The Next Always

Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy, Book 1

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, the changing of hands, and even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major face-lift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect in the family, Beckett’s social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was sixteen.

After losing her husband and returning to her hometown, Clare Brewster soon settles into her life as the mother of three young sons while running the town’s bookstore. Though busy and with little time for romance, Clare is drawn across the street by Beckett’s transformation of the old inn, wanting to take a closer look… at both the building and the man behind it.

With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett is happy to give Clare a private tour - one room at a time, in between blueprint meetings and kindergarten pickups. It’s no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something that could arouse the secret yearning that resides in Clare’s independent heart - and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next....

©2011 Nora Roberts (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great story, narration kinda sucks!

Is there anything you would change about this book?
Brilliance Audio should have used female narrator for the women and boys characters. It taught me a lesson. Listen to the sample and hope it's from part of the book where several roles come interact. Especially, if you've read the book.

What did you like best about this story?
Terrific storyline. I could see the whole story unfold in my mind. Nora Roberts' characters are strong and loving. Her prose flows so realistically. I enjoyed the parent/child plays. I have never read or listened to a bad Nora Roberts book.

How could the performance have been better?
Mr. Andrews' narration for the men was spot on perfect, but he doesn't do women and children well. His narration of the women and children made them sound whiny and weak, which worked my nerves. They sound nothing like a Nora Roberts character. This is a big disappointment since this is one of her best series.

What would have made this romance irresistible?
Dual (male/female) narration.

Any additional comments?
Learn from my example. If you have already read the book and it came alive for you, listen to the sample Audible provides to see if you have the same reaction to the audio. I bought the 2nd and 3rd book before I got around to listening to the 1st, but I'm sure I can listen to them. #tagsgiving #sweepstakes #Funny #HappyEnding #UnreliableNarrator

Great story, bad narration

Where does The Next Always rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Next Always was an enjoyable way to pass time while doing chores even if the story line is predictable and the same as all other Nora Roberts books.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator makes the women and children sound extremely annoying. I also didn't like that during conversations between the characters it was difficult to figure out who was talking since many of the voices sound the same.

An Adorable Family

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I certainly think the whole plot surrounding Lizze could have been played up a little more, or perhaps there could have been a different way that Lizzie could have warned everyone of the danger. It felt entirely too easy but I could certainly deal with it. What with listening to this story during the Halloween season it was nice to read about a kindly spirit rather then a vengeful one.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I always have a fondness for stories of women who have little to no time for romance and love finding their partners. Beck fit so wonderfully into the little family of Clare's and it is sure to give any reader the warm and fuzzies.

Have you listened to any of MacLeod Andrews’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to the who series of the Inn Boonsboro now and certainly MacLeod kept a wonderful narration throughout. Some of his female voices were a little painful to listen to but nothing truly terrible.

One of her most romantic books

Where does The Next Always rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I went into the BoonsBoro Trilogy skeptical, but was pleasantly surprised. The story wasn't her classic "boy-meets-girl" and falls in love romance. This, by far, was my favorite of her books! A hint of mystic, with real life drama, and a little of the "unexpected."

What other book might you compare The Next Always to and why?

The Garden Trilogy with a hint of mystery, supernatural, and romance.

Which scene was your favorite?

The "family vision" at the end of the book.

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

A ready made family.

Liked the story but...

I really disliked the narration. In the beginning I wasn't sure I could continue but I kept going and like the story. I'm looking forward to the next book but if it's the same narrator I won't be listening to it.

One of NR's best series

My fave book of one of Nora's best series. Originally bought this in softcover & put it on my Audible Wish List. Grabbed it pronto when I saw it on sale. Those evil geniuses at Audible keep finding ways to get me to increase my purchases! I guess Some meals of Ramen noodles are worth the trade. It's not that I'll die happy, but....eat happy??? Yes, I've got the rest of the series in my wish list for future sales or credit purchases. I wasn't sure at first about Andrews' narration, but it grows on you.

One Of My Favorites

Loved everything about it. The characters were believable. Touched my heart and made me laugh. Can't wait for the next book.

Mediocre

Wasn't my favorite. It was good just not one of my favorites. The story was kind of drab and it seems like it started out of nowhere. some random guy all of a sudden interested in a girl but the writer doesn't give you any history on them. It was a good story but not something I'd read again. I still love Nora Roberts. She's got plenty of excellent novels to make up for this mediocre one. Give it a try.

Slow start but worth it

This book starts off slow but I'm so glad I kept listening. Can't wait to purchase the next book in this series.

Wonderful.

Would you listen to The Next Always again? Why?

Yes! After visiting BoonsBoro, MD, it was really neat to read a story about them and be able to see in my head what was going on. Especially, since almost all the businesses, including the inn, bookstore, pizzeria and such are actual businesses. And the rooms in the Inn are exactly as described in the book. Making it really special. After my next visit, I will probably re-read/listen to this book again!

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene were Clare truly realizes she has fallen for Beckett with the dogs and kids tumbling around his legs.

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

Where Clare breaks down in the Inn about the ghost that haunts it and why her deceased husband never came back.

Any additional comments?

Making it one of my favorite books are the characters. I totally fell in love with them. Thye are so well written, rounded, and formed. Clare is wonderful, and felt like a sister. Beckett is so dreamy. Could he be any more perfect?? I can't wait to read the next one!