the setup… Elise Dunnett is a married mother of 8-year old twins Lewis and Luke and husband Michael is a highly successful neurosurgeon practicing in Mthe setup… Elise Dunnett is a married mother of 8-year old twins Lewis and Luke and husband Michael is a highly successful neurosurgeon practicing in Manhattan. She’s devoted to her family and is head of the PTA at The Garden School, the children’s private school. Elise has a carefully crafted image and resists participating in the standard Mom gossip. Enter Harriet Tierney, the single mother of daughter Kyra. She’s an artist who recently moved to New York from Austin and has more of a bohemian style. Harriet and Michael are pretty chummy at the school’s social the day before the start of the semester and it puts Elise on edge. Her hyper vigilance is noticed by Harriet who wasn’t flirting…initially…and stokes the fire. But she’s moved there to be with her child’s father Allan who has a serious health crisis.
the heart of the story… What starts as something rather innocuous morphs into some really bad behavior. It’s clear early on that Elise is tightly wound, fitting beautifully into a Stepford wife stereotype. Where she departs from that is her unwillingness to engage in the catty behavior and gossip of many of the other mothers…until she feels threatened. Harriet isn't part of that world and has Kyra in the school solely at Allan’s request. She takes some pleasure in rattling the perfect Elise. Under different circumstances, these women might have been friends. Making matters worse, their children become friends and get swept up into this nonsense.
the narration… Lisa Rost-Welling and Madeline Pell captured the essences of their characters perfectly. I felt Elise’s neuroses and Harriet’s nonchalance throughout. It was a fine performance.
the bottom line… To be clear, this is not a mystery or thriller as the synopsis insinuates. No matter, I was fascinated by the unnecessary trauma these women inflicted upon each other, fueled by the mean gossip by deeply insecure women who find it necessary to strike first before the spotlight comes their way. But it’s the tragedy of how it affected their family relationships and children because it got serious. I feel certain this sad state of affairs is not unique and is a cautionary tale.
the setup… Beth Nield runs a sandwich shop, Surf Sandwiches, on Malibu beach. She’s divorced and lives with her Aunt Agatha, the woman who rescued her the setup… Beth Nield runs a sandwich shop, Surf Sandwiches, on Malibu beach. She’s divorced and lives with her Aunt Agatha, the woman who rescued her and younger brother Rick from the foster care system. He’s a successful surgeon but Beth still feels the need to protect and look out for him. She also volunteers at a food bank and has a burgeoning new friendship with one of the other volunteers, Jana Mead, who is also a part time medical billing clerk. When Rick introduces Beth to the new woman he’s dating (Jana), both are stunned that he knowingly never told either one about the other. It gets even more complicated when Beth begins dating Jana’s widowed brother Teddy. Had enough? No? Beth later catches Rick cheating on Jana.
the heart of the story… Whew! This is the ultimate in family drama. I had misgivings about Rick the moment he found it funny to spring the surprise about him dating his sister’s best friend on them. It felt a little twisted but Beth seemed blind to his character deficiencies. Her dilemma when faced with the decision to either protect her brother or look out for her best friend is the ultimate test, threatening not only that relationship but her developing romance with Teddy.
the narration… Tanya Eby is a great storyteller and she had her hands full with this one, including voices for four young children. She had me enthralled.
the bottom line… No one was perfect in this story but they all (sans Rick) were trying their best to do the right things. The conflicts weren’t easily resolved, no matter how clear it may look from the outside. I’m a fan of family drama and this one had substance and character. What would you do in similar circumstances?
This book is part of a continuing story arc and the preceding books are essential to read before beginning this one.
The story continues with even moreThis book is part of a continuing story arc and the preceding books are essential to read before beginning this one.
The story continues with even more secrets having been revealed about Rowan DuPont’s family. This time it’s her mother, Norah, who committed suicide shortly after her daughter and Rowan’s twin Raven’s death. The body of a man is delivered to the funeral home and a shocking tattoo is revealed when Rowan begins her procedures. Even more distressing are the secrets discovered about the man. All of this, combined with the continuing threat named Julian Addington, has everyone off balance.
It seems that the small town of Winchester has become the murder capital of Tennessee! There are two additional murders that are unconnected to Julian that Rowan is assisting Police Chief Billy Brannigan in investigating. Meanwhile, she’s not being completely open with Billy about her recent discoveries involving her mother and the accusations Julian made about her father. I enjoyed seeing her in action with the murder investigations but was plenty frustrated with her withholding from Billy. It seemed inauthentic though I understood her motivations.
I had lots of issues with the repetition and pacing with the last book and that seemed to disappear in this one. The pacing was great, so much so that I had to stay on my toes to keep up with all the juggling balls in the air. I have some sneaking suspicions as to where all this is leading but don’t have everything worked out yet. It ends with something shocking (yes, again) but it fits with my suspicions. I just don’t know how it was all managed. I can’t wait to get started with the final conclusion. And, I’m glad I stuck with the series. It got good!
(Thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Merged review:
This book is part of a continuing story arc and the preceding books are essential to read before beginning this one.
The story continues with even more secrets having been revealed about Rowan DuPont’s family. This time it’s her mother, Norah, who committed suicide shortly after her daughter and Rowan’s twin Raven’s death. The body of a man is delivered to the funeral home and a shocking tattoo is revealed when Rowan begins her procedures. Even more distressing are the secrets discovered about the man. All of this, combined with the continuing threat named Julian Addington, has everyone off balance.
It seems that the small town of Winchester has become the murder capital of Tennessee! There are two additional murders that are unconnected to Julian that Rowan is assisting Police Chief Billy Brannigan in investigating. Meanwhile, she’s not being completely open with Billy about her recent discoveries involving her mother and the accusations Julian made about her father. I enjoyed seeing her in action with the murder investigations but was plenty frustrated with her withholding from Billy. It seemed inauthentic though I understood her motivations.
I had lots of issues with the repetition and pacing with the last book and that seemed to disappear in this one. The pacing was great, so much so that I had to stay on my toes to keep up with all the juggling balls in the air. I have some sneaking suspicions as to where all this is leading but don’t have everything worked out yet. It ends with something shocking (yes, again) but it fits with my suspicions. I just don’t know how it was all managed. I can’t wait to get started with the final conclusion. And, I’m glad I stuck with the series. It got good!
the setup… Shelby Dawson and her twin daughters leave her friend Mackenzie’s cafe in northern Minnesota at closing but before taking off, realizes her the setup… Shelby Dawson and her twin daughters leave her friend Mackenzie’s cafe in northern Minnesota at closing but before taking off, realizes her daughter’s prized stuffed animal was left inside. Mackenzie (Mack) takes off for home, letting Shelby go back in to find more than she’d bargained for. That same night, Mackenzie’s husband Leo suspiciously disappears, also leaving her with quite a few surprises. It’s now fifteen months later and he hasn’t returned and Mack vacillates between believing he deliberately abandoned her or met a deadly end. And, Shelby begins receiving cryptic and threatening anonymous notes, accompanied by a series of deadly mishaps. It’s just the beginning of a nightmare for both of them and the well-meaning senior citizens at her assisted living facility are determined to get to the bottom of it all.
the heart of the story… The prologue is harrowing, setting the stage for what I thought would be a more chilling mystery. But, enter the group of senior amateur sleuths from the Oleander led by Florence who are determined to do their own investigation as Detective Riley is hapless and inept. They even hijack one of their friend’s podcasts to get public help. While it often feels like more of a cozy mystery, the attacks are real and become more dangerous and sinister.
the narration… Brittany Pressley, Stacey Glemboski and Petrea Burchard were the voices for Mack, Shelby and Florence respectively. I loved their performances and each embodied their characters and were excellent storytellers.
the bottom line… This was different fare than I’m used to experiencing from the author but still twisty and clever. I loved Florence and her motley crew who were so much better than the pitiful law enforcement. And that ending…definitely not cozy but very authentic and thought provoking. This was the proverbial page turner.
the setup… Iris and Piper Walsh are 16-year old twins being raised by their grandmother Betty. Piper is the popular, outgoing one; Iris much more introthe setup… Iris and Piper Walsh are 16-year old twins being raised by their grandmother Betty. Piper is the popular, outgoing one; Iris much more introverted and sullen. One night as they are off to a party that Piper insists they attend, Piper changes the plan and agrees to meet a popular and older football player. Nothing goes according to plan and when Iris’s attention is diverted, she sees her sister being taken away against her will. After a call to 911, the two detectives assigned don’t take Iris seriously and nine years later, Piper is still missing. But Iris now has a lead she wants to explore that takes her to Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane. She signs on as intern…what could go wrong?
the heart of the story… Piper’s abduction was chilling but even more maddening was how Iris was treated by the detectives assigned to the case. Despite her harrowing account laden with specific details, they refuse to take her seriously. Much is made of law enforcement moving slowly on missing teen cases but this was beyond the pale. The story then begins the transitions between past and present where it just gets bogged down and loses its traction. I never got a clear picture of Piper and the twins’ relationship was confusing. There are loads of details and events that didn’t add to the plot or characterizations and I just got lost.
the narration… The narrator sounded so much older than Iris who provides the only point of view. I just couldn’t hear her as the character so it was jarring.
the bottom line… There are good bones to this story and I was hooked quickly. However, it would have helped if more insight had been given about Piper, well before the last quarter of the book. The ending was exciting but there was nothing to lead you there beforehand. The transitions were awkward and there was just too much information about things that never seemed to matter. The twist at the end was jaw dropping but also a bit over the top. I had high hopes but, coupled with a disappointing audio experience, this just didn’t deliver on my expectations. 2.5 stars
the setup… Brooks Anderson is a world famous writer, happily married to Cassie and father of two young children, Mark and Audra. He’s considerably oldthe setup… Brooks Anderson is a world famous writer, happily married to Cassie and father of two young children, Mark and Audra. He’s considerably older than his wife, only finding stability after years of self abuse with drugs and alcohol, seemingly caused by the trauma he experienced at eight years old when his mother and older brother were brutally murdered. But he’s also being plagued by nightmares after he decided to write about that period in his life to fend off another journalist’s attempt to craft an unauthorized biography. Seems that Brooks has suppressed memories that are battling to surface…and people who might pose a threat to the truth are dying off.
the heart of the story… It’s pretty clear early on that Brooks’ memory of that horrible night has significant gaps and the circumstances of his mother’s and brother’s death are a bit murky. I settled in on who might be involved just as early but that wasn’t the point. It was all about Brooks figuring out truths and lies, who he could and couldn’t trust while managing to maintain his sobriety and keep his sanity. It’s a tricky path with lots of land mines, which I loved! There was a point where I found myself suspicious of everyone until the clues started aligning somewhat. I still missed some of the twists but nailed others.
the bottom line… I had such a good time with this story! Brooks is an extremely wealthy man and that adds an interesting element as the consequences for him and others in his orbit weren’t necessarily the same as it would be for you or me. It’s one of the more intriguing stories I’ve read as I not only wanted the answers but soon became strongly invested in Brooks holding onto his sobriety. He’s one of the most imperfect fictional characters I’ve admired, his honesty and self awareness quite refreshing. There wasn’t much predictability in his path to the truth, the journey being everything. And, the title is perfect, something to question from the onset. Highly, highly recommend!
(Thanks to the author for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)...more
the setup… Marni McGuire is a highly successful, long-term host of cooking show who’s pretty satisfied with her life now that she’s in her mid-fifties.the setup… Marni McGuire is a highly successful, long-term host of cooking show who’s pretty satisfied with her life now that she’s in her mid-fifties. Her only daughter Bella is pregnant with her first child and somehow thinks her mother needs love in her life, though she’s struggling in her own marriage because her hormonal emotional rollercoaster is driving her husband (and her) crazy. Marni was widowed when Bella was an infant and is divorced from her second husband. Her best friend Ellen who’s also her show’s extremely talented producer is equally content living a single life after having been her late husband’s caretaker for years. Unfortunately, Sophia, their promising young intern is in a relationship that is scary but she’s hiding that from them and her father. When Marni and Ellen find themselves in friends-to-lovers romances, they not only keep them secret but question whether they should disrupt their contentment.
the heart of the story… The thing I liked about this story is how all of these women were talented, successful and had strong senses of self and self worth. Marni and Ellen’s reluctance to enter into committed relationships was born from their prior histories. Why take the risks when your life is working so well? It’s when they discover Sophia’s peril with a stalker crazy man she dated briefly that the women form a bond, opening up about their pasts that provide wisdom and insights, secrets they’d not shared before. Poor Bella was going crazy and needed her mother’s guidance.
the narration… Plummer is a wonderful storyteller and I liked the voices she gave to these four women.
the bottom line… I enjoyed this story about four strong women who form a bond as they face new crossroads in their lives, sharing with and supporting each other without judgment and always with respect and admiration. Sophia’s issues were a frightening illustration of what so many women face today and it has nothing to do with being weak or strong. I also liked the honesty of their relationships with the men in their lives who were a reflection of their own great choices (excepting Sophia). It was all highly relevant and insightful.
the setup… Private investigator Frank Malloy has a new client, one he doesn’t particularly like but the case is intriguing. Hugh Breedlove has just retthe setup… Private investigator Frank Malloy has a new client, one he doesn’t particularly like but the case is intriguing. Hugh Breedlove has just returned with his family from England with the intention of introducing his daughter to society. However, he’s learned that his niece has been unfairly committed to an insane asylum by her philandering husband. He wants Frank’s help to get his niece released before the news of her commitment becomes public and ruins his daughter’s chances for a successful debut. With the help of his team, which includes his wife Sarah, Frank has his work cut out for him as he enters into unfamiliar territory.
the heart of the story… I love being back in Frank and Sarah’s world! This case was peculiar and I learned a lot about how mental illness was treated (or not) at the turn of the 20th century. It was particularly troublesome for women as their spouses need only declare they were insane to have them permanently institutionalized. The issue for the team was to find out who from Julia’s servant staff might have witnessed her husband’s bad behavior that might sway the doctor and a judge. Investigating her husband Chet posed some difficulties, too, as he was unwilling to cooperate. But the biggest challenge was assessing Julia’s competency…was she or wasn’t she? And who was responsible for other disappearances from that house?
the bottom line… The true mystery was whether or not Julia was mentally ill and it wasn’t as easy to figure out as one might think. I vacillated over the answer but eventually landed in the right place. It was also a bleak reminder of how women were treated more like chattel in that era rather than having basic human rights. It was wonderful reconnecting with the recurring characters, especially Maeve who balances her work as a nanny for Frank and Sarah’s children with side work for Frank’s PI firm. She’s really good as an investigator and her relationship with Frank’s partner Gino inches closer to something more romantic. This continues to be one of my favorite historical mystery series.
the setup… Brandi Maxwell is a student at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and an intern at the Simon Van Doren fashion house. Even though she’s wthe setup… Brandi Maxwell is a student at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and an intern at the Simon Van Doren fashion house. Even though she’s working like crazy, Brandi doesn’t look like the mold of the other girls and staff. She wants to be included in Simon’s upcoming Milan trip though and when her star football player and legacy boyfriend Nate Robinson volunteers to reach out to Simon’s it-girl model daughter Taylor for help, it makes a difference. She facilitates a meet with Simon who is impressed but Brandi later overhears Taylor and her friends plotting something sinister. Her life gets forever linked with Taylor’s and not in a good way.
the heart of the story… I liked Brandi’s heart as she beat incredible odds to end up with that internship. She’s young, an orphan, beautiful and obviously talented but being Black in a world of highly privileged young White women presents unique challenges as well. I admired her relationship with Nate who is following in his famous football father’s legacy but is successful in his own right. Taylor, however, is pretty damaged but is infamous as an influencer, too. She feels entitled to a trust fund her father won’t release until she has a clean drug test, which is more difficult than it sounds given her lifestyle. Their relationship fractured when her mother died and she wants her money now. We see the depths of her depravity masked behind a beautiful veneer that she uses with the public, police and friends and against the unsuspecting Brandi, who is no match for Taylor…until she was.
the narration… This wasn’t my first experience with both narrators so their stellar performances came as no surprise, one of the reasons I wanted this story on audio. Shayna Small made me believe her as Brandi and Brittany Pressley was delicious as Taylor. If you have a choice, listen to this book!
the bottom line… This was no ordinary tale of duplicity as it took quite a few bends leading up to a surprise conclusion. I really thought Brandi was no match for Taylor and Nate’s wavering drove me mad. The authors finely portrayed the imbalance between the privileged powerful and those with less means and standing. That power leverage was often subtle but also included those less influenced by it, able to see it through clearer lenses. Brandi sometimes did things that were ill advised but that seemed realistic. One thing was for certain, I was always off balance because despite some predictable paths, that road would suddenly shift off that beaten path. This was one interesting ride and quite the page turner. I got more than I expected in this debut novel and highly recommend the audio version.
the setup… Alex Hutchinson is the mother of twin 12-year old daughters Gigi and Penny, and married to successful financial whiz Patrick who her girls lthe setup… Alex Hutchinson is the mother of twin 12-year old daughters Gigi and Penny, and married to successful financial whiz Patrick who her girls love dearly as if her were their biological father. A few years ago, she began posting about her family and inspirational messages as Unapologetically Alex and it soon propelled her into the world of influencers. On the day her account reached one million followers, she and Patrick go out to celebrate with her trusted right hand assistant, Anna Claire Davis (AC) and it turns into a night of tequila and shots. Alex doesn’t remember much but when she awakens to an online nightmare, she’s clear she didn’t have a thing to do with the awful post that’s gone hopelessly viral. Her continuing efforts to reach AC fail and she soon suspects that the suddenly missing assistant may be behind it all, even though the message correctly matches her true feelings. Alex is helpless as her carefully crafted world spectacularly crashes down around her.
the heart of the story… If you’ve ever watched someone famous be taken down by a viral post, you have a clue as to what it looks like. However, this story provides unique insight into the reality of how it impacted Alex and her family, how dangerous it can become and what an overnight fall from grace can mean financially. But there’s a lot more going on here as Alex tries to figure out why AC might have it in for her, slowly realizes she really didn’t know her assistant and her husband emerges as someone with his own set of secrets. The story is told from the points of view of Alex, Patrick and Anna Claire, which made this even more intriguing. Things escalate when the body of a woman is found on the family property and the police become more deeply involved. I was glued to this story as I desperately tried to assemble the clues and figure out what was going on and how this family could ever emerge whole again.
the narration… If ever there was a story that required multiple narrators, this one was it and all three adeptly voiced their respective characters. They did them justice and were wonderful storytellers. If you have a choice, opt for the audio version!
the bottom line… It didn’t take long for the story to get my attention and keep me in its clutches through the final climax. I never was able to figure out all of the dynamics in play but it didn’t really matter because I liked having it be splashingly revealed. I must admit, though, I still have questions and the ending was a bit curious, one I’m still mulling through. But it was quite the journey getting there and typical of the author’s storytelling style, one that keeps me coming back to her books.
the setup… Laurel Applebaum, a cashier at Trader Joe’s, gets a call from the hospital at the end of her shift, informing her that husband Doug has beenthe setup… Laurel Applebaum, a cashier at Trader Joe’s, gets a call from the hospital at the end of her shift, informing her that husband Doug has been in an accident. As she rushes to see him, she imagines the worst. But then…she begins imagining what the worst would actually look like for her now that Doug is gone and a strange thing happens. Laurel embraces the idea of a world without the helpless Doug, a world aided by a massive life insurance policy, a cute new apartment, the puppy she’s always wanted and no one demanding she do everything for him. By the time she reaches the hospital she’s fully immersed in being a widow, only to be greeted by the fully alive Doug.
the heart of the story… The thing about dark humor is you feel a bit guilty when you find it funny. Maybe I should have been more appalled at Laurel’s thoughts of offing husband Doug but you had to meet him. He’s one of those throwbacks that believes “wife” means personal valet and maid, it being all right to be thoughtless and insensitive if you profess to love that person. There were times I was unconsciously spurring Laurel on with her plotting, especially as the schemes were rather benign, and had to remind myself that what she was doing was dead wrong. And then Doug would do something to redeem himself and I’d get caught up in the same pixie dust enveloping Laurel. However, it becomes clear that Laurel isn’t a complete innocent here after almost thirty years of marriage, contributing to her own pitiful circumstances.
the narration… I enjoyed Glemboski’s performance as she totally embodied Laurel, at least from my perspective, and hers is the only point of view. I loved how she’d transition from a woman who was insecure and a worrier to the incensed schemer. It was subtle, nuanced and perfect.
the bottom line… There are a host of secondary characters ranging from supporters and enablers to detractors and potential romantic suitors (there’s one who I was right to worry about). But underneath all the humor and macabre planning is a serious story about who’s really responsible for how others choose to treat us. Laurel’s path to self discovery is coming late in life and the weird journey getting there might not have justified the means but it was effective. I enjoyed the story and could see parallels to my own life (not the dreams of hubby’s demise). There are important lessons here and Laurel’s education often gave me pause, too. I’m very happy that I opted for the audio version as she made this more fun.
the setup… Tabitha Steele is at loose ends since she left military service. She’s living with the woman who raised her but is struggling to find someththe setup… Tabitha Steele is at loose ends since she left military service. She’s living with the woman who raised her but is struggling to find something she’s good at doing. She’s clueless about motorcycles and is failing as a sales clerk for a bike shop; she’s floundering in her training to be a massage therapist; and, while her service dog Trinity is helping her control her anxiety she’s still lacking confidence. Enter Chris Hobbs, the coach at her gym who is her exact opposite, exudes confidence, cheer and success and also has his eyes on Tabitha. The world sees the face he chooses to present, that sunny disposition and “player” personality, but it’s a facade to hide his deeply rooted feelings resulting from a painful childhood and fractured family. Tabitha somehow can see right through him and shares the same attraction but finds it tough penetrating that veneer.
the heart of the story… I had no idea that rescue and service dogs figured so prominently in this story! They always put me in my happy place so that’s where I was the entire time. There’s Trinity, a miniature pit bull; George (a hairless cat) & Gracie, a golden lab mix puppy; Humphrey, a disabled beagle; Wyatt, the biker dog who wears Doggles and more. It says a lot about the owners of these precious animals so I was invested in their circumstances. Tabitha served in Afghanistan, returning with PTSD issues but not for what everyone believed so she’s holding back, too. Her and Chris’ path to finding comfort and solace with each other was a bit tricky and problematic but I loved how they found ways to elevate each other.
the narration… Larsen is new to me and I enjoyed her performance. She has a lovely voice tone and good storytelling skills. While there wasn’t a lot in voice distinctions, but just enough for me to never be lost.
the bottom line… It’s a rare thing for me to read out of order but I was drawn to this story and broke with pattern. I’m glad I did as it delivered beyond expectations and I had no issues keeping up. Now I’m interested in going back to listen to the first two stories as the secondary characters featured earlier were engaging. It’s a heartwarming story though not without the conflicts that are substantive and realistic. This turned out to be something special.
the setup… Camryn Neff came to Wishing Tree from Chicago two years ago to care for her ailing mother and help with her much younger twin sisters, Lily the setup… Camryn Neff came to Wishing Tree from Chicago two years ago to care for her ailing mother and help with her much younger twin sisters, Lily and Victoria. Her mother subsequently died right before Christmas and this year Camryn wants the holidays to be special for her 15-year old sisters. Jake Crane is now living in town permanently and is general manager of his family’s resort hotel, the flagship of their enterprise, but his mother, now widowed and a little bit lonely, wants grandchildren. Helen begins Project Jake’s Bride to help move things along and she’s got Camryn topping her list. Dylan Tucker, Jake’s best friend and surrogate brother, isn’t immune either. Helen is resurrecting the town’s annual Snow King and Queen and she’s rigged it so he’s going to be the King. River Best, a computer security expert with her own business, was selected as the Snow Queen and he was immediately taken with the lovely woman who would be his partner through the holiday season. She shares his attraction but her shyness may get in the way.
the heart of the story… While Camryn and Jake form a breezy and fun friendship in their shared goal of thwarting his mother’s plans, they still can’t avoid how truly attracted they are to each other. It doesn’t take long for him to bond with her sisters, especially when they rescue a cute little Chihuahua found in the snow on his mother’s property who they decide to call Tinsel. Jake’s no longer interested in a casual relationship but that’s all Camryn is up for since she plans to return to Chicago once the twins graduate from high school. I found this aspect of the story hard to swallow as she’d formed quite a life in Wishing Tree and there wasn’t anything to really return to for her to have dug her heels so strongly into the notion. Otherwise, I enjoyed everything about their relationship. Dylan is much clearer about his intentions towards River and that was refreshing. However, he’s hiding quite the secret about his circumstances and, knowing that River had serious trust issues, he makes some boneheaded choices. Otherwise, their romance was lovely and the Snow King and Queen roles served them well in developing a deeper relationship.
the narration… There were so many fun moments in this story and Tanya Eby’s performance made them come to life. I loved how she voiced the banter between Camryn and Jake, his friendship with Dylan and their conversations with the meddling Helen. It was a wonderful listening experience.
the bottom line… I love it when the relationships work without a lot of contrived conflicts and we were gifted with two in this story. Despite my annoyance with Camryn’s determination to keep a return to Chicago as goal and barrier to accepting a deeper commitment with Jake, the journeys of their developing relationships were mature and natural. Both couples were well suited and their life experiences brought added richness to their stories. Friends and family, along with little Tinsel, made for a magical holiday story.
the setup… Jessica Jackson works for a company representing members of the art community. Priyanka Lawley is a teacher. Stephanie Brooke is a receptionthe setup… Jessica Jackson works for a company representing members of the art community. Priyanka Lawley is a teacher. Stephanie Brooke is a receptionist for a high-end dental practice. They don’t know each other but soon will after they each receive a letter that states their husbands raped a college student over two decades ago. The sender is the daughter of that woman and each of these wives consider their husbands to be good men. Is it really possible that they could be this wrong about the men they’ve been with for years and fathered their children? These three strangers have to come together to seek the truth about their husbands and what really happened almost thirty years ago.
the heart of the story… At first I approached this story as if it was a mystery but soon realized it is very much contemporary fiction, a case study about female and male attitudes regarding consent. Views about consensual sex, especially on college campuses and in associated fraternal clubs (the site in this story), differed significantly from what we know as truths today. But what was most fascinating were the three wives who, despite having been part of that era, embrace the modern perspectives…somewhat. They are distinctly different and synthesize the issues quite differently but also share a lot of common ground. Equally interesting is how they adopt a new lens in which to evaluate their spouses who are unaware of the letter and its assertions. One of the women has to go even further, needing to assess if her idea of a good marriage is flawed.
the narration I liked that three narrators were used for the story, though they often sounded too similar. But, they were distinctive enough and all were good storytellers. The pacing was great.
the bottom line… What makes this story work is the excellent characterizations of the three women, making the men more secondary elements, which I found unique and a strength. There’s not a bit of predictability here and the issues they struggled over rang authentic and relevant to the topic. The setting is Bath in the UK but could have easily fit in the US. Though the women were forced into a relationship because of this shared circumstance, it didn’t necessarily bond them neatly, another important aspect. I got a lot more than I’d expected and am glad it wasn’t the mystery I’d prepared for. This would make an ideal book club selection, as there is much to weigh.
One month ago, Michelle Forester was abducted, leaving a distraught family and husband Lucas. Well, maybe not Lucas who orchestrated the whole thing fOne month ago, Michelle Forester was abducted, leaving a distraught family and husband Lucas. Well, maybe not Lucas who orchestrated the whole thing flawlessly. He’s covered his tracks after having waited patiently for years to execute his plan and setting himself up to be unscathed. Her wealthy mother still has hope she’ll be returned but Lucas knows she’s never coming home. However! When he starts receiving some cryptic photos, he begins to worry that maybe the person he hired has decided to shake him down.
Well, now! I’ve got to welcome Lucas to my “villains you struggle not to like” club because as vile as his actions are, he manages to get under your skin and have you unconsciously rooting for him. Think You’s Joe Goldberg and For Your Own Good’s Teddy Crutcher. It’s an exclusive club because I don’t like people getting away with murder. Lucas is so very manipulative and calculating but hides behind a frankly wonderful facade as there’s a side of him that’s a bit honorable, though it’s teeny tiny. Michelle wasn’t the most likable of people (according to Lucas) but she didn’t deserve what he doled out, all for her luscious trust fund as the prenup left him no other options.
I’ve gotta say this is one of those times that you should treat yourself to the audio version if you can because the narrator had a lot to do with Lucas’ seduction of my sensibilities. His interpretation of the character was dead on and his voice just dripped with sarcasm and condescension. He was magnificent. But, the story itself is great in any format as it explores not only who’s messing with Lucas but steps back to provide lots of insight into his past and how he ended up this twisted. This isn’t the kind of mystery you can attempt to solve, more like one where you try to just figure out who it could be and who you can trust to be a reliable narrator. I had such a good time and the ending was absolutely delicious, worthy of what came before it. McKinnon has now moved into auto read space because this was so, so clever and I love clever. 4.5 stars
the setup… It’s 2019 and the setting is the funeral for BettyKay Beecher, a former nurse and mother of two daughters, Clara and Abbie. The sisters are the setup… It’s 2019 and the setting is the funeral for BettyKay Beecher, a former nurse and mother of two daughters, Clara and Abbie. The sisters are grief stricken and are struggling with their own relationship with each other, growing further apart now that Clara is living in Chicago. The sudden arrival of a guest startles both of them as they don’t understand why stage and screen legend Kitty Devereaux is here in Greensboro, Iowa. When she tells them BettyKay was her oldest and dearest friend from nursing school, Clara and Abbie realize there was so much more they didn’t know about their mother. It’s especially daunting for Clara as she and her mother were at odds at the time of her death after BettyKay had shared some shocking news with her two weeks prior.
the heart of the story… This is the story of three friends who met in 1967 when they began nursing school in Greensboro, Iowa, back when they were BettyKay Allen, Katherine (Kitty) Simon and Jenny Hopkins. The three couldn’t be more different but the bonds they created as “Sunshine Girls” transcended all else and survived over fifty years. BettyKay and Kitty were roommates and, after a rough start, each found themselves in situations that ended up forming a trust and long lasting relationship that neither knew at the time would be lifelong. Through Kitty’s visit that weekend, Clara and Abbie learn who their mother really was and are astonished at her rich and colorful history. I was enthralled by it all, taking me back to the era of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s during the Vietnam war and the turmoil of that time. But it was the improbable relationship between BettyKay and Kitty that was the magic of this story, transitioning between past and present in its telling.
the narration… Andi Arndt is one of my favorite narrators but my experience with her is mostly in the romance genre. She delivered a wonderful performance, giving voice to BettyKay and Kitty with distinctions and personalities that fit them perfectly.
the bottom line… There’s a richness to the story with its well developed characters against the backdrop of vivid settings and history. BettyKay and Jenny beat the odds, finished nursing school and went on to have successful careers of merit. Kitty rose from the wreckage of her own upbringing and found that success in Hollywood that she dreamed for herself. But it’s the friendship of these three women that I found magical, sustaining them for over fifty years. There’s a shocking secret that Kitty has to share with Clara and Abbie who are teetering on the edge now that the ballast that was their mother is gone. It’s life changing for them both as Kitty shares the mother they didn’t know but should embrace with their own memories. It's a wonderful story that far exceeded my expectations.
Six months ago, Bree Larton, Mikki Bartholomew and Ashley Burton were strangers. It was serendipitous when all three were eyeing (literally) a prime bSix months ago, Bree Larton, Mikki Bartholomew and Ashley Burton were strangers. It was serendipitous when all three were eyeing (literally) a prime beachfront property for sale in Los Angeles. It was too large and expensive for them individually but after sitting down over coffee together, they realized their combined businesses and resources would be ideal. So, Driftaway Books, The Gift Shop and Muffins to the Max became The Boardwalk Bookshop and one shared space on the beach. Their becoming friends was a lovely bonus. Business life was good but their personal lives…not so much.
Bree’s troubled upbringing left her commitment phobic and down on the possibility of love, even when the right one showed up. Mikki’s amicable divorce was working pretty well until she began dating and met a wonderful man. Ashley and her boyfriend were deeply in love with each other but he was unwilling to ever marry, a surprise she stumbled upon.
I got caught up in these women’s lives from the onset as they were interesting and had so many layers. I loved their relationships with each other and how supportive they were even though they’d only been friends for a short time. On the surface, their issues didn’t seem that complicated but as the story progressed, they became much more nuanced and less clear cut. The men in their worlds were all decent guys, none of them doing anything that would easily cast them as heels. I found myself going back and forth about their situations, totally immersed in trying to figure out the right resolution.
This was a wonderful exploration of modern day, mature relationships that had lots of edges and considerations. Bree, Mikki and Ashley were beautifully developed and fleshed out, so much that I felt a kinship with them and wished their store was a real one. I listened to the book and Tanya Eby’s storytelling skills were ideal for these characters. Each time I had to pause I couldn’t wait to get back to these women to see where they’d land. It was a great listening experience about three women confronting relationship challenges that were realistic, relevant and not so easy to figure out…just like real life.
From the outside, Brighton Hills looks like a beautiful community along the Oregon coast. It’s a place that looks friendly and the people living thereFrom the outside, Brighton Hills looks like a beautiful community along the Oregon coast. It’s a place that looks friendly and the people living there seem so happy. But open up the doors and behind them you’ll find all kinds of crazy. Cora is married to Finn who she believes is definitely cheating on her but he’s making it seem like it’s her obsessive imagination. Paige and Grant lost their son Caleb a year ago when he was killed in what the police described as a hit-and-run accident. But Paige is consumed with loss and the belief that he was killed by one of the residents and it was intentional. She spends almost every waking hour spying on her neighbors, determined to find the person responsible. And then there’s Georgia who never strays far from her house, caring for her infant daughter Avery and married to her overly protective, much older husband Lucas.
It might sound like all kinds of crazy but it’s incredibly controlled chaos. The narratives are provided by Cora, Paige and Georgia who all have compelling points of view. I changed my opinion of these women so many times that I gave up and just let them take me on the ride of their choice in the moment. There seemed to be one surprise after another, some small and subtle, others with more seismic impact. There’s nothing predictable about these people and the challenge is to identify who around them may be lying or hiding something.
Even though it took me a moment to connect with the story as I felt like I was dumped in the middle of their lives at the start, it didn’t take long for me to be utterly hooked. I wisely listened to the book because the talented Imogen Church narrated, delivering a performance that made me think there were at least three others helping out. She was amazing and made crazy sound almost normal. It was akin to a roller coaster ride in that I really couldn’t predict the next turns. This was an intriguing and fascinating listening experience, one I wholeheartedly recommend. No way am I even offering up a clue as to how it ends!