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.

Loved the book

Left me wanting more!! On to book 2. Good thing to have Audible version...I have trouble putting Irina Shapiro’s books down ♥️

Wow!

Wow! The detail and depth of this story is fabulous and heartbreaking. Irina has such a way of pulling the past and the present together so seamlessly. This is half tragedy half love story. Mystery abounds also from the get go. There is no lagging at any point in this book. I feel so much for the characters, especially from those in the past. Irina made me believe that these were real people. I felt joy with them and sorrow. The narrator did a good job with clarity and didn't mispronounce words which drives us listeners crazy. This is the 2nd book by Irina I've listened to and am so glad I gave her stories a chance.

Loved it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an excellent story that held my interest from beginning to end...I stayed up half the night listening. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

great book!

It's very well written, and Wendy's narration brings the characters vividly to life! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Frustrating, but redeeming story

This story was frustrating at times because it seemed that things were happening too slowly. I found pace annoying through most of the book.

The narrator was pleasant and clear. I found the characters in the past much more likable/compelling than the characters in the present.

Nevertheless, overall the book drew me in to the point that I enjoyed it and am going to listen to the sequel, so I had to give it a good rating.

Sometimes it’s what’s going on with me, not the book, right?