The Journal

by Tiffany Joans

Cadence Anderson promises to fulfill her mother’s last wish by leaving her husband, Dan, and moving back into her childhood home with her eight-year-old daughter, Madelyn. Once they return to her hometown in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, Cadence develops a bond with a drifter who comes into her life unexpectedly, looking for a place to call home. Will, a father figure to Cadence, is discovering his purpose in life after his wife is killed in a tragic accident.

When a journal is found, what they discover threatens to break the bonds they forged. After a last will and testimony surfaces, a decision must be made that will change their lives. This novel explores the actions of the past that set in motion a riveting tale of loss and love.

Genres: Fiction

292 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

Tiffany Joans completed her MFA in Creative Writing at Rosemont College in Pennsylvania. At a young age, she would often daydream in school and was usually caught looking out the window. As a child, her favorite place to read was in a window seat with a view of her mother’s flower gardens. She would hide behind the damask curtain so no one could find her secretly reading instead of doing chores. She currently works in the publishing industry. She lives in Southern New Jersey with her family.The Journal is Tiffany Joans's debut novel.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Journal by Tiffany Joans could be a very good book, but unfortunately, it isn't. There should be a trigger warning due to domestic violence, child abuse, and alcoholism depictions. The plot was good, but the author did not convey the emotional aspects of events in a meaningful manner.
I was left with a flat feeling after finishing the book. I could not develop empathy for any of the characters except Will. I hope that the author continues to write, because she shows promise.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has it all. It has uncertainty, sorrow, pain, to finding the strength and courage to move forward. At times, it is intense, a mystery, a choice has to be made that will affect them all. Michael sees a portrait of a woman in the Dragonfly Gallery window, but it is closed. He finds a number to call and calls it, only to be hung op on.
Cadence has left her abusive husband and taken her daughter, Madelyn to her mother's cottage. Her mother's last request was she leave her husband and move to her cottage, and Cadence is honoring her last request. Michael has always been a drifter, and he has come to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, and is working as a handyman. When he sees Cadence, he knows she is the woman in the portrait. She needs someone to put deadbolts on her doors and make sure everything is secure. She hires Michael and they become friends.
A lot happens, but the two of them together makes life a little better for themselves and Madelyn.
I received a copy From BooksGoSocial through NetGalley.

[Amy Vida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of The Journal in exchange for an honest review. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I struggled throughout. The plot and storyline were all over the place bouncing between different characters and subjects. At times, I wasn't even sure what the book was about. I believe this new author has a lot of potential and with some more experience and better editing her books could compete with some of the best authors. I probably wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, but I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future to see her growth,

[Ann-Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a reader, I was impressed with this book, especially considering it was the author's first. While there were a few moments where my interest waned and I skipped a paragraph or two, the characters kept me engaged throughout. Additionally, the plot had some unpredictable twists and turns that kept things interesting but some very predictable ones as well. I wish the author well with her writing in the future.

[Ashley Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Journal, being from a debut author, was ok. I struggled with staying engaged and the topics were a bit heavy (I wasn't fully prepared). Overall, I'm not mad I took time to read it.