Carolina Home

A Dare Island Novel

By: Virginia Kantra

Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Home to the Fletcher family for generations, Dare Island is a fishing village rocked by changing times - its traditions slipping away like sands of the North Carolina coast. Single dad and fishing boat captain Matt Fletcher deferred his own dreams to support his innkeeper parents and build a future for his sixteen-year-old son. Matt has learned to weather life's storms by steering a steady emotional course...and keeping a commitment-free approach to love.

Newcomer Allison Carter came to Dare Island to escape the emotional demands of her wealthy family. The young teacher aims to build a life here, to make a lasting place for herself. She doesn't want to be another Woman Who Once Dated Matt Fletcher. It's both tempting and dangerous to believe she can be something more.

Then Matt's brother Luke makes a sudden return home, with a child of his own - and a request that will change all their lives. With a child's welfare at stake, Matt must turn to Allison to teach him to let go of the past, open his eyes...and follow his heart.

©2012 Virginia Kantra (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Wonderful story! Carolina Home is an excellent, entertaining, romantic read. Virginia Kantra has created a splendid new island series, this being the first. The characters are so beautifully drawn that I'm now reading the second in the series." (Robyn Carr, author of the Virgin River series)

relaxing read

sweet book. enjoyed it immensely and I really want to know what happened to Allison so I'll definitely be reading book two.

l've Got This, Family Mantra

wow l keep thinking it does not get better because l have listen out of order in this series!! Well, this author is so good, it doesn't matter l made a blunder. Each book is about character counts. Yes each is a romance novel but also each story has a great life lesson about trust , friendship not charity, and recognizing a great personality trait. Of course this series would not be as fabulous without Ms Eastlake narrating our hunky males, including handsome Josh.
This is a series to savor and listen to again
Were my comments of Help?

Overall a good read.

What did you like best about this story?

This was a good book for a quick read. It is a typical romance novel but you can get invested in the characters and their lives.

Which character – as performed by Sophie Eastlake – was your favorite?

I think my favorite character from the book was Josh, the teenage son. He was charming and funny at times.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Your everyday love story

Any additional comments?

This was a good story with multiple layers to the characters. I liked that it was more about the story than the sex scenes that can sometimes be "over played". It was a believable story with good genuine characters.

An endearing winner!

Would you consider the audio edition of Carolina Home to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the print version and wouldn't want to when Sophie Eastlake told the story in technicolor. FYI, Sophie Eastlake is a/k/a Julia Whelan, brilliant narrator of "The Witness" by Nora Roberts, which is what prompted my purchase of an unfamiliar author.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked and admired the two main characters, Matt & Allison equally for their sense of honor, their realism in everyday life and the character growth each displayed.

What does Sophie Eastlake bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It is apparent to me that in listening to this story recorded under the name of Sophie Eastlake or as Julia Whelan for "The Witness" she does her homework. She understands the story and what motivates the characters and takes you on a fabulous journey. Sophie/Julia gives the romance genre a great deal of class!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I particularly enjoyed the scene when Matt learns from his dad that home is wherever his wife (Matt's mother) is and the rest are just details to iron out. There are two other moving scenes but I don't want to do a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

This book isn't anything that's going to receive brilliant literary reviews and I don't believe that was the author's intent. Get over the fact that the basic plot isn't new because just how many ways can you bend and shape the boy with commitment issues meets nice girl plot. There's something to be said for a story that moves the heart like the gentle rocking of an anchored boat and can still deliver sexy romance without relying on the old he said/she said miscommunication ploy. I look forward to listening to Book 2 in the series this weekend.

5 stars is not enough

What made the experience of listening to Carolina Home the most enjoyable?

I adored this book, the first of Virginia Kantra's Carolina Series. It is not just a romance. It is a story about family.....the bonds between parents, adult children and grandchildren. Besides the appealing love story of the fiesty Allison and the steady, sexy single dad Matt, the author touches on some very relevant issues, such as an absent single parent serving in the military, hints of past child abuse, loss of a parent, and the enduring love between senior adults. I loved the interaction between the children and adults. Honestly, I just really liked this book and would highly recommend it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Matt tells Allison that he needs her.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The discussion between Matt and his father Tom, when Tom expresses his devotion and love for his wife Tess by saying that home has been any place where he and Tess are together

Easy Reading 4

Would you try another book from Virginia Kantra and/or Sophie Eastlake?

For the most part, I enjoyed Eastlake's narration. Kantra spins a good story but the outdated stereotyping is disturbing. I would like to see Kantra author something based on real life expectations. She's clearly talented but her works appear to be the product of a lazy writer.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Carolina Home?

All of the memorable moments in this book series are pretty much the same. Man meets woman. Woman, who is way less worthy and smart than Man, needs saving. Man obliges. Happily ever after. Blah, blah, blah.

What three words best describe Sophie Eastlake’s voice?

Consistent. Warm. Easy.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

Some reality.

Carolina Home Very Sweeet

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it was a great story, very likable H/H. The beginning brings you in right away. I loved the family interaction with each other. This is a very light romance, not much sex but the love build up is really great.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I loved the ending, I bought book two.

Have you listened to any of Sophie Eastlake’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love Sophie Eastlake. She gives a great performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen in one sitting. :-)

Any additional comments?

Enjoy.

Good listen

This book was very enjoyable, I like these light hearted books that you can just enjoy. This was one of those. I will listen to the second

LOVED IT !

I bought this because it was offered for $3.95. I had never listened to this author's books before, but thought I would give it a try. I LOVED the story, characters, narrator.....all of it. Of course, I had to rush right out and buy the next book in the series. I will be watching for any books by Virginia Kantra from now on. She now has become one of my favorite authors. Really good listen!

The story was a bit empty

This author could have done a better job of pulling you into the relationship of Allison and Matt. It just wasn't that gripping. The build up was just so so. I like the idea of Dare Island, the Inn the family runs and the story of the family was really good. It just wasn't put together with any depth or excitement. I would only purchase the rest of the series if it was on a good sale. Won't waste a full credit.
The narrator was really good. The only thing I don't like is when a female narrator lowers her voice to read the male part. I would rather her just read the part with her own voice as many narrators do now.