MJ came home to give Chloe a family after a divorce. What they find together builds even more family. The secrets that come out strengthen as it pulls everyone closer. I cried hard many times as I did my first read but Xe Sands gave voice to all the feels which my heart felt even more. Life is fun of so many moments often Good and bad at the same time. Who we share those moments with can make such a difference. A great story is now a great listen.

Trying to keep emotions contained

This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster. I may not have endured the same exact things as the characters, however it resonated with me so fiercely. I cried listening to this book, for multiple reasons. Words I'd love to hear, experiences I can only hope for. Needless to say, you should read it. It's a heart wrencher, but it pulls at the right strings. Mature women in relationships give me hope. Even if I'm just reading about them in stories. lol

Excellent book!!!

I found myself totally relating to this book as the characters were more my age! What a fantastic story with sound advice for living life sprinkled throughout the book! The narration was superb with the perfect tempo and I will be looking for more books narrated by Xe Sands! I laughed...I cried...loved this book so much!

A moment out of time.

Dr. Jillian Byers returns life in rural Maine to care for her father as he’s health declines. Marjorie (MJ) Willard, a successful professor moves back with her daughter Chloe after her divorce.

When they run into each other at a high school reunion they renew acquaintances and start a new relationship. As they move ahead with their lives they grow closer in a way neither expected.

A book of loss and grief that leads to families to a deep and abiding love. Wonderful book narration.

Romance for grownups

I really enjoyed this story because it is a romantic story for those in the “sandwich” generation” rather than a steamy sex story of
20-something’s….

Simple

Wonderful book. It's filled with love growth and family. Healing comes in many forms... this book has it all. EXCELLENT narrator!!!!

Feels like a safe home

I enjoy all of Nancy Ann Healey’s work. I read a review that this book had too much introspection. For me, it was perfect. I started listening to lesbian romance fiction when my wife was leaving me and I was walking with my Dad on the brain cancer journey that ultimately took his life. My mother wasn’t coping well and was taking all her anger out on me. This is all to say that the warm father character, who reminded me of my own father, and the supportive, kind, and smart mother character, not at all like me own mother, actually helped me work out some things. Topics of death and divorce … and then learning to hope and love again …. were exactly what the doctor ordered. We LGBT-Queer folk create our own tribes and chosen family. The family in this book is beautiful. I love when Queer books have supportive parents “of a certain age.” I know that in some cases, it is true and others it may be aspirational. However, this book matched my soulful, deep mood perfectly. Then it took me to another level of hope. I am all about this book. So … to each her own. Take a chance on this book. My guess is that most folks will find it enjoyable, warm and cozy.

Reflections of life

This story was more of a reflection of life for 2 close families. Being a end of life myself I wish I could have the reflection of my life with the guidance of this mother. It’s a beautiful story with the reflection of the past generation and the current life of a divorcée nearing her 50’s.
I’m not much of a ‘crier’ but towards the end I
Could not stop a few tears from falling.

The narration was perfect for me and added much to the audible.

Use a credit for this amazing audible. I will definitely look for this author in the future.

An amazing story that will grab ahold and hang on.

I don't even know where to begin with this book. ai believe that this story will touch a part of your sole no matter what. This is probably one of the best books I have ever listened to. What is ironic, is that I am dealing with the same battle that Jill is except instead of my father it is my mother-in-law. Hands down this book should go on everyones must listen or read list.