Return to Quail Crossings

By: Jennifer McMurrain

Narrated by: Talmadge Ragan

Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

No one expects Evalyn Brewer to return to Quail Crossings from California married with a child, and that includes Evalyn. She had dreams of Hollywood stardom, not dirty diapers and pigs. But when Robert Smith, a country boy from head to toe, offers her and her daughter a chance at a normal life, reputation intact, Evalyn can't help but accept. Little does Robert know, Evalyn is keeping a huge secret. While Evalyn's family members deal with prejudice in 1940s Texas, fertility, changes of the heart, and even a ghost come back from the dead, Evalyn must fight for her family or lose everything she has grown to love.

©2014 Jennifer McMurrain (P)2016 Jennifer McMurrain

So easy to listen to...

The narration was spot on, it made this book so easy to listen to that I almost forgot that I needed to go to sleep. There are a couple of mistakes that weren't edited out so the audio repeats briefly a couple of times but they're short and don't have much impact. The flow of the narration is great with goof pacing and phrasing. The character voices all come out really well and you can tell who is talking from the voice.

The story is excellent, it seems very realistic and the characters are all well developed and lifelike. There are a few twists and secrets that are revealed along the way which keeps adding complexity and further interest into the story.

I was completely wrapped up int he story of Evalyn, Joy and Robert, the story and character interaction are beautifully written.

This book was supplied free by the author/narrator/publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

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McMurrain creates heartwarming characters

What did you love best about Return to Quail Crossings?

I enjoyed the various romantic story lines between Bill & LouAnne, Dovey & Gabe, Tiny & Elmer, Emily & Robert. But, I also enjoyed the other story lines dealing with racism in the South and the twister.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the humor, the family drama and the eloquent writing of Ms McMurrain

Which character – as performed by Talmadge Ragan – was your favorite?

My favorite character was by far, Dovey. Throughout the entire narration, it sounded like Ms. Ragan had a head cold (nasal sounds could be heard when she said various words). But, I will be the first to admit, this added to the overall gentle and southern feel of the story. Wild, right? I hope if Ms Ragan narrates the next book in the series, she does it when she has a cold.

Any additional comments?

I received a free copy of this audiobook via audiobook boom. I would like to submit this unbiased review as a thank you for the listening experience.

An Excellent Historical Romance and Drama

Return to Quail Crossing was such a well-written three-dimensional story. The characters were real and fully fleshed out. They were likeable with the exception of the meanness of a few. I felt forgiveness run through the story within the blurred lines of cowardly acts. The dialogue throughout was heartfelt and at times bittersweet. I love the writing of Jennifer McMurrain and hope to hear more from her in the future. This was amazing and definitely recommended.

Talmadge Ragan's performance was exquisite. Her voice inflections and characterizations were spot on and flawless. She had a lovely tone and made this a perfect listen.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this honest review."

Good Story

What did you love best about Return to Quail Crossings?

Dovey and Gabe's love story

What other book might you compare Return to Quail Crossings to and why?

I have a hard time comparing books since each one has its own unique flavor. This story was filled with twists and secrets that made it stand on its own.

Have you listened to any of Talmadge Ragan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first time listening to her but she did a great job.

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

The renewing of the vows in the orchid.

Any additional comments?

I got this ARC via audio book boom. I enjoyed the way the author treated the things that happened during this time period. She did not sugar coat the racism that existed nor did she paint an inaccurate picture. The several love stories that were woven throughout the book gave it more depth.

Excellent Listen

This was my first experience with this author and also narrator. I started listening yesterday and any chance I had I turned it back on. Honestly I have never listened to an audible this fast before. The storyline flowed beautifully, and the way the narrator spoke had me hooked. I felt as though I was listening to a Hallmark movie from another room from the tv. I will definitely be checking out other books from this author, and other audiobooks by this narrator.