What do you think?
Rate this book
Whoever You Are
A complex family drama of buried truths and self discovery...
What defines you... and what happens when something you think defines you changes?
Emily McGinn, a recurring character from Where Secrets Lie, believes she knows exactly who she is and where she belongs in the world, until she stumbles upon a buried family truth. Emily's quest to excavate the truth alters her perception of the people closest to her and shifts her perception of herself as well, undermining what she thought was a straightforward life.
Set in the unique and breathtaking foothills community of Boulder, Colorado and its environs, Whoever You Are follows Emily’s tumultuous journey as she reassesses not only how she defines herself, but also how she defines family and whether she bears any responsibility for the actions of those who came before her.
What defines you... and what happens when something you think defines you changes?
Emily McGinn, a recurring character from Where Secrets Lie, believes she knows exactly who she is and where she belongs in the world, until she stumbles upon a buried family truth. Emily's quest to excavate the truth alters her perception of the people closest to her and shifts her perception of herself as well, undermining what she thought was a straightforward life.
Set in the unique and breathtaking foothills community of Boulder, Colorado and its environs, Whoever You Are follows Emily’s tumultuous journey as she reassesses not only how she defines herself, but also how she defines family and whether she bears any responsibility for the actions of those who came before her.
184 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Donna Marie Lanheady
4 books62 followersNovels captivated me at a very young age. All those years and all those books inspired me to become a writer. The journeys the stories took me on and their ability to make something imaginary seem real enthralled me.
Secrets are a common theme in my novels because they intrigue me! Not necessarily the secrets themselves but their dynamics, the reasoning behind them, and the havoc they inevitably cause in peoples lives.
People often ask if my writing is autobiographical. My answer is an emphatic NO! I am much too private to write anything that's true. That being said, I do abide by the rule to write what you know, so there are bits and pieces of me strewn throughout my novels without any of it actually being about me.
For instance, although I live on the east coast now, I was born in a suburb of Denver, moved near Boulder as a teenager, and lived in the Boulder area for much of my adult life, which is why I chose Colorado as the setting for my novels.
On the emotional side, I often tap into my own emotions to help me relate to what the character is feeling. Although my characters don't feel the exact same way, at its core the emotion is similar enough to help me imagine their feelings and in that way, bring them to life.
I love to hear from readers and listen to their perspectives on my novels. It fascinates me how people can look at the same thing and see it in so many different ways, so if a reader ever wants to tell me what they think they can email me: donnalanheady@gmail.com
Secrets are a common theme in my novels because they intrigue me! Not necessarily the secrets themselves but their dynamics, the reasoning behind them, and the havoc they inevitably cause in peoples lives.
People often ask if my writing is autobiographical. My answer is an emphatic NO! I am much too private to write anything that's true. That being said, I do abide by the rule to write what you know, so there are bits and pieces of me strewn throughout my novels without any of it actually being about me.
For instance, although I live on the east coast now, I was born in a suburb of Denver, moved near Boulder as a teenager, and lived in the Boulder area for much of my adult life, which is why I chose Colorado as the setting for my novels.
On the emotional side, I often tap into my own emotions to help me relate to what the character is feeling. Although my characters don't feel the exact same way, at its core the emotion is similar enough to help me imagine their feelings and in that way, bring them to life.
I love to hear from readers and listen to their perspectives on my novels. It fascinates me how people can look at the same thing and see it in so many different ways, so if a reader ever wants to tell me what they think they can email me: donnalanheady@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 4, 2012
3/5 Stars
Emily McGinn, as first introduced in Where Secrets Lie, has a set life. A girlfriend and a family that she loves, a career that she's rather good at. Both feet planted on the ground, Emily knows her place in life, and is content with it. That is, until she receives an inheritance from someone that she's never even heard of before. With that one phone call, her life as she knows it unravels at the seams, and will never be the same.
--
Over all, I was disappointed with this book. I absolutely adored Where Secrets Lie, which was one of the best books I've received from the Goodreads First Reads program. Unfortunately, this one just wasn't as good. I didn't connect to Emily at all. The story was slow, and throughout I felt disjointed or disconnected from the plot. Overall, I found myself just not caring.
However, that being said, I do love the setting. This book really does make me want to visit Colorado. It simply sounds beautiful.
I recommend it to people who enjoy realistic fiction with slight LGBT themes.
Thank you to Flora of From the Bootheel Cotton Patch blog and Donna Marie Lanheady for the signed copy.
Emily McGinn, as first introduced in Where Secrets Lie, has a set life. A girlfriend and a family that she loves, a career that she's rather good at. Both feet planted on the ground, Emily knows her place in life, and is content with it. That is, until she receives an inheritance from someone that she's never even heard of before. With that one phone call, her life as she knows it unravels at the seams, and will never be the same.
--
Over all, I was disappointed with this book. I absolutely adored Where Secrets Lie, which was one of the best books I've received from the Goodreads First Reads program. Unfortunately, this one just wasn't as good. I didn't connect to Emily at all. The story was slow, and throughout I felt disjointed or disconnected from the plot. Overall, I found myself just not caring.
However, that being said, I do love the setting. This book really does make me want to visit Colorado. It simply sounds beautiful.
I recommend it to people who enjoy realistic fiction with slight LGBT themes.
Thank you to Flora of From the Bootheel Cotton Patch blog and Donna Marie Lanheady for the signed copy.
January 20, 2013
This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on January 17, 2013.
This is a very quick read. The action is direct and to the point and there's not a whole lot of world building. In this case though it's not really necessary. The story moves itself along quite well.
There are a lot of secrets in this novel. Emily and her brother Eric are keeping a secret from their father that his business isn't doing as well since he is ill. And Emily is in for quite a shock when she finds out that her mother and father have lied to her all her life about who she really is. I won't give away the whole plot line, but lets just say it's quite significant.
Along with this shocking secret comes a great deal of money. Emily isn't sure if she wants to take it because of it's origins, and I have to say that I admired this strength in her character. Emily truly stood up for herself and her principles even though it made others unhappy. Particularly her brother Eric. He was rather selfish and mean about the whole ordeal, thinking that Emily owed it to him and their family to use her inheritance to save their family business. He also started to treat her differently, which was really insensitive. Lainey, Emily's parents and her girlfriend Katie were all supportive of her decision though, so I'd guess that as a way to add some extra conflict to the story it was easy to make Eric the bad guy.
The story really makes you stop to think about what's really important in life and how you define yourself. And sometimes when that all changes, something good can come out of a tumultuous situation, it all depends on how you handle it.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a very quick read. The action is direct and to the point and there's not a whole lot of world building. In this case though it's not really necessary. The story moves itself along quite well.
There are a lot of secrets in this novel. Emily and her brother Eric are keeping a secret from their father that his business isn't doing as well since he is ill. And Emily is in for quite a shock when she finds out that her mother and father have lied to her all her life about who she really is. I won't give away the whole plot line, but lets just say it's quite significant.
Along with this shocking secret comes a great deal of money. Emily isn't sure if she wants to take it because of it's origins, and I have to say that I admired this strength in her character. Emily truly stood up for herself and her principles even though it made others unhappy. Particularly her brother Eric. He was rather selfish and mean about the whole ordeal, thinking that Emily owed it to him and their family to use her inheritance to save their family business. He also started to treat her differently, which was really insensitive. Lainey, Emily's parents and her girlfriend Katie were all supportive of her decision though, so I'd guess that as a way to add some extra conflict to the story it was easy to make Eric the bad guy.
The story really makes you stop to think about what's really important in life and how you define yourself. And sometimes when that all changes, something good can come out of a tumultuous situation, it all depends on how you handle it.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
October 9, 2012
I received a signed copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. So I will start off by saying thank you! :)
I give this book a C+ I think, maybe a B- in some areas. I am going to be honest, I did not have very high expectations of this book as I started out. I read a blurb of it and thought it was going to be kind of interesting, but then I started to read more into it and I was a little less impressed.
The book starts out with Emily McGinn learning that she has inherited one million dollars from an unknown benefactor. I read this and I was intrigued. Who was this person, and why was she giving Emily one million dollars?
It seemed like a very long short story. It felt kind of like there were details missing. Also, I felt a little like I was reading a book titled "Sex, Lies, and Why You Should Move To Colorado". I definitely felt like I should take a visit there after reading some of the descriptions. They sounded lovely!
Anyway, I liked the dialogue and the realness of the situation, but still there were some things that needed improvement.
I hope I wasn't too scathing. I liked the book, but I think it disappointed me a bit.
Thank you for the free copy! :)
I give this book a C+ I think, maybe a B- in some areas. I am going to be honest, I did not have very high expectations of this book as I started out. I read a blurb of it and thought it was going to be kind of interesting, but then I started to read more into it and I was a little less impressed.
The book starts out with Emily McGinn learning that she has inherited one million dollars from an unknown benefactor. I read this and I was intrigued. Who was this person, and why was she giving Emily one million dollars?
It seemed like a very long short story. It felt kind of like there were details missing. Also, I felt a little like I was reading a book titled "Sex, Lies, and Why You Should Move To Colorado". I definitely felt like I should take a visit there after reading some of the descriptions. They sounded lovely!
Anyway, I liked the dialogue and the realness of the situation, but still there were some things that needed improvement.
I hope I wasn't too scathing. I liked the book, but I think it disappointed me a bit.
Thank you for the free copy! :)
September 22, 2012
I received a copy of this ebook from Donna Marie Lanheady in exchange for my honest review.
When Emily receives an inheritance from a grandmother she's never met or knew about she confronts her parents about it. At first they hesitate to talk but they have no other choice but to tell Emily the truth about who she is. After her parents reveal the truth to her she feels she needs to know everything she can about her mother's family history. But will she except the inheritance? Will knowing about her mother's family history help her find herself and meeting her uncle help her not feel guilty about all the pain her mother had to go through? Will her relationship between her bother Eric and Lainey be the same after they know the truth?
Sometimes we think we know everyone we are close to like the palms of our hands. Until an unexpected discovery that makes you open your eyes and notice that even the people you trust the most are capable of hiding life changing truths. When this secrets are revealed it not only makes you doubt everything about your life it even makes you uncertain of who you are but it also helps you get to know those around you better and discover who will be there by your side to support your decisions, understand and respect them. It is also hard because sometimes you would lose someone you love in the process of finding yourself.
Gosh I can't imagine having to go through what Emily did. I would be totally heartbroken. I would just be lost. It would be hard to forgive the person who failed and hurt someone you loved and even if I did, things would change in my opinion. Emily is so brave and strong. So even though it was hard for her she always knew exactly what to do.
My favorite character was Katie. She was so supporting, never questioned, disagreed or made Emily feel any different after Emily's parents told her the truth. I felt Eric really needed someone to slap him and bring him down to earth. I understood what his worries were but mostly he sounded selfish. If it wasn't for him acting the way he did all throughout the story I would've liked him. Whoever You Are really got to me. The saddest part was when I read the last page. I couldnt stop myself from reading the last 2 pages over and over again before finally closing the book. Whoever You Are is an amazing, captivating, refreshing and realistic story. Donna Marie Lanheady did an extremely amazing job with this novel, it was easy to read and flow through the story. A strong plot, characters you can relate to and sound so real. It is definitely a must read.
Thank you Donna for letting me read this fabulous novel it was better then what I had expected.
When Emily receives an inheritance from a grandmother she's never met or knew about she confronts her parents about it. At first they hesitate to talk but they have no other choice but to tell Emily the truth about who she is. After her parents reveal the truth to her she feels she needs to know everything she can about her mother's family history. But will she except the inheritance? Will knowing about her mother's family history help her find herself and meeting her uncle help her not feel guilty about all the pain her mother had to go through? Will her relationship between her bother Eric and Lainey be the same after they know the truth?
Sometimes we think we know everyone we are close to like the palms of our hands. Until an unexpected discovery that makes you open your eyes and notice that even the people you trust the most are capable of hiding life changing truths. When this secrets are revealed it not only makes you doubt everything about your life it even makes you uncertain of who you are but it also helps you get to know those around you better and discover who will be there by your side to support your decisions, understand and respect them. It is also hard because sometimes you would lose someone you love in the process of finding yourself.
Gosh I can't imagine having to go through what Emily did. I would be totally heartbroken. I would just be lost. It would be hard to forgive the person who failed and hurt someone you loved and even if I did, things would change in my opinion. Emily is so brave and strong. So even though it was hard for her she always knew exactly what to do.
My favorite character was Katie. She was so supporting, never questioned, disagreed or made Emily feel any different after Emily's parents told her the truth. I felt Eric really needed someone to slap him and bring him down to earth. I understood what his worries were but mostly he sounded selfish. If it wasn't for him acting the way he did all throughout the story I would've liked him. Whoever You Are really got to me. The saddest part was when I read the last page. I couldnt stop myself from reading the last 2 pages over and over again before finally closing the book. Whoever You Are is an amazing, captivating, refreshing and realistic story. Donna Marie Lanheady did an extremely amazing job with this novel, it was easy to read and flow through the story. A strong plot, characters you can relate to and sound so real. It is definitely a must read.
Thank you Donna for letting me read this fabulous novel it was better then what I had expected.
January 16, 2016
WHOEVER YOU ARE, WHAT DEFINES YOU?
Does our family define us, our labor, our career? When something changes, is what defines you changed?
Emily McGinn, a character from WHERE SECRETS LIE, thinks she knows who she is and where she belongs. Then, she receives an inheritance from someone unknown. Emily discovers unknown truths changing what she thought was a cut and dried life. The truth that Emily learned made her ownself change as well.
This story was set in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado. The book not only makes us look at how we define ourselves but how others define us.
Emily McGinn led a sheltered life with siblings and amazing parents. Now everything she believed is a lie. She doesn't know what to do. She researches and finds a past that she does not like and is not happy. How can she live with herself and the wealth. Will the new wealth go to something good or will it be evil?
The author does such wonders describing the the Colorado surroundings, almost brings them alive.The book was a wonderful book, It was a quick page turner that you didn't want to put down. The story was very gripping along with the characters that you almost could become.
Emily was a strong willed person. She handles situations with a great deal of 'take charge attitude' She had a lot of self control. She didn't get mad at her parents for keeping things from her. This was a good read and it was full of drama.I really didn't care for the gay partners. To me that wasn't needed.
What will Emily do with the inheritance?
The author gave me a copy of the book WHOEVER YOU ARE for this unbiased review. I'd like to thank her for the wonderful experience.
I'll love you Em', WHOEVER YOU ARE!
(taken from the last page of book)
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/...
http://www.shelfari.com/search/books?...
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
Does our family define us, our labor, our career? When something changes, is what defines you changed?
Emily McGinn, a character from WHERE SECRETS LIE, thinks she knows who she is and where she belongs. Then, she receives an inheritance from someone unknown. Emily discovers unknown truths changing what she thought was a cut and dried life. The truth that Emily learned made her ownself change as well.
This story was set in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado. The book not only makes us look at how we define ourselves but how others define us.
Emily McGinn led a sheltered life with siblings and amazing parents. Now everything she believed is a lie. She doesn't know what to do. She researches and finds a past that she does not like and is not happy. How can she live with herself and the wealth. Will the new wealth go to something good or will it be evil?
The author does such wonders describing the the Colorado surroundings, almost brings them alive.The book was a wonderful book, It was a quick page turner that you didn't want to put down. The story was very gripping along with the characters that you almost could become.
Emily was a strong willed person. She handles situations with a great deal of 'take charge attitude' She had a lot of self control. She didn't get mad at her parents for keeping things from her. This was a good read and it was full of drama.I really didn't care for the gay partners. To me that wasn't needed.
What will Emily do with the inheritance?
The author gave me a copy of the book WHOEVER YOU ARE for this unbiased review. I'd like to thank her for the wonderful experience.
I'll love you Em', WHOEVER YOU ARE!
(taken from the last page of book)
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/...
http://www.shelfari.com/search/books?...
http://bemiown.blogspot.com
December 16, 2012
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com...
What defines who you are as a person? Is it family? Is it race? Is it sexual orientation? Is it your career? And what if one element changes? What if you learn that you don't come from where you thought? Does that change who you are? These are the questions that this book deals with.
Emily McGinn is secure in her life, her relationships, and where she belongs. Then, she receives a large inheritance from someone she does not know. Questions about the inheritance lead to discoveries that make Emily question those who love her and her own view of herself.
The question the author poses is a significant one. The potential for a great story exists. However, this book falls a little short. The story addresses the question on many different levels - some unnecessary - and does so in a relatively short span. As such, the book seems rushed.
I loved the Donna Marie Lanheady's first book, Where Secrets Lie, (reviewed November 2011, Where Secrets Lie). In this one, I see the potential if not the implementation. I do look forward to reading more.
*** Reviewed based on a copy received from the author ***
What defines who you are as a person? Is it family? Is it race? Is it sexual orientation? Is it your career? And what if one element changes? What if you learn that you don't come from where you thought? Does that change who you are? These are the questions that this book deals with.
Emily McGinn is secure in her life, her relationships, and where she belongs. Then, she receives a large inheritance from someone she does not know. Questions about the inheritance lead to discoveries that make Emily question those who love her and her own view of herself.
The question the author poses is a significant one. The potential for a great story exists. However, this book falls a little short. The story addresses the question on many different levels - some unnecessary - and does so in a relatively short span. As such, the book seems rushed.
I loved the Donna Marie Lanheady's first book, Where Secrets Lie, (reviewed November 2011, Where Secrets Lie). In this one, I see the potential if not the implementation. I do look forward to reading more.
*** Reviewed based on a copy received from the author ***
September 27, 2012
I really enjoyed reading Whoever You Are, it had an intriguing storyline, realistic characters, and a gorgeous setting.
Emily thought she had her whole life figured out, then out of the blue one day she receives an inheritance from a grandmother she never knew about and suddenly everything changes. I liked Emily's character, I thought she was incredibly strong. If it had been me in her shoes, I don't think I would have handled things as well as she did. I would have been extremely angry with my parents for keeping something so important from me. I think one of the reasons why Emily handled things so well though, is because she had Katie. Katie was so supportive and was just really there for Emily. She was my favorite character. Honestly though, I liked all the characters in this story. Well... except for Eric and that's because I didn't like the way he reacted to the whole situation. I thought he was being selfish.
Overall, I thought was a great read! If you like stories full of drama and secrets then you should definitely check out Whoever You Are!
Emily thought she had her whole life figured out, then out of the blue one day she receives an inheritance from a grandmother she never knew about and suddenly everything changes. I liked Emily's character, I thought she was incredibly strong. If it had been me in her shoes, I don't think I would have handled things as well as she did. I would have been extremely angry with my parents for keeping something so important from me. I think one of the reasons why Emily handled things so well though, is because she had Katie. Katie was so supportive and was just really there for Emily. She was my favorite character. Honestly though, I liked all the characters in this story. Well... except for Eric and that's because I didn't like the way he reacted to the whole situation. I thought he was being selfish.
Overall, I thought was a great read! If you like stories full of drama and secrets then you should definitely check out Whoever You Are!
October 28, 2014
What is a person’s fondest hope? What is a person’s most jarring family revelation? The book begins with the main character receiving the answer to both these questions at the same time – inheriting a million dollars and finding out she’s adopted.
The book shows how the character of Emily McGinn deals with these revelations, how she finds herself now that she’s not exactly who she thought she was, and how her family and her girlfriend react to the news.
This was a quick read and had an interesting story line, but got a bit ‘preachy’ with the family history of slave owning. The character of the brother, who served as the antagonist, was a bit too negative. Describing three families – Emily’s family, her birth family, and her girlfriend’s family – helped round out the story.
The scenery descriptions were breathtaking and added much to the story.
I received a signed copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author.
The book shows how the character of Emily McGinn deals with these revelations, how she finds herself now that she’s not exactly who she thought she was, and how her family and her girlfriend react to the news.
This was a quick read and had an interesting story line, but got a bit ‘preachy’ with the family history of slave owning. The character of the brother, who served as the antagonist, was a bit too negative. Describing three families – Emily’s family, her birth family, and her girlfriend’s family – helped round out the story.
The scenery descriptions were breathtaking and added much to the story.
I received a signed copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2012
When Emily McGinn is contacted about an inheritance from an unknown person, she starts to dig into the truth about the person leaving her money and her connection to her. Soon, secrets are uncovered that make her question who she really is and if her life has been a lie. The answers she finds just lead her to more questions as she begins a journey of discovering a past she had never known belonged to her.
Ms. Lanheady writes well thought-out stories with realistic, interesting characters. These are people you could live next door to. Whoever You Are is a unique story with some thought-provoking ideas that make you wonder, what would you do if you found out tomorrow you aren't who you think you are? A wonderful family drama novel that will keep you intrigued from the first page to the last.
Ms. Lanheady writes well thought-out stories with realistic, interesting characters. These are people you could live next door to. Whoever You Are is a unique story with some thought-provoking ideas that make you wonder, what would you do if you found out tomorrow you aren't who you think you are? A wonderful family drama novel that will keep you intrigued from the first page to the last.
December 12, 2012
I would probably give this 2.5 stars if that was an option. It was okay, and the concept was good but I think a lot more could have been done with this book. I found myself not caring at all about some scenes (Katie and her sister having lunch seemed fairly pointless) and then feeling very disappointed with others (Eric's reaction to Emily not accepting the money needed to be explored more). I think the author could make this book better with taking this and really expanding on a great deal of the storyline (more about Emily's parents, more about Emily's relationship with her girlfriend, more about the girlfriend's relationship with her own mother and how that affected her, etc). I think this could be a much bigger story of self-discovery and coming to terms with who you are than it currently is.
August 23, 2013
This novel was a free download from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this novel which is set in beautiful Colorado. The author did a great job of describing the surroundings throughout the novel. Even though I've never been there, it was easy to picture the scenes.
This is a fast read with likeable characters, except for Eric, and it has an especially strong protagonist, Emily. Perhaps if the author had delved into Eric's background, I could have understood his attitude. Emily has to overcome her family's lies and secrets so there is plenty of drama included as the story unfolds.
The novel flows at a nice pace and I thought the ending was appropriate. I feel the author was teaching us that our lives can change in a heartbeat and for Emily, it certainly did. Very enjoyable novel.
I liked this novel which is set in beautiful Colorado. The author did a great job of describing the surroundings throughout the novel. Even though I've never been there, it was easy to picture the scenes.
This is a fast read with likeable characters, except for Eric, and it has an especially strong protagonist, Emily. Perhaps if the author had delved into Eric's background, I could have understood his attitude. Emily has to overcome her family's lies and secrets so there is plenty of drama included as the story unfolds.
The novel flows at a nice pace and I thought the ending was appropriate. I feel the author was teaching us that our lives can change in a heartbeat and for Emily, it certainly did. Very enjoyable novel.
October 8, 2012
Emily and her brother Eric, take care of the family run nursery while their father is doing chemo treatments. They don't tell him that the business isn't doing that great. However, Emily gets a letter that she has an inheritance which thickens the plot. It turns out, Emily's dad had an affair, Joli got pregnant and then was in a car accident and died. So her dad and her dad's wife (mom) raised her.
So the story goes, everyone finding out and what will Emily do with the inheritance? The storyline is good. Needs a bit of refinement and I really could have taken the gay partnership out. What I really enjoyed is all the very descriptive scenery, as I am from Colorado and loved every minute of the details!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So the story goes, everyone finding out and what will Emily do with the inheritance? The storyline is good. Needs a bit of refinement and I really could have taken the gay partnership out. What I really enjoyed is all the very descriptive scenery, as I am from Colorado and loved every minute of the details!
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2013
A short, but sweet novella about a woman whose world is turned upside down when one day she receives notice of an inheritance. The catch is, she has no idea who the woman who left her one million dollars is.
I wouldn't necessarily label the book a coming of age story, The main character is a bit old for that. I would say it's more about finding yourself in the face of hardships. The story may be short, but it doesn't act like it. What I mean is the author writes well, the pace is perfect, and the characters relatable.
I have received a free copy of this book through a GoodReads First Reads giveaway.
I wouldn't necessarily label the book a coming of age story, The main character is a bit old for that. I would say it's more about finding yourself in the face of hardships. The story may be short, but it doesn't act like it. What I mean is the author writes well, the pace is perfect, and the characters relatable.
I have received a free copy of this book through a GoodReads First Reads giveaway.
July 17, 2013
I won this book on Goodreads. The book has strong points such as the dialogue and description of places in Colorado, which are vivid and add much to the story. It also, however, has some weaknesses. The author tells the reader what the characters, especially Emily, feels rather than allowing the reader to figure it out by what the character says & does. The passages in which this occurs slows the action and makes the book seem didactic. Second, what Emily decides to do with the entire inheritance is a bit difficult to believe. The central theme of what happens when family secrets are revealed is interesting, and the reactions are different for each character.
September 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, as I did Ms. Lanheady's first novel. The story line is incredibly interesting! So interesting, in fact, that I wish it would have been expanded through out the whole book. The scenery descriptions were breathtaking. As it is a standalone book, I feel the characters could have been a little bit more robust. It's one of those books where you're sad when it ends because it has captured you and you don't want it to end.
November 3, 2014
I received a signed copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. To the author.....thank you.
I thought the book, simply written, tries to tell a good story. I get the feeling the author is trying to teach the reader through the story....how to do the right thing, how to treat people, etc. more than tell the story.
I think the story premise is good. I would have liked to see more complexity of the main storyline and also the characters.
I thought the book, simply written, tries to tell a good story. I get the feeling the author is trying to teach the reader through the story....how to do the right thing, how to treat people, etc. more than tell the story.
I think the story premise is good. I would have liked to see more complexity of the main storyline and also the characters.
March 21, 2013
I like how this book began and grabbed my interest right away and built the suspense but then it seemed to take a left hand turn as to the family secret of slave owning in past generations. Not what I was expecting. I didn't see the point of throwing in a lesbian relationship either. I know it's all over anymore, but didn't feel it added anything to this particular story. I thought the writing was good though and the characters well developed and was a quick read.
July 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. it tells of a womans search of her family tree and all the perils of finding out the past and the fact that her mother died. I believe in the end that she made the right decision for her.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews