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An Unlikely Suitor Audiobook
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(3.04) - 401 listener ratings
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Christy Award-winning author Nancy Moser has garnered critical acclaim for her fictionalized accounts of Martha Washington, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Jane Austen. Here Moser whisks listeners away to 1895 Newport, Rhode Island-summer playground to the elite of the Gilded Age-for a tale of unexpected romance. As the lives of an immigrant dressmaker, her socialite friend, and their unlikely suitors become entangled in a web of secrets and sacrifice, will social class and physical handicap stand in the way of true happiness?
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"I have entirely mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it had a very slow start and I didn't really get invested in the characters' lives until halfway through the book. On the other, I loved that Nancy decided to write about Italian immigrants and the struggles they had, which is not something I've come across in books from this period. I enjoyed the details about dressmaking and while I wasn't so fussed about the mystery aspect of the book, I loved the conclusion. The plot suddenly got a lot more interested in the last 10% of this book, when the truth about Lucy's beau and Rowena's secret friend was revealed. I did not expect either of these, and this definitely made me root for their prospective love interests. Sophia was more difficult to like, especially because of her immaturity, but bravo to Nancy for writing a character who wasn't particularly likeable! I liked the way Sophia's storyline ended in the epilogue, not totally happily-ever-after, but with hints of something good to come. As other reviewers have said, it's a but unrealistic that all of the main characters ended up with men of a different class, and I'm not entirely sure that Rowena's parents would allow her to make such a lifestyle choice, even with her infirmity. That was another quirk about this novel - I don't often read books in which the heroine is disabled in some way, and I liked how the implications Rowena's infirmity impacted on her life and how she had to over come this. Rowena was probably my favourite character, just because Lucy seemed a bit too perfect at times, almost verging on self-righteous. The book definitely got more interesting once it relocated to Newport, but this wasn't until halfway through the book. Likewise, the romance aspect doesn't really appear until this point in the novel, and even later for Rowena. This definitely isn't like any other historical romance I've read and I'm still not entirely sure what I think of how Nancy approached certain aspects of this story! If it weren't for the twists towards the end of the novel, I think I'd give this 3*, but as I did not expect the truth about Lucy's beau or the identity of the childhood friend that Rowena was always talking about, I'll give the book 3.5* as these aspects of the story definitely improved my opinion of it."
— Rachel (4 out of 5 stars)
An Unlikely Suitor Listener Reviews
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" It was a nice story, but the writing was a bit painful, and the characters frequently drove me crazy. "
— Sara, 2/20/2014 -
" The first half of this book was an enjoyable read with all the historical facts, but the last half was just so-so. The author seemed to cram the end with all the not really believable love stories. Too much. "
— Judith, 2/11/2014 -
" I really wish there was a 3.5 star option. I liked this book. It takes place in the 19th century, which I love. There's family drama, unlikely friendship, a little romance, intrigue...good stuff. "
— Cecily, 2/10/2014 -
" I was very much enjoying this book, until the last few chapters. It did take up the whole half the book, just to set up the story. It wanted more romance. But, it was very well written, and I enjoyed the characters. But it's when I found out the twist at the end that I didn't like it. I liked Sophia's ending, it seemed very fitting and her and her beau. They were perfect for each other. I didn't like the development between Lucy and Rowena and their beaus. It didn't seem fitting and I was left disappointed. "
— Maricatherine, 1/23/2014 -
" I thought this was a very good book. I really enjoyed reading it. I loved the characters and the plot. I thought it was very orginial. It is a different kind of love story. "
— Mary, 12/30/2013 -
" This book was a delight to read and simply enchanting. Another memorable book by Nancy Moser. "
— Caitlin, 12/29/2013 -
" So I'm giving it 4 stars because I really liked it; not because the writing quality is anything to swoon over or because it will be an enduring classic-- but because it's a fun, interesting story with appealing characters and I enjoyed it very much. And that's pretty much it. "
— Sophia, 12/20/2013 -
" This was just such a fun, perfect book, steeped in all things historical and wonderful. I truly loved it and recommend it heartily. "
— Heather, 7/4/2013 -
" This is such a sweet historical romance, which takes place in the last part of the nineteenth century in New York City. Love and marriage across class lines,fashion of the period, women's roles,and strong faith and moral values all make this novel a worthwhile read. "
— Academicsupport, 2/21/2013 -
" Kind of dumb and predictable. "
— Elizabeth, 8/9/2012 -
" Very enjoyable read. An interesting trip through the gilded age. Fun character surprises that I was not expecting (and I can usually predict with fairly good accuracy.) The ending was a little disappointing. It wrapped up complicated characters and story line too quickly with an epilogue. "
— Breezy, 7/23/2012 -
" I enjoyed the historical romance. The author did an excellent job describing the time period and the differences between the classes and the sexes. The romances were fun, although predictable. "
— Nicole, 6/16/2012 -
" This is a delightful story of how 3 women find love. Nancy Moser is a great writer and the story is very believable. I especially enjoyed the fashions of the time that were at the back of the book. There is also a great section about with it history and what is made up in the story. "
— Carol, 10/25/2011 -
" Very enjoyable read. An interesting trip through the gilded age. Fun character surprises that I was not expecting (and I can usually predict with fairly good accuracy.) The ending was a little disappointing. It wrapped up complicated characters and story line too quickly with an epilogue. "
— Breezy, 10/10/2011 -
" Kind of dumb and predictable. <br/> "
— Elizabeth, 8/24/2011 -
" This is only the second Nancy Moser book that I have read. She is a good writer. What kept me from giving the book a five star was a few of the characters that I just didn't like. "
— Jenny, 7/26/2011 -
" Work is seriously getting in the way of me reading this book. I have enjoyed it from the get go. "
— Michele, 7/20/2011 -
" I enjoyed the historical romance. The author did an excellent job describing the time period and the differences between the classes and the sexes. The romances were fun, although predictable. "
— Nicole, 7/2/2011 -
" Liking it a great deal so far! Moves quickly and holds my interest! "
— Sandra, 6/22/2011 -
" Great book! Could hardly put this one down! "
— Abigail, 5/25/2011
About Nancy Moser
Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart’s Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture, run a business with her husband, traveled extensively in Europe, and performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest.
About Antoinette LaVecchia
Antoinette LaVecchia has acted extensively with New York and regional theater groups. Among her accolades are the 2013 Best Actress Award from BroadwayWorld.com and the Urban Stages’ Award for Valuable Contributions of Italian-American Artists to New York Theater. She is also the recipient of a Fox Fellowship and an Anna Sosenko Assist Trust Grant.