On Mystic Lake

A Novel

By: Kristin Hannah

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

On the day her daughter leaves for college, Anne Colwater's husband of 20 years announces he wants a divorce. Her roles of wife and mother suddenly gone, Annie retreats to her childhood home of Mystic, Washington, to heal. There she finds her old friend Nick, suddenly widowed and unable to cope with his emotionally scarred young daughter, Izzie.

Annie agrees to look after Izzie, and soon finds herself caring for both father and daughter with a joy and passion she never expected - and she finds her love returned with a fervor she had never even hoped for. But love is never simple, and it is not until Annie learns a hard lesson from her own grown daughter that she finds the strength to claim the happiness she has earned.

©2004 Kristin Hannah (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

coming of age at 40

Would you listen to On Mystic Lake again? Why?

I enjoyed the narrator very much. She added to character development as much as the story offered.
In a nutshell, Annie is a woman who did everything "right" in her role as mother and wife only to be discarded by her rich and arrogant husband a few minutes after they sent their only child off to Europe to study. She returns to her home town, finds her anger, her high school first love in difficult situation, is able to help him and his 6 year old daughter heal from a major trauma, and realize that she lost her personhood to marriage and motherhood. I have listened to it a few times as I really appreciate the transformation of Annie from modern woman passive to modern woman awake.

What other book might you compare On Mystic Lake to and why?

There are so many novels that deal with this theme it would be hard to choose.

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

Character development is helped so much by her narrative.

If you could take any character from On Mystic Lake out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Terry, the best friend. Zany but wise and a very good friend.

Loved It

Where does On Mystic Lake rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I was on my way to a client appointment and only listening to the the beginning part of the book when it brought real tears to my eyes. I had to stop my car and get a grip. It was very touching. I liked the author's style.

What other book might you compare On Mystic Lake to and why?

I am not certain that I have read another book to compare it to.

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

Not sure.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yup, when she decided that she wasn't so codependent that she could have a life without her husband.

Any additional comments?

Yes, for any woman stuck in a bad relationship, read it, there is hope. You just have to get past the fact that you might not have wealth on your side.

Loved it

I am hooked on Kristin Hannah's books. I have read several recently. This is a book about relationships including the joy, pain and loss. The main character in the book, Annie, takes a journey of her life--finding out who she is and what she wants. Well written and great narration.

Charming but not KH’s finest.

3.5 stars
I love Kristin Hannah and can always count on a good story. This was not my favorite but overall what I expected. A little predictable and rushed but I still enjoyed it.

Such a beautiful story

This book was incredible, and very well read!!
I only wish the end had a little more of her and Nick.
Be prepared to have a Kleenex on hand

Relaxing, enjoyable story

The story was well developed, engaging and all around an enjoyable listen. The narrator did a fantastic job.

Wonderful!

An inspiring story of hope and happiness for those who dare to reach out for it…

Wonderful book

Love Kristin Hannah. This book does not disappoint. Just as good as all her other books.

Kept my attention

Enjoyable story. It got me interested immediately. It was a little predictable but overall a thumbs up

I really enjoyed this book!

I really enjoyed this book! I got a little frustrated with the main character towards the end but overall I would recommend this book!