The Next Always

Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 1

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, the changing of hands, and even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major face-lift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect in the family, Beckett’s social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was sixteen.

After losing her husband and returning to her hometown, Clare Brewster soon settles into her life as the mother of three young sons while running the town’s bookstore. Though busy and with little time for romance, Clare is drawn across the street by Beckett’s transformation of the old inn, wanting to take a closer look… at both the building and the man behind it.

With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett is happy to give Clare a private tour - one room at a time, in between blueprint meetings and kindergarten pickups. It’s no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something that could arouse the secret yearning that resides in Clare’s independent heart - and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next....

©2011 Nora Roberts (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great Story!

What did you love best about The Next Always?

The overall story was excellent. I love how Nora Roberts incorporated the ghost as well. She makes the story feel real and you forget that you are listening to a book.

What did you like best about this story?

The kids in the story and how they interacted with Becket.

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

At first I was worried about him being able to do the female parts but he nailed it. His range and tone were perfect for the story and really brought out its best quality.

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

When the ghost starts turning on and off the lights and slamming the doors to try and warn Becket, Hope and Avery that Claire was in trouble. When she fogged the mirror and wrote on it, I felt goosebumps run up and down my arms and neck.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the rest of the series!

You'll Laugh, Cry and be Thoroughly Enchanted.

Macleod Andrews narration is perfect. I loved the story when I read it, but the narration enhances the emotion. I found myself laughing out loud at times, tense and worried and crying at others. I love Nora Roberts' stories, but this one is exceptional. I highly recommend it.

The Narrator could use some help.

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

3 out of 5

What didn’t you like about MacLeod Andrews’s performance?

I didn't like how he portrayed the female characters, or her kids. It was awful, and because of it, I stopped listening about halfway through the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had a few laughing moments in the book, where my co-workers looked at me as if I belonged in the loony bin.

Really good story!

Fun romance. Love the way Nora likes to add ghosts into her stories. I absolutely loved reading years ago the flower series, black rose and so forth. In fact, I read the series twice. I am looking forward to the next two books in this series and hope that the ghost, Lizzy, has something in store for Beckett's brothers.

Great story, as always from Nora Roberts...

What did you love best about The Next Always?

Great story with wonderful narration--kudos to MacLeod Andrews!!

What did you like best about this story?

It was simply fabulous, and with a ghost! Enough interaction between brothers, in addition to the love interest, that I can share it w/my husand -- I think he will enjoy it, too! There is never a dull moment -- held my interest all the way through! OK, I just realized this account is in my husband's name, so that sounds a bit weird -- I'm female (in case anyone noticed or cares -- just clarifying).

Which scene was your favorite?

Ahh, the very impressive manner in which the ghost gets Beckett's attention and gives him her most important message! Although, the book and the narration bring every scene to life, and there are lots of great ones -- the boys w/the dogs; the boys, Beckett and Claire on Halloween, I could go on and on...

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

The ending, of course! Beautifully written and narrated. It brought tears to my eyes.

Any additional comments?

This is only my second book on CD; and, as I said, MacLeod Andrews really did an outstanding narration -- really brought each character and the story to life. OK, you've done it -- I'm hooked on books on CD. I hope I can find another by MacLeod Andrews.

Love this trilogy!

I have read and now listened to this trilogy many times! Love it every time no matter how many times! MacLeod's performance was great - always amazing how I always know exactly who is speaking all the time!

Narration was so distracting to a good story.

This was a good story and it could have been an easy listen. MacLeod Andrews was so bad with his imitation of the women in the book and especially the kids. I had to yank out my ear buds when he would imitate the small boys. He made them seem mentally challenged with a disorder or something instead of normal cute boys. I want to listen to the next book in the Triology but I can't buy it since this narrator I know will ruin it. He was ok as he spoke as the men in this story, but the rest is not worth the struggle. Sorry I won't finish the rest of the story.

Was it the story/narrator? It didn't do it for me.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Maybe if the friend enjoyed over done descriptions of architecture, design, decoration and renovations. The sweet romance is kind of lost in the over all renovation description.

What was most disappointing about Nora Roberts’s story?

Too many details as described above.

How could the performance have been better?

This narrator really did not help - his interpretation of women and children's [whining] voices was especially grating.

Any additional comments?

I'm glad to have purchased this on sale...not worth a credit, in my opinion.

Good Story - narrator can't do female voices...

This is a classic Nora Roberts love story, a little bit of suspense, a little bit of paranormal, a lot of heat and great dialogue. Can't wait for the net two.

Typical Nora Roberts

What made the experience of listening to The Next Always the most enjoyable?

I listened to the end, so it was pretty good, I'd say. I found the narrator's voice of the child to be annoying, and think that needs work, as no child sounds "like that." Other than that, I appreciated the story, like all of Nora's stories.....they all are imaginative and interesting.