What Matters Most

By: Luanne Rice

Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee

Sister Bernadette Ignatius has returned to Ireland in the company of Tom Kelly to search for the past and the son they left behind. For it was here that these two long-ago lovers spent a season of magic before Bernadette's calling led her to a vocation as Mother Superior at Star of the Sea Academy on the sea-tossed Connecticut shore. For Tom, Bernadette's choice meant giving up his fortune and taking the job as caretaker at Star of the Sea, where he could be close to the woman he could no longer have but he never stopped loving. And while one miracle drew them apart, another is about to bring them together again.

For somewhere in Dublin, a young man named Seamus Sullivan is also on a search, dreaming of being reunited with his own first love, the only "family" he's ever known. They'd been inseparable growing up together at St. Augustine's Children's Home, until Kathleen Murphy's parents claimed her and she vanished across the sea to America. Now, in a Newport mansion, that very girl, grown to womanhood, works as a maid and waits with a faith that defies all reason for the miracle that will bring back the only boy she's ever loved.

That miracle is at hand, but, like most miracles, it can come only after the darkest of nights and the deepest of heartbreaks. For life can be as precarious as a walk along a cliff, its greatest rewards reached only by those who dare to risk everything for what matters most.

©2007 Luanne Rice (P)2007 Books on Tape

My Favorite

I completely enjoyed listening to this book. Miss Rice is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed the way it was read. The narrator was able to add an Irish accent when needed. I didn't want the book to end. I especially like how Miss Rice includes characters from other books. One book is not the continuation of another, the connection is subtle but yet there. It makes me feel like I really know the characters. I also like the way she describes the setting. It makes me want to go to Connecticut or Rhode Island and see the area for myself. I look forward to listening to many more of her books.

Very Enjoyable

I very much enjoyed this book. The writer does a great job keeping you on edge as you listen -- you fall in love with the characters, and you can't wait to get back to the book. The narrator does a great job.
Highly recommend.

A Pure Love Story

Where does What Matters Most rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 20

What other book might you compare What Matters Most to and why?

That's the great thing about What Matters Most, there isn't one that compares.

What does Ann Marie Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The sweetness of the characters, and the accents.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

True love never dies

More like this.

Love this book, would like to see more of this. Enjoy everything about the book.

Heartwrenching!

Having grown up in an institution run by nuns I felt a close kinship with the characters. The deepest love, hate and angst is revealed in each character as they strive to make sense of their lives. The role the Church played in Bernadette's decision to give up her child and become a nun, the decision made by Kathleen to go with her parents and leave James behind and the choice Tom Kelly made to be close to Bernadette without the pleasure of having her marry him made the characters real, vulnerable and heartbreakingly believable. I cried for them and couldn't stop listening to the book.
Great story, great narration.

Outstanding

What Matters Most is a wonderful story of family, love, friendship and the importance of taking advantage of every moment in life. The story ebbs and flows, revolving around 2 couples who end up related in a most engaging and provocative manner. A wonderful read and highly recommended.

Good Read!

I enjoyed this book thouroughly. The reader was pleasing and the book lent itself well to be read without losing my interest. I would recommend it.

Loved, Loved, Loved this book.

If you could sum up What Matters Most in three words, what would they be?

I wanted more...

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bernadette. I want to be like her.

What about Ann Marie Lee’s performance did you like?

Easy to listen to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What matters most, a must read.

Any additional comments?

Beautiful setting

MAGICAL!

What Matters Most captivated me years ago, after first being published. The enchanting story has stayed with me all these years. Now, after listening to the audiobook, I am once again touched by this beautiful story, filled with deep, unconditional love, and the bond of family. As in many of Luanne Rice's novels, her writing gave me goosebumps! Excellent narration.

A satisfying conclusion!

"What Matters Most" is a satisfying conclusion to Sister Bernadette's story. The conflict / angst amongst the three principles in this story, the personal tension between man and woman, and the very personal struggle within Sister Bernadette, makes for a riveting listen. Thoroughly enjoyable!