A Splendid Ruin

A Novel

By: Megan Chance

Narrated by: Carly Robins

“This is a spellbinding page-turner of a book.” (Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale.)

A mesmerizing novel of dark family secrets and a young woman’s rise and revenge set against the backdrop of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The eve of destruction. After her mother’s death, penniless May Kimble lives a lonely life until an aunt she didn’t know existed summons her to San Francisco. There she’s welcomed into the wealthy Sullivan family and their social circle.

Initially overwhelmed by the opulence of her new life, May soon senses that dark mysteries lurk in the shadows of the Sullivan mansion. Her glamorous cousin often disappears in the night. Her aunt wanders about in a laudanum fog. And a maid keeps hinting that May is in danger. Trapped by betrayal, madness, and murder, May stands to lose everything, including her freedom, at the hands of those she trusts most.

Then, on an early April morning, San Francisco comes tumbling down. Out of the smoldering ruins, May embarks on a harrowing road to reclaim what is hers. This tragic twist of fate, along with the help of an intrepid and charismatic journalist, puts vengeance within May’s reach. But will she take it?

©2021 Megan Chance (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Even better the second time

This is the second time I have listened to the story. I loved it even more. The narrators voice perfect in the story is lovely.

an excellent story

Very well written, poignant and engaging with interesting historical aspects bringing the past to life.
I recommend it unreservedly.

Slow start but great story

Took awhile to get moving but overall great. Enjoyed the story. Aaa bbb ccc ddd

Wonderfully unexpected!

Love the story and many unexpected twists. Kept me on my toes till the very last sentence.

distracting narrator

story was ok, but voices of narrator were distracting. a little robotic with exception of voice for main character.

A pleasant surprise.

I did not know what to expect with this book, but I enjoyed it very much. It started out a little slow, but the build up was necessary to understand later events in the story. The main character was a little annoying and naive in the beginning, but she grows and changes throughout the book. I also enjoyed the descriptions. I felt like I was going back in time.

Good plot but dragged on too long in some spots

This is first time I had listened to this narrator, and I enjoyed her performance. The story held my interest for most of the time. However, I had to skip through four chapters because it was increasingly frustrating to listen to it drone on and on about a family mystery before revealing it, and about a horrible situation the protagonist was thrust into through deceit and treachery. More than a few times, I found myself yelling at the book to get on with it and get through it already. The end was rather abrupt and not fulfilling enough, but at least it was satisfying for those characters who deserved it.

I left my heart in A Splendid Ruin

As a former San Franciscan, I enjoyed this historical tour of the city I love. The plot was expertly woven and the characters very cleverly developed.

Read It!

What a wonderful, wonderful story! Finishing this book leaves you with a good feeling. This would also make a great movie.

dollightful

absolutely love the book, could hardly put it down. my only complaint would be that someone found it necessary to take God's name in vain even though it was only once in the book. I did not appreciate that.8