COURTING TROUBLE

Danielle Ferland gives an outstanding performance as 30-year-old spinster Miss Essie Spreckelmeyer in this story of love and redemption in 1894 Texas. Tired of waiting for a man to court her, Essie targets local store owner and widower Hamilton Crook as a prospective husband. Her sales ability is invaluable to Crook's business, but her lean look and tomboy ways don't attract his affections. Ferland matches voice to mood to depict Essie's candor, and Crook's aversion to it. Ferland's depiction of 7-year-old Harley, an orphan jailed for killing a man, is authentic and energetic as she captures Harley's fear of hanging. Overall, Ferland's crisp, clear diction and versatile vocal range make this a memorable audio performance. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2008]