Heaven Texas Audiobook has a special place in my heart, and it’s not because it’s a literary winner, or an epic story, but because it is, 11 hours or pure entertainment and a fantastic introduction to the Contemporary Romance genre.

When I first read/listened to this book I was completely ignorant of the existence of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Anna Fields, but as soon as I finished, I immediately went on a frantic search for more novels from this author and narrator, to my surprise, and let me add, a very pleasant one, I found out that this was the second entry in a series titled, Chicago Stars.

This entire series revolves around an American football team; each novel gives you the story of the team’s biggest personalities.

In this book, we get the story of Bobby Tom, an accomplished, all star record holder wide receiver, and an all around Texas Cowboy, who recently retired due to an injury, and as you can imagine, this guy is spoiled, arrogant and used to getting what he wants.

Bobby Tom has accepted a movie deal with the condition that the movie is to be filmed in a small town in Texas. He’s hoping this will bring new business and alleviate the tough economic times his home town is going through.

The movie production company, afraid that they’re dealing with a spoiled and a temperamental ex jock, sends Gracie Snow to chaperon, and to make sure Bobby makes it to Texas on scheduled to start filming.

Anxious for a major life change, ex retirement home director and presently Hollywood studio production assistant, plain and geeky Gracie Snow is struggling to gain a grip in the industry, so when her boss gives her the job of catching up with the retired Chicago Stars wide receiver Bobby Tom to drag his backside to Heaven, Texas, she eagerly takes on the job and welcomes the opportunity to prove herself.

When these two unlikely characters get together, we get treated to, incredibly entertaining humor and a very sweet romance. This is a terrific romantic comedy and a fantastic fairytale of modern times (is set in the mid 90’s). These novels are masterfully written by an exceptionally talented author of this genre and one that knows what women want in a romance novel, and she definitely delivers, not only with this novel, but with every addition to this series.

If you are not new to this genre, I almost sure to find SEP among your favorite authors, and revisiting this book on audio it’s only going to reinforce your positive feelings for these novels, I for one, having read  and later listened to these installments, I  recommend the audio version as the ultimate format for enjoyment.

4.37 Stars based on 478 ratings on audible.com

Narration

Once in a while you come across a combination of Author and Narrator that are just magically perfect.

Anna Fields also known as Kate Fleming, is flawless and wonderful. The narration of these novels is among the best I’ve experienced in audio. She brings these characters to life with the perfect humor and sarcastic tone demanded by the exceptional writing style of Mrs. Phillips. I love the way she delivers the overall feeling of the book (books).

Bobby Tom is spoiled, arrogant, and an “I’m all that! and a bag of chips “kind guy, but deep inside he’s full of insecurities and doubts. Being a big star is not easy; people seem to always want something from you. All of the characteristics of his personality are clearly conveyed, and the slow Texas twang just adds more credibility to his character.

Gracie Jo’s authoritarian manner is brought to life in the most humorous way imaginable. I loved Gracie when I first read the book, but I adored her after listening to the audio, again Mrs. Fields really knows this character, (as well as all the characters in this series) she unquestionably stayed true to the script, and I’m calling that, because these novels are not read, they are phenomenally performed.

I have read and listen to just about every book written and narrated by this talented team; I love just about all of them.

I was very sad when I read the article describing the horrible tragedy that took the life of this incredibly talented narrator. I’m so glad I got a chance to discover her work, and enjoyed hours of entertainment created by this excellent duo in the audiobook industry.

Anna Fields – Kate Fleming … … You are sorely missed!

The Author

  Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Voices behind the books

Anna Fields/Kate Fleming