Audible Book Review: The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown

This is a lovely, engaging story!

The Lilac Bouquet
By: Carolyn Brown
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley


Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-28-17
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Audio.

Publisher's Summary
Come hell or high water, Emmy Jo Massey will have a wedding. After three generations of Massey women with children out of wedlock, she wants the whole town of Hickory, Texas, to witness the legitimacy of her union with Logan Grady. But dream weddings aren't cheap. So she accepts a highly lucrative stint as a home health assistant to retired realtor, and town recluse, Seth Thomas - a decision her great-grandmother Tandy is dead-set against.
Seth isn't happy about it, either. The eighty-two-year-old doesn't want a "babysitter" - much less a Massey - something he makes clear when Emmy arrives at his house, an empty mansion built for the woman who broke his heart. But as Emmy stays and the two eventually open up to each other, she learns the reason behind a feud between Seth, Tandy, and Logan's grandfather Jesse Grady that goes back six decades. She also uncovers a secret that forever changes how she sees her past and her future...
©2017 Carolyn Brown (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Emmy Jo Massey is a young woman who comes from a family of unwed mothers. Emmy is determined on getting married to her fiance, Logan Grady, so the whole town will know about it. The problem is that their great-grandparents are part of a long time feud, which includes the town recluse, Seth Thomas. These three won't be in the same room together, much less speak to each other. Emmy takes a job as a home health provider to Seth over the objection of Her great-grandmother, Tandy. Seth isn't thrilled with having a Massey in his home either. Emmy is intent on earning the money to help cover her wedding costs and now she is intent on unraveling the secret of the animosity of the people she wants to share her joy with.

Emmy is a lovely character and her determination and sunshine break down the walls of the frozen, bitter hearts around her. The secrets of the past are slowly revealed and evoke emotions of anger and sadness at the wasted years. There were choices that were made and some terrible treatment, even, or especially, by some so-claimed Christians. There are Biblical themes gently shared through the story. The story was an easy read/listen with engaging twists that kept it interesting. It addresses more family, people issues than just a romance. I hope to read more by Carolyn Brown.

Audio Notes: I was very comfortable with the narration by Brittany Pressley. I can't speak to the accuracy of the accents but I enjoyed the voices for the characters. THe narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: Audible January 2018 Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and a 2018 title for Alphabet Challenge.