Snow Falling on Bluegrass by Molly Harper

Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

I do think Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi make a perfect audiobook pair. Ms. Ronconi narrates all of Ms. Harper’s books and there is a simpatico to the combination that works for me. Amanda Ronconi has the comedic timing necessary to get maximum laughs from the comedy aspects of the story, as well as the emotional range to convey the often-rocky journey to love that Ms. Harper’s characters experience. Snow Falling on Bluegrass is, in that respect, no different.

This is the third instalment in the Bluegrass series, set among the staff of the Kentucky Tourism Commission. This book is the longest of the series so far, coming in at just over 6 hours – I’d compare it to a longish novella or maybe a category romance in length.

This is Kelsey’s and Charlie’s book. Kelsey is the fiercely organised assistant to Sadie, the department’s director. Listeners may remember Kelsey had a hand in bringing Josh and Sadie together in the first book, My Bluegrass Baby. I haven’t listened to the second book, Rhythm and Bluegrass, yet, but the books stand alone fairly well and I didn’t feel spoiled for the middle story all that much.

Sadie takes her KTC team (which includes Kelsey and statistician Charlie – the guy Kelsey has been crushing on for years) on a weekend working retreat to plan for the upcoming summer tourism campaign. A freak storm traps them in their lodge accommodation with no power and only themselves and hunky park ranger/hotel manager, Luke, for company. The blurb kind of suggests a love triangle but Kelsey really only has eyes for Charlie. I do hope Luke will get his own story one of these days because he’s a really nice guy. But, for Kelsey, it’s always been Charlie.

The biggest obstacle in Kelsey’s romantic hopes with Charlie has always been her existing relationship with her shitty boyfriend Darrell. They split up a few weeks before the book begins but Kelsey hasn’t told any of her friends or workmates because she doesn’t want to deal with the “I told you so” comments which are bound to happen. Darrell was a jerk but he was a safe jerk. Kelsey’s heart was never truly engaged so he couldn’t hurt her deep down where she’s truly vulnerable.

Trapped in a snowpocalypse for a few weeks, eventually, Kelsey and Charlie get around to doing some serious talking… and other things. Josh and Sadie make plans for the future and Bonnie and Will (from book 2) have cameos too.

I didn’t find it quite as funny at My Bluegrass Baby but I did enjoy the story nonetheless. Charlie and Kelsey are good together once they get out of their own way. I did laugh at the revenge Kelsey and her “nerd herd” friends from down the hall unleashed upon the hapless Darrell. Frankly, he deserved it.

If there’s one thing that Ms. Ronconi lacks, it is perhaps a broad range of “hero voices”. They are sort of husky and only a little deeper than her normal tones. Will has a fairly strong Kentucky accent so that differentiated him from Josh, but Charlie was left sounding very similar to Kelsey. There was a slight difference in the depth of pitch but it wasn’t vastly distinct. That said, I didn’t have any trouble working out who was talking. I was impressed that Sadie and Kelsey could be easily identified, as well as most of the other characters.

I like the way Ms. Ronconi delivers Harper’s trademark humour but also brings emotional depth to her portrayals when called for. I can’t help but think that Ms. Ronconi enjoys the heck out of these narrations and I think that helps too. There is a kind of energy to the performance which makes me smile.

There were a few little vocal errors but nothing terribly significant. The production quality was up to its usual high standard and the listen was crisp and clear and a lot of fun.

I think listeners who enjoy a Parks & Recreation vibe with added romance will enjoy this one.

Kaetrin

Narration: B

Book Content: B

Steam Factor: Glad I had my earbuds in

Violence: Minimal

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Audible Inc.

Snow Falling on Bluegrass was provided to AudioGals by Audible Inc. for review.