One Simple Refrain

By: Nancy Ann Healy

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Dr. Jillian Byers only considered two careers: indie rock sensation or physician. Both dreams led her to Los Angeles. She never plotted a course that led back home. With her father's health declining, Jillian picks up her life and returns to Crystal, Maine. At first, it seems time has stood still in her hometown. It doesn't take long for Jillian to realize nothing is quite the way she remembers.

Returning to life in rural Maine never occurred to Marjorie (MJ) Willard. A successful professor, MJ finds herself at a crossroads after a painful divorce. Her mother suggests MJ move back to Crystal with her seven-year-old daughter, Chloe. Needing an escape, MJ agrees. She never dreamed she'd come face to face with her high school crush. Life gets interesting when MJ collides with Jillian Byers at their thirtieth high school reunion.

An unexpected friendship helps Jillian and MJ cope with loss, change, and a few secrets from the past. Finding the way home summons a million questions and some interesting discoveries. There's no greater surprise than falling in love. Sometimes all it takes to make sense of the world is One Simple Refrain.

©2021 Bumbling Bard Creations (P)2022 Tantor

The definition of love… drop the mic! Highly recommend.

This story is filled with a multitude of secrets, layers and surprises with characters that set you by the fire and put a hot cup of cocoa in your hands when your heart is cold and longing. It is anything but a slam, bam thank you mam. It’s an immeasurably deep and growing illumination of what it means to love, be loved and know you belong. Our narrator might have varied her pace in a few spots for variety but overall, she did a wonderful job and has a very pleasant voice. Yes, we do get to the well-earned spice in this book but I hope you read it for something deeper since this is a rare beautiful expression of what it is to be truly human. Did I mention you get a lot of chicken soup wisdom for your soul, except in this case, they call it pie!

Good book

I like Nancy Ann Healy’s writing style when I’m in the mood for introspection and emotional stories. She’s a great writer. Characters have depth and are very well developed. This book is no exception. I sunk right into it and didn’t want to come up for air.
Xe Sands did a fairly decent job narrating. I found that she portrayed the characters a little sad for the situation at times, and the pace was a tad slow. Otherwise, I was totally on board!
Is it weird that I find the cover I’ll-suited for the story? I’m bothered by the cover for some reason…🤔🤔🤔

What a story of going home and finding life

I loved this story of caring for those we love. Jillian went home to care for her Dad. MJ came home to give Chloe a family after a divorce. What they find together builds even more family. The secrets that come out strengthen as it pulls everyone closer. I cried hard many times as I did my first read but Xe Sands gave voice to all the feels which my heart felt even more. Life is fun of so many moments often Good and bad at the same time. Who we share those moments with can make such a difference. A great story is now a great listen.

Amazing and emotional

This fabulous book was a well written story about late in life love , found family, loss and reconciliation. And a beautiful reminder that our parents were young and figuring life out once also . It is a well written story with fully developed characters and backstories that will tug at your heart.

Great for a range of emotions

This story will take you threw it all in a mature and realistic fashion that embarks on all the bumps of real life family drama.

Beautiful

The timing of this book is beautiful. It was an explosion of emotion. laugher, trepidation, sadness, then total elation
GREAT BOOK

Simple Reunion Inspired Romance

This is one of the few stories that tells a realistic romance between women who have lived a first chapter. Women in their late 40s dealing with divorce, single motherhood. And aging parents. I cannot think of any aspect of the story, the writing or narration that did not add to beautiful story… I highly recommend this author, book, and incredible narrator.

A moment out of time.

Dr. Jillian Byers returns life in rural Maine to care for her father as he’s health declines. Marjorie (MJ) Willard, a successful professor moves back with her daughter Chloe after her divorce.

When they run into each other at a high school reunion they renew acquaintances and start a new relationship. As they move ahead with their lives they grow closer in a way neither expected.

A book of loss and grief that leads to families to a deep and abiding love. Wonderful book narration.

Trying to keep emotions contained

This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster. I may not have endured the same exact things as the characters, however it resonated with me so fiercely. I cried listening to this book, for multiple reasons. Words I'd love to hear, experiences I can only hope for. Needless to say, you should read it. It's a heart wrencher, but it pulls at the right strings. Mature women in relationships give me hope. Even if I'm just reading about them in stories. lol

Excellent book!!!

I found myself totally relating to this book as the characters were more my age! What a fantastic story with sound advice for living life sprinkled throughout the book! The narration was superb with the perfect tempo and I will be looking for more books narrated by Xe Sands! I laughed...I cried...loved this book so much!