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.

Note: Reviewed as an audiobook courtesy of Harper Collins and NetGalley. Narrated by Adam Verner who does an excellent job.

A seven year old girl, Annie, is selling lemonade on a street corner in Lake Burton, Georgia when a delivery truck rounds the corner and slams into her. Johnathan “Reese” Mitchell was a renowned heart surgeon who walked away from his profession when his wife, Emma, died from heart problems he could not fix. He happens to see the accident and is able to keep Annie alive until the EMT’s arrives. Thus begins a wonderful story that covers a wide range of emotions - sadness, humor, redemption,and so much more. The story alternates back and forth between his life with Emma (until she dies) through his “exile” to his lake house until he meets Annie and how he is working to get her a new heart (Reese having quickly recognized Annie’s health situation when he saw the scar on her chest).

This is the first book I have read written by Charles Martin - an author recommended to me by several friends. It did not disappoint. I have not read other books in this genre in the past nd found it to be very uplifting without being offensive in any way. And I will be reading more from this author in the future. My thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my review.

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

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.

This is a beautifully woven tale of grief and hope. 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. I wish the story had moved a little faster in parts.

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.. 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.

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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 will say that this book is technically well-written but I don’t like it when a book starts out with a fact we don’t know and keeps building around that. I deduced that the narrator is a heart surgeon whose wife has died (probably from heart problems) and afterwards he goes « incognito », taking great pains to disappear. But then he attends a medical conference in disguise, and doesn’t appear to listen to half the information, and it’s supposedly to keep up his licence. Well, how do you do that under a false name? Then he checks the names on his flight home to make sure no one from the conference is on the flight. How do you do that?? I’ve never been able to find out who is on my flight! Then there’s the scene where he’s tending the little girl but manages to fight off TWO big local boys who think he’s harming her. How do you do that?? At this point I’ve only listened to 12% of the book, but I don’t feel like continuing. However, I do….but it becomes more and more of an effort.

There’s a scene from the past where he’s an intern, helping out for the first time on a cardiac bypass. The attending surgeon fakes fainting in order to see if our hero can complete the surgery. Apparently, the surgeon does this all the time to interns and everyone is in on it! Wow! That sounds very unrealistic, not to mention unprofessional. I wouldn’t want to be the person laying on the table with their chest open!

Also, the poor little girl who needs a heart is living in abject POVERTY because every penny she and her aunt earn is to save for care and surgery. However, the book is very Christian-based with lots of stuff about prayer and good morals…. In Canada, yes, we pray too, but because the whole country has agreed to the moral obligation of helping the less fortunate, EVERYONE can get surgery for free. No one lives in poverty when they need chemo or surgery. It just clashes with my values to think the « Christian South » would never vote for universal healthcare, but it’s completely normal for a little girl with a failing heart to live in poverty and spend her time selling lemonade and crickets just to pay her medical bills.

That being said, I only recommend this book to Christians who can suspend disbelief and accept the very contrived, heroic plot, and who don’t believe in universal

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!

I was so happy to get the audiobook for this title and it didn’t disappoint. So heartbreaking and captivating story so emotional and I really like the narrator.

Charles Martin writes a novel-long metaphor regarding the heart. This exposition occurs between Reese, a heart surgeon, and Annie, a young girl who has a heart condition. Martin juxtaposes Reese's hardened, grieving heart against Annie's heart which is filled with joy, awe, and faith of a child. Their interactions are the foundation for Martin to discuss learning to love again after traumatic loss. Love leads the way to joy and renewed faith in living a fulfilled life. Martin is not overly pushy with Christian rhetoric in his writing. This makes the narrative pleasant for those part of or outside of the Christian faith.

Thank you #CharlesMartin, #HarperCollinsPublishing, #ThomasNelsonFiction, and #NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

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.

Charles Martin is a wonderful storyteller and the audiobook narrator has a very soothing, gentle voice which makes it lovely to listen to but this one was just too long and detailed for me to complete. If you are looking for a slowly, meandering character focussed story with lots of heart, faith and growth you may enjoy this one but it is a 10 hour audiobook that I listened to at 1.25 speed and it just wasn't compelling enough for me to keep going. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to listen to it in exchange for my honest thoughts!

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.

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.

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!

4.5 stars rounded up

I don't normally read Christian fiction, but I loved the sound of this book, so I decided to give it a go. I'm so pleased I did! What a beautiful, heartwarming story full of hope, heartbreak, and strength. The religious element isn't too heavy and isn't out of place. I found it really added to the story. The author paints a vivid picture of settings and gives very detailed descriptions of events, which I love but others might not. It was a bit drawn out at times, but overall I enjoyed the informative writing style full of fascinating facts. I enjoyed the medical references and the quotes from well-known authors that were scattered throughout the story.

I loved the narration and would happily listen to other books narrated by Adam Verner. He really brought the characters to life.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Christian Publishing and the author for an ARC for review. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

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 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.