Seeing this title available on NetGalley, I was drawn to the cover then the title, Elk Love. I have visited this area of the country and loved watching the pronghorn and bison roam, so I was game to read about another person who fell in love with the area and moved there. While reading memoirs, I try to set aside my opinions since they are their own thoughts and memories of a place, but this one was just dull to me. Having the author's read their work is important, but at the same time, not all are skilled at the same level. This one was a less successful listening experience to me. This was such a slow burn read that I would put it aside and then forget to get back to listening. I am of similar age, enjoying many like things, but in the end wasn't drawn in to her story. Thanks for allowing the review of the audiobook, all opinions are my own and your reading might be different.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lynne Spriggs O'Connor, and She Writes Press for the advance audiobook copy. All opinions are my own.

I appreciated hearing Lynne’s story of relocating from bustling Atlanta, Georgia, to the wide-open spaces of Great Falls, Montana. The culture shock and steep learning curve made for a compelling and honest account of such a major life transition.

My favorite parts of the book were her vivid descriptions of the stunning Montana landscape and the wildlife that inhabits it. Her observations about animal behavior, sounds, and seasonal patterns offered a unique perspective that will stick with me on future visits to Montana. These moments were both informative and heartfelt, offering a glimpse into the physical and emotional toll of ranching life.

Lynne’s passion for art and museum work added another layer to the narrative. It was interesting to see how that passion helped her build meaningful connections with Native communities and others in her new surroundings.

That said, there were sections that felt a bit too personal or overly detailed—what some might call “TMI.” These moments could have benefited from tighter editing. Still, readers curious about life in rural Montana will find value in this reflective and often beautifully written memoir.

I usually read fiction but I lived in Montana and Wyoming for 15 years so I was interested in reading this.

This is a love story of the land, of nature and most importantly live between a man and a woman. It was a slow burn relationship but I found Harrison to be fascinating and Lynne just the person he needed in his life.

The audiobook was narrated by the author which was really nice.

I received a copy of the audiobook as an ARC from NetGalley. I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to listen to it. My review is voluntary.

A beautiful and spiritual memoir. As a Caucasian woman who is wife and mother to Indigenous peoples this is a story that deeply struck a chord with me and I love the traditions that were spoken about and explored. Vividly descriptive. Told with so much love and ease, a mostly gentle read. Triggering warning: does have graphic descriptions of gutting animals during branding and branding animals, an art piece involving pubic hair and pretending to burn it - as well as the real situation that inspired this - as well as a baby calf with blood in its feces.

I listened to this memoir narrated by the author, art historian Lynne Spriggs O’Connor. O’Connor moved to a small farming town in Montana and fell in love with the land, the animals, and a certain farmer. The narrative arc is not as strong here as in many of the memoirs I’ve loved, but if you’d like to get a feel for what it’s like living in a Montana farming community, the author’s lovely descriptions will give you a good sense of that.

Much of the story involves her slow-paced romance and adjusting to life on a farm, but my favorite parts are actually her interactions with friends and discussion of the work she does at the local art museum.

The audiobook production was good, and the author did a fine job with narration since the majority of the story is told in her own words. Her narration was well-paced and easy to understand, and she conveyed the mood and emotions of each scene effectively. The recording of a bull elk screaming that played between sections was chilling.

I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

It was an insightful look into the authors life with a background in busy cities of diversity and art and the transition to a smaller more secluded area out west with minimal diversity but beautiful landscapes and how she adjusted to that culture shock, as well as the relationships build along the way.