The Sisters of Glass Ferry

By: Kim Michele Richardson

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Glass Ferry, Kentucky, is bourbon country. Whiskey has been a way of life for generations, enabling families to provide and survive even in the darkest times. Flannery Butler's daddy, Beauregard "Honey Bee" Butler, was known for making some of the best whiskey in the state, aged in barrels he'd take by boat up and down the Kentucky River until the rocking waters turned the spirits smooth and golden. Flannery is the only person Honey Bee ever entrusted with his recipes before he passed on, swearing her to secrecy as he did so.

But Flannery is harboring other secrets too, about her twin sister Patsy, older by eight minutes and pretty in a way Flannery knows she'll never be. Then comes the prom night when Patsy - wearing a yellow chiffon dress and the family pearls - disappears along with her date. Every succeeding year on the twins' birthday, Flannery's mother bakes a strawberry cake, convinced that this is the day Patsy will finally come home.

But it will be two tumultuous decades until the muddy river yields a clue about what happened that night, compelling Flannery to confront the truth about her sleepy town, her family's past, and the choices she and those closest to her have made in the name of love and retribution.

©2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

good book, but . . .

No Kentuckian says Louie-ville. It's Loo-a-vul. other than that, great story, I would recommend this book.

Disappointed

I chose this book, as I often do, because I had just finished reading another by this author that I couldn't stop listening to, it was so well-written and crafted. Shortly after starting this book, however, I began to wonder if this was the same author. The dialog was often unconvincing, and the narrative was stilted, confusing at times. The story was interesting, but felt forced and contrived, especially at the end. The flashbacks were unorganized, popping up at odd points in the story and thus distracting.
I felt dissatisfied by the ending, which seemed to drag on and was wholly anti-climactic. I really loved the first book I read by Richardson - The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek - and enjoyed the second book I read - GodPretty in the Tobacco Field, though didn't love it. The Sisters of Glass Ferry seemed to be an experiment, a third or fourth draft, and was not quite ready for prime time.
The narration was well-done.

Unexpected Ending!

Great story and a page-turner! Once I started listening, I couldn't stop. Griping twist at the end! A must listen.

Enjoyed the story

All was fine until the end. I would have liked to have just a little more wrap up. I felt like I was left hanging.

Love Richardson

I love the way Kim Richardson writes about Kentucky it’s history good and bad. I always find myself really hating the antagonist. I do agree the ending didn’t quite smooth out the way Richardson could have. Maybe she was forced to edit. Overall, enthralling read.

Hmmm....🤔

I love this author. Her audiobooks have seen me in a solo cross country trip, through family struggles, and became my go to when I needed a peaceful escape. This story feels like it's missing something, though. Like it had to be shortened for some reason. Don't get me wrong...I LOVED THE STORY. love, hate, joy, sorrow, gains and losses, and as usual healing, grace and mercy. But I can't help but think something's missing.

Did I miss something?

I really enjoyed this book except the ending, which was very vague and confusing. It was like the writer just gave up and ended it. Spoiler Alert: What was the deal with the twin boys deaths and being born with long hair. Why couldn’t Flannery (sp) just roll the pearls in the river mud so the State Trooper could find them and give back to the mother?
Would have baby bones have showed up? It was like the Elephant in the room.
Other than the above questions I enjoyed the book and the making of the whiskey was very interesting. I may have to listen again.

Great reader

So reminiscent of 1950’s & beyond. I felt the story ended to quickly as it bunched a lot at the end.

Full circle

I really enjoyed this audio book. I was not familiar with the author, but the summary caught my eye and I found that I could lose myself in this author’s words and narrator’s voice. Coming from a small southern town, it was easy to imagine the scenery and all scenarios in my mind’s eye. The long history of the twin sisters, Flannery & Patsy, show the ups and downs of sisterhood even if you are not a twin. The regrets and flaws as well as the strength and courage of each girl. Though set in an era that I was not born in, I could easily recall this story as if it was a tale that my grandmother would tell me growing up, about the times and the spirit. This lovely story pulls together a story of coming of age and it’s pitfalls, as well as tying in mystery and well kept family secrets. You leave after the story knowing that if you have loved anyone in your life you would have done the same. Much love to this author and the voice that brought it to life for me.

headline says its optional, why do I need one.

I thought the plot was good, but felt it was too drawn out with details that got lengthy and didn't add to the story. I enjoyed the old small town feel. otherwise all around decent book