Abandoning the Script

By: Linda Rosen

Narrated by: Deborah Kosnett

Lucy never wanted the life that's been thrust upon her-the wedding band or the baby in the crib. A woman of ambition, she longs to pursue her dreams on stage, but her husband insists on locking her in a gilded cage under his control. And in 1922, alternatives are almost nonexistent and certainly not acceptable, forcing Lucy to make an impossible choice. Bound by convention but driven by a fierce desire for independence, she flees a life she can no longer endure. With heartbreak, she leaves a pair of cherished earrings along with a note for her daughter to read when she's older.

Nearly thirty years later, in 1951, Lucy's daughter, Anna Dodge, is given her deceased grandmother's journal that's been hidden away for years. Within its pages lies a long-buried secret, casting doubt on everything Anna believes about her family and herself. Among the clues is the story of the earrings, hinting at truths that defy what Anna has always known.

Devastated and determined to understand her past, Anna embarks on a journey to unmask the truth. As she does, she discovers the past isn't just something to uncover-it's something that could determine her future.

©2025 Black Rose Writing (P)2026 Black Rose Writing

Critic reviews

"Engaging and immersive, Rosen delivers a deeply moving plot with a heartfelt conclusion." -Rochelle Weinstein, bestselling author of We Are Made of Stars

Challenges and Choices

The book starts off right from the beginning with a well defined character filled with emotion regarding her desire for her dreams. Having to make probably the hardest choice of her life, she found that she would have other challenges ahead.

enjoyable

I enjoyed the read. Normally it harder for me to understand book when it viewed from a female perspective but still important to listen and be open minded to see things from all perspective to let your imagination flow.

A LITTLE SLOW FOR MY TASTE

This one took a bit to really grab me, not gonna lie. It moves kinda slow, and at times I drifted off in my hospital bed lol. But the family mystery, emotional layers, and overall payoff were worth it. Not amazing amazing... still solid, touching, and definitely good enough. 4/5

Don’t abandon the script

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you’re really going to enjoy this book. It presented accurate historical data and had some exciting story elements throughout.

A mother’s choice, a daughter’s truth

Emotionally rich audiobook weaves past and present through a mother’s sacrifice and a daughter’s search for truth. With layered storytelling and heartfelt tension, it explores identity, freedom, and the lasting impact of choices across generations.