Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone

By: Phaedra Patrick

Narrated by: James Langton

Phaedra Patrick's debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was hailed as "poignant" and "utterly endearing." Now she returns with Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone, a gem of a novel about family, forgiveness and one man's second chance at happiness.

Moonstone for empathy. Azurite for memories. Lapis lazuli for truth…

In the quiet village of Noon Sun, Benedict Stone has settled into a complacent and predictable routine. Business at his jewelry shop has dried up; his marriage is on the rocks. His life is in desperate need of a jump-start…

And then a surprise arrives at his door.

Gemma is Benedict's audacious teenage niece—the daughter of his estranged brother, Charlie. The two Stone brothers had a falling out and haven't spoken in almost two decades, since Charlie left for America. Reckless and stubborn, Gemma invites herself into Benedict's world and turns his orderly life upside down. But she might just be exactly what he needs to get his life back on track…

Filled with colorful characters and irresistible charm, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone is a luminous reminder of the unbreakable bonds of family, and shows that having someone to embrace life with is always better than standing on your own.

©2017 Phaedra Patrick (P)2017 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Loved these characters and this book

It was a delight to spend time with these characters and the story was wonderful.

Nice

I really enjoyed The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper so I was all over this book when it came out. Benedict is the underdog of underdogs. He's separated from his wife and though he desperately wants her back, he's too scared and insecure to truly try to win her back. Just when he's at his lowest, his teenage niece shows up unexpectedly in the middle of the night and pulls him completely out of his comfort zone.
There are bits of the story that are predictable, but between the supporting characters, Patrick's writing and Langton's narration come together and make it a worthwhile listen. My only complaint is that Gemma may be a little too angst-y, but she's a teenager so. . .
Overall, a good book and an enjoyable listen.

Rise and Shine BendEdict Stone

Enchanting, fum, so interesting. I cannot wait for the sequal to come out in June.

Kept Hoping It Would Get Better

This story had a cute premise and could have been so much better than it was. The characters were all of whiny and self-absorbed and it was challenging to finish the book. Also, the author seems to have not spent much time with American teenage girls or with people from the state of Maine. Gemma came off like a whiny 10 year old from the suburbs not an independent teenager from a state known poor it's tough residents.

Great read and a wonderful narrator

I loved the story. I found myself urging Benedict to come clean with Estelle. the narrator has an amazing voice.

tender sweet romantic

Very sweet story loved how the meaning attached to gems was incorporated. really liked the narration

Discovered a delightful author!

I have just finished the second novel by Phaedra Patrick. I am anxiously waiting her next book is scheduled for March. If you like a different and refreshing storyline you will enjoy these books. No profanity. Happy endings and some much entertainment.

Great book on the meaning of family

Looked the writing style and great characters. Great narrator as well! Loved learning about gemstones and how families can be complicated yet also always be there for each other.

Charming!

I enjoyed this book very much and the narrator is fabulous. I love this author.

Great Book to Lift Your Spirit!

This book lifted my spirits and I couldn’t put it down. The story, narrator, and character development was perfection! Most of the books that I read are classic literature and often long, complex and usually have a great deal of sadness. I don’t care for simplistic, mindless, easy reads, that have no depth. “Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone” is none of the above. Phaedra Patrick is a fantastic author, who can deliver a well written book that is also uplifting! I would love to find more books like this one. I usually don’t give five stars, but this book deserved it. Give yourself a treat and listen to this wonderful story!