The Hideaway

Karthi Masters narrates this satisfying story of love and family. Listeners will travel on a journey of self-discovery with Sara Jenkins and her grandmother, Margaret van Buren, a.k.a. Mags. Sara's return to her hometown of Sweet Bay, Alabama, for the reading of Mags's will turns bittersweet when her inheritance of Mags's inn and its residents upends her life in unexpected ways. Although Masters's emotionally connected narration brings the story to life, her audible intakes of breath repeatedly disconnect the listener from the story. Overall, her pleasant, sincere tone follows Sara's emotional journey from consternation to contentment as she learns more about her grandmother in death than she knew in life. C.L.S. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine


Narrator Devon O'Day's soft Southern drawl and obvious enthusiasm hit all the right notes in this feel-good story. Sara's grandmother, Mags, passes away suddenly and leaves Sara her run-down bed-and-breakfast in Sweet Bay, Alabama, complete with some of her grandmother's resident friends. As a result, Sara learns that her grandmother had important secrets, family doesn't have to be related to you, and love is what's most important in life. O'Day's voice is soothing and polished, and her acting abilities apparent and effective. She is especially charming in her portrayal of Sara's friend and employee, whose tone is perfect for the character--cheery, exuberant, and just a little naughty. A.C.P. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine