LANDLINE

In a low, confidential voice, narrator Rebecca Lowman introduces us to Georgie McCool, a sitcom writer whose marriage is in trouble. Separated from her family at Christmas and camping out at her mother’s house, Georgie discovers that the old rotary phone in her childhood bedroom can somehow, magically, connect her to the 15-years-ago version of her husband, Neal. Some early sections of the book might call for a slightly zippier delivery, as when Georgie’s trading quips with her writing partner and best friend, Seth. But Lowman’s tone is perfect for the intimate, late-night phone conversations between Georgie and Neal. Rowell’s writing deftly avoids cliché, and the book’s action builds cleverly. Listeners might find themselves a bit breathless for the final two hours as Lowman skillfully sweeps us along to the satisfying, romantic, hopeful conclusion. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2014]