Can a badly abused elephant halfway across the world help a woman win back her cheating husband? In this funny, heartwarming story, the author of the beloved novel Horseplay presents another smart, memorable heroine and the animals–and men–she loves. Neelie Sterling never did listen well to the conversation around her. Always preoccupied with an inner monologue, she sometimes missed things. She was happy when Matt, her veterinarian husband, told her he was getting a collie; she liked dogs. But he had said colleague, to help with his busy practice. The problems start when the pretty blond “collie” calls Neelie to say that she is pregnant with Matt’s child. Sent into a tailspin, Neelie throws herself into her horse training business until she discovers that Matt is part of a group planning to leave for Zimbabwe to rescue a badly injured elephant. Thinking she can win Matt’s heart again, Neelie manages to get included. The trip is dangerous, exhilarating, and revealing. Neelie learns about herself as a wife and a woman. Back at home, she discovers secrets everywhere–with her parents, with Matt, even in training an elephant. Fighting to keep her life from unraveling as she struggles to gain the elephant’s trust, she ultimately learns that healing can be mutual.
Download and start listening now!
"I really liked this book because the author captures much of the stunning effect, mental anguish, confusion and turmoil of being betrayed by a spouse. The heroine's survival, grieving, and shift in life's priorities make this a fascinating read. Learned a fair amount about elephants as well. The heroine's astounding resilience and delightfully sarcastic humor keeps the book from being even marginally depressing. Highly recommend it; it's a 4.5 star read."
— Sandra (4 out of 5 stars)
" This is a fun, easy read. The main character has a hearing loss (similar to mine) and is constantly misinterpreting what she hears (similar to me). This novel contains several good elephant jokes. "
— Donna, 2/16/2014" I found this book on the "New" shelf and really enjoyed the writing style. The main character's auditory inattention was an interesting quirk and her attempts to win back her cheating husband are extreme. The ending is satisfying all around. "
— Sharon, 2/13/2014" This book is for people who a)sometimes can't hear what other people are saying b) love jelly donuts and c)love animals, especially elephants. "
— Stephanie, 1/31/2014" Not a perfect book -but read it cover to cover in one night "
— C, 1/30/2014" This was a good book and very interesting reading about both the horses and the elephants. I thought the way she handled some of the situations was a little unbelievable, and it was frustrating that she never seemed to have a discussion with her husband to talk about what led to his affair and the divorce until the very end. Even so, I can't wait to read the sequel. "
— Kimberly, 1/30/2014" Thsi novel is well written with very likable characters and an interesting background story on elephant rescue. "
— Marie, 1/25/2014" I listened to this book while working in the garage...it certainly made the time go by. Glad it was a CD, wouldn't have had the patience to read it, the story is too much fluff! "
— Jeanne, 1/18/2014" This was a book I picked up on a whim at the store because I sort of love Elephants for illogical reasons. And it was a very sweet book. I couldn't put it down! I had to find out if she ended up with the cheating husband and what happened with the elephant. It's a quick, sweet read. "
— Joy, 1/2/2014" liked it...different and an easy read "
— Julie, 11/22/2013" I loved this book, which is not to be confused with Water for Elephants. The main character annoyed my sister because of the way she mishears things. But I liked that. I found one of the relationships a little implausible so I was pleased with the way it ended (not to give it away). "
— Elizabeth, 11/20/2013" This book pulled me right in because the first page the women stated that there was so much in her head and she didn't listen. "
— Nancy, 10/18/2013" This book made me want to buy an elephant. "
— Carrie, 7/23/2013" a quick read. would have given it a 4, but the ending was too tidy "
— Robin, 6/20/2013" Enjoyed the elephants and horses. Quick read. "
— Drusilla, 8/10/2012" Woman's mid-life crisis book; interesting quirk in that the main character mis-hears everything so there are fun word plays. "
— Debdanz, 5/3/2012" An interesting read, but ... I was disappointed with the ending. "
— Slone, 11/11/2011" Interesting narrator - humorous and a little odd, but showed enough growth throughout. Love the elephant plot, and interested enough to want to read the sequel. 3.5 stars. "
— Kelly, 10/26/2011" A quick, easy read, with many laught out loud moments. A simple, chick-lit romp with refreshing. self-deprecating humor, some Jewish references. "
— Jillian, 10/21/2011" Great story-loved the main character with her humor and quirks. The interaction with the elephants was wonderful. "
— Carrie, 9/1/2011" I did not like this main character. Pretty much everything she did annoyed me. If that was the author's goal she succeeded brilliantly. Carol did not have my same reaction, though, so I know it's just me. "
— Kevin, 8/6/2011" This was enjoyable. The narrator was funny in times of desperate measures. Quick read. "
— Kim, 7/12/2011" Good story about human nature and relating to animals. "
— Cindy, 7/4/2011" I did like this book. Amazing story "
— Carrie, 6/18/2011" This book took me by surprise. I didn't think it was going to be that great, but I started it anyways. The character development has been awesome so far, and the plot is interesting but relatively stress-fee. I always find myself reading one more chapter. "
— Scott, 4/24/2011" I absolutely LOVED this novel!!! :) "
— Kathy, 3/18/2011" Donuts. Divorce. Pachyderms. Zillionaire sugar daddy. African Adventure. Snooze. "
— Rachelfm, 2/23/2011" Quick, enjoyable read about a woman who finds solace in a rescued elephant and her calf after her marriage falls apart. Nothing fancy, nothing to think about afterwards. I am a sucker for any novel that features elephants and I am not really sure when that happened... "
— Kathy, 1/14/2011" Some parts were funny or okay, but I wouldn't ever read it again or recommend it. I couldn't love any of the characters, even the main character, so that usually doesn't work out well. "
— Emily, 12/2/2010" Thsi novel is well written with very likable characters and an interesting background story on elephant rescue. "
— Marie, 11/17/2010" An interesting read, but ... I was disappointed with the ending. "
— Slone, 7/2/2010" Read it one sitting. Laughed out loud a lot. There are a couple of plot details that were either unlikely or impossible, but the overall effect is well worth ignoring them. Loved the ending. "
— Michael, 3/15/2010" I found this book on the "New" shelf and really enjoyed the writing style. The main character's auditory inattention was an interesting quirk and her attempts to win back her cheating husband are extreme. The ending is satisfying all around. "
— Alice, 1/21/2010" This was enjoyable. The narrator was funny in times of desperate measures. Quick read. "
— Kim, 1/15/2010" This book made me want to buy an elephant. "
— Carrie, 12/30/2009" This book sucked me in and wouldn't let go until the last page. There's something about elephants that is so endearing. "
— Melanie, 11/13/2009" A nice combination of hardships, romance, travel and elephants (well horses too). I love elephants and I love travel. Who doesn't like the occasional heart flutter while they're deep into a novel? And we can all relate to broken hearts. An overall, easy, good read. "
— Tatiana, 11/2/2009" loved this book. Started out as just an entertaining novel but had some wonderful insights. "
— Srgsusie, 11/1/2009Karen White has been narrating audiobooks of all genres since 1999. Honored to be included in AudioFile’s Best Voices, she’s also a four-time Audie Finalist and has earned multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and Library Journal starred reviews.