The Lovers

Echoes from the Past, Book 1

By: Irina Shapiro

Narrated by: Wendy Wolfson

1665. When Elise de Lesseps is sold in marriage to Lord Edward Asher, she resolves to be an obedient and dutiful wife, until, on their wedding night, she finds out exactly what her husband has in store for her.

His request leaves her feeling shocked and humiliated, but being his chattel, she has no right to refuse. The consequences of that night seal Elise's fate and set her on a path that will lead to heartbreak and tragedy.

2013. Renowned archeologist, Dr. Quinn Allenby has a gift: She can see into the past when holding an object that belonged to the dead. When asked to host a BBC documentary called Echoes from the Past, Quinn uses her gift to find out what really happened to the 17th-century couple known only as The Lovers and unwittingly stumbles onto the secret of her own birth.

©2018 Irina Shapiro (P)2018 Merlin Press LLC

One of the best mystery romances from 1600's.

I was captured with the story from the very first chapter. The story of "The Lovers" Echoes From The Past is tender and suspenseful story chapter by chapter. I especially enjoyed the additional story in modern day of the archeologists who discovered what had happened to the two skeletal remains found in a large chiasm beneath the ground chained in a trunk at least four hundred years ago. Two skeletal remains embraced in one last kiss before they died. Only to find out by the archeologist that there is another surprising find buried within. Irena Shapiro has a rare gift to tell two stories at the same time of the past long forgotten and the present as their stories are discovered. Those in present day caught up in their own suspenseful love triangle as they discover the past and their own places in the present time. Unlike most other novelist, Irena Shapiro leaves you hanging by a thread as she takes you from the past to the future and back again without disappointment, yet eager to find out what is going on in another time to people you have already became attached to. Wendy Wolfson narrates this story with a soft gentle voice that expresses suspense, despair, passion, and undying love. Her voice is pleasing to listen to and yet captures one spellbound as she unweaves this suspenseful story. I look forward to reading and listening to more books by Irina Shapiro and hopefully Wendy Wolfson will be narrating more of Irina Shapiro's books. Marilyn from Washington

Absolutely wonderful!

The author did an excellent job of weaving together the past and the present, and I found myself equally invested in both storylines. As tragic as the story of James and Elise was, it was beautiful and well thought out. The historical detail painted a clear picture of the social inequality of the times, and the characters were well developed; a perfect juxtaposition of the good and evil in human nature. I appriciated the authenticity portrayed in Quinn, as the character weeded through her tumultuous relationships and apprehensions. The narrator did a good job. I will be continuing the series and would suggest it to anyone who loves history and romance.

Breathtaking

This book was one of the best I’ve ever read the story is something that you can’t put aside once you start to it I am very anxious to read the other books in the series what a fine job the author and the narrator did, thank you very Wendy and Irene I would recommend this book to any of my friends it is a very very well written book.

Outstanding Interwoven Dual Love Story

I ADORED this book!! One of the love stories took place in England in the 1600's, during the reign of Charles II. The second love story took place in southern England in 2013. The Historical and Contemporary tales are superbly interwoven. Ms. Shapiro did an outstanding job on the characters as well. Those I loved like Quinn and Alyssa, I truly loved. And those I hated, well, you get the gist. It is just one of the most well written and heart wrenching books I've read.

Now, mind you, it's a long book but it needed to be. I just wanted it to keep on going and going and going. Luckily there are currently 7 in this series in Kindle plus #8 in January so I kinda get my wish! As far as who would/should read this, it would be best for mature readers.

Wendy Wolfson did the narration and she did a terrific job. She had a LOT of voices to keep track of and she did so well. Lots of animation to her voice and she really helped keep the story both interesting and moving along. Great job.

5 Stars*****

I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Intriguing story

A good story with good characters and a good narrator that leads you down the story path to mystery and suspense and it doesn't put you off or to sleep. You enjoy the characters, and the way the story unfolds, because it's quite intriguing. So when you get a chance pick up a copy and enjoy.

very impressive.

I was not sure what to think at first , but it grabs you and drags you in . well written and presented.

Awesome

Quinn story was slow at first. Just wanted to hear Elise story. By the middle of the book I could not stop listening. Very well narrated and excellent story.

A story that will stay with you for a long time.!

Loved it! All of this book had me captured in every word. The narration was excellent!!!

delish!

a great story, light, interesting, with well developed characters, perfect for a long road trip. a little predictable at times but overall very good.

Haunting story

This story will stay with you for a long time. I had to tell myself it wouldn’t end the way I was afraid it would, but it did. The cruelty of greed and self importance in Edward was despicable. The 17th century was not kind to women and this is portrayed well. Also listening to the horrors of the bubonic plague in this year of the pandemic was fascinating especially the description of the plague doctors masks. Perhaps we all need one of those! I also enjoy Wendy Wolfson’s narration. Her soft voice was perfect for the mood of the tale.