by Phaedra Patrick
Narrator: James Langton
Length: 8 hours 57 minutes
Genres: Fiction
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Phaedra Patrick's debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was hailed as "poignant" and "utterly endearing." Now she returns with Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone, a gem of a novel about family, forgiveness and one man's second chance at happiness.
Moonstone for empathy. Azurite for memories. Lapis lazuli for truth… In the quiet village of Noon Sun, Benedict Stone has settled into a complacent and predictable routine. Business at his jewelry shop has dried up; his marriage is on the rocks. His life is in desperate need of a jump start…
And then a surprise arrives at his door.Gemma is Benedict's audacious teenage niece-the daughter of his estranged brother, Charlie. The two Stone brothers had a falling out and haven't spoken in almost two decades, since Charlie left for America. Reckless and stubborn, Gemma invites herself into Benedict's world and turns his orderly life upside down. But she might just be exactly what he needs to get his life back on track…
Filled with colorful characters and irresistible charm, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone is a luminous reminder of the unbreakable bonds of family, and shows that having someone to embrace life with is always better than standing on your own.
It’s time to welcome Sophia Rose back to the blog and this time she has a delightful audiobook to tempt you with! Grab a cuppa and check out Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick.
Sophia Rose’s Review
I was utterly delighted by the author’s debut book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper so when I saw that the author released another book and retained the same wonderful narrator, I had to get it without even looking at the blurb.
As with the first story, a man has reached a crisis point in his life and must now go on a personal journey to recover something that has been lost. Benedict Stone is a caregiver and a provider. He knows no other way and his biggest dream is to have his own children so as a family they can carry on tradition. His parents died hunting their precious gemstones when he was a very young man and he took on the care of his brother and the running of the family jewelry making shop.
Years later, he is slovenly, overweight, pining for the wife who moved out because she feels pressured by their infertility, yearning for the brother who left never wanting to see him again, discontent with his work, and ripe for it all somehow to be made right.
Into this dreary life of Benedict’s comes his precocious teenage niece, Gemma. Slowly this odd pair grow close of their shared loved of the gemstones and the family traditions. Gemma’s vitality and the secret pain he sees in her awakens Benedict and he is ready to make drastic changes and fight for what he really needs.
This was a slow-paced and subtle piece set in a small Yorkshire village. The author allows the reader to see and feel the effort that Benedict puts in. He has set backs, painful mistakes, and some triumphs as he works at changing things. It was sweet to see that while Gemma was wonderful for Benedict that he was also what she needed. The reader catches on to things before Benedict about Gemma’s secrets and even what must happen for Benedict to freely live his life.
The gemstones are a major part of the story, literally and symbolically, as they help catalogue Benedict and Gemma’s journeys. Each chapter is introduced by a different gem from Benedict’s dad’s journal with its properties and the significance attached to the gems. I spent a great deal of time curious about what was really going on with Gemma and what dreadful thing Benedict did to cause his brother to leave and cut him off. I suspected on both counts and I was mostly right. The author was not afraid to present a flawed hero, but I loved her Benedict and I was rooting hard for him to succeed on all counts.
James Langton was a supreme success once again. He voices the range of characters, including most of the village, and their quirks so well. His sense of timing and emotion were spot on.
All in all, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone was another fabulous character-driven book and I look forward to more from the author.
Come discover why Sophia Rose thinks, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick is a delightful story to add to your #Audio bookshelf. #loveaudiobooks Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
Oh, Sophie what a great review! I love the who gem and journal idea. This sounds so endearing. I love it. I will have to up this one on my TBR.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I mean to say the whole gem**
Mary
Lorna
As soon as I saw the man in the tree wearing a suit I knew this would be good. It sounds really wonderful and I am so glad you enjoyed it so much Sophia! I do like quirky characters.
Sophia Rose
LOL, Benedict does some fun and crazy things to get his wife back and change his life around. That tree is practically a character in the story.
So many quirky village characters that you’d probably have a great time, Lorna. 🙂
Kimberly
Thank you Sophia. I’ve not tried this author, but it sounds good!
Sophia Rose
They are comfy and touching, but also full of whimsy. I hope she writes more and Langston reads them. 🙂
RO
I wouldn’t have picked this one up on my own, but it definitely sounds like a keeper,a dn glad you enjoyed it Sophia! Sending some healing hugs your way Kimberly! Happy Friday to you both and hugs! RO
Sophia Rose
I probably wounldn’t have if I hadn’t already listened to her first book- or maybe I would. It was a sale purchase and that is when I’ll leap out of the norm. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, Radiant Ro! Have a fab weekend.
Annie
I love it when I find a reader of audible that captures the feeling of a character so well. This sounds like a great audiobook, but I’d be so tempted to buy a hard copy – that cover is gorgeous! This is a new author for me, but the book sounds suitably quirky. Beginning each chapter with a diary entry about a different gem stone? That’s so cute!
Sophia Rose
I know what you mean about wanting a hard copy to have the gorgeous cover. I do that now and then. 🙂
The gem diary entries and the family gem tree were great add-ins for the story.
Debbie Haupt
Beautiful review my friend. I have this on my print shelf and it just went up a rung or two thanks to your review. I loved her debut too
Sophia Rose
Oh cool! Glad I could nudge it higher, Debbie. These are so touching and heartwarming. 🙂
Rachel
Oh, I hope Benedict was able to have a family like he wanted. This sounds very different, but maybe something I’d enjoy. I wonder if there’s a romance?
Sophia Rose
I was rooting for him to get his dreams, too.
It wasn’t really a romance. He does have to work to get his wife to come home and she is in the picture a lot, but it really is mostly about Benedict getting his life together and making things right all around.
Laura Thomas
I love second chance stories and this sounds wonderful. I have a feeling tissues will be required while reading it:)
Sophia Rose
I didn’t actually cry, but there were definitely some sad and moving parts. It was good stuff, Laura. 🙂
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I have The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper on my TBR and now it seems that I must have it and this one and should go the audio route! Great review!
Sophia Rose
Cool! When you’re in a mellow mood you’ll have a good book waiting for you, Katherine. 🙂
Stefanie
I read her first book; it was fun and I liked how her MC got out of his comfort zone. This one sounds interesting as well.
Sophia Rose
Wasn’t that one great? Benedict’s situation is very different from Charley’s, but she does another wonderful job bringing him along in his life to a better place. The whimsical moments are the best.
Mary Kirkland
I’m curious about what would cause brothers to have such a long falling out. Sounds like a good story.
Sophia Rose
Oh man, Mary, its a doozy of a reason. Benedict really did screw up, but it truly was a mistake that had mitigating factors so the reader can still root for him.
sherry fundin
What a fun cover.
Sophia Rose
I adore the cover and think its so fitting for the story.