This
is a good novel but it is a little different in style. Most of the
novel is character driven. The major character is Laura who has come
back home during her summer break from teaching to take care of the
possessions of her mother, who has recently died. Through her
interaction with the people of the town, especially her high school
boyfriend Sean, we learn about her past. She and Sean were close as
teens but upon graduation, she ended their relationship and went far
away to college. Twelve years ago her father apparently drowned while
on a fishing trip although his body was never found.
Throughout
the novel we get a sense that there is something going on that will
ultimately generate a time of suspense. Laura finds out that there
are rumors floating around town claiming her father has been seen –
that he is still alive. Strange things happen around her mother's
house too. Sean remembers something from his childhood involving
Laura's father that adds intrigue. And Sean's own father, a nasty
drunk of a man, is determined to cause trouble.
While
most of the novel is character driven, there is always a hint that
something suspenseful is about to happen. Hang on until the end
because the suspense does come, and then the book ends rather
quickly.
There
are themes of forgiveness and sacrifice in the novel. There are also
enough twists and turns and family secrets that the plot keeps
moving. I was a little impatient with the build up for the suspense,
wondering if it would ever come. The plot itself was a little far
fetched, I think, but the book is written well enough that it is
worth reading.
Go
here to read an except from the book.
Meg
Mosely and her husband live near the foothills of the Southern
Appalachians. Find out more about her and her books at
http://megmoseley.com/.
Multnomah
Books, 352 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for
the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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