Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Sandy Parker left and never looked back after Hurricane Agnes washed her childhood home into the Susquehanna River. Her lover, Jeannie Bennett, died in the flood, and although Sandy went on to live an extraordinary life, she regrets that she never really said good-bye. Now, Sandy returns to bury her grandmother and finally find closure with Jeannie. Instead, she uncovers secrets long buried in the debris of the flood, secrets that at least one person is willing to kill to protect. Will Sandy discover the truth that will change her life forever, or will a murderer put another Parker in the grave?

 

Book Review

This book is set before and after the historically real hurricane called Agnes. Just for my curiosity, I did a little research on this hurricane and the representation of it in the book appears quite accurate. This memorable and disastrous weather event provides an extraordinary pivotal point that haunts the primary character as she basically moved completely away from her geographical childhood neighborhood following the storm. She doesn't return until the death of her grandmother who raised her. Oh how the machinations that occurred before, during, and following that horrific hurricane come to light. This is a magnificent first book and as such another kudo for Bold Strokes Books. This fabulous love story with extra plusses for the historical presentation make it very special. I definitely recommend it.

Sandy Parker was born into wealth yet isn't a bratty rich girl, but a hardworking student and member of her somewhat detached branch of the Parkers. Her parents died young and she became very attached and protective of her grandparents who were smart folks in their own way. Sandy prospers by the sweat of her brow but an overwhelming tragedy that occurred to her during the height of the hurricane Agnes devastation never really leaves her heart. She didn't collapse after this tragedy, but she never felt complete. I so admired, adored, and felt incredibly close to Sandy. This book is her story on many interesting levels.

Several people were close and important to Sandy, but her first and searingly passionate love, Jeannie, is her primary and foremost sexual partner and for forty years that flame always stayed lit within her bosom. They both knew they would have to leave their childhood homes as they would never be able to openly express their love for each other in that community. I found the ingeniousness of these two girls as they discovered ways to be together in a hot and loving fashion to be amazingly endearing. Of course, they were always ready to make the break from their hometown, but then Agnes struck. What actually occurred is simply horrendous and yet it did not stop Sandy from being a force to be reckoned with. She succeeded at practically everything she did. I felt Sandy's pain for Jeannie and I was swept away by Jeannie's profound love for Sandy. Jeannie is simply a priceless treasure.

Sandy doesn't deny her nature and she felt she was blessed to have been with Diane. The two of them end up adopting a young girl whose parents were destroyed by their substance abuse. The semi-side bar story of Sandy's daughter is one of the many jewels that pop up within this majestic story that was a complete treat right from page one. Bravo!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	NovelNovel, 240 pages/88,562 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-January-2014
Price	$9.99 ebook, $16.95 paperback, $19.99 bundle
Buy Link	https://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/books/agnes-by-jaime-maddox-99-b