A Stranger's Kindness

By: EC Stilson

Narrated by: Courtney Parker

"Love can carry us through all of this. It doesn't age. Its back doesn't go out. It doesn't get arthritis, or need a motor. It doesn't lose its hearing or become forgetful. It is what keeps on when the years get late and our hair is grey. It's what can heal and buoy us through anything. I want to be old with you, yes, but I want to feel young with you forever."

I finished reading the words and found myself speechless. I was a single mother, yet this selfless bachelor had come into my life, and he had literally changed everything. I'd never known a love like this.

©2014 Elisa Magagna (P)2017 Elisa Magagna

Sweet Light Romance

Gina is finally getting back on her feet after her divorce, taking a new job as a security guard. On her first day at the job, she glimpses a charismatic man on the security cameras, and his friendly smile captures her instantly. Over the next several weeks, she watches him over the cameras before they finally meet. When they do, she discovers he's just as friendly in person. But Gina is determined to forgo any relationships until she grows stronger as a person.

The first hour and a half of the story was told rather than shown, like a best friend reciting the events of a bad week, with all the conversations and events summarized. When Mark and Gina went on their hike together, the story began to be fleshed out more. The dialogue really started to shine and Gina became a hoot. Her inner dialogue had some truly funny moments, from her slang phrases she sounded just like a spunky southern girl. She's fun loving and impetuous, and drags Mark right along with her.

The narration was done well, Courtney Parker read at a good pace and her voice fit my image of Gina. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Average romance..... good for a long trip.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Give it more action it was slow at different points in the book.

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

Not surprised.

What three words best describe Courtney Parker’s voice?

Capable,compassionate,feminine,

Did A Stranger's Kindness inspire you to do anything?

Find a better book.

Any additional comments?

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Not certain what I expected!

I think I was born in the wrong decade to appreciate this book. Parts of this book I really enjoyed and parts grated on me. I cannot imagine dating someone if they were still married. I think if they have not shed their baggage, run away as they might never get divorced, is called letting go and escaping! I thought the female lead character was shallow and immature even though she was in her 30's. Both the author and narrator were new to me. I was provided with this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily written this review.

A Wonderful And Uplifting Story

What did you love best about A Stranger's Kindness?

The characters are very human and feel true to life. All of the main characters (with the exception of the Schmuck) are very likable and have great personalities.

This story is very uplifting. I could see it as being inspirational to people trying to heal from sour relationships or anyone needing a little bit of chicken soup for the soul. That said, I am very confident that most anyone would enjoy this title and especially if they're looking for a well-written and fun romance. The writing really struck a cord with me from the beginning and I'll admit that I did tear up a couple times while listening.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's too hard to choose. They all have their merits (except the Schmuck - screw him).

Which scene was your favorite?

There are so many good scenes! One that made me laugh was when Mark takes Gina and the kids to meet his inquisitive grandmother.

Any additional comments?

The narrator, Courtney Parker, does a fantastic job reading this. I don't think they could have cast a better reader. Her voice is beautiful and perfectly fits the role.

This was worth the time spent listening to it. I have to highly recommend this one. This title was very refreshing. I will definitely be looking for more from both this author and narrator.

*This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Sweet Romance

Any additional comments?

Overall I enjoyed A Stranger's Kindness but parts of the story were a bit annoying. The constant reference to Gina's ex-boyfriend as "the shmuck" wore a little thin after a while. I found the main character Gina to be very immature and gullible for her age. And weren't her children a little old for bedtime stories? Her boyfriend Mark had the patience of a saint for putting up with the roller coaster of a relationship that she had him on. I was glad to see a little growth on her part and I'm happy that she finally came to her senses about the men in her life, as well as her responsibility to put her children first. The story, minus my knit picking, was a sweet romance with a happily ever after and the narrator did a good job with the characters and pacing.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This review is my honest opinion.