Reviewer: Annie
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
It’s been a long seventeen years since Jess last saw her grandmother or visited the family cottage set on an idyllic lake in Northern Michigan. For all that time, she’s been haunted by loss—of her innocence and her ability to trust and, most of all, of a profound summer romance that might have been something more. So when her grandmother leaves the house to her, Jess summons her courage and returns to a place full of memories—and secrets.
There, she stumbles upon old letters and photographs of a time not so much forgotten as buried. As she begins to unravel the hidden histories of her mother and her grandmother, she makes a startling discovery about a tragic death that prompted her family’s slow undoing. With every uneven and painful step into the past, Jess comes closer to a truth that could alter her own path—and open a door to a different future.
Review:
Safe to say that you will not want to put this book down…I did not want to stop for anything, even refill my coffee mug! This book has twists and turns throughout the entire story. I was saying “OMG” a lot.
The cover is perfect for this story…I kept reflecting upon it as I read the book.
After Jess Carpenter’s Grandma (Mamie) passes away, she returns to the cottage that has been in her family for generations. Jess left 16 years ago, and has not been back, so this is a huge step for her. In her Will, her grandmother left Jess the home, and it certainly holds a ton of secrets that will shatter all that Jess ever knew to be true.
While she is there to sell the Cottage, she unravels truths that will change her life forever.
The story is told from alternating views of Jess and Mamie. Each story could have stood alone. But, Nora Carroll put them all together and gave us a wonderful story chuck full of family secrets, family betrayal, and learning is the “Past just really just the Past”??, and truly enrapturing love stories woven between the pages. A gifted story-teller indeed.
I cannot give away any of this book, but I read it in one sitting…during a lovely thunderstorm…and I have to say, I had a fabulous afternoon. I highly recommend this book, it was wonderful!
The betrayals in this book are unimaginable, but in finding out the truth, dare I say…. Jess may find a gift.
5 Stars
