The Secret Mother by Shalini Boland is a 2017 Bookouture publication.
Tessa returned home to find a child in her house- a child that is not hers. SadlThe Secret Mother by Shalini Boland is a 2017 Bookouture publication.
Tessa returned home to find a child in her house- a child that is not hers. Sadly, Tessa lives all alone after she lost her own two children and her marriage dissolved. Because of her history, she endures a great deal of scrutiny from the cops and the press. How did the boy get into the house and who does he belong to?
The only way Tessa can put this behind her is to confront her past- and discover how and why the boy was in her house. Her mission will be fraught with pain and danger as she peels back the layers of long held secrets and deception…
When this book was published, back in 2017, I suppose it would have been more lucrative to categorize it as a psychological thriller, but in my humble opinion, this book is truly a mystery with a heavy dose of drama. Yes, there’s a crime, and some suspense builds in a race against time scenario- but it’s not the nail-biting, edge of your seat, white knuckle stuff that makes you jump at the slightest little noise.
There’s a great deal of marital strife, and a menacing media presence, that takes up a great deal of real estate, as well as a budding romance. (Which includes the requisite semi-steamy interlude- for those who like content warnings.)
But truth be told, at the end of the day, this is a tragic drama more than anything else. Once the big twist is revealed- one I did guess at- the story concludes with a bittersweet, but hopeful outcome.
That said, despite the suspension of belief required in some spots, and what I feel was a misplaced genre label, the story, overall, is good. I picked this book out from the Kindle Unlimited library at random, and I liked it well enough to consider reading more of Shalini Boland’s work.
The Vanished Bride by Bella Ellis is a 2019 Berkley publication.
The Bronte sisters as amateur sleuths? Yes, please!
I have read a few mystery novels The Vanished Bride by Bella Ellis is a 2019 Berkley publication.
The Bronte sisters as amateur sleuths? Yes, please!
I have read a few mystery novels featuring real life persons as detectives, but with mixed results.
This is the first one I’ve encountered in which the three Bronte sisters work together to solve a mystery, and I must admit I was immediately intrigued by the all the possibilities- although, I was also cautiously optimistic.
However, the author did a stellar job of breathing life into these legendary authors, creating their distinct personalities, and giving readers a few clues as to why they were inspired to write the types of stories they eventually became famous for.
In this first installment of what promises to be a solid cozy mystery series, the ladies are pulled into a most puzzling case in which a young wife vanishes, leaving behind a bloody, gruesome scene, and two small children without a mother. Charlotte, Emily and Anne are horrified, but also titillated, deciding they should get to the bottom of the mystery themselves.
However, they soon learn that many feel female detectors are unladylike and that the women should not be out roaming the countryside alone, scouring for clues. However, that may be the least of their concerns, as their probing into the missing persons case could put them in grave danger.
I am quite impressed with this debut novel! The author has obviously studied the real- life counterparts of her main characters. Readers get a delightful and realistic depiction of their personalities before they became famous authors. The banter between the sisters is crisp and sharp, while the mystery is very well constructed and executed.
The story is atmospheric, occasionally creepy, and is an absorbing whodunit that kept me interested and guessing from start to finish. I loved it!! My kind of story all the way!!
I am very much looking forward to the second book in this series!...more
Marlene by C.W. Gortner is a 2016 William Morrow publication.
I will admit up front that I did not realize this was a work of fiction, at first. I wasMarlene by C.W. Gortner is a 2016 William Morrow publication.
I will admit up front that I did not realize this was a work of fiction, at first. I was a little disappointed since I was hoping for a traditional biography, but it was my own fault for not reading the synopsis carefully.
I had not experienced this type of biographical fiction until recently, but I found it to be an intriguing way of telling a person’s life story.
This one, though, was not a factual as I would have liked, with some suggestions being so incredible, I had to do a Google search to see if it was true. The information wasn’t necessarily outright false, since there is no way to disprove or validate it, so I suppose it’s up to the reader to decide what they want to believe… or not. I do understand this is a novel, and liberties were taken, I just wish I knew what was fact and what was fiction.
Yet, it is obvious the author did his research, and not only does he know his subject, but he obviously admired her, and was true to her legacy.
Despite my misunderstanding of the book’s format, I still found myself mesmerized by the story. Marlene was quite the character, and certainly lived life on her own terms, as much as she could.
Her first -person narrative is often amusing, and I think it did capture the woman’s essence in some ways. She was bold, promiscuous, forthright, yet manipulative at times, loved to shock and offend, play games with people, and live large. But, she lived for herself, it seems, and only herself, even though she had a husband and daughter, she rarely saw or had much of a relationship with. Her feelings never seemed to run too deeply, in my opinion.
Yet, she was refreshing in that ‘what you see, is what you get’ way, and of course she absolutely defined glamour. She was a trendsetter, and 'gender bender', and was well ahead of her time. She was adored by male and female fans, alike.
Marlene Dietrich is a legend and her willingness to push the envelope puts her in a class all by herself… well almost…
No biographical accounting of Marlene’s life would be complete without mentioning the famed rivalry between Marlene and Greta Garbo, which was explained, and played up here, just as the press did at the height of their popularity and fame.
I think both actresses deserved credit, both were special and ahead of their time, but to me, Marlene was much edgier, and seemed to enjoy being that way. Her teasing and daring literally jumps out at you from the screen, and leaves a lasting impression.
The novel ends without exploring the latter years of her life, where she experienced very hard times as well as enjoying many bright spots before she became totally reclusive, struggling with addiction and ill health.
While the book just stops, in a jarringly abrupt and awkward way, I felt the author’s focus on her early life was probably a good idea, especially since it captures the atmosphere surrounding the second world war, so well, and Marlene’s staunch stand against the Nazi’s and Hitler. While she was often untouched by what was going on, due to her work schedule, she did become more attune and shunned Berlin most of her life.
Another pivitol part of her life, were her years with director von Sternberg, and it was only fitting, that some time was spent examining this relationship and the obvious impact it had on Marlene’s rise to superstar status, as well as examining the ultimate downfall of the collaboration, which also sent Marlene onto a different path career wise, so it was all very fascinating.
There were many critical insights into Marlene’s life and how she chose to live it. She is, even now, a controversial figure, but one that is remembered as one of the best actresses of all time.
I would like to find a more comprehensive biography, which will tell the whole of Marlene’s life and is written in the traditional biographical format. If anyone has a suggestion, feel free to recommend one.
It’s been years since I’ve watched one of Dietrich’s films, and I will admit, a little sheepishly, that the movies I remember her by the most are the ones she made later in her life, such as ‘Witness for the Prosecution’, and not her groundbreaking roles, like ‘Blue Angel- Lola Lola’, probably because they were more readily assessable, but this book has me thinking of doing some binge watching one day soon.
I have on occasion lamented the bygone era of such beautiful glamour, of the risk takers, and the trailblazers, and the multi-talented performers, with wide ranging depth and acting range. Marlene was all of those things, and more. All you had to do was look into those soulful eyes just once and you were under her spell.
This is certainly an interesting spin on Marlene’s life, ‘through her own words’, which was both interesting and occasionally shocking, even now.
Although, this was not the type of book I went looking for, I am glad I happened across it. It’s different, for sure, but was well done, overall.
Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a 2017 Gallery Books publication.
It’s that time of year. Time to grab the sunscreen, the beach tSlightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a 2017 Gallery Books publication.
It’s that time of year. Time to grab the sunscreen, the beach towel, a cold beverage, and a good book and head to the beach - or if you are like me and don't live close to a body of water- lounge by the pool.
I have a nice list of ‘beach read’ authors I usually reach for, but Kristy Woodson Harvey is a new and fresh voice in the contemporary/women’s fiction arena, making this a good book to pack for a day at the beach.
This novel has a nice southern flair to it, although it's not necessarily a palpable mood, but is still a nice small town atmosphere.
The story is centered around Ansley, a forty-something widow, with three grown children, a mother she cares for, and a nice career she's managed to carve out over the years. She’s content with her life, enjoying her peace and solitude, although she still mourns for her husband.
But her world is turned upside down when all three daughters converge on her nice quiet routine. But, that’s not all. An old ‘friend’ from the past also shows up in town, peeling back long buried secrets, feelings, and complications she had kept locked in her heart for many years.
Caroline is a city girl through and through. New York is her playground. But, pregnant with her second child, she is shocked by her husband's blunt announcement that he has fallen out of love with her, and rumor has it, he is now squiring a stunning supermodel around town.
Devastated, she swallows her pride and returns home to Peachtree Bluff to lick her wounds, prepare for her child's birth, and regroup.
However, when her two sisters invite themselves along, things get complicated.
I confess, I have some mixed feelings about this one. Caroline’s character was perhaps drawn a little too well, because her shallowness, no matter how well intentioned she claims to be, rubbed me the wrong way right from the start, and I had a very hard time moving on from it. Her character does go through a growing process, and her decisions certainly surprised me, although I’m not sure how I felt about it.
Ansley’s backstory is different, to be sure. She's a 9/11 widow, who has some pretty interesting secrets packed away. I didn’t know if I found it all that plausible, but I did like Jack. Their relationship probably would not have worked the first time around, but this just might be their time and place for a second chance at love.
The secondary characters and their backstories add a little more depth and strength to the story and I did enjoy witnessing the mother/daughter dynamics as well as the ever fascinating relationship amongst sisters. Naturally, I love some good juicy rumors, dramas and secrets, and this book has its fair share of those. Forgiveness is also a strong and powerful theme that runs through the story, which gives it a good foundation to build on.
The mother/daughter first person narrative feels new to me. I’ve encountered this approach in the few New Adult novels I’ve read, but not so much in Women’s fiction. I appreciate the fresh approach, but I’m not sure if I liked it better than the traditional third person narrative, or a single first person voice, which would have been equally effective, in my opinion. But, that’s just a matter of taste, I think.
Overall, this is a descent beginning of the trilogy. It had some weak spots, but the stronger moments evened things out. I think my tepid response to this one is a minority opinion, but I am willing to try out the second book, mainly because I think the storyline may be stronger and has a little more potential to propel the trilogy forward.
Not exactly what I was expecting, but enjoyable enough.
Midnight & Mistletoe by Rebecca Raisin is a 2016 publication.
An emotionally stunning, but delightful conclusion to this romantic holiday e series!
ThMidnight & Mistletoe by Rebecca Raisin is a 2016 publication.
An emotionally stunning, but delightful conclusion to this romantic holiday e series!
This last installment in the Cedarwood Lodge e-series brings friends and family together for the holidays and finally resolves the age- old mystery of why Clio’s mom has such strong feelings about Cedarwood Lodge and explains why she held back from forging a solid relationship with her daughter. Warning… this storyline will require a box of tissues.
The romances that have developed over the course of the series have developed and I am so happy they were able to resolve some big issues and can begin enjoying their lives together.
But, what about Clio and Tim? Or will it be Clio and Kai? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out! However, I promise you will be very happy as the book closes with a promising, upbeat and heartwarming conclusion.
It goes without saying that you must read the first two installments to fully enjoy this book, and I highly recommend doing that.
I really enjoyed this e-series as a whole, and had fun reading it in increments, which gave me something to look forward to and because it was easy to work the installments into my busy holiday schedule.
I came to love and care for all the characters and hope to hear from them again someday. The story is, as always, well written and one that appeals to contemporary romance, chick-lit and women’s fiction readers, and is one that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a sweet, touching story. 4 stars
Brides and Bouquets at Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin is a 2016 HQ publication.
This is the second installment in the Cedarwood Lodge e-serial by RBrides and Bouquets at Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin is a 2016 HQ publication.
This is the second installment in the Cedarwood Lodge e-serial by Rebecca Raisin.
It’s Christmas time at Cedarwood Lodge and Clio has gotten the lodge ready to host events now and is hoping to cast the net by hosting the winter wonderland expo. She has her hands full, and of course, like Murphy’s law, what can go wrong, will go wrong. Can Clio pull everything together in time?
Although Clio’s possible love interest has left, she’s still harboring feelings for him, but she is also being pursued by her old boyfriend. However, Clio is super busy with the lodge and has plenty of heavy drama to deal with in regards to her mother’s long kept secret that involves memories of events that took place long ago at Cedarwood Lodge. Her refusal to confess to Clio is driving a deeper wedge between them.
In the meantime, Amory and Cruz are going through a rough time as their original goals and plans seem to have melted away. Amory is nervous about the changes and the pressure to commit to marriage and children.
Rebecca Raisin has a knack for creating characters I want to cheer for and can relate to, as well as stories anyone can enjoy. This e-serial is a very nice idea and I’ve been really enjoying these short updates and developments from this delightful cast of characters.
A lot of serious relationship issues crop up in this second chapter, which led to many changes. Some are awesome and I loved the curves some of the characters were brave enough to endure, and has me looking forward to the last chapter in the series with great anticipation. I can’t wait to find out how everything turns out. Naturally, I want Clio to finally get her own happily ever after, and of course I hope she and her mother can finally put the painful past behind them. The suspense is killing me!
Dead End Fix by T.E. Woods is a 2016 Alibi publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest reDead End Fix by T.E. Woods is a 2016 Alibi publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
We are up to book six in this series and the inevitable has finally taken place. Everyone has completely unraveled, and are losing their touch, losing their grip, losing their minds, and losing faith.
For those following the series, you will remember how book five ended, which was with a cliffhanger, and I’ve been on pins and needles wondering how Mort and Lydia are going to handle the situation without exposing their sordid past.
Well, this part of the story turned out to be rather anticlimactic, and was wrapped up fairly early on, making me more than a little suspicious. Well, my instincts were right. The competition between Lydia and Allie is just getting started, rapidly barreling towards the ultimate showdown.
Meanwhile, Mort finds himself dealing with a homicide inside Seattle’s gang population. Poor Mort believes in old fashioned justice and is so out of his element here. He doesn’t understand the gang mentality, nor does he understand the law enforcement unit assigned to this area. Their attitude is in direct opposition to everything Mort believes in. But, in the end, Mort may find his very foundation shaken to the core.
I think, in this installment, the author wisely begins to transition things, because otherwise the same old battles would become stale and boring. Mort’s crisis of conscience, being forced to face the stark realities of crime, justice, and retribution, is long overdue.
If Mort manages to come through this particularly dark episode without totally falling apart, then I predict he will come back with a more realistic approach to his job, see all situations with a more cynical point of view, and will wear a much harder exterior, and may even understand Lydia’s point of view more fully.
Lydia, who for me, is the big star of the show, and the most interesting character study I’ve encountered in a crime drama in a long while, has her hands full in this chapter, and spends a lot time trying to stay alive and one step ahead of her arch nemesis. In the end, her insights into entire situation makes too much sense, which is troubling, and I had to shake my head as that thought rolled around in my mind, taking root, and growing steadily to the point where I struggled to argue with Lydia. I still think she nailed it. What she believes is so much more realistic and true, even if we all wish to hold onto Mort’s value system with all our might.
While this novel isn’t quite on the same level as previous installments, I think it was a necessary transition piece, with the mind games being toned down a little, and there is more action based suspense, than we’ve seen before. We should all be familiar with the characters at this point, and are emotionally invested in them enough by now to feel their pain, confusion, and conflict, which means the author has created a very firm foundation for the characters and for the fans of the series.
It will be interesting to see how things evolve from here, as the tone will most definitely be different. That’s not always a bad thing, and while the storyline was not exactly what I’ve been accustomed to in the past, I still think it was time for the series to move forward, and face new challenges, and bring in new elements in order to sustain its longevity.
This is another gritty, twisty, and dark crime drama, and a very solid addition to the series, which left me will lots to ponder over.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty is a 2013 Berkley publication.
I am perhaps the last soul on earth to discover this fabulous author. After readThe Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty is a 2013 Berkley publication.
I am perhaps the last soul on earth to discover this fabulous author. After reading, “What Alice Forgot”, I couldn’t wait to read another book by Liane Moriarty.
This story was amazing. This author’s voice is incredible and boy does she know how to weave a story together. Three women, seemingly unconnected, find their paths crossing in the most bizarre way imaginable.
Cecilia finds a letter her husband wrote following the birth of their first child, which was only to be read in the event of his death. When she confronts him with it, he embarrassingly shrugs it off as a sentimental gesture and asked her to leave it unopened. However, when he returns home three days early, from a business trip and begins searching for the letter, Cecilia knows something is amiss, prompting her to ignore her husband’s request. What she discovers will knock her world off its axis.
Tess, returns to her mother’s home with her son, Liam, after she discovers her husband and her cousin have fallen in love with one another. While enrolling her son in the local school system, she meets an old boyfriend, who is now a P.E. teacher, and they decide to catch up on old times.
Rachel’s daughter was murdered many years ago, but the killer was never caught. Rachel is sure she knows who the killer is, she just can’t prove it. But, right now, she is frustrated by her son and daughter-in-law, who are planning a move to New York, which means Rachel won’t be able to babysit for her grandson anymore. Until, she discovers something that could get her daughter’s case reopened…..
This story is unlike any other I’ve read. I found myself giggling at times, horrified at others, shocked on several occasions, and even gasped out loud once or twice. The collision course, these three families are on is a thought provoking journey, which once again, prompts the reader to ponder about life, the choices we’ve made, the questions we often have about the path we’ve chosen, wondering if it was the way things were meant to be or what if…..
The story also examines the secrets we keep in life, in marriage, and other relationships and why we keep them, why we are afraid to speak out about our fears, or foibles. It’s understandable in some cases, and rather silly in others, but face it, we all harbor secrets. But, what are the consequences?
Each character is well drawn, very distinct, very human. I liked some of the people a great deal, and others infuriated me, or left me feeling cold.
However, all the elements are emotional and complicated, and the conclusion was very unexpected, but absolutely fitting.
If you haven’t read anything by the author, I can tell you, her work spans several genres, really, and will appeal to those who like mystery, romance, contemporary fiction and chick-lit.
I have to get back on my review schedule for now, but I can hardly wait to read another book from this talented storyteller. ...more
Tough Justice: Betrayed ( part 7 of 8) by Tyler Anne Snell is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
This series is very addictive, and HarlequTough Justice: Betrayed ( part 7 of 8) by Tyler Anne Snell is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
This series is very addictive, and Harlequin has really allowed these authors to get down and dirty, showing off their chops, and delivering some very gritty storytelling. The only bad thing about it is, I only have one more chapter left. Bummer! Another very solid installment in the series, I think fans of romantic suspense fans are going love.
Trapped (Tough Justice #4) by Gail Barrett is a 2016 Harlequin special release.
This chapter has some wild mood swings with Lara’s deeply troubled psyTrapped (Tough Justice #4) by Gail Barrett is a 2016 Harlequin special release.
This chapter has some wild mood swings with Lara’s deeply troubled psyche, Nick’s troubled past, and Moretti’s continued mind games, but there is a also a huge break in the case, which added a sense of euphoria to the story. But, don’t get caught up in the celebrations. A battle has been won, but the war is far from over. Another nice installment in this e-series, which I have been enjoying immensely. Remember, these must be read in order and are part of an eight -part series. This is for fans of crime stories and romantic suspense.
I enjoyed getting a little bit more background on Lara and Nick, picking up a little more insight into Lara’s character, as her personal demons are ex I enjoyed getting a little bit more background on Lara and Nick, picking up a little more insight into Lara’s character, as her personal demons are examined a little more closely.
Nick and Lara have a strong undercurrent running between them, that has me itching to see them give in to temptation, but I am enjoying the tantalizing build -up between them right now.
This second installment is action packed, gritty, and suspenseful and, of course, the last paragraph will leave you begging for more. I can’t wait to see where the series will go from here.
As I said when I first signed up to review this series, our busy schedules can make it hard to sit down and focus on a full length novel sometimes. SoAs I said when I first signed up to review this series, our busy schedules can make it hard to sit down and focus on a full length novel sometimes. So, reading one installment at a time in an e-serial format can prevent the reader from losing interest. But, if you enjoy binge watching shows on Netflix, this series will appeal to you from that standpoint too. All eight installments can be downloaded at once, so you can read them all at once, and I can tell you the temptation to do that will be great. However, I enjoyed stretching the segments out, in order to make it last a little longer.
Overall, I was impressed with the series as a whole and hope the e-serial idea will catch on with the consumer, so we can enjoy more of them. This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re... ...more
Tough Justice: Twisted by Gail Barrett is a 2016 Harlequin special release publication.
This book takes the story onto a whole new level of suspense aTough Justice: Twisted by Gail Barrett is a 2016 Harlequin special release publication.
This book takes the story onto a whole new level of suspense and will certainly command your attention. It’s not a pretty picture, so remember this e-series is a dark, gritty crime thriller, with the romance taking a backseat, at least for now. Also, remember this series needs to be read in order. Never fear, though, it is my understanding that you can download all eight installments at one time, and binge read to your heart’s content! I highly recommend this series. Stay tuned for “Tough Justice: Ambushed” by Carol Ericson. 4.5 stars This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the full review click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re......more
Tough Justice: Exposed Part 1/8 by Carla Cassidy is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
I have always enjoyed serials, and wish there were mTough Justice: Exposed Part 1/8 by Carla Cassidy is a 2016 Harlequin Special Release publication.
I have always enjoyed serials, and wish there were more of them out there. With the busy lives many of you live, it can be a challenge to fit reading into your routine. Serials are a great way to incorporate reading into a tight schedule, plus, I love how each installment leaves you hotly anticipating the next story in the series, which encourages people to continue reading, whereas a novel can feel too daunting at times, and are easily abandoned. So, I think this is a great idea and it’s a fun way to spice things up a little.
I am looking forward to the next installment and can’t wait to find out what happens next. Could there eventually be a little romance between Lara and Nick? Will Lara stop the Moretti’s before they murder again? Stay tuned! This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read this review in full, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Re... ...more
The Burning Girl by Lisa Unger is a 2014 Pocket Star publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for anThe Burning Girl by Lisa Unger is a 2014 Pocket Star publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This second book in the Whispers trilogy picks up ten years later as Eloise Montgomery is now a famous psychic who sees dead people. The story is sad because Eloise is still grieving for the husband and child she lost, while the “gift” she has drains all her energy, has put distance between herself and her surviving daughter, and people either depend on her too strongly or she is considered a quack and a pariah, often regarded with suspicion.
But, when she sees a young girl who gives off an odor like someone who emerged from a fire, she is especially troubled, and unsettling revelations begin to emerge about Eloise's background as she discovers her granddaughter may have inherited her special gift.
This second book was just bit off kilter for me compared to the first book, but still very absorbing and chilling. I did not really care for Ray that much, and of course I feel Eloise has been robbed of a peaceful, happy life after having suffered so much. But, there is a third installment and hopefully Eloise will find some kind relief, maybe some answers to her questions, and perhaps a bit more than mere contentment in her life, but even that would be an improvement. Overall I think this book is a bridge to the third and final book, and has set the stage for what is sure to be a compelling read. 4 stars...more
The Billionaire Husband Test by Elle James is 2012 publication.
This is a short but poignant story about Billionaire Cooper Johnson who gets suckered The Billionaire Husband Test by Elle James is 2012 publication.
This is a short but poignant story about Billionaire Cooper Johnson who gets suckered into helping his friend Leslie with her new dating service. He is taken completely off guard when he is paired with Emma, but must first pass the inspection of her brothers.
Emma, however, is not on board with this dating service set up. She lost her fiance in the war and is holding hard and fast to his memory. Her family is trying to draw her out of her shell, but she is resisting every step of the way.
Once Cooper becomes aware of Emma's situation, his heart aches for her, but he is more determined now to make this broken spirited girl happy. Think he can pull it off and help jump start Leslie's dating service at the same time?
When the story first starts I had the impression this would be a very light, fun read but as I read further, the story surprised me with it's depth. Cooper and Emma both needed someone in their lives and it was so cool how Cooper managed to draw Emma out of grief and help her see that she still has a lot of living yet to do. This one is both heartwarming and sexy. 4 stars...more
The Lake Season by Hannah Roberts McKinnon is a 2015 Atria/ Emily Bestler Books Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and NThe Lake Season by Hannah Roberts McKinnon is a 2015 Atria/ Emily Bestler Books Publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is women's fiction at it's finest. I have a habit of reading several books at one time, but once I got several chapters deep into this one, I couldn't put it down.
Iris and Leah are sisters, but you would never know it judging by their personalities. Iris is a solid, hard working person who got the good grades in school, was dependable, reliable, and did all the right things, but she was practically ignored by her parents in favor of her sister, Leah, who was beautiful and talented, but was never consistent, went through men at warp speed, partied hard, and never really made much of her life. But, her parents always got her out of trouble, gave her money if she asked, and made excuses for her.
Now, Iris is going through a crisis of her own, right when Leah decides to finally settle down and get married. So, Iris heads home to stay with her parents for the summer and plan a wedding for her flighty sister.
But, Iris could never have predicted the way this summer would end, what deeply rooted pain and resentments would come to light, what secrets would be unveiled, and how she herself will change in just a few short months, leading her on a road of self discovery with a renewed sense of hope and confidence, even if the road is still a rocky one.
We see life mostly through Iris's point of view as she tells us about her sister, her husband, her kids, her job, and her parents. Iris is just a little hard on herself and it's obvious she has spent most of her life trying to please people, starting with her parents, then her husband. But, now Iris needs to do something for herself, even if it's painful and terrifying.
However, as Iris returned home to New Hampshire, I couldn't help but notice how little self confidence Iris has, and how it's so often true that the way we view ourselves is so different from the way others see us. So, Iris is shocked at times, surprised at others times, sometimes pleasantly so, by the confessions made by her friend Trish, her sister, and her mother. Iris sees that maybe she had been taken notice of after all and that maybe she had something going for herself that others were envious of.
Still, even if she did have a life others wished to have, at this moment in time it's all in jeopardy. Iris's future is up in the air as her husband hints that maybe their marriage has run it's course. What will she do now? What will happen to the children, her career?
While she ponders these things, and goes though the painful process of realizing her marriage is a failure and is about to come to an end, out of the shadows walks Cooper Woods and before too long, Iris begins to gain perspective, learns dark family secrets, becomes closer to her unstable sister, and becomes a more well rounded person, and discovers a new found confidence in herself.
Watching Iris go through this transformation is often heartbreaking, and I felt her insecurities, and her indecision is so human and real. Iris finds it very hard to let go of that people pleasing habit she has, often teetering on the edge of settling for something less, in order to do what she thought was best for others. It is situation many people have gone through and her concerns were real and legitimate, and while I hoped she wouldn't waffle and back down, going backwards and not forward, I found I wouldn't be able to judge her too harshly. But, I so wanted Iris to feel complete on her own, without needing approval from her mother, or sister, or anyone for that matter. Personal growth did come at a cost, and all that Iris goes through in this story was hard on her. The truth about Leah is a gripping story on it's own. Again, I was struck by the preconceived notions we have of people, the judgments we make without knowing all the facts. Leah seemed to have so much promise, but continually threw it all away, and never seemed to have any accountability. Iris will learn the reasons for some of this behavior and will gain a much better understanding of her sister and her mother in the process.
I never knew how to feel about Millie. I saw she was mother doing the best she could, but didn't realize the damage she was inflicting on Iris in the process. Millie is not the warmest person on earth, and some of her advice to Iris got under my skin, but often I felt bad for her. Iris never understood her mother's favoritism, but will learn her mother does love her, just not in the same way as Leah, who has special needs. But, remember too, that even those we think are strong, who don't need us a much, often do need us and one should never presume such a thing. But, this summer will mend fences in some ways and help to heal resentments and past hurts.
Cooper Woods... well, I think I had crush on Cooper. I really, really liked him, and I think he is so good for our Iris. He knows exactly what Iris is going through right now and knows all about the ups and downs she is about to face, the uncertainty, the doubts, the many tears to come, and he has an intimate knowledge of her family's struggles, so there too he is a big help. I think all Iris needs now is time and some patience from Cooper and all will be well between them.
Ultimately, this is a story of love, forgiveness, family, friends, and personal growth. I believe Iris will become a better person, friend, parent, sister, daughter, and maybe even a happy wife someday. But for now, it's Iris's time to shine on her own and shine she will.
Cold, Cold Heart by Tami Hoag is a 2021 Dutton publication.
Dana Nolan is a ‘Final Girl’- the only survivor of serial killer ‘Doc Holliday’. Dana was Cold, Cold Heart by Tami Hoag is a 2021 Dutton publication.
Dana Nolan is a ‘Final Girl’- the only survivor of serial killer ‘Doc Holliday’. Dana was once a popular news anchor, but is now disfigured and suffering from memory loss due to a brain injury. Her memory is triggered when she’s asked about a high school friend, Casey Grant, who disappeared, leading Dana to a near obsession about the old case. Was Casey a victim of the same serial killer Dana tangled with or is the killer closer to home?
Oh man, I miss Tami Hoag. At one point she was an absolute ‘go to’ author for me. For some reason, she goes off grid on occasion, and I’ve not heard anything from her since 2019. This stand-alone thriller is a reissue- originally published in 2015- I think.
It is hard to create originality in serial killer tropes- but his one was high-octane suspense right from the start. There is a poignancy to the story, too, in some ways, as Hoag highlights the struggles of living with a traumatic brain injury, which Dana portrays in a realistic fashion.
Unfortunately, the pacing was slightly wonky – there is a very suspenseful build-up- and an unexpected twist, but the conclusion felt abrupt and left me feeling a little disoriented.
All the same, this was a deeply engrossing, suspenseful, and overall, superb thriller!
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