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The Belonger: A Novel
Caribbean-island innkeeper Holly Walker is hunkering down against a monster hurricane. Unfortunately, so is player Lord Anthony Bascombe, a man who excuses his bad behavior by saying he is descended from pirates. Then her grown son, Byron, and his father, Montez—the man she’s never stopped wanting—go missing. Will she ever see them again? What about the many others hurt and dying? And will help ever arrive? With each passing day, Holly’s tumultuous past and the epic storm send her hurtling toward a shattering climax that will change the island—and Holly’s life—forever.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2023
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 7, 2023
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This book was *spectacular* on so many levels. I can’t even begin to explain. The author had a few times she could have really thrown off the story and made it into a less than stellar novel but she didn’t. She blasted right through till the end and I was riding the high. This will for sure be a book that I will recommend and continuously talk about when I get asked “what’s one of your favorite books?”
I receive this ARC via BookSparks and their pop up summer campaign and I am so thankful!
It has a release date of 6/13 and will be a marvelous addition to your summer reads!
The story starts with Holly. She has a tough upbringing. Her mom dies when she was young and she doesn’t believe she will ever see her father again (that topic isn’t really dug deep into) a family sort of adopts her and her son Byron that she has out of wedlock with Montez who seems to be an okay guy. Holly has a very one sided relationship with her but holly is just so strong. Her and Byron move from Vermont to Turks and Caicos on a small island and open an Inn together. There are likable characters all throughout. Theres a rakish lord Anthony who is notorious for being a playboy and there’s inn staff and just such a sense of family it made me wanting to visit Turks and Caicos again to get that energy. Then comes a massively destructive hurricane and catastrophic damage is done to structures and people. The sense of family and female empowerment in the most subtle way really shines through in this novel. I normally don’t like love triangles but this author really hit the head on the nail making you wonder who does she pick (an area she could have really messed up with but she went the complete right direction IMO.)
Do yourself a favor and pick this book up and pass it along to your friends. It’s the perfect beach read!
This book was *spectacular* on so many levels. I can’t even begin to explain. The author had a few times she could have really thrown off the story and made it into a less than stellar novel but she didn’t. She blasted right through till the end and I was riding the high. This will for sure be a book that I will recommend and continuously talk about when I get asked “what’s one of your favorite books?”
I receive this ARC via BookSparks and their pop up summer campaign and I am so thankful!
It has a release date of 6/13 and will be a marvelous addition to your summer reads!
The story starts with Holly. She has a tough upbringing. Her mom dies when she was young and she doesn’t believe she will ever see her father again (that topic isn’t really dug deep into) a family sort of adopts her and her son Byron that she has out of wedlock with Montez who seems to be an okay guy. Holly has a very one sided relationship with her but holly is just so strong. Her and Byron move from Vermont to Turks and Caicos on a small island and open an Inn together. There are likable characters all throughout. Theres a rakish lord Anthony who is notorious for being a playboy and there’s inn staff and just such a sense of family it made me wanting to visit Turks and Caicos again to get that energy. Then comes a massively destructive hurricane and catastrophic damage is done to structures and people. The sense of family and female empowerment in the most subtle way really shines through in this novel. I normally don’t like love triangles but this author really hit the head on the nail making you wonder who does she pick (an area she could have really messed up with but she went the complete right direction IMO.)
Do yourself a favor and pick this book up and pass it along to your friends. It’s the perfect beach read!
May 25, 2023
Women's fiction has really become one of my favorite genres. The Belonger by Mary Kathleen Mehuron was an intriguing read. Set in the beautiful Carribean with descriptive locations and descriptive food took me away to really enjoy this summer read.
The Belonger takes a woman who has never really felt like enough and shown her true purpose and power in the wake of devastation, fear and hardship. We get just a glimpse of her short story on Grand Turk, but we see her make her own way in her life, her business and her love.
I really enjoyed this story from a new-to-me author. This was a quick and beautifully descriptive book that I really couldn't put down.
The Belonger takes a woman who has never really felt like enough and shown her true purpose and power in the wake of devastation, fear and hardship. We get just a glimpse of her short story on Grand Turk, but we see her make her own way in her life, her business and her love.
I really enjoyed this story from a new-to-me author. This was a quick and beautifully descriptive book that I really couldn't put down.
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May 22, 2023The Belonger is a captivating read about a journey to the Caribbean, where warm breezes and wild hurricanes set the stage for a powerful story of self-discovery and unexpected love. Through the eyes of an unwitting heroine, readers will witness the transformative power of great loss and sacrifice as she finds her strength and purpose in a magical place unlike any other.
November 22, 2023
Very solid 4.5 stars!!
I devoured this book. It's got so many interesting characters + such beautifully descriptive scenery, which makes me want to visit Turks and Caicos ASAP. This book is about going somewhere new and feeling deeply lost when tragedy strikes, yet finding your way through it to be stronger and with more purpose on the other side.
I also loved the community aspect of this book. We get to see what every day looks like, and then we get to empathize with a community impacted by a hurricane. I've never experienced that kind of extreme, so I can only imagine what it feels like to face that kind destruction.
Pick this book up on your way to the beach or lake! This won't be my last read by Mary Kathleen!
Thanks to the author and BookSparks for an advanced copy of this one! These are my honest thoughts.
I devoured this book. It's got so many interesting characters + such beautifully descriptive scenery, which makes me want to visit Turks and Caicos ASAP. This book is about going somewhere new and feeling deeply lost when tragedy strikes, yet finding your way through it to be stronger and with more purpose on the other side.
I also loved the community aspect of this book. We get to see what every day looks like, and then we get to empathize with a community impacted by a hurricane. I've never experienced that kind of extreme, so I can only imagine what it feels like to face that kind destruction.
Pick this book up on your way to the beach or lake! This won't be my last read by Mary Kathleen!
Thanks to the author and BookSparks for an advanced copy of this one! These are my honest thoughts.
May 29, 2023
Compelling Survival Story Marred By Inexcusable Missed Details. As someone who cruises more than many - I've got over 100 days at sea with Carnival Cruise Line over the last 16 years and now routinely spent roughly two weeks per year at sea with them - I've been to Grand Turk several times. I'm even going back yet again on my next cruise in Fall 2023. I love the island, it is easily one of my favorite common ports in the Caribbean. And this is exactly what drew me to this book. The setting on and around Grand Turk in this book is truly amazing, for the most part it very much feels like you're actually there, even in areas I've never experienced. If this book doesn't make you want to get into the Caribbean ASAP, I'm not sure of anything short of Jimmy Buffett that could. Then, when the storm hits - the other factor that drew me into the book, as I've personally seen some of the devastation Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria wreaked across the Caribbean, and even had a cruise or two diverted to other ports because of the damage sustained where we were supposed to be going - the story shifts into survival mode, and here too the book is remarkably (mostly) realistic. Particularly for the isolation of the island if things truly go bad, as they tend to do during a Category 5 hurricane making a direct hit.
But it is that (mostly) during the survival section in particular that mars an otherwise truly amazing book.
Being someone that alternates her time between New England (Vermont, specifically) and Grand Turk, maybe, *maybe*, the author can be excused for claiming that a 9mm round "isn't meant to kill", as she does during the survival section here in one particularly tense moment. As someone who also owns a 9mm pistol... I can very much attest to the opposite - every single round in my 9mm *is* meant to be a kill shot, should I ever need it to become one, and every single round has the power to do so. Now, if you want to argue *shot placement*, as many in the online and IRL gun communities routinely do, fair game - but that isn't what the author says in this particular passage.
The second major flaw is geographic in nature. Grand Turk is *tiny*, just 6 square miles in surface area, and at least some of that is water. The southern end is dominated by the cruise pier and the services needed to run it. Meaning the actual population of Grand Turk has even less area to live in. And one thing you can easily notice from the bigger ships that dock there in particular is just how *flat* Grand Turk is. If there is a hill bigger than *maybe* 10 feet tall, I've never noticed it in all my time on and at the island. And yet, in another sequence, Mehuron, who per her biography spends a fair amount of time actively living on the island, describes one particular journey is both arduous and up a significant hill. The problem is that the biggest "hill" on Grand Turk, even with putting some research in for this review, is no more than about 60 feet or so above the main elevation of the rest of the town there on Grand Turk. As a reference point, a particularly steep hill - among many in the area - just a street over from the house I spent my teens in in my hometown north of Atlanta, GA, is roughly twice as tall. And in a survival situation, I could be up that hill within minutes with minimal effort. Hell, I used to routinely ride my bicycle up it as a younger teenager.
So she gets a major point of geography completely wrong, and hell, maybe you're arguing "artistic license". Perhaps. My counter would be that the story didn't need that particular element. There could have been other, much more realistic, impediments to that particular location to make it just as treacherous or perhaps even more so, without getting such a basic fact so blatantly wrong.
It is for both of the above errors combined that the single star is deducted, as while both are glaring and nonsensical, neither do they *completely* take away from the otherwise strong tale of life and survival told here.
Overall this actually was quite a compelling tale, one that takes the classic disaster format of showing life before, during, and after a disaster and uses it quite well indeed to showcase a particular setting remarkably well while also telling a story of a woman's family and friends, and her overall community, within that framework. Very much recommended.
But it is that (mostly) during the survival section in particular that mars an otherwise truly amazing book.
Being someone that alternates her time between New England (Vermont, specifically) and Grand Turk, maybe, *maybe*, the author can be excused for claiming that a 9mm round "isn't meant to kill", as she does during the survival section here in one particularly tense moment. As someone who also owns a 9mm pistol... I can very much attest to the opposite - every single round in my 9mm *is* meant to be a kill shot, should I ever need it to become one, and every single round has the power to do so. Now, if you want to argue *shot placement*, as many in the online and IRL gun communities routinely do, fair game - but that isn't what the author says in this particular passage.
The second major flaw is geographic in nature. Grand Turk is *tiny*, just 6 square miles in surface area, and at least some of that is water. The southern end is dominated by the cruise pier and the services needed to run it. Meaning the actual population of Grand Turk has even less area to live in. And one thing you can easily notice from the bigger ships that dock there in particular is just how *flat* Grand Turk is. If there is a hill bigger than *maybe* 10 feet tall, I've never noticed it in all my time on and at the island. And yet, in another sequence, Mehuron, who per her biography spends a fair amount of time actively living on the island, describes one particular journey is both arduous and up a significant hill. The problem is that the biggest "hill" on Grand Turk, even with putting some research in for this review, is no more than about 60 feet or so above the main elevation of the rest of the town there on Grand Turk. As a reference point, a particularly steep hill - among many in the area - just a street over from the house I spent my teens in in my hometown north of Atlanta, GA, is roughly twice as tall. And in a survival situation, I could be up that hill within minutes with minimal effort. Hell, I used to routinely ride my bicycle up it as a younger teenager.
So she gets a major point of geography completely wrong, and hell, maybe you're arguing "artistic license". Perhaps. My counter would be that the story didn't need that particular element. There could have been other, much more realistic, impediments to that particular location to make it just as treacherous or perhaps even more so, without getting such a basic fact so blatantly wrong.
It is for both of the above errors combined that the single star is deducted, as while both are glaring and nonsensical, neither do they *completely* take away from the otherwise strong tale of life and survival told here.
Overall this actually was quite a compelling tale, one that takes the classic disaster format of showing life before, during, and after a disaster and uses it quite well indeed to showcase a particular setting remarkably well while also telling a story of a woman's family and friends, and her overall community, within that framework. Very much recommended.
June 11, 2023
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This book was an absolute masterpiece that exceeded my expectations on every level. The author skillfully navigated potential pitfalls, ensuring a flawless and exceptional novel from start to finish. I was completely engrossed, riding an exhilarating wave of emotions throughout. Without a doubt, this book has earned a permanent spot on my list of all-time favorites. I read the entire novel in one day.
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC through BookSparks and their pop-up summer campaign, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. The Belonger is set to release on June 13 and will easily become a must-have addition to your summer reading list.
The narrative unfolds with Holly, a resilient individual who has faced numerous hardships in her life. While the exploration of her complicated relationship with her deceased mother and estranged father remains somewhat surface-level, she finds solace when a kind-hearted family welcomes her and her son, Byron, into their lives. Holly's unwavering strength shines brilliantly throughout the story. Together, she and Byron embark on a journey from Vermont to the serene shores of Turks and Caicos, where they establish an enchanting inn. The cast of characters is incredibly likable, including the charming and notorious playboy Lord Anthony, as well as the inn's dedicated staff. The sense of kinship and togetherness within the story is so palpable that it left me yearning to revisit Turks and Caicos and bask in that same vibrant energy.
However, amidst the idyllic backdrop, a devastating hurricane strikes, leaving behind a trail of destruction that profoundly impacts both the physical structures and the lives of the characters. It is in the face of adversity that the novel truly shines, showcasing the power of family and female empowerment in the most subtle yet impactful ways. While I typically shy away from love triangles, the author deftly navigated this trope, skillfully building suspense and leaving readers contemplating which path Holly would choose. In my opinion, she took the story in the perfect direction, avoiding any missteps.
I implore you to treat yourself by picking up this book and sharing it with your friends. It is the epitome of a captivating beach read that will transport you to a world of beauty, resilience, and unbreakable bonds.
Have you already started your summer reading list? Add this one to your list now! Share with us below in the comments what others you can’t wait to dive into this summer.
This book was an absolute masterpiece that exceeded my expectations on every level. The author skillfully navigated potential pitfalls, ensuring a flawless and exceptional novel from start to finish. I was completely engrossed, riding an exhilarating wave of emotions throughout. Without a doubt, this book has earned a permanent spot on my list of all-time favorites. I read the entire novel in one day.
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC through BookSparks and their pop-up summer campaign, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. The Belonger is set to release on June 13 and will easily become a must-have addition to your summer reading list.
The narrative unfolds with Holly, a resilient individual who has faced numerous hardships in her life. While the exploration of her complicated relationship with her deceased mother and estranged father remains somewhat surface-level, she finds solace when a kind-hearted family welcomes her and her son, Byron, into their lives. Holly's unwavering strength shines brilliantly throughout the story. Together, she and Byron embark on a journey from Vermont to the serene shores of Turks and Caicos, where they establish an enchanting inn. The cast of characters is incredibly likable, including the charming and notorious playboy Lord Anthony, as well as the inn's dedicated staff. The sense of kinship and togetherness within the story is so palpable that it left me yearning to revisit Turks and Caicos and bask in that same vibrant energy.
However, amidst the idyllic backdrop, a devastating hurricane strikes, leaving behind a trail of destruction that profoundly impacts both the physical structures and the lives of the characters. It is in the face of adversity that the novel truly shines, showcasing the power of family and female empowerment in the most subtle yet impactful ways. While I typically shy away from love triangles, the author deftly navigated this trope, skillfully building suspense and leaving readers contemplating which path Holly would choose. In my opinion, she took the story in the perfect direction, avoiding any missteps.
I implore you to treat yourself by picking up this book and sharing it with your friends. It is the epitome of a captivating beach read that will transport you to a world of beauty, resilience, and unbreakable bonds.
Have you already started your summer reading list? Add this one to your list now! Share with us below in the comments what others you can’t wait to dive into this summer.
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June 15, 2023As a hurricane bears down on the Caribbeans, Holly Walker is trying to ensure she survives it. Lord Anthony Bascombe excuses his bad behavior by saying he's descended from pirates, and won't leave her alone. Holly cares about her grown son Byron and her ex Montez going missing. Others on the island are hurt or dying, and they're all awaiting help.
Belongers are those that live on Turks and Caicos and aren't tourists. They have their own way of doing things, with prejudices against others. Anthony is one of those who think money and a title make him charming. While I don't resent him as much as Holly does, I'm also not in the same position of having to cater to his whims to keep her business going. He goes so far to be proud of the fact that he's a "lesser lord" and hadn't ever been to England, saying it's all he aspires to be. He's supposed to be charming, but I find him annoying and can't finish scenes with him in it fast enough. The first third of the book feels very slice of life, and then the storm arrives. At that point, I'm upset with all of the men in Holly's life. Without consulting her, they made plans about where she should stay to ride out the storm and expected her to be happy about it. I'm glad she was finally listened to, though everyone together in close quarters meant bickering and Holly getting closer to Anthony.
I still didn't like Anthony and kept rolling my eyes at most things he said or did in the novel. In fact, I didn't like most of the characters. The tension building due to damage from the hurricane kept me reading, because I wanted to know how it would end. There is the inevitable looting, repairing damaged homes, tending to those who were injured, a home birth, and trying to band together to help. In those times, we see the best and worst of people, and the disaster forces all of the people to reevaluate their lives and see what's most important to them. With all of the rebuilding after Hurricane Nestor, hopefully, there isn't another disaster to make them realize what's truly valuable in life.
Belongers are those that live on Turks and Caicos and aren't tourists. They have their own way of doing things, with prejudices against others. Anthony is one of those who think money and a title make him charming. While I don't resent him as much as Holly does, I'm also not in the same position of having to cater to his whims to keep her business going. He goes so far to be proud of the fact that he's a "lesser lord" and hadn't ever been to England, saying it's all he aspires to be. He's supposed to be charming, but I find him annoying and can't finish scenes with him in it fast enough. The first third of the book feels very slice of life, and then the storm arrives. At that point, I'm upset with all of the men in Holly's life. Without consulting her, they made plans about where she should stay to ride out the storm and expected her to be happy about it. I'm glad she was finally listened to, though everyone together in close quarters meant bickering and Holly getting closer to Anthony.
I still didn't like Anthony and kept rolling my eyes at most things he said or did in the novel. In fact, I didn't like most of the characters. The tension building due to damage from the hurricane kept me reading, because I wanted to know how it would end. There is the inevitable looting, repairing damaged homes, tending to those who were injured, a home birth, and trying to band together to help. In those times, we see the best and worst of people, and the disaster forces all of the people to reevaluate their lives and see what's most important to them. With all of the rebuilding after Hurricane Nestor, hopefully, there isn't another disaster to make them realize what's truly valuable in life.
June 23, 2023
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord. Many thanks to the author and @booksparks #partner
Be prepared to be swept away by this book, which is an enthralling tale of survival, love, and the unbreakable spirit of the human soul amidst the tempestuous forces of nature. Experience the intensity of a hurricane through the eyes of an innkeeper in this gripping and all-consuming narrative. You’ll fly through this one, guaranteed.
Amidst the chaos of a hurricane, Holly finds herself in the company of Lord Anthony Bascombe, a charismatic but troubled man who claims pirate lineage as an excuse for his questionable behavior. But meeting Lord Anthony sets the stage for an even more tumultuous time, further complicating Holly's already tumultuous life.
This story dives into the depths of human emotions and the life-changing impact of natural disasters. The author's descriptive language brings readers into the heart of the hurricane, creating a feeling of danger and urgency. The undertones of the narrative plummets us forward leaving us hooked to the story and its characters the entire time. Through Holly's perspective, we witness the struggles and resilience that arise when faced with unimaginable obstacles.
The author does an excellent job of creating the complex character Holly, who is both strong and vulnerable, making her relatable and sympathetic to readers.
If you enjoy compelling dramas and tales of resilience in tough times, then this book is a must-read. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable connections that keep us united, leaving a lasting impression on readers even after they finish the last chapter.
Be prepared to be swept away by this book, which is an enthralling tale of survival, love, and the unbreakable spirit of the human soul amidst the tempestuous forces of nature. Experience the intensity of a hurricane through the eyes of an innkeeper in this gripping and all-consuming narrative. You’ll fly through this one, guaranteed.
Amidst the chaos of a hurricane, Holly finds herself in the company of Lord Anthony Bascombe, a charismatic but troubled man who claims pirate lineage as an excuse for his questionable behavior. But meeting Lord Anthony sets the stage for an even more tumultuous time, further complicating Holly's already tumultuous life.
This story dives into the depths of human emotions and the life-changing impact of natural disasters. The author's descriptive language brings readers into the heart of the hurricane, creating a feeling of danger and urgency. The undertones of the narrative plummets us forward leaving us hooked to the story and its characters the entire time. Through Holly's perspective, we witness the struggles and resilience that arise when faced with unimaginable obstacles.
The author does an excellent job of creating the complex character Holly, who is both strong and vulnerable, making her relatable and sympathetic to readers.
If you enjoy compelling dramas and tales of resilience in tough times, then this book is a must-read. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the unbreakable connections that keep us united, leaving a lasting impression on readers even after they finish the last chapter.
June 16, 2023
Caribbean-island innkeeper Holly Walker is hunkering down against a monster hurricane. Unfortunately, so is player Lord Anthony Bascombe, a man who excuses his bad behavior by saying he is descended from pirates. Then her grown son, Byron, and his father, Montez—the man she’s never stopped wanting—go missing. Will she ever see them again? What about the many others hurt and dying? With each passing day, Holly’s tumultuous past and the epic storm send her hurtling toward a shattering climax that will change the island—and Holly’s life—forever.
“If this hurricane doesn’t get the best of me, this man just might.”
I was married on Turks & Caicos and found it to be one of the most beautiful and amazing locations I’ve ever visited. It’s not as touristy as some of the other islands and my memories of it are fond. That being said, I absolutely CANNOT imagine being on any island with a category 5 hurricane barreling towards it. Omg. I have anxiety just thinking about it. So to follow Holly and she deals with her heightened emotions in regards to her sons father and his new love interest, a home she has claimed as her own since she left Vermont, and a looming storm had me flipping those pages. Mother nature, man. She does what she wants and lets nothing stand in her way. We’re just lucky to make it out of her wrath alive. A quick and throughly entertaining story.
Thank you to @BookSparks + @marykathleenmehuron for the #gifted copy of this #SummerPopUp book.
“If this hurricane doesn’t get the best of me, this man just might.”
I was married on Turks & Caicos and found it to be one of the most beautiful and amazing locations I’ve ever visited. It’s not as touristy as some of the other islands and my memories of it are fond. That being said, I absolutely CANNOT imagine being on any island with a category 5 hurricane barreling towards it. Omg. I have anxiety just thinking about it. So to follow Holly and she deals with her heightened emotions in regards to her sons father and his new love interest, a home she has claimed as her own since she left Vermont, and a looming storm had me flipping those pages. Mother nature, man. She does what she wants and lets nothing stand in her way. We’re just lucky to make it out of her wrath alive. A quick and throughly entertaining story.
Thank you to @BookSparks + @marykathleenmehuron for the #gifted copy of this #SummerPopUp book.
June 18, 2023
Having grown up on the New Jersey shore, hurricanes are something I have prepared for if not really experienced. I understand the endless waiting, the fear the “will it hit here”. In the case of The Belonger the storm does indeed hit and it hits hard.
As Island innkeeper Holly prepares and awaits a coming Hurricane she must also deal with family matters and a guest who just really does not know how to behave like a decent human being. Worry has to go on the back burner as survival becomes all consuming.
Will she and her family survive the monster storm? Will the Island ever be the same?
This was a page turner of a read full of every day characters caught up in situations none of us ever want to experience. Hurricanes are no fun and their aftermaths are nightmares. You wonder if anything will ever be the same.
The Belonger takes you on storm tossed ride that exciting and worth every single page turn. Relationships are tested and lives are changed.
4.5
I received a free copy for my honest review.
As Island innkeeper Holly prepares and awaits a coming Hurricane she must also deal with family matters and a guest who just really does not know how to behave like a decent human being. Worry has to go on the back burner as survival becomes all consuming.
Will she and her family survive the monster storm? Will the Island ever be the same?
This was a page turner of a read full of every day characters caught up in situations none of us ever want to experience. Hurricanes are no fun and their aftermaths are nightmares. You wonder if anything will ever be the same.
The Belonger takes you on storm tossed ride that exciting and worth every single page turn. Relationships are tested and lives are changed.
4.5
I received a free copy for my honest review.
September 15, 2023
What's not to love about a story set in the Caribbean islands? It's like taking a vacation without leaving the comfort of your favorite reading chair. Lots of beautiful scenery and appetizing food, with a little romance thrown in.
But then the author throws in a hurricane, and a lost love from the past, and the story becomes anything but a vacation. Holly worries about her son, and their inn, when the hurricane threatens. Along with the physical turmoil she's going through, she also finds herself emotionally torn, wanting her past love but also curious about her future possibilities.
I loved The Belonger, not only for the amazing setting but also for the memorable characters. I struggled and fretted right along with them as their world seemed to collapse. This is a story that will stay with me because of the interesting storyline but also because of the beautiful location that the author took me to.
But then the author throws in a hurricane, and a lost love from the past, and the story becomes anything but a vacation. Holly worries about her son, and their inn, when the hurricane threatens. Along with the physical turmoil she's going through, she also finds herself emotionally torn, wanting her past love but also curious about her future possibilities.
I loved The Belonger, not only for the amazing setting but also for the memorable characters. I struggled and fretted right along with them as their world seemed to collapse. This is a story that will stay with me because of the interesting storyline but also because of the beautiful location that the author took me to.
July 14, 2023
Holly owns an inn on Turks and Caicos. Her world is basically consumed with all the logistics. So, when a hurricane has its eye on her whole world, she refuses to evacuate. When her ex and her son Byron go missing, Holly’s world is turned upside down and she is afraid it will never be the same again.
This is a very atmospheric novel. The setting is amazing. I could just picture all the surrounding beauty. But, this novel just has a bit of hum-drum, everyday details. It is a good read and it is action packed in places, especially when the hurricane hits. It just took a while to get there. I did enjoy the fact that it is a quick read. And sometimes you just need a good, quick story to get you through the week.
Need a good tale about Turks and Caicos…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
This is a very atmospheric novel. The setting is amazing. I could just picture all the surrounding beauty. But, this novel just has a bit of hum-drum, everyday details. It is a good read and it is action packed in places, especially when the hurricane hits. It just took a while to get there. I did enjoy the fact that it is a quick read. And sometimes you just need a good, quick story to get you through the week.
Need a good tale about Turks and Caicos…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
June 13, 2023
As the protagonist, Holly finds love at the center of her world. This fast paced novel holds room for community, poised characters, and her smart connection to herself. As an artist living in the Caribbean, it is comforting to feel the depth in all of Kathy's characters as they take on growth and life's challenges with relationships. You don't need to be close to the beach to appreciate what you will learn in this beautiful novel, but you will love it on your next vacation to the sand and sea!
June 22, 2023
Thank you @booksparks @shewritespress for this complimentary copy in exchange for reading and reviewing the #summerpopup books!
Firstly, the setting of this book is my dream vacation someday at the Turks. I live here in the East Coast and seeing that hurricane is not uncommon, I was actually feeling Holly’s fear, bravery and resilience while overcoming obstacles. I love how this women’s fiction has no bound and shows Holly’s character and her own personal story. This dramatic book is a great paced narrative book and wonderful storyline. You should read it too!
Firstly, the setting of this book is my dream vacation someday at the Turks. I live here in the East Coast and seeing that hurricane is not uncommon, I was actually feeling Holly’s fear, bravery and resilience while overcoming obstacles. I love how this women’s fiction has no bound and shows Holly’s character and her own personal story. This dramatic book is a great paced narrative book and wonderful storyline. You should read it too!
December 18, 2024
I was on a cruise and we were at the grand Turk port when I bought this book at a local shop. The lady who was working at the store was so incredibly sweet. She told me about the author and how it was written by a local. I bought it immediately and I am so glad I did. A beautiful story about Grand Turk Island and a families adventure navigating through a hurricane. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and I love that reading it brought me back to the island. Grand Turk was my favorite port I’ve been to and I cannot wait to go back!
June 14, 2023
One of the reason’s I’m a book blogger is for discovering new author’s like this one. Mary Kathleen Mehuron writes a compelling story about love, loss and self-discovery. Set in the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos, innkeeper, Holly Walker, navigates through many hurdles. Including a monstrous hurricane that strikes the island. This book is full of spark, charm, suspense and romance. I enjoyed it so much.
June 26, 2023
Mary Kathleen Mehuron's new novel had me cheering for innkeeper Holly Walker throughout her travails, including an epic storm and the disappearance of loved ones. Mehuron's descriptions of Grand Turk Island transported me to its sandy beach, as if I was watching the horizon for a rare green flash of sunset.
June 9, 2023
Hurricanes are not something that I know a lot of about since I don't live near the ocean. But man this put me right into the action of how it would feel. I loved the story and the characters and had a wild time reading this one.
June 14, 2023
Looking for a summer read that takes you away? Or maybe you are looking for a badass female character? The Belonger provides both and so much more! I finished the book wanting Holly as my next door neighbor and tickets to visit Grand Turk!
February 3, 2024
I bought this book at the museum gift shop on Grand Turk Island. Reading it back home (in the winter weather) was a fine way to extend my vacation! I like how the novel reflects the island, and I like the interplay between the characters.
March 21, 2023
such a great read!
March 22, 2023
This book swept me away to the sands of the Caribbean. Enjoyable, satisfying read.
March 30, 2023
A transporting and engaging read.
March 31, 2023
A perfect beach read!
April 3, 2023
Suspenseful and hopeful. Take this one to the beach this summer and let your mind escape to a place far away where anything is possible.
April 4, 2023
I preread the Belonger, enjoying Caribbean places and book plots - living vicariously, especially when a woman finds her own power. A challenging story with realistic characters. Hard to put down.
April 6, 2023
Hurricanes, mystery, and intrigue held me captive as I read Mehuron's novel about innkeeper Holly Walker and the host of characters that go missing on her imperiled Caribbean island.
April 10, 2023
Wild and uncontrollable—sometimes, people do more damage than the hurricane. THE BELONGER is a mesmerizing story of discovery, loss, longing, and renewal.
May 1, 2023
A tantalizing mystery and love story in the gorgeous Caribbean, amidst the tension of a gathering hurricane. Who could ask for more?
May 2, 2023
Beautiful setting, natural disasters, snappy dialogue, and a killer plot twist. So fun!
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