This July, the IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) made a powerful showing at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia, PA—one of the largest gatherings of library professionals in the world. With over 14,000 attendees and a vibrant lineup of speakers and events, the conference spotlighted the growing connection between indie publishers and libraries. IBPA’s expanded booth featured 307 titles and hosted 91 author signings, drawing more than 1,400 visitors.
On an Exciting Personal Note…
My Love Lost Adventure audiobook featuring the brilliant and talented Claire Glover has received three 5-star Reviews from Readers’ Favorite:
#1: Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers’ Favorite
Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo is an award-winning mystery thriller blended with romance. We are transported to 1998, Florida. Senator Andrew Blake Prescott’s plan to run for the U.S. presidency is undermined when compromising photographs are leaked to the press. Enraged, betrayed, hurt, and drunk, his wife Sarah makes a horrifying scene.
Against this backdrop, in Hollywood, we meet Teddy Hayes and her sister Cleo. A middle-aged, feisty free spirit and reckless adventurer, Teddy suddenly feels the urge to reunite with her ex-boyfriend, Cole O’Keefe. She leaves for Newark, New Jersey, where he lives, but is stranded in a blizzard. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Teddy, a woman in black and the FBI are looking for her.
Roseann Gargiulo’s Love Lost Adventure was a real treat for me, a mystery fan, and I am full of praise and delightful memories. To my delight, the storyline was eventful, action-packed, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. It was immense fun to discover the motley cast of complex and relatable characters and how the skeletons in their cupboards were exposing their true natures. Teddy was great, and I liked how the plot portrayed her evolution. Thoroughly entertaining, the story made me reflect on how messy yet precious life is.
Another praiseworthy and unique feature was Teddy’s lyrics and how they expressed her thoughts and feelings. I also liked the intriguing cover and how it reflected the plot.
Listening to the audiobook, I enjoyed the perfect narration and recording quality. I admired Claire Glover’s vocal talent as she enhanced each character with a distinct voice and personality and expressed their thoughts and feelings in the right pitch. The sound effects made the story feel authentic, and I felt as if I were watching a film.
This audiobook was a real treat, and I look forward to the sequel. I highly recommend this exhilarating novel to mystery, action thriller, crime fiction, and romance fans. If you enjoy suspense and mystery, Love Lost Adventure is an unmissable delight!
#2: Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo is a sweeping, suspenseful audiobook that blends romance, danger, and historical mystery into one captivating tale. Narrated by the talented Claire Glover, we’re with Theodora ‘Teddy’ Hayes as she braves a snowstorm to reclaim a love she lost long ago. But as she digs into her past, she uncovers a trail of betrayal and murder that stretches from the Civil War to the 1990s. Haunted by secrets and driven by hope, Teddy’s journey is one of courage and connection across time.
With a richly layered narrative, Gargiulo’s award-winning story captivates listeners through emotional twists, humor, and a timeless search for truth.
Author Roseann Gargiulo knows how to get the heart and soul of a character across right away, and it’s impossible not to fall head over heels for the lovable Teddy from the moment you meet her. This is in part down to the brilliantly detailed narration that lets us sit right on her shoulder through the historic and more recent discoveries, and it’s easy to relate to her strain and read between the lines of the sharply-penned dialogue to find extra clues and emotional moments.
There’s a great sense of pacing to the story, too, balancing the moments where Teddy has to collect herself from the many twists and revelations, and offering a beautifully balanced emotional journey that keeps listeners on edge while pulling heartstrings with every chapter.
In terms of audio production, narrator Claire Glover brings the story to life vividly with new layers of wit and charm. I believed her in telling Teddy’s story because there’s a natural warmth to her narration, and her variance in pacing amps up the suspense and drama when it’s needed most. The editing was also perfectly crisp and clear for a high-quality listen.
Overall, I would certainly recommend Love Lost Adventure: The Lie as a standout in historical romantic suspense that you’ll love listening to.
#3: Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
Love Lost Adventure: The Lie by Roseann Gargiulo follows Theodora “Teddy” Hayes, a woman determined to reclaim a love she lost years ago. Her journey begins during a blizzard but quickly turns into dangerous and emotional territory. Theodora’s journey forces her to confront a history steeped in secrets, betrayal, and murder. From the shadows of the Civil War to the complexities of the 1990s, Teddy has to dig through time, deception, and betrayal. As she looks deeper into the past, she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery that threatens not only her future but the truth behind her love story.
Author Roseann Gargiulo is a master at writing mysteries without losing the attention of the reader. I enjoyed the element of romance, I loved the character development, and I was thrilled with the plot. The atmosphere was fantastic, the pace was fast, and the overall feel of the narrative was exciting.
I enjoyed how Teddy is portrayed as a fierce yet vulnerable protagonist whose determination and wit make her easy to root for. The chapter “Woman in Black” sold the story for me, and from there onward, stopping was not an option.
I truly loved the narration of this audiobook. Narrator Claire Glover did a wonderful job of embracing the emotions Teddy was going through and just making the audience feel like part of the story. I laughed out loud at the morning-after scene when Teddy confronted Cole, which was funny and infuriating. Claire truly brought Cole, Teddy, Cleo, and Bridget to life!
Love Lost Adventure is an all-round audiobook that I highly recommend.
Available on Audible, Amazon.com, and iTunes as well as on 24symbols, Anyplay, Apple, Audible, Amazon, Audiobooks.com, AudiobooksNow, Bokus Play, Bookmate, Books-A-Million, Chirp, Cliq, Downpour, Everand (Scribd), Google Play, Instaread, Kobo, Walmart, Libro.FM, My Audiobook Library, Nextory, NOOK Audiobooks, Radish, Spotify, Storytel, TuneIn, Axiell, Baker & Taylor, Bibliotheca, Follett, hoopla, Odilo, Overdrive, Ulverscroft, Wheelers, 3Leaf Group
Author Roseann Gargiulo proudly showcased “Love Lost Adventure: The Lie” at the inaugural Local Author’s Bookfair at Broward County Main Library on November 2, 2024. The event was a fantastic gathering, featuring workshops, independent writers, children’s programs, and plenty of books! LLA connected with amazing authors from across the state. Engaging events like these foster such a wonderful sense of community among writers and readers, and we hope to attend more.
Oh, how fun!
