Searching for Elsie by Susan Stoker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When trust has been broken, it will take a special man to heal the rift and her heart.

Once upon a time, Elsie Ireland thought she’d found the man of her dreams, only to learn her fairytale romance was just another cautionary tale. Beyond a perfect family image, her husband had little interest in Elsie, and even less in their son. Years later, she and nine-year-old Tony have landed in Fallport, Virginia. She’s working two jobs and living in a motel, but Tony has a roof over his head and plenty of love. For Elsie, however, love isn’t in the cards. She doesn’t have the time to spare…or the trust.

After serving his country as a Green Beret, Zeke Calhoun was happy to get out of the military and settle into small-town life as a bar owner. His position with Eagle Point Search and Rescue fulfills his need to serve and provides some of the best friends he’s ever known. He didn’t realize anything was missing until it was right under his nose every day—his sweet, shy waitress, Elsie.

It isn’t easy to convince the independent, gun-shy single mom to let him in, and with memories of his own disastrous marriage still plaguing him, Zeke isn’t fully certain he’s the best bet for a healthy relationship. 

But one stolen kiss in a heightened moment, and he’s a goner. Vowing that Elsie and Tony’s lives are about to change for the better, Zeke is up for the challenge of proving not all men are like her ex. A task made significantly more difficult when a complication throws the couple’s fledgling relationship off course—then quickly spirals into a life-or-death situation no one saw coming.

Rescue, Renewal, and Romance in Fallport

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😀😍🤓
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

🎧 Audiobook Review: Searching for Elsie (Eagle Point Search and Rescue, #2)

Author: Susan Stoker
Genre: Military romance / Romantic Suspense
Narrators: C.J. Bloom and William Peters

🦸🏼‍♀️ The Heroine: Elsie Ireland

Elsie’s journey is one of resilience and quiet strength. Once trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who saw her only as a steppingstone for his career, she endured verbal abuse, betrayal, and neglect. Even when he briefly feigned affection, it was only to serve his ambition. The moment Elsie became pregnant, his mask slipped, and she was left to raise her son Tony largely on her own.

What makes Elsie compelling is her refusal to be defined by hardship. She walked away from her marriage without taking a dime, determined to build a life for herself and Tony through sheer grit. From ramen dinners sacrificed so her son could eat, to juggling jobs at a bar and motel in Fallport, Virginia, Elsie embodies the kind of heroine whose strength is forged in fire.

🦸🏻‍♂️ The Hero: Zeke Calhoun

Zeke is a former Green Beret carrying the scars of battle and betrayal. After leaving the military, he found purpose in Eagle Point Search & Rescue, a unit formed with fellow veterans to protect those lost in the Appalachian wilderness. By day, he runs the town’s bar and grill — a hub of community and camaraderie.

Behind his stoic exterior lies a man who has been burned by love. His ex-wife’s infidelity left him wary, yet his quiet admiration for Elsie has grown into something he can no longer ignore. Zeke’s strength isn’t just physical; it’s in his willingness to step forward, to care, and to rebuild trust.

📚 The Plot

This is a slow-burn romance built on patience, healing, and second chances. Zeke has long admired Elsie from afar, but his own scars — and her struggles — kept him at bay. Now, he’s ready to risk his heart again, even if it means confronting the ghosts of his past.

Their story unfolds not in grand gestures, but in small, meaningful moments: shared vulnerability, quiet acts of care, and the gradual realization that love can be both refuge and renewal.

🌟 Highlights

• The relationship develops organically, echoing the first book’s strength in pacing and character depth.
• Elsie’s sacrifices for Tony are heart-wrenching yet inspiring, showcasing her fierce devotion as a mother.
• Zeke’s recognition of Elsie’s struggles leads to tangible change — not just for her and Tony, but for his staff as well.
• Tony shines as a fully realized character, witty and intelligent, never relegated to the background.

⤵️ Low Points

• Compared to the first installment, the action is lighter, and certain sections feel drawn out. A tighter edit could have kept the momentum stronger.

🎙️ Narration

Dual narration by C.J. Bloom and William Peters brings the story to life with authenticity. Bloom’s crisp articulation perfectly matches Elsie’s resilience, while Peters’ warm, flowing delivery captures Zeke’s quiet strength. His Sheriff voice even carries a nostalgic Casey Kasem vibe. Together, they create an immersive listening experience that feels true to the characters’ ages and emotions.

💬 Final Thoughts

This audiobook is less about adrenaline and more about heart. It’s a story of survival, healing, and the courage to embrace love after betrayal. Elsie and Zeke’s journey may not be packed with nonstop action, but its emotional resonance lingers long after the final chapter.

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