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Family Ties Family Lies
It’s not easy keeping secrets in a small town.
Rose Webster is facing down her fortieth birthday and worrying about her future as a photojournalist after getting caught in a raucous rally and shoved to the hard pavement, destroying her camera and, at least temporarily, her livelihood. One arm is in a splint, her right hand isn’t strong enough to hold a cup of coffee, and bruised ribs make it difficult to breathe. She’s filling out insurance claims when her aunt calls to tell her she’s needed in upstate New York to care for her ailing mother.
Rose has never liked returning to Lake Amelia in the foothills of the Adirondacks for more than a couple of days, but she has no choice. Doctors discover her mother has more health issues than anyone suspected, and Rose needs to help care for her. While poking around in the attic of her childhood home, Rose discovers personal items of her late father’s that hint of a secret a photo hidden in a book and a travel bag that hasn’t been opened in more than a decade.
Her next startling discovery sends shockwaves through her family. She’s more determined than ever to find answers no matter the cost. But will she regret what she learns and how it changes the way she thinks about family?
Rose Webster is facing down her fortieth birthday and worrying about her future as a photojournalist after getting caught in a raucous rally and shoved to the hard pavement, destroying her camera and, at least temporarily, her livelihood. One arm is in a splint, her right hand isn’t strong enough to hold a cup of coffee, and bruised ribs make it difficult to breathe. She’s filling out insurance claims when her aunt calls to tell her she’s needed in upstate New York to care for her ailing mother.
Rose has never liked returning to Lake Amelia in the foothills of the Adirondacks for more than a couple of days, but she has no choice. Doctors discover her mother has more health issues than anyone suspected, and Rose needs to help care for her. While poking around in the attic of her childhood home, Rose discovers personal items of her late father’s that hint of a secret a photo hidden in a book and a travel bag that hasn’t been opened in more than a decade.
Her next startling discovery sends shockwaves through her family. She’s more determined than ever to find answers no matter the cost. But will she regret what she learns and how it changes the way she thinks about family?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2024
62 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 26, 2025
Rose doesn’t realize what lies in store when she comes to her mother’s aid in her hometown of Lake Amelia. A photograph of her father and a strange woman is just the beginning. I really enjoyed this family drama/mystery and look forward to what Boulden writes next!
January 21, 2024
Kept me up at night....
Family Ties, Family Lies presents a complex character drama with a couple of mysteries at the core. Rose, injured in the line of duty as a photojournalist, is yanked away from her own healing to help her mother in the upstate NY village where she grew up. The charming small town has its share of crime, and Rose’s investigative nose keeps her looking for information. At the same time, she can’t help but poke into old family secrets despite being warned off.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a daughter faced with one of life’s greatest challenges – the loss of a parent – while struggling with personal and professional identity. Well-paced with cleanly drawn characters,Family Ties, Family Lies was a page-turner for me, with more than one surprise in the plot.
I recommend this book!
Family Ties, Family Lies presents a complex character drama with a couple of mysteries at the core. Rose, injured in the line of duty as a photojournalist, is yanked away from her own healing to help her mother in the upstate NY village where she grew up. The charming small town has its share of crime, and Rose’s investigative nose keeps her looking for information. At the same time, she can’t help but poke into old family secrets despite being warned off.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a daughter faced with one of life’s greatest challenges – the loss of a parent – while struggling with personal and professional identity. Well-paced with cleanly drawn characters,Family Ties, Family Lies was a page-turner for me, with more than one surprise in the plot.
I recommend this book!
January 10, 2024
Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden is a terrific book. Between the descriptions of the settings, the development and relationship of the characters, and the plot that immediately draws you in, this is a book that stays with you.
The characters were so relatable. It felt like I knew them and had a real interest in their story.
Part mystery, part family drama equals a totally great read!
I want to read more about Rose and her family and the neighbors of Lake Amelia.
The characters were so relatable. It felt like I knew them and had a real interest in their story.
Part mystery, part family drama equals a totally great read!
I want to read more about Rose and her family and the neighbors of Lake Amelia.
March 16, 2024
Rose Webster is about to celebrate a birthday and is worrying about her future as a photojournalist. She was hurt at a rally and is home healing when she gets an urgent call that she is needed in New York to care for her sick mother. This may not be the way they intended to spend time together, but it will do them both some good. While she is there, Rose decides to see what is in the family attic. She finds a lot more than just trinkets and family heirlooms. There are things in there that she is curious a out however nobody will talk about them. How far is she willing to go to find out the truth? I found this book to be very engaging and it kept me turning the pages.
January 31, 2024
OMG !!! I cried my eyes out !! I don't think I can clearly explain the end of Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden .... and disclaimer .... Jacqueline did tell me that some of the story parts may be upsetting and I could skim or skip over them. I assured her that I would be okay and that I could put my personal feelings aside and I would be able to read the entire story. And I did read every word she wrote, although some words were blurry as I read through my tears.
Family Ties Family Lies introduced readers to a very touching story. Rose returns to her hometown to look after her ailing mother. Carly, Rose's mother, fell and was admitted to the hospital where after tests were performed, they were informed that she was very sick. Carly and Rose went home while Carly decided what she wanted to do with her health issues. Rose, who was healing herself after suffering a fall which resulted in a broken arm, had her career on hold so spending time with her mom was a good thing ... for both of them.
Unfortunately while looking through boxes in the attic Rose discovers a secret of her father's that she needs to learn more about. But when she tries to address the situation with her mother she shuts her down immediately. Sadly her mother's sister, Aunt Tess and Kirk, Rose's brother, also tell her to leave it be. Rose being the nosey type does not let it go .... and this will open up a secret that their father took to his grave but left a huge mess to be dealt with when Carly passes ....
Family Ties Family Lies will GRAB readers immediately and you will be powerless to stop !! This story is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride ... at times you will want to put the book down and take a break but the book and the story will pull you back because you will want to know everything about this secret.
Family Ties Family Lies was very emotional to me. Having my mother pass just two years ago, my grief is still close to the surface. Unfortunately for me my mother's passing was quick, we didn't have our goodbye and last I love you and when I read that Rose wished that she had that last one with her mother, I lost it !! And that is a good thing because Jacqueline made me FEEL and that is what you want a book to do. We read books to escape our lives and sometimes we are reminded of something in our live within a book and that gives us a deeper connection. I was very connected with this story ... even though my mom and I never had that last I love you we did have a heart to heart talk a few months before she passed which was just like what Rose did with her mother ... they had some time together to talk and just be together and I know that Rose's mother loved her and will always be with her and her brother.
Family Ties Family Lies is a book I highly recommend reading ... with tissues. If this book does not touch you and make you emotional, I don't know what will. Thank you Jacqueline for the heads up message and allowing me to read your book. It was a great honor.
Family Ties Family Lies introduced readers to a very touching story. Rose returns to her hometown to look after her ailing mother. Carly, Rose's mother, fell and was admitted to the hospital where after tests were performed, they were informed that she was very sick. Carly and Rose went home while Carly decided what she wanted to do with her health issues. Rose, who was healing herself after suffering a fall which resulted in a broken arm, had her career on hold so spending time with her mom was a good thing ... for both of them.
Unfortunately while looking through boxes in the attic Rose discovers a secret of her father's that she needs to learn more about. But when she tries to address the situation with her mother she shuts her down immediately. Sadly her mother's sister, Aunt Tess and Kirk, Rose's brother, also tell her to leave it be. Rose being the nosey type does not let it go .... and this will open up a secret that their father took to his grave but left a huge mess to be dealt with when Carly passes ....
Family Ties Family Lies will GRAB readers immediately and you will be powerless to stop !! This story is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride ... at times you will want to put the book down and take a break but the book and the story will pull you back because you will want to know everything about this secret.
Family Ties Family Lies was very emotional to me. Having my mother pass just two years ago, my grief is still close to the surface. Unfortunately for me my mother's passing was quick, we didn't have our goodbye and last I love you and when I read that Rose wished that she had that last one with her mother, I lost it !! And that is a good thing because Jacqueline made me FEEL and that is what you want a book to do. We read books to escape our lives and sometimes we are reminded of something in our live within a book and that gives us a deeper connection. I was very connected with this story ... even though my mom and I never had that last I love you we did have a heart to heart talk a few months before she passed which was just like what Rose did with her mother ... they had some time together to talk and just be together and I know that Rose's mother loved her and will always be with her and her brother.
Family Ties Family Lies is a book I highly recommend reading ... with tissues. If this book does not touch you and make you emotional, I don't know what will. Thank you Jacqueline for the heads up message and allowing me to read your book. It was a great honor.
August 19, 2025
Photojournalist Rose Webster sustains an injury while on assignment and returns to her small town of Lake Amelia in the foothills of the Adirondacks to care for her ailing mother. Due to her injuries, she is unable to hold her camera and work temporarily.
A visit to the hospital reveals that her mother's condition is worse than anyone expected and is declining rapidly. As a result, Rose decides to extend her stay to spend precious final moments with her mother, which proves beneficial for both of them.
While searching the attic for family photo albums, Rose discovers a hidden photograph of her father with a woman she knows nothing about. Her journalistic curiosity compels her to investigate further, despite others' urging her to drop the matter. Will the truth be worth the pain of uncovering it?
This book intertwines family drama and crime mystery, capturing your attention from the very beginning and taking you on an emotional rollercoaster.
A visit to the hospital reveals that her mother's condition is worse than anyone expected and is declining rapidly. As a result, Rose decides to extend her stay to spend precious final moments with her mother, which proves beneficial for both of them.
While searching the attic for family photo albums, Rose discovers a hidden photograph of her father with a woman she knows nothing about. Her journalistic curiosity compels her to investigate further, despite others' urging her to drop the matter. Will the truth be worth the pain of uncovering it?
This book intertwines family drama and crime mystery, capturing your attention from the very beginning and taking you on an emotional rollercoaster.
March 1, 2024
This is a story about a perfectly, imperfect family, that find the importance of forgiveness and a love that always endures. Our main character Rose finds herself unexpectedly returning home for longer than planned, when her mother, Carly is hospitalized. Once at the hospital it quickly becomes clear that her mother is very sick.
A simple task of getting photo albums out of the attic, opens Pandora’s box that forever changes Rose’s life. Her curiosity is piqued by an identical mystery, inscription in three books from her late father’s office. Rose has a journalism background, once her nose sniffs the hint of a mystery she is pathological when it comes to getting answers. Her mother is unwilling and unable to help Rose with answers. Rose has no choice but to start searching for them on her own.
The tapestry of the small town and its characters is beautifully woven together. You will meet Aunt Tess, who runs the diner, the sheriff deputy, who’s knee deep in a big case, an ex boyfriend, that owns and runs the pub, a heart broken father and daughter, that run the library and an old mentor at the local paper to name a few. All that make the town richer for having them. Book lovers will easily recognize the author as one of their kind.
This heartbreaking, heartwarming mystery is a must read. Each page compels you to turn to the next. As someone that has recently lost loved ones to illnesses, this is the book I didn’t know I needed. It was very cathartic for me. If you have recently loss someone you may want to recover a little first, or, the very least, have a box of tissues handy.
Either way, read it and forgive, ‘We’re all frail human beings. Life demands a lot of us, pushes us, and we all err.’ It is said to get out the four things before you lose someone; I’m sorry, I forgive you, thank you and I love you. This book beautifully illustrates the importance and power in doing so.
A simple task of getting photo albums out of the attic, opens Pandora’s box that forever changes Rose’s life. Her curiosity is piqued by an identical mystery, inscription in three books from her late father’s office. Rose has a journalism background, once her nose sniffs the hint of a mystery she is pathological when it comes to getting answers. Her mother is unwilling and unable to help Rose with answers. Rose has no choice but to start searching for them on her own.
The tapestry of the small town and its characters is beautifully woven together. You will meet Aunt Tess, who runs the diner, the sheriff deputy, who’s knee deep in a big case, an ex boyfriend, that owns and runs the pub, a heart broken father and daughter, that run the library and an old mentor at the local paper to name a few. All that make the town richer for having them. Book lovers will easily recognize the author as one of their kind.
This heartbreaking, heartwarming mystery is a must read. Each page compels you to turn to the next. As someone that has recently lost loved ones to illnesses, this is the book I didn’t know I needed. It was very cathartic for me. If you have recently loss someone you may want to recover a little first, or, the very least, have a box of tissues handy.
Either way, read it and forgive, ‘We’re all frail human beings. Life demands a lot of us, pushes us, and we all err.’ It is said to get out the four things before you lose someone; I’m sorry, I forgive you, thank you and I love you. This book beautifully illustrates the importance and power in doing so.
February 10, 2024
This novel is based on both life-changing traumas -- such as serious workplace injuries and childhood fears, angers, and disappointments -- and small moments of inquiries, revelations, and judgements.
The main character, a Philadelphia-based photojournalist, Rose Webster, is injured during a protest rally. A few days later, her mom, a widow living in a scenic upstate New York small town, collapses with Stage 3 lung cancer, and Rose immediately returns to the Adirondack village to care for her. These are the first two traumas.
From there the peace and pleasantry of the lake-based village life and residents counterbalance the information that Rose uncovers about her parents' rollercoaster marriage, especially her father's affair.
Small-time criminals mar the town's mostly fulsome character, but the decent citizens out-number the thieves.
As her mother faces hospice care at home, Rose's journalistic prowess allows her to help local police uncover a criminal ring as well as the full story of her father's marital lapse and its consequences.
Rose's compulsion to ask her dying mom difficult questions strains their relationship, a tension incongruent to their lake-town and most of its comassionate residents.
Ms. Boulden's living knowledge and love of the Adirondack region infuses her rich descriptions of fictional Lake Amelia.
Twists of who's who and what's what among Rose's old and new friends there, keep events moving at a clipped pace.
I like to define a good book by how much its characters and sense of place follow me as I go about my daily routines -- a sort of "living the book while I, the reader, am living my life" feeling. And this book definitely captures that wonderful duality.
The main character, a Philadelphia-based photojournalist, Rose Webster, is injured during a protest rally. A few days later, her mom, a widow living in a scenic upstate New York small town, collapses with Stage 3 lung cancer, and Rose immediately returns to the Adirondack village to care for her. These are the first two traumas.
From there the peace and pleasantry of the lake-based village life and residents counterbalance the information that Rose uncovers about her parents' rollercoaster marriage, especially her father's affair.
Small-time criminals mar the town's mostly fulsome character, but the decent citizens out-number the thieves.
As her mother faces hospice care at home, Rose's journalistic prowess allows her to help local police uncover a criminal ring as well as the full story of her father's marital lapse and its consequences.
Rose's compulsion to ask her dying mom difficult questions strains their relationship, a tension incongruent to their lake-town and most of its comassionate residents.
Ms. Boulden's living knowledge and love of the Adirondack region infuses her rich descriptions of fictional Lake Amelia.
Twists of who's who and what's what among Rose's old and new friends there, keep events moving at a clipped pace.
I like to define a good book by how much its characters and sense of place follow me as I go about my daily routines -- a sort of "living the book while I, the reader, am living my life" feeling. And this book definitely captures that wonderful duality.
March 3, 2024
Family Ties Family Lies is a heartfelt Women’s fiction story full of suspense and mystery. Jacqueline has written a complex tale of family drama but there is another storyline mixed up within.
With family secrets, lies, shock, anger, pain, conflict, drama, fears, hopelessness, sadness, wants, needs, love, hope and so much more this mystery suspense is full of surprises that will keep the pages turning whilst trying to uncover it all.
Rose’s career is on hold after a debilitating accident whilst on the job. When news of her mom’s health is received, she returns home to the charming small town she grew up in, to a place she hasn’t been to for a while. A small town full of its own quirks, nuances and crime.
Whilst home she stumbles across information long buried that turns her world upside down. Being the person, she is she, the reporter within needs to uncover it all despite warnings to leave well enough alone. But uncovering it all she must decide if it is a secret best left hidden and most of all can she forgive the one person who caused it all.
With family secrets, lies, shock, anger, pain, conflict, drama, fears, hopelessness, sadness, wants, needs, love, hope and so much more this mystery suspense is full of surprises that will keep the pages turning whilst trying to uncover it all.
Rose’s career is on hold after a debilitating accident whilst on the job. When news of her mom’s health is received, she returns home to the charming small town she grew up in, to a place she hasn’t been to for a while. A small town full of its own quirks, nuances and crime.
Whilst home she stumbles across information long buried that turns her world upside down. Being the person, she is she, the reporter within needs to uncover it all despite warnings to leave well enough alone. But uncovering it all she must decide if it is a secret best left hidden and most of all can she forgive the one person who caused it all.
January 29, 2024
After getting injured during an assignment in Philadelphia, Rose, a photojournalist, discovers that her mother has been hospitalized in upstate New York. With her arm in a splint, she returns to her hometown, bringing an overnight bag, only to find out that her mother’s condition is much more serious than expected.
Rose tries to care for her mother, but her sling limits her, so they bring in a nurse to assist. That’s when she uncovers a family secret in her mother’s attic, and her investigative reporter instincts take hold. Despite her family’s objections, Rose is determined to sort out this mystery.
I enjoyed the way this novel mysteriously unfolds piece by piece against the backdrop of a mother-daughter relationship. It’s a story about the search for the truth that ultimately leads to love, loss, and forgiveness within the dynamic of a family. The characters are not just relatable but endearing.
It’s the type of novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rose tries to care for her mother, but her sling limits her, so they bring in a nurse to assist. That’s when she uncovers a family secret in her mother’s attic, and her investigative reporter instincts take hold. Despite her family’s objections, Rose is determined to sort out this mystery.
I enjoyed the way this novel mysteriously unfolds piece by piece against the backdrop of a mother-daughter relationship. It’s a story about the search for the truth that ultimately leads to love, loss, and forgiveness within the dynamic of a family. The characters are not just relatable but endearing.
It’s the type of novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rose a photojournalist breaks her arm and damages her ribs during a fall at work, whilst recovering from her operation she receives a call to go home as her Mum is ill and subsequently is found to have lung cancer. Whilst at home she discovers a photo that causes her to wonder if her deceased Father had an affair and has a secret daughter and decides to investigate.
This story shows that emotionally Rose needs to know and is determined to find out despite being told my her Mother and Aunt to leave it alone. It explores her Mum's reaction and shame, her brother's anger as the journey she takes to find the truth and whether she has a half sister alongside the emotions caused by her Mum's illness and death.
I thought the ending was a bit abrupt as I would have liked to know whether she stayed on in the family home or whether she returned to work after her Mum's death and the revelations in the will plus what happened to Gladys, her Mum's dog. Did Rose adopt her? It could have done with another chapter or two to tie up the loose ends.
Rose a photojournalist breaks her arm and damages her ribs during a fall at work, whilst recovering from her operation she receives a call to go home as her Mum is ill and subsequently is found to have lung cancer. Whilst at home she discovers a photo that causes her to wonder if her deceased Father had an affair and has a secret daughter and decides to investigate.
This story shows that emotionally Rose needs to know and is determined to find out despite being told my her Mother and Aunt to leave it alone. It explores her Mum's reaction and shame, her brother's anger as the journey she takes to find the truth and whether she has a half sister alongside the emotions caused by her Mum's illness and death.
I thought the ending was a bit abrupt as I would have liked to know whether she stayed on in the family home or whether she returned to work after her Mum's death and the revelations in the will plus what happened to Gladys, her Mum's dog. Did Rose adopt her? It could have done with another chapter or two to tie up the loose ends.
February 29, 2024
Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulder—
The author did such a great job bringing to life this intriguing family story about love, loss, and old family secrets.
Rose is injured on the job just before she’s called home to care for her ailing mother but soon after Rose arrives home those family secrets emerge.
After talking with her mother one day about childhood pictures of her and her brother. Rose’s mother suggests she go into the attic to retrieve the old family photo albums to reminisce over old times. When Rose begins to rummage through old boxes belonging to her deceased father, she uncovers hidden secrets from his past that takes Rose on an unexpected journey to unlock the truth.
A well-written novel I recommend for all those caring for a loved one in time of need.
The author did such a great job bringing to life this intriguing family story about love, loss, and old family secrets.
Rose is injured on the job just before she’s called home to care for her ailing mother but soon after Rose arrives home those family secrets emerge.
After talking with her mother one day about childhood pictures of her and her brother. Rose’s mother suggests she go into the attic to retrieve the old family photo albums to reminisce over old times. When Rose begins to rummage through old boxes belonging to her deceased father, she uncovers hidden secrets from his past that takes Rose on an unexpected journey to unlock the truth.
A well-written novel I recommend for all those caring for a loved one in time of need.
March 15, 2024
This was an entertaining and engaging novel which kept me captivated throughout. Photojournalist Rose Webster was injured after being shoved and landing on the hard pavement whilst at a raucous rally. Not only does she have one arm in a splint, a weakened right hand, and bruised ribs but her camera was also broken. Whilst filling out insurance claim forms her Aunt rings to say that she needs to return to her childhood home in Lake Amelia, to care for her ailing mother. While she’s there Rose decides to have a sort out of the attic and finds some of her late father’s personal items, including a photo hidden in a book and a travel bag which seem to suggest he might have had a secret life. Rose is determined to find out the truth even when she discovers something that shocks the whole family. I found Rose to be a likeable and relatable character who I felt engaged with. Both the setting, especially the small town of Lake Amelia in the foothills of the Adirondacks, and the characters were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative which made me feel immersed in the story. The intriguing storyline and plot twists kept me hooked and I found this to be a real page turner.
March 20, 2024
Rose is a photojournalist and during an assignment, she gets knocked down and breaks her arm. While feeling sorry for herself, almost 40, out of work for a while, and personal life almost nonexistent, her aunt Tess calls that she needs to come home to Lake Amelia as her mother is in the hospital. Once back home, they find her mother’s health failing more than they expected. Rose decides to stay on to help her out. While snooping around the attic for family photo albums, she finds some interesting things from her late father. Did he have a whole different life that Rose didn’t know about?
The journalist in her can’t let it go and she strives to find out more about her father and the past her family kept hidden.
Great book
The journalist in her can’t let it go and she strives to find out more about her father and the past her family kept hidden.
Great book
April 9, 2024
This was just a reminder again of 2 things 1) that secrets always have a way of coming out and 2) sometimes ignorance is bliss because what we don’t know won’t hurt us ….
Rose ( love the name ) is a photojournalist and os injured ( more like trampled) while at a rally that turned a little wild so her camera is broken , she’s a little worse for wear with bruised ribs and an arm in a sling and now she’s got to go home to help with her mother after receiving a call from her aunt and right now heading home is the last thing on her want to do list …..,
Rose’sI’m is diagnosed with terminal cancer and she calls her brother Kirk to come home and she uncovers what looks like a mystery in their family attic when she finds books , a travel bag and photo albums that hints at her father having another life and with her mum not answering her million questions and asking her to let sleeping hogs lies her curiosity is peaked even more ….
I loved every minute of this read , I learnt a few life lessons , I cried, I laughed , I got frustrated and irritated , I was reminded about how fragile life is and the liberating power of saying I’m sorry and forgiveness and I met some interesting characters along the way .
This is one of those books that when you read the last page you need some time to “ process “ it’ll stay with you ❣️📚
Rose ( love the name ) is a photojournalist and os injured ( more like trampled) while at a rally that turned a little wild so her camera is broken , she’s a little worse for wear with bruised ribs and an arm in a sling and now she’s got to go home to help with her mother after receiving a call from her aunt and right now heading home is the last thing on her want to do list …..,
Rose’sI’m is diagnosed with terminal cancer and she calls her brother Kirk to come home and she uncovers what looks like a mystery in their family attic when she finds books , a travel bag and photo albums that hints at her father having another life and with her mum not answering her million questions and asking her to let sleeping hogs lies her curiosity is peaked even more ….
I loved every minute of this read , I learnt a few life lessons , I cried, I laughed , I got frustrated and irritated , I was reminded about how fragile life is and the liberating power of saying I’m sorry and forgiveness and I met some interesting characters along the way .
This is one of those books that when you read the last page you need some time to “ process “ it’ll stay with you ❣️📚
March 11, 2024
Sometimes you just never know the depths of drama and lies that a family can hold. Even the families that look like they have it all together could be hiding the darkest of secrets. That's where Rose found herself. Her mother falls ill and she's called to come help care for her. While in her childhood home, Rose finds some items that bring about a lot of questions and suspicions in her mind about who her family really is.
There are parts of this story that were hard to read. This will challenge the reader emotionally, so be prepared. However, give this book a chance because it's well worth your investment!
There are parts of this story that were hard to read. This will challenge the reader emotionally, so be prepared. However, give this book a chance because it's well worth your investment!
March 17, 2024
From the beginning I was hooked. I was right there with Rose, my arm hurt, my heart was conflicted with wanting to spend time with her Mom and wanting to find out more about her Dad, my mind was reeling about what could be the logical next step. I was 100% invested in this story.
I felt for Carly as she is coming to the end of her life, for Tess as she is watching her sister get weaker and knowing what that will mean. I felt for Rose as she is wanting to communicate with her brother and have him there, yet understanding that he has his own reasons to not want to come back to their hometown.
Honestly, this easily made it onto my favorite books of 2024.
Jacqueline Boulden definitely got me interested from the beginning and kept my interest the whole way through. I definitely want to read other books written by her.
I felt for Carly as she is coming to the end of her life, for Tess as she is watching her sister get weaker and knowing what that will mean. I felt for Rose as she is wanting to communicate with her brother and have him there, yet understanding that he has his own reasons to not want to come back to their hometown.
Honestly, this easily made it onto my favorite books of 2024.
Jacqueline Boulden definitely got me interested from the beginning and kept my interest the whole way through. I definitely want to read other books written by her.
February 29, 2024
Rose Webster gets a call from her aunt Tess about her mother being in hospital and even though she was injured at the rally ,she drives over to Lake Amelia. There is a mystery surrounding her father that she needs to solve. It open up to a whole lot of discoveries that rocks everything Rose new about her life. A heart-warming read. I received this book via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
March 29, 2024
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Family Ties Family Lies is a definite roller coaster of emotions, family drama, secrets with love and suspense. This story will stay with me for quite some time....there is a lot of feelings and emotions poured into this story....and it was such a great read.
What can happen when buried secrets are discovered...should they stay buried or learn the truth behind it all. This happens to Rose Webster....going home to help her mother as she battles an illness.. trying to pick up the pieces as they both re-discover old photos in the attic..reminiscing. When a mysterious photo is discovered by Rose, she asks her mom about it only to be brushed off. Rose, being the photojournalist that she is, cannot let this mysterious photo go and wants to discover what this is all about. As Rose navigates this she has to be sure does she really want to discover the whole truth behind it all....or leave it alone like her mother wishes.
I highly recommend this book...the secrets and turmoil...this book was hard to put down.
Family Ties Family Lies is a definite roller coaster of emotions, family drama, secrets with love and suspense. This story will stay with me for quite some time....there is a lot of feelings and emotions poured into this story....and it was such a great read.
What can happen when buried secrets are discovered...should they stay buried or learn the truth behind it all. This happens to Rose Webster....going home to help her mother as she battles an illness.. trying to pick up the pieces as they both re-discover old photos in the attic..reminiscing. When a mysterious photo is discovered by Rose, she asks her mom about it only to be brushed off. Rose, being the photojournalist that she is, cannot let this mysterious photo go and wants to discover what this is all about. As Rose navigates this she has to be sure does she really want to discover the whole truth behind it all....or leave it alone like her mother wishes.
I highly recommend this book...the secrets and turmoil...this book was hard to put down.
March 11, 2024
Rose is a photojournalist who was injured recently while on assignment. She returns home to take care of her mother after her mother receives bad news about her health. Rose begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden for decades after she finds books and photographs that have been laid aside for many years. Rose also becomes involved in a case that is going on in the small town she used to call home. This book is a page turner and a book of forgiveness.
January 17, 2024
From the first page we are drawn into Rose Webster’s life and gladly follow her as she peels back layers of the past while confronting mysteries of the present. The author’s journalist’s eye fills this well-plotted page-turner with authenticity—in characters, setting, and situations. A good read.
March 23, 2024
Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden is an emotional mystery. Rose Webster is a photojournalist on the mend after being injured at a rally. She is summoned back home to care for her ailing mother and discovers a whole new mystery. This book was a tear-jerker. I enjoyed getting pulled into Rose’s investigation. I also liked the small-town setting. Reading about the relationship between Rose and her mother tugged at my heart. It reminded me of my mom and grandmother as she cared for her in her final months. This is a very engaging story that you will struggle to put down.
March 25, 2024
Family Ties Family Lies is different than many of the books I’ve read lately in genre but well worth reading. While the storyline was rich with emotion and dramatic, it was very well written. I was not sure how emotional the storyline would be having lost my mother a year and a half ago but the book had me engaged from the very first chapter. I liked the characters and felt like they grew together through unexpected twists. This was a great introduction to a new to me author.
March 29, 2024
Rose is a photojournalist and has been injured at a rally that may have possibly ended her photojournalism career. To make matters worse Rose has received a call from her Aunt Tess letting her know her mother is in the hospital and needs to come home. When Rose arrives at the hospital they find out more than that her mother passed out but that she has several things wrong, one of them being stage 3 cancer. Rose doesn’t exactly know how to process this just yet. She is here to help her mother and Aunt Tess for as long as they need as her brother Kirk is busy with court and his family. While helping her mother once she is sent home she comes across some old books and photo of her father that might suggest things aren’t exactly as her and Kirk had thought. She has been asked by her mother and Aunt Tess to leave it alone, but will her photojournalism get the best of her.
March 31, 2024
This one is tough to read if you are going through any of the issues the main character works through. Whether you have lost a parent, a job, or just your childhood image of your parents this one will be tugging at your emotions. Loved the main character. Cried through some of the book. And after a few recently read, poorly written stories, this one was so well written it was a relief. Worth your time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2024
This story revolves around a heartbreaking topic. As we age, so do our parents. The main character must grapple with her mother’s rapidly declining health, while accidentally discovering a never-discussed secret…as well as a half sibling she knew nothing about. A brother and sister learn to accept the past failings of their parents. Forgiveness is a key component to good mental health, and the characters in this story must decide what is most important to them.
July 20, 2025
I won the kindle edition of this book on a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you Goodreads! I was not familiar with the author but the books description and supposed genre were along the lines of what I typically like to read.
That being said, the book was just okay. It was readable. I dont want to sound too negative but the writing was almost too descriptive, which is something I never or rarely thought I would say in a book review. It gave irrelevant details and almost went on and on to the point I was rolling my eyes like "why even tell us that?" The book was also very predictive. You could see all the big "reveals" coming from a mile away. There were no big twists or turns to speak of b/c you knew them all! I also found it annoying the author made it seem like main character was not that smart and couldnt figure out what was right in front of her face. I also found her quite annoying. And the whole bike stealing ring was just a filler. Thats all that needs to be said about that. There wasnt really a plot and the book could have been about 100 pages shorter.
That being said, it did have some sweet parts and was really sad but I wouldnt read it again or recommend to anyone. Theres nothing mystery/suspense about it. I did make it through and although I didnt find it as enjoyable as I thought, it wasnt a DNF book, so I give it 3 stars.
That being said, the book was just okay. It was readable. I dont want to sound too negative but the writing was almost too descriptive, which is something I never or rarely thought I would say in a book review. It gave irrelevant details and almost went on and on to the point I was rolling my eyes like "why even tell us that?" The book was also very predictive. You could see all the big "reveals" coming from a mile away. There were no big twists or turns to speak of b/c you knew them all! I also found it annoying the author made it seem like main character was not that smart and couldnt figure out what was right in front of her face. I also found her quite annoying. And the whole bike stealing ring was just a filler. Thats all that needs to be said about that. There wasnt really a plot and the book could have been about 100 pages shorter.
That being said, it did have some sweet parts and was really sad but I wouldnt read it again or recommend to anyone. Theres nothing mystery/suspense about it. I did make it through and although I didnt find it as enjoyable as I thought, it wasnt a DNF book, so I give it 3 stars.
March 29, 2024
This is a story about a perfectly imperfect family. A family that finds the importance of forgiveness and love that endures through all. This story will keep you guessing up until the end. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It’s gritty, raw, and emotional but most of all - it’s real.
May 15, 2024
It was enjoyable. Some plot points moved too fast or were left out. Was confused when the main character mentioned she saw her PT for a second time and was thinking- did I miss when she saw her the first time? Went back and looked and nope- never mentioned. A few other little things like that happened as well. Also the whole illness of her mom and the quick wrap up of the estate was a bit too tidy. It never happens that quickly or easily in real life. The characters were enjoyable but a tiny bit too perfect. Not all people get so close to others and trust them in just a few weeks time span. Overall an enjoyable quick read.
June 2, 2024
Firstly, thank you to Goodreads for the giveaway and thank you to Jacqueline Boulden for this great mystery!! I love a good mystery but some are so often thrillers as well and those get my heart pounding for some of my reading moods. This was family drama, small town drama, family secrets, forgiveness, and most of all, love and personal growth. I really enjoyed this one, it was great writing, great character development and good twists & turns.
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