Ellie and the Harpmaker is a lovely, debut novel by Hazel Prior that I found completely enchanting!! I found this book to be completely heartwarming—IEllie and the Harpmaker is a lovely, debut novel by Hazel Prior that I found completely enchanting!! I found this book to be completely heartwarming—I loved the way it explored an unconventional love story between two people that from the outside shouldn’t work together. A lonely, emotionally abused housewife and a shy, eccentric, and likely autistic harpmaker befriend each other at a time when their souls need that connection.
Ellie is a bored housewife in an unhappy marriage, living in the beautiful Exmoor countryside. She dreams of being a poet and spends her time writing when she’s not keeping house and caring for her husband Clive. Ellie loves music, words, nature, and dreams of a different life. But in her current marriage, those are only dreams.
Clive is emotionally abusive towards Ellie. He finds ways of manipulating her and destroying her self-confidence. He belittles her interest in music and writing, while peppering her with cute nicknames and love-y saying designed more to demean her than to show love.
Ellie loves to walk in nature—she finds it peaceful and calming. One day while strolling the countryside, she comes upon a barn that has been converted into a workshop by the handsome and eccentric Dan. Dan makes beautiful wooden harps in his workshop. Dan doesn’t speak much—he isn’t very comfortable being around people, he prefers solitude. But Dan is instantly drawn to Ellie, how sad she seems, and her cherry-colored socks, and he gives her a harp.
Ellie is so happy with the gift, but when she returns home Clive is not happy with it. In a state of jealousy, Clive insists Ellie return it. Why would a man give such an extravagant gift? And after all, he doesn’t believe Ellie will be able to learn to play it.
Ellie can’t bear the thought of parting with the harp. Returning to Dan’s workshop, she visits him and learns to play the harp from Dan’s girlfriend Rhoda. Rhoda is beautiful and glamorous. But when Ellie learns a secret about Dan and Rhoda, everything will begin to change. Dan and Ellie may be just what the other needs to heal and become whole.
I found this book heartwarming and surprisingly a bit twisty for a love story. The whole quadrangle between Dan, Clive, Ellie and Rhoda is quite dramatic! Dan is so adorably naïve—he is shocked when he learns how Rhoda views their relationship. He just processes events differently than most. I absolutely loathed Clive! I found him to be so manipulative and destructive towards Ellie—often making her feel like she isn’t good enough and that she is lucky to have him.
I read that the author herself plays the harp and I thought it made the poetic descriptions of the beautiful harps and their music resonate even more with me. Harp music is indeed beautiful, and harps are certainly not easy to learn to play, from what I’ve heard! Ellie is so isolated with Clive that she takes his opinions about her to heart. I loved seeing Ellie and Dan grow together, he shows her a different side of herself that Clive has slowly tried to diminish.
This is a story of redemption, of hope, of growth, and finding a partner who makes us shine, rather than dulls us. It’s a story of friendship, love, and endless possibilities. And it’s quite charming, from the harp playing to the setting, to Phineus the pheasant who warmed my heart! A lovely story that will sweep you away to those rolling hills and a quaint little workshop filled with music and love.
Thank you Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own....more
A fairy tale story with an entirely unique take—Helen Hoang’s The Bride Test is fresh, charming, and steamy!!! Truly, no one brings a new voice to romA fairy tale story with an entirely unique take—Helen Hoang’s The Bride Test is fresh, charming, and steamy!!! Truly, no one brings a new voice to romance quite the way Helen Hoang does. She has the “it” factor with her books—that combination of modern and socially conscious, while still having that Cinderella fairy tale feel that HEA fans love! A fantastic summer-read for anyone who wants to escape into a love story with an edge and a whole lotta heat!
Reflection
Well let me start off by saying that though this is marketed as the sequel to last year’s hit The Kiss Quotient, this book can absolutely be read as a standalone. It does feature a relative of the main character in the first book, but this is very much a unique story and new readers won’t feel lost at all. Plus it is romance so we all know there is no such thing as spoilers because we all crave those HEA, and the fun is in getting there!
Esme Tran is a cleaning lady in Viet Nam and a single mother. Despite Esme’s beauty, kindness, and spirit, the father of her child wanted someone with more social status. Esme herself has never met her father, so she is used to this dynamic. I loved reading Esme’s story. From the first chapter she was in, Esme was a true stand out character. She doesn’t begrudge her place in the world. She doesn’t look down on those with more. But perhaps Esme is someone who isn’t sure she is good enough to have more, and that made her incredibly humble, endearing, and a character I wanted everything for.
When Khai’s mother realizes that Khai’s unique way of experiencing emotions and socializing with others, she goes out to find Khai a match. And she finds Esme. I won’t spoil this scene, but I think you will absolutely love it—it was one of my favorite scenes of the book! When they return to California, all Khai’s mother asks is that they try dating eachother for the summer and see if it is a match. But Khai is not making it so easy on Esme!
I really enjoyed seeing their dynamic unfold across the pages of this book. Khai is so confused about what he feels and doesn’t feel, so he assumes he feels nothing. He is a data person and he sees how others express emotions. Since he doesn’t express them the same way, he assumes that he must not feel them at all. But of course, the fun of this book is seeing Khai learn how he feels emotions, and learn to identify them correctly. Stomach pain can sometimes be sadness. Wanting to be around someone can be love.
I don’t want to go too much into the plot because there are so many charming chapters and stories in this book! The afterward from Helen Hoang is a must-read. I felt so much about her experience writing this book from reading her note at the end. It still makes me feel teary thinking about it! I won’t say her motivation for this book—that is something that should be read in her own words.
Thank you to Berkley for my copy! Opinions are my own....more
In a powerful story of the dark and light sides of her life, the unconventional, unapologetic, and uninhibited Alice Roosevelt shines through the pageIn a powerful story of the dark and light sides of her life, the unconventional, unapologetic, and uninhibited Alice Roosevelt shines through the pages of Stephanie Marie Thornton’s American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt. This is a story of a truly incredible woman that I admit I knew very little about before reading this book. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read about her life, because she is truly an early feminist icon if you ask me!
Stephanie Marie Thornton is an incredibly talented writer, and Alice came to life through her words in this book. It would be sad to read about Alice Roosevelt from the present looking back, I think, because her life truly had so much darkness to it, particularly in her later years. But the Alice we see for the majority of the book is vibrant, stubborn, intelligent, sassy, and completely unapologetic for who she is.
Alice debuts onto the scene as the first daughter of the incredible Teddy Roosevelt at a debutante ball, where she is determined to be the most eligible debutante while still breaking all of the rules. And she certainly does that! Carrying a pet snake which she nicknames Emily Spinach, smoking cigarettes with her girlfriends, and staying out all night at clubs—Alice is everything that goes against what was proper for a woman at that time. And yet, despite her misbehavior, she is the darling of her father, the media, and the country.
Alice wouldn’t change who she was for any person, and some of the scenes we see with her and her friends and enemies were downright delightful to read! Alice does not hold back when someone has wronged her. She throws a mighty hex and an even mightier retort to those who have gone against her. What a woman she was!
We also see her struggle, though. Everything was not easy for Alice Roosevelt. The man she marries is a known philanderer, and Alice finds herself in an unconventional marriage that has love, support, and anger in equal measure. Indeed, I felt both frustrated with and in awe of Alice’s husband throughout the book. Shocked by his behavior, but then sold by the undying support he showed Alice at a time when a man with a good political career could shut down the jealous musing of the media about Alice’s life.
Through all of the laughs and heartbreak, I fell in love with Alice. She’s a woman who stands up for women’s rights at a time when it wasn’t common to do so. She is both bound by societal pressure on women, but also flagrantly disregards them. And when anyone dares to judge her for it, Alice finds a way to shut them down. She’s truly an icon, and I’m so happy I read this book!
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own. ...more
In Dog We Trust is adorable, uplifting, and magnetic—I care so much for Jocelyn and those sweet labs that I wish I could have anotheCute emergency!!!
In Dog We Trust is adorable, uplifting, and magnetic—I care so much for Jocelyn and those sweet labs that I wish I could have another book so I don’t have to leave them behind on those pages! When I read In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick, I wasn’t sure what to think. A dog romance book? But no—this is a book about a woman finding herself, learning about love and heart ache, and saving some pretty adorable pups along the way. This is a must-read for anyone who wants a feel-good romance with some laugh-out-loud moments!
Since this is part of a series, I worried that I’d be spoiled on other books, or lost, but I didn’t need to worry! The series is actually focused on the town of Black Dog Bay—a town renowned for healing broken hearts. Each book in the series focuses on a different resident of the town. I took a peak and there are a few characters from previous books that pop up as side characters here, but it didn’t spoil ANY of their stories, so I’m already looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
Jocelyn is so fantastic—I loved her! She is vulnerable, a bit naive at times, but when it comes to her values she won’t compromise an inch. She is all heart, and because of that, she believes the best in everyone—even those who might not deserve it.
The dogs! I loved the contrast between the rigid training of show dogs, and the loving care that Jocelyn provides. As curmudgeon-y as her boss seems, he is the one who hired her. He knows what she offers to those dogs and he wants that for them. I found it incredibly sweet!
And then there is the whole heartbreak to contend with. I won’t say much, but you’ll be infuriated like I was, I’m sure! But I thought it was wonderful how Kendrick didn’t let the story turn depressing. Jocelyn has other passions in life, and the dogs need her. Jocelyn is a strong woman and I really enjoyed reading about her so much!
Many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book. I can’t wait to hear what others think! I read it as a book club read with the book besties, and we all found it adorable and charming and uplifting....more
Clever and addictive, this newest installment in the Murder She wrote mysteries by Jon Land will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to put thisClever and addictive, this newest installment in the Murder She wrote mysteries by Jon Land will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to put this book down! I am one happy mystery-lover after reading Manuscript for Murder. This story was outlandish enough to be fun, but also down-to-earth enough to feel like with a small stretch of the imagination, it could really be happening. I am delighted with this cozy mystery, and I think other mystery fans will be too!!!
Jessica Fletcher has had plenty to worry about over her storied career, both as a bestselling novelist and amateur sleuth. But she never had any reason to worry about her longtime publisher, Lane Barfield, who also happens to be a trusted friend. When mounting evidence of financial malfeasance leads to an FBI investigation of Lane, Jessica can’t believe what she’s reading.
So when Barfield turns up dead, Jessica takes on the task of proving Barfield’s innocence–she can’t fathom someone she’s known and trusted for so long cheating her. Sure enough, Jessica’s lone wolf investigation turns up several oddities and inconsistencies in Barfield’s murder. Jessica knows something is being covered up, but what exactly? The trail she takes to answer that question reveals something far more nefarious afoot, involving shadowy characters from the heights of power in Washington. At the heart of Jessica’s investigation lies a manuscript Barfield had intended to bring out after all other publishers had turned it down. The problem is that manuscript has disappeared, all traces of its submission and very existence having been wiped off the books.
With her own life now in jeopardy, Jessica refuses to back off and sets her sights on learning the contents of that manuscript and what about it may have led to several murders. Every step she takes brings her closer to the truth of what lies in the pages, as well as the person who penned them.
Reflection
When I say this book is unputdownable, I mean it! I have been super busy, with a really hectic job and an MBA course I’m teaching (plus finishing my dissertation). But I managed to finish this in two days despite all of that! I was sneaking a few pages every chance I got – waiting in line at the coffee shop, sneaking out on my lunch break to read, staying up late into the night frantically consuming pages. I found myself pondering it in the shower, as I tried to fall asleep, while I was walking to the train. I absolutely loved this mystery!
From the time I was a young girl I watched Murder She Wrote with my grandmother, so I love Jessica Fletcher like she is a member of my family! It may have started because my grandmother told me she was the voice of Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, but it is also one of my earliest mystery loves (the other being Nancy Drew, of course).
Here we have Jessica just as bold and intelligent as ever, with a certain loveable humbleness that defies the accolades she has received in her career. As Jessica begins to look into the mysterious deaths, she realizes the manuscript she was asked to read may be more valuable than she could have ever realized. And being Jessica Fletcher, she doesn’t shy away of the string of bodies in the wake of this manuscript. In fact, Jessica shuttles the manuscript right onto the train back to Maine, fiercely protecting the 800-page behemoth! I think any book lover will find themselves tickled at the idea of an unpublished manuscript holding the key to a mystery that may take Jessica all the way to the White House. I am buzzing with energy right now even thinking about how much that premise excites me, and I already read the book!
And of course, I will never spoil the book. But I do want to tease you and say the conclusion is a delight to the mystery-lover soul! Intelligent and satisfying—you will leave this book wanting more Jessica Fletcher in your life! Jon Land has crafted this wonderful cozy mystery with a bit of thriller to it—an homage to the book within the book, I’d imagine! I can’t wait to read more in this iteration of Murder She Wrote!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy to review!...more
Beautifully written and filled with quiet emotion—The Rain Watcher by Tatiana De Rosnay is the type of book that made me feel an incredible stillness Beautifully written and filled with quiet emotion—The Rain Watcher by Tatiana De Rosnay is the type of book that made me feel an incredible stillness while reading. There is an elegance to the way De Rosnay writes that is so delicate, and I think that is where the sense of peace comes from as you read her work.
I was a big fan of Sarah’s Key. I still remember the first time I read it. This book is quite different from Sarah’s Key, but no less immaculate. I am so thrilled to share this beautiful book today with readers!
About the Book
Linden Malegarde has come home to Paris from the United States. It has been years since the whole family was all together. Now the Malegarde family is gathering for Paul, Linden’s father’s 70th birthday.
Each member of the Malegarde family is on edge, holding their breath, afraid one wrong move will shatter their delicate harmony. Paul, the quiet patriarch, an internationally-renowned arborist obsessed with his trees and little else, has always had an uneasy relationship with his son. Lauren, his American wife, is determined that the weekend celebration will be a success. Tilia, Linden’s blunt older sister, projects an air of false fulfillment.
And Linden himself, the youngest, uncomfortable in his own skin, never quite at home no matter where he lives―an American in France and a Frenchman in the U.S.―still fears that, despite his hard-won success as a celebrated photographer, he will always be a disappointment to his parents. Their hidden fears and secrets slowly unravel as the City of Light undergoes a stunning natural disaster, and the Seine bursts its banks and floods the city. All members of the family will have to fight to keep their unity against tragic circumstances.
In this profound and intense novel of love and redemption, de Rosnay demonstrates all of her writer’s skills both as an incredible storyteller but also as a soul seeker.
Reflection
“I will start with the tree. Because everything begins, and ends, with the tree. The tree is the tallest one. It was planted way before the others. I’m not sure how old it is, exactly. Perhaps three or four hundred years old. It is ancient and powerful. It has weathered terrible storms, braced against unbridled winds. It is not afraid.”
This story is about a family. But at its core, it is also about how we survive in the most difficult of times. In the way the waters of the Seine creep into the city, with the rains pouring down unrelentingly outside, this family has seen their share of hardship. Life is not always easy, but that doesn’t diminish its’ beauty. But this family also has their roots—their lifeboat in a storm, their ancient unafraid tree.
The way the novel is written is based largely on memories. The memories are woven together in a non-linear fashion. We may start in a current setting and then remember a conversation from many years before. There is very little dialogue, and what is there is Linden’s description of the conversation rather a literal transcription. And this is what I mean when I describe the writing as delicate. It is fluid and intricately woven together.
The Rain Watcher is the story of a family trip to Paris, but more than that it is the story of this family. All the way from the beginning, through the hard times and the times they felt disconnected, and through the times that they find one another. There are many lessons to be learned in this book, and it is a book I will continue to learn from each time I read it.
I want to leave with one final quotation that really spoke to me. I have been an environmentalist my whole life (I went to college in Oregon, afterall). When I was a child I wrote several poems and short stories about trees. They have been a source of comfort to me my whole life. And so more than anyone, else, I felt a connection to Paul in this book. This quotation makes my heart happy, and I hope you enjoy it too.
“We now know trees connect to each other. They do that through their roots, and through their leaves. […] The problem is that people don’t attach importance to the secret lives of trees. […] In this fast new world where everything happens instantaneously, we aren’t used to waiting anymore. We have forgotten how to be patient. Everything about a tree is slow, how it thrives, how it develops. No one really understands how slowly trees grow and how old they become. Some trees are thousands of years old. In fact, a tree is the exact opposite of the crazy, fast times we live in.”
Many thanks to St, Martin’s Press for my copy to review....more
Emotional, charming, and heartwarming. I don’t know that there is a better way to describe this book other than absolutely perfect. Nana the cat charmEmotional, charming, and heartwarming. I don’t know that there is a better way to describe this book other than absolutely perfect. Nana the cat charmed me and seeing the world through his eyes simply filled me with laughs, tears, and smiles. I highly recommend this book to anyone who could use some healing of the soul. It reminded me about love, and being caring, and doing something for others even if it is hard. It’s a book of lessons told in a beautiful story form. I imagine this might be the type of book that every reader experiences a little bit differently, and has a slightly different “aha!” moment from. But I can’t imagine a reader on this earth whose heart won’t warm at this beautiful book!
About the Book
“I am a cat. As yet, I have no name.”
Before he became Nana, he was a stray cat living on the streets and scrounging for food. He loved sleeping on the hood of a silver van, for it attracted the sunlight and warmed his belly, even in the cold winter. But he didn’t have a name. Not until Satoru rescued him after a car broke his leg. And eventually, though he didn’t instinctively love to be a kept cat, he became Nana and he found where he belonged.
“Our silver van was like a magic carriage. Every time I got into it, it carried me to a place I’d never been before.”
Many years later Nana is taken out into the silver van on a journey to see Satoru’s friends. Each friend they visit has a story to tell about Satoru, and their love of cats, and how Satoru changed their lives. And each person learns a story from Nana. Nana visits many places, and as long as he is with Satoru, he is so happy. But Nana doesn’t yet know the real reason for their travels.
“At that moment, we were without a doubt the greatest travelers in the world. And I was the world’s greatest traveling cat.”
Reflection
Well this is a hard book to review because I love it so much. It feels difficult to do this book justice. How many ways are there to say that this charming, magical little story will nestle into your heart and never leave? This is a book I want to reread over and over again, and continue to love and experience and learn from. This is a book about someone else’s story, but that made me think a lot about my own story.
Let’s talk first about what it is like to read a book told to you by a cat. You’d think it would be weird, and childish. It isn’t really that way at all, though! Nana’s narration has a lot of whimsy to it, but it is anything but childish. Nana is humorous and a bit surly to strangers. Growing up as a stray has helped Nana to be tough. But he is also fiercely loyal and filled with compassion. He understands what humans need in a way that humans may not always understand it themselves. I found Nana positively delightful! I could picture him, from the figure-eight shaped calico spots on his face, to his crooked tale that led to his name. Nana is a fantastic narrator and now I wonder why all books aren’t told by cats!
And then there is the story of Satoru, which in flashbacks we learn about him from a very young age, even before Nana. We never are told the story by Satoru himself. It is by Nana, and the friends he goes to visit, and his aunt. Despite this, Satoru is a character I feel that I know so well. Above all else, there is a kindness to Satoru that every single person could learn from. He is the sort of person that teaches other patience, kindness, and love by displaying it himself always and without expectation. I don’t imagine I will ever forget Satoru.
I don’t want to get too much into the specifics of the visits, because each is a delight to read and experience yourself. There are so many small stories built into the life Satoru leads that warmed my heart. And Nana learns so much as well. Nana grows as a character through love and kindness, and we see the ripple effect of Satoru’s kindness throughout the novel. This is a book filled with happiness and a few tears, and I left with a smile on my face.
“On our last journey, let’s see all kinds of amazing things. Let’s spend our time taking in as many wonderful sights as we can. That’s what I had pledged yesterday, when we set off. And what incredible sights we saw.”
I read this with Melissa, Berit, Holly, and Jennifer :)
Thank you to Berkley for our copies to review....more
How to describe a book like The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton? The story itself is delicate, like spun sugar. It is timeless, not bound by a siHow to describe a book like The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton? The story itself is delicate, like spun sugar. It is timeless, not bound by a single story thread, but comprised of a tangle of threads that weave backwards and forwards like the winding of a clock. In that way, The Clockmaker’s Daughter couldn’t have a more perfect titular figure and motif.
I found this book to be thought-provoking and haunting, but not in the way you’d expect. There is a ghost, of course. But this book is haunting in the way a beloved place can be haunting. The feeling that the moment you return to the place, all of your memories and the memories of others flood back, and you’re surrounded by everything that place has experienced. At its core, that is what I’d say The Clockmaker’s Daughter is about.
Haunting, romantic, and atmospheric—Hester Fox’s The Witch of Willow Hall is a deeply engaging gothic historical fiction novel that explores the notioHaunting, romantic, and atmospheric—Hester Fox’s The Witch of Willow Hall is a deeply engaging gothic historical fiction novel that explores the notion of how we choose to become who we are. Set in the small community of New Oldbury, Massachusetts in the 1800s, this book has a cast of characters that will make you forget where you are and feel like you are part of this town.
About the Book
The Salem witch trials are long past when the Montrose family arrives in New Oldsbury in 1821. Now the thing that terrifies communities is the hint of a scandal that could besmirch their good name. The Montrose’s are the victims of such a scandal, cast out of Boston and into New Oldsbury, where they take up residence in their new country home, Willow Hall.
But gossip still clings to sisters Catherine, Lydia, and Emeline Montrose. Broken engagements, a shattered business relationship, and the shunning of their social circle have left the Montrose’s with no choice but to start over. But all isn’t lost. There are two eligible men in New Oldbury that may just make the Montrose sisters forget about their troubles. And yet, the events of their past haunt the Montrose sisters…
As the series of events set off by that rumor in Boston begin to unfold, a darkness seems to creep in on the family. But there may still be one witch left in Massachusetts—Lydia Montrose. And Lydia will have to learn about her strength as a person, as well as her strength as a witch, if she hopes to save those she loves most.
Reflection
I must admit, I am completely captivated by this book. I found myself forgetting where I was, being transported to that weeping willow tree beside the pond outside of Willow Hall, with the forest looming around me. Though there is a haunting, gothic setting to this novel, it is more historical fiction with a dash of romance than ghost story. But don’t think you’ll escape this book without a few ghosts!
One of my favorite parts of this book are the characters. The sisters themselves are so different and well-developed. The shallow eldest sister Catherine, who may seem narcissistic but has much more depth of character than we first think. The youngest sister Emeline, who desires to be one of the older girls and feels left out by her age. And the middle sister Lydia, taught to believe herself to be plain and only desirable due to her father’s money, only to learn that she has a strength of character and heart that goes beyond the rest of her sisters. Mr. Montrose, who is stoic to the point of seeming absent, until it matters most and we see the love of a father for his family. Mrs. Montrose, whose body has failed her in the wake of a broken spirit following the shame of her family.
And then we have Mr. Barrett and Mr. Pierce—New Oldbury’s most eligible bachelors. Mr. Barrett is as quiet and proper as Mr. Pierce is charming and alluring. If this book delves into any topic, it may be that first impressions may be deceiving, and that outward appearances may only be skin deep. I loved the dynamics between Mr. Barrett, Mr. Pierce, and the sisters. It added a surprising and welcome story line of romance and courtship that was delightful to read!
This book is incredibly atmospheric. Hester Fox has a talent for descriptive writing that really made this book outstanding. The woods were filled with shadows and secrets, pressing in around Willow Hall and becoming a daunting force to enter and leave the manor. And then there was the willow tree by the pond, where so many important points in the story occur. The nature in this book was a character in itself, threatening to work with or against the characters, depending on how they engage with it.
And finally, we have the ending. I won’t spoil anything about the book but I want to state how much I loved the way the ending of this book was written. The last chapter in particular was truly fantastic! It left the perfect tone to end the story on, and left me wanting more from Hester Fox.
I read this book with the 6 Book Besties and we all enjoyed different things about the book! We want to thank the amazing team at Harlequin books for partnering with us on this book. I hope you enjoy it! ...more
An emotional, gripping, suspenseful, tug-on-your-heartstrings book that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about morality and dAn emotional, gripping, suspenseful, tug-on-your-heartstrings book that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about morality and doing what is right! This is not a run-of-the-mill kidnapping book. Rea Frey debuts with a slam-dunk novel about crossing lines, rethinking your own ethical boundaries, and leading with your heart instead of your head! This book is riveting and filled with heart—it’s a book I won’t soon forget!
About the Book
Emma Townsend is 5-years old with grey eyes, and is an exceptionally beautiful girl. But Emma lives her life without much love. Her mother takes out her anger on Emma all of the time, and her father is barely present, worrying and spending his time on her baby brother. One night Emma’s mother gets so angry, she leaves Emma out in the yard. And then Emma goes missing…
Outwardly, Sarah Walker has it all—a successful business that she loves, and an amazing team of staff to support it. But Sarah also recently went through a break up with the love of her life, and is still working through some demons from her past. Sarah’s mother was emotionally abusive before abandoning her. Sarah is so filled with love to give, if only someone will be there to accept it. And then one night Emma Townsend fatefully enters Sarah’s life. And Sarah does exactly what her head tells her not to do—she takes Emma and runs.
With a nationwide-search underway, Emma’s mother Amy questions whether she really wants Emma back. Maybe this is a chance at a new life? Meanwhile, Sarah must keep running if she’s going to save the most sought-after girl in the country. What will win, Sarah’s heart or her mind?
Reflection
This may sound like something you’ve read before, but it is anything but that. I went into this wanting to shame Sarah for what she did, because taking a child is firmly in the “wrong” category of morality. But when you read this, you will find yourself all sorts of confused! I questioned frequently how I decide what is wrong, when there are things wrong on both sides. I questioned how I would act in Sarah’s shoes, knowing what she lived through with her own mother and with a broken system in place to help kids in that situation. I questioned whether I am someone who always does what is “right”, because I was struggling to convince myself what right was.
And let’s talk about Amy for a moment. Amy is such a fascinating character, because all of her internal unhappiness with her situation and life is projected into her appearance and the way she treats both herself and her children. You will want to judge Amy (and trust me, she deserves a lot of judgment), but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a bit for her as well. She’s terrible in many ways, but she also speaks to how hard being a mother can be sometimes. I don’t excuse Amy’s actions or thoughts, but I imagine being a mother to be one of the hardest jobs in the world. Amy is unfortunately someone who doesn’t want to be a mother. It doesn’t excuse the way she acts, or let her off the hook for her responsibilities, but Amy’s is an important story to tell. It is a story that highlights all of the challenges that come when you become a parent.
It’s funny—I just started teaching an MBA course this semester on Decision Making. One of the concepts we talk about in the section on ethical decision making is the idea of moral obligation in decision making. In the classic Trolley Problem, the decision maker is faced with the decision to pull a lever on a trolley line to divert it. If it continues on it’s original track, it will kill 5 people. If the lever is pulled, it will switch tracks and kill one person. So the dilemma is, do you choose inaction and allow five people to die, or choose action and save five people, but kill one?
I bring this up (not to get too psychological) because it is such an interesting parallel to this book. Does Sarah choose inaction and allow a child to be abused, or take action and kidnap a child away from her mother, saving her from abuse? Of course, there are many other options to take. But the point of this exercise is to say that acting in these scenarios is not clearly better or worse than inaction. Pulling the lever saves five lives, but makes you the cause of another death. Not acting when you could intervene is not any better though.
What would you choose if you had the trolley lever? What would you choose if you were Sarah? Do we have a moral obligation to act when harm is coming to another person?
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy to review....more
Mackenzie - PhDiva Books
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