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I like to listen to audio books while mowing the lawn, driving long distances or cleaning my house. I have listened to many audio books and have even stopped a few when they became an unbearable shadow of the book. Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand has a great narrator, Claire Bocking, and her reading gives more life to the book than I anticipated. If you are new to audio books, here are a few points that make Claire such a great fit. First of all, ever character sounds believable. She has an advantage reading Jenna but she does an equally wonderful job reading Finn’s character. Secondly, Claire has great diction and keeps the novel flowing. Lastly, who wants to listen to a bad impersonation that takes away from the story? Unfortunately, there are many out there that do just that.

As for the actual novel, Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand book 3 may be my favorite. Since I hope that James writes many more, this book sits tentatively at the top with a little wiggle room for future novels to claim #1. I really appreciated the depth the characters developed through action and dialogue. I come across a fair amount of books that often lack character development. No worries on that note when you read one of James’ novels. The age-old struggle of finding love among the balancing act of life with children makes Jenna and Finn a wonderful love story. The one criticism I would have is regarding Jenna and it’s a personality conflict on my part. I really don’t think that I could be around someone who knew as much as Jenna and not feel resentment that she was such a nice person. I guess that reflects poorly on me but I kept thinking, “I would have blown up over that” or “WOW! She is crazy understanding!” I still liked her character overall and overlooked her ‘goody two-shoes’ approach to life. :)

Overall, the audio book for Just for Now: Escape to New Zealand book 3 is well worth the money and your time!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

5 people found this helpful

Great light read

The story is about two 30 somethings adults finding a second chance at love. Although there are obstacles, it is not too angsty. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters and the fact that they did not fall into bed in the first couple of chapters. This one has a bit of steam but nothing explicit.

3 people found this helpful

Lovely story

This was a very lovely, very plausible romance and I really liked both characters. The accents and voices were excellent. I will seek out another if her books.

2 people found this helpful

Favorite so far

Wish all the books were available on audible. I liked this by just finding it by a fluke. PLEASE get the rest and the series she has written. The narrator is excellent
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2 people found this helpful

Just for now is a great listen

First, I would like to say Claire Bocking does an excellent job. Her voice is very clear and very likeable. She does an excellent job of switching from reading from book to book so the characters have a unique personality and sound to them. Everyone sounds realistic, and with a romance like this that might be even more important to be able to hear the chemistry in the voices.

I have a personal theory when it comes to romance books that depending on where you are in life (married, single, divorced, parent, non-parent, etc) or your personality different books and characters will appeal to you in specific ways and to different degrees. Its one of the things that makes rereading or relistening to a book so much fun. The female protagonist Jenna is a very maternal and nurturing sort of woman, very likeable and intelligent (which I love). Even though I would normally gravitate towards a different kind of female protagonist, I found this book to be as infectious as the previous books and hard to stop listening and I found Jenna to be a very enjoyable character to follow and to root for. I respect her and I think she is one of those characters the more I think about her is one you can learn from. Finn is likeable and believable, and not too perfect but everything you could hope for in a romantic lead. I love how Rosalind James focuses on relationships-romantic, friendships, family. I am also coming to realize how much James does not gravitate towards the recent literary trend of consumerism porn where the book is littered with expensive labels and just enjoy the financial security and opportunities in a relaxed way just as Finn does.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

4 people found this helpful

Rugby, Drama, and a Happy Ending

What did you love best about Just for Now?

Claire Bocking is a wonderful voice actress. The characters are distinct and her accents are spot on. I also loved the realness of the characters. The author writes well enough to where you can empathize with them.

Have you listened to any of Claire Bocking’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to Just This Once and Just Good Friends, both written by Rosalind James. Bocking does a fantastic performance in those as well.

Any additional comments?

I appreciated that the characters weren't perfect. Finn and Jenna sometimes said the wrong things and held insecurities that I could relate to (Jenna mostly, seeing as I don't have kids, I'm not a man, and I'm not a rugby player). The descriptions of the area and the culture make you feel like you've been there and if you went back, you'd never want to leave. I read/listen to romance novels all the time and the Escape to New Zealand books always keep me coming back for a re-read.

This is the first book I read in the series because I randomly saw the ebook version on sale and it had a cupcake on the cover (I read it out of order). Cupcakes aside, it made me want to go back and read them all (in order this time). I was extremely excited when I heard the audio book was coming out because Bocking is superb. She has a lovely voice, singing and speaking.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

4 people found this helpful

ANOTHER "TRY" FOR "ESCAPE TO NEW ZEALAND"

I have read all of Rosalind James' "Escape to New Zealand" series on Kindle and absolutely adore hearing them read by the talented Claire Bocking. As I've said in my other reviews, these stories have introduced me to a country I now want to visit (hubby said YES!) and to a sport I knew nothing about but now follow as a true fan (even though I've never followed any sport before ...ever.)

I think this is my favorite out of all the books (so far.) Jenna has been badly burned in her marriage, when all she wanted in life was a secure home and family and a bunch of kids. She sure didn't have it growing up or with her soon-to-be ex-husband.

She had taken some time off as a teacher to travel a bit and take some odd jobs until she sorts her life out and figures out her next step. Thus, she applies as a housekeeper and nanny for Finn Douglas and his two kids. (Rugby players DO travel a lot and it's just a short-term thing.) The employment interview scene is too funny for words and I'll not spoil it for you. Let's just say it doesn't go well. But everything turns out okay in the end and Jenna begins her employment ... with a massively built, hunky, desirable rugby player. They do try to not be attracted to each other ... for the kids' sake. But then what kind of a romance novel would we have? I won't give any more away. It is a great story told with a lot of care. Bring tissues.

I do believe you will laugh and cry and swoon. As Rosalind says .. just like New Zealand, there is a bit of steam here, so if that's not your cuppa ... try another country ... er, book.

And I DO recommend getting the book or Kindle edition too ... for a marvelous glossary of Kiwi terms (words and phrases which are in the books and are fascinating!) and for a whole bunch of Jenna's (Rosalind's) recipes. I've tried a number of them and they are fabulous.

[“I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own."] MJG

4 people found this helpful

Hard to put down.

Loved this story. Great characters and strong heroine. Heartwarming with laugh out loud moments. Would listen to this one agsin. Great naration.

1 person found this helpful

Couldn’t stop listening!!!!! Best story yet

This is the 3rd book to the series, and I fell absolutely in love with it. It is not as steamy hot with lots of sex as the others but it still has it involved with great description. This is a wonderful story about family and love. Gave some surprised too kept you on your toes! The narrator is just amazing love her story telling so much. PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS BOOK!

1 person found this helpful

My favorite in the series!

This is an amazing series and I give this author full points for making each book special and unique. For some reason this was my favorite. I liked so much I got the audible copy. I'm so happy to find this writer. I've become addicted to audible when you find a book you love you like to re-read it over and over and audible gives it a whole other dimension.

1 person found this helpful