Summer at the Lake

By: Erica James

Narrated by: Antonia Beamish

A fateful car crash sets in motions a series of events for Floriana, Esme.

Floriana gathers the courage to attend the wedding of her one true love, and Esme journeys with her to Lake Como to find the man who stole her heart many years ago. It’s time for Esme and Floriana to face the past - and the future - on the shore of the most romantic and enchanting of lakes.

©2013 Erica James (P)2014 W F Howes Ltd

Story picks up halfway through, narrator terrible.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the ending, honestly, if you've purchased it and stopped listening, I promise it picks up in the second half. Just unfortunate that it took 7 hours to get there!

Would you be willing to try another one of Antonia Beamish’s performances?

No way. I felt like it could have been 2 hours shorter if she'd just stopped all the pausing and halting! I love her vocal tone and I'm sure she's lovely but this was not a great reading.

Loved it!

Do your self a favor and listen to this. If you like your books with strong characters and plots- this one is for you. I measure my enjoyment by whether I would re-listen - I definitely would.

Lovely story, sad and happy.

What did you love best about Summer at the Lake?

That is wasn't fantasy, real life can be like this.

What other book might you compare Summer at the Lake to and why?

Don't compare books, they each have their own merits.

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

I enjoyed her narration. Pleasant voice and good with accents.

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

Yes, but unfortunately I don't have time. Perhaps one day!

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable story and narrator.

A sweetly woven tale of lovable characters

Where does Summer at the Lake rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is not a query I can answer as I listen to so many types. i will say that Erica James told a great story here and held my interest throughout. Loved the locales of Oxford and Lake Como in Italy, and Venice, too. Great fodder for armchair travelers.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Fiorina and Esme, equally. Both were lovable and clearly drawn women.

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

I have. She is a very good reader and I love her measured, soft tone of voice. She is exceedingly listenable as a reader.

If you could take any character from Summer at the Lake out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Esme because she has more tales to tell and is the wise elder, yet vulnerable. She orders a martini in Venice. Perfect.

Any additional comments?

While I loathe such comment, I make one here. This is a perfect novel to read on a holiday or when not well. It is the perfect gift to a friend who needs cheering up and also a laugh ot two. It is perfectly balanced.

wonderful narrator & captivating story

This was my first Erica James book & I loved the slowly developed characters & story. But Antonia Beamish as narrator made this one of the best audiobook experiences I have have. Brava!