The Lovers

Echoes from the Past, Book 1

By: Irina Shapiro

Narrated by: Wendy Wolfson

Length: 14 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

1665. When Elise de Lesseps is sold in marriage to Lord Edward Asher, she resolves to be an obedient and dutiful wife, until, on their wedding night, she finds out exactly what her husband has in store for her.

His request leaves her feeling shocked and humiliated, but being his chattel, she has no right to refuse. The consequences of that night seal Elise's fate and set her on a path that will lead to heartbreak and tragedy.

2013. Renowned archeologist, Dr. Quinn Allenby has a gift: She can see into the past when holding an object that belonged to the dead. When asked to host a BBC documentary called Echoes from the Past, Quinn uses her gift to find out what really happened to the 17th-century couple known only as The Lovers and unwittingly stumbles onto the secret of her own birth.

©2018 Irina Shapiro (P)2018 Merlin Press LLC

Perfect Story and Narration!

Every so often you come upon a book you know will be an all time favorite. As you go through it, you want to keep reading, yet don’t want it to end. And as an author, you’re both enamored with the story and almost jealous you didn’t think of it first! I found that with this audiobook!

In 1665 Elise de Laseppes has been biding her time, waiting to announce her secret betrothal to a common lad to her father. But one morning, her father calls for her, telling her to prepare for her wedding to Lord Asher. Lord Asher is rich, widowed, twice her age, and able to save the de Laseppes from ruin. While she wants nothing more than to run away with the boy who promises her the world, she can’t. Her two little sisters depend on her to keep the family afloat, even if they don’t fully understand it. So she leaves her childhood home to become the literal lady of the manor. But her well-bred husband hides more than one secret and Elise will be tasked with not only saving her family, but herself as her husband strives to get an heir.

In 2013 London, Dr. Quinn Allenby is straight off a nasty breakup and home from a successful archeological trip to Jerusalem when she receives a new task. A pair of skeletons was found in a chest, a makeshift coffin with evidence to show that neither person was dead when they were left alone in the dark. She’s approached by a producer who wants her to head a historical drama show, featuring the mysterious skeleton, and implores her to find the true story by any means necessary. Using her special skills, Quinn sets off to give them back their identities. But as she works to discover the skeletons’ pasts, her own comes into clearer focus.

Two women, centuries apart, brought together by chance and a blue brooch that holds the secret behind the hidden chest.

One of the hardest parts about writing reviews is that sometimes you need to leave out some of the best parts, as to not spoil anything. All I can say is that Quinn has certain abilities that ties her to Elise in a way she can’t fully explain. As more of Elise’s life is revealed, the deeper Quinn’s character development goes. She lives her life alongside Elise’s past in a seamless way that Shapiro should be congratulated for. It’s difficult to time hop without confusing readers or muddling the stories, but everything is crystal clear in this book by the end.

As a historian, I love to take note of the bits and pieces in all historicals I read. Shapiro’s book was a a fine example of a well researched piece. The food, clothing, ailments, and accessories such as birthing chairs and plague doctors were slipped in naturally, setting up the time period without it being forced. Still, Elise and her loved ones had personalities that transcended time.

The narration of The Lovers was wonderful. Wolfson’s voice was clear and easy to get lost in. The pace was perfect and the slight changes in the characters through their own voices wasn’t overdone or cartoonish as some are. Usually I limit my audiobook listening to car rides and dog walks, but I found myself listening to this one almost nonstop until the end.

Overall, if you couldn’t tell, I loved this book. I could see it as a movie with the same thrilling, dramatic feel as The Da Vinci Code or Tulip Fever. In ebook, paperback, or audiobook, this is the perfect read for lovers of thrillers, romance, and mysteries.

Ending seemed rushed

I loved most of this book, but it seemed to me that the author didn't spend enough time creating the ending.

Loved The Lovers

This is a must read if you want romance. I couldn’t wait fir my drive to work so I could hear what would happen next even though I knew how it would end.

Amazing!!

This story is amazing!! I love how the two stories all told! Irina Shapiro is an amazing writer!! I got lost in this story and I can't stop listening!! The Wendy Wolfson did an amazing job with her voice!!

One of the best mystery romances from 1600's.

I was captured with the story from the very first chapter. The story of "The Lovers" Echoes From The Past is tender and suspenseful story chapter by chapter. I especially enjoyed the additional story in modern day of the archeologists who discovered what had happened to the two skeletal remains found in a large chiasm beneath the ground chained in a trunk at least four hundred years ago. Two skeletal remains embraced in one last kiss before they died. Only to find out by the archeologist that there is another surprising find buried within. Irena Shapiro has a rare gift to tell two stories at the same time of the past long forgotten and the present as their stories are discovered. Those in present day caught up in their own suspenseful love triangle as they discover the past and their own places in the present time. Unlike most other novelist, Irena Shapiro leaves you hanging by a thread as she takes you from the past to the future and back again without disappointment, yet eager to find out what is going on in another time to people you have already became attached to. Wendy Wolfson narrates this story with a soft gentle voice that expresses suspense, despair, passion, and undying love. Her voice is pleasing to listen to and yet captures one spellbound as she unweaves this suspenseful story. I look forward to reading and listening to more books by Irina Shapiro and hopefully Wendy Wolfson will be narrating more of Irina Shapiro's books. Marilyn from Washington

Absolutely wonderful!

The author did an excellent job of weaving together the past and the present, and I found myself equally invested in both storylines. As tragic as the story of James and Elise was, it was beautiful and well thought out. The historical detail painted a clear picture of the social inequality of the times, and the characters were well developed; a perfect juxtaposition of the good and evil in human nature. I appriciated the authenticity portrayed in Quinn, as the character weeded through her tumultuous relationships and apprehensions. The narrator did a good job. I will be continuing the series and would suggest it to anyone who loves history and romance.

Breathtaking

This book was one of the best I’ve ever read the story is something that you can’t put aside once you start to it I am very anxious to read the other books in the series what a fine job the author and the narrator did, thank you very Wendy and Irene I would recommend this book to any of my friends it is a very very well written book.

Outstanding Interwoven Dual Love Story

I ADORED this book!! One of the love stories took place in England in the 1600's, during the reign of Charles II. The second love story took place in southern England in 2013. The Historical and Contemporary tales are superbly interwoven. Ms. Shapiro did an outstanding job on the characters as well. Those I loved like Quinn and Alyssa, I truly loved. And those I hated, well, you get the gist. It is just one of the most well written and heart wrenching books I've read.

Now, mind you, it's a long book but it needed to be. I just wanted it to keep on going and going and going. Luckily there are currently 7 in this series in Kindle plus #8 in January so I kinda get my wish! As far as who would/should read this, it would be best for mature readers.

Wendy Wolfson did the narration and she did a terrific job. She had a LOT of voices to keep track of and she did so well. Lots of animation to her voice and she really helped keep the story both interesting and moving along. Great job.

5 Stars*****

I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Intriguing story

A good story with good characters and a good narrator that leads you down the story path to mystery and suspense and it doesn't put you off or to sleep. You enjoy the characters, and the way the story unfolds, because it's quite intriguing. So when you get a chance pick up a copy and enjoy.

You won't be able to stop listening!

I loved the story and the two different time lines of the characters. You will not be disappointed!