Having lost her mother at a tender age, Lucy Goodwin was looking forward to finding a surrogate in her mother-in-law but realized at their first encounter that wasn’t going to be a reality. Diana Goodwin was a complicated woman with strong convictions about life and service. Though her husband, Tom, provided balance to her somewhat aloof nature, Diana still was the driving force in the family, expecting her two children to stand on their own and not look to their affluent parents as a safety net. Her love for her family was understood but not because you could see or feel it.
The story opens with news of Diana’s death, not clear whether it’s suicide or something else. We get two narratives, Lucy’s and Diana’s, transitioning between past and the present, using backstories and histories to provide context for current events. Lucy’s husband, Ollie, was Diana’s oldest child and he seemed to be nothing like her but very comfortable in his own skin. Her daughter, Nettie, appeared to be the stronger of the two with the more vibrant career but a weak partner for a husband. But always at the center of every important milestone was Diana who most often controlled their destinies.
I vacillated between liking and understanding Diana to strongly disliking her and wanting her to be better. The story was skillfully written as my emotional turmoil was due to the small reveals and insights sprinkled liberally throughout. The personalities of the entire family were nuanced, differing from their veneers at times and not always clear what was real versus facade and what lay deeply beneath. I was always off balance but completely absorbed into these people’s lives, needing more and getting it. There’s nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, predictable about any of them until you reach the end when you just know exactly who they are and their natures. And, the ending was true to each of them. I found this book to be utterly fascinating with brilliant characterizations. It’s clever without trying to be. I don’t reread books but this is one I just might pick up again.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 23, 2019
- Page Numbers: 352
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(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Fantastic review!
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Thank you, Nicki!
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Exciting review… Fab writing and I got excited.. I got rejected for this book… Hope I get to read it some day 😍❤️
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Thank you, Shalini! I’m not sure I would have been approved without the Goodreads group read connection. I do hope you get an opportunity to read it.
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Which is this group? I never get most books 😂😢
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The Traveling Sisters. They arranged for us to get the NetGalley widgets for the upcoming group read.
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Oh… I didn’t know that…i am a part of the group I thought only those who get approved from NG can join in
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It came up back in October and anyone interested stepped up at that time to be included in the request for the NetGalley ARC (it could have been the Traveling Friends group as I constantly mix the two).
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Will message them💖
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I am really looking forward to finally reading this book and your great review is very encouraging. Not sure though I will like seeing the name “Diana” there. I hardly ever read any books with my name in it and it will be disconcerting.
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With my unusual name, I’ve never had to deal with that kind of dilemma, Diana. I hope it doesn’t interfere with your enjoyment when you do get to it.
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Loved your review! 💗 I’m really looking forward to this. I read The Mother’s Promise and enjoyed it.
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Thank you! I hope you end up enjoying it as I don’t think there’s middle ground to be had. You’re going to really love or dislike the story. Even I was unsure for quite far into the story.
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Glad you enjoyed this one, Jonetta! For some reason, this book just did not work for me. I think my intense dislike for the mother in law played a huge role.
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Thanks, Marialyce! I can understand why you feel differently about this story. It’s going to be one of those books that evoke strong feelings both ways.
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While it does sound intriguing, it’s probably not something I would go out of my way to read. But that’s just me.
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That’s understandable. Different strokes…
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Yes! I loved it too and for all of the same reasons. Terrific review of a fascinating book!!
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Thanks, Mackey! I can’t wait to discuss the story.
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Wonderful review. Sounds like a pretty exciting read Jonetta 😊
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Thank you, RoseMarie! It was definitely intriguing.
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Great review Jo! I think I have this one too! I better go look. Have a great weekend!💜
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Thank you, Susan! I hope you fall on the enjoy side if you have this one. Good luck unpacking, too.
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Wonderful review, Jonetta! I agree about the lack of predictability, the nuanced characters. It ended up being so much more than I thought it would be.
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Thanks, Jennifer! Halfway in, I thought I knew where the book was going and all I needed to know about the characters. That’s what I get for assuming😏
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Wonderful review, Jonetta! I completely agree—brilliant characterizations! This one was incredibly well done 💕
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Thanks, Mackenzie! I really could see these people, know their next moves and what they could, would and couldn’t do.
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Great review, Jonetta! I have a copy of this one to read. Now I’m looking even more forward to reading it. 💜
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Thank you, Darinda! Enjoy when you do get to it.
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Oh I’m so happy you love this! So true clever without trying to be!💛
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Thanks, Berit!
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Thanks for your review, I like the sound of this book. Have a great weekend!
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You’re welcome and enjoy your weekend, too!
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Looks like a great book. Wonderful review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Melanie!
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Lovely review 🤗 Sorry I can’t share it at the moment I’m stuck in Twitter jail ☹️
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Thank you, Beth! Twitter really needs to rethink this policy.
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Fantastic review Jonetta. I will have to watch for this one.
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Thanks, Carla! Scheduled for April release.
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Excellent, compelling review. I have this one on my Kindle and was just looking at it yesterday. The title is a bit basic, which is why I think I keep passing it by. Now I can mark it as recommended! I don’t reread often either, so you’re immediate interest in doing so says a lot.
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Thanks, Myndi! I don’t think the synopsis does this book justice. I might have delayed reading if not for the upcoming group read.
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Wonderful review, Jonetta! Keep sharing more great inspiring blog post. I am your’s new follower. I hope too see you very soon on my blog amazingshining.com which is about tech travel recipes & shopping reviews.
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Thank you, Sumit!
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Always welcome.
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