Blue Dahlia

In the Garden, Book 1

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Susie Breck

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Against the backdrop of a house steeped in history and a thriving new gardening business, three women unearth the memories of the past in the first novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts’ In the Garden Trilogy.

A Harper has always lived at Harper House, the centuries-old mansion just outside of Memphis. And for as long as anyone alive remembers, the ghostly Harper Bride has walked the halls, singing lullabies at night…

Trying to escape the ghosts of the past, young widow Stella Rothchild, along with her two energetic little boys, has moved back to her roots in southern Tennessee. She isn’t intimidated by Harper House - nor by its mistress. Despite a reputation for being difficult, Roz Harper has been nothing but kind to Stella, offering her a comfortable place to live and a challenging new job as manager of the flourishing In the Garden nursery.

As Stella settles comfortably into her new life, she finds a nurturing friendship with Roz and expectant mother Hayley and a fierce attraction to ruggedly handsome landscaper Logan Kitridge. He’s difficult but honest, brash but considerate - and undeniably sexy. And for a sensible woman like Stella, he may be just what she needs...

Don’t miss the other books in the Garden Trilogy:
Black Rose
Red Lily

©2004 Nora Roberts (P)2004 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"Roberts, the queen of romance, launches a new trilogy with a captivating tale in which her considerable talents at creating richly compelling characters and witty, spellbinding stories come into full bloom in a paranormal-tinged romance." ( Booklist)

predictable but still very good

I really enjoyed Blue Dahlia. The story is about a woman who lost her husband at a young age and had to take care of her two children on her own. She moves to Tennessee where she was born to be closer to her dad and stepmom. The story is about her journey and the people she meets and learns to lean on. It took a little while to get going but it turned out to be really good. I enjoyed the narrator, since I am from Tennessee the accent is not perfect but close enough not to be annoying. This is only the third Nora Roberts series I have read/listened to the first two were the Key Trilogy and the Bride Quartet and I enjoyed both of those as well. I can see from these three series that Nora Roberts likes to write about strong independent women who have other strong independent women in their lives as support and family. The love parts are predictable but still very good and you don't seem to mind that you know what is going to happen because you get invested in the story and the people in the story. I have just downloaded the second book in this series Black Rose and cannot wait for my ride home from work to start it.

Mixed Feelings about Blue Dahlia

This was a slow go for me - I would say I was a good 50% thru the listen before it really captured me. The dynamics of the characters who lived in Harper house were really good. I especially like Stella and her unexpected beau. The ghost was interesting and without being a spoiler I will say I was disappointed and felt like I was left hanging with the ending. I guess I will have to continue to read the series.

Sidebar - I wish these talented writers would understand they can still have successful careers without using the unnecessary vulgar language. That is why I did not give it 5 stars.

AMAZING!

I have read this book multiple times over the years, but recently decided to listen to the audio version. At first, I wasn't quite sure I was going to enjoy the narrator, her voice in the beginning just didn't ring to what I had imagined in my head so many times before, but once I got into the heart of everything, I couldn't imagine anyone else reading this title, I loved her southern accent, and how there is a distinct difference between the male and female characters. being able to hear the story brought on a fresh wave emotions that I haven't felt towards this book in years. you can hear the joy, anguish, and everything in between and I did something I haven't done since the first time I read this book in print so long ago, I cried, laughed out loud, and even felt anger, and felt truly connected to the story's characters. I have a deep love for paranormal/romance type novels and Nora is one of my go to authors for these type of stories, and the In the Garden Trilogy is one that I find myself coming back to time and time again because not only does it satisfy my love for romance and paranormal, but the vivid imagery detailing the flowers and plants sucks me in every time I read it. Although I know exactly what is going to happen, I will read (and now listen) until my eyes are crossed trying to see what is going to happen next. I would, and have multiple times through the years, recommend this series to anyone who asks what a good series to read is.

Superb!

intriguing characters, fascinating storyline, well written, and well-read. very much looking forward to book 2 of this series... Loved it!

loved it.

loved this story. looking forward to the rest of the series. one of my favorite authors.

completely enthralling

i cant say enough about this book. it pulled me in like none others I've read...her story, her crafted writing, the unforgettable characters, the southern setting..and of all things...a believable entity. i can't wait to start book 2!

Great Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Nora Roberts lives up to all expectations in this book of the trilogy. I couldn't wait to read the next one.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved all things gardening related.

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

Susie did a great job with voices and accents. I enjoyed listening to her southern twang.

Any additional comments?

This is one of those trilogies I will read over and over. Each book in this series stands alone, and you don't need to read them all...BUT, each one builds on the ghostly presence and tells her story perfectly to the end. I was left wanting more!

Loved it!!!!

Would you listen to Blue Dahlia again? Why?

Yes, it was easy to follow and to picture the scenery!

Would you recommend Blue Dahlia to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, my mom is listening to it right now.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Her voice was hard to get used to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes when Logan melted Stella's heart with the way he was with her boys regarding their real father.

Nora Roberts Always a Winner

Stumbled on Book 2, backtracked to Book 1, can't wait to read Book 3! GREAT

Great first story in the series!

What about Susie Breck’s performance did you like?

She does very well with voices and feeling.

Any additional comments?

This book had its sad parts The beggining couple chapters especially. The story is well told. This one is told from the perspective of Stella. We get her story, and at the end the characters r just finding out a little about who the harper bride ghost really was. So there is a cliffhanger on that part.
The narrator does well, but maybe a little slow. I listened at faster speed.

So I'm conclusion this isn't a stand alone. U will have to buy the other books to get the whole ghost s story.

Worth a credit? Yes!