Roller Coaster

By: Karin Kallmaker

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Two very different reasons brought Laura Izmani and Helen Baynor to the Beach Boardwalk for a symbolic ride on the biggest wooden roller coaster on the west coast. They part strangers, but only after sharing an experience that shifted both of their lives onto new tracks.

Their paths cross again decades later when Laura interviews with Helen to become the private chef for the Baynor household. Given what Laura revealed during that fateful coaster ride, she's relieved that Helen seems to have forgotten her.

Fiercely protective of her children, Helen-now a famous stage actress and widow with teenage twins-divides her time between home in a sleepy California enclave and the bright lights of Broadway. Continuing her carefully managed life until her children leave for college is all she wants.

Their first roller coaster ride together may turn out to be only a prelude . . .

©2011 Karin Kallmaker (P)2024 Tantor

Worth the Listen

I got this book recommendation from the IHS favorite books list. It gets kind of wordy at times; telling instead of showing. But this is a really nice love story, and kind of different. The MCs have a life outside of persuing each other. They start relationships that for various reasons don't work out. Most of the book is about their personal and professional life, and the slow burn doesn't start until way past mid-way when they slowly - especially Helen - become aware that there are strong feelings for each other.
I have always enjoyed Angela Dawe, and emotionally she took this to a whole other level. She took great care through voice modulation with the tender moments, and her comedic timing was fantastic. I am not one to respond to what I read other than silently, but several times I found myself laughing out loud at characterizations because of her performance. I don't think I would have responded in that manner had I been reading, so well done Ms Dawe!
This is a well-written, nicely edited book. This is the first book I've read from this author, and I will be checking out her other offerings. Angela Dawe really shows of her skills.

The whole story was amazing

The story actually took you on a ride. Great story. Love the author’s work. Just downloaded more of her work

Sweet story

I loved this story! You can’t help but root for Laura and Helen. I loved how Laura was able to connect with Helen’s kids- who were adorable teenagers 😁. A have a new respect for chefs and theatre actors! Great love story! The narrator was excellent!!

Roller coaster of a book

I am on the fence about this book. The first 2/3 of the book had zero growth between the MCs. Both MCs had separate relationships the first 2/3 of the book. The last 1/3 they started very abruptly to show feelings toward each other. I really wished the focus of the story was on them building a relationship together. I did love the last 1/3 of the book. The story between the kids and the chef was more developed than the story between the MCs.

Love and Addiction

The author deftly depicted the horrors of addiction women into a delicious tale of love. Karin Kallmaker never fails to educate as she massages the reader’s heart.