Darlene
Wow! This is what a thriller is meant to be. Lisa Jewell has created a deliciously disturbing and intriguing story that will keep the reader enthralled to the end. I know I was!
Alix Summers and Josie Fair meet on the night of their shared 45th birthday. Josie proclaims them “birthday twins” and approaches Alix, a well-known podcaster, with the idea of making a podcast about Josie's life and her plans to change her future. Alix is intrigued by Josie's unconventional relationship with her much older husband. They agree to do the podcast, and Josie spills all the astonishing and disturbing details of her life. But Alix does not realize that Josie is becoming obsessed with her, and she does not notice the impact that Josie is having on her life and family until it may be too late.
Everything about this story works. The characters are interesting and well-developed. No one is truly likable, but some are more dysfunctional than others. Josie Fair appears to be meek and simple, but there are disturbing depths to her character that make for an unpredictable, thrilling narrative. Alix is so enthralled by Josie's story and how she can benefit from it that she does not notice as Josie insinuates herself into Alix's life. The action is paced perfectly. The narrative alternates between Josie and Alix's interactions in real time and excerpts from the podcast and the documentary. The documentary sections add just the right amount of suspense by hinting at events that the reader has not yet witnessed. Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the execution is so good that it does not detract from the success of the book.
Honestly, I just love a dark, twisted, messed up thriller, and that is what you get with this book. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy this as well.
William Kent Krueger has a great talent when it comes to writing a coming of age story. Ordinary Grace is one of my favorite books, so I was excited to read another story about a young boy facing adversity that shapes him into the individual he will be. Krueger's depiction of America during the early 1930s is vivid and informative. I was completely immersed in Odie's world and the adventure he is forced to take to find a life in which he and his friends could be free and find a home.
This book tells the story of Odie, his older brother Alfred, his best friend Mose, and a little girl named Emmy. They are orphans who bond together to escape tragedy and abuse at the hands of those who run the Lincoln Indian Training School. The story follows them as they flee their pursuers in search of family and safety. Many unfortunate events occur along the way that challenge their faith in people and each other.
The plight of these children is heartbreaking to read, but their persistence is inspiring. Despite all the obstacles in their path, they push onward and do what they can to protect each other. Krueger's character development is top notch. I felt for these characters as if they were real. Each of them inspired compassion for different reasons.
Krueger takes great care to create a vivid setting in all of his novels. He describes the landscapes in detail without it becoming tedious. The river in this story becomes as important to the story as the characters. It is their lifeline, their escape route, their adventure.
I cannot recommend Krueger's books enough. Any reader who appreciates a descriptive, immersive setting and rich, complex characters will enjoy this book.
After loving Night Swim by Megan Goldin, I was very much looking forward to this sequel featuring Rachel Krall again, and Dark Corners did not disappoint. This mystery/thriller delivers a nice balance between Rachel's character development and interesting plot elements.
In this story, Rachel Krall has been summoned to Florida to assist the FBI in an investigation because her name was mentioned in a conversation between a suspected killer and a now missing social media influencer. Rachel gets drawn into the search for the missing woman and puts herself in the sights of a killer.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book is the character development. The reader gets to see more of Rachel's character and develop a connection to her. That is one of the benefits of sequels like this. I liked the introduction of a possible love interest for Rachel. It just adds another layer to the storytelling.
The plot takes a few twists that are not overly shocking, but they keep the story interesting. I figured out the main twist before it was revealed, but that didn't take away from the experience. I actually enjoy when an author provides enough clues to allow me to figure things out in advance.
Overall, this is a solid mystery/thriller that I would recommend to any fans of the genre. I hope Goldin continues Rachel's story in more books in this series.
I always enjoy a Katherine Center book, and this one continues that feeling. In this book, Center not only writes an endearing love story but also explores an interesting topic, face blindness. It makes for a fascinating read.
The main character, Sadie, learns early in the book that she has a serious brain disease that requires a quick surgery that can fix the issue. The problem for Sadie is that after the surgery, which goes well, a new issue develops. Sadie becomes face blind, which is a major issue considering she is a portrait artist currently competing in a contest that could make her career. The story follows Sadie as she struggles with the face blindness while also falling for two new men in her life, both of whom she cannot see their faces.
The premise of the story is unique and interesting. I enjoyed that part of the book. Following Sadie as she learns how to recognize people without seeing their faces is quite engaging. On the other hand, I found the storyline involving her evil stepsister to be unnecessary and distracting.
The main love interest, Joe, is a very likable character. Sadie's judgmental critiques of his behavior and the assumptions she makes about him are frustrating, though. Sadie is a bit self-absorbed and does not often try to see things from the perspective of others.
Overall, the reading experience was enjoyable. While I do not love the main character, there is enough in this story that is original and interesting to make it a 4 star book.
I have found my new favorite Christina Lauren romance. I have enjoyed almost every book I have read by this author duo, but this one stands out as superior. Both the characters and the plotline are mature and believable, which is refreshing.
This is the story of Fizzy Chen, who we first met in The Soulmate Equation, and Conner Prince III. Fizzy is a romance author who has lost her desire to date and as a result is struggling to write her next novel. Enter Conner Prince III, television producer and single father. Conner needs a leading lady for a new dating reality show, and he believes Fizzy is the perfect choice. The story follows the two before and during the filming of the show as they develop a friendship and try to stifle the obvious attraction they have for each other.
The characters make this book shine for me. It is nice to have two main characters that actually communicate openly and are honest throughout about their expectations and feelings. I am usually frustrated by the miscommunication that often permeates romance novels, but there is none of that in this book. It made my heart so happy to watch these adults behave like adults. They are both relatable and likable, and it was a joy to watch their relationship unfold.
The plot of this romance is not entirely unique, but it is well developed and adds a creative twist to the dating show trope. The DNA dating app introduced in The Soulmate Equation is carried over into this companion novel. The use of romance novel stereotypes is entertaining, with Conner having to cast men who fit the hero types such as “cinnamon role,” “hot nerd,” and “vampire.”
I loved the experience of reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone searching for a romance with adult characters who communicate openly and a fun storyline that keeps you engaged throughout. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advance review copy.
What would happen if one day each adult over 22 years of age found out exactly how long they would live? This book explores the impact that knowledge would have on individuals, their relationships, and society as a whole.
Coming from someone who is not a big fan of science fiction, or speculative fiction as this may be better categorized, I am surprised how much I love this book. The premise is intriguing and pulled me into the storyline immediately. In addition to the engaging premise, the beautiful prose and character development make this story stand out.
As the story begins, everyone over the age of 22 receives a box with a string in it. The string is either short or long in correlation to the length of each person's life. The storyline follows several different perspectives of individuals to reveal how different people react to the situation. It explores how the knowledge of one's lifespan could affect one's choices and relationships. It shows both the positive and negative ways people might behave if they had this powerful knowledge.
One of the best aspects of this novel is the characters. The author creates such vivid characters that are relatable and lovable. The reader becomes invested in their storylines.
I particularly enjoyed the exploration of how the leaders of a country would respond in a situation like the one in this book. It left me thinking about how our society would behave and how it might impact my life if it were real. To me, that is the sign of a good book. I cannot wait to recommend this one to people I know so I can talk about it with them.
I hadn't read a Jodi Picoult novel in quite a while, and I am very happy to have entered the world of her prose again. Her writing style is so engaging and easy to read. Every time I had to put the book down, I found myself upset to be leaving the story and excited for when I could return to it. Though I would have preferred a little less detail about beekeeping, I love this story and consider it a new favorite.
The story is about a mother, a son, and the girl the son loves. Olivia is a beekeeper who has raised her son, Asher, on her own. Asher falls in love with a new girl in town, Lily. When Lily dies and Asher is accused of her murder, Olivia takes action to defend him. However, she starts to question how much she knows about her son and whether he has inherited his father's temper.
The plot of this book is masterfully constructed, providing just enough details in each chapter to maintain suspense about what really happened to Lily. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of Olivia and Lily and provide dual timelines that reveal both the events leading up to the day of Lily's death and the events in the aftermath. There is a twist that is revealed once Lily's trial begins that is a bit shocking and changes how the reader views certain scenes already read. I found myself looking back to previous chapters to find the hints I missed.
Picoult and Boylan do an excellent job of developing the characters of Olivia and Lily. The reader gains insight into the feelings and motivations of each character and can understand the actions they take as result. I love when writers can make me feel connected and sympathetic to both characters even though there is conflict surrounding them.
While I enjoy most aspects of this novel, I do find the many details about beekeeping to be distracting at times. Sometimes, it enhances the main plot, but others it just takes the reader out of the main plotline. It is all interesting, yes, but it is a bit too much. I also find a reveal at the end to be a bit cliche, but not so much that it ruins my overall enjoyment of the book.
This book is going to live in my mind for some time. It explores some important topics in a respectful and thought-provoking manner. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy good storytelling that explores relationships and socially relevant topics.
I was hesitant to read this book because I'm not a huge fan of domestic thrillers. At first, I was not enjoying it much. I found the characters to be frustratingly obsessive and unlikeable. As the book went on, the plot intensified and became a bit more engaging. In the end, it is a solid 3 stars for me.
The book is told in dual timelines. In the present, Sara Goldman, her husband, and her son are moving into a new home in a new city. It immediately becomes clear that they have run away from something in their previous city, and they are on edge, especially Sarah. She finds hidden cameras in the new home and feels like she is being watched. Her husband does not seem as concerned about these things, making the reader believe that maybe Sarah is paranoid. Then, the timeline switches to a few months before when the Goldmans hired a new babysitter for their son. Holly Munroe seems like a perfect babysitter at first, but Sarah begins to suspect that there are secrets Holly is concealing.
The chapters alternate timelines and character point of view. They are told from Sarah's and Holly's perspectives, so the reader gets some insight into both of their feelings and motivations. The plot is well constructed to keep the reader in suspense as to what is really going on and who is responsible for the things that are happening to the Goldman's in the present timeline.
I would have enjoyed the book more if at least one of the characters had been likeable. I struggled to feel sympathy for anyone. I also am not a fan of domestic thrillers as previously stated, so the fault may not be entirely in the book. It is just not to my tastes.
Overall, I found the book to be okay. I am not likely to want to reread it, but I would recommend it to fans of domestic thrillers with dual timelines and suspicious characters.
This book turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. I heard mixed reviews before reading it, but I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed it. The setting and characters make this story engaging and memorable.
Molly the maid works at a posh hotel and lives a simple, structured life that she loves. While making her rounds one morning, she discovers that one of the guests is dead. Molly becomes entangled in the investigation of the death, which has been designated as murder, and learns some unpleasant truths about the people at the hotel.
Molly struggles with social interactions. Her grandmother used to help her navigate situations, but she passed away. Now Molly has to adjust to life without her Gran. When she finds herself in uncomfortable interactions, she reminds herself of her Gran's advice and sayings, mostly centered around cleaning and etiquette. I found her character to be endearing and lovable, even though some characters in the story find her off-putting. She is honest and straightforward, which many characters mistake for coldness. It is frustrating as a reader to witness how she is mistreated and used by other characters just because she is different.
Some people complain that this book is mislabeled as a mystery/thriller because it is more a character driven book about Molly. While I agree that it is very character driven, it is definitely a mystery. The entire story revolves around how the death in the hotel and the investigation into are impacting Molly's life. The killer is not revealed until near the end.
I like this book mostly because I like the main character. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries.
I am finding it hard to write a review of this book because I feel so indifferent about it. I cannot say I particularly like or dislike it. It is just okay.
This book tells the stories of Shelby and Gibson, two individuals who have recently experienced life-changing losses. Shelby has lost her wife who has died, and Gibson is going through a divorce from his wife. Each of them needs something or someone to help them out of their ruts. Enter Cammie, a young, attractive woman who fills a hole in both of their lives. However, she is not what she seems.
The reader is aware from the start that Cammie is a liar. It is made quite obvious that she is manipulating the two main characters. There is no mystery or intrigue in the story. The synopsis basically tells us the entire story up front. For me, it is a bit boring. Nothing shocks or surprises me in the plot.
It is hard to feel sympathy for Shelby and Gibson. They each are using Cammie for their own needs, so it is not surprising that it is so easy for her to manipulate them. As a reader, I found myself frustrated with their inability to see her for who she really is. Neither of them is particularly likeable or relatable for me.
The book is well-written, and there are no issues with the plot or characters. It just hasn't left much of an impression on me. Unfortunately, I would not recommend it.
The Beartown series is one of the best written series of books of this current times. In this final installment of the series, Frederik Backman beautifully closes the story of this small, snowy town.
As expected from the experience of the first two books in the series, this story is full of conflict between towns and groups of people. Mia and Benji both return to Beartown to attend the funeral of a Beartown icon. A terrible storm results in rising tensions between Beartown and Hedd, and these tensions fuel the plot of this book. Things do not end well for all our favorite characters, a fact which is foreshadowed in the first pages of the book.
This book is just as well-constructed as the first two in the series. Backman carries motifs established in book one through to the end of the series, making the entire reading experience cohesive and satisfying. The story could have been a bit shorter and still achieved it's goals, but the writing is so good that the reader can overlook some of the superfluous content.
Overall, this book concludes the series in a satisfying manner. I would have preferred a happier ending for some characters, but I accept that the choices made by the author fulfill his design. I highly recommend this book and the entire Beartown series to anyone who loves an engaging plot with beautiful prose.
While there are things I enjoy about this book, there is just too much going on that muddles the plot. The good aspects of this thriller revolve around a likable female protagonist, Sawyer Brooks. I am interested to see her character develop further in upcoming books. The storyline with her sisters and how the three of them are coping with their childhood abuse is interesting and needs further exploration. What I do not like about this thriller is the multiple plotlines, none of which connect very well. The book would have been better if it only dealt with the main storyline of Sawyer's return to River Rock and investigation of the deaths there. It would have been nice to see more development of the characters and their actions in that plot. The other two plots are just distracting and not needed.
While I am frustrated by the multiple plots of this one, I will still read the next book in the series because of Sawyer Brooks' character and a desire to see what the author does with her.
Diane Chamberlain's latest historical fiction novel The Last House on the Street is a definite five star for me. In this book, she tells the stories of Kayla and Ellie, two women in different timelines who are each battling some personal issues and trying to figure out their futures. Each storyline is full of drama and completely engaging. They eventually connect together for a very dramatic finish.
In the present day, Kayla Carter is moving into the home she and her husband built for their family. Unfortunately, her husband died in an accident during the building of the house. When a mysterious elderly woman warns her not to move into the house and strange things start to happen at the house, Kayla begins to doubt her decision to live there. In the timeline set in the past, Ellie Hockley joins the SCOPE project and spends a few summer weeks trying to help register members of the black community to vote. Her family, friends, and community are all opposed to her work and trouble ensues for her and the other members of the project. The connection between the two timelines becomes clear as the story progresses.
The storyline in the 1960's is both inspiring and upsetting. Ellie's desire to stand up for what she believes in even when no one in her life supports her is admirable. The book does a good job of providing information about this very important civil rights project. The references to the Klan and its operations are disturbing, but they are important reminders of the adversity faced by people trying to make positive change during that time period. The reader should be prepared for many emotionally charged moments in the story.
Everything about this book is done well. The characters are well-developed with both likeable and unlikable traits. While there are some stereotypes in the book, they seem necessary to make the points the author is trying to make. The pacing is just right with enough development of both characters and plot without making it drag. Overall, I really have no complaints.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and dual timelines. It will not disappoint.
I love a good crime thriller, and this one fits the bill quite well. The characters are complex and interesting, the crimes being investigated are engaging, and the ending is satisfying. This is a good addition to the Department W series.
The plot of this book is hard to summarize because there are so many things going on. In the chapters set in the past, the story focuses on Nete Hermansen and the abuse she received as a teenager at the hands of several individuals. The chapters set in the present timeline focus on Carl Morck's investigation of a series of disappearance in 1987. The two storylines become linked when it is discovered that all of the missing people have a connection to Nete.
I found the pacing of the book to be good at most times. There are some areas that it drags a bit, but those parts do not take up too much of the book. The pacing definitely picks up in the last 200 pages or so of the book when there is more action happening in both timelines.
One thing I wish were different about the book is the plotline revolving about Carl's old case in which he and his partner were injured. I know that this case comes up in every Department Q book, but it feels really disconnected from the rest of the storyline in this case. I found it distracting and unnecessary.
Overall, this is a good crime fiction. The investigation is detailed and engaging. The investigators have complex emotions and reactions that keep it interesting. There is even a good bit of humor sprinkled throughout, even though much of the content is dark.
While this thriller is very engaging and fast paced, I do not like the way the female victim was portrayed. In this story, Taryn Moore's dead body is discovered in what appears to be a suicidal jump from her fifth floor apartment balcony. The lead investigator is not convinced it is suicide, so she takes a closer look at the case. Through flashbacks, Taryn's romantic relationships are revealed and possible motives for murder become evident.
While I have no complaints about the plot itself or the writing style, I am not fond of the author's creation of an obsessive, lovesick female character. It is too cliché for my liking, and I am honestly tired of seeing this kind of character in thrillers. It makes it seem like women are easily unhinged by men's betrayal, as if their whole worlds revolve around men and their affections. I just do not like this kind of female characterization. We are much more complex than that.
This is such a lovely, heartwarming book. Though it deals with a serious subject, death, it does so in a sensitive, compassionate, and sometimes humorous manner. The characters are endearing, the setting is quaint and quirky, the plot is engaging, and the overall aesthetic is perfect. My only very mild complaint is that the ending dragged on a bit. However, that does not detract from the enjoyment of this book.
Wallace Price finds himself in unexpected predicament at the start of the story. He is dead, but he is still present on earth. He meets his Reaper, Mei, who leads him to a tea shop where his Ferryman, Hugo, awaits to help him accept his death and assist in his crossing over. Wallace struggles to accept his situation, but the inhabitants of the tea shop are there to guide him.
The best things about this book is its characters. The occupants of the tea shop are charming, compassionate, funny, and supportive. They bring out the best in Wallace. I especially love Nelson, the ferryman's dead grandfather who teaches Wallace how to be a ghost. Nelson adds much humor to the story. Hugo is also a wonderful character who is kind and empathetic. It is impossible not to love all of these strange and fascinating characters with their unique abilities.
The plot of the book centers mostly around acceptance of death and growth as a person. The fact that it takes dying for the main character to learn how life should be lived is the books great irony. The climax of the plot is satisfying and adds a sense of hope to the storyline. The action after the climax is slightly drawn out more than necessary, which is why I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars.
This truly is a wonderful read that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful. It will also make you a little bit sad, but that is part of the book's beauty. I highly recommend this book to any reader.
This thriller might be one of the most messed up, twisted stories I have yet to encounter. That being said, it is not a 5 star read for me. The storyline is highly engaging for most of the book. It is a fast read with many twists and turns. For me, though, it is a bit too far beyond the realm of believability.
The book is told from the two perspectives of Maggie and her daughter, Nina. Right from the start, it is clear that their relationship is damaged and something is not right in their house. Through the course of the plot, the reader learns where things went wrong for them and what has led to their current situation. It is a wild ride!
For much of the book, I could not decide which character I liked least or who I blamed for the current state of their relationship. Neither of the characters is innocent or likable. I had no one to root for throughout most of the book. By the end of the book, I found myself getting bored with the characters and not really caring anymore what happened to them. I just wanted it to end because I did not like these people.
Overall, it a decent thriller that reads fast and has some disturbing twists. Though it is not my cup of tea, I think there are many readers that will find it enjoyable.
My feelings about this book are mixed, and I struggled to decide on a rating. I ended up giving it three stars because it kept me engaged and surprised me with one of its twists. However, I cannot say that I would recommend it to others. The characters are all unlikable, and they each have a secret. It is a bit unbelievable that these people would all end up in each other lives and all have these big secrets that connect them to the others. It's just too much for me. I did enjoy some of the reading experience. There are some fun, spooky elements that keep it interesting. I cannot really write too much about the plot here because it would spoil the book. Overall, I was just disappointed in the fact that it felt too contrived and over the top.
This is my first Kazuo Ishiguro book, but it probably will not be my last. The writing is exceptional, and the topics and themes explored are thought provoking and relevant. This dystopian fiction definitely left me feeling uncomfortable and questioning some of societies ideas, which is exactly what good dystopian literature should do.
The story is told from the perspective of Kathy, who grew up in a idyllic school with a special group of students. The book hints right from the start at what makes these students special when Kathy references “carers” and “donors,” but it does not fully reveal their situation until later in the book. The students are only partially aware of their purpose because the teachers at the school shelter them from the full truth. When Kathy and her friends leave the school, the full reality of their situation threatens their relationships and their hopes for their futures.
The plot of this book is not action-packed and moves slowly. It is more character-driven, which I enjoy. Witnessing the feelings and revelations that Kathy experiences engulfs the reader into the situation and allows for greater sympathy towards the characters.
The commentary this book provides on society's decisions is still relevant today more than 15 years after its publication. To comment on them here would mean spoiling the book, so I will refrain. Suffice it say, the actions of society in this book are disturbing, yet somewhat understandable. It's definitely a debatable form of progress.
I have always enjoyed dystopian novels, and this one did not disappoint. I would recommend it to any fans of the genre.
After seeing so many positive reviews of this debut novel on Booktube, I was intrigued and decided to read it. I was a little nervous about the subject matter, but I ended up finding it quite interesting and somewhat provocative.
The main character, Blythe Connor, does not descend from motherly women. Instead, both her grandmother and mother were ill-equipped for motherhood and left their families. Because of this, Blythe is understandably nervous about becoming a mother. Her inner dialogue is very honest about her feelings about motherhood and her concerns about her daughter, Violet. The author is not afraid to reveal thoughts that some women might feel about being a mother, thoughts that challenge the traditional idea that women are natural nurturers. Without demonizing Blythe, the author shows the struggle that some women face when they become mothers.
The husband in this story is not very understanding of what his wife is experiencing. This makes him a frustrating character. He dismisses her concerns about their daughter and only sees their situation through his narrow viewpoint. However, he is justified in his concern over some of the actions Blythe takes while caring for their children. He just does not respond to the incidents in a way that shows any desire to help or understand Blythe.
The plot of the story jumps around occasionally to past events with Blythe and her mother, Cecilia and past events with Cecilia and her mother, Etta. These flashbacks add backstory that allows for a better understanding of the feelings and behaviors of Blythe. The end of the book falls a little flat because it is predictable, but it does not ruin the story.
This was an interesting and thought-provoking read. I would highly recommend it!
This is one of those instances where I recognize how well-written a book is, yet I just do not enjoy it. This novel is complex and heartbreaking with beautiful language. However, the subject matter and use magical realism just do not work for me in this instance.
The story is narrated mostly by Leonie and her son, Jojo as they take a trip to Parchman prison to retrieve their husband/father who is being released. The story also reveals the tale of Jojo's grandfather's time in Parchman and a tragic experience that occurred there. The plot delves into topics of drug addiction, race, guilt, family dysfunction, and death.
The main reason this book does not work for me is the main female character, Leonie. She is a drug addict who neglects her children, and I cannot bring myself to feel any sympathy for her. Another reason for the lower rating is the magical realism of the book. When the ghost aspects of the plot come into play, it feels like too much and changes the direction of the book. For me, the story begins to lack cohesion.
Overall, I can appreciate that this story is beautifully written and tragic. It just does not work for me.
This thriller by Rose Carlyle has an interesting premise, but it fails to provide a satisfying mystery. The events and twists are easily predictable, which for me destroys the enjoyment of a thriller.
The story is about twin sisters, Iris and Summer. Summer is the golden child whom everyone adores while Iris is seen as flawed, at least that is how Iris interprets their situation. The sisters take a journey together on the family's sailboat, and tragedy occurs. The remainder of the story follows the aftermath of that tragic incident. To provide any more details would possibly spoil the plot.
The main reason that this thriller is disappointing lies in its predictability. The reader can easily guess the twists before they occur. The “shocking” twist at the very end comes as no surprise and falls flat. Another weakness of the book lies in the unlikable characters. It is hard to develop any sympathy for the main character and almost all of the secondary characters are purposefully despicable. This makes it hard to form a connection to any characters.
Overall, this thriller just doesn't thrill. The writing itself is fine, and there are some moments that have potential to be interesting. Ultimately though, it just doesn't deliver on its promising premise.
The experience of reading this memoir by Chanel Miller is extremely emotional. I found myself feeling angry at a flawed justice system, disappointed in a judgmental society that seeks to blame the victim, heartbroken over the pain and suffering Chanel and her family endured, and disgust at the lack of accountability placed on the rapist. Ms. Miller's account of her experience as Emily Doe, the victim of a sexual assault while unconscious, is very raw and revealing. It allows us to see her side of the story finally.
This book is not easy to read because it makes the reader feel uncomfortable emotions. But any book that is going to have an impact most likely needs to make us uncomfortable. My only complaint about the book is that some sections could have been better edited to eliminate some repetitiveness.
This book is a story about mother/daughter relationships and family secrets. Being a big Kristin Hannah fan, I was hoping to love this story. However, it is a bit too sappy and cliched for me. It has a rebellious daughter, an absent mother, a dying cancer patient who happens to also be gay, and a bored bachelor. All of these feel too stereotypical for my liking. It's all a bit too much for one book.
This book is mostly about Nora Bridge and her daughter Ruby. Their relationship is strained because Nora left her family when Ruby was in high school. Ruby holds a grudge and wants nothing to do with Nora now that she is an adult. However, Ruby is offered money to write a tell-all article about her mother when Nora's career is derailed by the revelation of a major secret from her past. Through the course of the time they spend together at their family's island home, they learn a lot about each other and the real reasons for Nora's actions in the past.
The storyline focuses on healing old wounds and reestablishing family bonds. There are many heartwarming moments between mother and daughter. There are also some moments of humor that lighten the drama a bit. However, there are some secondary storylines that feel unnecessary to the overall plot and seem added just to create another layer of emotional drama.
Overall, this book is just okay for me. I felt like it had a bit too much going on and maybe tried too hard to tug at my heartstrings.