Love's Refuge

By: Sandra Leesmith

Narrated by: Rachel Fulginiti

Skye Larsen loves her peaceful life on Leeza Island in Puget Sound - the tranquility, the friendly neighbors, and especially the safety from big city dangers. So when cruel pranks start to escalate and changes threaten to overtake the island, Skye is determined to fight for her haven. The presence of a handsome vacationer and the unexpected feelings he awakens can't distract her from her goal.

Danny Fraser doesn't realize how desperately he needs a rest until he meets Skye. By allowing him to glimpse her simple way of life, she helps him reorient his priorities - and steals his heart in the process. But his work and home in Seattle keep Skye at bay.

An isolated island girl with painful memories. A dedicated city boy with a wild past. What will it cost for them both to find a refuge from their storms?

©2013 Sandra Lee Smith (P)2014 Sandra Lee Smith

Tension Filled Contemporary Christian Suspense

Set on an island off Seattle in the Puget Sound, and in the city, this was an interesting story and included a heroine with a lot of emotional baggage, with good reason. There's an environmentalist theme with the eagles vs. developers and enough red herrings to satisfy most readers. I'm not a contemporary reader, usually, but this was a strong story. The hero was perfect for the story because his occupation directly conflicted with the heroine's issues. There was one scene, in particular, that almost made my heart stop but then Ms. Leesmith "rescued" the heroine. Having been to this locale (not on an island though) and caught in the worst storm in 50 years (I believe it was 1991) aboard a ship enroute to Victoria Island, I found this story to be especially enthralling because of the potential danger lurking around every corner. The narrator was excellent--she had a wonderful voice perfect for a contemporary. Also, because this is a Christian romantic suspense you won't get a bunch of stuff such as profanity. The spiritual arc was rather thin so I think even non-believers can enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I received a credit for this book from the author and am under no compulsion to give a positive rating.

An island vacation romance

What made the experience of listening to Love's Refuge the most enjoyable?

I especially liked the way the author used emotions to build the attraction and the issues keeping the lovers apart.

What did you like best about this story?

Appealing main and secondary characters in a well-paced romantic story. I loved the setting and details of life on an isolated island in Puget Sound. I felt the author knew the location well.

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

Great narrator made all the characters more appealing. She did not overdo the male voices.

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

A sweet Christian themed romance.

Heartwarming! Great Voices! Enjoyable! Loved it!

If you could sum up Love's Refuge in three words, what would they be?

Great story telling.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the setting and the characters.

Which character – as performed by Rachel Fulginiti – was your favorite?

The hero. He was the perfect hero for this heroine.

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

Of course, it was the climax. But can't give that way.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to over 1000 audio books over the last 20 years and this reader is one of the best I've heard. The author also seems to have the ideal voice for writing a book that is going to be read out loud. A perfect combination. The narrative kept me entertained from the first few words to the last sentence. This is an ideal story to become an audio book.

Suspense with a touch of romance

What did you like best about this story?

The characters came to life in this suspense story. The romance was sweet (clean).

What about Rachel Fulginiti’s performance did you like?

I like the narrator's different inflections. She did a good job of distinguishing the characters and making you feel like you were a part of the book.

Loved the story!

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

Sandra Leesmith does a great job of mixing a sweet romance with a bit of mystery and adventure in this book.

What did you like best about this story?

Danny and Skye come from opposite ends of life's spectrum, but it's clearly a match made in heaven from early on. I love how they stand by each other, no matter what they're each going through in the story.

Which character – as performed by Rachel Fulginiti – was your favorite?

I related so well with Skye, who craves a peaceful atmosphere instead of the craziness and danger of the city. It would almost be a dream come true to be able to seclude myself in a serene spot like Leeza Island. But Skye learned the lesson well, that God's grace is the only crutch that's capable of supporting us in the challenging times.

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

When past collides with future, will their love survive?

Great Inspirational Romance

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

Yes. This is a story I would share with my mother or daughter. It is well-written story with a believable romance and characters you care about. The touch of intrigue keeps you hooked. You want to know the identity of the bad guy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the hero and heroine equally. She had a good heart and he was patient. The conflict between them was so strong, I couldn't wait to see how the author resolved the issues keeping them apart. She handled the situation well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction. I simply enjoyed the sweet romance and the subplot she added to the mix.

Any additional comments?

I hope the author continues to write inspirational books.