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Kiss River #3
Her Mother's Shadow
Lacey’s mother was shot twelve years ago.
Her killer is about to be released on parole. Only Lacey’s statement can keep him in jail. Lacey is facing the biggest decision of her life. Then her best friend dies in a car crash, leaving behind a grieving eleven-year-old daughter in need of a mother – a role Lacey’s not sure she’s ready for.
Two lives rest on Lacey’s choices. Two lives only she can save.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2004
466 people are currently reading
3656 people want to read
About the author
Diane Chamberlain
80 books15.1k followersDiane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 28 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
May 9, 2022
I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series. It is a family drama based on romance, love, infidelity, sex, murder and forgiveness
July 26, 2020
What a brilliant trilogy this was. This one is the last in the series and for me I felt everything tied up nicely and a great conclusion. This author always draws me in and I felt like I knew the whole O'Neill family. This a trilogy that gets better with each book and I'd definitely recommend it. Loved it.
August 24, 2008
This was my favorite of the series and the third and last in the series. It had me in tears and made me feel a wide range of emotions tied to what was happening the characters. I cared about them and what was happening to them. This as the other two in the series was a page turner and easy read. I am really enjoying this authors books and going to keep putting them on my reading list!
June 26, 2010
I have officially fallen in love with Diane Chamberlain's writing. I recently read her "Kiss River Trilogy" and highly recommend it bt pleeeaaasseee do yourself a favor and avoid reviews that give away too much- even well-intentioned reviewers often give away too of the plot- and PLEASE read the trilogy in order: "Keeper of the Light", "Kiss River" and "Her Mother's Shadow"..I was blessed, lucky or whatever that I read "Keeper of the Light" first and knew nothing about the book order than the blurb...had not read any reviews and read them back to back within a couple of days- could not put them down- and what a gift!! I was amazed and blown away by the storyline. The trilogy ends with "HMS" bt I want more, I want to continue reading about this amazing, resilient, loving and imperfect family!!!
November 7, 2012
Diane Chamberlain is a master storyteller, able to blend romance with women's fiction in a seamless flow of words. In a trilogy set in North Carolina's Outer Banks, HER MOTHER'S SHADOW is the grand finale to a tale that began with KEEPER OF THE LIGHT and flowed flawlessly into KISS RIVER.
HER MOTHER'S SHADOW focuses on Lacey O'Neill, a woman in her late twenties who has spent the past decade molding herself into the image of her mother. When Lacey was thirteen, her mother, "Saint Anne," was fatally wounded in front of her, the result of a gunshot wound from a distraught husband coming to take his wife and son home from a women's shelter. For ten years, Lacey has done everything within her power to emulate the woman who could do no wrong-Annie O'Neill, the perfect mother, the doting wife, the community volunteer, the Mrs. America of North Carolina. She's living a good life, working as a stained glass artist with a man she admires, living with her brother, Clay, and his wife and daughter.
Lacey's life is thrown into turmoil, not solely with the arrival of an almost-teenager who resents being uprooted after the death of her own mother, but with the knowledge that her perfect mother, the bastion of North Carolina society, was not the woman she had thought her to be. Because suddenly everything she's ever believed to be true comes crashing down upon her.
Secrets are dangerous things to keep. And everyone involved in HER MOTHER'S SHADOW has secrets. Who is mysterious attorney Rick Tenley, and what is he doing in Kiss River? Bobby Asher, a fellow artist who brings out deep feelings in Lacey, spent a lot of time with Jessica, her young charge's mother. Could he be the father Mackenzie never knew she had? And what about Lacey's own father, the man who somehow forgot to mention for the last twenty years or so that his own wife engaged in acts with half the town's male population that were far less than saintly? Her boss and mentor suddenly takes on a new roll in her life, her brother, Clay, and his wife begin having marital problems over a young girl who should have nothing to do with them, and suddenly the lighthouse Lacey lives in is no longer the refuge it's always been.
HER MOTHER'S SHADOW is a wonderful book. Filled with characters as real as any you know in real life, it's a page-turner that will keep you reading long into the night. This book is a story of forgiveness, of redemption, of love, and most of all, of hope. How many children really know their parents? How many parents do outrageous things to keep their children innocent? And how many people, being as imperfect and human as they are, have secrets that are kept solely to protect those they love?
I'm sorry to see this trilogy end, but I'm looking forward to what Ms. Chamberlain comes up with next. HER MOTHER'S SHADOW is definitely not a book to be missed.
HER MOTHER'S SHADOW focuses on Lacey O'Neill, a woman in her late twenties who has spent the past decade molding herself into the image of her mother. When Lacey was thirteen, her mother, "Saint Anne," was fatally wounded in front of her, the result of a gunshot wound from a distraught husband coming to take his wife and son home from a women's shelter. For ten years, Lacey has done everything within her power to emulate the woman who could do no wrong-Annie O'Neill, the perfect mother, the doting wife, the community volunteer, the Mrs. America of North Carolina. She's living a good life, working as a stained glass artist with a man she admires, living with her brother, Clay, and his wife and daughter.
Lacey's life is thrown into turmoil, not solely with the arrival of an almost-teenager who resents being uprooted after the death of her own mother, but with the knowledge that her perfect mother, the bastion of North Carolina society, was not the woman she had thought her to be. Because suddenly everything she's ever believed to be true comes crashing down upon her.
Secrets are dangerous things to keep. And everyone involved in HER MOTHER'S SHADOW has secrets. Who is mysterious attorney Rick Tenley, and what is he doing in Kiss River? Bobby Asher, a fellow artist who brings out deep feelings in Lacey, spent a lot of time with Jessica, her young charge's mother. Could he be the father Mackenzie never knew she had? And what about Lacey's own father, the man who somehow forgot to mention for the last twenty years or so that his own wife engaged in acts with half the town's male population that were far less than saintly? Her boss and mentor suddenly takes on a new roll in her life, her brother, Clay, and his wife begin having marital problems over a young girl who should have nothing to do with them, and suddenly the lighthouse Lacey lives in is no longer the refuge it's always been.
HER MOTHER'S SHADOW is a wonderful book. Filled with characters as real as any you know in real life, it's a page-turner that will keep you reading long into the night. This book is a story of forgiveness, of redemption, of love, and most of all, of hope. How many children really know their parents? How many parents do outrageous things to keep their children innocent? And how many people, being as imperfect and human as they are, have secrets that are kept solely to protect those they love?
I'm sorry to see this trilogy end, but I'm looking forward to what Ms. Chamberlain comes up with next. HER MOTHER'S SHADOW is definitely not a book to be missed.
April 12, 2020
This was an unintentional re-read for me. I read this book years ago and only came to realize that when I was 100 pages in. Nevertheless, re-reading this has helped me to re-evaluate this story and my thoughts about it and see some major problems with it that my pre-teen mind wasn't able to catch. If you had asked me when I first read this book, year's ago, I probably would have given it four stars but unfortunately that is no longer the case.
Many things irritated me to no end throughout the book, specifically being some of the characters and their traits. The first being Lacey, who for most of the book is fighting to reform herself from her previous promiscuous ways. This would normally be a good thing if it hadn't been for the fact that she so adamantly said she had changed but wouldn't let herself fall for someone who had also drastically changed their way of living. I understand that he hurt her in the past, but even when remembering that she had described it as more jealousy and less of being hurt. Next is Mackenzie, who I understand was going through drastic changes in her life, that still did not excuse most of the horrible things she said to multiple characters. Finally, there is Rick, oh my Rick. The way he used Lacey is appalling and to cheat on your spouse (and he did indeed cheat, he kissed her multiple times and as far as we as readers know didn't tell his spouse) is unacceptable.
The redeeming factors of this book though are most definitely the side characters, Bobby, Clay, Gina and little Rani, as well as the writing style. Diane Chamberlain's writing is clean and precise and she has a way of making you feel for the characters even if you sometimes don't want to.
Even though I'm giving this book a 2 star review and I've never read the other 2 books in the trilogy, I didn't even realize it was a trilogy until now, I am intrigued enough to want to read the other two books to see if they make me feel differently about this one.
Many things irritated me to no end throughout the book, specifically being some of the characters and their traits. The first being Lacey, who for most of the book is fighting to reform herself from her previous promiscuous ways. This would normally be a good thing if it hadn't been for the fact that she so adamantly said she had changed but wouldn't let herself fall for someone who had also drastically changed their way of living. I understand that he hurt her in the past, but even when remembering that she had described it as more jealousy and less of being hurt. Next is Mackenzie, who I understand was going through drastic changes in her life, that still did not excuse most of the horrible things she said to multiple characters. Finally, there is Rick, oh my Rick. The way he used Lacey is appalling and to cheat on your spouse (and he did indeed cheat, he kissed her multiple times and as far as we as readers know didn't tell his spouse) is unacceptable.
The redeeming factors of this book though are most definitely the side characters, Bobby, Clay, Gina and little Rani, as well as the writing style. Diane Chamberlain's writing is clean and precise and she has a way of making you feel for the characters even if you sometimes don't want to.
Even though I'm giving this book a 2 star review and I've never read the other 2 books in the trilogy, I didn't even realize it was a trilogy until now, I am intrigued enough to want to read the other two books to see if they make me feel differently about this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2025
5 ⭐️s
Her Mother’s Shadow is book #3 in the Keeper trilogy. It follows on from The Keeper of the Lighthouse and Kiss River.
What a splendid trilogy this was. Her Mother’s Shadow is set in the fictional North Carolina Outer Banks town of Kiss River. The descriptions of the Outer Banks, including the lighthouse, are so specific that I was absorbed in the landscape. The characters old and new are richly drawn, unique and compelling and I just loved reading about them. This book wrapped up the story of the O’Neill family beautifully. Loved the unexpected twist.
I was fully engaged in the drama and suspense and highly recommend this amazing series.
Her Mother’s Shadow is book #3 in the Keeper trilogy. It follows on from The Keeper of the Lighthouse and Kiss River.
What a splendid trilogy this was. Her Mother’s Shadow is set in the fictional North Carolina Outer Banks town of Kiss River. The descriptions of the Outer Banks, including the lighthouse, are so specific that I was absorbed in the landscape. The characters old and new are richly drawn, unique and compelling and I just loved reading about them. This book wrapped up the story of the O’Neill family beautifully. Loved the unexpected twist.
I was fully engaged in the drama and suspense and highly recommend this amazing series.
September 5, 2017
Having read the books in this trilogy over quite a wide time-span, I couldn’t fully appreciate the continuity in the stories. Indeed, the first book I read well over 2 decades ago (Keeper of the Light – 1992), the second (Kiss River – 2003), that was another decade after – and now this third one, written in 2004. I have to say that Her Mother’s Shadow has all the hallmarks and familiarity of Diane Chamberlain’s earlier work. In my opinion, the author has only started to tell us great stories in the last years or so, what I mean by that is that her earlier work distinguishes itself with women who go to extremes in bad behavior, and, personally, I never understood that kind of irrational women. This being said, Chamberlain knows how to write a compelling tale, but only in her recent work has she been able to create truly exceptional and recognizable characters (e.g. The Good Father, Necessary Lies).
Take for example Lacey O’Neill in Her Mother’s Shadow; I had a hard time believing that fourteen years old girls from good families could run wild, sleep around with so many young men, do alcohol and drugs, all the time (At fourteen?). I have to wonder, who looked out for these young teens? Where was law inforcement? Didn’t they know there were parties with underaged drinkers? Where was Lacey’s father, where was Jessica’s mother? I know that Lacey was grieving her mother’s death, still Lacey’s alleged promiscuity felt fabricated and far-fetched. All of that past didn’t gel with the people they were in the present time. Although, Lacey stays wishy-washy till the very end – not knowing if she should choose between Rick and Bobby. Lacey was so counter-intuitive, it was ridiculous.
Of course, the backdrop of the Outer Banks makes up for all these behavioral flaws. What an amazing place to set a story. I’ve been there once and I still can bring vivid images to mind. Another plus, was the growing relationship between 11-year McKenzie and Lacey - and then in comes Bobby, who, luckily was more grown-up in his approach to many things in life. What a relief that someone had some good sense when it came to relationships.
All things said, I remain a huge Chamberlain fan and I hope she will continue to gift us with her story-telling talent.
Take for example Lacey O’Neill in Her Mother’s Shadow; I had a hard time believing that fourteen years old girls from good families could run wild, sleep around with so many young men, do alcohol and drugs, all the time (At fourteen?). I have to wonder, who looked out for these young teens? Where was law inforcement? Didn’t they know there were parties with underaged drinkers? Where was Lacey’s father, where was Jessica’s mother? I know that Lacey was grieving her mother’s death, still Lacey’s alleged promiscuity felt fabricated and far-fetched. All of that past didn’t gel with the people they were in the present time. Although, Lacey stays wishy-washy till the very end – not knowing if she should choose between Rick and Bobby. Lacey was so counter-intuitive, it was ridiculous.
Of course, the backdrop of the Outer Banks makes up for all these behavioral flaws. What an amazing place to set a story. I’ve been there once and I still can bring vivid images to mind. Another plus, was the growing relationship between 11-year McKenzie and Lacey - and then in comes Bobby, who, luckily was more grown-up in his approach to many things in life. What a relief that someone had some good sense when it came to relationships.
All things said, I remain a huge Chamberlain fan and I hope she will continue to gift us with her story-telling talent.
September 5, 2023
Title:
Her Mother's Shadow
Author: Diane Chamberlain
Series: Kiss River #3
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2004
T H R E E • W O R D S
Complex • Engaging • Predictable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Annie
A loving mother and wife, Annie O'Neill was the heart of the small community of Kiss River. But her generous nature hid a darker side that remained secret for years after her tragic death.
Lacey
When Lacey O'Neill finally learns the shattering truth about the mother she's spent a decade emulating, the foundation of her life begins to crumble. Then her close childhood friend dies, leaving her teenage daughter, Mackenzie, in Lacey's care, and Lacey unwillingly finds herself in the role of mother.
Mackenzie
Uprooted by her mother's death, Mackenzie resents her new home of Kiss River. She wants nothing to do with the father who never knew she existed—and especially not her mother's oldest friend. But the person who could understand her best might be the one she resents Lacey.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Her Mother's Shadow, the final installment in the Kiss River trilogy was the August selection for the Diane Chamberlain monthly buddy read. After books one and two were less than impressive, I was apprehensive going in. However, this one ended up being my favourite of the series.
I am not exactly sure what drew me into this story more than the first two, but there are a few possibilities. 1) The fact that there is less focus on the 'cheating trope'; and 2) the fact it was written with a touch more mystery than romance. I didn't know where the story would go, although it definitely kept me thinking and suspicious. I appreciated several characters we knew little about had a more prominent role.
I liked that there were two separate plot lines, however, they did feel somewhat disjointed. The Faye plotline really felt like a break from the rhythm of the main story. I knew they would eventually come together, yet they just didn't seem like they fit. Possibly because they occur in completely different places.
Her Mother's Shadow tied everything up in a satisfying manner. Although I didn't always love the writing, I enjoyed my time with the O'Neill family and am definitely glad I kept going with the trilogy.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Diane Chamberlain fans
• readers who like complex family stories
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, grief, gun violence, murder, mental illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic abuse, toxic relationship, stalking, gaslighting, sexual content, infidelity
Author: Diane Chamberlain
Series: Kiss River #3
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: February 1, 2004
T H R E E • W O R D S
Complex • Engaging • Predictable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Annie
A loving mother and wife, Annie O'Neill was the heart of the small community of Kiss River. But her generous nature hid a darker side that remained secret for years after her tragic death.
Lacey
When Lacey O'Neill finally learns the shattering truth about the mother she's spent a decade emulating, the foundation of her life begins to crumble. Then her close childhood friend dies, leaving her teenage daughter, Mackenzie, in Lacey's care, and Lacey unwillingly finds herself in the role of mother.
Mackenzie
Uprooted by her mother's death, Mackenzie resents her new home of Kiss River. She wants nothing to do with the father who never knew she existed—and especially not her mother's oldest friend. But the person who could understand her best might be the one she resents Lacey.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Her Mother's Shadow, the final installment in the Kiss River trilogy was the August selection for the Diane Chamberlain monthly buddy read. After books one and two were less than impressive, I was apprehensive going in. However, this one ended up being my favourite of the series.
I am not exactly sure what drew me into this story more than the first two, but there are a few possibilities. 1) The fact that there is less focus on the 'cheating trope'; and 2) the fact it was written with a touch more mystery than romance. I didn't know where the story would go, although it definitely kept me thinking and suspicious. I appreciated several characters we knew little about had a more prominent role.
I liked that there were two separate plot lines, however, they did feel somewhat disjointed. The Faye plotline really felt like a break from the rhythm of the main story. I knew they would eventually come together, yet they just didn't seem like they fit. Possibly because they occur in completely different places.
Her Mother's Shadow tied everything up in a satisfying manner. Although I didn't always love the writing, I enjoyed my time with the O'Neill family and am definitely glad I kept going with the trilogy.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Diane Chamberlain fans
• readers who like complex family stories
⚠️ CW: death, death of parent, grief, gun violence, murder, mental illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic abuse, toxic relationship, stalking, gaslighting, sexual content, infidelity
November 13, 2012
Well, the awesome Diane Chamberlain has done it again! I just loved the final instalment of the Kiss River trilogy – Her Mothers Shadow – This one being my favourite of the series. Her Mothers Shadow tied up the three books of the O’Neill family nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed the people, the storyline, the secrets and the setting. Great read!
August 13, 2024
A really good ending to the Kiss River trilogy. Everything tied together and it was just so easy to get into.
April 14, 2019
I will start by saying that what I love about Diane Chamberlain’s writing is how she brings in complex moral dilemma’s into her stories. And this book is no different; Diane asks the reader one simple question, could you forgive your parent’s killer? The answer for me is most definitely not. I am not that big of a person, I don’t care how much they might regret it, I am not big enough to forgive that much pain. So apart from that aspect of this book, I have to be honest that there wasn’t much else that I enjoyed about this book. I have to say that I always enjoy her writing style, and that hasn’t changed in this book.
I came into this book thinking it was a stand-alone book, it was only when I looked on goodreads that I actually realised it was the third in a trilogy – I don’t think I really missed anything by not reading those other books thought. I think what I struggled with with this book, is that, everything was predictable. There was nothing surprising about this book; of course Rick was going to be the son of the murdered, of course Lacey was going to bond with Mackenzie, of course Lacey is going to end up with Bobby. It was just all so predictable – I wrote a note early on that just said “Rick is Freddy” and I was right. This just made it quite boring for me honestly, I’m not sure if I’ve just read too many of her books to know what her writing style is like, but I just wasn’t gripped by the plot. The conclusion especially just baffled me; like I can appreciate that some people would have the capacity to forgive their mother’s killer, but phoning them up and having a conversation, not likely. Especially after learning that he was actually there with the purpose of killing Lacey, and not his partner. That really baffled me; we’re meant to believe that this man has repented and worked hard to move on from what he did, but not once did he admit the truth about what he actually did?
There was a number of issues I had with the whole Lacey-Mackenzie-Bobby plot; I thought it was utterly inappropriate the way that Bobby was introduced. Mackenzie hadn’t even been there five minutes and Lacey is already introducing her to a man she only THINKS is her father. They’ve literally got no proof of this, and it was mentioned multiple times that Jess was sleeping around that summer, so why on earth there was no DNA test first is beyond me. Especially when Bobby said he couldn’t have kids – did no-one stop to think about the impact this would have on Mackenzie who had just lost the only parent she ever knew. And please don’t get me started on the conclusion with Lacey’s brother being her father, and them deciding not to tell her??? The whole line about her growing up and loving both of them would make it fine, like jesus christ don’t you think this girl deserves to know the truth? I just felt that this whole aspect was dealt with really poorly.
Also – the whole focus on Lacey being a “sex addict” and her mother also being one; what was the point to that plot? Just give me a break here; my god a woman enjoys sex outside of a relationship let’s burn her at the stake. And not only that, but lets everyone chat about it like it’s breakfast conversation.
This does bring me onto the characters though, and got to say, wasn’t really a fan of anyone. Lacey in particular was extremely unlikable especially in her reactions to Mackenzie. Saying she hated her and all of that when she had literally lost her mother as a young girl and knows how that can impact you, but she needed someone else to spell it out for her? Ugh and all her indecisiveness over Rick or Bobby when she was stating that she had no attraction to Rick whatsoever. Bobby was a bit more bearable, but the fact that we learn he is a murderer after killing two people through drink driving, and then IT’S NEVER MENTIONED AGAIN. Like here’s this big bomb but who gives a shit?? I honestly guessed who Rick was almost straight away because it was so obvious, but it really made me question how on earth he was a lawyer because I don’t know how he thought this was going to pan out. Also – one minute he’s bisexual and the next minute he’s gay – so are we meant to be fine with him cheating on his husband with a woman??? Didn’t really get that plot.
I’m glad I read this mostly so I can clear some space on my shelf, won’t be keeping this one.
I came into this book thinking it was a stand-alone book, it was only when I looked on goodreads that I actually realised it was the third in a trilogy – I don’t think I really missed anything by not reading those other books thought. I think what I struggled with with this book, is that, everything was predictable. There was nothing surprising about this book; of course Rick was going to be the son of the murdered, of course Lacey was going to bond with Mackenzie, of course Lacey is going to end up with Bobby. It was just all so predictable – I wrote a note early on that just said “Rick is Freddy” and I was right. This just made it quite boring for me honestly, I’m not sure if I’ve just read too many of her books to know what her writing style is like, but I just wasn’t gripped by the plot. The conclusion especially just baffled me; like I can appreciate that some people would have the capacity to forgive their mother’s killer, but phoning them up and having a conversation, not likely. Especially after learning that he was actually there with the purpose of killing Lacey, and not his partner. That really baffled me; we’re meant to believe that this man has repented and worked hard to move on from what he did, but not once did he admit the truth about what he actually did?
There was a number of issues I had with the whole Lacey-Mackenzie-Bobby plot; I thought it was utterly inappropriate the way that Bobby was introduced. Mackenzie hadn’t even been there five minutes and Lacey is already introducing her to a man she only THINKS is her father. They’ve literally got no proof of this, and it was mentioned multiple times that Jess was sleeping around that summer, so why on earth there was no DNA test first is beyond me. Especially when Bobby said he couldn’t have kids – did no-one stop to think about the impact this would have on Mackenzie who had just lost the only parent she ever knew. And please don’t get me started on the conclusion with Lacey’s brother being her father, and them deciding not to tell her??? The whole line about her growing up and loving both of them would make it fine, like jesus christ don’t you think this girl deserves to know the truth? I just felt that this whole aspect was dealt with really poorly.
Also – the whole focus on Lacey being a “sex addict” and her mother also being one; what was the point to that plot? Just give me a break here; my god a woman enjoys sex outside of a relationship let’s burn her at the stake. And not only that, but lets everyone chat about it like it’s breakfast conversation.
This does bring me onto the characters though, and got to say, wasn’t really a fan of anyone. Lacey in particular was extremely unlikable especially in her reactions to Mackenzie. Saying she hated her and all of that when she had literally lost her mother as a young girl and knows how that can impact you, but she needed someone else to spell it out for her? Ugh and all her indecisiveness over Rick or Bobby when she was stating that she had no attraction to Rick whatsoever. Bobby was a bit more bearable, but the fact that we learn he is a murderer after killing two people through drink driving, and then IT’S NEVER MENTIONED AGAIN. Like here’s this big bomb but who gives a shit?? I honestly guessed who Rick was almost straight away because it was so obvious, but it really made me question how on earth he was a lawyer because I don’t know how he thought this was going to pan out. Also – one minute he’s bisexual and the next minute he’s gay – so are we meant to be fine with him cheating on his husband with a woman??? Didn’t really get that plot.
I’m glad I read this mostly so I can clear some space on my shelf, won’t be keeping this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2012
Great book! It really tied up the story of the O'Neill family and it was very enjoyable. I ended up reading the second half of the book in one sitting! There's not much I can say about this book without giving things away, but like most of Diane Chamberlain's books, there were a few twists to the story. I actually figured out two of the twists before they came out, but it didn't detract from the story at all. I can highly recommend reading all of the books in the Kiss River trilogy - you could read each book as a stand alone, but reading all of them really helps you to understand the theme that runs through all of the books.
August 25, 2008
This was the third book in the Keeper of the Light trilogy. It was excellent, and I wish Diane would follow-up on these amazing characters.
Diane's books are always full of complex interesting characters, good plots, family relationships and drama, suspense and many secrets to be revealed in the end.
Diane's books are always full of complex interesting characters, good plots, family relationships and drama, suspense and many secrets to be revealed in the end.
February 1, 2015
I'll give this one 3.5 stars. Like Kiss River, I just didn't feel the connection to the characters like I did to the older generation in Keeper of the Light. I wasn't convinced of their connection. Still, Chamberlain didn't fail to surprise me with the twists in the end! I like how the trilogy wrapped up.
May 19, 2008
LOVED this book. It is the third in a trilogy. I highly reccomend anything that this author has wrote!
August 22, 2008
I loved the Keeper of the Light trilogy (this was the 3rd book in the trilogy) and one of the best.
August 29, 2015
3 - 3 1/2 stars
March 15, 2018
I didn't realize this book was part of a trilogy when I picked it up at the library. However, it is fine as a stand alone and I'm not sure I want or need to go back and read the 1st and 2nd books in the series. There were a lot of characters introduced early on and I thought I might have trouble keeping them straight but as the story progressed, each character emerged as a necessary cog in the machine and their roles were revealed one by one until the last page. If you like books that tie up all the loose strings in a neat bow, then this one is for you. However, it was not completely predictable and the dialogue is not forced. Compelling story and characters and held my interest all the way through. I'm learning that Diane Chamberlain is one of my go-to authors!
October 25, 2019
Loved, loved this book. It has a bit of everything with lots of twists. I love Diane chamberlain books as she keeps the story going and doesn’t have pages of detail about background and the weather! She always has quite a few characters which instead of getting confusing they all have a part to play making the book exciting almost.
It was one of those books I didn’t want to finish. It is also the last in a series but is fine as a stand alone.
It was one of those books I didn’t want to finish. It is also the last in a series but is fine as a stand alone.
November 23, 2020
Third, and last of, a great series.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are the settings for a family’s story. This one wraps up a mystery of a murder but it is more about the family, and many others, impacted by it. DC holds your interest through three books describing husbands, wives, children, lovers, friends who are impacted by one shot. Although this is not a new series it is well worth reading.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are the settings for a family’s story. This one wraps up a mystery of a murder but it is more about the family, and many others, impacted by it. DC holds your interest through three books describing husbands, wives, children, lovers, friends who are impacted by one shot. Although this is not a new series it is well worth reading.
March 12, 2024
the last in a series of 3, excellent book, as were the other two. ( unfortunately i read #2 first but was still able to follow along quite well) interesting characters, storyline, well written, lots to learn about families and relationships and parenting and lineage., light houses too. a bit far-fetched at times but really a great book. she is an amazing story teller.
June 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this installment of the trilogy. I enjoyed the two twists to the story at the end and the place that Lacey got to in terms of her relationship with Makenzie. It was worth the effort to pursue to the end.
November 5, 2017
Her Mother's Shadow perfectly finished the trilogy set in Kiss River which began with The Keeper of the Light. Lacey O'Neill watched her mother get murdered in the first book and in this final part of the story she finds her own path and learns how to trust and love again. These characters are beautifully written and I will miss my stay in Kiss River...until I return.
September 25, 2018
Not as good as the first two.
August 18, 2021
The only thing that didn’t ring true to me is the idea that behavior like promiscuity could be genetic. ???Still, I enjoyed the wrap up of the series.
August 28, 2021
Final Book of the Kiss River Trilogy. It was my favorite one with an unexpected twist. ❤️❤️ Recommend Them!
November 16, 2018
This was more like the first one. A bit predictable but good story and good follow up to the backstory of characters missing from the second book.
June 23, 2023
Excellent story with surprise twists throughout. Unbeknownst to her, Lacey is designated as guardian her friend Annie’s daughter, Mackenzie. When Annie dies in a car crash, everyone including Lacey is surprised that Annie chose Lacey to care for her daughter.
September 28, 2020
Lacy's mom was murdered at a women's shelter on Christmas. As we meet up with her again in book 3 of the Kiss River series the murderer is up for patrol and Lacey, her fathed,and her brother want to fight his possible parole. Her mom helped so many people she was called St. Anne in the community. Lacey felt driven to try herr best to be just like her mother until she discovered that her mom was a serial cheater. At this point she went from going to bed with every stranger she met to not wanting a relationship so that she would be nothing like her mom. Life becomes even more complicated when her best friend dies, she starts a relationship with a "good guy" that she feels no attraction for even though he checks all the boxes for what a girl should want in a man, and her friend's "bad boy" boyfriend returns to Kiss River.
I have read many of Diane Chamberlain's novels. Although the Kiss River series is enjoyable, it doesn't come close to the quality of some of her later stories. If you weren't thrilled with this title, don't give up on her but pick up something like Necessary Lies and see if it changes your mind.
I have read many of Diane Chamberlain's novels. Although the Kiss River series is enjoyable, it doesn't come close to the quality of some of her later stories. If you weren't thrilled with this title, don't give up on her but pick up something like Necessary Lies and see if it changes your mind.
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