Helpful Score: 8
This is a definite 5-star read, and it's also the first book I've read by this author. In a small town, on an island, lives are played out and intertwined through the years. The story opens as a woman is released from prison, having served nine years for injuring (with intent to kill, according to the verdict) the man responsible for the death of her young son. Goudge weaves a plot covering more than half a century as we're drawn into the lives of three generations of two families. It is hard to put down this book, and the conclusion is rich with meaning.
Helpful Score: 7
I ordered this book because I saw it on my genre homepage here on PBS. My normal genre is historical normally and for me this book was stepping out of my comfort zone. I have to say though, I was quite surprised. I absoutely loved this book from beginning to end. I love how the author is in present time and goes back to world war 2 to help you understand the makeup of all the families that are in the story. I also LOVED the ending. Will definately request more Eileen Goudge books in the future!
Helpful Score: 3
I thought this book was wonderful. It's easily comparable to a Jodi Picoult novel. This was different from her first books. I hope to see more of the same from her.
Helpful Score: 3
Very enjoyable...not totally predictable like I expected! I had never read this author so assumed it was just a simple romance, but was pleasantly surprised to find a good plot-line! I picked it up for a quick read on a trip out of town and found it very entertaining. The two protagonists are complicated, yet genuine. Leaves me wanting to see the painting referred to in the title, though!
Helpful Score: 3
Three families, three generations, plenty of intrigue, twists and turns. thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book. Could not put it down. Well written.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is very well written. The story started a little slow for me, but once you get into the book (which didn't take long for me), it becomes a quick and enjoyable read. This book contains a little romance, a little suspense and a little mystery, so it was very well rounded and was enjoyable.
I agree with the great reviews for this book. It caught me from page 1 and there are so many layers to the story. The ending was so satisfying and I never so it coming!
I have already passed this book on to a dear friend to enjoy as I did. Mystery, romance, lives of truth and lives of deceit - an engrossing story.
Loved it!
When I picked up this book, I was not hopeful at all. After I started to read it, I was so happy that I did! A heartwarming story with a surprising ending. Loved it!
Alice Kessler spent nine years in prison for the attempted murder of the drunk driver who killed her eldest son. Now she has returned home to Gray's Island to reconnect with the son she left behind. Her little boy, Jeremy, an angry teenager now, is wrongly accused of rape, and so mother and son are thrown together in a desperate attempt to prove his innocence. At the same time, Alice must battle the man responsible for putting her behind bars, who has since become the mayor of her hometown. She is aided by Colin McGinty, a recovering alcoholic and 9/11 widower.
Interesting but not as gripping as I expected. The issues/conflict were intense but they were resolved too easily or quietly. Good character development.
Interesting but not as gripping as I expected. The issues/conflict were intense but they were resolved too easily or quietly. Good character development.
this is actually a LARGE PRINT BOOK
