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11 June 2013

DeeAnne Gist's "It Happened at the Fair" Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist
I ordered this book as an audiobook download through audible.com--I have a membership.  I would also like to thank NetGalley and Howard Publishing for making this book available to readers.  I did not read my NG copy however but listened to Deeanne's book instead.  Still, I appreciate that it was made available to me as a reviewer. Disclosure: I was not influenced by the free NG download in my review.

Narrator for Audiobook. Lovely narrator although she mispronounced a couple of words.  It wasn't distracting.  She had the perfect voice for the heroine.


He's losing his hearing and she's a teacher for the deaf.
My Thoughts:
Our farm boy hero is somewhat of an antihero at first because he asks another young woman to marry him at the beginning of the book.  This has to get processed through.  The country bumpkin girlfriend is so abrasive that it is somewhat difficult to see why he would continue to invest time with her.  Wanda is  annoying and pulls a stunt later in the book that was somewhat surprising.  I was really expecting the author to pull another twist out her her hat to deal with Wanda.  I'll leave that for you to find out if she does or not. (Having grown up in a totally rural area I hope you will forgive my use of bumpkin.  I am after all a former bumpkin myself and I don't mind saying so! I do think Deeanne overplayed that a little in this book, however.)

Editorial notes section from Dee!  Loved, loved, loved all the historical tidbits and that Deeanne included them in Editorial notes at the end of the book.  I totally get what she is talking about--it is hard to leave a story world that you love.  She takes the reader there beautifully.

Summary: Great voice as usual, fascinating characterization, unique storyline, bibliotherapy elements, and on audio--what more could I ask for?


Bibliotherapy: Deafness, controversy between lip-reading and signing, honesty, PTSD. Death of a parent by a fire traumatized our hero and influenced his decision to become an inventor of a fire-sprinkler device.  

Giveaway: A copy of this or any of Deeanne's books, choice of format (International winners-ebook only.)


55 comments:

  1. I love Deeanne's books; my favorite is A Bride in the Bargain. Can't wait to read her newest release!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. LOVED bride in the bargain! Deeanne is a talented writer!!! This is a solid book Marissa--you will love it!

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  2. This sounds like a great book and I would love the opportunity to have a copy for free! One of these days, I should try one of these books in audio version. ;-)
    Vicki
    vmarney(at)Hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I'd think the audiobooks would be good on your travels--but maybe not with the airplane, noise! Blessings Vicki!

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  3. CARRIE thanks for the great review. This was probably my favorite of DEEANNE's books because of the way she dealt with deafness. I had a cousin that was deaf, and as kids I was fascinated with watching my Uncle, Aunt and cousins sign to him. I always wanted to be able to "talk" to him like they did but I never learned anything beyond I love you.

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    1. That's too bad you didn't learn more ASL, Teresa. Is your cousin still alive? It's not too late to learn and your cousin would likley be very appreciative! Hugs!

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    2. No he passed away a few years back from diabetes complications.

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  4. Carrie, I've never listened to an audio book but like Vicki said above, I really should try it out one day. This is such a fabulous story... really, really loved it. Great story, great history, and great characters!! :)

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    1. With an 11-year-old at home and my poor vision, I don't do much reading with my eyes. I really like the kindle but recently some of the paperbacks are printed on really sight-friendly paper--like Karen Witemeyer's from Bethany.

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  5. Good review , I had a niece that had been deaf since she was about one year old . She was a sweet young lady . I always said she would have made a good nurse . She was always wanting to do things for people . I would love to win one of your books .
    Thanks and Blessings ,
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I think she could be a nurse. What does she do now, Elizabeth?

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  6. Great review! This looks like a really good book, and I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the chance to win. =)

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. Never read anything by Deeanne, but her books sound wonderful! Thanks for the review!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Sounds like another winner from Deeanne! I've read a few of her books and loved them all. This one has been on my TBR list for a while! Can't wait to read it!!
    Emreilly303(AT)gmail(d0t)com

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    1. Emma, this is a little milder than some of her books but I loved it!

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  9. I actually love the idea of this book! I've never read anything by this author...but my daughter has. Looks very interesting!
    Jreilly316(at)Verizon(dot)net

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  10. I've read great reviews for this book- I'd love to read it!

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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  11. What a great review as always, CARRIE, and I loved the use of the word "bumpkin." I think I am one. lol

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  12. I have read most of Deeanne's books, but not this latest one. I most liked the bride books et. al. Bride Most Begrudging.
    I have a cousin who is deaf. Haven't seen him for years. When he was very young, he wore hearing aids. It upset me so much that some of cousins would go up and yell in his ear. That must have hurt him physically and emotionally. I took sign language a long time ago. Only remember a little of it now.

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    1. I learned the sign alphabet as a child. I still remember most of it. I tried to learn ASL as an adult to communicate with a deaf student. It was so much harder to try to learn later in life.

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  13. Oh, Carrie, I am SO glad you reviewed this because I was wondering about it. Would love to read it myself, and now with your endorsement, I'm excited to get my hands on it too!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. You are funny, Julie! I don't think my reviews count as endorsements until I have some street cred, lol! But if you say so... I think you'd be surprised because your writing and hers is quite similar in many ways but on this one I think she is much milder than usual. Thanks for coming by!

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  14. I have read all of Deeanne's books, except this one. Would love to read it! So glad it is available on audio for those who need that.

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    1. I am SO glad so many great books are on audio!!! You have to read this one, ANNE! Did you try to get it from NG? Hugs!

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  15. Thanks for the review...and giveaway! I love Deeanne's books and am anxious to read this one!
    Jackie Smith
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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  16. I also read A Bride for a Bargin and loved it ... I have not read more of her books in a couple years now. But would love to that is for sure.
    Loved your review Carrie.
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com

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    1. I do so love her style of writing and she keeps the interest....

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    2. This is a great book, Linda! I think you would enjoy it! Thanks again for your awesome review of Return to Shirley Plantation, Linda--I really appreciate it!!!

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  17. This looks like a great book to read! Would love to win.
    Betti
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Loved the review! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Deeanne's book.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Love your review! Cannot wait to read Deanne's new book! She is an amazing author!
    Lisa
    deiselbuffs(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. My son has a profound hearing loss, so I am most interested to see how this is handled.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Oh, Mary, you have to read this for sure, then! Blessings!

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  21. Great review - well covered, I thought. The author is new to me, however the subject of deafness is something some of us find troublesome at any age, but for me - it's in the process of aging as well as being a possible genetic factor. My mother is almost totally deaf at 94, and has been so since she began her 70's. After all that...I would love to read the book. Thank you for this inviting giveaway and the chance to win a great read.

    In Christian Joy,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  22. Wonderful review! I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book, but after this review I've decided. Yes, I want to read this book. Thank you for sharing your review and for the giveaway.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Barb, this is why we do these reviews! To help readers make up their minds and as a ministry to our readers! Many blessings!

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  23. love this cover thanks for the chance to win

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  24. I enjoyed your review, Carrie. I am sorry to say I haven't read any of Deeanne's books. I recently ordered 4 of them, so I need to get busy with my reading! I agree with you. The storyline is definitely unique.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  25. I have always loved the cover of this! I like your honesty in your review. :)
    Susan P
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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  26. To be honest I didn't read your review of the book. I don't read reviews until I've actually read the book.
    I would love to win the audiobook of "It Happened at the Fair".
    Thanks!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  27. Deeanne has written some good books in the past, but it's been quite a while since I've read a new one of hers. Would love the opportunity to read this new one!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. I would love to win this awesome book because I have the same disability in this novel. I can feel I am related in this novel. This is a new opportunity for me to read Deanne's books.
    Thank you !!!
    Kim

    JKTerrazas09@aol.com

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  29. I enjoy Deanne's books and can't wait to read It Happened at the Fair. Tempest in the White City was a fun prequel or intro for this book. Please add me!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  30. Thanks carrie. Good review. I would love to win this book. Please drop my name in the hat.
    MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  31. Thanks for reviewing the audio. I've been listening to more audios and the reader makes all the difference! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. Great review. Maybe I need to start listening to audios more often.

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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