Lara's Story

By: Diane Merrill Wigginton

Narrated by: Maeve Elmore

Shattered by heartbreak...

“When a heart breaks, it does not break evenly, cleaving in half exactly down the middle.”

Surrounded by her large, boisterous family in 1840s Ireland, Lara Flannigan has never known anything but love and belonging - until the day tragedy strikes, leaving her abandoned and forced into indentured servitude.

Remade in a new world.

Just when all hope seems lost, Lara is discovered by a childless American couple, visiting Ireland to aid in the famine-relief effort. With barely a chance to look back, she’s swept away to a bustling new continent - and a dizzying new reality. One of petticoats, opulent townhouses, and the cold reaches of Philadelphia high society. Desperate for a future, Lara works tirelessly to fit into her new life...while still haunted by a past that won’t let her go.

Set in a fascinating historical period, Lara’s Story is a gripping young adult novel that explores the strength of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness to heal a broken heart.

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©2019 Diane Merrill Wigginton (P)2021 Diane Merrill Wigginton

A Beautiful Story

This book delivers an emotionally charged story of perseverance and determination. This young girl is born into poverty during the 1800s in Ireland. The devastation of loss and betrayal should be her undoing but fate steps in offering her a chance at a better life in America. The author knows how to paint a story with her words allowing the reader to live Lara's life. I highly recommend this book! Narrator Naeve Ellmore is extremely talented in her delivery of Irish, English and American accents.

Not what I expected

This was a disappointing listen for me. The setting had much more potential for a real-life drama. Instead, I heard an unrealistic, sappy romance with shallow, cookie-cutter characters and blatantly contrived plot. And I was hoping for a more authentic-sounding Irish accent from Maeve Elmore's narration. Additionally, there were many retakes in the recording which should have been edited out. Unfortunately, this story wasn't what I expected or hoped for.

Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.