WOW. Wonderful book. Very fast paced on informative. I cried. I don’t do that often but this one I did. Highly recommended.

I absolutely love his books, and the choice of narrator is perfect. This book grabbed me from the beginning. Reese‘s character is so authentic and real. From the minute, he meets Anna to his love story with Emma growing up is captivating. I definitely would recommend this book Over and over again!

A repeat listen for. me. Charles Martin is one of my favorites. When Crickets Cry will tug on your heartstrings.

My all time favorite Charles Martin book. This is such an amazingly emotional story that you will remember forever. Download it right of way!

So grateful to get a copy of this classic in audio to relive.

Do you ever listen to an audiobook and quickly realize the narrator was MADE for that book?! That's exactly how I felt listening to this audiobook. The narrator had such a calm, soothing voice. He embodied Reese's character beautifully and effortlessly. Nothing negative to say about the narration - absolutely spectacular!!

This story drew me in rather quickly as it checked all my little happy boxes - Southern? check. Medical? check. Tugs the heart strings? CHECK!

What a bittersweet story of hardship, resilience, and perseverance. The author was incredibly descriptive throughout the story and I loved that. Though fiction, I felt it read much like a memoir or retelling of a true story. By the end, I was in tears anticipating the outcome. I would categorize this book as drama/general fiction/Christian fiction. I could absolutely see this book as a movie - it reminded me of movies like My Girl or Simon Birch. It gave me late 80s/early 90s vibes with the narration. An incredible story that was poetically written. Highly recommend the audiobook!

Thanks to NetGalley and The publisher for the ALC and chance to give my honest opinion

A beautiful novel about grief, faith, friendship, love and helping others over one-self.

A seven-year old little girl has a lemonade stand set up near her small town square, raising money to pay for her badly needed heart surgery. A stranger stops to purchase a lemonade, when he witnesses a truck rounding the corner, the sun blocking the drivers eyes, hitting the small child. The stranger, who claims to be a boat builder, is able to save the little girl's life. The stranger's past collides with the present once this little girl enters his life and neither will ever be the same.

I read this wonderful story a few years ago, so when NetGalley and Harper Collins allowed me to listen to the audiobook, I jumped at the chance to enjoy this heart-warming novel. Charles Martin is an incredible storyteller and the narrator, Adam Verner, was so calming to listen to. This was an overall enjoyable and emotional book that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to spend time with these terrific characters. #NetGalley #WhenCricketsCry

I am so sad that I didn’t discover Charles Martin until this year. I have been missing out on so much excellent writing.

When Crickets Cry was absolutely phenomenal! Charles is an amazingly gifted writer. He writes deep from the depths of his heart with themes and prose that touch the soul. Every story I have read has left me with a sense of wonder and a desire to live life to the fullest. This story was an incredible journey of providence, the unwavering and inspirational faith of a child, and the acceptance that an exceptional ability isn’t a perfect gift.

Loved this book and the narration. Would highly recommend this one to any one interested in being moved greatly.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the listening copy. All opinions are my own.

I really loved “When Crickets Cry” by Charles Martin and brilliantly narrated by Adam Verner. It’s a heartwarming book that really makes you think about a lot of things, about medicine, about the heart, about what is life, and what is love. The story revolves around a brilliant heart surgeon who is trying escape what he feels to be the biggest mistake of his past. In hiding now for several years, he is moved to return to his former profession when he comes across a little girl who also needs a heart and no one is qualified to perform the surgery (except, he knows, him). And along the way, he finds love once again, something he never thought possible.

This book will be of particular interest to Christians because there is a lot of talk of faith and belief in God. But I believe this would not be off putting to people of other religions or beliefs. This, in my opinion, is religion as religion should be.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an audio copy of this great book. I am sure I will listen to this book more than once, it’s that good. My opinions are my own.

Straight out the gate- I am writing this review as a mother of a child with complex heart disease. I was initially apprehensive because the reality of living with this condition is traumatic, at best. However, my adoration of Charles Martin's writing tipped my hand and I tentatively began the book with the caveat that I would put it down if it became too much. But...

OH MY WORD.

Martin captures CHD, loss and grief, and many of the up, downs, and in betweens that go along with this journey. Written from the viewpoint of a doctor and husband, he layers the complexities and captures the heart (no pun intended) of it all while still softening the edges enough to be an amazing read. An awesome tale of learning to love both others and himself again after horrific tragedy. The narrator of the audiobook did a great job, as well.

I absolutely loved this book! The narrator was wonderful, and I felt like I was listening to a William Kent Kruger (I mean that as an ultimate compliment!) tale with Christian undertones. It was my first Charles Martin, but it will not be my last. I cannot stop thinking about the characters that have taken up residence in my heart - Reece/Jonathan, Annie, and the whole cast. Highly recommend!

This in one of the most touching book that I have ever read. It is hard to leave a review without telling too much about the book. I will say however though, I absolutely love all of the characters in the book. There is so much to love and learn about this book, especially faith and love. I am new to Charles Martin Books, but I have loved every one that I have listened to and this one is no exception.

Talk about a truly unique and heartfelt book! When Crickets Cry, by Charles Martin, is a book that just pulls you right into the story. You feel like you're right there in this small southern town and Reese, Charlie, Cindy and Annie are your neighbors. It's by turns absolutely heartbreaking and completely heartwarming. It's a book that gives all the feels. Unique in the fact that it's all that from a man's point of view. It can be a bit slow and meandering, at times, much like taking a relaxing walk within any small town. In other words, that only added to the the feeling of walking alongside the book's characters while getting to know them.
I read the audible version, narrated by Adam Verner. His tone and pace are absolutely perfect for this story.

I was completely captivated by this story—it was a beautifully woven tale of grief and hope that resonated deeply with me. The writing was exquisite, balancing raw emotion with moments of quiet resilience. Every character felt real, their struggles and triumphs pulling me in with every page.

What truly elevated my experience was the audiobook. The narration was outstanding, bringing the characters to life in a way that made the story even more immersive. I found myself hanging on to every word, feeling every heartbreak and glimmer of hope. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after the final chapter. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that is both deeply moving and beautifully told.

My heart was not prepared for the emotional ride this book took me on. I'm truly at a loss for words on how to describe this (audio)book. At one point, I just sat in my car and cried. Charles Martin sure does have a way with words and aligories. His stories always hit deep and and you can't help but to feel them deep in your soul.

And there, I remembered that I was once good at something, and that I once knew love.“

With every Charles Martin book I read, the more I am convinced that I need to read everything he writes. His characters are always incredibly lifelike. They’re full of dreams and hopes, heartbreak, flaws, and enough personality that you wish they were actually real so you could, possibly, get to know them. The only exception are his villains. They’re incredibly written, as well, but they’re absolutely despicable. There aren’t any actual villains in this story, nobody to hate, or try to figure out. Instead, the “villain” is the human heart and the ways it can breakdown and not function properly. This beautiful story deals with heartbreak, forgiveness, hope and second chances in a way that only Charles Martin seems to be able to. His writing is so descriptive that you can see the story playing out as if you were actually there, experiencing everything with his characters. I don’t think there’s been a single book he’s written that hasn’t made me cry. I truly hope that this book is written into a movie so my non-reader friends can experience this beautiful, inspiring story!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)
Setting: Small, picturesque Southern town
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Where has Charles Martin been my whole book-reading life? His writing is simply beautiful—lyrical, deeply moving, and the kind that lingers in your soul long after the final page. When Crickets Cry is a masterpiece of love, loss, redemption, and the quiet miracles that shape our lives in unexpected ways.

Set in a charming Southern town, the novel follows Reese, a man burdened by a past he can’t outrun, and Annie, a spirited little girl with a lemonade stand and a heart condition that has shaped her young life. When fate—or perhaps something greater—brings them together, their stories intertwine in ways that are both heartbreaking and hopeful. As Reese’s carefully guarded past unravels, the novel takes readers on an unforgettable journey of healing, faith, and second chances.

Martin’s storytelling is nothing short of exquisite. His descriptions breathe life into the setting, his characters are raw and achingly real, and his ability to capture human emotion is unparalleled. Reese is a protagonist who is both flawed and deeply compassionate, while Annie’s innocence and quiet strength make her impossible not to love. Their connection is tender and beautifully developed, reminding readers of the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

When Crickets Cry is more than just a novel—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, reflect, and hold your loved ones a little closer. If you haven’t yet discovered Charles Martin, this is the perfect place to start. His writing is the kind that stays with you, and this story is one you won’t soon forget. #netgalley #whencricketscry #booked_this_weekend

I must confess I'm not a huge Charles Martin fan; I find that the books of his that I've read have been hit or miss for me. Personally, I enjoyed "Chasing Fireflies" but struggled through "The Water Keeper." "When Crickets Cry" was a definite hit for me. I became truly invested in this story, and found myself having to remind myself NOT to pray for the characters. I was completely absorbed in the plot. This would be an excellent read/listen for those who enjoy books by Chris Aubry, Cynthia Ruchti, and Catherine Ryan Hyde, maybe even Nicholas Sparks although I've only seen movies based on his books; I haven't read Sparks' actual books. The audiobook narrator did an excellent job of interpreting the characters. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Charles Martin is a favorite author of mine, and of many others, for a reason. He can tell a story with beautiful prose and draw the reader into a world of which we may not really have an understanding. This is one of his best offerings, in my opinion, with raw story-telling and not just a somewhat unrealistic view of only good things happening. Instead it is a story of redemption and hope, where Reese makes purposeful decisions in the present to help heal the trauma of the past. The way Martin brings the events together to show how God can truly make things work together for good for those who love Him, despite what circumstances seem on the surface, is masterful.
I think Adam Verner has just the right soothing voice to encompass these characters and portray the Southern character without being overstated or too dramatic. I recommend this to anyone wishing to read something a little different and hopeful.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARL. All opinions are mine.

When Crickets Cry is one of those books that lingers in your soul long after you turn the last page. Charles Martin has a way of weaving together heartbreak, hope, and redemption into something truly special, and this story is no exception. His writing is emotional and lyrical, and he knows how to craft characters you feel deeply for.

The story follows a mysterious man named Reese, a former heart surgeon who has walked away from his past, and a young girl named Annie, who runs a lemonade stand in a small Southern town. Their worlds collide in a way that neither of them could have expected, setting off a journey of healing, faith, and second chances. The themes of love, loss, and the power of resilience are beautifully woven throughout.

Adam Verner does an incredible job narrating this audiobook. His tone, pacing, and ability to bring emotion into every word made the story even more immersive. If you’re an audiobook lover, this one is a fantastic listen.

I’ll be honest, this book broke me a little. It’s one of those reads that makes you feel everything. If you’re looking for a story that’s poignant, deeply moving, and full of heart, I highly recommend this one.


🏥 Medical elements
💔 Second chances
🌿 Small-town charm
😢 Emotional and thought-provoking
🙏 Faith and redemption
📖 Beautiful, lyrical writing

This story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.

Annie is a seven year old girl that sells lemonade on the street to save up money for a heart transplant that she desperately needs. Reese is a man with a past that works on boats with his brother in law, Charlie. Both Annie and Reese are suffering from a broken heart but for different reasons. While Annie's is a physical ailment, Reese is suffering because he lost his wife to the same health issue that Annie has. They start a friendship that turns into more as Reese befriends Annie's aunt. But there are things in Reese's past that will change all of their lives forever.

This was literally such a good read. Just heartbreaking because of what Reese went through in the death of his wife but also so hopeful because Annie is such a brave kid who has the faith of giants.

Audiobook
NARRATION:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Somewhere in Georgia along the banks of Lake Burton, Jonathan Mitchell, aka Reese, is a grief-stricken man. One day, he hears the call of a young girl selling fresh lemonade. Taking notice of not only the girl but the scar on her chest as well, he knows more about that scar than he's willing to admit to himself currently. Seeing an accident about to happen, he swiftly aids the hurt young girl, and their lives become intertwined more than either could have imagined.

Annie is a young girl born with a heart problem with the extent not fully known. Being raised by her Aunt Cindy,money is tight, and health care, never mind insurance, is expensive. Doing the best they can to raise money for testing and such, Annie is a humble spirit, and the whole town is behind her.

Reese, having recently returned to Lake Burton, is working with his older brother in law Charlie to earn a living the best he can. Reese is burdened down by guilt and grief for mistakes and a loss that has left him a former shell of himself. As he settles back into town and begins establishing friendships with Aunt Cindy, Annie, and other people in town, he slowly starts to work through his troubles.

But it's Annie that really gets to him. Her zest for life, her outgoing personality, love for town folk, her faith in God, and the belief her heart can be fixed inspires him and motivates him to try and help.

Reese is more qualified than anyone, but a few people know. But it will take a lot of hard work on his part to work through his grief and guilt to allow himself to be a better man than he was before. If Annie can be such a light in the world after facing such hardship, just maybe there's more than enough hope and faith for them both.

I really enjoyed the give and take between Aunt Cindy/Annie and Reese, and their friendship begins to grow into something bigger. I also enjoyed the relationship between Charlie and Reese. Charlie was a force that knew when to push Reese or when to stand back and let Reese work through something on his own.

The story isn't a cheesy, feel-good story like some. It's full of characters living good times and hard times but never standing still in self-pity for too long. They just keep persevering along the way and supporting each other as they can. The ending through me for a bit, but the author did a great job of smoothing it out for a solid ending.

The narration was top-notch! Distinct voices for the individual characters with a pacing that reflected a true Southern lake town. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an audiobook with a worthwhile story that will stay with you long after it's done.

Many thanks to NetGalley and other applicable entities for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Charles Martin is in a class by himself as an author. He writes special books that linger with you and affect you. I didn't know the topic when I chose to listen to the audiobook. It was fascinating. It tells the story of a young boy who had a young girl friend who had a problem with her heart and his unceasing study so that someday he could fix her problem. It's the story of the young girl who reminded him that the heart is also for love. Fast forward and it's about a heart surgeon with a broken heart and another young girl who needs him. It's about his brother-in-law who through tragedy reminds him to keep living. The characters are memorable. The story is poignant.

My son was born with an ejection fraction of 11percent. Five open heart surgeries later, he's a healthy 24 year old. There was a lot that I could relate to in this book and plenty I could not. It made me more thankful than ever for those who work in trauma rooms, and ORs, doing surgeries and transplants and whatever is needed to give their patients a good outcome.

I listened to the audiobook of this story. It moves back and forth in time but was pretty easy to follow. The narrator is good. It was hard to stop listening. There were a few twists. This is a beautiful story of love and friendship and healing and forgiveness. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free audio copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book - like all of the author’s books - was an absolute treasure. It has a way of touching your heart and changing your soul. So many have trials in their lives with what seems to be no end in sight but it’s soothing to read books that touch on those trials and show that, not only in spite of them but because of them, there is hope, love, and redemption ahead. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job of bringing the story and emotions to life so exquisitely. I cannot give this book enough stars!

When Crickets Cry” is a deeply moving novel that unfolds with multiple layers of meaning. While it is often categorized as a Christian book, its themes extend far beyond that. The story follows Reese, a highly accomplished heart surgeon known as “Stitch,” who retreats from his once-thriving career after he fails to save Emma from heart failure. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, he seeks solace in a small community, where he immerses himself in boat restoration.
Reese’s life takes a turn when he meets seven-year-old Annie and her aunt. Annie, who suffers from the same heart condition that claimed Emma’s life, gradually helps Reese reconnect with the world around him. Their bond becomes a catalyst for healing, both for Reese and for Annie, culminating in a heart transplant that Reese performs.
Throughout the narrative, readers gain valuable insights into the complexities of the heart, including its functions, diseases, and the intricacies of heart transplants.. The story weaves together themes of loss, redemption, and the power of human connection, making it a compelling read or auditory enjoyment.