When I'm Gone : A Novel

Luke Richardson has returned home after burying Natalie, his beloved wife of sixteen years, ready to face the hard job of raising their three children alone. But there’s something he’s not prepared for—a blue envelope with his name scrawled across the front in Natalie’s handwriting, waiting for him on the floor of their suburban Michigan home.
The letter inside, written on the first day of Natalie’s cancer treatment a year ago, turns out to be the first of many. Luke is convinced they’re genuine, but who is delivering them? As his obsession with the letters grows, Luke uncovers long-buried secrets that make him question everything he knew about his wife and their family. But the revelations also point the way toward a future where love goes on—in written words, in memories, and in the promises it’s never too late to keep.

This was a unique read for me.  Initially, I was really interested in the story, then that sort of wore off.  I fully expected to give this book three stars, but then the ending... It ended at a place I that was exactly what this book needed.  I love these type of family stories that involve a "past" that must be discovered.  While some of it was a little unbelievable and too coincidental, I was able to suspend that enough to really enjoy involving myself in Luke's life.  I would definitely be interested in checking out other books written by Emily Bleeker.  

 

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Word Game

For overprotective parent Alyson Ward, any time her daughter, Lyla, is out of sight is reason to panic. So it’s a big step for her when she lets Lyla attend a sleepover at her cousin’s house. Comforted by the knowledge that her sister, Tricia, is the chaperone, Alyson does the one thing she never thought possible: she lets go and trusts that her daughter will be safe. But Alyson’s sense of peace is short lived. When Lyla comes home the next morning, she reveals something that could tear apart not only their family but also the entire community. Now, Alyson and Tricia must confront their painful shared past as they come together to help a little girl who they fear might be harboring terrible secrets similar to their own. Will the sisters be strong enough to face their demons in order to protect the child, even if it means telling their most private truths?

Oh man, I had such high hopes for this story!  While the subject matter was difficult, I felt strongly that I would really enjoy the book.  And I liked it okay, but something just fell short.  There are very few times that I wish a book was longer, but in this case I did.  I wanted to know more about the relationships.  I felt bad for what happened, but I didn't feel affected by it like I usually am with this kind of story line.  I just wanted more!  Other reviews I have read, disliked Aly and her actions.  I actually fully supported her in every situation that she was involved in, past and present.  I wouldn't tell anyone not to read it, because it was a quick read.  However, it's not a book that I think readers will become emotionally invested in.  I gave this book 3 stars overall.

* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

         

The Girl You Lost

Eighteen years ago your baby daughter was snatched. Today, she came back.

A sinister and darkly compelling psychological thriller from the No.1 bestselling author of The Girl With No Past.

Eighteen years ago, Simone Porter’s six-month-old daughter, Helena, was abducted. Simone and husband, Matt, have slowly rebuilt their shattered lives, but the pain at losing their child has never left them.

Then a young woman, Grace, appears out of the blue and tells Simone she has information about her stolen baby. But just who is Grace – and can Simone trust her?

When Grace herself disappears, Simone becomes embroiled in a desperate search for her daughter and the woman who has vital clues about her whereabouts.

Simone is inching closer to the truth but it’ll take her into dangerous and disturbing territory. Simone lost her baby. Will she lose her life trying to find her?

This story was fast-paced, intriguing and a great thriller!  I did not want to stop reading and plowed through the whole book!  My only criticism would be that I would have liked to have a little more setup with regards Simone, Matt and Helena.  I felt terrible for what happened to them, but didn't feel as connected to them as I felt like I could have.  I love books like this, but so many times they seem predictable, unrealistic or just disappointing.   This book delivered!  While I knew there had to be more, I was never quite sure what that would be.  That's why I loved it - it definitely had me guessing until the end!  I will be picking up more Kathryn Croft books now that she is on my radar!       

   
 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *