What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hint of Light
In this heart-wrenching exploration of unconditional love, what a mother finds in the aftermath of her son’s death could put her family back together—or tear them apart for good.
In the wake of her son’s sudden death, Margaret Dobrescu struggles to keep it together in the face of her grief…and her guilt. She can’t help but blame herself for Kyle’s own lifelong struggles—namely, the alcoholism that plagued him.
But within mere days of his funeral, secrets and suspicions begin to surface, and Margaret’s husband admits that Kyle once confessed to having a daughter. Clinging to the hope that some part of her son is still out there, Margaret embarks on a search to find her rumored granddaughter.
What Margaret hasn’t prepared for, however, is the deluge of secrets that keep coming. And as she digs deeper and deeper into her son’s life to find the truth, what she finds instead is that her own secrets can’t stay buried forever.
In the wake of her son’s sudden death, Margaret Dobrescu struggles to keep it together in the face of her grief…and her guilt. She can’t help but blame herself for Kyle’s own lifelong struggles—namely, the alcoholism that plagued him.
But within mere days of his funeral, secrets and suspicions begin to surface, and Margaret’s husband admits that Kyle once confessed to having a daughter. Clinging to the hope that some part of her son is still out there, Margaret embarks on a search to find her rumored granddaughter.
What Margaret hasn’t prepared for, however, is the deluge of secrets that keep coming. And as she digs deeper and deeper into her son’s life to find the truth, what she finds instead is that her own secrets can’t stay buried forever.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
812 people are currently reading
4129 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Kisska
12 books79 followersKristin Kisska used to be a finance geek, complete with MBA and Wall Street pedigree. A member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and Women's Fiction Writers Association, Kristin is now #SuspenseGirl. Her debut novel of women's fiction and domestic suspense, THE HINT OF LIGHT, was nominated for and Agatha Award for Best First Mystery Novel.
When not writing, she can be found on her website~ www.KristinKisska.com, on Instagram & Facebook @kristinkisskaauthor and Tweeting @KKMHOO. Kristin lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, three children, and a moody tabby named Boom.
When not writing, she can be found on her website~ www.KristinKisska.com, on Instagram & Facebook @kristinkisskaauthor and Tweeting @KKMHOO. Kristin lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, three children, and a moody tabby named Boom.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
August 29, 2023
The Hint of Light is an emotional gut punch of a novel that considers the lengths a mother will go to to protect her child. But Kisska surprised me by going even deeper. What happens when the choices a mother makes aren’t the right ones? How does a child cope with the burden of a mother’s desire for safety at all costs? I’m still pondering these question days after finishing the book thanks to the immediacy of Kisska’s writing and the complex relationships between her characters. She seamlessly switches between dual timelines and three POV characters so that I kept turning the pages late into the night. Highly recommend as a book club read—you’ll definitely want to talk about it as soon as you finish reading!
July 25, 2023
I found the premise of the book to be Intriguing, especially as the book follows a mother grieving her son. I loved how the story was told in three different perspectives. Kyles love for his daughter was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I was not a fan of the ending, it changed the entire story for me.
September 19, 2023
The Hint of Life is at times a punch to the gut, in the best way. Such an emotional story about loss, and the lengths we go to protect our family.
The writing is completely immersive, bringing the characters to life. I especially loved the multi timelines, which added so much depth to the story.
The writing is completely immersive, bringing the characters to life. I especially loved the multi timelines, which added so much depth to the story.
June 29, 2023
How much does a secret weigh on a child? The Hint of Light explores this complex idea with heartbreaking yet hopeful prose as a mother navigates the guilt she feels after the mysterious death of her son. As the story jumps between before and after, Kisska skillfully weaves secrets and complex emotion into a beautiful novel about family, the things we do to protect them and the consequences of our actions. With an ending that will blow your mind, The Hint of Light will take you on an emotional rollercoaster you'll wish was just a bit longer!
July 13, 2023
A heart breaking story of a mother, Margaret, who lost her only son, Kyle to reasons she questions. Kyle who carries a dark secret that has led him alcoholism. As he goes through his journey of recovery, he learns that he has a daughter, Ally. For once, he has a reason why to quit.
This story comes with three different perspectives: Margaret, Kyle and his daughter Ally. I thoroughly enjoyed this part. I loved knowing their perspective in regards to Kyle but also knowing about Kyle and his tribulations. His love for his daughter was life transforming. And I found it to be heartfelt. I could not help to feel so much for the entire family. Would I recommend it? Yes, but be prepared for it to be hard at times. Also, it should be noted that there is a very descriptive sexual assault and that may be hard to read for some.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.
This story comes with three different perspectives: Margaret, Kyle and his daughter Ally. I thoroughly enjoyed this part. I loved knowing their perspective in regards to Kyle but also knowing about Kyle and his tribulations. His love for his daughter was life transforming. And I found it to be heartfelt. I could not help to feel so much for the entire family. Would I recommend it? Yes, but be prepared for it to be hard at times. Also, it should be noted that there is a very descriptive sexual assault and that may be hard to read for some.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.
February 17, 2024
This is a poignant and heartbreaking story about a mother’s guilt after the sudden death of her alcoholic son, a daughter’s love for the father she hardly knew and a sister trying to hold the family together through their grief.
Kyle died after a bad fall. Shortly before his death, he met a daughter that he never knew he had. This story is told in the before and after of Kyle’s death. After his death, when his mother learns she has another grandchild, she spends every waking moment trying to find her. Secrets are uncovered and suspicions are aroused.
I found this story entertaining and interesting. I rate it 3 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.
Kyle died after a bad fall. Shortly before his death, he met a daughter that he never knew he had. This story is told in the before and after of Kyle’s death. After his death, when his mother learns she has another grandchild, she spends every waking moment trying to find her. Secrets are uncovered and suspicions are aroused.
I found this story entertaining and interesting. I rate it 3 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.
June 28, 2023
I read a lot and enjoy a wide variety of books. For me, a four star book is one that entertained me and gave me a great story to enjoy. A five star book is one that makes me see the world just a little bit differently, one that includes elements so memorable that it will stand out in a sea of books. This book includes memorable, unique, fully formed characters and a dual timeline plot that had my jaw dropping at the end. Some of the characters are hard to like, but they are oh-so-real. I loved this book and will be recommending it to my reader friends who enjoy a combination of strong plot lines and vivid characters.
September 25, 2023
I received a Digital Reader Copy from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The author included a content warning at the beginning of the novel. Readers should make sure to take a look at it before they read the novel.
This is a beautifully written, heartbreaking look at what addiction can do to a family. The alternating chapters of Before and After, and how truths unfold in each chapter made this story relatable. I also appreciated the multiple points of view.
The author included a content warning at the beginning of the novel. Readers should make sure to take a look at it before they read the novel.
This is a beautifully written, heartbreaking look at what addiction can do to a family. The alternating chapters of Before and After, and how truths unfold in each chapter made this story relatable. I also appreciated the multiple points of view.
September 16, 2023
A story about addiction and redemption with a surprise twist at the end.
July 31, 2023
This is an intriguing novel about the lengths a mother will go to to protect her child and how a father tries to change his life for his daughter. It's also about the consequences of unresolved trauma and how even with the best of intentions, parents can make decisions that have devastating impacts on their children. This is a heart-breaking story that will keep you turning the pages chapter after chapter and leave you thinking about the character's choices long after you finish the book.
July 31, 2024
This is a very hard book for me to review. I really liked the writing. I liked the story being presented from three different character's viewpoints - from before and after the death of one of the characters- obviously we only got Kyle's thoughts and feelings from before his death. I didn't much like the mothers in the story - both Kyle's mother or Ally's. Both kept things from their children which negatively affected their lives. Margaret seemed to never connect the dots that a horrible traumatizing event that Kyle witnessed when he was a child probably led to his alcoholism. Hannah, Ally's mother is so unbelievably angry at the boy that callously left her alone and pregnant that she doesn't want to EVER tell her daughter the name of her biological father. She's a wonderful mother who doesn't seem to realize that her daughter wants to know who her father is.
This was a 4 star, maybe even close to a 5 star rating for me until the very end. if you write contemporary fiction it has to be believable. You can't veer off into other worlds like in other genres. And you have to write a satisfying ending for your readers. Doesn't necessarily have to be happy but if should wrap things up to a believable and acceptable end. The fact that Hannah, who seems to be a decent caring person, despite heron-going anger at Kyle, would actually decide to murder the father of her child just doesn't work for me. She supposedly does this because she wants to "protect" her daughter from this monster who is her father. I think if Hannah was this insane we might have seen some evidence earlier. Anyway, so sorry but that pulled it down to 2 stars for me which balanced with the good writing and good characters (other than Hannah) makes this a 3 star read.
This was a 4 star, maybe even close to a 5 star rating for me until the very end. if you write contemporary fiction it has to be believable. You can't veer off into other worlds like in other genres. And you have to write a satisfying ending for your readers. Doesn't necessarily have to be happy but if should wrap things up to a believable and acceptable end. The fact that Hannah, who seems to be a decent caring person, despite heron-going anger at Kyle, would actually decide to murder the father of her child just doesn't work for me. She supposedly does this because she wants to "protect" her daughter from this monster who is her father. I think if Hannah was this insane we might have seen some evidence earlier. Anyway, so sorry but that pulled it down to 2 stars for me which balanced with the good writing and good characters (other than Hannah) makes this a 3 star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
Margaret is struggling with the recent death of her son. She blames herself for his lifelong struggles with alcohol. She then learns that he told her husband that he had a daughter somewhere out there. She is then searching for the granddaughter and so many secrets surface.
This book is told in the present from the viewpoints of Margaret and Ally (the daughter), as well as Kyle in the past. It's really heartbreaking to read Kyle's perspective of all the struggles he was going through and how he would take a step forward and then two steps back. Grief takes so many shapes in the forms of Margaret of what she could have done differently and Ally of the father she barely knew.
I thought the ending was so unnecessary and changed what kind of book this was meant to be.
Margaret is struggling with the recent death of her son. She blames herself for his lifelong struggles with alcohol. She then learns that he told her husband that he had a daughter somewhere out there. She is then searching for the granddaughter and so many secrets surface.
This book is told in the present from the viewpoints of Margaret and Ally (the daughter), as well as Kyle in the past. It's really heartbreaking to read Kyle's perspective of all the struggles he was going through and how he would take a step forward and then two steps back. Grief takes so many shapes in the forms of Margaret of what she could have done differently and Ally of the father she barely knew.
I thought the ending was so unnecessary and changed what kind of book this was meant to be.
September 7, 2023
THE HINT OF LIGHT by Kristin Kisska
Format: Paperback & Digital
Length: 303 pgs/298 pgs
Pub date: August 29, 2023
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Book Tour Co: Kate Rock Book Tours
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 (rounded up for GR)
Thank you to Kristin Kisska, Kate Rock Book Tours, and Lake Union Publishing, for inviting me to be a stop on the tour and also for my #gifted print and digital (via @Netgalley) arc copies.
🌅𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚜:
Kristin Kisska has written a powerful novel about alcoholism, secrets, death and its aftermath in a family, redemption, and forgiveness. Kyle has been an alcoholic for over twenty years. He suddenly dies and his mother Margaret blames herself. Shortly after his death secrets begin to unfold. The most surprising is that Kyle has a daughter, Ally. Margaret begins a relentless search to find the girl who is a supposed piece of her beloved son. But, what other secrets will unravel in the meantime?
Told in dual timelines, before and after, and in the multiple viewpoints of Kyle, Margaret, and Ally, the story begins to unfold.
🌅𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
This was such a moving story. I love when books really connect with you. Sadly, this one connected on a VERY personal level. I’m the daughter and stepdaughter of two alcoholics. It cost me a relationship with my father and it cost me my stepfather’s life. So I really understood Ally AMD Margaret’s views as I’ve been both the daughter and in some ways the parental figure as I had to take care of my stepfather when he was at his worst. (Why is review time always therapy time for me?? 🤣) There is help out there, on both sides of the spectrum. See the resources in my last slide.
Ok, back to the book… I think the characters were beautifully written. They had depth of character, their thoughts were true to the situation, and the emotions were right on point. My only drawback, and why I took a half-point off, was the epilogue. I saw it coming and yet still it disappointed me. I think it could’ve been left out or explained differently. Otherwise, I adored this book.
Read if you liked:
🍸When a Man Loves a Woman (movie)
🥃28 Days
🍺Flight
🍶The Girl on the Train- Paula Hawkins & movie
🍷Shadow Tag- Louise Erdich
🍹The Flight Attendant- Chris Bohjalian & series on Max
Resources:
Alcohokics Anonymous
www.AA.org
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
1.800.656.HOPE (4673)
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health
1.800.950.6264
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration National Helpline
1.800.662.HELP (4357)
Suicide Prevention Text Line:
988 USA
Argentina: +5402234930430
Australia: 131114
Austria: 142; for children and young people, 147
Belgium: 106
Bosnia & Herzegovina: 080 05 03 05
Botswana: 3911270
Brazil: 188 for the CVV National Association
Canada: 1.833.456.4566, 5147234000
(Montreal); 18662773553 (outside Montreal)/ text 741741
Croatia: 014833888
Denmark: +4570201201
Egypt: 7621602
Estonia: 3726558088; in Russian 3726555688
Finland: 010 195 202
France: 0145394000
Germany: 08001810771
Holland: 09000767
Hong Kong: +852 2382 0000
Hungary: 116123
India: 8888817666
Ireland: +4408457909090
Italy: 800860022
Japan: +810352869090
Mexico: 5255102550
New Zealand: 0800543354
Norway: +4781533300
Philippines: 028969191
Poland: 5270000
Portugal: 21 854 07 40/8. 96 898 21 50
Russia: 0078202577577
Spain: 914590050
South Africa: 0514445691
Sweden: 46317112400
Switzerland: 143
United Kingdom: 08457909090/ text 74174
Veterans' Crisis Line: 1 800 273 8255/ text
838255
Format: Paperback & Digital
Length: 303 pgs/298 pgs
Pub date: August 29, 2023
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Book Tour Co: Kate Rock Book Tours
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 (rounded up for GR)
Thank you to Kristin Kisska, Kate Rock Book Tours, and Lake Union Publishing, for inviting me to be a stop on the tour and also for my #gifted print and digital (via @Netgalley) arc copies.
🌅𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚜:
Kristin Kisska has written a powerful novel about alcoholism, secrets, death and its aftermath in a family, redemption, and forgiveness. Kyle has been an alcoholic for over twenty years. He suddenly dies and his mother Margaret blames herself. Shortly after his death secrets begin to unfold. The most surprising is that Kyle has a daughter, Ally. Margaret begins a relentless search to find the girl who is a supposed piece of her beloved son. But, what other secrets will unravel in the meantime?
Told in dual timelines, before and after, and in the multiple viewpoints of Kyle, Margaret, and Ally, the story begins to unfold.
🌅𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
This was such a moving story. I love when books really connect with you. Sadly, this one connected on a VERY personal level. I’m the daughter and stepdaughter of two alcoholics. It cost me a relationship with my father and it cost me my stepfather’s life. So I really understood Ally AMD Margaret’s views as I’ve been both the daughter and in some ways the parental figure as I had to take care of my stepfather when he was at his worst. (Why is review time always therapy time for me?? 🤣) There is help out there, on both sides of the spectrum. See the resources in my last slide.
Ok, back to the book… I think the characters were beautifully written. They had depth of character, their thoughts were true to the situation, and the emotions were right on point. My only drawback, and why I took a half-point off, was the epilogue. I saw it coming and yet still it disappointed me. I think it could’ve been left out or explained differently. Otherwise, I adored this book.
Read if you liked:
🍸When a Man Loves a Woman (movie)
🥃28 Days
🍺Flight
🍶The Girl on the Train- Paula Hawkins & movie
🍷Shadow Tag- Louise Erdich
🍹The Flight Attendant- Chris Bohjalian & series on Max
Resources:
Alcohokics Anonymous
www.AA.org
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
1.800.656.HOPE (4673)
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health
1.800.950.6264
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration National Helpline
1.800.662.HELP (4357)
Suicide Prevention Text Line:
988 USA
Argentina: +5402234930430
Australia: 131114
Austria: 142; for children and young people, 147
Belgium: 106
Bosnia & Herzegovina: 080 05 03 05
Botswana: 3911270
Brazil: 188 for the CVV National Association
Canada: 1.833.456.4566, 5147234000
(Montreal); 18662773553 (outside Montreal)/ text 741741
Croatia: 014833888
Denmark: +4570201201
Egypt: 7621602
Estonia: 3726558088; in Russian 3726555688
Finland: 010 195 202
France: 0145394000
Germany: 08001810771
Holland: 09000767
Hong Kong: +852 2382 0000
Hungary: 116123
India: 8888817666
Ireland: +4408457909090
Italy: 800860022
Japan: +810352869090
Mexico: 5255102550
New Zealand: 0800543354
Norway: +4781533300
Philippines: 028969191
Poland: 5270000
Portugal: 21 854 07 40/8. 96 898 21 50
Russia: 0078202577577
Spain: 914590050
South Africa: 0514445691
Sweden: 46317112400
Switzerland: 143
United Kingdom: 08457909090/ text 74174
Veterans' Crisis Line: 1 800 273 8255/ text
838255
September 4, 2024
This debut novel really packed an emotional wallop. Not only was it about the death of a young man, only in his thirties, but it also contained themes of addiction, rape, and PTSD trauma.
First off, the protagonist, Maggie Dobrescu, was a woman of about my own age, so I could really identify with her. Having lost her son after his many years of alcohol abuse, she blames herself. For Maggie has a long-held secret. A secret that she shared with her son Kyle. She now believes, perhaps correctly, that keeping this dark secret led to the PTSD and the alcohol abuse that Kyle used to deal with it.
Shortly after Kyle's death, Maggie learns that Kyle had a daughter. She is a complete wreck in the weeks following Kyle's passing. She isn't sleeping or eating properly and her family are becoming more and more worried about her. Maggie is desperate to find out the identity of Kyle's daughter and meet with her.
In addition to hearing from Maggie, we also hear from Kyle in the months before his death. We learn that he has only recently found out that he fathered a daughter some eighteen years previously. He meets up with the girl and tries valiantly to be a better man for her. He attends AA and goes to a rehab facility. Concurrently, we hear from Ally, Kyle's daughter. All her life she wondered about her biological father, but it was only on her eighteenth birthday that her mother finally revealed his name.
With authentic characters and dialogue, this novel was a heart-rending look at how one person's addiction can impact on an entire family. The book was set in the Chicago area of Northern Illinois, but really it could have been anywhere. The themes running throughout are universal.
The only character that I couldn't understand or really identify with was Ally's mother, Hannah.
The ending provided a 'gasp' moment. If you like emotional reads with authentic characters and problems, then you will enjoy this impressive debut novel. Recommended!
First off, the protagonist, Maggie Dobrescu, was a woman of about my own age, so I could really identify with her. Having lost her son after his many years of alcohol abuse, she blames herself. For Maggie has a long-held secret. A secret that she shared with her son Kyle. She now believes, perhaps correctly, that keeping this dark secret led to the PTSD and the alcohol abuse that Kyle used to deal with it.
Shortly after Kyle's death, Maggie learns that Kyle had a daughter. She is a complete wreck in the weeks following Kyle's passing. She isn't sleeping or eating properly and her family are becoming more and more worried about her. Maggie is desperate to find out the identity of Kyle's daughter and meet with her.
In addition to hearing from Maggie, we also hear from Kyle in the months before his death. We learn that he has only recently found out that he fathered a daughter some eighteen years previously. He meets up with the girl and tries valiantly to be a better man for her. He attends AA and goes to a rehab facility. Concurrently, we hear from Ally, Kyle's daughter. All her life she wondered about her biological father, but it was only on her eighteenth birthday that her mother finally revealed his name.
With authentic characters and dialogue, this novel was a heart-rending look at how one person's addiction can impact on an entire family. The book was set in the Chicago area of Northern Illinois, but really it could have been anywhere. The themes running throughout are universal.
The only character that I couldn't understand or really identify with was Ally's mother, Hannah.
The ending provided a 'gasp' moment. If you like emotional reads with authentic characters and problems, then you will enjoy this impressive debut novel. Recommended!
August 25, 2023
Get ready! This novel is an emotional journey of loss, guilt, transformation, and hope with an ending that packs a punch. We follow 3 POVS from before and after the death of Margaret's adult son, Kyle. The depth of emotion seen from characters made it easy to forget the outside world - it's engrossing from page 1!
The depth of a parent's love is at the center of this story. This is mostly Margaret's and Kyle's journey - but that doesn't mean that other characters are waylaid to the sidelines. There are several strands interwoven here, making a complex tapestry of family and emotion. Margaret and Kyle have had a tumultuous relationship heavily impacted by Kyle's addiction struggle. How do you go on when you don't get the time to resolve your anger and disappointment? There are moments of despair and the weight of guilt and shame. But the journey shows us glimmers of hope and the belief in recovery. It's a winding road without an easy out.
And that ending - what a fantastic kick to the nuts that was!🫢 I loved it! It made perfect sense to me and flowed with the central theme of the story. My best analogy is that this book is like a wilted flower slowly coming back to life, only to open and show it's vulnerable, not always so beautiful core.
A fantastic debut novel that is worth your time and emotional investment! 4.5/5 stars.
I gratefully received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review!
The depth of a parent's love is at the center of this story. This is mostly Margaret's and Kyle's journey - but that doesn't mean that other characters are waylaid to the sidelines. There are several strands interwoven here, making a complex tapestry of family and emotion. Margaret and Kyle have had a tumultuous relationship heavily impacted by Kyle's addiction struggle. How do you go on when you don't get the time to resolve your anger and disappointment? There are moments of despair and the weight of guilt and shame. But the journey shows us glimmers of hope and the belief in recovery. It's a winding road without an easy out.
And that ending - what a fantastic kick to the nuts that was!🫢 I loved it! It made perfect sense to me and flowed with the central theme of the story. My best analogy is that this book is like a wilted flower slowly coming back to life, only to open and show it's vulnerable, not always so beautiful core.
A fantastic debut novel that is worth your time and emotional investment! 4.5/5 stars.
I gratefully received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review!
August 23, 2023
STARS; 4.5
👨👦👩👦
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩👦👨👦
The storyline did not prepare for this heart wrenching tear jerker of a book. I cried while I was reading it(especially the ending). I was not prepared for thSTATS: 4.5nexpected twist and everything else.
👨👦👩👦
While this book was very heartbreaking, it was also a very, very good book. The book started with the death of Kyle, Maggie's son and we had three POVs and dual timelines involving Maggie, Kyle and Ally. This book was fast paced and I finished it in record time.
👩👦👨👦
I'm glad I learnt about Alcoholism, this is the first time I'll be reading about an addict firsthand. While I still don't fully understand Alcoholism, I gained a little insight into the condition
👩👦👨👦
I wish I could say more, but I don't want to give spoilers. But I already guessed what Maggie went through while she could have handled things differently, I don't blame her because she had trauma to deal with too. But, I understood her, my heart broke for her too, I wished the times were different.
👨👦👩👦
This book was worth it and it was just very beautiful and you should read it.
👨👦👩👦
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩👦👨👦
The storyline did not prepare for this heart wrenching tear jerker of a book. I cried while I was reading it(especially the ending). I was not prepared for thSTATS: 4.5nexpected twist and everything else.
👨👦👩👦
While this book was very heartbreaking, it was also a very, very good book. The book started with the death of Kyle, Maggie's son and we had three POVs and dual timelines involving Maggie, Kyle and Ally. This book was fast paced and I finished it in record time.
👩👦👨👦
I'm glad I learnt about Alcoholism, this is the first time I'll be reading about an addict firsthand. While I still don't fully understand Alcoholism, I gained a little insight into the condition
👩👦👨👦
I wish I could say more, but I don't want to give spoilers. But I already guessed what Maggie went through while she could have handled things differently, I don't blame her because she had trauma to deal with too. But, I understood her, my heart broke for her too, I wished the times were different.
👨👦👩👦
This book was worth it and it was just very beautiful and you should read it.
August 25, 2023
A beautifully written book exploring the bond between Mother and Son, a Mother's need to protect her child at all costs and the devastating consequences of getting it wrong.
Margaret, Kyle and Ally tell the story through "before and after" timelines. These three characters were so well written, I had empathy for them all, and was desperate for the happy ending that I knew couldn't happen (not a spoiler, we know Kyle is dead).
Margaret and Hannah are both devoted to their children and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Margaret's horrific ordeal, when it is revealed, is heartbreaking - my heart broke for her and for Kyle, and for the decision she now knows she should have made, back then.
Kyle's alcoholism storyline was sensitively written and I loved the peeks of sober Kyle, although I felt desperately sad to think of how different his life could have been, had he had the support he had needed as a young teenager.
The ending was a big gut-punch of a shock - I totally didn't see that coming!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kristin Kisska and Lake Union for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Margaret, Kyle and Ally tell the story through "before and after" timelines. These three characters were so well written, I had empathy for them all, and was desperate for the happy ending that I knew couldn't happen (not a spoiler, we know Kyle is dead).
Margaret and Hannah are both devoted to their children and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. Margaret's horrific ordeal, when it is revealed, is heartbreaking - my heart broke for her and for Kyle, and for the decision she now knows she should have made, back then.
Kyle's alcoholism storyline was sensitively written and I loved the peeks of sober Kyle, although I felt desperately sad to think of how different his life could have been, had he had the support he had needed as a young teenager.
The ending was a big gut-punch of a shock - I totally didn't see that coming!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kristin Kisska and Lake Union for an ARC in return for my honest review.
September 5, 2023
I got a copy of this novel through a Goodreads Giveaway and am so glad I had the chance to read it! Tagging this as spoilers but trying to leave it as vague as possible.
Utilizing the multiple POVs for Margaret, Kyle, and Ally made the story more poignant, especially seeing how each character was dealing with their situation and the little twists that tied them all together. It was heart wrenching to imagine Margaret and Ally unknowingly crossing paths. Seeing Kyle’s side of the story made the plot even sadder, knowing that he was succeeding for the first time in a long time.
The epilogue was my worst fear. Based on certain dialogue, I had an inkling that this may have been the outcome, especially considering what the reader comes to know as the story progresses. The attitude and interactions of that character came off as cold but I had hoped ultimately that they would not have made a choice like that. I wish that there was more to the story, to see if it was ever uncovered and how it impacted the others moving forward.
This was the first book I’ve read by Kristin Kisska and will definitely be on the lookout for her other novels!
Utilizing the multiple POVs for Margaret, Kyle, and Ally made the story more poignant, especially seeing how each character was dealing with their situation and the little twists that tied them all together. It was heart wrenching to imagine Margaret and Ally unknowingly crossing paths. Seeing Kyle’s side of the story made the plot even sadder, knowing that he was succeeding for the first time in a long time.
The epilogue was my worst fear. Based on certain dialogue, I had an inkling that this may have been the outcome, especially considering what the reader comes to know as the story progresses. The attitude and interactions of that character came off as cold but I had hoped ultimately that they would not have made a choice like that. I wish that there was more to the story, to see if it was ever uncovered and how it impacted the others moving forward.
This was the first book I’ve read by Kristin Kisska and will definitely be on the lookout for her other novels!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2023
The Hint of Light is a fascinating and heartbreaking story of a mother, her son, and his daughter. Margaret loses her son, Kyle, and learns he had a daughter. This begins Margaret's crusade to find her granddaughter. Margaret has questions about the circumstances surrounding her son's death and as she embarks on her journey to not only find her granddaughter, but the truth about what happened that night.
I struggled to like Margaret. I don't have children so it's hard for me to know how I would act in such a situation. She seemed a bit obsessive.
The story is told from three viewpoints - Margaret, Kyle's and his, daughter, Ally.
I love how Kristin Kisska told each character's story and how the overarching story unfolded. Kyle was asked to keep a gut wrenching secret for his mother, one that led to his alcoholism. It makes a parent think about the load they often make their children carry.
I particularly enjoyed Kyle and Ally's story. I wasn't a fan of the ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.
#NetGalley #TheHintofLight
I struggled to like Margaret. I don't have children so it's hard for me to know how I would act in such a situation. She seemed a bit obsessive.
The story is told from three viewpoints - Margaret, Kyle's and his, daughter, Ally.
I love how Kristin Kisska told each character's story and how the overarching story unfolded. Kyle was asked to keep a gut wrenching secret for his mother, one that led to his alcoholism. It makes a parent think about the load they often make their children carry.
I particularly enjoyed Kyle and Ally's story. I wasn't a fan of the ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.
#NetGalley #TheHintofLight
August 31, 2023
4.5⭐️s rounded up to 5
Let me just start out by saying this book made me ugly cry! It was absolutely heart-wrenching, and I was literally an emotional mess! This is one of those books that will stay with you. Do I think you should read it? Definitely, yes!
Margaret Dobrescu's son Kyle's sudden death has shocked her, and she is overwhelmed with grief. She feels she is to blame for her son's lifelong addiction to alcohol and the demons he tried to bury. After his death, secrets start to emerge, and she discovers that he has a daughter. She makes it her mission to find her granddaughter in order to have a piece of him. As she gets deeper into the search, she starts to discover things about her son and realizes that maybe she can't keep her own secret forever.
Even though this book broke my heart, I really enjoyed reading it. I thought it was well written, and the suspense had me turning pages. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I needed to know Margaret's secret. I needed to know if she found her granddaughter. I was incredibly shocked at one point, and the epilouge was pretty mind-blowing! This was a debut, and honestly, I can't wait for the author's next book! I will most definitely be reading it. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're in need of a good cry.
Let me just start out by saying this book made me ugly cry! It was absolutely heart-wrenching, and I was literally an emotional mess! This is one of those books that will stay with you. Do I think you should read it? Definitely, yes!
Margaret Dobrescu's son Kyle's sudden death has shocked her, and she is overwhelmed with grief. She feels she is to blame for her son's lifelong addiction to alcohol and the demons he tried to bury. After his death, secrets start to emerge, and she discovers that he has a daughter. She makes it her mission to find her granddaughter in order to have a piece of him. As she gets deeper into the search, she starts to discover things about her son and realizes that maybe she can't keep her own secret forever.
Even though this book broke my heart, I really enjoyed reading it. I thought it was well written, and the suspense had me turning pages. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I needed to know Margaret's secret. I needed to know if she found her granddaughter. I was incredibly shocked at one point, and the epilouge was pretty mind-blowing! This was a debut, and honestly, I can't wait for the author's next book! I will most definitely be reading it. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're in need of a good cry.
November 23, 2023
After the sudden death of her son, Kyle, Margaret Dobrescu is left reeling. Her husband and daughter don’t understand why Margaret can’t seem to cope and move on with her life, but a secret she has buried for decades causes her to feel responsible for his alcoholism and ultimately his death. A few days after the funeral, Margaret learns that Kyle had a secret daughter and sets out to meet her in hopes of healing and moving forward.
This story is told from various perspectives: Margaret, Kyle, and Kyle’s daughter, Ally. It is not told in chronological order, instead alternating between before and after Kyle’s death. The timelines were easy to keep track of, and even though this isn’t a mystery or thriller in any way, I liked how it kept me guessing what would happen next. This is a beautiful story about grief, addiction, and a mother’s unconditional love. While each character could be frustrating at times, they were realistic and dynamic characters who I rooted for. The only character I didn’t particularly like was Ally’s mom, and the epilogue only made it worse. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Kristin Kisska for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story is told from various perspectives: Margaret, Kyle, and Kyle’s daughter, Ally. It is not told in chronological order, instead alternating between before and after Kyle’s death. The timelines were easy to keep track of, and even though this isn’t a mystery or thriller in any way, I liked how it kept me guessing what would happen next. This is a beautiful story about grief, addiction, and a mother’s unconditional love. While each character could be frustrating at times, they were realistic and dynamic characters who I rooted for. The only character I didn’t particularly like was Ally’s mom, and the epilogue only made it worse. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Kristin Kisska for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2023
Sometimes I’m in a mood to read a heart hitting emotional story just like this one. It’s told in three character’s perspectives, Margaret, her son Kyle and his daughter Ally. I have to say it con be hard to get through some parts as this story deals with grief, guilt and secrets, characters you might not like as they evolve and come to terms with decisions made and moving forward.
Margaret’s battling with guilt over the loss of her son Kyle, come to find out he has a daughter,Ally. Following Margaret’s journey as she searches for Ally and discovers secrets that maybe things wouldn’t have gone the way they did if she’d made other choices or handled things differently.
Margaret’s battling with guilt over the loss of her son Kyle, come to find out he has a daughter,Ally. Following Margaret’s journey as she searches for Ally and discovers secrets that maybe things wouldn’t have gone the way they did if she’d made other choices or handled things differently.
March 29, 2024
This was such a heartfelt story about the lengths a parent would go to protect their child and about a man who tries to change his life for the better for his newly found daughter. The story also covers the lengths a mother would go to keep her dark secret buried deep within her. I liked that the story was told from 3 perspectives, both before and after his tragic death. There was a twist at the end that I suspected would happen
The Hint of Light is a good fit for readers seeking a heartfelt exploration of family bonds, self-forgiveness, and the uncovering of family secrets in the face of loss
The Hint of Light is a good fit for readers seeking a heartfelt exploration of family bonds, self-forgiveness, and the uncovering of family secrets in the face of loss
February 11, 2024
This debut novel is about many things: mystery, redemption, secrets, resentments, innocence, and love. I wanted a faster pace. I wanted a thriller. Kristen Kisska didn't give me that. Instead, The Hint of Light reveals its story slowly, shifting back and forth in time and between multiple character viewpoints:
Kyle, the son who is dead, slowly gives us the backstory of his recovery and new relationship with his recently-discovered daughter.
Ally, the 18-year-old daughter, who tells both before and after versions. She is grieving a father so recently found... and then lost.
Margaret, the mother, who also reveals a then and now story.
There is the story question of how Kyle really died, as well as the secret that slowly becomes clearer as the past and present layers are pulled away.
The Hint of Light is a lovely, quiet, and yet sometimes shocking novel about family and the power of a mother's love. Check it out.
Kyle, the son who is dead, slowly gives us the backstory of his recovery and new relationship with his recently-discovered daughter.
Ally, the 18-year-old daughter, who tells both before and after versions. She is grieving a father so recently found... and then lost.
Margaret, the mother, who also reveals a then and now story.
There is the story question of how Kyle really died, as well as the secret that slowly becomes clearer as the past and present layers are pulled away.
The Hint of Light is a lovely, quiet, and yet sometimes shocking novel about family and the power of a mother's love. Check it out.
August 5, 2023
The book interested me when I read what it was about. I knew it was going to be a good story, and it was. The book is Kyle's journey, which has its ups and downs, and he discovers he has a daughter. She showed up to see him when she turned 18 and the story tells us the journey that had, In time, she met Kyle's mother, Margaret. I enjoyed reading this book, but I never expected to be shocked and speechless.
Great job, Kristen Kisska. I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing.
Great job, Kristen Kisska. I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing.
July 17, 2023
I loved the narration by the three key characters, each with a distinctive voice, and whose stories flipped between timelines to keep up the suspense. Definitely a 'just-one-more-chapter' kind of book that kept me reading (way past bedtime!) Powerful themes about love, tragedy, forgiveness and family made painful reading at times, with twists and turns skilfully navigated to an unexpected conclusion.
August 30, 2023
A story of what you don’t know about your family.
When Margaret’s son dies, she is determined to find out why. But she doesn’t know about the secret he had when he passed.
And that secrets mother never wanted her to find out either.
A great story that twists and turns throughout the book, until the end, which you don’t see coming.
When Margaret’s son dies, she is determined to find out why. But she doesn’t know about the secret he had when he passed.
And that secrets mother never wanted her to find out either.
A great story that twists and turns throughout the book, until the end, which you don’t see coming.
February 28, 2024
I enjoyed the format in terms of going back and forth between the characters and in terms of before and after.
A mother’s love seems straightforward but it can be complex. Makes the reader think about the concept does a mother truly know what’s best for their children.
Also did not predict the ending!
A mother’s love seems straightforward but it can be complex. Makes the reader think about the concept does a mother truly know what’s best for their children.
Also did not predict the ending!
July 10, 2023
I so enjoyed this poignant women’s fiction about a mother/son relationship and the secrets they both keep. Perfect for anyone who has known or loved an addict, for anyone who wishes they could get a do-over on some moment in their life. You perceive Kisska’s depth of feeling, get a sense (confirmed in the author’s note) that she has personal experience with some of the topics and themes. On top of that, I didn’t see the ending coming.
Proud to call this author my friend. ❤️
Proud to call this author my friend. ❤️
August 24, 2023
I went into this book completely blind. I just kept with it until the end, and I am glad I did.
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, mentions suicide
If reading about this is not “disturbing” for you, then go ahead and read The Hint of Light, Kristin Kisska’s debut novel.
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, mentions suicide
If reading about this is not “disturbing” for you, then go ahead and read The Hint of Light, Kristin Kisska’s debut novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews