Shana R. (LynniePennie) reviewed on 3/13/2012 + 169 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

The other reviewers have covered the plot numerous times, so I won't get into that too much. The book starts out with Marielle's wedding at Holly Oak and all the local women who knew Susannah gossiping about Marielle, which I personally found to be a bit of a turn off.

This is also a book that has two story lines; one in the present day involving Marielle and the other in the past involving Susannah. I'm not sure if it's just me, but, many books that have two story lines are hard for me to really get into. I find I have to be really interested in both stories. When reading, I found that I was more entertained with Susannah's story than with Marielle's and I found it hard to keep reading.

The story also contained a bit of a haunting aspect to it as some of the residents in Fredericksburg believed the house (Holly Oak) was haunted. Many (the gossips around the area) believed the ghost of Susannah haunted Holly Oak. From the blurp on the back of the book one would think that this book would have more about a ghost and/or hauntings of the past.

Since this book did not contain any graphic or mature situations, it could be read by most audiences. Though, since the two stories revolve around women and their emotions, I believe probably this book would be more enjoyed by women.

Overall, it's not a bad story and there were parts I found enjoyable about the history of the house and area. Though, it's not one I think I'd read again.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details