Making Faces

Eye Opener

What did you love best about Making Faces?

I really like how it wasn't a typical love story. It wasn't full of sex scenes but a lot of depth. It really made me think and I enjoyed the story line along with how it was written and read. The whole thing was absolutely enjoyable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved the main characters, Ambrose and Fern. They were just good people that deserved one another. But I think the best character was Bailey. His zest for life even through his disability was inspiring and caused intropsect. Plus, he had a great sense of humor.

What about Rob Shapiro’s performance did you like?

I was skeptical at first because I'm usually not fond of male characters narrating a romance audiobook and trying to emulate the female characters in them. But Rob Shapiro did such a great job that I was so lost in the story. He was amazing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I think I need to listen to it again, as well. It really made me think about my own views on beauty and how the majority of people view other people as well as themselves. I think this really made me grow as a person. I'm still reeling with all the lessons, which is why I think I will need to re-listen again.

Any additional comments?

Get it! It is not a typical romance. It's so much more than that. The characters had a lot of depth and it has a story line that is atypical of the average romance books out there. There aren't any heated physical scenes--just a lote of G rated stuff--but you still feel their attraction for one another none-the-less.

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

Great (low heat) romance :)

4.5-5 stars

This was a great story. I loved Fern and Ambrose and loved their story. This is the first story I've read by this author and based on this I'll probably read more of her work in the future. FYI, there is no sex in this book...the most we get if some kissing and not much more so it's relatively tame in that respect but the tragedy and emotions brought on by the book should be kept to mature readers.

Fern is a daughter of a preacher and his wife. She was born late in their life (when they were in their 40s and thought they were past the possibility of children) and was treasured because of that. Fern was a plain child and she became aware of this at an early age but did her best to live with that and not let it bother her since there are others worse off. Fern's cousin, Bailey was born with a muscular disease that has had him in a wheelchair from an early age and will bring about his early death. Bailey and Fern are best friends though and she's been his companion and taken care of him most of her life. The only boy Fern has ever wanted was Ambrose but he never seemed to take much notice of her.

Ambrose was the son of an underwear model his mother met in New York when she was young. Unfortunately, Ambrose's biological father didn't want a son so his mother went back to her home town and married the man who became Ambrose's real dad (regardless of blood). Eventually Ambrose's mother couldn't stand small town life and left Ambrose and his dad to go back to New York. Ambrose was always handsome and got attention because of that. He also has a great wrestling talent and won state championship all 4 years of his high school career. Ambrose didn't like being the golden boy though and always felt the weight of everyone's expectations.

The first part of the book goes back in time to various times throughout the childhood of Fern, Ambrose and even Bailey. They all had certain issues they dealt with growing up. The most poignant moment was in the beginning of their senior year in high school, when Ambrose and the rest live through the events of 911 (which brought tears to my eyes). This was particularly tough for Ambrose because by this time his mom is living back in New York and Ambrose was worried for her life. This ends up having a profound effect on Ambrose. Bailey is the wrestling coach's son and Fern is his niece so they're around a lot. Ambrose doesn't really notice Fern outside of the normal of seeing her with Bailey and not thinking much more about her until partway through their senior year in high school. Rita, Fern's other BFF (outside of Bailey) was crushing on Ambrose in their senior year. Fern knew she had no chance with Ambrose herself so when Rita had trouble wiring an love letter to Ambrose, Fern ended up helping her. Fern loves reading and has read tons of romance books and also has experimented around with writing her own stuff and seems to have a pretty good talent at it. Fern's letters drawn Ambrose in and Fern loves the exchanges between them. Fern isn't quite as pleased when she realizes that Rita is getting the benefits (kissing Ambrose) from Fern's writing. Eventually Ambrose realizes that Rita can't be writing the letters and finds out it's Fern. He's pissed (because he liked the girl in the letters and then thought he was being played) until he realizes that she hadn't been playing him and had liked their exchanges. Ambrose stays away from Fern for most of the rest of their senior year but he does start noticing her more and thinks she's actually kind of cute. Ambrose ends up deciding to join the National Guard (rather than take a wrestling scholarship to college) and his 4 best friends agree to come with him. They leave at the end of summer and before they do, Ambrose kisses Fern once right before he leaves for boot camp.

As noted in the book's blurb, Ambrose comes home scarred after almost being killed in an explosion that killed his 4 best friends while they were in a convoy. He hides away from the whole town for the first while after his return. Ambrose is scarred and also feels responsible for his friend's deaths and doesn't understand why God would let them die yet let him live. There is quite a bit of dealing with death and loss in this story and I thought it was well done (I'm not big on heavy religious messages in book and while God and religion is mentioned in this book but not so strongly it bothered me). The story focused more on how to treasuring those we've lost and dealing with the pain of their loss. It takes Ambrose some time though and it's not easy. Ambrose's dad owns a bakery that's connected with the grocery store that Ferm works as the night manager at. Ambrose starts working nights doing the baking because he figures not many people will see him then and he wants to hide from people, not able to handle them seeing what he's become (partially feeling this more because of his emotional issues and guilt over his friend's deaths). Fern sees Ambrose though and starts making attempts to get him to talk to her via messages. Ambrose rejects her efforts at first but eventually stops fighting her efforts, especially once Bailey gets in to the act (as Bailey is a force of nature in a wheelchair). Fern doesn't care about his scars and all and she hopes that maybe she'd have a chance with Ambrose but isn't sure as she still sees as him as out of her league, regardless of his lack of physical beauty. Ambrose sees that Fern has blossomed in to a beautiful woman (not that she realizes this) and he doesn't think he's worthy of her any more. Their mutual feelings of inadequacy does hamper them a bit but thankfully, Bailey isn't afraid to say what's on his mind and has a couple frank and to the point talks with Ambrose when he flounders in the growing relationship between him and Fern. Things do progress though and after some good times and some bad, Fern and Ambrose finally get their HEA.

I greatly enjoyed this story. Fern was a great heroine and Ambrose was pretty cool in his own right. I got sucked in to the story right from the beginning and couldn't stop until I was done. The story was very poignant, not just on the romance side but also in dealing with loss of loved ones and dealing with grief and/or guilt. It's a very sweet story and I'm very happy I read it. I'd recommend this story (just make sure to have tissues handy). 2 thumbs up! :D

25 of 26 people found this review helpful

Agonizingly Beautiful

I lost sleep on this book. I had a very hard time putting it down. I raced against myself because as much as I wanted to see what happened next I never wanted it to end.
This love story went through so many stages I felt rung out way before I got to the end. I laughed, cried, cheered and found myself smiling wide. If you even think about reading this book in secret just make sure you are all by yourself because Amy will pull the emotion from you.
I longed and loved with Fern, hurt with Ambrose, laughed with Bailey, wished with Elliott and cheered on the sidelines for them. I can't wait to visit another one of Amy Harmon's worlds.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Amy Harmon - what a great book!

Where does Making Faces rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I guess I would rate Making Faces as one of the top ten books I have listened to this year. The book has substance, characters are well developed, the story is intense and thought provoking.

What did you like best about this story?

Making Faces tells a story of how we see ourselves and how others see us.

Which character – as performed by Rob Shapiro – was your favorite?

This is the first time I have listened to a book narrated by Rob Shapiro and I was very impressed. The character I will remember the most was Bailey - his love of life despite his difficulties was inspirational.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Life is what you make it!

Any additional comments?

Making Faces is my first Amy Harmon read and it won't be my last. This book is a romance but not 'hot and sweaty'. This book has left me thinking about my life and how I sometimes take my fortunate life for granted. Well worth a credit.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Emotional story

What made the experience of listening to Making Faces the most enjoyable?

I loved listening to Making Faces, it showed true emotions.

What did you like best about this story?

The story had a true lesson in, that true beauty lies within.

What about Rob Shapiro’s performance did you like?

Rob Shapiro did a good job, I enjoyed hearing his voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Beauty should be felt and not seen. While outer beauty can fade, what you are on the inside shines on forever, which is either your true beauty or ugliness.

Any additional comments?

This was a really great story, every younger person who may or may not be struggling with self image should read this. I've have asked my two sons this all the time when dating, are they pretty on the inside? Because it really doesn't matter if they are beauty queen, if they are ugly on the inside. Great job Amy Harmon! This was my first book by you and it won't be my last.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The writing more than the story got me!

Typical Beauty and the Beast story, but who is the beauty and who is the beast changes. The story is slowly and carefully paced. The events of the story did not grab me, but within 30 minutes of listening, the writing did. Amy is talented with the words. Nothing ostentatious or flowery, just simple well placed phases and words. And the narration was spot on. Rob Shapiro's voice was emotive, sensual, and perfect for this story. His handling of the story amplified Amy Harmon's writing. For those, like me, who like New Adult Romance stories, there is no rated R+ scenes, so your young teen daughters can listen to this without the vulgarity that may make a reader hesitant with a car full of young impressionable minds. Don't get me wrong, I like a steamy novel, but this isn't one of them. It is sweet, emotional, symbolic, funny (LOVE Bailey), and heartbreaking. I think I would read Amy Harmon novels just because I really like the way she writes, period. This is my first but not my last Harmon novel.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Simply Magnificent

I read this book when it first came out and gave it a 5 star review on Goodreads. Now I have listened to it and if I could give more than 5 stars, I would. The book is a beautifully written story of love, loss, longing and redemption...all cast in the story of Fern, Ambrose and Bailey. Fern, the ugly duckling with eyes only for Ambrose; Ambrose, the god-man hero of his town, who went to war with his friends and returned home a changed forever soul; and Bailey, the tragic clown and spiritual challenge to everyone who knew him. It's always beyond interesting to listen to a book you've already read to get a different sense and resonance with the story, the characters and the writer's voice. The key in this transition from reading to listening is the narration and, believe me when I say that the narration of Rob Shapiro could NOT have been better. He absolutely nails the heart and soul of the characters and remains utterly true to the story. I have always been and will always be a visceral reader and this book reaches into my soul and heart like few others have done. Amy Harmon is a profoundly gifted writer and I relish any story she tells.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Beautiful in its devestation and joy.

This is one of my absolutley favorite books. I am not religious/spiritual in nature and although there are quiet a few spiritual undertones to this book, it really is the icing on a decadent cake. This story is tragic, empowering, thought provoking, beautiful and intelligent. A must read for a broad range of readers and worshippers of life and love.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A HEARTBREAKING & VERY EMOTIONAL LISTEN

If you're looking for a 'feel good' happy romance then look elsewhere because this book spans years in the H/H traumatic and eventful lives and it's raw, emotional, multi-layered and very sad. Fern's not pretty but her inner beauty shines throughout this thought provoking book - she's thoughtful, kind and caring and she's desperately in love with the handsome and multi-talented Ambrose who's going to face tragedy and torment.

It switches back and forth through the years and describes Fern as having UGS - Ugly Girl Syndrome but, over the years, she tries and succeeds in improving her appearance. Her friend Bailey is suffering from Muscular Dystrophy which is slowly degenerating and will result in his early death but he, and Fern, keep a positive attitude with their deep and meaningful friendship. So part of the book describes when, as children, they were told of Bailey's illness and the resulting effects it had on their lives. Ambrose has it all but wants to join-up so he, and his friends, eventually find themselves in the middle of all the action in Afghanistan which is where he sustained horrific injuries which doesn't make him beautiful anymore as well as mental heartache and torment over personal losses. 9/11 was also described and talked about. There are other characters mentioned, one of whom was another of Fern's friends who has an unplanned pregnancy and gets married to a very abusive guy which has devastating consequences. After Ambrose returns home scarred and a recluse Fern and Bailey try to heal his mentally scarred soul by showing that beauty is only skin deep and happiness comes from within then, after a while, they succeed and Ambrose and Fern's character development and relationship grows.

During the years, this listen deals with low self image, school bullying, a terrible disease and it's awful consequences, unrequited teenage/adult love, a diversity of dramas, 9/11, the death of friends and it's impact on a small community, murder and domestic abuse. However, there is an underlying message of hope over adversity with prophetic words, sayings, religious references and selfless actions which all help in the healing process.

Worth a credit? This was such a difficult book to rate and review because yes it was a well-written character driven journey with the underlying message of hope and the eventual healing power of love over terrible personal vulnerabilities but, for me, I want a listen that will leave me hopefully happy and smiling over a nice love story with a HEA ending. So, in this rare instance, I really can't answer the 'credit' question because it's all about what you personally want from your listen.

17 of 23 people found this review helpful

5 ++ Making Faces Stars

Ok, so I knew this book was going to be intense and that's one of the reasons I put off reading it till I was in the right head space.
WOW, it did not disappoint. I laughed and I cried like a damn baby. I don't know if I can say this right. You know when you read a book and you just know it’s going to stick with you, well for me this is that book.
It's awe-inspiring, the subject matter isn't something I can relate to but in a way everyone can.
Strength, bravery, and perseverance all come in different shapes and sizes. I don't know if that makes sense but to me it does. So READ THIS BOOK, it is Amazing!

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

10 of 14 people found this review helpful