Two lonely strangers find solace in each other in a heart-wrenching love story full of buried secrets.
After the unraveling of her marriage, Eleanor Conolly makes herself a simple no more lies. Her ex-husband’s betrayal of her trust was not something Ellie would go through again, not if she had any say in the matter. She throws herself deep into her work as a psychology researcher, but that same work brings her to a professional seminar in England—and to meeting Michael Stern.
While their immediate connection is undeniable, it is clear to Ellie that Michael is holding something back. After she returns to Albany and he moves back to Manhattan, their relationship grows and eventually flourishes, all while overshadowed by Mike’s reservations about his past—and Ellie’s inability to overlook them. While Mike reassures her of his love, Ellie knows she cannot spend her life with someone she cannot entirely trust. And as the winter chill becomes a full-blown storm one fateful night in Albany, all secrets are finally revealed. But what will remain when it subsides?
Dahlia Moore's "When the Storm Subsides" is a captivating exploration of love, trust, and the intricate dance between two souls scarred by past betrayals. At the heart of this novel is Eleanor Conolly, a woman who, after the painful dissolution of her marriage, makes herself a solemn promise: no more lies. The betrayal by her ex-husband was a wound too deep to forget, and Ellie was determined not to let history repeat itself.
In her quest for healing and self-discovery, she immerses herself in her career as a psychology researcher. Her work leads her to a seminar in England, where she has a fateful encounter with Michael Stern. As an instant connection is made, a spark could light up even the darkest corners of their hearts. Yet, from the beginning, it's evident that Michael carries secrets, the weight of which he's reluctant to share.
Upon returning to Albany while Michael relocates to Manhattan, their love deepens. Still, the specter of Michael's hidden past looms large, a constant presence in their lives. Ellie grapples with her innate need for trust and transparency. She understands that love alone cannot mend the scars of betrayal. As the winter season descends upon them, culminating in a fateful stormy night in Albany, the tempest outside mirrors the tempest within their hearts. Secrets that have long been buried resurface, demanding acknowledgment and resolution. The author masterfully orchestrates this climactic revelation, drawing readers into the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties that Ellie and Michael must confront.
"When the Storm Subsides" is a tale that transcends the ordinary contours of romance. It delves into the intricacies of trust and vulnerability, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of human connection. Moore's storytelling prowess shines through as she navigates the labyrinthine paths of love, making this novel an emotional journey that lingers in the heart long after the storm has passed.
An emotional rollercoaster that gets a resounding five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is the best book I've read in a very long time! An engrossing story with characters that I came to care about, at times heartbreaking, at times very moving, sometimes frustrating. Family and personal challenges and growth, strong friendships, and coming to terms with the past to build a strong future.
I enjoyed how the story unfolded around Mike's past. I thought the end was too abrupt. The book reminded me to be more tolerant of people. You never know what they have been through and how it affects their behavior.
The writing is crisp and believable and most of all, as in all Dahlia Moore’s books, full of strong female characters who are a delight to encounter for their wisdom and strength.