Melissa J. Troutman

Another original adventure

Revisado: 12-24-18

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this next adventure in young Andi's life. From book to book we see her growing up, and in Family Secret we see her face one of her hardest challenges yet: another older sister no one told her about. I feel like long-lost relative stories can so easily be cliche, but Susan K. Marlow keeps this story fresh and realistic: Andi battles the full spectrum of emotions as she tries to grasp and respond to this revelation; the reasons for the older sister's disappearance years ago and the family's secrecy since are very understandable; and the repercussions of this sister's re-appearance affect every character -- and every event -- in the story.

As usual, I was hooked into this story from the very beginning. I was impressed even more by Annette Roman's narrations, since this book features an even more diverse cast including young children and a friendly (or not so friendly?) man with a great country drawl. Listeners of all ages will be captivated by yet another perfect blend of storytelling and narrating.

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A great story for boys and girls alike

Revisado: 12-14-18

If you're looking for a clean story with lots of twists and turns on a thought-provoking character journey, this is the book for you. (And if you're looking for a narrator who can effortlessly portray a myriad of voices and tell a story with great inflection, this is the audiobook for you!)

I loved this book. Even though I'd read it when I was around Andi's age, listening to it again now (almost ten years later) made me appreciate all the more the depth of this story. Yes, Andi makes some more rash decisions (she's Andi and a Carter -- how can she not? :)), but she takes responsibility for them and, with the wise counsel of her mother and others, strives to do the right thing. (One thing that kept me on my toes -- and laughing -- throughout the whole story is the way Andi always finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Half of the calamities she finds herself in are no work of her own.)

The greatest way we see Andi step up and do the right thing, despite her fear, is when she offers to be taken as hostage instead of the one girl in the school who doesn't like her (and Andi doesn't like either). This decision in itself speaks of Andi's character growth and lays the groundwork for even more growth. From the race that nearly killed Mr. Foster to Justin's remedy for Andi's amnesia, I thought all the events and character choices of the story were realistic -- portrayed very realistically by the skilled Annette Romano!

I also really appreciated the theme of this book: whether it was the author's intention or not, I took away the empowering encouragement that God uses all types of personalities. The greatest conflict in the book takes place over Andi's personality. Mr. Foster, her teacher, thinks she's out of control and nothing like a young lady because she races her horse, plays baseball with the boys, and is mistakenly blamed for various kinds of trouble. While Andi does have plenty of tomboy tendencies, she also knows when to rein them in and show the good breeding of her family. A resolution is hinted at when Andi offers herself as hostage because she knows her "tomboy tendencies" will enable her to survive the experience. A full resolution is reached at the end of the book when Mr. Foster recognizes this truth, acknowledging to Andi that it was her personality (speaking up, offering herself as hostage) that saved his daughter's life. I appreciated the reminder that God gives us different personalities and backgrounds to equip us for our unique roles in His story.

Thank you, Susan K. Marlow, for another grand adventure, and thank you, Annette Romano, for another satisfying narration!

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An engaging story for listeners of all ages

Revisado: 12-14-18

I first read the Circle C Adventures when I was around Andi's age. I loved Long Ride Home even then, but now, as a 22-year-old grad student, I found myself loving it even more as the fabulous narration of Annette Romano brings Andi's story to life. I'm a big fan of audibooks, and as a narrator Romano does not disappoint -- she does a great job using different voices for the different characters, and her Spanish accent for the Spanish-speaking characters is pretty authentic. Even though I could vaguely remember what happens, between Susan K. Marlow's storytelling and Romano's narrating, I was riveted from the first seconds to the last. A story well written, and a story well read!

Funny enough, I also found myself identifying more with Andi this time around, from her messy room and forgetfulness to her irresponsibility and sometimes thoughtless decisions. Listening to Andi's story reminded me of what's expected of me and how I need to take responsibility and do right. Moral of the story: no matter your age or position in life, you'll get something out of Long Ride Home, even if it's just the satisfaction of reading (or listening to!) a clean story with uplifting morals. :)

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