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Meet Me in Barcelona
A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation.
Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it. . .
Mary Carter's intriguing novel delves into the complexities of childhood bonds, the corrosive weight of guilt and blame, and all the ways we try--and often fail--to truly know the ones we love.
Praise for Mary Carter
"A touching novel." --Publishers Weekly on The Things I Do For You
"This is guaranteed to become one of the books on your shelf that you'll want to read again." --The Free Lance-Star on The Pub Across the Pond
Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it. . .
Mary Carter's intriguing novel delves into the complexities of childhood bonds, the corrosive weight of guilt and blame, and all the ways we try--and often fail--to truly know the ones we love.
Praise for Mary Carter
"A touching novel." --Publishers Weekly on The Things I Do For You
"This is guaranteed to become one of the books on your shelf that you'll want to read again." --The Free Lance-Star on The Pub Across the Pond
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
32 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Mary Carter
63 books198 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 16, 2014
I did like this book but I felt that it could have been shortened up some. This is because it felt long and drawn out before anything really happened. It took about half way before Carrie Ann and Jake go missing. The past events of Grace's life starts to be revealed than as well. So the second half of the story was a faster read. Which to be honest, I thought the characters were just alright. There was nothing too exciting about them. Well except for Grace and her tie with Carrie Ann. But before this was revealed I had no real interest in any of the characters. The reason I sticked with this book was because the author did do a good job of telling the story and the location. I was instantly transported to Barcelona, Spain. It was like I was right there with Grace every step of the way. Oh and the ending of this book was good. So that was a plus.
April 23, 2017
I liked the premise of the book and the descriptions of the locations were woven into the book quite skillfully. Weaknesses in the characters detracted from the potential of this book. From my perspective Grace (supposedly the undramatic sister) generated drama by being either too tired or too overwrought or too (add contrivance here) to communicate fully and clearly with her boyfriend or her sister. Overall, the feeling I ended up with was not satisfying - I was glad to leave these folks behind.
July 15, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book would make a great movie! Really, it would. Mary Carter includes many plot twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. I took it on vacation and wished that I had more time to read.
This book would make a great movie! Really, it would. Mary Carter includes many plot twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. I took it on vacation and wished that I had more time to read.
July 6, 2017
Not my fave. Couldn't wait for it to be over. Far-fetched, didn't like characters. Not the book for me.
August 6, 2021
A Mystery/Thriller I knew nothing about and picked up on a whim. I had hope for an interesting Thriller set in Barcelona with a main character trying to find her kidnapped travel buddies. This does happen, but first you have Grace childhood mystery she can't talk about and her emotional upheaval about it made worse because her adult life struggles. Which in my opinion aren't very well done. Then you finally get into the Thriller aspect of the book and it ridiculous and cliche. There was no amount of suspending my disbelief that made this part plausible. Then there Grace, Carrie Ann, and Jack all characters I didn't enjoy or find likable or could encourage. It was all cliche, Grace is supose to be the "good girl" but she judgemental and bitchy. Then there Carrie Ann who "bitch" who supose to have a heart of gold, but is pure self centered toxic. As a whole just wasn't for me.
April 9, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation.
Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it...
I have to be honest from the start of this review - for the first 150 pages or so of this novel, I was seriously doubting whether I would finish it or not. It is not that is was written badly - far from it. The problem was that the story didn't actually go anywhere, instead, it seemed to get bogged down in the beauty that is Barcelona.
Also, one of the initial problems with the story were the characters. It seemed to take a while for the author to "find" both Grace and Carrie Ann's "voices" - for the most part, they came across as wishy-washy and contrived...until that moment when the whole story clicks into gear and really finds its momentum.
The mystery/suspense was alright but it is certainly the scenery and location that drag this book out of the doldrums.
Paul
ARH
A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation.
Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it...
I have to be honest from the start of this review - for the first 150 pages or so of this novel, I was seriously doubting whether I would finish it or not. It is not that is was written badly - far from it. The problem was that the story didn't actually go anywhere, instead, it seemed to get bogged down in the beauty that is Barcelona.
Also, one of the initial problems with the story were the characters. It seemed to take a while for the author to "find" both Grace and Carrie Ann's "voices" - for the most part, they came across as wishy-washy and contrived...until that moment when the whole story clicks into gear and really finds its momentum.
The mystery/suspense was alright but it is certainly the scenery and location that drag this book out of the doldrums.
Paul
ARH
August 26, 2014
I won a copy of this through Goodreads First Reads, and it was signed by the author. Very cool.
I'll start by saying I totally had this book pegged wrong. I thought it would be a fluffy romance type. Instead it was more of a mystery/psychological thriller.
My first trip to Europe was in July, right after high school, and one of the stops my best friend and I made was Barcelona. We stayed in a little hostel right off of Las Ramblas, so the description of the city and that area in particular was very nostalgic for me.
The plot had nice pacing, unfolding slowly, revealing clues and hints along the way. But some of the twists were a little out of left field for me. I wasn't sure how one thing followed another, or how certain conclusions were made.
The two female main characters were annoyingly neurotic and obsessive. It was very Woody Allen-esque, and I'm not a fan of Woody Allen. I know enough neurotic, self obsessed people in real life, I don't particularly like reading about them, unless they're really really well done. There were some pretty funny parts to this book though, and it made me chuckle a few times. But the rest of the book was filled with this self loathing and annoying nervousness that was a bit of a turn off.
It didn't feel like work to get to the end of the book, but it wasn't something I did cartwheels about either. So, a solid three star read.
I'll start by saying I totally had this book pegged wrong. I thought it would be a fluffy romance type. Instead it was more of a mystery/psychological thriller.
My first trip to Europe was in July, right after high school, and one of the stops my best friend and I made was Barcelona. We stayed in a little hostel right off of Las Ramblas, so the description of the city and that area in particular was very nostalgic for me.
The plot had nice pacing, unfolding slowly, revealing clues and hints along the way. But some of the twists were a little out of left field for me. I wasn't sure how one thing followed another, or how certain conclusions were made.
The two female main characters were annoyingly neurotic and obsessive. It was very Woody Allen-esque, and I'm not a fan of Woody Allen. I know enough neurotic, self obsessed people in real life, I don't particularly like reading about them, unless they're really really well done. There were some pretty funny parts to this book though, and it made me chuckle a few times. But the rest of the book was filled with this self loathing and annoying nervousness that was a bit of a turn off.
It didn't feel like work to get to the end of the book, but it wasn't something I did cartwheels about either. So, a solid three star read.
October 29, 2014
They say that you can run but you can't hide. Secrets do surface when you least expect it. That is what is happening to Grace Sawyer. Her boyfriend, Jake, of five years, supposedly "wins" a trip to Barcelona. Seem kind of mysterious as to why this would happen. Grace is reluctant to go at first, thinking that this is very strange. She agrees to go so along with Jake, when they get to their hotel find mysterious clues as to what they should do. Grace finally realizes that is is her foster sister Carrie Ann who sent them on this trip. Why?? Well that is the mystery of the story.
As we read further into the story we find out more about their relationship and what the big secret is and if it comes out, could cause problems. I love Mary Carter's books and this one was no exception. When I read her books I always get engrossed in the story from start to finish. The descriptions of what ever country her books take place in, Ireland, Italy or Spain, you may as well be there as the writing is so descriptive. Each of Mary Carter's are stand alone books but I think starting with Pub Across the Pond and then to Three Months in Florence and then Meet Me in Barcelona will give you a great idea on the kind of writing and stories this author creates. Another wonderful book!
As we read further into the story we find out more about their relationship and what the big secret is and if it comes out, could cause problems. I love Mary Carter's books and this one was no exception. When I read her books I always get engrossed in the story from start to finish. The descriptions of what ever country her books take place in, Ireland, Italy or Spain, you may as well be there as the writing is so descriptive. Each of Mary Carter's are stand alone books but I think starting with Pub Across the Pond and then to Three Months in Florence and then Meet Me in Barcelona will give you a great idea on the kind of writing and stories this author creates. Another wonderful book!
September 9, 2014
I would probably give this 3 1/2 stars.
I have mixed emotions on the book. At the beginning I was wondering where the book was going, it felt like it was all over the place. Then about page 200 (maybe a bit before) the book really pulled me in and I did not want to put the book down.
To me, Grace was a weaker character, at least in the beginning of the book until about page 200. She was in a relationship with Jake for 3 years but there was so much he didn't know about her past. Perhaps she was trying to avoid the memories?
Carrie Ann was definitely a bit psycho. She may have had good intentions for her actions but the way she went about it was so wrong.
I did guess a few things, or rather was suspicious, of a character or two. I knew something wasn't right but didn't know what until near the end of the book.
I didn't remember what sort of book this was when I signed up for the blog tour, but it is definitely a psychological thriller book.
I have mixed emotions on the book. At the beginning I was wondering where the book was going, it felt like it was all over the place. Then about page 200 (maybe a bit before) the book really pulled me in and I did not want to put the book down.
To me, Grace was a weaker character, at least in the beginning of the book until about page 200. She was in a relationship with Jake for 3 years but there was so much he didn't know about her past. Perhaps she was trying to avoid the memories?
Carrie Ann was definitely a bit psycho. She may have had good intentions for her actions but the way she went about it was so wrong.
I did guess a few things, or rather was suspicious, of a character or two. I knew something wasn't right but didn't know what until near the end of the book.
I didn't remember what sort of book this was when I signed up for the blog tour, but it is definitely a psychological thriller book.
June 21, 2017
This book started off sad but otherwise typical, then it got twisted and creepy. The suspense wasn't done too badly, and once the action got rolling it was pretty dang good.
April 9, 2024
I discovered this book since I had to read a book set in Spain for my library's reading challenge. I have mixed feelings about this book, I enjoyed the story but couldn't stand any of the characters. Not one of them! Grace needed to grow a back bone and stick up for herself with her foster sister Carrie Ann. Carrie Ann is a narcissist who not only enjoys being manipulative but also enjoys doing magic. Jake seems to let Grace walk all over him. I did not see them as a healthy couple. There were a few plot twists but the majority of the time the twists were outrageous and didn't make sense. I also figured a few along the way. I think I would have given up on this book if I didn't need it for my library challenge. I still may look for other books from this author since there were parts that I truly enjoyed. I just hope her other books don't have such annoying characters.
December 22, 2023
I'll be vacationing in Barcelona soon, and was looking for non-travel guide books/novels set in Barcelona. I used the DC Public Library Libby app to find available books with "Barcelona" in the title, and happened upon this book.
The author does an excellent job in describing various places in Barcelona, and makes me even more excited about my trip, and I took a lot of notes.
The novel is supposed to be one of suspense, not my favorite genre. The various plot twists became creepy (obviously intended to be so by the author), but I was able to look past them and just hope for the best for the very sympathetic and likable main character, Grace, who happens to have one of my favorite names.
The author does an excellent job in describing various places in Barcelona, and makes me even more excited about my trip, and I took a lot of notes.
The novel is supposed to be one of suspense, not my favorite genre. The various plot twists became creepy (obviously intended to be so by the author), but I was able to look past them and just hope for the best for the very sympathetic and likable main character, Grace, who happens to have one of my favorite names.
May 30, 2020
What a suspenseful book! When Grace and her boyfriend Jake 'win' a trip to Barcelona, she thinks it is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from her life and refresh herself. What they don't know is that they have been set up, and it is a complicated plan so that someone from Grace's past can get a diabolical revenge. As the plot goes on, the web of deceit grows tighter and the suspense mounts. There are some surprises as people turn out to be not who they seem, another thing that adds to the suspense. This book is definitely a good read.
July 12, 2017
Such an enjoyable book!
Two foster sisters loose touch because of some scary happenings--one sister plans a surprise for the other & her boyfriend and then the surprises begin! I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. Keeps the reader guessing til the very end!
Two foster sisters loose touch because of some scary happenings--one sister plans a surprise for the other & her boyfriend and then the surprises begin! I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. Keeps the reader guessing til the very end!
April 25, 2018
Honest this book was dreadful, despite a promising start. I keep reading until the end in the hope it would somehow all come together, but it just kept digging itself in deeper and deeper. Ridiculous storyline and characters were so inconsistent and unbelievable it got so annoying.
January 19, 2018
omg I think this book should be a movie... It's so good with the twists and turns
Read
July 12, 2019*Barcelona, Barcelona
October 3, 2019
This book was hard to put down. Well written and engaging, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 22, 2020
Predictable. And not believable. I’m not sure I would have finished reading this book if I didn’t have extra time due to the social distancing of Covid19.
June 9, 2020
Mystery? Romance? I guess a little bit of both. Enjoyed the descriptions of the sites in Barcelona. A light, summer read.
December 12, 2023
I suppose some wouldn’t see the twists coming but I found it obnoxiously obvious the plan from early on, and only had it confirmed through the book.
March 5, 2024
I liked the premise and it picked up a lot during the last half. The pace as well as increasing my interest. However, it was clunky at the beginning. And Grace's songwriting skills...yikes.
August 8, 2024
I was not sure what to expect at first! It was a good, twisty story though! i enjoyed the Barca references. I did not enjoy Carrie Ann!! Also i don't think it needed to be that long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2018
Great book. Shows how easily a person can be manipulated. Descriptions of Barcelona are beautiful.
August 1, 2014
When Grace’s boyfriend Jake wins an all expense paid trip to Barcelona, she can’t believe their good luck. She would love to travel, to see the world, and to get away for a while from the stress and self-doubt caused by a bad review of her struggling country music career. However, with her mother’s precarious health condition she wonders if a trip is really prudent. She doesn’t want to miss a moment with her ailing mother. When her father encourages her to go so she can cheer up her mother with stories about her traveling and adventures she decides to throw caution to the wind and go. Little does she know what a truly astounding adventure awaits.
Shortly after arriving, Grace begins to notice things which seems odd. Small things at first – someone taking her picture, a moved coffee cup – then larger things like a mysterious note by her door. The little clues begin to nag at her and she’s reminded of a troubled girl she once knew in her youth – Carrie Ann. Carrie Ann had the face of an angel – with big blue eyes full of tears and golden hair. She was a foster child that Grace’s parents took in. Beneath her beautiful exterior, however, was a very damaged girl with a lot of pain and a lot of vengeance. Grace and Jake begin to realize that their “free” vacation may have some strings attached after all. Is Carry Ann behind the trip? Why did she lure them all the way to a foreign country? What could she have planned? As the painful memories from Grace’s childhood lurch forward, in order to survive the present, they must revisit the past.
When Jake goes missing, Grace has to wonder if he is in on the deception all along. Had he known Carrie Ann? Is he a victim or part of the crime? Would facing a suicide and the ruined lives of people she loved in her childhood bring Jake back unharmed or is someone out for revenge? Could this all be a giant prank of fun for her upcoming 30th birthday or does someone have very dangerous and dark motives?
This book is a page turner with many twists and turns. The plot is mesmerizing. The characters are well developed and it’s hard to figure out who to trust until the very end.
Meredith Mitchell does an outstanding job as narrator. Her deliverance is smooth and her voice is pleasing and easy to listen to. She portrays great emotion and the dialogue is enjoyable and remains in character.
Shortly after arriving, Grace begins to notice things which seems odd. Small things at first – someone taking her picture, a moved coffee cup – then larger things like a mysterious note by her door. The little clues begin to nag at her and she’s reminded of a troubled girl she once knew in her youth – Carrie Ann. Carrie Ann had the face of an angel – with big blue eyes full of tears and golden hair. She was a foster child that Grace’s parents took in. Beneath her beautiful exterior, however, was a very damaged girl with a lot of pain and a lot of vengeance. Grace and Jake begin to realize that their “free” vacation may have some strings attached after all. Is Carry Ann behind the trip? Why did she lure them all the way to a foreign country? What could she have planned? As the painful memories from Grace’s childhood lurch forward, in order to survive the present, they must revisit the past.
When Jake goes missing, Grace has to wonder if he is in on the deception all along. Had he known Carrie Ann? Is he a victim or part of the crime? Would facing a suicide and the ruined lives of people she loved in her childhood bring Jake back unharmed or is someone out for revenge? Could this all be a giant prank of fun for her upcoming 30th birthday or does someone have very dangerous and dark motives?
This book is a page turner with many twists and turns. The plot is mesmerizing. The characters are well developed and it’s hard to figure out who to trust until the very end.
Meredith Mitchell does an outstanding job as narrator. Her deliverance is smooth and her voice is pleasing and easy to listen to. She portrays great emotion and the dialogue is enjoyable and remains in character.
July 26, 2014
About the Book:
A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation.
Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it.
About the Author:
Mary Carter is the author of many novels, including Three Months in Florence, The Things I Do for You, My Sister's Voice, and Sunnyside Blues. Her work also appears in the New York Times bestselling anthologies No Place Like Home and Holiday Magic. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.
My Review:
After receiving a bad review, Grace just needed to get away from it all. But because she had to leave her mother, she wasn't sure if she would be able to run from her current issues. Her mother seemed more irritated, after the diagnosis, it seemed things only got worse and the reality of her days beings numbered seemed clearer than ever. When Grace's boyfriend, Jake wins a surprise vacation it seems to be the light at the end of the tunnel Grace has been looking for.
Carrie Ann runs to Grace's side for safety from her abusive husband--in spite of Grace misgivings she will try to help her. All too soon things take a turn for the worst when both Carrie Ann and Jake both come up missing, leaving Grace all alone to try and search for them. She starts to follow the vaguest clues all in hopes of finding her loved ones.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Pump Up Your Book.
A surprise trip to Barcelona with her boyfriend, Jake, seems like the perfect antidote to Grace Sawyer's current woes. The city is dazzling and unpredictable, but the biggest surprise for Grace is discovering who arranged and paid for the vacation.
Carrie Ann wasn't just Grace's foster sister. Clever, pretty, and mercurial, she was her best friend--until everything went terribly wrong. Now, as she flees an abusive marriage, Carrie Ann has turned to the one person she hopes will come through for her. Despite her initial misgivings, Grace wants to help. But then Carrie Ann and Jake both go missing. Stunned and confused, Grace begins to realize how much of herself she's kept from Jake--and how much of Carrie Ann she never understood. Soon Grace is baited into following a trail of scant clues across Spain, determined to find the truth, even if she must revisit her troubled past to do it.
About the Author:
Mary Carter is the author of many novels, including Three Months in Florence, The Things I Do for You, My Sister's Voice, and Sunnyside Blues. Her work also appears in the New York Times bestselling anthologies No Place Like Home and Holiday Magic. She lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.
My Review:
After receiving a bad review, Grace just needed to get away from it all. But because she had to leave her mother, she wasn't sure if she would be able to run from her current issues. Her mother seemed more irritated, after the diagnosis, it seemed things only got worse and the reality of her days beings numbered seemed clearer than ever. When Grace's boyfriend, Jake wins a surprise vacation it seems to be the light at the end of the tunnel Grace has been looking for.
Carrie Ann runs to Grace's side for safety from her abusive husband--in spite of Grace misgivings she will try to help her. All too soon things take a turn for the worst when both Carrie Ann and Jake both come up missing, leaving Grace all alone to try and search for them. She starts to follow the vaguest clues all in hopes of finding her loved ones.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Pump Up Your Book.
July 28, 2014
No matter how deep you bury a secret, they always tend to make their way to the surface eventually …
It’s been a tough time for Grace. Dealing with her mother’s illness and her going into hospice care is at the top of the list. But the horrible review that big-time music producer, Marsh Everett, gave Grace in Country Weekly was definitely up there too. The timing couldn’t have been better for her boyfriend to win a trip for two to Spain. She knew it would make for a great respite for all that’s been going on in her life.
While in Spain, strange messages kept popping up. First was the one in the matchbook that read, ‘Meet me in Barcelona.’ Then one was found in a book that was Grace’s favorite as a young girl. But it wasn’t until she found an envelope that was slid under their room door that Grace was certain of who was leaving these “clues”.
As a child, Grace’s parents took in foster children. Carrie Ann came to them at nine years old and was the same age as Grace. Although Grace always wanted a sister, something about Carrie Ann frightened her a bit. She wanted to be a magician when she grew up and was one to always leave behind clues. So when these strange clues kept popping up, Grace knew that it had to be her! She had spent the last fifteen years trying to forget about her foster sister, but Carrie Ann was not one to go quietly. She always had a motive and bad things seem to follow her. Currently running from an abusive relationship, she hopes that Grace will be there for her and not disappear like she had done many years before!
Mary Carter has a gift of captivating her readers from the first page, making it impossible to put the book down until you reach the very end. This book was so mysterious and unpredictable. I felt like I was on a literary scavenger hunt! Meet Me In Barcelona is a must read for anyone who craves adventure in an exotic locale.
It’s been a tough time for Grace. Dealing with her mother’s illness and her going into hospice care is at the top of the list. But the horrible review that big-time music producer, Marsh Everett, gave Grace in Country Weekly was definitely up there too. The timing couldn’t have been better for her boyfriend to win a trip for two to Spain. She knew it would make for a great respite for all that’s been going on in her life.
While in Spain, strange messages kept popping up. First was the one in the matchbook that read, ‘Meet me in Barcelona.’ Then one was found in a book that was Grace’s favorite as a young girl. But it wasn’t until she found an envelope that was slid under their room door that Grace was certain of who was leaving these “clues”.
As a child, Grace’s parents took in foster children. Carrie Ann came to them at nine years old and was the same age as Grace. Although Grace always wanted a sister, something about Carrie Ann frightened her a bit. She wanted to be a magician when she grew up and was one to always leave behind clues. So when these strange clues kept popping up, Grace knew that it had to be her! She had spent the last fifteen years trying to forget about her foster sister, but Carrie Ann was not one to go quietly. She always had a motive and bad things seem to follow her. Currently running from an abusive relationship, she hopes that Grace will be there for her and not disappear like she had done many years before!
Mary Carter has a gift of captivating her readers from the first page, making it impossible to put the book down until you reach the very end. This book was so mysterious and unpredictable. I felt like I was on a literary scavenger hunt! Meet Me In Barcelona is a must read for anyone who craves adventure in an exotic locale.
July 31, 2014
Review posted originally on SkeletonKeyReviews.com
Grace and Jake supposedly win a trip to Barcelona. What she doesn't know is that it's all apart of a plan that was set in motion by an old foster sister, Carrie Ann. It's been almost fifteen years since the girls have seen each other. Once they were best friends, Sisters By Choice. But that all changes with a death.
When Grace arrives she keeps finding little things that bring back memories of Carrie Ann. At one time in they made a pledge to go to Europe for the girls' thirtieth birthday. That birthday is just days away. Grace finds a matchbook, a book that was her favorite when she was younger. The final one is an invite to a party. There she comes face to face with Carrie Ann. Carrie Ann and Grace try to reconnect. But Grace is having a hard time believing what Carrie Ann is telling her and doesn't trust her.
Carrie Ann tells her that she has married a boy Stan, she befriended when she was living with Grace's family. Grace never liked Stan. He always gave her the creeps and he had an obvious crush on her. Now Carrie Ann is running from him, afraid that he's going to kill her and wants Grace's help. However, Stan is changing the plans of Carrie Ann's little game and it just may lead to all of their lives being in jeopardy for real.
This was a really good read. The plot twists and turns and you keep reading trying to figure out what's real and what's all part of the game being to played. I loved all of the characters and Stan in all his creepy ass lunacy was my fave. Sometimes the bad guy is the most interesting character. At turns you feel bad for Grace and Carrie Ann. Even poor Jake, just getting pulled into the whole mess of Grace, Carrie Ann and Stan's dysfunctional triangle. I would definitely tell my friends to read this.
Grace and Jake supposedly win a trip to Barcelona. What she doesn't know is that it's all apart of a plan that was set in motion by an old foster sister, Carrie Ann. It's been almost fifteen years since the girls have seen each other. Once they were best friends, Sisters By Choice. But that all changes with a death.
When Grace arrives she keeps finding little things that bring back memories of Carrie Ann. At one time in they made a pledge to go to Europe for the girls' thirtieth birthday. That birthday is just days away. Grace finds a matchbook, a book that was her favorite when she was younger. The final one is an invite to a party. There she comes face to face with Carrie Ann. Carrie Ann and Grace try to reconnect. But Grace is having a hard time believing what Carrie Ann is telling her and doesn't trust her.
Carrie Ann tells her that she has married a boy Stan, she befriended when she was living with Grace's family. Grace never liked Stan. He always gave her the creeps and he had an obvious crush on her. Now Carrie Ann is running from him, afraid that he's going to kill her and wants Grace's help. However, Stan is changing the plans of Carrie Ann's little game and it just may lead to all of their lives being in jeopardy for real.
This was a really good read. The plot twists and turns and you keep reading trying to figure out what's real and what's all part of the game being to played. I loved all of the characters and Stan in all his creepy ass lunacy was my fave. Sometimes the bad guy is the most interesting character. At turns you feel bad for Grace and Carrie Ann. Even poor Jake, just getting pulled into the whole mess of Grace, Carrie Ann and Stan's dysfunctional triangle. I would definitely tell my friends to read this.
August 20, 2014
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As a Spanish major who studied in Spain for a college semester, I have a hard time resisting books that take place in Spain – so Mary Carter’s Meet Me in Barcelona definitely caught my eye. Carter captures the scenes of the beautiful Barcelona in her words and reminded me of my own adventures in the city. What a treat. Brief informative descriptions accompany most mentioned tourist attractions, and while at times I felt they bogged down the narrative, I still appreciated the explanations.
Within this Spanish setting, Carter crafts quite an enjoyable story. As Grace and Jake unsuspectingly take a simple vacation to Barcelona, the sudden appearance of Grace’s foster sister, Carrie Ann, draws them into an unpredictable plot. Though it starts slowly with all the initial set-up, Meet Me in Barcelona soon gains momentum and twists and turns all the way to a very dramatic conclusion. Carter kept me guessing about the childhood secrets and lurking villains, and I had fun trying to figure everything out. For anyone looking for a bit of adventure and mystery, consider Mary Carter’s Meet Me in Barcelona.
Thanks to Mary Carter and Pump Up Your Book, I received a copy of Meet Me in Barcelona and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
As a Spanish major who studied in Spain for a college semester, I have a hard time resisting books that take place in Spain – so Mary Carter’s Meet Me in Barcelona definitely caught my eye. Carter captures the scenes of the beautiful Barcelona in her words and reminded me of my own adventures in the city. What a treat. Brief informative descriptions accompany most mentioned tourist attractions, and while at times I felt they bogged down the narrative, I still appreciated the explanations.
Within this Spanish setting, Carter crafts quite an enjoyable story. As Grace and Jake unsuspectingly take a simple vacation to Barcelona, the sudden appearance of Grace’s foster sister, Carrie Ann, draws them into an unpredictable plot. Though it starts slowly with all the initial set-up, Meet Me in Barcelona soon gains momentum and twists and turns all the way to a very dramatic conclusion. Carter kept me guessing about the childhood secrets and lurking villains, and I had fun trying to figure everything out. For anyone looking for a bit of adventure and mystery, consider Mary Carter’s Meet Me in Barcelona.
Thanks to Mary Carter and Pump Up Your Book, I received a copy of Meet Me in Barcelona and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 3, 2014
I liked this book. It's different from what I normally read in that it's suspense/mystery rather than romance.
There was so much that wasn't obvious that it made those black areas in the characters lives really stand out, made me question how much they all really knew about each other. It became increasingly evident that none of them really knew each other as well as I first believed, which was odd given they weren't strangers. Grace and Jack were lovers. Grace and Carrie Ann were sisters.
As the secrets each character held were revealed, as past and present collided, old scars were reopened. It was amazing how much they hid from each other and themselves. Then I remembered that hiding from your past isn't accomplished overnight; it takes time and patience to create a mask no one can see through. What's hidden doesn't always remain hidden though. History is proof of that. Fiction is no different. The question is will you face it and finally let your wounds heal? Or will you run from it and try, once again, to bury it?
The blurb intrigued me enough to want to read it. Am I disappointed? Nope. I'm glad I took a chance, stepped outside of my normal reading material zone, and asked to review this story. I haven't read anything by Ms. Carter before, but I think I'll pick up something else she's written and get lost in that.
3.5*
***Received from Pump Up Your Book for an honest review***
There was so much that wasn't obvious that it made those black areas in the characters lives really stand out, made me question how much they all really knew about each other. It became increasingly evident that none of them really knew each other as well as I first believed, which was odd given they weren't strangers. Grace and Jack were lovers. Grace and Carrie Ann were sisters.
As the secrets each character held were revealed, as past and present collided, old scars were reopened. It was amazing how much they hid from each other and themselves. Then I remembered that hiding from your past isn't accomplished overnight; it takes time and patience to create a mask no one can see through. What's hidden doesn't always remain hidden though. History is proof of that. Fiction is no different. The question is will you face it and finally let your wounds heal? Or will you run from it and try, once again, to bury it?
The blurb intrigued me enough to want to read it. Am I disappointed? Nope. I'm glad I took a chance, stepped outside of my normal reading material zone, and asked to review this story. I haven't read anything by Ms. Carter before, but I think I'll pick up something else she's written and get lost in that.
3.5*
***Received from Pump Up Your Book for an honest review***
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