The Scent of Lilacs

Hollyhill Series, Book 1

By: Ann H. Gabhart

Narrated by: Debbie Carlson-Gould

Jocie Brooke has never wanted for love, despite the fact that she hardly remembers her mother. Jocie's father, preacher David Brooke, has done his best to be both father and mother to his daughter. Even Jocie's spinster great-aunt, Love, who's slowly going senile, cares for Jocie in her own stern way. But in their small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky, painful secrets lie just beneath the surface, and inquisitive spirits discover surprising truths. There's a reason why Aunt Love hides behind black dresses and a stoic countenance. And David takes his morning walks not just for quiet solitude, but to wrestle with the past.

Full of stories of lost loves and the trials of small-town living, this heart-warming novel explores the journey of faith and family.

©2005 Ann H. Gabhart (P)2019 Ann H. Gabhart

Excellent

I loved this book. Such vivid descriptions of nature and unique characters. I didn’t want it to end. So glad it’s only the first of the series.

There are a couple of sound distortions in chapter twenty-four, occurring before and after a particular sentence. The narrator did a fine job of capturing the enthusiasm of a teenaged girl, as well as the other characters.

Thank you to the author for a free listening copy. A favorable review was not required.

Wonderful story!

Wonderful story by Gabhart.I love this story about a girl that learns that life isn't always simple or easy but love helps get people through the hardest of times.

A Real Father Loves You

The Scent of Lilacs is about a complicated family. Jocie was deserted by her mother as a child and has always wondered why her mother took her sister with her and left her behind. I liked how the author made you understand Jocie's feelings about entering high school and questions she had. You'll enjoy Jocie's attempts at matchmaking for her pastor father. In the end, Jocie learns what really makes a family. I received a complimentary audio of The Scent of Lilacs from the author. This is my honest opinion.

Just awful narration

I had read "When Meadows Bloom" by this author and really liked it. Gave it 5 stars. It was narrated beautifully and appropriately. This book almost seemed to be written by someone else. This story was thin, had unrelentingly preaching, and the reader was just terrible, reading like a 6th grader. I had to endure this book because I wanted to give it a fair chance. But was very disappointed because I thought had found a good new author when I discovered Ann Gabhart, but not sure what happened with this one.