Things We Once Held Dear

By: Ann Tatlock

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

After Neil Sadler returns to his hometown following the tragic death of his wife, he is reunited with Mary Beeken, whose alcoholic husband brings her no end of misery. As a devastating event from the past bleeds into the present, Neil and Mary strive to resurrect hope for the future.

Christy Award-winner Ann Tatlock is hailed for her elegantly constructed tales and complex characterizations.

©2006 Ann Tatlock (P)2006 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"[Tatlocks's] lovely prose reminds [us] why it is a joy to savor her stories." (Publishers Weekly)

Facing Ghosts . . . Going Home

Returning to Mason, Ohio after nearly three decades away, Neil feels drawn back home after the death of his wife, Caroline . . . not really sure why, he goes back during his summer break as an art teacher in New York . . .Surprised, he finds that his cousin, Mary is back in Mason, too, with her police officer husband . . . and the years on the police force have taken their toll on him and their marriage . . . Both Mary and Neil are still battling ghosts from the past . . . I love Ann Tatlock's gentle, yet honest writing style . . . she never sugar coats the truth, the feelings that come after many years of marriage, the doubts and fears that we humans have . . . and in her wisdom and generous style, she weaves a thoughtful tale of searching, discovery and healing that only comes from the Great Physician. Never, ever beating you over the head with it. Uncle Bernie, the retired pastor of the family, holder of the family and town secrets, gentle, loving, caretaker of all that is good, still alive and praying for the family and town folks, is one of the best characters in the book. He may be bedridden, stuck in the "attic" of the bed and breakfast, now owned by Neil's cousin, Grace, but he's the "glue" that pulls everyone together and he's determined to hang around until he's finished a little more business. Mysteries from decades earlier are haunting the family . . . and people that they once trusted and believed in have let them down . . . Can it ever be set right?

Just “ok”... pretty slow, nothing special

I really like Ann Tatlock’s writing. And one of the things I like most about her is relatable characters and circumstances. But I think the family details in this one were so convoluted and the story so complicated that i wasn’t able to connect with any characters. The narration is pretty drab but I don’t think it’s the fault of the narrator. I think the story is pretty drab. I will be exchanging this one.

Not My Favorite Ann Tatlock

As a big Ann Tatlock fan after reading several of her other excellent books including Every Secret Thing, Promises to Keep, A Room of My Own, and All the Way Home, I was a bit disappointed with Things We Once Held Dear. Although the beginning is quite garbled and difficult to follow with the numerous people and places rattled off, the plot does improve and overall I would say it's not a bad book,

Ho Hum...

This was a sleeper...I wanted to jump ship after 2 hours but I paid for it and was going to finish it! Which I did, but it never improved and i was relieved when it ended...it just didn't have anything in it that hooks the listener in...it's a bit aimless...and boring.