CAROLINE

By: Cynthia Wright

Narrated by: Emily Beresford

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

The year is 1783, and rakish Alexandre Beauvisage is returning from the Revolutionary War when he discovers Caroline, unconscious in the Connecticut woods. Dressed as a boy, she has no memory of her past. Against his better judgment, he takes the lovely foundling with him to his home in Philadelphia and finds his life increasingly complicated as the fiery attraction between them builds and Caro's dangerous past reaches out to her.

Caroline is Cynthia Wright's unforgettable debut novel and is on keeper shelves worldwide. The story of a confirmed rake and an innocent, spirited young woman, it is filled with sensual romance, evocative history, memorable characters, and the joy of true love.

Authors Note, January 2013 - This new, subtly revised version of Caroline addresses issues raised by some contemporary readers. Caroline was originally written and published in 1977, but times have changed. In this new edition, Alec is a more mature alpha hero and Caro is a stronger heroine. If you have read and loved Caroline in the past, I think you will love it even more now!

©1977, 2013 Cynthia Challed (P)2015 Cynthia Challed

Sweeping love story follows US War of Independence

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved this audiobook for many reasons. Cynthia Wright gave me great insights into a period of American history with which I was not familiar by delivering many facts and historical details with a light hand. The heroine Caroline was adorable: feisty, smart, brave and impetuous. Alexandre Beauvisage, the hero, is clever, rich, witty, assured - and too cynical and arrogant for his own good. However, I loved him even more by the end of the story for both his physical and mental courage. It takes a strong man to recognise and address his own flaws fearlessly and honestly. I was also enchanted by the cast of characters that surrounded Caro and Alec, especially Alec's grandmother.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the confidence and self-assurance Caro found as she grew up, and the compassion, love and gentleness Alec discovered as he let go of his anger from the past.

Which character – as performed by Emily Beresford – was your favorite?

Caro and Grandma Beauvisage were my favourite characters.

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

I experienced many emotions listening to this story - delight, sadness, compassion, admiration - and I often laughed. I felt the whole time that I (and Caro) were in exceptionally trustworthy and competent hands in Cynthia and Alec, and therefore my moments of sadness and worry were fleeing.

Any additional comments?

Caroline is a story that has stood the test of time. This is book one in the Beauvisage series and I look forward to reading all of them.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Surprised

What made the experience of listening to Caroline the most enjoyable?

Most Romance novels will leave me wanting to skip to the end but this one held my interest.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alec was my favorite character because he was so sure of himself.

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

I love the way this book was read. The characters voices were easily recognizable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A heart pumping adventure with a beautiful mysterious madden.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great story

I really enjoyed this story. I don't think I've listened to an audio book as fast as this one. I just didn't want to put it down.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This lovely tale is one of my favorites of this series

This lovely tale has a tedious bit of fretting and pouting, but in the whole carries the day. Thought the characters of Caroline and lion well developed and love how they continue to grow throughout the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Caroline, innocence wrapped in a sensuous package

Any additional comments?

This book, I understand is the debut novel from one of my favored authors, Cynthia Wright. I’m reading through the series. Hopefully, I’ll be listening to the narrated version of each book.

Caroline, otherwise known as Caro, was a sweet, innocent woman who had hit her head on a tree while riding through the wood. When she woke she knew not who she was. She only knew the handsome man kneeling next to her had to be the most handsome man she had ever seen. I could not put this listen down. I’m so happy I have Bluetooth earphones!

Alexander was returning home from a long war – eight years of it, where, though dearly paid for, his country was free of tyranny. He had lost many friends and must now try to pick up the pieces of his life. Very much a rogue with rakish ways he had lots of redeeming qualities, although keeping his hands off Caro was not one of them. To Alec, she had a face of an angel. She drew him to her, with all her beauty, sweetness and sensual innocence. He had to do the right thing by her – he couldn’t leave her alone in the wood, so he would deliver her to his family in Philadelphia and be on his merry way.

I enjoyed how the author wove a passionate love story into the events of this historic period with humor and an abundance of emotional scenes.

Each scene entices the read to question the future of Caro—she is so innocent and trusting. The plot thickens, complicating any ideas Alexander had getting his life back together without getting further tangled with Caro. Needless to say, although well-meaning, Alec did not manage to do the right thing. Or did he?

We learn bits and pieces about Caroline, as she becomes aware of them herself. She knew she should be anxious about her future, who she was, why she was dressed as a boy with only a few articles packed lying beside her in the forest. Yet, she wasn’t. Alexander gave her a sense of security and amazingly she trusted him.

There was quite a bit of suspense later in the book, keeping me listening and HAVING to KNOW. I so enjoyed this read and highly recommend Cynthia Wright’s writing and her books in narration. Her world is touchable — from the magic of her pen!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

a sweet romance

this is a feel good romance with a nice dose of historical references and a dab of intrigue. Nicely written and enhanced by a great performance from the narrator.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good book but poor reader

Where does Caroline rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would probably rank this towards the bottom of the list. I am not sure I would listen to this again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It was hard to choose a favorite character. Emily Beresford did not do the characterizations of the characters well so I would have to say Grand'Mere was my favorite even though she is a minor character.

What didn’t you like about Emily Beresford’s performance?

Ms. Beresford made Caroline sound like a 12 year old child instead of a 18 or 19 year old. Her performance of Alex was laughable. I am sure she would do well reading children's stories but not a romance novel.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I had to have a break every so often.

Any additional comments?

I will have to give serious thought to purchasing the rest of the Wright books. They may not translate into an audio book very well.

OMG!

I never write reviews but I just had to the time!!! I'm not sure how I finished this and am considering asking for my money back!!!! I'm not sure if the story was just that bad or the narration just spoiled it!!!! It was painful to listen to the end.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Narration like listening to adolescents performing

To me, the story kept me interested enough but the narrator is one I will now avoid. It was like listening to Junior High Schoolers performing a play beyond their maturity level.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not my thing

The narration was not good. Too proper, choppy and chipper. The hero is.... nope. High handed, pushy, overbearing and overall not anyone's taste. The love scenes aren't good. This was a tough one to finish listening to.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful