Stay for Lunch

A Story of Faith and Friendship

By: Anne Goodwin

Narrated by: Anne Goodwin

Length: 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Anne. Meet Francina. An unlikely pair brought together by a destiny-driven moment on a hilly, curvy Atlanta road that changed both their lives unexpectedly. The unique friendship forged between the Midwestern transplant and the Southern matriarch, 50 years her senior, ended up spanning decades. Even with Anne s move back home to Wisconsin, they remained stalwart supports for one another. As Francina began to quietly shutter parts of her life, Anne juggled to keep up with a rapidly expanding family. Their connection was equal parts humor and love shared with the listener through Anne's easy storytelling and Francina's artful letters. They were girlfriends helping each other navigate through life's twists and lessons.

©2009 Anne R Goodwin (P)2017 Anne R Goodwin

heartwarming listen

It's great to hear the author reading her own material. Well worth the listen. Pause, listen, reflect.

Sweet Book About an Unlikely Friendship

What made the experience of listening to Stay for Lunch the most enjoyable?

The relationship between the 2 characters is heartwarming. I immediately thought of my friend Jenny who is much older than me and very dear to me. I loved the story arc from meeting when Francina had a car accident and Anne stopped to help to forging a bond of deep friendship to Francina memory that Anne will hold forever dear.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There are 2 main characters: Anne and Francina. I don't have a "favorite." The book is told from Anne's point-of-view so you naturally learn more about Francina. The author, Anne Goodwin, brings Francina alive. I would have loved to have known her.

What didn’t you like about Anne Goodwin’s performance?

I am an avid Audible listener. I never get into the car, even for a 5-minute drive, without turning on the audiobook I am currently listening to. Those of us who are constant listeners are probably more evaluative about narrators than casual listeners. I think the book would benefit from a more professional narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I didn't have an "extreme" reaction but it certainly made me think about relationships I have and have had in the past. It particularly made me think of Jenny, a much older woman who I met while selling her house. We still email and talk and I cherish those times.

Any additional comments?

I would have loved it if this book was twice as long!