The Edge of Too Late

Harbor Pointe Series, Book 5

By: Jan Sikes

Narrated by: Jessine Van Lopik

Length: 2 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California's cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it's been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn's secrets.

What's the point of having it all when you have no one to share it with?

Brandon Miller has his dream job, financial security, and he's madly in love. Only one thing is missing—a commitment.

Angela Cooper's ex-husband left her with deep scars, souring her on the concept of marriage. She's not interested in a do-over. Not with Brandon or anyone. Her heart is locked securely away behind a thick wall.

With a ring in his pocket and hope in his heart, Brandon arranges a romantic getaway to the historic Harbor Pointe Inn, where he plans to pop the question.

Before they reach the inn, Angela's got her camera in hand and ghosts on her mind. But they arrive to find a much more tangible horror.

Accident or foul play?

Someone is up to no good, and Angela is the next target. When suspects can be worldly or otherworldly, danger and secrets lurk everywhere.

Poised at the perilous edge of too late, Angela and Brandon face the fight of their lives.

©2023 Jan Sikes (P)2023 Jan Sikes

A Treat for the Senses

Author Jan Sikes never fails to delight. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the supernatural element, but the author did a great job tying everything together. Now I need to go back and read her other books. Highly recommended.

Plenty to savor in this novella

I really enjoyed having a peek into our main characters' relationship and the turning point in it. Author Jan Sikes quickly gave us a clear impression of both Brandon and Angi, and it made me want to know more! THE EDGE OF TOO LATE felt very much like it could have been pulled right out of the center of a full length novel. Readers get plenty to savor with romance, mystery, action, and a bit of the ghostly element.

I rarely listen to audiobooks at regular speed, but narrator Jessine Van Lopik's pacing was perfect, and from a technical standpoint, the recording was flawless. Van Lopik's voicing of Angi is distinct and fits, as was her voicing of the male characters. (I did giggle every time I hear the pet name Brandon used for Angi channeled a most awesome '70s song by the same name that Helen Reddy nailed. I also couldn't help but hear a voice from the Goonies with Angi's pet name for Brandon.) Unfortunately, there were several other characters and situations where the voicing was distracting and took me way out of the story. (The good news is that I listened to an early copy and am told they are working on re-doing some of those parts.)

For now, I'd definitely recommend reading with your eyes, but if you're like me and can't find the time for that, reading with your ears is time well-spent.

A Perfect Listen

Jan Sikes delivered a memorable story of a couple who takes a romantic getaway on the Pacific coast. The descriptions make listeners and readers fall into the story. The Edge of Too Late has relatable characters. Brandon is an innovative, successful online game designer. He’s in love with Angela, who works at a law firm and is passionate about ghost discovery and photography.

Brandon whisks her away to a romantic but historically haunted venue on the edge of the Pacific Ocean near a lighthouse. She wants to capture the ghosts on film, while he wants to make her his wife. Their arrival at the Inn is highlighted by an injured guest whom the owners suggest slipped on the rocky, slippery pathway. Perhaps it's not just the pathway that poses the threats. Brandon’s plans for a proposal are disrupted when Angela gets brutally attacked, and Brandon fears the worst. Ms. Sikes masterfully increases the tension and mystery page-by-page with characters who bear watching to learn whodunit.

Jessine Van Lopik provides a fabulous rendition of The Edge of Too Late audio. The pace is flawless, with perfect pauses to emphasize the drama and mystery surrounding the historic lighthouse. The distinctive characters' voices helped increase the tension as the story unfolded.

Fans of romantic suspense will love the audio rendition of this story. Having previously read the story, the audio felt more exciting to the remarkable, unexpected conclusion. The Edge of Too Late and the Harbor Pointe Series will keep you entertained with this wonderful listen.