The Lovers Audiobook By Irina Shapiro cover art

The Lovers

Echoes from the Past, Book 1

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The Lovers

By: Irina Shapiro
Narrated by: Wendy Wolfson
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Their love was forbidden. But some passions echo through eternity.

London, 1664. Seventeen-year-old Elise de Lesseps wakes on the morning of her wedding, knowing her life is over. Sold into marriage to settle her father’s gaming debts, she’s bound to Lord Edward Asher—a man old enough to be her father and who harbors a twisted secret that will shatter her innocence forever. But when Elise meets James, Edward’s illegitimate son, her life is transformed by something neither of them expected: a love so powerful, it will cost them everything…

Present day. Archaeologist Quinn Allenby has a secret: the ability to see into the past through touch. When she places her hands on a sapphire brooch found within an eerie 17th-century chest, she’s plunged into a world of forbidden passion and deadly betrayal. But as Quinn delves deeper into the visions, her own life spirals into chaos as she realizes she’s not just witnessing a love story, but a terrible crime she cannot let rest.

Separated by centuries, the two women are bound together by a haunting secret and an incredible gift. While Elise faces impossible choices between duty and desire, Quinn risks everything to uncover a truth that someone tried to bury forever…

A breathtaking story of family secrets, sacrifice and shocking betrayals, perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley and Barbara Erskine.

©2018 Irina Shapiro (P)2018 Merlin Press LLC
Historical Fiction Heartfelt Historical Time Travel Science Fiction
Captivating Dual Timeline • Emotional Love Story • Clear Narration • Well-researched Historical Setting • Soothing Voice

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Every so often you come upon a book you know will be an all time favorite. As you go through it, you want to keep reading, yet don’t want it to end. And as an author, you’re both enamored with the story and almost jealous you didn’t think of it first! I found that with this audiobook!

In 1665 Elise de Laseppes has been biding her time, waiting to announce her secret betrothal to a common lad to her father. But one morning, her father calls for her, telling her to prepare for her wedding to Lord Asher. Lord Asher is rich, widowed, twice her age, and able to save the de Laseppes from ruin. While she wants nothing more than to run away with the boy who promises her the world, she can’t. Her two little sisters depend on her to keep the family afloat, even if they don’t fully understand it. So she leaves her childhood home to become the literal lady of the manor. But her well-bred husband hides more than one secret and Elise will be tasked with not only saving her family, but herself as her husband strives to get an heir.

In 2013 London, Dr. Quinn Allenby is straight off a nasty breakup and home from a successful archeological trip to Jerusalem when she receives a new task. A pair of skeletons was found in a chest, a makeshift coffin with evidence to show that neither person was dead when they were left alone in the dark. She’s approached by a producer who wants her to head a historical drama show, featuring the mysterious skeleton, and implores her to find the true story by any means necessary. Using her special skills, Quinn sets off to give them back their identities. But as she works to discover the skeletons’ pasts, her own comes into clearer focus.

Two women, centuries apart, brought together by chance and a blue brooch that holds the secret behind the hidden chest.

One of the hardest parts about writing reviews is that sometimes you need to leave out some of the best parts, as to not spoil anything. All I can say is that Quinn has certain abilities that ties her to Elise in a way she can’t fully explain. As more of Elise’s life is revealed, the deeper Quinn’s character development goes. She lives her life alongside Elise’s past in a seamless way that Shapiro should be congratulated for. It’s difficult to time hop without confusing readers or muddling the stories, but everything is crystal clear in this book by the end.

As a historian, I love to take note of the bits and pieces in all historicals I read. Shapiro’s book was a a fine example of a well researched piece. The food, clothing, ailments, and accessories such as birthing chairs and plague doctors were slipped in naturally, setting up the time period without it being forced. Still, Elise and her loved ones had personalities that transcended time.

The narration of The Lovers was wonderful. Wolfson’s voice was clear and easy to get lost in. The pace was perfect and the slight changes in the characters through their own voices wasn’t overdone or cartoonish as some are. Usually I limit my audiobook listening to car rides and dog walks, but I found myself listening to this one almost nonstop until the end.

Overall, if you couldn’t tell, I loved this book. I could see it as a movie with the same thrilling, dramatic feel as The Da Vinci Code or Tulip Fever. In ebook, paperback, or audiobook, this is the perfect read for lovers of thrillers, romance, and mysteries.

Perfect Story and Narration!

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I loved most of this book, but it seemed to me that the author didn't spend enough time creating the ending.

Ending seemed rushed

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Listener received this title free

This story is amazing!! I love how the two stories all told! Irina Shapiro is an amazing writer!! I got lost in this story and I can't stop listening!! The Wendy Wolfson did an amazing job with her voice!!

Amazing!!

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This is a must read if you want romance. I couldn’t wait fir my drive to work so I could hear what would happen next even though I knew how it would end.

Loved The Lovers

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I have listened to a few of her books and I think this one is my favorite. I especially liked the ending, I was a little worried but I like the way it all worked out

I think this is my favorite book by this author

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