The Women of Great Heron Lake

By: Deanna Lynn Sletten

Narrated by: Jennifer Groberg

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Two strong women, generations apart, living parallel lives. 

When Marla Madison’s husband dies, she realizes her life has become very small. Her daughter is grown and Marla has spent the past two decades focused on his friends, his interests, and his home. Feeling lost, she throws herself into fixing up the 150-year-old family manor on the lake. She soon discovers an old journal in a secret drawer and is instantly intrigued. The handwritten book tells the tale of another Mrs. Madison from over a century ago, the first woman to live in the lake manor. As Marla reads the journal, she discovers that her life parallels that of the woman who wrote those words decades ago and Marla finds inspiration from her strength. 

1875 - Alaina Carlton was content to become a spinster until her beloved father introduces her to Nathaniel Madison, one of the most prosperous men in St. Paul, Minnesota. Even though she values her independence, Alaina is intrigued by this man who pursues her. When they marry, she believes she’s found a man who will treat her as an equal, but soon realizes that isn’t entirely true. From their mansion on the illustrious Summit Avenue to their manor at Great Heron Lake, where the rich and powerful play, her life is no longer her own. But 15 years and two children later when Nathaniel grows ill, she takes her rightful place where women weren’t allowed in order to secure her children’s inheritance and her future. 

An inspiring family saga of two determined woman who found meaning in their lives by following their passions and not allowing society, or propriety, to hold them back.

©2019 Deanna Lynn Sletten (P)2019 Deanna Lynn Sletten

Good story, terrible narration

This was a good story but the narration was so distracting. In many places it sounded computerized and almost made me quit listening. There were also mixups with words or names in a couple of places.

Loved the story

Historical fiction is a favorite of mine. The storyline spans over a century and appealed to the novice genealogist I have become. My only criticism is some of the narrative of the male characters was difficult to listen too.

Good story horrible narration

It sounded as if it were read by a robot. The only thing worse than the female parts were the males. Not natural conversational voices. I couldn’t finish it was so off-putting.

Good story.

I thought this was an Interesting story of ancestral connections and life choices and circumstances. I really liked it. Good narrator as well.

Great story

It’s wonderful to relive the past days through a family lineage. Very well written. Thanks.

Boring, unrealistic, waste of time

To begin with, few women are as financially privileged as the protagonist. To end with, for the protection of abused women and children, womens shelters are located at secret addresses.

Slow, but very good story!

The story was very good and inspiring. It started a little slow but I am very glad I stuck with it!!! The performance/reader was a bit mechanical.

My Musings

What a fascinating story with amazing characters and an intriguing plot. It follws 21st century Marla and 19th century Alaina, both women had controlling husbands, and both had to move forward as independent women without their husbands. In many ways, they led similar lives. The narrator added to my enjoyment. Happy reading and listening!

A sweet little story

The story was sweet and well written enough. I could take this book or not. To be honest I was pretty indifferent about it. The performance on the other hand was NOT good. The dialogue was spoken very mechanical except for the main character. It was so bad I found myself making fun of it by repeating it in the same mechanical voice.

Listened on audible

I enjoyed the story but not the reader. Her words were too stilted. For example, always using long a when short a word have been a much better choice.

Passable

Not an outstanding book the narrator was a bit colourless and the plot predictable but others may enjoy it