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The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous #Review #EmptyNesterSeries

On 10th July, The Freshman Parents by Ko Porteous was published by All Ways Books Ltd. They’re off for the time of their lives. But are you? Book #1 in The Empty Nesters Series. Single parent Heather isn't neurotic (honest!) - she's simply dreading the day her only child leaves for university - so her meticulous checklists grow longer by the hour. When she seeks advice on a parents' forum, she clashes with They're Scott, a single dad whose "helpful" statistics and assertions about “helicopter parenting” leave her fuming. Move-in day delivers the ultimate surprise: their daughters aren’t just roommates – they are self-declared "besties for life". Suddenly, Heather and Scott are thrown into a begrudging alliance. As they navigate the new status quo, Heather's instinct to organise meets Scott's philosophy of letting go. Their practical text messages about mattress toppers and emergency supplies evolve into conversations about dream job...

The Start of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert #audiobook #Review


 Today we have an audiobook version for you to consider of the sparkling romcom, The Start of Something Wonderful by Jane Lambert. In March, I reviewed the print form and you can read my thoughts here. 

It's never too late to follow your dreams....


Forty-year-old air stewardess Emily Forsyth thought she had everything a woman could wish for: a glamorous, jet-set lifestyle, a designer wardrobe and a dishy pilot boyfriend. Until he breaks up with her...


Catapulted into a midlife crisis she wishes she'd had earlier, she decides to turn her life upside down, quitting her job and instead beginning to chase her long-held dreams of becoming an actress!


Leaving the skies behind her, Emily heads for the bright lights of London's West End - but is it too late to reach for the stars?


My Thoughts

 This is a story full of wit and humour and having re-read my review of the book back in March, my comments resonate with me today. What the experience of listening to the audiobook version gives me is a sharpened awareness of the characters and the humour which seems so immediate. Jane Lambert narrates the story herself and her interpretation of the words make the story really come alive. She embodies the character of Emily beautifully, as well as adding personality to the secondary characters who she meets.

    The experience of listening to an audiobook seems so different to when you are reading a text. Reading a printed or digital copy seems a more solitary and self-centred activity, whereas when you listen to an audiobook, it is possible to move about, doing other tasks whilst listening to the words. There are sound effects which help to add to the descriptions and the opportunity to pause the story or repeat sections. In all, I found it a fun experience which brought out the warmth behind the writing.

In short: A skilful reading of a warm, humorous romance.

About the Author



Jane taught English in Vienna then travelled the world as cabin "Calendar Girls", "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time", "Deathtrap",  and most recently “True West” in London's West End.  She has recorded audiobooks for BBC AudioGo, Isis Publishing and HarperCollins. She is currently adapting “The Start of Something Wonderful” into a 6-part comedy drama for TV.
crew, before making the life-changing decision to become an actor and voiceover artist in her mid-thirties. She has appeared in


You can follow Jane here: Twitter |  Facebook


Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US

Thanks to Jane Lambert and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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Comments

  1. Hi Marianne, I just wanted to say a huge "Thank You" for taking part in The Start of Something Wonderful audio tour. Your lovely comments mean the world to me and give me the the self-belief to keep writing. If you have a moment, I'd so appreciate your posting your smashing review on the book's Amazon page. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Start-Something-Wonderful-fantastically-feel-good-ebook/dp/B0763F9C2N
    Thank you. Warmest wishes, Jane

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