A Fatal Feast by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is a 2009 Berkley publication.
Jessica has come down with a bad case of writer’s block and all of CaA Fatal Feast by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain is a 2009 Berkley publication.
Jessica has come down with a bad case of writer’s block and all of Cabot Cove is aware of it. But her attention is diverted from her WIP as she prepares to host a Thanksgiving feast at her home. The guests are certainly an eclectic group, which will include her old friend, George, from across the pond.
But a new development has Jessica worried. She has noticed a man loitering around her house, while she is receiving daily letters that contain one letter at a time- some lower case- some upper case. At first Jessica blew it off, but as the letters continued George and Mort feel it is worth investigating.
Meanwhile, Jessica’s guest list continues to grow and with that she begins to worry they won’t all get along….
This may not be the only Thanksgiving themed novel in this series, but it’s the only one that came up in a search for Thanksgiving mysteries- so, I’m presuming it is.
Every year when the dog days of summer are winding down, I start craving Christmas stories. Even through the month of October when I’m also in the mood for something spooky, I can’t help but sneak in a few Christmas novels. But, what about Thanksgiving?
A few years ago, that question popped into my mind and since then, I’ve made a concerted effort to find and read at least one Thanksgiving themed story. So, without further ado…
This story is a bit of a slow burner- but I was so enjoying my return to Cabot Cove -with George making the trip to this landscape- that I didn’t mind the slow buildup.
Once the murder takes place, I thought it was fairly easy to decipher who the killer was, but the motive was very murky. So murky, I never would have put that piece of the puzzle together no matter how many times I guessed!!
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this Thanksgiving themed mystery. The ending was slightly quirky but all’s well that ends well. If you are overwhelmed by the rush into Christmas and all those 'Black Friday' sales- take some time out to read a good cozy Thanksgiving story and remember to slow down and take time to be thankful!!
Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is a 2022 Berkley publication.
I really wanted to like this one. The title and cover were a big draw, but unfoDeath by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is a 2022 Berkley publication.
I really wanted to like this one. The title and cover were a big draw, but unfortunately, the book was too busy, with far too many characters. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, there’s very little chemistry or emotion between the cousins- and the mystery just did not grab me.
Murder on Bedford Street by Victoria Thompson is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Frank and Sarah are hired to investigate when Julia, a young mother, is iMurder on Bedford Street by Victoria Thompson is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Frank and Sarah are hired to investigate when Julia, a young mother, is institutionalized by her husband even though she appears to be perfectly sane. Later, even more disturbing information comes to light which suggests Julia's husband is a philanderer who may be responsible for several disturbances within the household, including a shocking death. But as the investigation deepens, they discover a plethora of contradictory opinions about Julia and her husband….
This was a very interesting premise and is also thought-provoking. There was a time when a husband could have an inconvenient wife committed to an insane asylum without her permission or any legal questions about his motives. Naturally, we immediately feel indignation about Julia’s situation, but is there more to the story than meets the eye? Are Frank and Sarah on the right track or have misread the situation?
Victoria Thompson always manages to create an increasingly taut story and this one was no exception. In fact, at one point I caught myself holding my Kindle in a death grip. It was even a bit disconcerting to see Frank and Sarah in such an uncomfortable situation. Thompson reminds us of a time when women were limited and vulnerable but were also underestimated…
I loved touching base with these old friends again, as always. This installment was a bit unsettling- and had a different vibe to it, I thought- but I thought it was well done, and it gave the recurring characters a chance to do a different kind of sleuthing while also facing a dilemma they’ve never encountered before.
Murder, She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Jessica heads to Belfast, IrelMurder, She Wrote: Death on the Emerald Isle by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2023 Berkley publication.
Jessica heads to Belfast, Ireland to attend a Book Festival for a colleague who is unable to attend. Her stay is extended when, Maeve, her Cabot Cove neighbor, asks Jessica to do her a favor and deliver some family heirloom paintings to her family in Bushmills.
The last thing she anticipates is having to call Maeve with the news that one of her cousins has been murdered…
The television show, on which these books are based, featured a handful of episodes set in Ireland, and I do believe that Angela Lansbury had some Irish roots in real life, so I was happy to see the author once again remained true to the series, while taking us on a trip to Bushmills, Ireland!
This is the 56th installment in the series and the fourth by Terrie Farley Moran, but it is also the first MSW novel published after the death of Angela Lansbury. (To be released in early 2023) As such, there is a bit of a bittersweet pall cast over this one, but it also made the setting all the more fitting, though my favorite installments are normally those set in Cabot Cove.
As for the mystery, it stands up nicely, and I was invested in the story right way, though the clues could have been a bit more subtle in some places and Moran, while doing an admirable job, still seems a bit too tentative.
Other than that, this was another enjoyable installment in the series- and as always it is so nice to touch base with Jessica again-especially now, when I really needed to hear her voice again. I hope this series will continue Jessica’s legacy and help keep Lansbury’s memory alive for a long time to come!
Castle Dark, Castle Deep by Veronica Bond is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Another murder has taken place in Castle Dark. If that is not shocking enoughCastle Dark, Castle Deep by Veronica Bond is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Another murder has taken place in Castle Dark. If that is not shocking enough, the victim was a young man with no apparent enemies. The motive remains elusive as Dash takes over the case, while Nora fends off a new cast member that rubs her the wrong way and worries about the distance that has grown between her and Dash. The case is at a standstill until Nora and Dash make a shocking discovery that changes the entire dynamics of the investigation- and could bring danger to more than one of the cast members- Nora included…
The large castle, spooky catacombs, Halloween, and an Ibsen play is the perfect backdrop for a good Autumn themed mystery. I enjoyed the first book in this series because of the Gothic undertones- and the author continues with that theme in this second installment.
The mystery is solid, but light, with the romance getting a little more attention this time around. There were a few niggles, though, as one of the characters that ended up being central to the mystery barely said a word throughout the entire book. I thought that was little odd, considering the circumstances, and it sort of nagged at me a little.
That said, I loved the spirit animal segments and the beautiful fall scenery described in the story and, of course, I loved hearing about the ‘Bronte’s’- Nora’s three cats- and how they are growing, and the way the story ended so peacefully and full of winter promise.
Overall, a very nice follow-up to ‘Death in Castle Dark', and a good book to curl up with this fall.
Death in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond is a 2021 Berkley publication.
Nora lands a dream job at an old castle as part of a mystery troupe. She lives onDeath in Castle Dark by Veronica Bond is a 2021 Berkley publication.
Nora lands a dream job at an old castle as part of a mystery troupe. She lives on the premises, and immediately hits it off with the other actors and is having a world of fun…
Until one of the other actors really is murdered…
If a series had my name on it, this one would! An old castle, huge libraries, Gothic books, suspense, a promising premise- a lovable DOG ...more
A Deadly Bone to Pick by Peggy Rothschild is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Molly Madison’s life was rudely upended when she lost both her husband and heA Deadly Bone to Pick by Peggy Rothschild is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Molly Madison’s life was rudely upended when she lost both her husband and her career in one felled swoop. She’s starting over in a new community where nobody knows about the scandal she left behind. Unfortunately, her tranquility is short-lived. When her neighbor’s dog finds a severed hand and promptly brings it to Molly, the investigators seem bent on tying Molly to the crime. Things go from bad to worse, when more bodies begin piling up and Molly seems to be at the center of the killing spree….
I’m a sucker for books that feature pets or animals, so naturally I was immediately drawn to the cover and the title of this one. This is the first book in a series, and it gets off to a very solid beginning.
I loved the way the dogs were incorporated into the mystery, and it is obvious the author knows something about dog training. They mystery is lightweight, but well crafted. The book could probably land in the cozy category too, as the violence is tame, and the language is mild- (other than one time, with a word that I personally find objectionable.) That said, all mystery readers will enjoy this one- especially dog lovers.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series starter. I liked Molly’s character and her sense of responsibility, not only to dogs but to other characters in the book, as well. I’ve already added the follow up book to my TBR list!
Playing Dead by Peggy Rothschild is a 2023 Berkley publication.
This second installment of the series dog-trainer Molly Madison pays a visit to the PlPlaying Dead by Peggy Rothschild is a 2023 Berkley publication.
This second installment of the series dog-trainer Molly Madison pays a visit to the Playtime Academy for dogs- then promptly discovers one of the trainers, a very nasty human being, has been murdered.
When one of Molly's new friends is arrested for the murder, she agrees to do a little digging on her behalf.
I enjoyed this mystery, overall- I liked the way the author shines a light on the world of dog training- and I like the recurring characters, as well. The mystery is solid enough, though some might guess early on who the murderer is- the motive doesn’t become clear until late in the novel.
There were a few warbles here and there and the book was a little too busy at times, but though it was a little choppy, the threads all come together nicely in the end.
Overall, the series holds its own with the second chapter. It’s an easy read, and dog lovers will appreciate the various breeds represented and Molly’s dedication to them.
3.5 stars
*Content: I put this book on my 'mystery' shelf-but not as a cozy- still the book is marketed as such. The book has no graphic violence- but it does have some 'closed-door' adult situations and some mild, albeit a bit too frequent, language. Though many cozies are super 'clean', this one is still temperate enough for most cozy fans. ...more
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Kat and Blake met at summer camp and became instant best friends- but an unexpected, mind-bThe Beach Trap by Ali Brady is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Kat and Blake met at summer camp and became instant best friends- but an unexpected, mind-blowing revelation changed all that in one felled swoop.
Now, fifteen years later, the two former-friends find themselves thrown together again- but make no mistake- they have no plans to rekindle their friendship or any other relationship that might have been forced on them. The goal- the ONLY goal is to flip the beach house and then sell it. But Kat has an emotional attachment to the house, while Blake just wants her fair share so she can care for her grandfather. The house, unfortunately, is in bad shape and the two must work together to restore it… which, as one might expect, doesn’t go well…
This summer I overloaded myself with ‘Beach’ reads. Now as the summer is winding down, I’m furiously reading all the books I planned to read before fall. Yes, this is one of those misleading 'cartoon' covers- No, this one is not comedy. The story has its share of emotion, but not anything too heavy. In fact, this book is a great blend of drama and romance, with just the right amount of emotional depth, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
The reader may be tempted to take sides- Team Blake or Team Kat- and I’m betting most will go for team Blake merely because she’s less histrionic and accusatory. I liked both characters- Kat because she was an interesting character study, and the one I felt had the most work to do, and Blake because she was down to earth and more flexible, though she has just as much emotional damage to work through. The story immediately drew me in, especially after the big revelation. Except for the unnecessary steaminess, I enjoyed every minute of it- front to back.
Overall, I’m glad this is one of my final ‘beach reads’ of the season, because it is a great way to cap off the summer!
Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a 2021 Berkley Books publication.
A 30 by 30 list, an unfathomable tragedy, two precious nieces, Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a 2021 Berkley Books publication.
A 30 by 30 list, an unfathomable tragedy, two precious nieces, a beachside condo, and a job as a yacht stewardess comes together for one summer where a kiss shared with a total stranger prompts Jo Walker to take stock, examine her complicated family life, and maybe gather the courage to put herself out there again, even if it means facing her grief, and putting her heart at risk…
It’s been a while since I hit my thirty-year milestone so I was a little concerned that I might have trouble relating to Jo, but as it turns out, this novel covers a wide range or characters, and Jo was more mature and down to earth than I was anticipating.
Jo’s friend, Nina, was a real hoot, and kept the comic relief going as the book does deal with unimaginable grief and how different people approach it.
Despite those heavy topics, the tone of the book is not somber or depressing and there are fun and comical moments. That said, with these cartoon covers, it can be hard to distinguish this type of story from the many Rom Com’s that have the same cover appearance.
If you are looking for that style of romance, this one might contain more serious reality than you were expecting. Still, I liked the realism and the author’s bravery in addressing grief, and the steps we take in the name of self-preservation or guilt that keeps us from living life to the fullest.
I especially enjoyed the banter between Jo and Alex and the growth of these characters felt sincere. It was nice to see them face their greatest fears, admit their shortcomings, and have the courage to make the changes that not only helped them grow individually, but helped make those around them stronger and healthier, as well.
Overall, I really liked this book, and already have the follow-up queued up and ready to go.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Who could resist that title?
I was a little worried about the popularity of this book. I doBook Lovers by Emily Henry is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Who could resist that title?
I was a little worried about the popularity of this book. I don’t do well with books that reach a certain level of hype, and usually end up scratching my head wondering what all the fuss was about. But, in this case my expectations were not set high enough.
I loved almost everything about this book. I liked the clever way the author went against type with the small-town trope, avoiding the trap of pitting small towns against big cities. I loved the characters, all their flaws, and the banter between Nora and Charles was simply outstanding.
I laughed all the way through the book, and enjoyed the literary occupations, book references and the processes involved in being an agent or editor.
The chemistry between the love interests’ sizzles- and made me realize that I haven’t gotten this caught up in a romance in a long time and was having such a good time with this one.
All that said, the book comes with some good emotional drama, too, which is centered around Nora’s relationship with her sister, Libby. This is where the true depth of the story lies, and it is really good stuff!
Overall, this book deserves all the kudos it has received, and I enjoyed it immensely- from start to finish.
4.5 stars
*Strong language the book would have been just as good without....more
Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Jessica celebrates the completion ofMurder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Jessica celebrates the completion of her latest book by accepting an invitation from Grady, Donna, and her grandnephew, Frank, to join them in New York at a beachside bungalow. The trip is sponsored by Donna’s company- but the relaxing vacation turns tense when Donna discovers her boss dead on the tennis court. Immediately, Jessica suspects foul play and soon her suspicions are confirmed. The Fletcher’s have been asked to stand by while the investigation proceeds, which gives Jessica plenty of time to do her own digging- which unearths a nest of greed and family resentments leaving her no shortage of suspects.
What fun to catch up with Grady and his family, and the locations couldn’t have been better for summer mystery. This installment was sweet- with so many touching moments between Jessica and Frank. The mystery did seem to take a back seat in this installment and Jessica seemed a bit distracted in this one and not especially interested in butting her nose in too far. All the same the mystery wraps up nicely, with an unexpected twist I never saw coming- and that’s always a good thing for me.
The mystery was subdued this time around, but the moments with Jessica and her family were priceless. I don’t think we’ve seen Jessica’s interaction with family have such poignancy either on the show or in previous incarnations of the book series. I liked it- and hope we will see more of this side of Jessica in the future- but also hope the mystery areas will not lose momentum in the process.
Overall, a very nice addition to this long running series and a good one to pop into your beach bag this summer!
The Secret Love Letters of Oliva Moretti by Jennifer Probst is a 2022 Berkley publication.
More like this one, please!!
Priscilla, Devon and Bailey- thThe Secret Love Letters of Oliva Moretti by Jennifer Probst is a 2022 Berkley publication.
More like this one, please!!
Priscilla, Devon and Bailey- three sisters who have been somewhat estranged over the years are stunned by the death of their mother, Olivia.
As they gather to put her affairs in order, they make a startling discovery. Olivia owns a house in Italy, and she has been exchanging letters with a man who signed his name with only one initial- ‘R’.
Needing to tie up all the loose ends of their mother’s property the three bickering sisters travel to Italy hoping to find the mysterious ‘R’ and discover what his relationship to Olivia really was.
Meanwhile, the sisters each recognize and own their own individual issues, which might work to heal old wounds between them and bring them back to the closeness they once shared.
This is a just an all-around lovely story about life, love, family and the bonds of sisterhood. The story alternates between Olivia as a young woman, staying with her aunt in Italy while her parents are on the cusp of divorce. There she meets Rafe and the two become friends, and then fall in love. Over the years they exchange letters which also give the reader more clues as to what happened between the two star crossed lovers.
Meanwhile, the sisters are given individual voices, as well a collective one- Pris is dealing with unrealized dreams and a stale marriage, while Dev, a strong woman who relishes organization, structure, and her work, goes up against her sister, Bailey, who is the opposite.
The two can’t get along for two seconds, and each is harboring a load of pain as a result…
I loved this story so much! Why, why, why can’t we have more books like this one?? I loved the distinct personalities of the three sisters, and who doesn’t love a story set in Italy?? I loved the romance, the secrets that were revealed, the work the women did to better themselves and get rid of the things that made them miserable and were finally able to talk through their differences. There is strong character growth, fun and heartwarming moments and lots of healing and forgiveness!
Overall, this book was so, so, so, SOOOO refreshing!!
The Shop on Royal Street by Karen White is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Seven years have passed since Nola first set off for New Orleans. Times have beThe Shop on Royal Street by Karen White is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Seven years have passed since Nola first set off for New Orleans. Times have been hard, but she’s gotten herself together and is ready to buy her first house. Naturally, she chooses one in dire need of either a complete gutting or a bulldozer. Melanie is highly skeptical- not just because of the massive work that needs doing, but because of the spirits she senses in the house. Nola meets even more resistance from Beau, but eventually Nola gets her wish...
But not before she learns the house is a ‘Murder’ house. As it becomes clear that the unsolved mystery is connected to the house’s restless spirits, and could have a connection to Beau, Nola sets out to solve the cold case mystery…
I’ve been super excited about this series. I wasn’t expecting so much time to have elapsed between the ‘Tradd Street’ mystery and this new one, nor was I expecting Nola to fall prey to her family’s predisposition to addiction.
What did not surprise me, though, was Nola's complicated relationship, with Beau- and I'm looking forward to seeing how this relationship develops.
I also loved Jolene, Nola’s friend and roommate, and quirky southern sayings, and of course, I LOVED the setting!! New Orleans is the perfect location for Nola and her paranormal adventures. The mystery is very curious and some of the loose ends will carry over to the next installment.
While we experienced some chills and thrills, in the Tradd Street series, this spinoff has come real spine tingling moments that gave me the shivers!
Overall, as you can tell, I was able to easily drop into this spinoff series and enjoyed touching base with some of my favorite ABBA loving characters, but also loved how easily the torch was passed to Nola- which was seamless and natural.
I think the new series is off to a great start and I can’t wait to read the next installment!!...more
Remember Love by Mary Balogh is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Devlin grew up believing in love, honor and duty- the values his parents practiced and insRemember Love by Mary Balogh is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Devlin grew up believing in love, honor and duty- the values his parents practiced and instilled in him. His life seemed to be moving in the direction in which he intended when he discovers that the woman he has secretly loved, Gwyneth Rhys, loves him in return.
He is all set to seek her father’s blessings for their engagement when certain suspicions about his father prove correct. After a public, scandalous confrontation at a crowded fete, Devlin is convinced he has shamed his family. This prompts him to leave not only his home, but his beloved Gwyneth, as well, vowing never to return...
After learning of his father’s death, Devlin realizes it is time for him to finally return home and resume his duties as the heir to Ravenwood.
What he finds upon his arrival is devastating. His family is broken, the community no longer the vibrant social hub it once was, and worst of all, he finds that Gwyneth, despite several proposals, has been unable to get over him and settle into a happy marriage.
Logically, Devlin knows he needs to help his family heal and restore his relationship with his mother, do right by the community and uphold his duty to marry and produce heirs. But his disillusionment is so great, his embitterment now so deeply embedded in his mind, heart, and spirit, he’s forgotten how to feel and experience love.
Can Gwyneth help him remember love?
As always, Mary Balogh brings us a lovely, gentle story that restores one’s faith in love and always leaves this reader feeling refreshed, with a fuller heart.
“When people live in denial of the truth- sometimes large groups of them all together- they lose their…. I am not sure of the right word. They lose something precious, something good and right and true. Their integrity, perhaps?”
There is a gentle message in this story, though. It is one that I took to heart, because I have in recent years discovered some hard truths about some people, I thought I knew, and then saw humanity show its true self in a way I never thought possible.
To protect myself, I have, like Devlin, hardened my heart against them and in humanity itself. Perhaps, I too need to accept that, although I’ll never see things through the same lens again, I need to focus on the good- and remember love…
Overall, a solid start for this new series by one of my favorite historical romance authors. I’m looking forward to seeing how the series will progress and hope to see the secondary characters get their very own happily ever after!
The Hacienda by Isabel Canas is a 2022 Berkley publication.
If you enjoy a good atmospheric tale of Gothic Horror, then you’ve come to the right placeThe Hacienda by Isabel Canas is a 2022 Berkley publication.
If you enjoy a good atmospheric tale of Gothic Horror, then you’ve come to the right place!
With a blurb like ‘Mexican Gothic meets Rebecca’ I was eagerly anticipating this one and I was not disappointed!!
After her father is executed during the Mexican War of Independence, and she loses her home, Beatriz grabs onto a golden opportunity by marrying Don Rodolpho Solórzano, a widower whose previous wife died under mysterious circumstances.
Determined to have a better life, and the security her marriage promises, Beatriz is eager to move onto Don’s countryside estate and begin making it her own. She is not met with warmth by Don’s sister, the staff….
Or the House….
When Beatriz begins to experience some frightening events, she realizes she needs help. To that end, she enlists a young priest named Padre Andres, who becomes her only trustworthy supporter. Beatriz comes to believe that if she and Padre are not successful in ridding the house of its evil she will die in the house, just as Don Rodolpho’s first wife did… Wow! Paying homage to the Gothic Horror of old, while giving the genre a fresh spin, this story has everything you would want in a rip roaring fireside tale of horror, suspense, and forbidden love. I was riveted to the pages, gripped by the spine-tingling supernatural atmosphere, but was also drawn to the romance of the story, as well.
Some religious imagery and conflict were a little uncomfortable as the author mingles secular tendencies with the church, but it was an interesting representation of an internal conflict in all of us.
Overall, this is a superb representation of this genre. I’m duly impressed. I mainly read this book late at night and I must say that it gave me the shivers more than once and had me jumping at the slightest noise. If I have my information right, this is the first full length novel by this author, and she absolutely nailed it!!...more
Quarter to Midnight by Karen Rose is a 2022 Berkley publication.
When Gabe, a celebrity chef in New Orleans, learns his father has died- with an officQuarter to Midnight by Karen Rose is a 2022 Berkley publication.
When Gabe, a celebrity chef in New Orleans, learns his father has died- with an official cause of death listed as suicide, he orders a private autopsy. What he learns sends him to Burke Broussard, and old friend of his father’s, for help. Burke assigned Molly Sutton to the case, despite Gabe’s skepticism.
As Molly starts digging around, they discover a murder case that occurred during Katrina, witnessed by a five-year-old boy, named Xavier. Now it looks like whoever killed Gabe’s father, is also trying to kill Xavier. Molly and Gabe team up to protect Xavier and bring down a stone-cold murderer and expose a shocking level of corruption in the process…
This is the first book in a new series for Karen Rose and it gets off to a rip-roaring start. As per usual, Karen Rose gives readers a lot of bang for their buck. Her novels are usually ‘tome’ size for starters, but there is never a dull moment within these pages and despite its heft, it is an absorbing page turner.
Fans of this author know what to expect and won’t be disappointed. For those who are not familiar with Rose’s work, her books might be labeled as romantic suspense, but anyone who enjoys crime fiction- especially thrillers- will probably enjoy this book.
Overall, this is a solid beginning for this New Orleans based series starter and certainly meets the standards I've come to expect from this author.
*Content advisory- brief, but explicit sexual content, some objectionable or harsh language, violence- but not overly graphic....more
Home or Away by Kathleen West is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Best friends, Leigh and Susy were on the road to Olympic hockey glory together...
But onlyHome or Away by Kathleen West is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Best friends, Leigh and Susy were on the road to Olympic hockey glory together...
But only one of them would bring home a medal...
Now, twenty years later, Leigh, married, and the mother of young Gus, has moved back to Minnesota, for the sake of her son, who wants his own chance at hockey glory.
But for Leigh, the move has brought back bitter memories-deepening the poisonous secret she has kept from her husband, while Gus struggles to play at the same level as his teammates.
Meanwhile, Susy, the hockey coach, tries to reach out to Leigh, but Leigh resents Susy’s success, her knowledge of Leigh's old secret, and the new friendship that Susy has developed with her husband, Charlie.
Things go from bad to worse for Leigh, as the reasons for her hockey failures all those years ago threaten to surface, meaning a certain end to her marriage. But even worse, there is an increasing amount of pressure from Susy and others to admit the truth and to finally come forward with her story…
This novel deals, not only with the pressures on young athletes, but with the behind-the-scenes politics, and the exploitation of young women who participate in sports at an elite level. It is also the story about relationships- motherhood, marriage, and friendship.
Occasionally I struggled with this book. I found it repetitive, at times, and the characters often frustrated me. I understood what the author was going for, though, and the themes explored are ones I feel strongly about- so I tamped down on my impatience to see how everything would play out.
Ultimately, I liked how the story came together, and the big steps the characters made. Even though the adults are older, a great deal of growing up is necessary- and slowly they rise to the occasion and do the right thing for themselves and others. Gus was my favorite character, though. I felt for him- the pressure he felt, the maturity and insights he had, and the realistic view of his limitations, which might have fallen short of the expectations placed on his little shoulders.
Overall, despite my annoyances with some of the characters, and their deliberate ignorance and stubbornness, and occasional outright meanness, I feel the story touches on a several thought-provoking subjects in such a way as to avoid uncomfortable heaviness, or becoming preachy, while providing us with a story that gives us something to chew on while offering hope, closure, and a new beginnings for everyone involved….
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