Incredible series!

The Beach in Winter

Parrish and Scarlett’s story put me through the emotional wringer. It was raw and real and it touched on tragic moments that were relatable and heartbreaking. I cried more than a few tears. I felt a deep connection to Parrish and Scarlett and Sam pulled at my heartstrings. I had a lump in my throat throughout and was secretly rooting for their second chance at happiness.

Another successful collaboration between Leslie Pike, Maxine Mitchell, and Joe Arden. Maxine and Joe gave each one of Leslie’s wonderful characters a unique voice and brought this emotional tale to life.

The River Spring

I thoroughly enjoyed Nobel and Dove’s opposites attract romance. The free spirit meets Mr. Invisible. It was relatable and entertaining to watch Dove shake up Nobel’s world. It was the perfect mix of sadness and laughter.

A successful collaboration between Leslie Pike, Stella Bloom, and Lance Greenfield. These talented narrators did an incredible job of bringing Leslie’s characters to life.

The Sky in Summer

Who meets the love of their life at 5?! Van and Layla’s story warmed my heart and made me smile. Van comes off as a player, but you should never judge a book by its cover. Another entertaining installment in the Lyon Family series.

A successful collaboration between Leslie Pike, Stella Hunter, and Zachary Webber. These talented narrators did an incredible job of bringing Leslie’s heartwarming tale to life.

The Leaves in Autumn

This was the most anticipated installment of the Lyon Family series for me. Aargon captured my attention from the first moment we met him in the Beach in Winter. He was mysterious and broody and I wanted to know what made him that way. The Lyon Family has experienced their share of tragedy over the years and their individual journeys have a way of shredding your soul. Aargon’s story ripped my heart out. I was completely invested in the outcome and I couldn’t help getting lost in the crazy family dynamic along the way.

This was a successful collaboration between Leslie Pike, Samantha Brentmoor, and Jason Clarke. These talented narrators did an incredible job of bringing Leslie’s tale to life.

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A haunting, inspiring, breath of fresh air.

A family affair that explores the seasons of life and the power of love. Pike celebrates family and romance with profound stories, irresistible characters and unforgettable emotion. From sentimental to empathetic and heartbreaking to heartwarming, The Lyon Family series is a journey of feelings that sticks to the soul. A haunting, inspiring, breath of fresh air.

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The Lyons are a lovable pride…

The Beach in Winter, Book 1
Narrators: Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell
Story: 4 ⭐️s Narration: 5 ⭐️s

I appreciated the realism of this love story. Scarlett is the first of the Lyon siblings to get her story. And while, she was not a very unique heroine (most of the LP heroine’s I’ve read so far are rather similar), I did find her and Parrish’s love story compelling. I appreciated the realism of the hero’s struggle with alcohol and the fact that it isn’t instantly solved just because he meets Scarlett. I also really enjoyed the Lyon family dynamic and wish there had been more scenes with them all together, as they were some of the best scenes in the book. Grief was a major element for the hero, heroine and their families, and Pike handled that aspect very well.

The performances were excellent. Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden did such wonderful work here and were, as usual, a well-matched duo. Arden was particularly adept at making the swings in Parrish’s moods compelling. And Mitchell was able to make Scarlett more a more compelling character.

—————❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧 —————
The River in Spring, Book 2
Narrators: Lance Greenfield and Stella Bloom
Story: 3 ⭐️s Narration: 5 ⭐️s

Despite fantastic narration, a compelling FMC and a rockstar on her rise trope, this was the Lyon book I enjoyed the least; that is mostly down to the MMC. I just did not like Nobel. I’m grateful to Lance Greenfield’s performance because without it, I would like the character even less. Frankly, Dove deserves better. His personality was frustrating and their “meet cute”, though played for humor, made me uncomfortable. For Book 2, Dove, Maudie (💔), and the Lyons family dynamic were the highlights for me. It felt like there were more interactions with this lovable pride compared to Book 1, so that was lovely. And despite the aggravating rather than endearing flaws in the MMC, overall the story made me excited for the next Lyon sibling to meet their match.

Lance Greenfield and Stella Bloom were fantastic. Both are narrator favorites for me, especially Bloom whose delivery fit Dove so well. She played the balance of the character’s humor, care, and determination perfectly. Greenfield’s performance was the best thing about Nobel for me. His voice is just so compelling and he varies his delivery across scenes and emotions really well. His one weakness is the tone he affects for female characters, but this is forgivable and doesn’t overly detract from his performance as a whole.

—————❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧 —————
The Sky in Summer, Book 3
Narrators: Zachary Webber and Stella Hunter
Story: 5 ⭐️s Narration: 5 ⭐️s

Book 3 is my absolute favorite Lyon book. Van and Layla were a fantastic couple. I loved that they met in childhood and even though they didn’t stay connected over many years, it was cute how that original connection was invoked throughout. I also appreciated that they are both older; it’s great to see a couple where both are in their late 30s/early 40s - not an age gap in sight! Their story was just so fun and sexy; I loved every moment. The Lyon family interactions were on point and wholly engaging. I just love the way this family loves, affectionately meddles, and supports each other.

The audio here was superb. Zachary Webber is his consummate best, as he always is. He was the ideal Van, balancing the irreverence, charm, and sexiness of the character. He’s well-matched by co-narrator Stella Hunter. She’s a great Layla - hitting the lover beats and the mom beats with equal charm and range. Together, Webber and Hunter are a solid pairing, that makes two lovable characters even more so. This story was just a joy to listen to from beginning to end.

—————❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧 —————
The Leaves in Autumn, Book 4
Narrators: Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor
Story: 4 ⭐️s Narration: 5 ⭐️s

This was a solid conclusion to the Lyon family series. Argon and Barbra were an entertaining couple and their journey from friends to lovers was enjoyable. I appreciated Pike’s deft handling of mental health and that MMC was ready to seek help and confront his anger and guilt. While finding romantic love can bolster a person, it isn’t a cure-all for our struggles, so it was encouraging to see such a positive portrait of self-care. Barbra was a good match for Argon - they had a bit of grumpy-sunshine vibe. I liked how she stuck to her own path and that when she and Argon came together, the compromise to get there wasn’t uneven. She was also so wonderfully quirky and her relationship to her sister Layla was lovely. They fit right in with the Lyons. Speaking of, this book offered up more pride shenanigans; though I did not enjoy that challenge where they were slapping each other, the water fight was entertaining. Plus, their loving spirit of family competition was joyful, and there was more affectionate meddling from all corners. It all just put a nice pin in the series. Though, I do wish the second epilogue had been about all the whole family down the road a few years; that would have been an even nicer pin!

The audiobook was another hit. Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor were a dream team. I greatly admire the talent of both narrators, but Brentmoor is one of my absolute favorites. Every audio she’s part of is elevated by her skill and she fit Barbra so beautifully. Both she and Clarke are well cast, and deliver all the joy and gravitas needed to bring Argon and Barbra to life.

—————❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧❤️🎧 —————

While I do wish the prequel novella for Gaston and Aurora had been included, this is still a great set with a compelling family dynamic at its heart. So, If you enjoy satisfying family dramas and perfectly cast narrators, this set is for you.

I received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books and read each book via KU. All opinions are my own.

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LOVED all these Stories

All of these stories were beautiful. They are all HEA's & all different. They are the stories of 3 brothers, 1 sister & they're parents. Just truly beautiful.

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Amazing series with phenomenal narration

Thank you Home Cooked Books for the Advanced Listener Copy. The Beach in Winter Leslie is the master of writing emotional, sensual and wonderful stories. The Beach in Winter has funny moments, hot moments and moments that will hurt your heart. Scarlett’s life has been turned upside down and she trying to do her best. Her main concern is her nephew, Sam, who she recently got custody of. She is strong, determined but also weka and vulnerable. Parish is an author who lives on the beach; next door to where Scarlett is staying. He is a hot mess and is trying to find motivation to get out of his rut, stop drinking and get back to working. He is a fighter and a good man. All three of these characters and their families are suffering deep loss, are in mourning and are trying to find the good in each day. They help each other heal, in different ways, that help them move on. This is a beautiful but heart wrenching and sad books (they get their HEA). Get your tissues but don’t be afraid because the story is written is a caring way. My favorite part of the book was around the holidays- loved game night (literally lol’d) and the opposite holiday. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are quickly becoming my go to narrators. Holy wow - they are so amazing and phenomenal. They bring beautiful, heartfelt and real emotions to all of their characters. The River in Spring River in Spring is a wonderfully sweet, fun and romantic book. I listened to the audiobook - narrated by Lance Greenfield and Stella Bloom. Lance and Stella do a wonderful job with the narration. They both bring emotion and energy to each of the characters. The first chapter of the book will pull you in and have you laughing out loud. Nobel’s family is so wonderfully amazing, fun and full of love. I really enjoyed the energy and humor they brought to the story. Nobel and Dove are opposites but have an instant attraction to one another. Dove is more laid back and a free spirit - looking for a big break with her band. Nobel is an attorney and is set in his ways - not much of a fan of change. They learn to give and take along with going through the ups and downs of a relationship. The Sky in Summer The Sky in Summer is another great addition to the Lyon Family series. I listened to the audiobook - narrated by Zachary Webber Stella Hunter. Zachary and Stella do a wonderful job with the narration. They both bring emotion and great personality to each of the characters. The Lyon’s family is so wonderful, warm and funny. I love to have the family members cross over in each of the books. Layla is a single mom who wants to get back into the dating scene but is cautious because of her two sons - she wants to make sure she gives them the right impression. Van comes across as a player but turns out he has an amazing heart. He is living the bachelor life and getting ready to move to Paris. Layla and Van’s went to kindergarten together but haven’t seen each other in many years. They have a quick attraction to one another, have great banter, chemistry and passion. Van is so good for Layla and her boys…and isnLayla what Van needs? Sometimes distance and time makes you see what was right in front of you, gives you the courage to take a leap and helps you realize what you may have lost. A wonderfully romantic story with a great family dynamic. The Leaves in Autumn Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor’s performance was spectacular. Jason’s deep, smooth and sexy voices is fantastic for Aargon. He gives him a confident, caring and determined voice. Samantha’s voice is so amazing, sexy and strong. She’s gives Barbara a loving, determined and confident voice. I saw Samantha perform live earlier this year and had the pleasure to meet her. She blew me away with her amazingly talented performance and voice! She is so lovely and kind. The Lyons family is one of my favorites and I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. This book is fantastic, full of emotions and some lol moments. Leslie brings us characters that are a bit broken, seeking help/acceptance and who are full of love but just trying to figure out how to let go and let it happen. Aargon and Barbara are best friends and share everything with each other. Their relationship is fun, sweet and caring. Leslie tackles tough topics and these two characters handle their challenges with such grace. I was laughing so hard I was crying during the tortilla challenge. One of the best cometic scenes I’ve read. The moment between Aragon and Teddy (his son) in Chapter 25 is sweet and heartbreaking. Their relationship is something special. Great read that will give you all the feels, many laughs and possibly a few tears.

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Highly recommend this series

Scarlett and Parish's story was tragic - both of their circumstances tore at my heart.
Nobel and Dove's tale felt whimsical and spontaneous - like Dove.
Van and Layla's narrative was playful, fun and a little crazy - much like Van.
Aargon and Barbra’s account was more serious but emotional however, it was still very fun to listen to.

The narrators did an absolutely amazing job of turning Leslie's words into an aural experience. The emotions—the joy, the sadness, the longing, the attraction—seeped into my ears and captivated me.
I loved the way the family shenanigans broke up the more serious moments.

A top audio for the year, for both the stories and the phenomenal narrators.

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Great series

I received this audio box set from Home Cooked Books as an ALC.
These books has everything that I love that comes in these type of series. Beautiful heartbreaking stories, banter, great character development, and couples you want to root for.
Each book provided everything you needed. There were sweet, funny, & had heartielt moments and had the perfect amount of spice for me.
The books were narrated by Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell, Lance Greenfield, Stella Bloom, Zachary Webber, Stella Hunter, Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor. What cast of great narrators. Each one brought each and every character to life. They all made me feel the emotions. I laughed and cried. They were all amazing but have to say Jason & Samantha were my favorites out of the four books.
This was my first time reading Leslie Pike and I just loved her writing. She really knows how to develop these characters and their stories. All these characters are broken in some ways and we see how these characters accept things and find love along the way.
Thank you Home Cooked Books for giving me an opportunity to listen to these wonderful stories and give my honest review about the audiobooks.

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1 person found this helpful

Great box set

The River in Spring
Narrators: Lance Greenfield and Stella Bloom
Style: Dual

3 stars story, 4 stars narration

Nobel and Dove were opposites. He was an attorney and very set in his ways; she was much more carefree and very laidback. Despite being so different, they had an attraction toward each other that neither could deny.

This story was okay but forgettable. Stella Bloom did an excellent job as the carefree Dove, and Lance did great as Nobel. I do wish he had a bit more emotion, though.

The Sky in Spring
Narrators: Stella Hunter and Zachary Webber
Style: Dual

4 stars story, 5 stars narration

Van and Layla knew each other years ago, when they were younger. And it was kind of a second chance for them (the first time being when they were in kindergarten).

Ah, this was so cute! I loved how Layla’s children instantly bonded with Van’s family. And Van was so sweet to Layla.

Stella Hunter and Zachary Webber are a couple of my favorite narrators, so I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. Stella is perfect for Layla, bringing all of her emotions to life. And her “male” voice is so believable (which I’d already known, but I just thought I’d mention that). Zachary is also perfect as Van.

The Leaves in Autumn
Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke
Style: Dual
4 stars story, 5 stars narration

Aargon and Barbra are best friends. He’s a single dad, dealing with grief. And she’s got her own dreams, but she’s always there for him.

These two were perfect for each other. It was great watching their friendship slowly change into something more. And I also liked seeing the way Aargon’s grief was handled.

Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke can do no wrong. Jason is fantastic for slightly broody characters like Aargon. Samantha is just excellent. She brings out all the emotions of Barbra, and her “male” voice is so believable (something I’d already known). But not only that, she even had different “male” voices for different characters, which was just amazing.

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Collection

What a great collection. The Lyon Family Series is a box set that contains the four books in Leslie Pikes series. You follow the four Lyon family members Scarlett, Nobel, Van, and Aargon. There is lots of heart, love, and humor in this collection, and each book was a pleasure to listen to.

There is an all-star cast of narrators bringing the Lyons to life. Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell, Lance Greenfield, Stella Bloom, Zachary Webber, Stella Hunter, Jason Clarke, and Samantha Brentmoor. 27 hours of pure audio bliss.

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1 person found this helpful

I love this series!

The Lyon Family Series contains books 1-4 of this fabulous family. It doesn't contain the prequel of when the parents met in France, but there are numerous references to this in the books, so you get the main idea. My love for this series started with the first book, The Beach. Talk about ALL the emotions, whew! And each book is just as good as the last. Each story is different, nothing repetitive, and so many great tropes (single dad, age gap, friends to lovers, grumpy neighbor to lover). Don't miss this series!

The narration is like a who's who of greatness. There is no way you'll be disappointed with any of their performances. 5 winning stars!!

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