These Hands by Darcy Daniel and narrated by Sofia Lette & Antony Davis was a hard audiobook to get into at first and I had to start it again 😉 but when I listened to it again, everything I heard all came together and I really enjoyed it. The narrators Sofia Lette & Antony Davis were perfect and worked well together as they bought the audiobook alive. So bare with it, this became an enjoyable listen.

Lucas Daniel was born with the power to heal!

"Just think on what you could do if you had this gift!?"

But to Lucas it’s not a gift, instead, it’s a life sentence filled with isolation, sadness and loneliness, which has left him starved of the love and affection he yearns for. During all his secluded childhood, he defies his mother’s over-protective rules Lucas has to follow!
Until he tries to befriend a young girl called Kelsey, who is the new girl who lives next door. But she thinks he’s a freak and wants nothing to do with him. . . . . . . . until she accidentally discovers his secret.

They soon form an inseparable bond, and starts to share their hopes and dreams for the future. Until a devastating event leaves Kelsey’s life hanging in the balance. Lucas does everything he can to save her but leaves her face scarred for life. Believing his secret has been exposed, his mother whisks him away and changes their identities.

Lucas is now all grown up and is a reclusive country veterinarian, he’s managed to keep his secret for decades and it has been hard to do.
But, when Kelsey moves to the same rural town, he just might get everything he's ever wanted, and everything he's ever feared.

"Yes!"

These Hands turned out to be a beautiful love story with a lovely supernatural twist which made it an enjoyable listen and i am so glad I re-listened to the first few chapters again. It was a roller coaster ride with my emotions so you will need lots of tissues handy. The characters were excellent.

I highly recommend this audiobook,

This book was okay it can get confusing at points but I do love how haunting this story is and the way the two mcs come together thank you for sending me an audio of this book!

🎧Audio Review🎧
Duet Style narration with Sophia Lette and Antony Davis
4 stars ⭐️
Wow. How to even talk about this book. It’s heartwarming, heartbreaking and poignant. The gift/curse that Lucas has been born with puts such an interesting twist on this romance. He and Kelsey meet as young teens and form a bond, a special gift for Lucas who doesn’t have any friends. Years later when they reunite their story gets much more complicated. Not just because of Lucas’s big secret but someone wants him dead.

This is written in 3rd person and I think it works well as we have and need 2 ongoing stories to track: The main romance characters and the father and daughter duo who add much tension to this. I was not expecting that ending but it was touching and appropriate for how their story.

Sophia Lette and Antony Davis narrate in duet style (Australian accents).
In the beginning of the story, both narrators portray the main characters as young teens and do it very convincingly. With how hard this story is to experience, these narrators convincingly portrayed Lucas and Kelsey in such a heartwarming way.

These Hands by Darcy Edwards was such a beautifully unexpected read. It had the perfect mix of grounded emotion and just enough of the “unrealistic” to make you wonder — what if that really were possible? I love when a book makes you pause like that.

My heart absolutely broke for Luke… and then Kelsey. What a mess of emotions… in the best way. The writing was lyrical and deeply felt, and the themes of strength, legacy, and quiet transformation really resonated. A few parts dragged a little, and I wished for more depth from some of the side characters, but overall, this story really stuck with me.

It’s the kind of book that makes you feel something and gets your imagination going. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Darcy Edwards.


Thank you NetGalley and Darcy for this ALC!

I had high hopes for this book, but it was very slow and very predictable. The Australian accent is strong in the narration.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first, I had to rewind it as I couldn't concentrate, but within a couple of chapters, I was obsessed. It was just the audiobook I needed to listen to recently.
It was my first duet narration, and I loved how it worked. It seemed like it was a full cast kind of set up but just with the two narrators.
This was not the story I expected, but I loved it nonetheless!

This book started out super interesting and unlike anything I have read. Then it just got confusing. It would go from third person POV to First person POV and the flashbacks were all at once instead of spread out. Overall the story just wasn't for me.

This is the story of Lucas Daniel, who was born with the "gift" of healing, he lays hands on an injured person or animal, and they are healed, however, he suffers during the healing process. His mother keeps him isolated, because Lucas' father also was able to heal, and it ended up killing him. To prevent her son from being exploited and dying, she keeps him hidden from the world in their small apartment. However Lucas is able to sneak out while she is at work during the day. One day, Kelsey, his neighbor, discovers his secret, and they become friends.
Then there's a fire, and Kelsey almost dies. Lucas pulls her from the flames and saves her life, which almost kills him, but is prevented from healing her completely before his mother takes him away and changes their identities.
Years later, we meet up with Lucas again, he is a veterinarian in a small town, where the towns people think of him as a great vet and a recluse. A new woman moves to town, and you quickly realize it is Kelsey, who bears facial scars from the fire. Will their relationship have a second chance, will Kelsey recognize her childhood friend, or will old hurts keep them apart?

This book is a delightfully easy read, the plot moves along at a steady pace, the characters are interesting and there is a subplot that keeps the story from being a typical run of the mill love story. Each character is well defined and while several never cross in the book, each is necessary to keep the story moving. There is a moment or two of shock, and it adds to the depth of the story.

I listened to the audio book, a duet narration by Sofia Lette and Antony Davis, and I really enjoyed their narration of the story.

What a lovely story. Had me hooked from beginning to the end. This was kind of a community love story as so many were involved. Not usually into the supernatural feel but this was an interesting take.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.

The complete title of this book is These Hands A Love Story. I acknowledge and agree with this description, but I would not classify this book as a romance. Set in a small town in Australia, it is a touching love story between a man whose life is in jeopardy when and if he uses the healing power which resides in his hands and a woman who first knew him as a child and then lost him after a terrible accident that almost took her life. That sentence is a lot to take in, but so is this book. Lucas and Kelsey are the main characters, but there's a strong, at times intrusive secondary storyline about a widowed father trying to keep his farm alive for his daughter. The author did a marvelous job of drawing me into the setting, and as a reader who does not normally pick up visual images from words, I very much did so with this book. The vet clinic where Lucas works, the long, empty, dark roads leading to the various homesteads, and a harrowing scene early in the book when a fire breaks out were all superbly conveyed. But the story left me somewhat dissatisfied at the end. I'm rounding up to four, but without the beautiful writing, this would be a 3-star for me, and I won't be widely sharing my review.

A heartwarming story about a childhood love lost and found. Thank you for the ALC Darcy Daniel. The dual narration was spot on. I loved that we got pieces of the story from multiple POV from the town’s residents. Both narrators, Antony Davis & Sofia Lette, have a beautiful voice to listen to. Lucas and the girl next door, Kelsey face more than their fair share of road bumps before finding one another again. The ending is a little bit of a happily ever after mixed with tragedy. Brace yourself for a journey of reclaiming one’s life and love and to be whisked into the story.

These Hands by Darcy Daniel is a soul-warming, beautiful, and heart-warming but emotional love story. Oh my, this was yummy, bittersweet, sharing tears yummy. This is so much more than just a romance.
This is a beautiful journey of two beautiful souls, Lucas and Kelsey. Their complicated life, challenges and dedication.

I listened to an audiobook narrated by Sofia Lette and Antony Davis and oh my - I loved it so much! The duet narration is absolutely next-level! This is what I always wanted when listening to an audiobook! What amazing narration, what amazing chemistry between narrators and characters in this deeply emotional story. Seriously, it was like watching a movie in my head! Narrators are playing around with voices, intonations and styles that feel like there are at least 5 narrators! Fantastic!

Lucas has the power to heal. It's a gift and a curse. He can't be like other children, he can't go out, touch and play because he will put his life in danger. He can't tell anyone about this to not risk being taken away... he is lonely... until Kelsey moves into the flat next door.

Kelsey, the girl from a dysfunctional family, the girl who deals with her alcoholic mother and dad who is not trying hard enough to give her a normal life...

Soon they form deep friendships, and share secrets, hopes and dreams until tragedy hits and nothing will be like before...

I was completely swept up by *These Hands*. Darcy Daniel delivers a heartfelt, original story that blends a touch of the supernatural with very real, human emotions. The premise—Lucas, a man with the power to heal, but at the cost of his own happiness—immediately drew me in. I loved how his gift felt more like a burden, and the way the author explored the loneliness that comes from being different.

The early chapters, focusing on Lucas and Kelsey’s childhood friendship, were especially moving. Their bond felt genuine, full of hope and innocence, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. The tragic accident that changes everything is handled with care and sensitivity, and I really felt for both characters as their lives were shaped by that one moment.

When the story jumps forward and Lucas is living as a reclusive vet, I appreciated how the author didn’t shy away from showing the long-term effects of trauma and secrecy. The rural Australian setting was vivid and atmospheric, adding a nice sense of place. The tension and chemistry between Lucas and Kelsey when they reunite was palpable—I was genuinely invested in whether they could overcome their past.

The narration in the duet audiobook version is fantastic and adds a lot of emotion to the story. Both narrators really brought Lucas and Kelsey to life.

Overall, *These Hands* is a touching, well-written story about love, forgiveness, and the courage to let someone in. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven romances with a bit of magical realism. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this beautiful book!

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Story: 5 stars Narration: 5 stars Overall: 5 stars

These Hands by Darcy Daniel is by far one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. This is a poignant story about a love that starts in chapter and is everlasting. It is heart wrenching and heartwarming. The two main characters, Kelsey and Lucas are delightful. The description of the Australian countryside was magnificent. I could close my eyes and visualise every scene in detail.
The duet narration by Sofia Lette and Antony Davis was absolutely phenomenal. They were both superb in their roles as Kelsey and Lucas in this beautiful love story.
Sofia Lette portrayed Kelsey as a child and adult brilliantly. I could feel all of Kelsey’s fear, uncertainty, despair, happiness and love through her voice.
Antony Davis was spectacular as Lucas/Daniel. He had a normal “pissed off Daniel” tone for almost everyone and a sweeter, calmer tone for Kelsey and his animals. These two extraordinary Australian voice actors brought this story to life beautifully. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.

Romance is not my usual genre, but after a recommendation from a friend, I decided to dive in to These Hands by Darcy Daniel.

Lucas and Kelsey meet aged ten, when Kelsey moves in next door. They are both terribly lonely, for very different reasons. A tragic, preventable incident alters the courses of their lives, just as their young friendship had begun. An adult Lucas now lives in a small town called Cascade, still living in the past, while holding on to a faint glimmer of hope for the future.

I listened to the audiobook, duet narrated by Sofia Lette and Antony Davis. Initially it felt strange to have a different voice appear during a conversation, but very quickly, it felt natural. Anthony’s narration of Lucas was perfect, his voice seemed to embody everything that Lucas’ character is. His reticence, humour, hurt, frustration, loneliness and more.

These Hands is so much more than a romance, it is about a whole community, the good and the bad. It is also about assumptions, fear and courage; of finding that you are good enough, while thinking you are too imperfect, too flawed.

As I was listening, I was urging the characters to do, and say certain things, desperate to intervene. I wanted to reach in to the pages and give them a good shake.

This really was a WOW read for me, an absolutely beautiful book, and I’m very grateful to Lesley for the recommendation, despite my heart being put through a wringer. My advice to anyone reading this review thinking that this isn’t their genre, is to try it, you might find that you love These Hands, just as I have. 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ without doubt or question.

This was not marketed correctly at all! Not what I was wanting in a mystery romantic thriller... Please don't market this book that way it will not be good for ratings or sales.

No spoilers beyond what’s in the blurb…

Lucas Daniel was born with a strange condition, he has the power to heal. This is both a blessing and a curse and causes his mother to keep him isolated for his own protection. He befriends Kelsey, the girl next door, before a tragic accident leaves her hospitalised and Lucas’s mother whisking him away to protect his anonymity.

Both Lucas and Kelsey felt the special connection they had formed as children. Will life and love bring them together again as adults?

It’s categorised as General Fiction / Mystery & Thriller / Romance. The cover says ‘A love story’. I don’t read Romance, I’d class this as a very original character story with a romance (non-spicy) at its core.

I enjoy fiction with characters with special powers, the learning to harness them, live with them, the unexpected downsides, and These Hands deals with it brilliantly. The blossoming of the relationship between two isolated souls, both have changed since childhood.

This often held me close to tears, and I actually felt my scalp tightening at certain points.

The Duet audiobook production is superb, the male and females narrators’ dialogue is edited together so they have conversations, proper dialogue instead of a male narrator putting on a squeaky voice for the female characters’ lines. It flows really well.

You might think you know where this story ends, but it was incredibly unpredictable, frequently tense and it really gets the emotions flowing.

Brilliant! Definitely recommended!

Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing

🎧4.5⭐️

I had the audiobook narrated by Sofia Lette and Anthony Davis.
I was excited as it’s my first ever duet narration, a concept which I loved. Although I wish there had been more dialogue between them to maximise the duet narration aspect. I really enjoyed the Aussie accents. The male narrator was my favourite he really embodied the character of Lucas.

It’s marketed as romance, but it’s predominantly the story with an underlying romance thread. It’s not spicy. It’s just a lovely sweet moving romance.
Our main characters are Lucas who has the power of healing, although this power has massive drawbacks leaving him isolated and lonely. As a child he and Kelsey become best friends. When Lucas’s secret is discovered his mom whisks him away changing their identities.
I absolutely loved Lucas, such a lovely guy, my heart went out to him, I love storylines which incorporate paranormal elements. I felt this was handled well. It’s not pacy, it’s not thrilling, but it still managed to be captivating.
I’m not a romance reader, so I’m surprised that I loved this as much as I did. So don’t be put off by the genre, give it a whirl. It’s also tagged as a mystery thriller, but that label didn’t fit for me, it’s general fiction with romance for me.

This is

This book got me in my feels!!! I was so invested and gutted! I boohoo sobbed for longer than I'd like to admit.

Lucas lives an isolated life. Like the men in his family who came before him he has a magical healing ability with the touch of his hands. Death has always hovered near to the men in his family. His mother, terrified he would die young by inadvertently touching someone who had a life-threatening wound or illness, lives a miserable existence. He has to stay indoors all day, he can't have friends, cannot go to school, and has to wear gloves everywhere.
That all changes in the blink of an eye when Kelsey and her mother move in next door. Lucas sneaks out of his apartment and meets Kelsey. It's not a fast friendship but friendship develops and they begin sneaking out to hang out while Lucas' mother is at work.
One night tragedy strikes and Kelsey and Lucas' life are in danger.
Circumstances cause Lucas' mother to run with him fearing the aftermath of the tragedy. Lucas and Kelsey are separated and Kelsey believes Lucas to be dead.
20 years later they meet again......

The audiobook was fantastic and the narrators did an amazing job! Will definitely be recommending the audiobook!

Ugh, this book! Just writing this makes me want to cry again.
Loved the book, loved the writing. I really hope this review finds the author sitting at her laptop working on the next book. I need this to have a book 2.

Thank you to the author, Victory Editing, and Netgalley for providing the ARC Audiobook for an honest review.

Reviews to Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads. Video review posted to Tiktok account on 7/1/2025.

Duet Narration- Sofia Lette & Anthony Davis
Just wow! What amazing narration. These are both new narrators to me and they blew me away.

Deeply emotional, heartfelt, and amazingly written story. This takes place in Australia and the writing truly makes you feel as if you’re there seeing it for yourself. The narrator’s did a fabulous job bringing the true emotional depth to life with these characters.

Easy to listen too and follow. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to a friend.