The First Love

By: Erinne Bates

Narrated by: Lucy Emerson

When 17-year-old Calli meets her new riding instructor, Justine, their attraction to each other is nearly immediate. But while young Calli is learning what falling in love is about, Justine is driven by her competitive nature to have it all.

Twenty years after their initial meeting, Calli travels to France to write her new novel. It’s been 10 years since she’s last seen or heard from Justine, and all she knows of her is that she resides somewhere in France - and even that isn’t certain. If she were to find Justine, would she still be the same person and could they finally take the path they planned on so long ago?

Is anyone ever truly free from their first love?

©2020 M.N. Olivieri (P)2020 M.N. Olivieri

Emotional Win

Erinne Bates gets that first love feeling so right in this one, and the narrator is possibly the best I’ve heard.

Absolutely intrigued

This lovely story was so well presented in every way.
Ms. Bates wrote one heck of a story, but Ms. Emerson made it happen.
Thank you both.

Really Good

The newness of the author shows, and at the same time, there is an expertise in the telling. It's really hard to know which way the story will turn, and even what is familiar begins to feel like hearing it for the first time. I think the narrator did an excellent job keeping pace as well as making each character stand out on their own. I'd like to see more from both of them.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT BELOW:::
=============================================================================
=============================================================================
I wasn't sure I was happy with the ending. I was curious after reading the other reviewers, who were not happy with Justine. I would have liked to see them make it through all their trials. I like Fenne and see all the ways she is the better person, but I was so sucked into the emotions/feelings between Justine and Calli I just wanted them to catch a break. But I guess Justine never intended it to be so. Damn her, haha.

Love story

I loved the multiple love stories with such richly portrayed characters. I respected the honorable manner the author evolved her lesbian love story. From first love to forever love.

Exquisite!

I loved-loved-loved this novel! Initially, It started off seeming like a Young Adult novel, which I am not a fan of.... But I am so glad I stuck it out because it is not. It is such a lovely storyline. It is moving, heart-wrenching and has moments of quirky humor. The Author, Erinne Bates, has done a marvelous job! I would highly recommend this audiobook. I look forward to more from her in the future!

The narrator, Lucy Emmerson, was outstanding! There are several different accents in this audiobook and she did an amazing job of bringing these lovely words to life. I have never heard any of her work before but you can bet I will be looking for any work from her in this genre!

Well Done! This one deserves more than 5 stars!