I didn't like any of the characters 2010-09-07

Reviewer: Reviewer from Queens

I read this book since the jacket said it was "suspenseful" but when I got into the book I was very disappointed. I could not stand any of the weird characters. Ralph Truitt the older man was a totally unlikeable person and his relationship with Catherine unfathomable. Catherine Land and Antonio MOrelli, Truitt's second wife and son respectively were totally unbelievable and Morelli was somewhat of a cartoon villain--but oddly enough the book came somewhat to life after pressing through chapters about dreary Ralph and Catherine. The ending which I won't divulge was very offputting as well and it was like the author wanted to wrap things up fast. I do hope sincerely there is no sequel and these characters are not resurrected.

The story is about a lonely widower whose secrets are gradually revealed meeting a "mail order" bride who advertised for a husband. He asks her to be his wife but also wants her to play detective. Flashbacks reveal a Rebecca style plot but this is by no means anywhere near the quality of the novel Rebecca!

There are side characters like Catherine's sister and the Larsens but they are really uninteresting and deadly dull. The author never gave them any life.

It also is a real bodice ripper type of novel so these many elements are mixed together: Rebecca type theme, plenty of sex scenes, and "mystery." But the ending was a cop out in my opinion and very very unrealistic.

outside the crowd 2010-09-04

Reviewer: jenny_jo

I was surprised to see so many negative reviews of this novel and feel somewhat outside the crowd in my views. Is the book predictable? Yes. Is it gloomy? Perhaps a little. Yet, I find the prose beautifully pieced together to create a story about redemption. I feel the characters are believable in motivation and reaction, and I appreciated the setting as one of those characters. I actually sympathized with Ralph and Catherine--either because or in spite of their human failings. One of the better books I've read in a while, as I'm tired of all the stories about wealthy divorced women and mothers in mourning who decide to move somewhere to start over or travel the world (yawn).

A PAGE TURNER 2010-09-02

Reviewer: JULIANNABLING

This has it all . Romance, intrigue, twist after twist, historical interest, fascinating characters. Ending was just OK. I was a little incredulous at how far he let her take over his life and health. But still worth reading.

Longest Winter Ever 2010-09-01

Reviewer: E. Gootee

I know Wisconsin winters are long, but........she arrived in the freezing winter, met her husband, married him, had an affair with her lover, poisoned her husband, nursed him back to health, got pregnant, planted a garden. Meanwhile Truitt saw his fortunes rise and fall, dealt with his worthless son, on and on. I had to finish the book, only because I always finish books that I start, but his descriptions of each of their feelings went on ad infinitum, ad nauseum until the very pat and predictable ending. I wish all of them had fallen in the ice.

Exciting plot- a lot of surprises! 2010-08-30

Reviewer: Jani Rubinstein

While I agree with other reviews that the author tends to overexplain certain things, I still couldn't put this book down. The story had unexpected twists and turns and I loved how the characters evolved. A lesson in although your past effects who you are today but does not have to haunt you. A great read!