The Secret About Time

The Firemark Series, Book 1

By: Kathryn K. Murphy

Narrated by: Frances Anderson

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Austin Brooks is almost 100 years old, but he, like all of the residents of Brightrock Island, doesn’t age normally. The tight-knit community off the coast of Massachusetts has a closely guarded secret - they’ve discovered the fountain of youth. In an effort to escape his painful memories of World War II, Austin has settled into his job at Brightrock’s only school as the funny guy, Mr. Fix It, on track to becoming a principal. Then new teacher Caitlyn Landry arrives from the mainland, throwing all life on Brightrock - especially Austin’s - into chaos.

After suffering several major losses, Caitlyn is looking for a fresh start. Brightrock doesn’t take kindly to outsiders, but Caitlyn was a necessary hire, and when Austin is tasked with mentoring her, he discovers keeping his lips sealed is easier said than done. With her own regrets and mistakes haunting her, Caitlyn is hardly looking for love, but the more time she spends with Austin, the harder it is for either of them to keep their distance. But what no one on Brightrock knows is that someone is on to their secret, someone who poses a threat to everyone on the island, leaving Austin to decide between his loyalty to Brightrock and his desire to fight for the woman he can’t live without.

©2019 Kathryn Hershberger (P)2021 Kathryn Hershberger

A great first novel and a special start!

As I came into this story, I didn’t know what to expect. But thankfully this journey to Bright Rock Island, Mass. is definitely worth your while. Listening to the relationship between Austin and Caitlyn develop as naturally as it did was wonderful - they work and learn together and it feels real, honest and in the end delightful - especially with the great twist! This is a complete and satisfying story on its own, and the sequel is a great read too. Well worth the read and the listen!

Outstanding Debut Novel!

This was my first Kathryn K. Murphy's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in The Firemark Series. Austin and Caitlyn's slow burn romance is well written, original, and captivating. The Brightrock Island is highly intriguing with its secrets, and mystery. The storyline is complex, filled with suspense, romance, and twists and turns. Frances Anderson did a fantastic job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

loved it

Even though this is not my usual go-to book, I loved it.
The unique story and characters made it a captivating audiobook.
the narrator did a great job narrating this book.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Great Story and Narration!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started listening to this book, but I really enjoyed it!  I live in MA so I loved that the story takes place here and I love the complexity and suspense of the story.  It was fun finding out all about Brightrock Island, the fountain of youth and the great characters in the story, especially Austin!  Austin is very sweet, and I loved the romance that bloomed between him and Caitlyn.  The narration was fantastic in this book!! This is a great story, and I definitely recommend it.  I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series.

So intriguing! Will keep your attention! Great narration!

Wow! Such an intriguing story that will keep your attention! Narration was impeccable! Does have some cursing and an explicit scene, but very interesting! Keeps you listening for sure!!

Exceptional story!

In a different take on The Fountain of Youth, The Secret About Time gives us the story of a temporarily damaged heroine, looking for peace and a career after suffering some earth-shaking tragedies. Caitlyn loves teaching, but she just can't stay in Lousiana anymore because the pain of losing her parents and her student are too great. She accepts the job teaching history on Brightrock Island, and her life will never be the same. Austen is a teacher and newly appointed assistant principal at the school and, when he got a first look at Caitlyn, he felt something entirely different than what he's experienced before. She is special and he's going to make it a goal to make sure that she enjoys her year in the classroom. But Austen harbors a secret...a dangerous secret that even the children won't find out until they're almost adults. The island holds the fountain of youth and nobody on the island has aged much in a hundred years. But their security is about to come crashing down, as someone out for revenge is coming for them. The love story was very sweet, sinfully hot and completely satisfying. The characters are written so vividly that I can see them in my mind's eye. The world building is perfect and gives the feel of an authentic northeast mansion on the water of Massachusetts. Austen and Caitlyn have a hard-earned happy ending and it's perfectly set up for the next book in the series.
Frances Anderson did a magnificent job with the narration. Her dynamic voice brought each of the characters to life with a unique personality and attitude.

Great story and narration

Looking forward to the next book in this series. This is the first book by Kathyrn K Murphy that I have read. You can read the synopsis in the description so I will not repeat that information. The story is an interesting take an the fountain of youth.

Narration was excellent.

I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.

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

cute

really cute story. some curve balls that kept things interesting. adorable main characters that you cant help but identify with.

I LOVED IT!

I absolutely loved it! This book caught my attention from the very beginning and held it throughout the entire book. It is full of suspense, drama and romance! The narration was superb and gives the story that extra flair! It will keep you entertained! The author did a great job with the character builds and plot! This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last! I look forward to reading the next book in this series! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I enjoyed this story

I have to admit this is not typically the type of book I would read but I am glad I did. The idea of a well on an island that has water that keeps you from aging was great. The people who lived on the island would do anything to protect it. I hated the way they shunned Caitlyn, too afraid she would find out. The author did a great job with all the characters & the storyline. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Just an all time great read.