June

The Year of Discovery, Book 6

By: M. L. Hamilton

Narrated by: Kelley Hazen

Twelve women connected by the death of another, realizing what they most want from life and reaching for it - this is the year of discovery, the year of new beginnings.

Orphaned at ten, Melanie Barlow was raised by her grandparents, given everything she could want and cherished by the two people who meant the world to her. Growing up, Mel knew what they expected from her - graduate high school with honors, go to college, get a career in computer engineering, then start a family. The problem was starting a family.

Mel knew early on that she was different and that she wanted different things in her life, but the things she wanted did not fit with her grandparents’ worldview. Mel must now decide whether it’s more important to be herself or if it’s better to lie to everyone, including herself, just to keep the peace.

©2019 M.L. Hamilton (P)2019 M.L. Hamilton

Great Read

June: The Year of Discovery, Book 6 was a great read by M.L. Hamilton. Melanie's parents died in a car accident when she was ten years old. Her grandparents raised her after their deaths. They expected her to graduate high school with honors, go to and graduate college, and start a family. Melanie has always known that she was different and loved women. Unfortunately she knew that her grandparents wouldn't approve. I really enjoyed Melanie's story and can't wait to read more in this great series. Kelley Hazen did a great job of narrating this story and keeping you interested in what happens with the characters.

June - Mel's story...

Mel has always hidden her sexual orientation from her grandparents, but now they know the truth - and they reject her. And her girlfriend leaves her at the worst possible moment. Will Mel finally follow her own advice, accept herself and take on whatever life brings her at face value or will she shy away again?

Mel's tale is the 6th in the series. This time Ms Hamilton touches on the issue of homosexuality and what it means to be different from others, especially if they're family and yet do not accept your identity... It's a difficult tale and I think it's even more difficult to write about such issues with tact and subtlety, without offending anyone - and yet I feel Ms Hamilton manages to do so. Mel is loyal, Mel is strong when it comes to supporting others and yet she is sensitive and easily hurt when it comes to her own emotions. She's a girl I think I'd like to have as a friend...

The book is very well narrated by Ms Hazen. With every book in the series she proves that she's a great narrator, both in terms of doing different voices as well as acting out all the emotions and turmoils the characters experience...

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

An Awesome Listen

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it inspiring. As the year progresses so does the number of women taking control over their lives as the chain reaction continues. For Mel, the last few months have been difficult. After being disowned by her grandmother and then being dumped, she finds herself very alone. Needing extra cash, she gets a job at the women's centre and take a careful and truthful look at herself. The author has a special talent to create characters and stories that feel real and the narrator brings every story to life. Looking forward to July.

Continuing on with the year of discovery...

Mel’s Story is truly inspirational. Being shunned by her grandparents for choosing to be herself was difficult to deal with. Coupling that with being dumped by her girlfriend of two years made it almost unbearable. I was inspired by the journey Mel undertook, and the twist at the end brought me to tears.

ML Hamilton truly has a way with words, and her stories are full of emotion. One of my all time favorite authors.

Kelley Hazen is an amazing narrator. She brings each character to life and you can really feel the emotions they are experiencing.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Mel

I’m totally enjoying this Year of Discovery Series and this is book 6. The primary character in this book is Mel who is gay going thru rough times she lost her parents at young age and raised by her grandparents who disapprove of her lifestyle and loses Bonnie. She takes job at women’s center where Lizzie seeks help after her rape (previous book and roommate) and it is having problems with anti-abortion group. She also meets Mika (troubled child) and her mother Margo from previous books. Loved the ending and cannot wait for next book. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you!