This post contains affiliate links for products and services I recommend. If you make a purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
MY REVIEW
Families and hidden secrets were one of my most favorite tropes in fiction, after thrillers obviously. This book had them in plenty. Love for the elderly shone through, a fact I absolutely felt was so essential in today’s fast life. The author Kristin Harper captured that emotion in the words chosen in the story.
My first book by her, I respected the way Zoey loved her great-aunts and cared for them. Her grief in losing one of them was well depicted. On the other hand, Mark came across as the grubby, selfish man who wanted to send his great-aunt to the assisted living so that he could make use of the family home as a site to have weddings.
A secret in the attic caused the mystery to come into the open, and it was up to Zoey to deal with them. She was good in her relationship with her aunts. I loved how her protective nature for them leaped through the prose, but she was quite prone to heated emotions and instant mood change. But since I was like that in real life, I didn’t mind that. Her budding relationship with carpenter Nick seemed sweet. I was glad that the story was not romance-heavy.
I expected Mark to be a great antagonist, but he disappointed me. His section at the end was wrapped up too fast. That was a pity as he provided spice to the sweetened tale. The pace at times seemed too erratic, and all the characters could have been given greater depths so that they touched my and evoked my emotions, even anger.
Overall, a richly descriptive prose along with sensitive moments filled with emotions, love for the aunts made this a soothing read.
MY RATING
BOOK LINKS
AMAZON USA: https://amzn.to/3oT1KLP
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/35K3XBC
BOOK BLURB
Up in the attic, with views across the sparkling bay, she opens the lid of the carved trunk. Carefully moving aside the delicate linen wedding dress once worn by her great-aunt, she unpacks all the smaller boxes inside until she finds the leather-bound diary. She knows this will change everything…
All Zoey’s happiest childhood memories are of her great-aunt Ivy’s rickety cottage on Dune Island, being spoiled with cranberry ice cream and watching the tides change from the rooftop. Now, heartbroken from a recent breakup, Zoey can see her elderly aunt’s spark is fading, and decides to move to the island so they can care for each other.
When she arrives to find her cousin, Mark, sitting at the solid oak kitchen table, she knows why Aunt Ivy hasn’t been herself. Because Mark—next in line to inherit the house—is pushing Ivy to move into a nursing home.
With the cousins clashing over what’s best for Ivy, Zoey is surprised when the local carpenter who’s working on Ivy’s cottage takes her side. As he offers Zoey comfort, the two grow close. Together, they make a discovery in the attic that links the family to the mysterious and reclusive local lighthouse keeper, and throws doubt on Mark’s claim…
Now Zoey has a heartbreaking choice to make. The discovery could keep Ivy in the house she’s loved her whole life… but can Zoey trust that the carpenter really has Ivy’s best interests at heart? And will dredging up an old secret destroy the peace and happiness of Ivy’s final years—and tear this family apart for good?
BOOK DETAILS
Publication Date: December 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and this is my journey down its pages, straight from the heart. STRICTLY HONEST and UNBIASED.
All my reviews can be found here.
14 Responses
I totally agree about Mark. His ending was much too neat and tidy and I just didn’t buy it. I still love the cover, though, and enjoyed the story overall. Glad you did too! Lovely review!
Ah well maybe the next book would be more spicy.. Thank you so much ❤️
This sounds like a thoughtful read, and one for me.
Don’t you have it on the cloud? I am sure you do
That’s a good, balanced review. Sounds sweet with just a dose of angst. 🙂
Yes… Baddie just shouldn’t turn good… 😂 😂 I like bad guys… 😂 😂 Came out the wrong way but right in you-know-what context hehehe
Hahahahaha. I know what you mean.
A lovely review, Shalini and a book I would enjoy I’m sure! It’s a pity Mark’s part of it seems a bit rushed but still one to keep in mind!
I agree. Thank you so much. I loved the cover and the story, but wicked needs to stay wicked sometimes and defeated then
Bookouture has some great books out. I found this publisher while browsing netgalley and oh wow, so many interesting titles! This is another one to add to the pile
That’s true.. They have fun books
Lovely review Shalini. I also enjoyed this, with a few reservations similar to yours. ❤📚
I like stories where respect and love are shown to older family members. They are so often neglected in stories and in real life.
The review show a interesting book. Thank you, Shalini! Will try to read. Michael