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.

Language

this is a very good story and left me wanting to read the next two. But, I don't think the language was necessary to the story and I didn't appreciate it.

Nora does it again!

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

The story starts with Beckett visiting not only an empty run down building but the ghost that lives there too. It interests the listener to see it to the end so you can see where the story is going. Nora definitely knows how to capture the readers attention. I can't wait for Book 3 to read Ryder's Story. You really fall in love with the characters.

What did you like best about this story?

The relationship that Beckett builds with Clare's boys.

Which character – as performed by MacLeod Andrews – was your favorite?

Lizzie - she saves the day.

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

When Lizzie communicates that Clare is in trouble.

Any additional comments?

Awesome series - read "the Last Boyfriend" already. Can't wait for Book 3.

Love it! Classic Nora!

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

I just love this story and I love the way MacLeod Andrews reads it. He gives every character their own voice and never gets them confused. Good job everyone, especially Nora R for writing another great story.

Increase the speed on the audible version

I increased the speed to 1.25 instead of the standard 1.0 and I was satisfied. The male narrator then was fine. It's an easy solution to the complaints about the narrator. Having a male voice wasn't so bad since there were many male characters (more than female) The story was adequate if a little predictable. A decent beach read.

Kept me listening!

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

Probably about an 8

What did you like best about this story?

The end was good

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

Have only lisrened to three. Rates very good.

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

Not one special moment,

Any additional comments?

A little unrealistic but a good listen. After all it is fiction.

predictable

not sure it would ever make to a favorites list. characters were ok, but not enough to make me want to read the next book if/when there is a book 2.

Great story, terrible narrator!

Narrator was terrible! His women’s and children’s voices made me cringe! Took away from the story. Sad because I doubt I’ll be able to listen to the rest of the trilogy.

Didn’t want it to end

I loved this story. I found it fun and entertaining. I found myself wanting to be Claire.

Great story but this guy cannot do kid voices

I read this book, and I wanted something familiar for a road trip. Overall it's a pretty decent audio book. However, the narrator does all of the children in a sort of whiny scream voice. It makes me wonder if he has ever met a child who wasn't having a tantrum at the time... it's very distracting. However, the rest of the voices are OK

Slow but finally picks up

The first half was excruciating to listen to. The on and on about decor and fixtures and the narrator slow cadence voice. The last two - three hours finally picked up and became more easy to listen to. Make sure you know how to adjust voice speed since it does help.