Dreams of Falling

By: Karen White

Narrated by: Shannon McManus, Cassandra Campbell, Susan Larkin

Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

One of PureWow's "Best Beach Reads of Summer 2018"

New York Times best-selling author Karen White crafts evocative relationships in this contemporary women's fiction novel, set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, about lifelong friends who share a devastating secret.

On the banks of the North Santee River stands a moss-draped oak that was once entrusted with the dreams of three young girls. Into the tree's trunk they placed their greatest hopes, written on ribbons, for safekeeping - including the most important one: friends forever, come what may.

But life can waylay the best of intentions....

Nine years ago, a humiliated Larkin Lanier fled Georgetown, South Carolina, knowing she could never go back. But when she finds out that her mother has disappeared, she realizes she has no choice but to return to the place she both loves and dreads - and to the family and friends who never stopped wishing for her to come home.

Ivy, Larkin's mother, is discovered badly injured and unconscious in the burned-out wreckage of her ancestral plantation home. No one knows why Ivy was there, but as Larkin digs for answers, she uncovers secrets kept for nearly 50 years - whispers of love, sacrifice, and betrayal - that lead back to three girls on the brink of womanhood who found their friendship tested in the most heartbreaking ways.

©2018 Karen White (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Slow slow slow

Didn’t really have a topic until the last few chapters. Everyday I said “ if this doesn’t get to the point, I’m done”

Why use such an offensive word?

I found this audiobook to be intriguing and well performed. I was so disappointed that the author needed to use the term "Pickaninny" at one point. It did not contribute anything to the story, and really caused me to wonder why she needed to include such an offensive term. It took a lot away from the experience for me.

Great book!

Karen White never disappoints! This book has great narration, and mystery! I can listen to this book over and over.

Slow and steady

The three narrators were perfect! Loved her character development and depiction of the lowlands through time. Poignant messages throughout about life’s twists and turns and that we shouldn’t take ourselves so seriously sometimes! Thanks to Gina at Audible for guiding me here! 💜

Dull--couldn't finish

I couldn't even finish it. As much as I love Cassandra Campell, and as talented the other narrators are, the story just did not evoke any emotion from me. Supposedly there's a big secret...we know this because each character tells us this several times. So far the secrets that I've read are not that shocking. And in at least one portion of the novel, the author (and apparently her editor) completely forgot that other characters should've been in the scene. (Margaret's aunt and uncle never return from their trip like they were supposed to...).

great book!

This is another fantastic book by Karen White! It was interesting from beginning to end.

Amazingly great book!!

I LOVE Karen White!! I LOVE her books and this one, her newest now 2018, fits up there with GREAT, AMAZING, and PERFECT!!!

One does not get a hit of the book’s title until the bitter end and when it is read, you did not even realize that you even had a question about the title!!

Please Karen White, pick up your pencil and paper, your pen and paper, your laptop, your desk computer or even your quill and ink well (with paper), but start now, aw heck, even now seems a bit late, but get the new book written....please!!

This is a great read!

Such a charming book! Well developed characters that show the simple southern charm! Great read, loves never gives up!

And yet another one!!

Go ahead Karen White!! Keep em coming! Fantastic book about mother's and daughter's relationships, about old and new ways of how the world WAS, following your heart. Karen White never disappoints!

The narrators made the book come to life!

I loved the vivid description of the Low Country of South Carolina. The author made me feel as if I was there. I closed my eyes and as I listened, and I could feel the humidity in the air, smell the salt marshes, taste the Sweet Tea, hear the winds pick up as Hazel came closer, envision the lovely homes both in their glory days and in their stately ruins.

This was not an easy “beach read”. I had to buy the Kindle version to sort out the characters and timelines in the beginning. I often replayed sections of the audiobook, understanding and feeling more nuances each time. The characters were well-developed and interesting. The Kindle edition was not a waste. I will go back and read it because I am not ready to let these characters go yet!

The narrators were perfect in their roles, and pleasing to listen to. Even though this was a book with many twists and turns and moments where I found myself holding my breath in anticipation of what would happen next, I would often drift off to sleep to the sweet Southern voices.

The ending was perfect. Satisfyingly tying up loose ends and leaving the listener with something to think about.

Well done Ms. White!