All She Ever Wanted Audiobook, by Lynn Austin Play Audiobook Sample

All She Ever Wanted Audiobook

All She Ever Wanted Audiobook, by Lynn Austin Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Linda Stephens Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 9.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 7.38 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: May 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781449800222

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

36

Longest Chapter Length:

39:19 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

01:17 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

24:29 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

30

Other Audiobooks Written by Lynn Austin: > View All...

Publisher Description

A three-time Christy Award winner, Lynn Austin crafts rousing tales of hope and redemption. All She Ever Wanted stars Kathleen Seymour, a woman who seems to have it all, though she hides a dark family secret. To her horror, everything comes crashing down when she loses her job and her daughter is caught shoplifting. Desperate to regain control over her life, Kathleen returns to her estranged family to mend her severely broken relationships before it is too late. "[A] brilliant novel about love, forgiveness, suffering, and the importance of resisting the temptation to run away when things get tough."-Christian Book Previews.com

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"Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]Kathleen doesn't like to talk about her past. But a confrontation with her daughter and an invitation from her estranged sister force her to open up about her background. As she and her daughter travel to the New York town where she grew up, she tells her about what it was like to grow up in extreme poverty, with a dad who was a thief and a mother who was chronically depressed and ill. Kathleen never wanted to visit the places and people that caused her so much pain again. But returning to her hometown gives her a chance to learn the truth about Eleanor, her once vibrant mother, and Fiona, the grandmother she barely knew. [return][return][return]Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]Shifts from Kathleen's point of view to those of her mother's best friend, her grandmother, her uncle, and her mother. The story unfolds slowy, with pieces gradually falling into place. Sometimes the way the characters talk is too much like the author's own detailed way of describing the story--the switchining points of view while a character is supposed to be telling their story leaves you wondering if they really told it the way the author told it or more like the way people talk. So the dialogue seems unrealistic at times. But the characters and the lessons they learn are meaningful and the places and situations so well described that it is easy to get caught up in the story. [return][return][return][return]How Good is it?[return]A strong tale exloring the consequences of the decisions made by 3 generations of women."

— Deb (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Austin’s characters are brilliantly written, and her story flows between the past and present with smooth grace. This is an intense and emotional read, brimming with compassion.”

    — RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)
  • “One of Christian fiction’s favorite authors pens an engaging story about family secrets…the surprising plot twists and fresh language [will] keep her fans coming back.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “A brilliant novel about love, forgiveness, suffering, and the importance of resisting the temptation to run away when things get tough.”

    — Christian Book Previews

All She Ever Wanted Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.65116279069767 out of 53.65116279069767 out of 53.65116279069767 out of 53.65116279069767 out of 53.65116279069767 out of 5 (3.65)
5 Stars: 11
4 Stars: 13
3 Stars: 12
2 Stars: 7
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I was a little scared to read this book when the author bio listed going to church as an interest of the author (I had never heard of her or Christian fiction). I read the first chapter and was quite turned off by the references to the bible, church and Christianity. There was a conflict between mother and daughter and the family would try to deal with this by looking to the bible. I put it down but then I was on a plane and had nothing better to read so I picked it up again. The book did get better and the religious references became less common but the ending was too preachy for me and what could have been a decent story about family history got on my nerves. "

    — Erin, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I liked this book because it was the first one that I had read in a long, long while. It was an easy read and the story line kept me interested. A great one for the beach. "

    — Bub, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " As always Lynn Austin writes a page turner. Kathleen's story begins when her teenage daughter is caught shop lifting and travels back to her grandmother's imagration from Irland. In her quest to reach out to her daughter she discovers the lives, loves and loses of the women who unknowingly shaped her life and in turn, her daughter's. A book I recommend highly, as I have recommended all of the Lynn Austin books I have read. Ms. Austin has a unique ability to weave a story that teaches and touches your heart. "

    — Sherry, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " My least favorite Lynn Austin book- but still good. "

    — Cami, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite authors! "

    — Kaitlin, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I loved this book. I will read more of her books in the future. "

    — Samantha, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoyed the story of the main character, Kathy, who unraveled the thread of her life by discovering the personal stories of her mother and grandmother. Life is not always as it seems, even when we are in the midst of it. "

    — Cindy, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another good read from Lynn Austin!!! I was hooked from page one. "

    — Bobbie, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this author! Her characters are so vivid and her stories are great. I enjoyed this book and the ending! "

    — Aimee, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was good, but not great. It was about three generations of women and the struggles, family hurt they endured.. Each generation hiding secrets of the past. Was an enjoyable read, but didn't enjoy it as much as other Lynn Austin books. "

    — Michelle, 12/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Prachtig boek over achtergronden van mensen. Jammer dat het einde dan ook zo oppervlakkig afgewerkt is. Niettemin zeker een aanrader! "

    — Jona, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Predictable writing and I disliked the sudden breaks into the next part: "That summer I was nine years old..." "

    — Shauna, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was a good road trip read. I like novels that show how generations of families are connected to each other. It wasn't too cheesy or sappy like some Christian novels can be. "

    — Janette, 11/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I picked this up at the dollar store and had no idea what I was buying. Turns out it is a Christian novel, and although it has the usual Christian novel corniness, the story was actually quite interesting. Not a bad read overall. "

    — Daisy, 10/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I found it interesting, how much we could probably learn about who we are by learning about what our parents and grandparents went through. Good communication doesn't hurt. "

    — Camilla, 10/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed learning about each character and how they got on the road that they were on; however, I did feel it ended abruptly and with a weak lesson. I thought Fiona was kind of a dimwit and if she had simply written a letter to her mother and sisters herself, she may have prevented what happened. "

    — Denise, 8/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Had never read this author before, just picked it up in the library. Really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more of her works. "

    — Lisa, 8/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was fascinating to see problems and issues transfer from generation to generation. "

    — Fru, 6/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Another one about disfunctional family relationships. Too depressing, simple minded and sappy for my liking. "

    — Marita, 3/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked the weaving of stories between three different generations. "

    — Kristen, 2/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Enjoyed the story and the way things fell into place- a little preachy at the end though. "

    — Jennifer, 2/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Between the scripture, reciting of sins, and the constant backward motion I lost momentum. Not one of Austin's best stories. "

    — Jenny, 11/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " LOVED!!! It was my first christian fiction. Definitely recommend. "

    — Dana, 8/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a really well written book. Not something that I typically read, but it was very good. I realize now, or re-realize, just how much a person's past effects their lives and makes them who they are in the present. It was an amazing book for that. "

    — Samantha, 7/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyed this. Read in 24 hrs (library download was about to expire). Have read a couple Lynn Austin books now, and will be back for more. "

    — Susie, 6/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Awesome novel with great insight into a family's present and past generations...this story gives hope on how one family overcame their past. "

    — Kitty, 6/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The importance of choices, perils of prejudging, and the need for God and family in your life are all food for thought in this book. "

    — Linda, 5/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book about a mother and daughter trying to learn about the past actually made me cry in several different parts. If a book can do that, it deserves 5 stars! Loved it~ "

    — Brenda, 3/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was good but it told about all these different people so u would get really interested in this one person then it would go back to this other one. It's not as good and some of Lynn Austin's books but it was ok. "

    — Kate, 3/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Predictable writing and I disliked the sudden breaks into the next part: "That summer I was nine years old..." "

    — Shauna, 2/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " LOVED!!! It was my first christian fiction. Definitely recommend. "

    — Dana, 2/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Between the scripture, reciting of sins, and the constant backward motion I lost momentum. Not one of Austin's best stories. "

    — Jenny, 1/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Had never read this author before, just picked it up in the library. Really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more of her works. "

    — Lisa, 11/13/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I picked this up at the dollar store and had no idea what I was buying. Turns out it is a Christian novel, and although it has the usual Christian novel corniness, the story was actually quite interesting. Not a bad read overall. "

    — Daisy, 9/15/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Interesting story about how everyday decisions can effect not only our future, but the future of our loved ones! "

    — Liana, 9/13/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a really well written book. Not something that I typically read, but it was very good. I realize now, or re-realize, just how much a person's past effects their lives and makes them who they are in the present. It was an amazing book for that. "

    — Samantha, 8/20/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Awesome novel with great insight into a family's present and past generations...this story gives hope on how one family overcame their past. "

    — Kitty, 5/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It skipped around had to go back to prev chapters to figure out who was who and related too it would have been an exceptional book if it didn't Take so long to get to the end and change years and people so much "

    — Ann, 4/8/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book! I love how it tells about 3 different generations of women in a family. "

    — Erin, 2/13/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Picked up this book because it happened to be next to Pride and Prejudice at the library. I loved it. Very good and eye opening for me about Mother daughter relationships. One of my favorites of the year. "

    — Janie, 1/8/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " not my favorite but a good story. "

    — Heather, 12/14/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love Lynn Austin, and she didn't fail to reach my expectations. It was a very thought-provoking book and had me thinking about my own relationship with my mother. It was a great book. "

    — Danica, 11/7/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really liked this book. Kathleen and daughter, Joelle return to the home Kathleen left 18 years earlier only to learn the truth about her mother, grandmother and other family members whom she swore she would never see again. Heartwarmin story of family tradegy and triumph. "

    — Beth, 10/29/2009

About Lynn Austin

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie.

About Linda Stephens

Linda Stephens is a seasoned audiobook narrator whose readings include Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, which won an AudioFile Earphones Award and was a finalist for the Audie Award for Best Narration.