The Deal of a Lifetime
A Novella
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The Deal of a Lifetime
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Narrated by:
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Santino Fontana
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By:
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Fredrik Backman
About this listen
The number one New York Times best-selling author of A Man Called Ove and Beartown delivers an insightful and poignant holiday novella about a man who sacrificed his family in the single-minded pursuit of success and the courageous little girl fighting for her life who crosses his path.
It all begins with a father telling a story to his son on Christmas Eve. But this isn't your typical Christmas story. The father admits to his son that he's taken a life but he won't say whose - not yet.
One week earlier, in a hospital late at night, the man met a five-year-old girl with cancer. She's a smart kid - smart enough to know that she won't beat cancer by drawing with crayons all day, but it seems to make the adults happy, so she keeps doing it.
As the man tells his son about this plucky little girl, he slowly reveals more about himself: while he may be a successful businessman, idolized by the media and his peers, he knows he failed as a parent. Overwhelmed by the responsibility of fatherhood, he took the easy way out and left his wife and little boy 20 years ago to pursue professional success. Now he is left wondering if it's too late to forge a relationship with his son, who seems to be his opposite in every way - prizing happiness over money, surrounded by loving friends in a cozy town where he feels right at home.
Face to face with the idea that something is missing, the man is given the unexpected chance to do something selfless that could change the destiny of the little girl in the hospital bed. But before he can make the deal of a lifetime, he needs to find out what his own life has actually been worth in the eyes of his son. And so, he seeks him out and tells him this story....
Written with Fredrik Backman's signature humor, compassion, and "knack for weaving tales that are believable and fanciful" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), The Deal of a Lifetime reminds us that life is a fleeting gift, and our only legacy is how we share that gift with those we love.
©2017 Fredrik Backman (P)2017 Simon & Schuster, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...
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- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,692
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,417
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,409
Grandpa and Noah are sitting on a bench in a square that keeps getting smaller every day. The square is strange but also familiar, full of the odds and ends that have made up their lives: Grandpa's work desk, the stuffed dragon that Grandpa once gave to Noah, the sweet-smelling hyacinths that Grandma loved to grow in her garden.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Heartbreakingly Perfect
- By Jmo930 on 11-21-16
By: Fredrik Backman
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Things My Son Needs to Know About the World
- By: Fredrik Backman
- Narrated by: Santino Fontana
- Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 564
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 513
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 511
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World collects the personal dispatches from the front lines of one of the most daunting experiences any man can experience: fatherhood. As he conveys his profound awe at experiencing all the “firsts” that fill him with wonder and catch him completely unprepared, Fredrik Backman doesn’t shy away from revealing his own false steps and fatherly flaws, tackling issues both great and small, from masculinity and midlife crises to practical jokes and poop.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Not my favorite Frederick Backman book
- By Frog on 06-16-19
By: Fredrik Backman
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The Answer Is No
- A Short Story
- By: Fredrik Backman, Elizabeth DeNoma - translator
- Narrated by: Stacy Gonzalez
- Length: 1 hr and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 1,282
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 1,206
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Story4 out of 5 stars 1,206
Lucas knows the perfect night entails just three things: video games, wine, and pad thai. Peanuts are a must! Other people? Not so much. Why complicate things when he’s happy alone? Then one day the apartment board, a vexing trio of authority, rings his doorbell. And Lucas’s solitude takes a startling hike. They demand to see his frying pan. Someone left one next to the recycling room overnight, and instead of removing the errant object, as Lucas suggests, they insist on finding the guilty party. But their plan backfires. Colossally.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Narrator doesn’t get Backman’s satire or rhythm
- By joey1603 on 12-01-24
By: Fredrik Backman, and others
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Britt-Marie Was Here
- A Novel
- By: Fredrik Backman
- Narrated by: Joan Walker
- Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 12,431
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 11,255
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 11,225
Britt-Marie can't stand mess. She eats dinner at precisely the right time and starts her day at six in the morning because only lunatics wake up later than that. And she is not passive-aggressive. Not in the least. It's just that sometimes people interpret her helpful suggestions as criticisms, which is certainly not her intention. But at 63, Britt-Marie has had enough. She finally walks out on her loveless 40-year marriage and finds a job in the only place she can: Borg, a small, derelict town devastated by the financial crisis.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A Gem
- By Sara on 05-12-16
By: Fredrik Backman
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My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
- A Novel
- By: Fredrik Backman
- Narrated by: Joan Walker
- Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 17,538
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 15,847
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 15,826
Elsa is seven years old and different. Her grandmother is 77 years old and crazy, standing-on-the-balcony-firing-paintball-guns-at-men-who-want-to-talk-about-Jesus crazy. She is also Elsa's best and only friend. At night Elsa takes refuge in her grandmother's stories, in the Land of Almost-Awake and the Kingdom of Miamas, where everybody is different and nobody needs to be normal.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Simply splendid.
- By B.J. on 07-27-15
By: Fredrik Backman
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My Friends
- A Novel
- By: Fredrik Backman
- Narrated by: Marin Ireland
- Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 92
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 91
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Story5 out of 5 stars 91
Most people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an artist herself, knows otherwise and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures. Twenty-five years earlier, in a distant town, a group of teenagers find refuge from their difficult home lives by spending their days laughing and telling stories out on a pier.
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5 out of 5 stars
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How can he keep doing this? Another masterpiece!
- By Blue on 05-08-25
By: Fredrik Backman
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Anxious People
- A Novel
- By: Fredrik Backman
- Narrated by: Marin Ireland
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 26,461
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 23,146
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 23,041
Looking at real estate isn’t usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage. The captives include a recently retired couple who relentlessly hunt down fixer-uppers to avoid the painful truth that they can’t fix their own marriage. There’s a wealthy bank director who has been too busy to care about anyone else and a young couple who are about to have their first child but can’t seem to agree on anything.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Read. This. Now.
- By DIY Sammy on 09-09-20
By: Fredrik Backman
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A Man Called Ove
- A Novel
- By: Fredrik Backman
- Narrated by: J. K. Simmons
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 20,159
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 17,942
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Story5 out of 5 stars 17,872
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. But behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul.
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5 out of 5 stars
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By Far the Best Narrator of a Book I've Had
- By WanderLaw on 04-05-20
By: Fredrik Backman
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The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
- A Novel
- By: Anna Johnston
- Narrated by: Tim Carroll
- Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 650
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 600
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 600
Frederick Fife was born with an extra helping of kindness in his heart. If he borrowed your car, he’d return it washed with a full tank of gas. The problem is there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from. At eighty-two, he’s desperately lonely, broke, and on the brink of homelessness. But Fred’s luck changes when, in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of grumpy Bernard Greer at the local nursing home. Now he has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his poker face is in better shape than his prostate and that his look-alike never turns up.
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2 out of 5 stars
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Somewhat engaging but predictable
- By RSNYC on 10-15-24
By: Anna Johnston
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The Dead Fathers Club
- By: Matt Haig
- Narrated by: Andrew Dennis
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 125
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 102
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Story3.5 out of 5 stars 103
Eleven-year-old Philip Noble has a big problem. His dad has appeared to him as a member of the Dead Fathers Club, a club for "ghost dads" whose murders are unavenged. His father's road accident, it turns out, was no accident at all. Uncle Alan is responsible for his dad's death, and if Philip doesn't succeed in killing his uncle just before his dad's birthday, just 10 weeks away, his dad's spirit will never rest.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Hamlet Only New
- By BATFS on 05-07-08
By: Matt Haig
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Nothing to See Here
- By: Kevin Wilson
- Narrated by: Marin Ireland
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 11,884
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 10,505
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 10,470
Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then, Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal, and they’ve barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help. Madison’s twin stepkids are moving in with her family, and she wants Lillian to be their caretaker. However, there’s a catch: The twins spontaneously combust when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Elevated art form.
- By KayMac on 10-30-19
By: Kevin Wilson
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When We Were Friends
- A Short Story
- By: Jane Green
- Narrated by: Lucy Rayner
- Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 129
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 125
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Story4 out of 5 stars 125
By all accounts, Lucy’s handled her divorce well. She’s finally in the cozy, plant-filled house of her dreams. And although she doesn’t fit in with the other divorcées—all busy looking for their next ex—she’s excited to get down to earth and savor the small joys of life. When Lucy meets Elle, a hip younger woman who shares her same passions, their connection is instant. Taking a chance on kismet, Lucy forges a friendship that fills her days with meaning. She and Elle are inseparable, from sunup to sundown, enjoying the immediate ease and familiarity of each other’s company.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Felt like it could turn dark at any moment
- By Etoile NEOhio on 03-15-25
By: Jane Green
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The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride
- By: Joe Siple
- Narrated by: Martin Landry
- Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 950
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 857
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 857
With all his family and friends gone except an estranged grandson, retired Major League ballplayer Murray McBride is looking for a reason to live. He finds it in Jason Cashman, a spirited 10-year-old boy with a terminal heart defect and a list of five things he wants to do before he dies. Murray is determined to help Jason fulfill his dreams. Together, they race against the limited time each has left, ticking off Jason's wishes one by one.
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2 out of 5 stars
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GREAT STORY - poorly read
- By Margery R. Deemer on 02-09-21
By: Joe Siple
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The Door-to-Door Bookstore
- A Novel
- By: Carsten Henn
- Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill
- Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 83
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 75
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 75
Small-town German bookseller Carl Kollhoff delivers his books to special customers in the evening hours after closing time, walking through the picturesque alleys of the city. These people are almost like friends to him, and he is their most important connection to the world. When Kollhoff unexpectedly loses his job, it takes the power of books and a nine-year-old girl to make them all find the courage to rebuild their bonds with each other.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Delightful
- By susan boardman on 07-11-23
By: Carsten Henn
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Run for the Hills
- A Novel
- By: Kevin Wilson
- Narrated by: Marin Ireland
- Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall0 out of 5 stars 0
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Performance0 out of 5 stars 0
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Story0 out of 5 stars 0
Ever since her dad left them twenty years ago, it’s just been Madeline Hill and her mom on their farm in Coalfield, Tennessee. While she sometimes admits it’s a bit lonely and a less exciting life than she imagined for herself, it’s mostly OK. Mostly. Then one day Reuben Hill pulls up in a PT Cruiser and informs Madeline that he believes she’s his half sister.
By: Kevin Wilson
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The Case of the Missing Maid
- Harriet Morrow Investigates, Book 1
- By: Rob Osler
- Narrated by: Nicol Zanzarella
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 19
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Story4 out of 5 stars 19
Rough-around-the-edges Harriet Morrow has long been drawn to the idea of whizzing around the city on her bicycle as a professional detective, solving crimes for a living without having to take a husband. She seizes the chance when the prestigious Prescott Agency hires her as its first woman operative. The move sparks controversy—with skeptical male colleagues, a high-strung office secretary, and her boss, Mr. Theodore Prescott, all waiting for her to unravel under the pressure.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Fun and Entertaining
- By Sherwood on 02-24-25
By: Rob Osler
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Everything My Mother Taught Me
- Inheritance collection
- By: Alice Hoffman
- Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
- Length: 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,473
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,041
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,030
In this haunting short story of loyalty and betrayal, a young woman in early 1900s Massachusetts discovers that in navigating her treacherous coming-of-age, she must find her voice first. For fatefully observant Adeline, growing up carries an ominous warning from her adulterous mother: don’t say a word. Adeline vows to never speak again. But that’s not her only secret. After her mother takes a housekeeping job at a lighthouse off the tip of Cape Ann, a local woman vanishes. The key to the mystery lies with Adeline, the silent witness.
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5 out of 5 stars
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This story is incredible
- By Shumpie on 02-01-20
By: Alice Hoffman
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Holiday Hideaway
- A Short Story
- By: Mary Kay Andrews
- Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
- Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 975
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 934
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Story4 out of 5 stars 935
Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.
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5 out of 5 stars
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WONDERFUL!!!
- By Mimi Marie C on 11-14-24
By: Mary Kay Andrews
What listeners say about The Deal of a Lifetime
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jamin
- 12-20-17
short and sweet
well written and narrated. It makes you think of what matters in life, and what we get caught up in life.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Annmarie
- 12-09-22
Sad but good
I enjoyed this story. I enjoy all of his stories. I’m glad he wrote it
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Lynnz
- 01-04-25
Odd storyline
Cant say . I need time to reach the point
I usually really enjoy this author. I cantt say why this left me so unsatisfied
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bella
- 02-13-21
What if ?
Makes you think about life and family in a big way. Reflections about life decisions. Enjoy !
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jay B
- 05-15-22
What a Wonderful Pause..
...this story provokes. Thank you Mr Backman. I will read this again.
What is it that matters most?
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jill
- 12-19-22
Beautiful Christmas Novella
If you are looking for a short yet inspiring novella for the Christmas season, this is the one for you! ❤️
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- NursyNurse
- 08-22-22
Incredible.
I don’t think I’ve cried this much in 46 mins. The way it’s written, the way it was narrated, the story filled with such emotion, the allegories. I loved it all. Thank you.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- 3xcharm
- 12-28-17
Novellas Are Horrible!!!!!
I never should have listened to this magically wonderful novella. I hate that it's over and I'll never hear anymore of this beautifully enchanting story. Fredrick Backman, please turn this into a full-length book!!!!!!
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32 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ger
- 05-04-22
1 full credit!
Interesting story and well read. I really enjoyed it, but then it was over so quickly and I hadn’t noticed how short it was, for 1 full credit!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- JSMKGA
- 11-28-22
Wow
What a lovely and heart wrenching story. Short but definitely long enough to hit home. Wow. A+
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