The Guestbook

By: Andrea Hurst

Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt

The Guestbook: weaves together the heart of Nicholas Sparks' books, the romance of Nora Robert's work, and the charm of Debbie Macomber.

Fleeing her picture-perfect life among the privileged set and the wreckage of a failed marriage, Lily Parkins moves to the only place that still holds happy memories: her grandmother's farmhouse, now a converted B&B on the enchanting Madrona Island. After learning her grandmother has passed away, Lily is left with only an old guestbook as her guide - a curious book full of letters, recipes, and glimpses into her family history. She is determined to embrace her newfound independence and recreate herself, one page at a time.

With the help of quirky island residents, she finds the strength to follow her passion and culinary dreams. But as soon as she has sworn off men and is standing on her own two feet, Lily meets Ian, the alluring artist who lives next door, and her new life is suddenly thrown off course. The last thing she wants to do right now is fall in love. Ultimately, Lily must decide if it's worth giving up her soul for security or risk everything to follow her heart.

©2012 Andrea Hurst (P)2014 Andrea Hurst

A easy read... some what predictable but enjoyable

This story was predictable but enjoyable definitely a great summer beach Read. I read it on vacation in south padre.

great book!

easy listen.... pleasant...happy story....loved it!! bonus: can't wait to try the recipes at the end!!!!

The Guest Book

Great story line !!! I listened to it thru Audio able.com S pleasure as always. I have found myself another Author to search for !!

Memories loved it!

Good book with lots of very friendly people and some not so nice. Even the not so nice had reasons. What made this a difficult book to read? It was crammed full of delicious food! It made me want to go find chocolate, and bake cookies. Oh and the wonderful sea food recipes. I am certain I gained 10 lbs reading it!

The Guest Book

Immediately, I fell in love with the grandmother, keeper of a guest book that had been signed by those who had stayed at her Inn. The inn was created when she had to come up with a way to support herself following the passing of her husband. She was a lady to be admired for her courage and resilience during adversity. Over the years Grandma Maggie became one of the leading citizens of the island that had been her home, and onr she seldom left. She sold baked goods to local businesses to help with expenses. Her granddaughter, Lily, had spent most of her early years staying with her grandmother, gardening, baking, and playing together. As an adult, Lily was a beautiful accomplished culinary chef, married at 19, educated and molded by her successful, handsome husband of 10 years, Brad. During those 10 years, she devoted her life to fulfilling his every need. She allowed herself to be cut-off from her mother and grandmother, because Brad convinced her that he was her family, now.. Her relationship with her mother was strained , because she never appreciated Lily's dependence on Brad, and always reminded Lily that she wasn't the daughter that she could talk with any longer.
More than enough of the book's beginning!! Now, you will have to read/listen to The Guest Book to find out the best part of the book. The narration was easy to listen to, as she portrayed the many characters iin the book. 5 stars for her! Enjoy!!! I sure did!!

Sweet story of woman seeking to heal and love

Would you consider the audio edition of The Guestbook to be better than the print version?

Good reader...yummy recipes at end.

Would you recommend The Guestbook to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, easy engrossing read. Best for women.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It was easy to take breaks.

Milk Toast

This was a pleasant story, in a pleasant setting, with build-ups that pleasantly went away. Like milk toast is pleasant on the digestion. Pleasant .

Calming and happy

This book is full of comfort and happiness. The main character is trying to find peace after she finds out her marriage is ending. She finds her passion, romance, friendship, and peace by restoring the old Inn her grandmother used to own. I loved how vivid everything was in this book; from the emotions, to the scenery, to the recipes. It made you want to be a guest there and meet these people. I love stories like this.

Nice story, but took awhile to listen

What did you like best about The Guestbook? What did you like least?

I liked that Lily (the Female lead) decided to find out more about who she is as a woman, and that it felt nostalgic.

Would you be willing to try another book from Andrea Hurst? Why or why not?

Yes, I would. The story was good, it did drag a bit through the middle. But overall I enjoyed the writing.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration did set the tone for the story, and matched it well.

Did The Guestbook inspire you to do anything?

It did make me realize that we are in charge of our own happiness. We chart our own course in life, and it's never too late to start over and live the life you want in order to bring you personal happiness!

Any additional comments?

I'd recommend this story for readers who like contemporary romance, that focuses more on the story, and not about the intimacy between two people. There is romance, but this is more of a coming into yourself story!

Wonderful Charactors in this book.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would recommend this book to a friend. It was entertaining and has twists and turns. I like a book that does that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Guestbook?

The looking for the brownie recipe. Will it ever be found?

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where everyone pitches in. What a great place to live. I wanted to move there. Teri Schnaubelt does all the charactors so well. Men's voices, women's voices, childrens voices. You always know who is speaking. It makes listening so enjoyable and entertaining.

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

When Grampa becomes ill, I worried as if it was a family member. He would be missed if things do not go the right way.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.