Shelter Me

Fay’s winsome debut comes to life in this audio adaptation thanks to the absorbing narration of Marguerite Gavin. Her voice is rich, somewhat cynical, and an excellent match for this story about a 38-year-old woman coping with grief and rage after being suddenly widowed. Gavin doesn’t overdo the unique voices she creates for each character, an appropriate strategy as the novel hinges on Janie’s intimate perceptions of the people in her life: her sweet preschooler; her invasive but well-meaning aunt; the buttoned-up priest for whom she develops an attraction; and the contractor who comes to build a porch for Janie and tries to win her heart. Fay’s prose is filled with unexpected shots of wry humor, which Gavin capably matches note for note. One particular highlight is Gavin’s rendition of Janie’s sarcastic yet vulnerable first-person journal entries that are woven throughout the narrative. An Avon paperback. (July)