Outlaw's Bride

I loved the book! Joan Johnston's story combines all of the elements that make for a great historical romance ... mystery, sub-plots, rich characters, passion, conflict and a 19th century AMERICAN setting. I wonder if I would have enjoyed the book as much though had I read it myself. Susan Bennett's narration style was the icing on a delicious cake. She gave added depth to the characters with a style that fully captures their emotions and personalities. Anyone who regularly listens to Audible books knows that there are three skills that a great narrator possesses that sets him or her apart from the rest: an ability to speak a character's lines in a manner is (1) GENDER (2) AGE and (3) REGIONALLY appropriate. Susan Bennett hit a grand slam with this story by nailing all three. Her rich narration style distinguishes males from females, the very young from the very old, and the native-Texans from transplants.

I love historical romances that are set in the western United States. Regency romances are not for me. I like my stories with some spice too; and although I am Catholic, I am not a fan of the 'inspirational romances'. I'm a big girl now and if I want to experience a sanitized story, I'll listen to my 14-year old daughter while she describes how she fell for the latest boy that she is 'Snap Chatting' on her phone! Unfortunately, the genre that I love is harder to find on Audible. I've listened to just about all of the books that meet my selection criteria and I gobble up the new releases as quickly as they arrive. Thus, I plowed through this book with a speed that would put Evelyn Wood to shame! Once I started to listen, I just could not stop. I hoped for a traffic jam to slow my commute; I endeavored to complete any task that could be accomplished wearing a headset. And two short days later, the story was finished and I experienced that dichotomy of emotions that a reader experiences upon reaching the end of an amazing story: fulfillment and emptiness. What can I listen to now? What book can I find that will possibly keep my interest as well as the story I just consumed? No worries ... I'm sure I'll find it but please Audible, give me more selections like this!