REBECCA’S REWARD

Stina Nielsen subtly captures Rebecca's grief when she loses her parents and brother in North Dakota in 1903. Rebecca is determined to find a new direction and decides to visit her cousin in Bismarck for advice. Nielsen’s true-to-life rendering of Rebecca's newfound resolve to own a soda shop is especially believable. And Nielsen's polished performance of Rebecca's friends’ concern over her interest in business instead of a husband is pure delight. With frankness and humor, Nielsen perfectly renders their attempts to teach Rebecca feminine wiles in order to attract an eligible bachelor. With sensitivity Nielsen delivers a surprising ending listeners won’t soon forget. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2009]