The Best of Us

A Novel

By: Sarah Pekkanen

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Paradise isn't quite what it seems as four college friends meet for an island vacation in this captivating new novel from the acclaimed author of These Girls.

Following a once-in-a-lifetime invitation, a group of old college friends leap at the chance to bring their husbands for a week's vacation at a private villa in Jamaica to celebrate a former classmates' 35th birthday.

All four women are desperate for a break and this seems like a perfect opportunity. Tina is drowning under the demands of mothering four young children. Allie needs to escape from the shattering news about an illness that runs in her family. Savannah is carrying the secret of her husband's infidelity. And, finally, there's Pauline, who spares no expense to throw her husband an unforgettable birthday celebration, hoping it will gloss over the cracks that have already formed in their new marriage.

The week begins idyllically, filled with languorous days and late nights of drinking and laughter. But as a hurricane approaches the island, turmoil builds, forcing each woman to re-evaluate everything she's known about the others - and herself.

©2013 Sarah Pekkanen (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

Loved it! Love The Narration

Cassandra Campbell is my favorite. The story kept me listening. I went through it in 3 days. I will have to look at the other books by this author.

Great performance!

The story was pretty good, and I really like this author, but there were so many parts to the story that were not believable at all. There were no characters that were just absolutely wonderful, but it was still a good story, and this narrator is one of my favorites.

Fantastic

I couldn't put this down and hated that the book was over. I loved it.

well done

I'd been reading suspense novels, and thought that this would be similar. Not what i expected at all, but what a pleasant surprise. I loved the characters with all their human flaws and imperfect edges.

Ok story line, not my favorite from this author

I had to speed up the pace bevause the narrator was very hard to listen to. The story line wasn't the best I kept waiting for more of a climax in the story.

Pleasant Chick Lit

The narrator was perfect for the story. Pleasant story to listen to, good chick lit. Not wholly realistic, as most chick lit, but very realistic in how the girls interact with each other. I'm a fan of chick lit so I enjoyed it for what it was, just a pleasant story. Some conflict, some growing up, some getting to know yourself. Alittle predictable but still a pleasant story. If you like chick lit, you'll probably enjoy it!

Excellent story of love across couples

Excellent story of love across four couples over time and the struggles encountered. A light read with some thoughtful relationship drama. Well read and paced.

Intriguing Tale of Friendship & Desire

Where does The Best of Us rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the Middle

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the store of love and forgiveness matched with mischief

What three words best describe Cassandra Campbell’s voice?

Not too bad

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

I was moved by most of the book, I related alot to the characters and their struggles

Any additional comments?

I could not stand when the author was telling a story from the past - she over used the phrase, "She had Said". Every story of the past used "she had said" to describe anyone saying anything. It got extremely annoying and made me believe there was a lack of editing for author.

Wonderful

I thought the book was great! There was a few "really" moments when Savannah spoke where I rolled my eyes but besides that I thought book was great. The author did a really good job of describing the characters so I could visualize them in my head. I really enjoyed!

Good but gets a little drawn out

Entertaining but some of the story gets a little drawn out and over the top. Less drama more good times and it would been better but still a good beach or walk listen.