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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Book on CD performed by Rosalyn Landor
Everyone knows everyone in the small town of Stoneybridge, on Ireland’s west coast. Still, when Chicky Starr buys Stone House from the last remaining Sheedy sister and announces she will turn it into a special kind of inn for paying guests, most everyone is certain the plan will fail. When the young people of town are leaving for the big city, who would want to come to tiny Stoneybridge? But Chicky assembles an eclectic group of travelers for her opening week, and begins a new chapter in her life and in the future of Stoneybridge.
This is Binchy’s last novel, published posthumously. It’s evident that she loved the landscape and the people of Ireland and she conveys that beautifully. This is an ensemble piece and there are sections devoted to each of the major players. From Chicky Starr (who comes back to Stoneybridge after decades in America) to Rigger (bad-boy turned general manager) to Freda (librarian and psychic), the reader gets to know each of the characters dreams, disappointments, strengths and flaws.
Rosalyn Landor does a wonderful job performing the audio version. She is a gifted voice artist and has a wide repertoire of voices and accents which allows her to bring the many character’s to life. My only disappointment is that it is Binchy’s last work – I would love to be able to look forward to a sequel.
Everyone knows everyone in the small town of Stoneybridge, on Ireland’s west coast. Still, when Chicky Starr buys Stone House from the last remaining Sheedy sister and announces she will turn it into a special kind of inn for paying guests, most everyone is certain the plan will fail. When the young people of town are leaving for the big city, who would want to come to tiny Stoneybridge? But Chicky assembles an eclectic group of travelers for her opening week, and begins a new chapter in her life and in the future of Stoneybridge.
This is Binchy’s last novel, published posthumously. It’s evident that she loved the landscape and the people of Ireland and she conveys that beautifully. This is an ensemble piece and there are sections devoted to each of the major players. From Chicky Starr (who comes back to Stoneybridge after decades in America) to Rigger (bad-boy turned general manager) to Freda (librarian and psychic), the reader gets to know each of the characters dreams, disappointments, strengths and flaws.
Rosalyn Landor does a wonderful job performing the audio version. She is a gifted voice artist and has a wide repertoire of voices and accents which allows her to bring the many character’s to life. My only disappointment is that it is Binchy’s last work – I would love to be able to look forward to a sequel.
dewey_scrapper's review against another edition
3.0
I wonder if she hadn't finished this before she died. The ending didn't seem to match her style.
carlymac's review against another edition
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
viljahe's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tgdamon55's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
Cozy, warm, pleasant.
caliblues's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
feedon's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
dana_reads_books's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0