The Beach Trees

By: Karen White

Narrated by: Ki Gottberg, Gin Hammond

Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

In the aftermath of tragedy, life goes on - painful and forever altered, but ripe with new beginnings. For Julie Holt, travelling to the beautiful but ravaged coast of Biloxi, Mississippi, is a journey into a secret past, and a life she never expected....

Julie first knew loss at the age of 12, when her sister disappeared, never to be found. As her once close-knit family grew apart, Julie's mother obsessively searched for the girl, and when her mother died, Julie took up the search, never letting go of the hope. Then, at an art exhibition in New York, she meets Monica - a struggling artist and single mother who reminds Julie so much of her sister that she can't help feeling drawn to her: Monica paints a vivid picture of her family, but never says why or how she lost contact with them. And she has another secret: a heart condition that will soon take her life.

When Monica dies, Julie inherits from her an antique portrait - as well as custody of her young son. Taking him back to Biloxi and New Orleans to see the family he has never met, Julie discovers a connection of her own. The portrait, of an old relative, was done by her great-grandfather - and unlocks a family history she never knew.

©2011 Karen White (P)2011 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

One of Karen White’s best!

I loved this book. The story and characters have me listening to the book again.

Lovely

Lovely story of families brought together by loss and love. Very moving details. One of my favorites.

good read

Book was goid, but I sometimes have issues following g multiple generations that go back and forth in time. my issue not the author.

Mystery in New Orleans

Classic Karen White. Family mystery told in flashback. Great character development. Some may argue a predictable storyline, but there were a few twists to the plot. Overall, a great story. Loved Amy's character.

Beach trees

This was one of Karen Whites best books so far it's an Excellent book.

Interesting Plot

I've noticed that the Karen White's books I've listened to have strong grandmothers as central and influential characters. That's the case in this story, as well, although it seems that Amy's story is a little more developed in Beach Trees. I enjoy the local aspect of her books, as well, and the accurate sense of the cities and communities featured therein.

I was not really crazy about the narration. The accents seemed a little off, and a little too generic Southern. Not every Southerner drops their "g"s.

Another great Karen White!

Ms. White takes her time in telling a story but if you enjoy listening to books it is worth the time. Although the solution of the mystery is somewhat obvious, her descriptions of New Orleans and Biloxi are entertaining and her characters interesting. Good narration too!

Resident of the Gulf Coast

I like the descriptions and details referencing the coast before a hurricane and after Katrina! I have lived through 2 major hurricanes in this area, but this is home! Heartwarming illustrations put into words; well done Karen White!

Loved all of it

The author’s characters become part of your life like you have always known them . I want sequels to ALL the books !

Good book for a long trip

Would you listen to The Beach Trees again? Why?

I enjoyed this book while on a long car trip. The long story was a perfect match to the long journey.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Beach Trees?

The discriptions of the storm damage were so real I felt like I too was there.

What aspect of Ki Gottberg and Gin Hammond ’s performance would you have changed?

The accents didn't ring quite true.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

not really one moment, just the developement of the people.

Any additional comments?

I would not recomend this book to anyone in a hurry, you need to just enjoy the slow reveal