Ember Island

By: Kimberley Freeman

Narrated by: Jennifer Vuletic

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

A compelling tale of two women separated by a century who discover long-buried secrets in an Australian manor house.

In 1891, Tilly Kirkland is reeling with shock and guilt after her tempestuous marriage ends in horrific circumstances. Fleeing to the farthest place she knows, Tilly takes a job on Ember Island in Moreton Bay, Australia, where she becomes the governess to the prison superintendent's precocious young daughter, Nell. Tilly knows she must keep the past hidden in order to start a new life, but she doesn't know that Nell is watching her every move and writing it all down, hiding tiny journals all over their rambling manor home.

More than 100 years later, best-selling novelist Nina Jones is struggling to complete her next book. A reporter asking questions about her great-grandmother sends Nina retreating to her family's home on Ember Island, where she hopes to find her lost inspiration somewhere in the crumbling walls. Though they are separated by years, both Tilly and Nina must learn that some secrets never stay buried, but what matters most is learning to trust your heart.

©2013 Kimberley Freeman (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Not her best book

I’ve read most of Kimberly Freeman’s books. I enjoy her ability to quickly draw you into a story with her creative and descriptive use of words. Jennifer Vuletic bring the books to life. She seamlessly moves from the voices of children to that of adults and then old men and women. She’s one of the few female narrators who doesn’t annoy me when she uses a male voice. Having said all that, I was
disappointed in this story. A fairly intelligent lead character makes poor decisions for unexplained reasons. The ending, while it did tie everything together, was unsatisfying. Not her best work.

Enjoyable read

What made the experience of listening to Ember Island the most enjoyable?

I was keen to read more of this author's books as I really love Australian historical novels, and previous books have been really entertaining. The book's setting is close to home, so it was easy to visualise the scenery on Ember Island.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ember Island?

Coming to terms with the place of women in that time frame was grounding. How our lives have changed. Yes it really is hard to believe the main character Tilly was so submissive, however that was life. It really was a man's world, and woman really shouldn't have an opinion and display of temper and hostility was not tolerated. How things have changed!

Have you listened to any of Jennifer Vuletic’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have to be honest, I really missed the storytelling of Caroline Lee. It took me the whole book to get used to Jennifer Vuletic's narration, and am coming to terms that to listen to more of Kimberley Freeman's audiobooks will mean enduring more of Vuletic's narration. I am finding today I am now looking for narration's by Caroline Lee, as I just want to hear her beautiful voice and interpretation of the author's word. The narrator can make or break a great book. I do hope the author uses Caroline Lee again in any future novels as Vuletic's performance really detracts from this book and Caroline Lee is a star.

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

Deceit, betrayal, and desperation. A women's life in the Victorian era.

Any additional comments?

A great story by the author yet again.

Good twists and turns

There was a situation early on I wanted to stop. I was so taken with sadness and frustration but I kept going and delighted that I did continue. This was an enjoyable read . Love Kimberly Freeman books this is my 3rd in the past week. Keep writing Kimberly!

Not her best

Is it just me or is Tilly an absolute moron? Her level of stupidity seems unbelievable to me, but it drives the plot, which then makes the plot feel ridiculous.

Chick lit

It ma be chick lit but the characters are believable & good & bad. I really enjoyed listening to it.

Really enjoy Ms. Freeman's books.

Nice story, very similar to the last one I read. It's a good formula, skipping between the centuries. Would recommend this book Narrator is great as well.

Ember Island

Once again Kimberley Freeman has lived up to my expectations ! I love the " I didn't see that coming moments! " Kimberley has a flare for intertwining the past and the present in a way no one else can match. Added to the pleasure of this book is the expert narration of Jennifer Vuletic .They are in a class all their own !!

Thoroughly enjoyable.

If you like to get lost in a story, I highly recommend Ember Island. This is a book that I made excuses to drive somewhere just so I could listen. You won’t be disappointed. 💕

Not the author's best work

I highly recommend reading Kimberley Freeman books - just not this one. The characters were not interesting. The main character, Tilly, was so annoying it was hard to care what happens to her. The finding of Eleanor's pages throughout the house was such a reach! Why wouldn't any of them have been noticed by anyone who lived in the house over the many decades? I had to fast forward through the book to get done because it was just too painful to listen to the whole thing.
Again, I'm a big fan of this author and I will definitely continue to purchase her other books.

Adventure, mystery and love

Loved this book. Will listen again. Love this author and the narrator of this book is excellent. Vivid descriptions, and interesting characters.