Fiction – Page 9 – The Relentless Reader

This book is very well written. It has a good shot at winning the Pulitzer this year. It’s critically acclaimed and quite popular. Why couldn’t I get into it?? Whyyyy? This is one of those books that I should like. It fell solidly in the “just okay” column for me.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I was a wreck while reading this! Seriously, so many feelings. So tender, so heartbreaking. Also? I wouldn’t go back to high school for all the tea in China. (Yea, I use that phrase. Even though I don’t drink tea and I’m not 75 years old. Shut up.)

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

I’ve been watching Pretty Little Liars with my youngest daughter. We recently bought the first four books. As soon as she was done with the first one I grabbed it. I didn’t expect it to be quite as enjoyable as it was. It was nice being able to compare notes with my kidlet as well.

Does it drive anyone else bonkers that her finger doesn’t hit the middle of her lips?

The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date: June 2013
Categories: Literary, Suspense, Wisconsin
Source: Harlequin via Netgalley

Description:

Kirsten Hammarstrom hasn’t been home to her tiny corner of rural Wisconsin in years-not since the mysterious disappearance of a local teenage girl rocked the town and shattered her family. Kirsten was just nine years old when Stacy Lemke went missing, and the last person to see her alive was her boyfriend, Johnny-the high school wrestling star and Kirsten’s older brother. No one knows what to believe-not even those closest to Johnny-but the event unhinges the quiet farming community and pins Kirsten’s family beneath the crushing weight of suspicion.

Now, years later, a new tragedy forces Kirsten and her siblings to return home, where they must confront the devastating event that shifted the trajectory of their lives. Tautly written and beautifully evocative, The Mourning Hours is a gripping portrayal of a family straining against extraordinary pressure, and a powerful tale of loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness.

My Thoughts:

Don’t you just love a book that you can’t put down? The Mourning Hours was one such book for this reader.

About the Author

First, this tale is set in Wisconsin. I happen to be a very proud Wisconsinite and I’m always thrilled when my home state is featured in a book. The Mourning Hours depicted the small town feel of rural Wisconsin life very accurately.

Second, the suspense was done remarkably well. DeBoard reeled me in deliberately and thoroughly. The events of one snowy evening changed the Hammarstrom family forever and I found myself racing through the pages to find out exactly what happened.

I heartily urge you to read this tightly woven story. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks to Erin at Quixotic Magpie for recommending this book. I’m endlessly obliged!

Tag: Fiction

Reactions to Recent Reads 04/14/13

The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard