Get Your Free Audiobook
-
The Olive Tree
- Narrated by: Lucinda Riley, Harry Whittaker
- Length: 14 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for $32.62
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
People who bought this also bought...
-
Hothouse Flower
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Beth Chalmers
- Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a child, Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park estate, where her grandfather tended the exotic flowers. So when a family tragedy strikes, Julia returns to the tranquility of Wharton Park and its hothouse. Recently inherited by charismatic Kit Crawford, the estate is undergoing renovation. This leads to the discovery of an old diary, prompting the pair to seek out Julia's grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed Wharton Park.
-
-
A stunning book
- By Esther Juon Veitch on 10-09-2016
-
The Butterfly Room
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie
- Length: 17 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Posy Montague is approaching her 70th birthday. Still living in her beautiful family home, Admiral House, set in the glorious Suffolk countryside where she spent her own idyllic childhood catching butterflies with her beloved father, and raised her own children, Posy knows she must make an agonising decision. The house is crumbling around her, and Posy knows the time has come to sell it. Then a face appears from the past - Freddie, her first love, who abandoned her and left her heartbroken 50 years ago.
-
-
Beautiful as a butterfly
- By Zechy on 13-05-2019
-
The Love Letter
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Camilla Rockley
- Length: 16 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1995, London. When Sir James Harrison, one the greatest actors of his generation, passes away at the age of 95 he leaves behind not just a heartbroken family but also a secret so shocking, so devastating that it could rock the English establishment to its core. Joanna Haslam is an ambitious young journalist assigned to cover the legendary actor's funeral. The great and the good of the celebrity world are there. But Joanna stumbles on something dark beneath the glamour: the mention of a letter James Harrison has left behind, the contents of which others have been desperate to conceal for over 70 years.
-
-
Definitely a light read
- By Christine Campbell on 17-03-2021
-
The Girl on the Cliff
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Gerri Halligan
- Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Troubled by recent loss, Grania Ryan has returned to Ireland and the arms of her loving family. It is here, on a cliff edge, that she first meets a young girl, Aurora. Strangely drawn to Aurora, Grania discovers that their families are deeply entwined. From a bittersweet romance in wartime London to a troubled relationship in contemporary New York, the Ryans and the Lisles have been entangled for a century.
-
-
Just lovely!
- By carol on 27-08-2017
-
The Light Behind the Window
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Miranda Raison
- Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The present: Emilie de la Martiniéres has always fought against her aristocratic background, but after the death of her glamorous, distant mother, she finds herself alone in the world and sole inheritor of her grand childhood home in the south of France. An old notebook of poems leads her in search of the mysterious and beautiful Sophia, whose tragic love affair changed the course of her family history.
-
-
Held my all the way to the end
- By Donna Skelton on 21-09-2020
-
The Italian Girl
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Yolanda Kettle
- Length: 18 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rosanna Menici is just a girl when she meets Roberto Rossini, the man who will change her life. In the years to come, their destinies are bound together by their extraordinary talents as opera singers and by their enduring but obsessive love for each other - a love that will ultimately affect the lives of all those closest to them. For, as Rosanna slowly discovers, their union is haunted by irreversible events from the past....
-
-
My first Lucinda Riley audio book
- By Anonymous User on 27-01-2022
-
Hothouse Flower
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Beth Chalmers
- Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a child, Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park estate, where her grandfather tended the exotic flowers. So when a family tragedy strikes, Julia returns to the tranquility of Wharton Park and its hothouse. Recently inherited by charismatic Kit Crawford, the estate is undergoing renovation. This leads to the discovery of an old diary, prompting the pair to seek out Julia's grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed Wharton Park.
-
-
A stunning book
- By Esther Juon Veitch on 10-09-2016
-
The Butterfly Room
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie
- Length: 17 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Posy Montague is approaching her 70th birthday. Still living in her beautiful family home, Admiral House, set in the glorious Suffolk countryside where she spent her own idyllic childhood catching butterflies with her beloved father, and raised her own children, Posy knows she must make an agonising decision. The house is crumbling around her, and Posy knows the time has come to sell it. Then a face appears from the past - Freddie, her first love, who abandoned her and left her heartbroken 50 years ago.
-
-
Beautiful as a butterfly
- By Zechy on 13-05-2019
-
The Love Letter
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Camilla Rockley
- Length: 16 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1995, London. When Sir James Harrison, one the greatest actors of his generation, passes away at the age of 95 he leaves behind not just a heartbroken family but also a secret so shocking, so devastating that it could rock the English establishment to its core. Joanna Haslam is an ambitious young journalist assigned to cover the legendary actor's funeral. The great and the good of the celebrity world are there. But Joanna stumbles on something dark beneath the glamour: the mention of a letter James Harrison has left behind, the contents of which others have been desperate to conceal for over 70 years.
-
-
Definitely a light read
- By Christine Campbell on 17-03-2021
-
The Girl on the Cliff
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Gerri Halligan
- Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Troubled by recent loss, Grania Ryan has returned to Ireland and the arms of her loving family. It is here, on a cliff edge, that she first meets a young girl, Aurora. Strangely drawn to Aurora, Grania discovers that their families are deeply entwined. From a bittersweet romance in wartime London to a troubled relationship in contemporary New York, the Ryans and the Lisles have been entangled for a century.
-
-
Just lovely!
- By carol on 27-08-2017
-
The Light Behind the Window
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Miranda Raison
- Length: 12 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The present: Emilie de la Martiniéres has always fought against her aristocratic background, but after the death of her glamorous, distant mother, she finds herself alone in the world and sole inheritor of her grand childhood home in the south of France. An old notebook of poems leads her in search of the mysterious and beautiful Sophia, whose tragic love affair changed the course of her family history.
-
-
Held my all the way to the end
- By Donna Skelton on 21-09-2020
-
The Italian Girl
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Yolanda Kettle
- Length: 18 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rosanna Menici is just a girl when she meets Roberto Rossini, the man who will change her life. In the years to come, their destinies are bound together by their extraordinary talents as opera singers and by their enduring but obsessive love for each other - a love that will ultimately affect the lives of all those closest to them. For, as Rosanna slowly discovers, their union is haunted by irreversible events from the past....
-
-
My first Lucinda Riley audio book
- By Anonymous User on 27-01-2022
-
The Midnight Rose
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Aysha Kala
- Length: 19 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the heyday of the British Raj, 11-year-old Anahita, from a noble but impoverished family, forms a lifelong friendship with the headstrong Princess Indira, the privileged daughter of rich Indian royalty. Becoming the princess's official companion, Anahita accompanies her friend to England just before the outbreak of the Great War. There, she meets the young Donald Astbury - reluctant heir to the magnificent, remote Astbury Estate - and his scheming mother.
-
-
Beautifully Written
- By Anonymous User on 08-11-2021
-
The Angel Tree
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
- Length: 19 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thirty years have passed since Greta left Marchmont Hall, a grand and beautiful house nestled in the hills of rural Monmouthshire. But when she returns to the Hall for Christmas she has no recollection of her past association with it – the result of a tragic accident that has blanked out more than two decades of her life. Then, during a walk through the wintry landscape, she stumbles across a grave in the woods and the weathered inscription on the headstone tells her that a little boy is buried here.
-
-
A bit long
- By Khar3345 on 14-04-2022
-
The Missing Sister
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Caroline Lennon
- Length: 23 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The six D’Aplièse sisters have each been on their own incredible journey to discover their heritage, but they still have one question left unanswered: who and where is the seventh sister? They only have one clue - an image of a star-shaped emerald ring. The search to find the missing sister will take them across the globe - from New Zealand to Canada, England, France and Ireland - uniting them all in their mission to complete their family at last.
-
-
Mangled representation of New Zealand
- By Eleanor Middleton on 01-09-2021
-
The Sun Sister
- The Seven Sisters, Book 6
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Sophie Roberts, Weruche Opia
- Length: 26 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
To the outside world, Electra D’Aplièse seems to be the woman with everything: as one of the world’s top models, she is beautiful, rich and famous. Yet beneath the veneer, Electra’s already tenuous control over her state of mind has been rocked by the death of her father, Pa Salt, the elusive billionaire who adopted his six daughters from across the globe. Struggling to cope, she turns to alcohol and drugs. As those around her fear for her health, Electra receives a letter from a complete stranger who claims to be her grandmother.
-
-
Absolutely Brilliant!!!!
- By Christine Curtis on 26-07-2020
-
The Moon Sister
- The Seven Sisters, Book 5
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Imogen Wilde
- Length: 19 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the death of her father - Pa Salt, an elusive billionaire who adopted his six daughters from around the globe - Tiggy D’Aplièse, trusting her instincts, moves to the remote wilds of Scotland. There she takes a job doing what she loves: caring for animals on the vast and isolated Kinnaird estate, employed by the enigmatic and troubled Laird, Charlie Kinnaird. Her decision alters her future irrevocably when Chilly, an ancient gypsy who has lived for years on the estate, tells her that she possesses a sixth sense, passed down from her ancestors....
-
-
Another engaging installment in the series
- By Tamara on 26-02-2019
-
The Pearl Sister
- The Seven Sisters, Book 4
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Stephanie Racine, Rehanna MacDonald
- Length: 19 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following the death of her father, CeCe D'Aplièse finds herself at breaking point. In desperation, she decides to flee England and discover her past; the only clues she has are a photograph and the name of a woman pioneer who lived in Australia over 100 years ago. When CeCe finally reaches the Red Centre of Australia, she begins the search for her past. With help from those she meets on her journey, CeCe begins to believe that this wild, vast continent could offer her a sense of belonging.
-
-
Awesome
- By Zechy on 10-11-2017
-
The Shadow Sister
- The Seven Sisters, Book 3
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Jessica Preddy
- Length: 18 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When their father dies, Star D'Aplièse and her six sisters, all adopted by him from the four corners of the world, are left with few clues to their heritage. But Star - the most enigmatic of the sisters - is hesitant to step out of the safety of the close relationship she shares with her sister CeCe. In desperation, she decides to follow her first clue, which leads her to an antiquarian bookshop in London, and the start of a whole new world....
-
-
Great story unnecessary accents.
- By Anonymous User on 18-05-2022
-
The Dressmaker of Paris
- 'A story of loss and escape, redemption and forgiveness. Fans of Lucinda Riley will adore it' (Sunday Express)
- By: Georgia Kaufmann
- Narrated by: Karen Cass
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rosa Kusstatscher has built a global fashion empire upon her ability to find the perfect outfit for any occasion. But tonight, as she prepares for the most important meeting of her life, her usual certainty eludes her. What brought her to this moment? As she struggles to select her dress and choose the right shade of lipstick, Rosa begins to tell her incredible story. The story of a poor country girl from a village high in the mountains of Italy. Of Nazi occupation and fleeing in the night. Of hope and heartbreak in Switzerland; ambition, glamour and love in Paris.
-
-
fashion and history and love
- By Anonymous User on 08-05-2022
-
The Seven Sisters
- By: Lucinda Riley
- Narrated by: Tuppence Middleton
- Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maia D’Aplièse and her five sisters gather together at their childhood home - a fabulous, secluded castle situated on the shores of Lake Geneva - having been told that their beloved adoptive father, the elusive billionaire they call Pa Salt, has died. Each of them is handed a tantalising clue to their true heritage - a clue which takes Maia across the world to a crumbling mansion in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
-
-
Surprise!
- By Anonymous User on 01-09-2021
-
The Spy’s Wife
- By: Fiona McIntosh
- Narrated by: Katy Sobey
- Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Evie, a widow and stationmaster's daughter, helplessly looks out for the weekly visit of the handsome man she and her sister call The Southerner on their train platform in the wilds of Northern England. When polite salutations shift to friendly conversations, they become captivated by each other's reticent manner. After so much sorrow, the childless Evie can't believe love and the chance for her own family has come into her life again.
-
-
another great story
- By M. Garvey on 10-03-2022
-
The Riviera House
- By: Natasha Lester
- Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik
- Length: 14 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Paris, 1939. While working at the Louvre, Éliane Dufort falls for talented painter Xavier. But when the Nazis occupy the city, Xavier leaves for England and Éliane must send her sisters to the country. Broken-hearted, she finds herself working with the mysterious Rose Valland on a dangerous secret mission for the French Resistance. Present Day. Desperate to escape her grief, Remy Lang arrives at a stunning private estate on the French Riviera. While working on her vintage fashion business, she discovers a catalogue of artworks stolen during World War II.
-
-
Enjoyable listening
- By Lee on 03-11-2021
-
The French Gardener
- By: Santa Montefiore
- Narrated by: Juanita McMahon
- Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Married couple, Miranda and David, move out of London into a beautiful country house with an idyllic garden. But reality turns out to be very different from their bucolic dream. Soon the latent unhappiness in the family begins to come to the surface, isolating each family member in a bubble of resentment and loneliness. Then a mysterious Frenchman arrives on their doorstep. With the wisdom of nature, he slowly begins to heal the past and the present.
-
-
The best book she has written so far!
- By Esther Juon Veitch on 20-05-2021
Publisher's Summary
It has been 24 years since a young Helena spent a magical holiday in Cyprus, where she fell in love for the first time. When the now crumbling house, Pandora, is left to her by her godfather, she returns to spend the summer there with her family.
At the difficult age of 13, her son, Alex, is torn between protecting his mother and learning the truth about his real father. Both Helena and Alex know that life will never be the same once Pandora's secrets have been revealed....
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about The Olive Tree
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Paddington
- 10-09-2019
Enthralling book
A most enjoyable book with interesting twists and some unexpected turns. Colourful characters involved in modern day relationships and family situations. I loved it. Never boring, kept me interested and keen to know what mystery would be revealed. I’m now a follower of Lucinda Riley and eager for another one of her books.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Zechy
- 22-03-2018
Brilliant
Such a beautiful story, so fabulously written I could imagine myself right there watching the story unfold.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 16-05-2021
What a treat!!!! Couldn’t get enough
Epic story with love, romance and heartache. Extra bonus is that it’s narrated by Lucinda and her son. Loved Alex’s humour. He has me laughing out aloud through the book.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Teresa
- 14-12-2016
Loved Harry Whittaker narrating this book.
The character of Alex was definitely my favourite. He was very amusing and Harry was the perfect narrator. I found myself chuckling.
Chloe was pretty unbelivable. A little one dimensional and her father was a bit of a sap, but I did enjoy this book.
It is a good summer read although I found it a little unbelievable that the family left Pandora empty for so many years. I would want to return yearly.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jacqueline Benz
- 14-02-2021
Dissapointing
Sorry Lucinda, I normally sing your praises.
This book however at the beginning was rather trite. Far too much sibling squabbling .
Their voices irritated me so I fast forwarded.
My biggest criticism is the blasphemy. Every exclamation was CHRIST this or CHRIST that.
Why we never take Buddha or or other religious leaders names as a curse word mystifies me.
I guess we would be imprisoned if we used the one beginning with M!
Yes, I am a Christian and although I can tolerate the odd swear word for in context frustration,
I do take exception to the name of Jesus Christ bantered in profanity as He is our Saviour and deserves respect if not reverence.
The ending of the book (which I fast forwarded to) really improved however.
I have listened to many of your books and I think you are a very good author, jut disappointed in this one :(
Jacqui
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 30-01-2021
Absolutely loved this book
Although very different from Lucindas usual writing this book is brilliant and you will not be disappointed
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Robyn Smith
- 17-10-2019
Terrible
Very disappointing book.
Don’t waist your money. Its
just not the best from Lucinda Riley.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 20-09-2019
Hidden Secret
Originally from Cyprus this story with its twists and turns took me right back to memories. Beautifully narated by both. i love Lucinda Riley's style
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jenny
- 10-07-2019
Very good story
I enjoyed the story and how it developed very much. Interesting characters and it had me eager to hear what was going to happen next. Can thoroughly recommend.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- MMA
- 24-06-2019
Longwinded - not her best
I didn't enjoy this book compared to Lucinda's others. Quite boring and longwinded... I liked her other books a lot more (though most follow a very similar theme.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Karissa
- 23-07-2016
Best Lucinda Riley Book - Perfect Summer Read
This is now my favorite book by Lucinda Riley. Prior to reading The Olive Tree, my favorite Lucinda Riley book was The Seven Sisters. But Riley's new contemporary novel quickly stole the place of favorite.
Lucinda Riley creates intriguing character dynamics in The Olive Tree and focuses on character development rather than a sweeping story spanning the decades.
This book is a perfect summer read. Set it Cyprus with a tropical locale this book is perfect to read poolside. The drama will keep you captivated throughout with plenty of twists and turns.
I'm an avid reader of Lucinda Riley's book and the first few chapters I thought I had this one all figured out. But I turned out to be wrong and was pleasantly surprised with the twists in store.
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Liv
- 08-08-2016
Loved it
Nice family drama that keeps the listener wanting to know what happened. Written with scill and humour. I have ready all of Lucindas books, and though this differs a bit from the others IT is just AS good a book. Love the fact that Lucinda and her son narrated this themselves- and did a splendid job too!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kindle Customer
- 13-11-2016
Pass on This One
I have read all of Ms. Riley's books and it was all I could do to finish this one. Very flat story and characters until the last couple of chapters. Wasn't like her other books. Just droned on. Pass on this one and save the credit.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Douglas
- 12-09-2016
Lacking
Made me tired. A depressing story that lacked any real substance. Not what I was expecting from LR.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Elice Lehmann
- 02-11-2016
Nice, easy listen, cute story
Nice storyline. Sweet characters. Narrator was good except for the one American voice he tried to do. Thank goodness that person only had a few lines. It was ghastly!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jake L.
- 16-08-2016
Enjoyable but not my favorite
I was drawn in by the plot however I felt like the authors world-views skewed every character. The plot and decisions made by each character seemed unrealistic and pretty outlandish. I had a difficult time finding a character I liked and respected.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mere
- 29-04-2019
readers voice
the male reader of the story grated on me, didn't get very far before I deleted this book
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Patsy V
- 26-02-2017
Too predictable
The storyline felt too predictable and at times challenged my staying power. The narration was very good, with the author as the main narrator, she did bring the characters to life.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Candice Camper
- 01-12-2016
Not her best work
I suggest listening to her other titles. This story was flat and not as intriguing or complex as some of her other work.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- N Carr.
- 04-10-2016
Standing ovation - bravo!
This book is published under two titles: The Olive Tree and Helena's story.
The first book I read of this talented author was Hot House Flowers. Eagerly I searched for more stories and have consistently loved her work. Entranced by the Seven Sisters series, this book appeared unexpectedly.
What courage it takes to depart from a tried and true genre. The Olive Tree still leaves me wanting more.
Truly this book illustrates both literally and verbally the depth of her talents.
Narrated by Lucinda Riley herself and her son - the story takes us to Cyprus as we join a family on their summer holidays. All families have secrets and secrets are bound to come out.
If Lucinda ever decided she wanted a career change - she'd be snapped up as a narrator in a heartbeat. Her son does a superb job as well. Truly would love to spend a meal with such a talented and vivacious family.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- MaureenS
- 29-07-2016
Mystery!
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
In print, Yes. But as a sound recording definitely NOT
What did you like best about this story?
I enjoyed the way in which the characters were interwoven.
What didn’t you like about Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker ’s performance?
Verbal presentation skills were woefully lacking.
Did The Olive Tree inspire you to do anything?
Yes, it inspired me to not listen to anything else that Ms Riley reads.
Any additional comments?
I have just finished listening to The Olive Tree, by Lucinda Riley.
This is a excellent, stirring story, well written, but spoiled by the author. It is read by the author in such a pedestrian and toe curlingly awful manner as to make it bordering on the boring. That is a great shame. Whoever, at Audible, thought it would be a good idea to have Ms Riley read her own book made a grave mistake. She has skills as a writer but her ability to present her work vocally is non-existent. The book is read appallingly. It is a mystery how she could put so little emotion and intelligence into recording her own work.
Frequently, stress is laid upon the wrong word in a sentence causing it to lack any depth or emotion. Sometimes, stress is placed on the wrong syllable in a word, making it sound ridiculous; an example being 'BEEquest'. No, it's not a hunt for bees, it's the money left to a woman in her mother's will. She reads in such a disinterested manner, without appropriate inflection, that it strips all emotion from the narrative.
Effort at characterisation is minimal. The exception is when she has a go at a foreign accent, but all she achieves is to make the character sound bored or ridiculous. It takes more than adding a vowel to the end of a English word to make somebody sound Italian. Necessary pauses are missing and surrounding text blended into speech in a confusing way.
All-in-all this was a very disappointing purchase. I only persisted in listening as I liked the story and and wanted to hear the end, but even so, it was difficult to dispel my constant irritation with Ms Riley.
The male reader, the author's son, was a little better, but not much.
24 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- GillB
- 24-09-2016
Could have been much better
It was difficult to get into this book but once I did it was a good story with interesting characters. The one thing I hated was the constant use of blasphemy. I have read many books with great stories, gripping plots, and interesting characters without the constant use of bad language and blasphemy in particular. To me this was a good read spoiled and if this is the style of writing that Lucinda Riley is going to use in her future books, I for one will not be buying them.
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 05-10-2016
Poor narration
Harry was a very good narrator unfortunately Lucinda's narratives I found very irritating and wooden
12 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lou
- 21-12-2016
Could have been so much better
The accents are all 'frightfully posh darling' and it is grating to listen to, I only I suffered on as the story seemed intriguing. But for the greatest part of the book nothing happens! What I found amazing is that what is imagined in the characters thoughts is more exciting than what actually happens in the story. The suggested truth to the big puzzle of the story could have been so much more exciting than the eventual far fetched explanation. I've about 3hrs to go but I don't think I'll make it.
12 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- White Rabbit
- 23-03-2017
Not her best and I normally love Lucinda's books
Would you try another book written by Lucinda Riley or narrated by Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker ?
Ideally not. I found Lucinda's narration very irritating. And lots of words mispronounced which was unexpected for someone speaking in RP English.
What was most disappointing about Lucinda Riley’s story?
It was predictable and slow and I felt that when the secret was revealed the characters reacted in an unbelievable way.
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
Not really
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 09-01-2017
how I loved this book.
This book for me was a slow burn, but after a few chapters, I was hooked. The bit at the end with Lucinda & Harry are also really interesting
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- thevaal
- 19-12-2016
slow burner
at the beginning of the book I felt I could have easily not finished it....but by the end I was hooked and didnt want it to end and I miss the characters and what is happening in their lives
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Pauline Salomons
- 13-03-2021
Strange pronunciation of words
The guy was better but there was very odd pronunciation of words which I found irritating. The story was ok but the ‘mysteries’ and secrets were a bit overdone
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Viv
- 09-06-2020
Wooden telling of dull, predictable, shallow story
I gave up on this after 2hrs.
the authors reading of it is terrible as well!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Angela
- 20-09-2016
fantastic page turner
mystery secrets lies etc and love lost and found. I loved it. written in past and present.
2 people found this helpful
16 Best Audiobooks by Aboriginal Authors
Across genres, there’s no shortage of brilliant titles from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers of Australia.



16 Audiobooks Full of Life Hacks to Live By
Looking to improve yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually? This is where to start.



14 Feel-Good Audiobooks to Brighten Up Your Day
The Audible library is packed with feel-good audiobooks that will lighten the soul and fill the heart with joy.


