The Story Keeper

By: Lisa Wingate

Narrated by: Abby Craden, Bahni Turpin

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Successful New York editor Jen Gibbs is at the top of her game with her new position at Vida House Publishing - until a mysterious manuscript from an old slush pile appears on her desk. Turning the pages, Jen finds herself drawn into the life of Sarra, a mixed-race Melungeon girl trapped by dangerous men in turn-of-the-century Appalachia. A risky hunch may lead to The Story Keeper's hidden origins and its unknown author, but when the trail turns toward the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place Jen thought she'd left behind forever, the price of a blockbuster book deal may be higher than she's willing to pay.

©2014 Lisa Wingate (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Audible version is mostly very good

The audible version of the story keeper it's a good one. There are two narrators, one for the current day story, and one for the earlier Appalachian story.
Bahni Turpin does a great job with the Southern accent and capturing the different character's voices.
Abby Craden does s good job, but sometimes it just sounded too dramatic, especially at the end. I wish I had read the ending instead of heard it, as I think I would have enjoyed hearing in my head better.
But both narrators read the story well.
I've submitted a review for the book as well.
This is just my review of the performance.

Almost returned

I almost returned the book without listening to it. Whichever narrator voiced the male characters, grated on my nerves so bad. All the males sounded like they are talking through a voice box, so gravely and scratchy. I really cringed for Jen's boss' voice. And having lived in the WNC blue ridge; with family there for 300 years; and having gotten an education and moved to Colorado; I know what it takes to get rid of the accent; yet I don't sound like a upper crust visitor from Europe; like Jen does. The person who spoke for the hill people did a great job. And I loved the storyline. So I am glad I stuck it out. I've listened to dozens of audiobooks I have never criticized the narration before; but couldn't refrain this time.

Tedious

The story within a story was tedious. The ending was rushed. People changed too quickly. The "hero" had issues too easily brushed aside. Not the quality i expect from this favorite author.

Great Story!

I first struggled to get into this audiobook, the reading was making me nuts. However, I stuck with it and adjusted the speed to 1.5, then I fell in love with it!

loved it

I loved the intertwined stories. The stories come alive with raw emotion . Couldn't get enough.

A slush pile, a homecoming, and a good read.

Any additional comments?

Lisa Wingate is my guilty pleasure...her books read well and fast and don't require much effort to get into. I chose this as one of my quick reads...a book I didn't expect to like as much as I did. I like the story and I really like the development of the characters and plot.

Engaging story

Initially, I had a hard time getting into the story. I don't know if I was distracted or what. But I'm glad I pushed through.I really don't like stories about money and power, and although this one appeared it was going that way initally... it didn't. In fact, this story takes a drive into the past. Into what we think we've left behind us and moved on. In reality, our past is very much a part of our future, if in ways that are not obvious. While you think you know how it will next turn, the author manages to keep us wondering about the next revelation. It also shows us a people group not many are familiar with, but well worth learning about. I always appreciate an ending that is not predictable and Lisa seems to be able to add a little surprise in each ending.

Loved this book!

This book kept my interest from beginning to end. I must say I was sad when it ended. I will look for other books by this author.

Beautifully written and perfectly narrated

This story brought out so much feeling that to put it into words is difficult. Obviously the author put a lot into bringing this wonderful book to life, as did the talented narrators.

Fantastic story!

I loved the story within the story. well written & a bit of history I never knew.