Book Reviews

Book Blurb

After a car accident claims the love of Danielle Stone’s life, Yvette, she tries to pick up the pieces and move on with her life. She gets out more, starts dating again, and tries to be happy.

This all changes for Danielle when one of the small town’s most beloved residents, Marie, goes missing. Soon, the entire town turns against her, thinking she had something to do with Marie’s disappearance and suggesting that Yvette’s accident was no accident at all. It's up to Danielle to clear her name and find out the truth about what happened -- to both Marie and Yvette.

 

Book Review

This story starts out with a great deal of pathos. Two young lovers looking forward to the rest of their lives crash and burn as one of the pair dies in a nasty car accident. They were the only out lesbians in a small town in Iowa, sort of the town freak show, and also grist for the constant rumor mill. There are many flashbacks to the young couple’s fresh and vibrant life together which intermixed very well with the post funeral days, weeks, and months. Much to my surprise and delight, there is a fascinating and intriguing mystery that kind of turns this little community upside-down and somewhat inside-out, too. I adored the survivor and the quirky folks in the small community of Carter Lake. This is an enjoyable read with that extra zing from the mystery including some truly heartwarming people trying to keep their lives together and their village prospering. I certainly recommend this for the characters, the secret that takes on a life of its own, and the rather inspiring surviving woman. This really had heart mixed with some imaginative intrigue. Good show! 

Danielle Stone is the surviving member. She leaves her first anniversary gift, a locket with both her and Yvette's picture, on the casket just prior to it being interred. She is definitely heartbroken, but doesn't give in and doesn't forget. I had to give her major kudos for staying in the little town of Carter Lake. I also think her odd, but commendable, brother Nate helps her make it though the days and months that pass. After all, he was the fellow along with his wife Carol who corralled Danielle into going to Omaha and that cowboy bar 'Howdy Doo'. However, it is the memorable scenes with her and Yvette that added the marvelously heartwarming touch making Danielle sparkle. I loved Danielle!

Toni is a bartender at the 'Howdy Doo'. She wanted to be a singer, but didn't quite have that burning desire to study, practice, and hone her talent. She is nevertheless someone that Dani can talk to with ease. The essence of a budding relationship has a bit of an uphill battle as Danielle is still flooded with memories of Yvette. Toni is currently unattached because her ex-girlfriend cheated on her making Toni at bit extra sensitive and cautious. She does have the good feeling and good sense to give Dani some leeway in regard to her still current memories of Yvette. Toni has a great many lovely traits and in my opinion I think she is a bit of a gift from the gods. She also proves to be a good ally, when Dani faces some unexpectedly rough times. Beautiful!

I grew up in small neighborhood in a big city. I remember prying eyes and a never-ending rumor mill. However, only one or two blocks away from my home were countless new communities and adventures. Just like neighborhoods, actual small towns are certainly an entity unto themselves. One needs to hop in a car and completely leave to get out from under the microscope. The village of Carter Lake is as much a force to be reckoned with along with the various women's circles and the small town police force in this story. Given this diverse cast of characters, this charming story blossomed and thrilled. Don't miss it!

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 195 pages/57600 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	07-May-2014
Price	$4.99 ebook, $14.95 paperback
Buy Link	http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=4180