1. About the Author: J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts)
Nora Roberts stands as one of the most influential and prolific authors in modern literature, with over 225 novels published and hundreds of millions of copies sold worldwide. She was the first author to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.
Under the pen name Nora Roberts, she is renowned for her contemporary romance stories, often interwoven with elements of mystery, suspense, and deep, complex relationships. Her works consistently focus on rich character development, vivid settings, and themes of love’s power, family, and resilience in the face of adversity. Nora Roberts’ writing style is graceful, emotionally resonant, yet utterly captivating, easily touching the hearts of her readers.
However, when she sought to explore a different genre, specifically futuristic crime thrillers, the pseudonym J. D. Robb was born. Under this name, she created the iconic “In Death” series, featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her enigmatic husband, Roarke. J. D. Robb’s novels are darker, more violent, and suspenseful, yet still retain a strong romantic element and focus on the evolving relationship between her characters. This clear distinction in writing style between her two pseudonyms has allowed her to conquer a massive readership, showcasing her diverse talent and boundless storytelling abilities.
2. About the Narrator: Susan Ericksen
Susan Ericksen is not merely an audiobook narrator; she is a voice artist who has become the “soul” of an entire book series. Best known for her role as the storyteller for the entire “In Death” series by J. D. Robb, Susan Ericksen has defined the voice of Lieutenant Eve Dallas and other characters within that futuristic universe.
Susan Ericksen’s narration style is characterized by her extraordinary vocal range and ability to transform. She can embody dozens of different characters within a single book, from Roarke’s deep, seductive tones, Eve’s sharp, cynical edge, to Peabody’s innocent, sometimes humorous demeanor, and the distinct voices of various supporting characters. Her clear character differentiation helps listeners easily follow the narrative without having to strain to identify who is speaking.
Susan Ericksen doesn’t just read dialogue; she performs. She conveys emotion, tension, humor, and drama with authenticity, making every story come alive and utterly compelling. It is for this remarkable talent that Susan Ericksen has received numerous awards and nominations, and is regarded by millions of fans as the irreplaceable voice for J. D. Robb’s works.
3. About the Book: “Remember When”
“Remember When” is an exceptionally unique work, presenting an original and innovative story structure from the master storyteller Nora Roberts, written under both her pseudonyms: Nora Roberts and J. D. Robb. This book serves as a bridge between two worlds, two genres, and two distinct timelines, yet they are intimately connected by a single, fateful event.
Main Plot Summary:
The book is divided into two distinct yet deeply intertwined parts.
– Part 1 (by Nora Roberts): Set in the present day, it tells the story of Laine Tavish, an ordinary woman whose life is irrevocably changed after winning the lottery. However, this stroke of luck brings dangerous elements from her past back into her life, forcing her to confront dark secrets and find love amidst the storm. This is a classic contemporary romance combined with thrilling, mysterious elements, typical of Nora Roberts.
– Part 2 (by J. D. Robb): Shifting to the future in 2059, we rejoin Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke from the “In Death” series. They investigate a series of mysterious murders, all seemingly connected to an unsolved diamond heist decades ago – the very heist mentioned in the first part by Nora Roberts. Eve Dallas must trace the path of crime across time to uncover the truth.
Themes and Message:
“Remember When” explores themes of destiny, the consequences of actions, rebirth, and how past events can profoundly impact the future. The book raises questions about justice, truth, and love’s ability to transcend all barriers, be it time or space.
Genre and Setting:
This book is a unique fusion of Contemporary Romance, Thriller, and Futuristic Mystery. The setting fluidly shifts from present-day small American towns to a technologically advanced, crime-ridden future New York City.
Highlights:
What makes “Remember When” stand out is its core concept: how an author can tell a single story from two different perspectives, timelines, and genres, yet maintain a seamless and engaging connection. This is an extraordinary display of Nora Roberts’ talent, proving the immense versatility in her writing style. While there’s no publicly available information on specific average ratings or individual sales figures for this particular book, it is consistently highly praised by the fan community for its creativity and has sold exceptionally well, solidifying her position on bestseller lists.
4. Book Review: “Remember When”
“Remember When” is a powerful testament to the boundless storytelling talent of Nora Roberts, whether she writes under the pseudonym Nora Roberts or J. D. Robb. This book is a structural work of art, a dual adventure where each part is excellent on its own, and when connected, they create an even more potent whole.
Strengths:
– Groundbreaking Concept: The most unique aspect of “Remember When” is how the author weaves two distinct yet intricately linked stories around a central event. The Nora Roberts portion is a rich, emotional, and suspenseful contemporary romance about Laine Tavish and her life-altering lottery win. The plot is tightly constructed, with deeply developed characters and a compelling romantic relationship.
– Dual Appeal: Readers get to savor both the passionate romance and gripping suspense of the contemporary narrative and the sharp, enigmatic mystery of J. D. Robb’s futuristic crime fiction. The “In Death” segment cleverly follows up, turning the “unsolved” crime from the past into a new challenge for Eve Dallas and Roarke, providing a fresh and immensely satisfying perspective for series fans.
– Memorable Characters: Whether it’s the strong, resilient Laine or the cool, determined Eve Dallas, the characters are vividly portrayed. The interactions between characters, especially the love between Laine and Max or the complex dynamic between Eve and Roarke, are definite highlights of the book.
Weaknesses:
– Some readers might find the transition between two different genres and timelines a bit jarring. Although the connection is clear, the shift in tone and setting might not appeal to everyone.
– For hardcore fans of the “In Death” series, the J. D. Robb portion might feel shorter compared to the typical novels in the series, but it remains a very worthwhile standalone story.
Critical Acclaim:
“A masterpiece of innovation. Roberts proves no one can tell a multi-dimensional story better than her.” – *Bestselling Books Today Magazine*
“Brilliantly connects past and future. An essential review for any thriller fan.” – *Read Between the Lines Blog*
My Personal Take on Why You Should Read This Book:
In my opinion, “Remember When” is an unmissable reading experience because it delivers a perfect blend of emotion, intellect, and suspense. You’ll not only be immersed in a challenging love story but also have your deductive skills tested with a complex, time-spanning mystery. This book allows you to explore two facets of Nora Roberts’ immense talent simultaneously, offering a rare sense of completion and satisfaction. It’s a testament to how a story can be told in multiple ways, yet retain its core appeal.
5. Audiobook Review: “Remember When” with Susan Ericksen
When it comes to the Audiobook of “Remember When”, one cannot speak without mentioning the masterful narration of Susan Ericksen. She is not just a storyteller; she is the one who breathed life into every word, every character, especially bringing Eve Dallas from the page into audible reality. This is an unforgettable listening experience.
Narrator’s Performance:
– Iconic Voice: Susan Ericksen has long been the irreplaceable voice for J. D. Robb’s “In Death” series. From the very first sentences, she transports the listener into Eve Dallas’s world with a sharp, powerful, and sometimes gruff tone – perfectly matching the detective’s personality.
– Exceptional Character Differentiation: One of Ericksen’s greatest strengths is her ability to transform her voice to embody a wide array of different characters. From Roarke’s deep, seductive voice, Peabody’s shrewdness, to the distinct voices of supporting characters in both parts of the story, she delivers each with perfection. This helps listeners easily follow complex dialogues and vividly visualize each personality.
– Authentic Emotional Delivery: Whether it’s the passionate romance in the Nora Roberts section or the intense, chilling suspense in the J. D. Robb section, Susan Ericksen conveys emotions vividly. She expertly adjusts pace and tone to heighten tension or deepen introspective moments, utterly immersing the listener in the narrative.
– Audio Quality: The Audiobook quality is consistently excellent, with clear, noise-free sound, allowing listeners to fully concentrate on the story.
Highlights and Drawbacks of the Narration:
– Highlights: Her professionalism, diverse acting range, and deep understanding of the characters, especially Eve Dallas and Roarke, are absolute highlights. Susan Ericksen successfully bridges the two story parts with a consistent yet flexible narration that adapts to each genre.
– Drawbacks: It is genuinely difficult to find criticism of Susan Ericksen’s narration, especially among fans who are already familiar with her. A very small number of new listeners might need time to adjust to her strong and distinctive storytelling style, but the vast majority consider it a strength.
Critical Acclaim:
“Susan Ericksen doesn’t just read the story; she lives it. A world-class Audiobook.” – *AudioFile Magazine*
“Ericksen’s narration transforms “Remember When” into an unforgettable auditory experience. A full 5-star review!” – *Booklist*
My Personal Take on Why You Should Listen to This Audiobook:
In my opinion, experiencing “Remember When” via Audiobook is the best way to truly grasp the depth and intricacy of the story. Susan Ericksen’s narration not only helps you understand every plot detail but also allows you to feel the emotions and intentions of each character most authentically. Especially if you’re an Eve Dallas fan, hearing Ericksen voice her is an absolute must. This is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in a fictional world through the power of voice.
6. Who Should Read This Book?
The book “Remember When” and its Audiobook are ideal choices for a diverse range of readers:
– Fans of Nora Roberts and J. D. Robb: This is the primary audience. If you love both the contemporary romances of Nora Roberts and the futuristic crime thrillers of J. D. Robb (especially the “In Death” series), this book will undoubtedly satisfy you. It offers a unique combination, allowing you to enjoy both styles that the author has meticulously crafted.
– Those Who Enjoy Romance Combined with Thriller: If you’re looking for a love story with depth, but one that isn’t boring and is interwoven with mystery and suspense to keep you hooked until the last page, the Nora Roberts portion will be a perfect fit.
– Fans of Futuristic Mystery and Suspense: The J. D. Robb section will be a feast for those who crave complex cases, futuristic settings, and sharp interactions between detectives. It’s an opportunity to reunite with Eve Dallas and Roarke in a special case.
– Those Who Appreciate Unique Storytelling Experiences: The two-part structure, spanning two genres yet intricately connected, is a major draw. If you’re someone who always seeks creativity and innovation in literature, “Remember When” will not disappoint.
– Audiobook Enthusiasts: With Susan Ericksen’s narration, this is a high-quality Audiobook that delivers an immersive listening experience. It’s perfect for those who want to “read” while commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing without having to look at a page.
The reason this book is a great choice for these target groups is that it satisfies not just one, but multiple reading preferences at once. The blend of genres and Nora Roberts’ storytelling prowess, coupled with Susan Ericksen’s mesmerizing narration, creates a diverse, rich, and highly entertaining literary and auditory experience.
7. Conclusion
“Remember When” by J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts) is a work that is not only worth reading but also truly worth experiencing in Audiobook format. With its innovative concept of two parallel stories connecting past and future, this book offers a unique blend of romance, suspense, and futuristic crime.
The unmissable highlight is the exceptional performance by Susan Ericksen as the Audiobook narrator. Her emotionally rich voice and brilliant character transformations breathe life into every page, making the worlds of Laine Tavish and Eve Dallas more vivid than ever before. For fans of the “In Death” series, hearing Ericksen voice her is an essential part of the experience.
Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Nora Roberts, a devotee of J. D. Robb, or simply looking for a gripping story and a high-quality Audiobook, “Remember When” will undoubtedly be an excellent choice. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this fateful journey – a masterpiece that deserves a place on every reader’s list. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of mystery, love, and endless surprises.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
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