Still Waters

by Misha Crews

A tragic death... A disturbing photo that can't be explained... A woman drowning in an ocean of secrets...

In 1950s Virginia, Jenna Appleton seems to have found the life she's always wanted. But underneath the shallow gleam of her bright suburban world, murky truths are waiting to surface.

On the morning that her husband dies in a tragic accident, Jenna finds a shocking photo of him in the arms of a beautiful woman. And before she can ask him about it, he's gone forever.

Five years later, Jenna has buried her questions and remade her life. But the reappearance of an old love stirs up guilty questions, and she realizes that some secrets aren't meant to be kept. The deeper she dives for answers, the darker the water gets. How will she find happiness for herself and her family, when every move she makes toward the strange and awful truth seems to lead her right back to her own home shores?

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Amazon, Suspense, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Contemporary

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2010

About the author

You might not think that an addiction to television would inspire a career in writing, but that is exactly what happened with me. When I was about six years old, my mother “encouraged” me to turn off the TV and pick up a book by offering to pay me two cents for every page I read. It was an unusual strategy, but it worked: soon I was a bona fide book junkie (thanks Mom!). Of course, it wasn't long before I graduated from reading to writing. I write multiple genres of closed-door romance, including small town family sagas with a touch of mystery, romantic suspense, and even a dash of paranormal.

If you'd like a free book, vist: https://mishacrews.com/freebook/

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And if you’re so inclined, you can join my Facebook readers group (where a lot of my time is dedicated to otter videos): https://www.facebook.com/groups/misha...

Thanks very much for visiting my Goodreads page! I hope you'll give me a "follow" and a "friend." ♡

Reviews

[TinaNoir · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was initially attracted by the fact that this book took place in the 50s in the south and promised not only romance but a look at family and even touch on racial dynamics.

However it was a fairly pedestrian book that centered around a secret baby and included a heroine that was both overly earnest and pretty annoying. I found myself skimming mostly.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and loved Misha Crews' first novel Homesong, and I have to say, Still Waters has not disappointed AT ALL. This second book is just as compelling if not more so. She vividly recreates the world of 1950 Arlington, Virginia. A time when people were just learning to move on from WWII. And, as with Homesong, she has proven to be a writer who knows the importance of character. I fell in love with Jenna, her son Chris, her once-lover Adam, and her in-laws, Kitty and Bill. Mostly, the intricate storyline of family secrets tearing a family apart that kept me turning the pages. Really a wonderful read!

[Kathleen Kirkwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Waters is a beautifully rendered tale owing to Misha Crews’ deft skills as a storyteller and her exquisite use of language. I loved how layer upon layer is peeled away as the story progresses, bringing to light long buried secrets, lies and deceptions, all laced with a good dash of mystery. In turn, the characters are forced to re-evaluate what truly matters as they make their choices and face the future.

Above all,at the heart of this book is family, belonging and transcending the past. Misha Crews is a gifted storyteller and Still Waters is a story that goes straight to the heart, fully deserving of 5 stars.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just okay, there was nothing amazing or thought provoking about it and I was a little disappointed. To me it it just skimmed the surface of everything; the mystery, the family dynamics, the racial differences, the era, the location so as a result I found myself skimming the pages. I also couldn't bring myself to really like any of the main characters, particularly Jenna who I found selfish and annoying, not mysteriously wounded.

[LLona Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too much 'long suffering' for my taste.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this over a year ago now and it was in the pile on my Kindle to get to at some point. I trawl through a few free ones and then a paid one and back again. I've found some hidden gems this way and this is one. Most of it is set in the 1950's in America where Jenna is suddenly widowed. In her husband's things she had found a photo of another woman and child with him and it opens up a whole load of questions about the man she married and her family life. It isn't full of sex and violence and murderation which I usually stick with as I like something more gentle at times.
Don't think it is dull, though, as it isn't in the least. There are lots of little twists 'n' turns to keep the reader's interest.
A little gripe is I would have had the notes at the beginning put at the end where the author explained her sources for the homes featured and about her childhood dog.
I did spot the odd mistake-lovliness instead of loveliness, born instead of borne and 4 times Appleton's where it should have been Appletons' and then, at last, the 5th time it was suddenly correct !!
All in all, a great little story.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What must it be like to loose your husband, come across a photo with him in the arms of another woman? I can't imagine how that must feel.

Somehow she's managed to keep that secret to herself and carry on with life, building up a life without him.

Like all secrets though, they eventually resurface and this book is no exception to the rule.

Jenna cannot push her pass back anymore or hide or conceal it, it all comes out and much much more.

There is not such thing as Still Waters, only ripples and waves.

Excellent read that I received from CWC Publishing via Net Galley

Romance with an edge or suspense

[Ena]

Firstly I love the cover which along with the blurb really drew me to this book. The still waters seem to signify a sorrow but with perhaps some hope in there too.
Did I enjoy the book? I loved it, the pace kept me engrossed all the way from beginning to end of the book.
Would I recommend the book? this one is another recommendation for my sister!

Would I read a book 2? I'd take a serious look at a Bk2

Would I read other books by this Author? I think I'd take a close look at any other books available by this author.

[Holly Morey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance novels are not my favorites, but this was a romance with a twist. The novel was set in the 50's, which was a time when public appearances were very important. Jenna has several secrets that could injure her reputation and that of her son. She is conflicted emotionally between her fiancé, Frank, and her dead husband's best friend, Adam. There are a few surprises in the book, but nothing earth shattering. To me the ending has a few too many coincidences to help make a pat ending. I would give it about 3 1/2 stars as it did hold my attention.

[Barri Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heroine in this book was difficult to understand. The hero was long suffering and patient, too much so, at times. The plot started off with a bang, then lost much of it's steam. The ending stretched my 'willing suspension of disbelief'.

[Sandy Dearman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just ok to me. The description drew me in; however, the book failed to deliver until the last 4 chapters. I was irritated most of the time with the lead character and her fickleness. I'm glad I only paid $2.99 for it.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read set in the 1950's. Historically, it's a time that I've never really understood. The whole "women's roles" and "separate but equal" business is hard for me to wrap my head around. A whole new meaning to the passage, "the truth shall set you free".

[Gin Tadvick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Interesting. Written about an area that I know well - the geographical area that I grew up in. The author really brought that to life. The premise behind the story was also interesting.

[Shell · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read with a few surprises along the way. Slightly predictable ending but never the less, a few tragic moments throughout the story line - worth 3 stars in my opinion.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and rather emotional story. But the number of perspectives is overwhelming.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of surprises

I read this book in two days. Lots of twists and turns in this story of people who are close and connected, yet have myriad secrets they want to protect. I love that the story is built around childhood friends and a wonderful set of parents who made the children of different parents a family. My parents treated my best friends as family too. The story is set in the ‘50’s - exactly the decade of my own childhood. Loved it.

[Debrah J Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

Very well written tale of early 20th century bigotry and how it impacted the lives of three families! How lies told built an almost insurmountable web. As the web unravels the impact it has on the lives it touched and the importance of forgiveness!

[Laurie Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engrossing, high quality romance/family drama that drew me in right from the beginning. I was interested in the personalities of both the primary and secondary characters, and I appreciated the many detailed descriptions of things like clothing, hairstyles, interiors of homes, and the like, since this was primarily set in the 1950s, and the mention of well known people of the day, such as Jack Kerouac and Miles Davis, added nicely. You will not be disappointed with this fine, well crafted novel. Whenever I had to stop reading I was anxious to return to it. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work!

[J.T. Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set primarily in the 1950s, Still Waters is a romance where the farther you read into the story, the deeper the characters and plot becomes. Crews sets up believable obstacles that keep the main characters apart. She also doesn't shy away from social issues happening during that decade and how these issues affect the characters, who are well-drawn and realistic. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a good story about friendship, lies, family, true love, and how the truth really can set someone free.

[J. A. Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't particularly care for this book. Jenna Appleton, the main character, is maddening. She's indecisive, cold and cruel. Her back and forth relationship with Adam will drive you crazy. The only thing you will ask yourself is why would he bother to want a relationship with someone so lacking in emotion and honesty. The book is based on lies told by every character in the book. I muddled through and found the ending with Jenna's "fiance" to be strange and unbelievable. A number of editing errors.

[Vicki Scullion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novel in one sitting. The characters were interesting, and the prologue hooked me from the beginning. The historical details, especially the social difficulties experienced by interracial couples, added a level of complexity to what seemed to be a fairly average plot about a widowed mother in the 1950's. The conclusion was satisfyingly intense. Overall, an enjoyable read.

[Jo Notary]

252pgs, contemporary romantic suspense, on the day her husband dies in a tragic accident, she finds a photo of him in the arms of another woman. The deeper she dives for answers, the darker the water gets. How will she find happiness for herself and her family, when every move she makes toward the strange and awful truth seems to lead her right back to her own home shores?

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it wasn't bad. I enjoyed the author's writing style & the extra secrets thrown in by Kitty. It ended just a little too neatly though - everything tied up in a pretty little bow. Considering the time period of the story, it shouldn't have been so simple.

[Beth Balberchak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Waters is rich in detail, history, twists and turns, and characterization. You will love the characters from the very beginning. Add this one to your collection.

[Kel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story, although I was expecting more mystery. A free download, so I can't complain.

[Regina]

This was a great book. With so much loss...it was a nice ending.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

an OK read. The delve into the past was interesting, but most of the plot turns were too predictable. the ending needed some work.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, an ok story. Glad it was a freebie, though.

[Linda Branich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family secrets--lots of them, and forbidden love--so many twists and turns--make this a book that is hard to put down.

[Sruthika.K]

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