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.

Loved the story, but horrible narration

Would you consider the audio edition of The Next Always to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version as of yet but plan to.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the story line and the setting. I was also really taken by the plot this one felt a little different than some of her other books.

Would you be willing to try another one of MacLeod Andrews’s performances?

I think that I will try to avoid him from now on. Although if it is another one of Nora's books I will just have to suck it up and deal with it, as I am not willing to give up one of her books.

Any additional comments?

The narrator made the little boys sound like they were drunk or had some sort of speech problem. I mean really has he ever heard a little boy talk?

Simple Love Story

Would you try another book from Nora Roberts and/or MacLeod Andrews?

Yes, It was not gripping but entertaining.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

As expected - pleasing

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

He did a great job with different tones for the characters - really seemed like different people speaking.

Was The Next Always worth the listening time?

It kept me entertained on my walks but didn't make me want to get out to see what happens next.

Good book

If you could sum up The Next Always in three words, what would they be?

Good read

Who was your favorite character and why?

Becker. I liked how sensitive he is

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

?

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

When the ghost alerted Becker about Clair's trouble.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to the second book.

overall good story

Almost didn't get this book because of the reviews on the narrator. Glad I got it anyway, but I agree with the comments about the kids voices. They are awful, and when they come on I have to turn down the volume. Really annoying. I also set my player on 1 1/2 time so it sped up. That said, this is a good story. It is very detailed though, not sure every tiny detail of the house renovation had to be included. So another reason to speed it up. I enjoy this author's books sometimes, don't want them all the time. A little too sappy. But the interactions between family members are fun, the romance is good, the struggles of some of the characters add interest, and the ghost is charming. Even though it is predictable, getting there is entertaining. I'm sure I will get the others in this series.

Enjoyable Escape

This was a fun, feel good story. Nothing deep. Sweet, simple and happily ever after.

Nice story but too much about the hotel remodel

It seemed to go on and on about the remodeling of the old hotel and less about the characters. Got interesting with the ghost over halfway through.

Slow story with terrible narration

What did you like best about The Next Always? What did you like least?

I liked elements of the storyline. It was a sweet love story. Parts of the book felt way too slow. I almost gave up on the book several times.

How could the performance have been better?

Someone else performing it. The narrator has terrible women and children's voices. The men are also difficult to distinguish between. The children were the worst and felt like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Love waits

I enjoyed this whole series and have listened to it a few times. I am currently trying to talk a friend into taking a trip to Boonsboro ,Md to visit some of the places in the book. If you get a chance, look up the information on line. The bed and breakfast, the pizza shop, the fitness center , the book store.... It's all there. What fun!

Good but a bit longer than it needed to be

I love Nora Roberts. This book however I had to rewind because the reader's voice got to me. His voice is nice, except when he tried to play a women or child's role. His voice was whinny and just go to me. I realize it is my personal preference, but took away from the book for me.

Loved it

Loved everything about it. Can't wait to hear book 2 of the Trilogy. Keeps me entertained.