The Lovers

Echoes from the Past, Book 1

De: Irina Shapiro

Narrado por: Wendy Wolfson

Their love was forbidden. But some passions echo through eternity.

London, 1664. Seventeen-year-old Elise de Lesseps wakes on the morning of her wedding, knowing her life is over. Sold into marriage to settle her father’s gaming debts, she’s bound to Lord Edward Asher—a man old enough to be her father and who harbors a twisted secret that will shatter her innocence forever. But when Elise meets James, Edward’s illegitimate son, her life is transformed by something neither of them expected: a love so powerful, it will cost them everything…

Present day. Archaeologist Quinn Allenby has a secret: the ability to see into the past through touch. When she places her hands on a sapphire brooch found within an eerie 17th-century chest, she’s plunged into a world of forbidden passion and deadly betrayal. But as Quinn delves deeper into the visions, her own life spirals into chaos as she realizes she’s not just witnessing a love story, but a terrible crime she cannot let rest.

Separated by centuries, the two women are bound together by a haunting secret and an incredible gift. While Elise faces impossible choices between duty and desire, Quinn risks everything to uncover a truth that someone tried to bury forever…

A breathtaking story of family secrets, sacrifice and shocking betrayals, perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley and Barbara Erskine.

©2018 Irina Shapiro (P)2018 Merlin Press LLC

Narrator almost put me to sleep

Easy listen
Somewhat predictable story , but well executed

Narrator is very sedate and almost put me to sleep

Another great story

Some of Irina Shapiros books are too triggering for me- this wasn’t. She often features a woman being abused by cruel men, in her stories, and yet because of the jump in time you do feel this will be a heroines story- despite anything that happens to her. I look forward to the next in the series!

Loved the book

Left me wanting more!! On to book 2. Good thing to have Audible version...I have trouble putting Irina Shapiro’s books down ♥️

Wow!

Wow! The detail and depth of this story is fabulous and heartbreaking. Irina has such a way of pulling the past and the present together so seamlessly. This is half tragedy half love story. Mystery abounds also from the get go. There is no lagging at any point in this book. I feel so much for the characters, especially from those in the past. Irina made me believe that these were real people. I felt joy with them and sorrow. The narrator did a good job with clarity and didn't mispronounce words which drives us listeners crazy. This is the 2nd book by Irina I've listened to and am so glad I gave her stories a chance.

Loved it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an excellent story that held my interest from beginning to end...I stayed up half the night listening. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

great book!

It's very well written, and Wendy's narration brings the characters vividly to life! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Frustrating, but redeeming story

This story was frustrating at times because it seemed that things were happening too slowly. I found pace annoying through most of the book.

The narrator was pleasant and clear. I found the characters in the past much more likable/compelling than the characters in the present.

Nevertheless, overall the book drew me in to the point that I enjoyed it and am going to listen to the sequel, so I had to give it a good rating.

Sometimes it’s what’s going on with me, not the book, right?

Good story

I enjoyed this one. I plan to listen to more by this author. Kept me entertained.

Outstanding Interwoven Dual Love Story

I ADORED this book!! One of the love stories took place in England in the 1600's, during the reign of Charles II. The second love story took place in southern England in 2013. The Historical and Contemporary tales are superbly interwoven. Ms. Shapiro did an outstanding job on the characters as well. Those I loved like Quinn and Alyssa, I truly loved. And those I hated, well, you get the gist. It is just one of the most well written and heart wrenching books I've read.

Now, mind you, it's a long book but it needed to be. I just wanted it to keep on going and going and going. Luckily there are currently 7 in this series in Kindle plus #8 in January so I kinda get my wish! As far as who would/should read this, it would be best for mature readers.

Wendy Wolfson did the narration and she did a terrific job. She had a LOT of voices to keep track of and she did so well. Lots of animation to her voice and she really helped keep the story both interesting and moving along. Great job.

5 Stars*****

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

One of the best mystery romances from 1600's.

I was captured with the story from the very first chapter. The story of "The Lovers" Echoes From The Past is tender and suspenseful story chapter by chapter. I especially enjoyed the additional story in modern day of the archeologists who discovered what had happened to the two skeletal remains found in a large chiasm beneath the ground chained in a trunk at least four hundred years ago. Two skeletal remains embraced in one last kiss before they died. Only to find out by the archeologist that there is another surprising find buried within. Irena Shapiro has a rare gift to tell two stories at the same time of the past long forgotten and the present as their stories are discovered. Those in present day caught up in their own suspenseful love triangle as they discover the past and their own places in the present time. Unlike most other novelist, Irena Shapiro leaves you hanging by a thread as she takes you from the past to the future and back again without disappointment, yet eager to find out what is going on in another time to people you have already became attached to. Wendy Wolfson narrates this story with a soft gentle voice that expresses suspense, despair, passion, and undying love. Her voice is pleasing to listen to and yet captures one spellbound as she unweaves this suspenseful story. I look forward to reading and listening to more books by Irina Shapiro and hopefully Wendy Wolfson will be narrating more of Irina Shapiro's books. Marilyn from Washington