Audiobook Review & Giveaway: Going Up South by Janet W. Ferguson
Title: Going Up SouthSeries: Southern Hearts, Book 2
Author: Lindsay Harrel
Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC
Format: Audiobook (Available in Paperback too)
Release Date: June 15, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Links*: Amazon l Goodreads l Book Depository l CBD l Itunes
Actor Dylan Conner is furious. Not only has he been left out of his child’s life, the baby boy has been given another man’s last name. Determined to be a better father than the sorry guy who’d left him and his mother, Dylan fights to ensure a significant place in his son’s life. Unfortunately, his bad-boy reputation overshadows his good intentions. Only one woman in this small town sees beyond his Hollywood image. And he’s falling for her. Too bad she’s the custody mediator.
After her scandalous divorce in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, attorney Cassie Brooks has no intentions of practicing law again. The humiliating experience left a bitter taste for love, marriage, and her profession.
Now friends need Cassie’s help in a custody negotiation, and her role demands she remain objective. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Conner—the actor who everyone warns is bad news. Not only is the mediation at stake, but so is her heart.
After her scandalous divorce in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, attorney Cassie Brooks has no intentions of practicing law again. The humiliating experience left a bitter taste for love, marriage, and her profession.
Now friends need Cassie’s help in a custody negotiation, and her role demands she remain objective. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Conner—the actor who everyone warns is bad news. Not only is the mediation at stake, but so is her heart.
MY THOUGHTS
The people of Oxford, Mississippi in Janet W. Ferguson's Southern Hearts series have been on my mind since I read book 1, Leaving Oxford. It took me a while to get back into this series, no fault to the author or the writing, but simply me. And when the opportunity to listen to the second book of the series, Going Up South, I jumped on it and boy was it a bumpy ride - for our characters.
Going Up South reminded me all the reasons why I fell in love with Leaving Oxford and why it was one of my favorite debuts of 2016. The author is not afraid to touch on the hard issues or what scares people when it comes to Christian fiction - when there is a strong emphasis on Christianity and faith. Yet, it was done so tastefully, and without bias, it presented Christians in a realistic light. That light being we are ALL flawed, despite being Christians, and we ALL make mistakes. It is with faith and trust in our Lord that hope exists.
As to the audio version, I particularly like the narrator's portrayal and felt that it brought Cassie to life. It also gave readers/listeners a personal connection to the characters, particularly Cassie and Dylan with the emotions we can hear, and in turn feel. It was definitely done well, including all those real-life awkward moments, and makes me want to continue this series in audio format rather than reading!
In all, Going Up South will make you want to meet the whole gang in Oxford. With themes of forgiveness, truth and finding a path, I think it makes for one very eye-opening read (or listen).
Going Up South reminded me all the reasons why I fell in love with Leaving Oxford and why it was one of my favorite debuts of 2016. The author is not afraid to touch on the hard issues or what scares people when it comes to Christian fiction - when there is a strong emphasis on Christianity and faith. Yet, it was done so tastefully, and without bias, it presented Christians in a realistic light. That light being we are ALL flawed, despite being Christians, and we ALL make mistakes. It is with faith and trust in our Lord that hope exists.
As to the audio version, I particularly like the narrator's portrayal and felt that it brought Cassie to life. It also gave readers/listeners a personal connection to the characters, particularly Cassie and Dylan with the emotions we can hear, and in turn feel. It was definitely done well, including all those real-life awkward moments, and makes me want to continue this series in audio format rather than reading!
In all, Going Up South will make you want to meet the whole gang in Oxford. With themes of forgiveness, truth and finding a path, I think it makes for one very eye-opening read (or listen).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary audiobook from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children's minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
GIVEAWAY
Janet has graciously offered one reader on Just Commonly an ebook or audiobook of Going Up South. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. Open internationally as long as you can accept via Amazon or Audible Code.
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Hi, Lucy! I do love the South! I hope you enjoy the story!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne. Yes, different here, but the same, too! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy! I love stories in the South too! It's like a culture all in its own!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! I actually started listening about 2 years ago but only sporadically. Recently, more so and I'm LOVING it!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU Janet!! It's always nice to hear from you and THANK YOU for a chance to catch up with the folks in Oxford!
ReplyDeleteI love the architecture in the South as well! Good luck Tiffany!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan! I'm definitely getting used to the slower pace and loving it!
ReplyDeleteHi neighbor! (I'm in Mississippi.) I do enjoy the hot weather. I don't do cold very well :) I hope you enjoy the story!
ReplyDeleteHi Jan! I love your name :) Slow pace is awesome!
ReplyDeleteTotally! Me too! Though sometimes the Nmcity girl in me gets antsy!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer! I hope you enjoy the story!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the story!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Sandra! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete