Reviewer: Rhonda
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Grace
Flowers
By the water
Have fun!
These are Joy’s grandmother’s last words—left behind on a note. A note that Joy’s mother, Grace, has interpreted as instructions for her memorial service. And so, the far-flung clan will gather at their inn on Little Island, Maine, to honor her.
Joy can’t help dreading the weekend. Twenty years ago, a tragedy nearly destroyed the family—and still defines them. Joy, Grace, her father Gar, and twins Roger and Tamar all have their parts to play. And now Joy, facing an empty nest and a nebulous future, feels more vulnerable than ever to the dangerous currents running through her family.
But this time, Joy will discover that there is more than pain and heartbreak that binds them together, when a few simple words lift the fog and reveal what truly matters…
Review:
I felt that the beginning of this book was a bit confusing and full of emotions. Joy is dealing with her empty nest syndrome, the family preparing for a memorial service, and there are lots of unresolved issues from the past. I wanted to put the book down and stop reading but I couldn’t. I had to know how this was going to be played out.
The book switches points of view as well as going from past to present. A few times I felt like my head was spinning and I was tense from the drama – and there was a lot of it.
The characters were real. Joy was a cutter, Roger an addict, and Tamar an unemotional mother with no connection to her daughters. I didn’t connect with any of the characters but as I said, I continued to read because I was intrigued by all the events of the past and curious to know how it would end.
As more and more was revealed about the accident, things start making sense. In the end, I was hopeful
that everyone would heal from the pain and hurt of 20 years ago.
I know I’ve said this before, I’m not a fan of drama but I did enjoy this book. I loved the setting; the description of the Maine coast sounded beautiful.
