Bennett Brown, Irene. Haven.

BENNETT BROWN, Irene. Haven. Read by Stephanie Brush. 7 cds. 7.3 hrs. Books in Motion. 2006. 1-59607-431-0. $30.77. Vinyl; plot, author notes. SA

In this romantic historical tale set in 1893 Oregon, Laila Mitchell comes West in search of her grandparents, and befriends a woman who's headed to a housekeeping position on a ranch in the remote Snake River Canyon. Laila settles a bit farther down the river in an isolated area where her practical skills and medicine kit are needed. She makes friends, takes in a young girl abandoned by her mother, and develops a deepening relationship with a local businessman, the attractive Ash Corbett. The novel also provides an interesting look at the medical treatments of the times, when quackery abounded.

Brush has a rapid delivery style, but her diction is clear and precise and the listener is easily able to keep up with the pace. She handles the dialogue well, alternating easily between characters and narrative and proving handy with both male and female voices. Using cues in the text, she includes lots of nice little touches along the way, such as one character spitting tobacco, while another speaks through both laughter and tears; and she is good at capturing the mood of the characters in varied situations. Carol Reich, Youth Svcs., Hillsboro PL, Hillsboro, OR

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.