Reviewer: Annie
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
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?
Review:
Having read all of Steena Holmes’ books, it came as no surprise that I enjoyed “The Word Game”, and anxiously await her next story. She is definitely one of my most beloved authors!!! Reading her books is always like unwrapping a present. Because you don’t know what you are getting until you have completely finished unwrapping.
Steena Holmes has the gift of telling a story involving very gut and heart-wrenching subjects with both grace and dignity. I am always so fascinated by how well Steena can speak of such terrible or tragic things with an air of strength and power. This time she explores the events surrounding a possible sexual molestation of an 11-year-old girl, named Keera.
Only that is not all she has to share…..
At the true center of this story is the Wilhem family. Ida and Gordon are the parents of Alyson (Aly) and Tricia, who are holding their own secrets so close to their hearts, it could break them. For years these secrets have festered within the walls of this family, making Sunday dinners seem a little less special than they could be. Steena really gives you a feel for each of the characters and you feel very close to them.
Aly and Tricia have their own families now, and there is something in the air between them that seems to truly hurt their sisterly bond. It is sad to see, because as you read the book…you truly believe that they love one another, dearly. But, at what price did that love come?
This story is about family, love, loyalty, and trust. To tell you anymore than this and the book summary would be an injustice to Steena’s story.
Steena Holmes is an author that should be on your To-Read List. I bet you will devour all of her books just as I did.
5 Stars.
