BEGINNER'S LUCK

Sixteen-year-old Hallie Palmer leaves home and school to work as a "yard person" for an unusual family in her small town. Narrator Katie Hale gives a winning performance with an array of characters that will charm the listener. Hale portrays the young heroine as sassy and likable as she learns valuable lessons about life, love, and family from her quirky employers. She also succeeds with her portrayal of the Stockton family—especially in her depiction of the flamboyant Bernard. Hale narrates with an appropriate balance of sarcasm and tenderness, giving Hallie the attitude of a teenager coming into her own. Listeners will delight in this heartwarming and humorous story. K.M.D. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]