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Mine to Tell
Annabelle Crouse is determined to reopen her great-grandmother's boarded-up house--and her shunned life. Many years earlier, after an unexplained absence, Julianne was relegated to a separate home by a rigidly unforgiving husband, and the Crouse women have suffered the disgrace of her assumed guilt ever since. Despite her family's strong disapproval, Annabelle is driven to pursue her mission through cobwebs and dust, finding the clues and the coded story left behind by her great-grandmother -- Why did she go? And why did she return? Annabelle has to know. Only one person, a man she grew up with but never noticed, stands with Annabelle as she discovers the parallels between her story and her great-grandmother's--two women, generations apart, experiencing what love truly is.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2013
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414 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 11, 2014
This book made me think of my grandmother. She was born in 1915 and died last year, she was 97 years old. It made me realize that she wasn't just my grandmother, my fathers mother or my grandfathers wife. She was a person, a woman above all else and she had dreams, heartaches, disappointments and love about thing that I will never know about. It made me realize that as much as I knew about her, I am sure that there was way more that I will never know. I love reading stories like this book and my grandmother who also love to read, would have loved this book too. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
March 12, 2014
This is one book that I will definitely remember as being one of my favorotes. I have truely enjoyed this read. What I loved most was that it reached in and grabbed your attention and held you and moved you as it went along its winding path. I don't usually care for romances but this was so much more. Mystery, intrigue, history, friendship, compassion, faith, hope, forgiveness, and love. I can't wait to share this with my book club.
July 1, 2018
Annabelle Crouse is a young journalist who decides to go home to reopen her great-grandmother's boarded-up house and find out why she was living separately from her husband, stepsons, and son.
Julianne was to live in a separate home from her husband and boys because she left for an unexplained trip for a couple weeks. He bully husband turned an old shed into a house for her, and kept her there as punishment.
Despite her family's disapproval, Annabelle slowly uncovers the story of Julianne through hidden messages in Julianne’s bible, old letters, and other memorabilia.
This was a very clever way to tell 2 different stories. I enjoyed getting to know Julianne through Annabelle’s eyes. The Julianne story was fantastic yet tragic. The Annabelle story wasn’t quite as good, especially the ending. I did enjoy this book very much despite the ending.
I was given this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Boom at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Julianne was to live in a separate home from her husband and boys because she left for an unexplained trip for a couple weeks. He bully husband turned an old shed into a house for her, and kept her there as punishment.
Despite her family's disapproval, Annabelle slowly uncovers the story of Julianne through hidden messages in Julianne’s bible, old letters, and other memorabilia.
This was a very clever way to tell 2 different stories. I enjoyed getting to know Julianne through Annabelle’s eyes. The Julianne story was fantastic yet tragic. The Annabelle story wasn’t quite as good, especially the ending. I did enjoy this book very much despite the ending.
I was given this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher courtesy of Audiobook Boom at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 17, 2014
A triumphant mix of contemporary and historical work, “Mine to Tell” alternates between the stories of Annabelle and Julianne as each face family expectations, find love, and face the reality of the men in their lives.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 November issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 19, 2015
A wonderful love story...I could not put it down. Through everything Julianne experienced her story ended beautifully.
A wonderful love story...I could not put it down. Through everything Julianne experienced her story ended beautifully. Very enjoyable read.
A wonderful love story...I could not put it down. Through everything Julianne experienced her story ended beautifully. Very enjoyable read.
November 15, 2015
EXCELLENT!
I won't retell the story as plenty of others have. I'll just tell you that this book is worth every one of the five gold stars I and the others have given. It has hidden jewels all through. Do take the time to find them. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D
I won't retell the story as plenty of others have. I'll just tell you that this book is worth every one of the five gold stars I and the others have given. It has hidden jewels all through. Do take the time to find them. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D
January 5, 2016
I read the first chapter and have no desire to read any more of it. The writing is dull, the "drama" is manufactured and the premise is stupid.
October 12, 2020
Journalist Annabelle Crouse feels compelled to learn more about her great-grandmother Julianne, a subject of whispers and ridicule both inside and outside the family and tight knit community, banished by an unrelenting religious zealot husband, and forced to live alone in grief and isolation.
With the assistance of a local man, Annabelle fights every step of the way, determined to uncover what exactly led to generations of ill-will and bigotry. What she learns will change her life—and that of her family—forever.
Our Review: In Mine to Tell, Author Donnelly gifts us with a young woman who becomes the picture of courage, despite regular abuse heaped upon her by those who should love her—but are more comfortable believing lies and innuendo—and remains steadfast in her mission to uncover the truth.
Annabelle is amazing. As amazing as her great-grandmother Julianne. And we are better for reading about both women. Well done, Ms. Donnelly.
On a scale of 1-5, Mine to Tell deserves a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
With the assistance of a local man, Annabelle fights every step of the way, determined to uncover what exactly led to generations of ill-will and bigotry. What she learns will change her life—and that of her family—forever.
Our Review: In Mine to Tell, Author Donnelly gifts us with a young woman who becomes the picture of courage, despite regular abuse heaped upon her by those who should love her—but are more comfortable believing lies and innuendo—and remains steadfast in her mission to uncover the truth.
Annabelle is amazing. As amazing as her great-grandmother Julianne. And we are better for reading about both women. Well done, Ms. Donnelly.
On a scale of 1-5, Mine to Tell deserves a 6.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
June 16, 2018
I was gifted this amazing audible book by the author Colleen L. Donnelly, thank you.
This is a requited love story, a young woman that was wronged by the family that should have stood behind her, but they where coerced by a man of the cloth who only wanted to possess her. It took her Great granddaughter to get to the bottom of the wrong that was done and lay the travesty to rest. Annabelle freed herself, her family from the shame they so wrongly carried for all those years.
The book was as the author titled it, “Mine To Tell”and Annabelle found the clues that Julienne left in her sanctuary.
This author told a story that maybe some of the younger generations may not understand, but should read to understand what did happen to women in the not that distant past. Kudos Colleen for reminding all of use women of the injustice we at one time were so indignity exposed to.
This is a requited love story, a young woman that was wronged by the family that should have stood behind her, but they where coerced by a man of the cloth who only wanted to possess her. It took her Great granddaughter to get to the bottom of the wrong that was done and lay the travesty to rest. Annabelle freed herself, her family from the shame they so wrongly carried for all those years.
The book was as the author titled it, “Mine To Tell”and Annabelle found the clues that Julienne left in her sanctuary.
This author told a story that maybe some of the younger generations may not understand, but should read to understand what did happen to women in the not that distant past. Kudos Colleen for reminding all of use women of the injustice we at one time were so indignity exposed to.
June 22, 2018
Mine to Tell
: Colleen L Donnelly
The first 45 seconds almost caused me to think the author hadn't done her fact checking and put my senses on alert. Once I got past that, the premise of "the fallen great-grandmother," in everyone eyes except for Annabelle. She feels deeply about the great grandmother she never knew. Annabelle is a writer and wants to allow Julienne to tell her story in her own way.
Some of the characters seemed a bit childish in their actions, as opposed to the ages their supposed to be. The story moved slow but the blending of two time periods worked fairly well.
I must have liked it well enough I've listened to it twice already.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Krystle L Minkoff.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Colleen L Donnelly
The first 45 seconds almost caused me to think the author hadn't done her fact checking and put my senses on alert. Once I got past that, the premise of "the fallen great-grandmother," in everyone eyes except for Annabelle. She feels deeply about the great grandmother she never knew. Annabelle is a writer and wants to allow Julienne to tell her story in her own way.
Some of the characters seemed a bit childish in their actions, as opposed to the ages their supposed to be. The story moved slow but the blending of two time periods worked fairly well.
I must have liked it well enough I've listened to it twice already.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed by Krystle L Minkoff.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 6, 2017
In "Mine to Tell" Colleen Donnelly has mined a pot of golden phrases and heartfelt chapters that add up to one beautifully written book. Family sagas with long-kept secrets that dig into personal histories are built-in page turners for me. I started this book yesterday and finished at 2 a.m., knowing I would not be able to sleep until the unexpected mystery was solved and the wall between generations became a bridge that linked two lovetorn women.
July 25, 2018
Audible:This was a good story of what one generation considers a hge sin and the next it may not matter so much.I could relate my grandmothers story to the main character.Krystle L Minkoff did an ok job narrating,though I found it a bit dull.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
September 26, 2020
Oh my gosh, such a brilliant read. Heart wrenching and inspiring, this is the story of two very different women from different generations. But they end up having more in common than it seems. The mystery element is perfectly placed and the characters are perfectly flawed. I love this novel and was hooked from beginning to end.
April 21, 2019
A great book! It keeps you guessing and wondering and curious. It had a different twist a couple of times as I was expecting it to have. But it keeps you pulled and I had a hard time putting down the book, almost missed my stop a couple of times. Really a must read!
July 9, 2024
This was a a wonderful story!! I just couldn’t put it down. It really drew me in to the characters storytelling.
July 26, 2016
3.5 stars - (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
When a reader starts a romance book, you expect a HEA (happily ever after). In Mine to Tell, more than one relationship ends with mended hearts. We even see the start of a budding romance.
For me, all the love brought a smile to my face. I mean, seriously, who doesn't want everyone around them happy and their life full of joy.
In Mine to Tell, several people needed joy because they've lived too long in darkness. In this case the darkness I'm referring to is the shame of Great Grandma Julianne; the black sheep of the family.
As we play detective with Anna and Kyle, we discover GGM Julianne's life was full of heartbreak. She lost so much but, in the end, her story brought others together.
For Anna, I wondered who Colleen would finally pair with her. She seemed to teeter on the answer herself.
I found myself pleased with her choice because Anna's true love finally displayed the "love" she was silently aching for, needed, and richly deserved. But don't we all.
As for the mystery portion of this story, there were times as Kyle and Anna were deciphering the clues and reading the letters, I thought ...."Get on with it already" and other times was like "Ooooo, and then what happened?"
It was the latter moments that had me flipping the pages because I had to know where GGM Julianne was those two weeks away from home.
I had most of the puzzle put together but the final couple pieces eluded me and when I had them.... I had closure. Like Anna. Like Kyle. Like so many others.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
When a reader starts a romance book, you expect a HEA (happily ever after). In Mine to Tell, more than one relationship ends with mended hearts. We even see the start of a budding romance.
For me, all the love brought a smile to my face. I mean, seriously, who doesn't want everyone around them happy and their life full of joy.
In Mine to Tell, several people needed joy because they've lived too long in darkness. In this case the darkness I'm referring to is the shame of Great Grandma Julianne; the black sheep of the family.
As we play detective with Anna and Kyle, we discover GGM Julianne's life was full of heartbreak. She lost so much but, in the end, her story brought others together.
For Anna, I wondered who Colleen would finally pair with her. She seemed to teeter on the answer herself.
I found myself pleased with her choice because Anna's true love finally displayed the "love" she was silently aching for, needed, and richly deserved. But don't we all.
As for the mystery portion of this story, there were times as Kyle and Anna were deciphering the clues and reading the letters, I thought ...."Get on with it already" and other times was like "Ooooo, and then what happened?"
It was the latter moments that had me flipping the pages because I had to know where GGM Julianne was those two weeks away from home.
I had most of the puzzle put together but the final couple pieces eluded me and when I had them.... I had closure. Like Anna. Like Kyle. Like so many others.
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
May 8, 2014
There is something nostalgic in the retelling or in this case the learning of your ancestors’ past lives. Especially when you have the opportunity to resolve a long-standing family mystery.
Nobody knows this better than Annabelle who has been living with the family secret all her life. A secret that is always hinted at but never discussed. What it is about Annabelle’s great grandmother that inspires such revulsion and shame amongst the family and surrounding townspeople? When Annabelle is finally old enough to learn the supposed truth, she finds she does not want to believe it. Being the first woman borne of Julianne’s descendants Annabelle feels drawn to her great-grandmother in a protective way and wants to see if there might not be a different story to tell.
please read the rest of my review at http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
Nobody knows this better than Annabelle who has been living with the family secret all her life. A secret that is always hinted at but never discussed. What it is about Annabelle’s great grandmother that inspires such revulsion and shame amongst the family and surrounding townspeople? When Annabelle is finally old enough to learn the supposed truth, she finds she does not want to believe it. Being the first woman borne of Julianne’s descendants Annabelle feels drawn to her great-grandmother in a protective way and wants to see if there might not be a different story to tell.
please read the rest of my review at http://www.romantichistoricalreviews....
April 13, 2016
4.5 stars for an enchanting story that really pulled me in.
Annabelle Crouse is determined to reopen her great-grandmother's boarded-up house--and her shunned life.
Many years earlier, after an unexplained absence, Julianne was relegated to a separate home by a rigidly unforgiving husband, and the Crouse women have suffered the disgrace of her assumed guilt ever since.
Despite her family's strong disapproval, Annabelle is driven to pursue her mission through cobwebs and dust, finding the clues and the coded story left behind by her great-grandmother -- Why did she go? And why did she return? Annabelle has to know. Only one person, a man she grew up with but never noticed, stands with Annabelle as she discovers the parallels between her story and her great-grandmother's--two women, generations apart, experiencing what love truly is.
Annabelle Crouse is determined to reopen her great-grandmother's boarded-up house--and her shunned life.
Many years earlier, after an unexplained absence, Julianne was relegated to a separate home by a rigidly unforgiving husband, and the Crouse women have suffered the disgrace of her assumed guilt ever since.
Despite her family's strong disapproval, Annabelle is driven to pursue her mission through cobwebs and dust, finding the clues and the coded story left behind by her great-grandmother -- Why did she go? And why did she return? Annabelle has to know. Only one person, a man she grew up with but never noticed, stands with Annabelle as she discovers the parallels between her story and her great-grandmother's--two women, generations apart, experiencing what love truly is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2014
When I started reading this book, I wasn't very sure whether I will like it or not. After 3-4 pages, I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down. Then after a few more pages, I was sucked into the book. It was like living with the characters and experiencing each and every emotion of theirs. The writing is captivating and the storyline intriguing and spellbinding. This is one book I would recommend everyone to read.
Its one of those books which after reading leaves you with a satisfied smile and a desire to say a thank you to the author for creating such a beautiful piece of story.
Its one of those books which after reading leaves you with a satisfied smile and a desire to say a thank you to the author for creating such a beautiful piece of story.
July 21, 2016
There are skeletons in the Crouse family and the grave marker is the house of Julianne's great grandmother.
Discovering why her great grandfather built the house and moved his young wife into it upsets Juliette's mother. For her the past is dead and that is where she wishes to leave it.
Juliette cannot leave it alone. Discovering her great grandmothers journey leads her on one of her own. The house remains, her great grandmother is given a voice from the past and the family realizes that some things cannot remain buried.
A good read but it does grow sleepy at certain points.
Discovering why her great grandfather built the house and moved his young wife into it upsets Juliette's mother. For her the past is dead and that is where she wishes to leave it.
Juliette cannot leave it alone. Discovering her great grandmothers journey leads her on one of her own. The house remains, her great grandmother is given a voice from the past and the family realizes that some things cannot remain buried.
A good read but it does grow sleepy at certain points.
December 30, 2014
This was the kind of book that stays with you long after you've read it. It was beautifully written and I couldn't hardly put it down once I started reading it. I just kept wanting to know what I was going to find out next about Julianne. I kept wondering what Kyle's interest was in the story and I was glad when the author officially tied him into it. I was a little surprised with the ending for Annabelle, but I'm still okay with it.
December 3, 2015
What a Book
I have read over one hundred books since my husband and children have given me this Kindle Fire. This book "Mine to Tell" is by far the best one to date! I have been amazed at every turn. I'm thrilled that Julianne and John was written to remain honorable souls. I have told all my friends this is a book worth the time to read. I hope others get as much enjoyment as I have!
I have read over one hundred books since my husband and children have given me this Kindle Fire. This book "Mine to Tell" is by far the best one to date! I have been amazed at every turn. I'm thrilled that Julianne and John was written to remain honorable souls. I have told all my friends this is a book worth the time to read. I hope others get as much enjoyment as I have!
November 17, 2015
Thought provoking
I chose the rating with difficulty, I liked the book and yet found it to be somewhat monotonous, to much detail and not enough reality. Maybe because I didn't grow up in a family with that much insight and feeling. I also feel that if the chapter headings were taken from the bible it should say so.
I chose the rating with difficulty, I liked the book and yet found it to be somewhat monotonous, to much detail and not enough reality. Maybe because I didn't grow up in a family with that much insight and feeling. I also feel that if the chapter headings were taken from the bible it should say so.
December 1, 2015
Discovering the truth in a multi-generational journey.
This is the awesome story of a writer and her journey into the life of her Great Grandmother. She finds herself while piecing together the true story from clues left in letters and an old family Bible, as she restores the house where her Great Grandmother lived.
This is the awesome story of a writer and her journey into the life of her Great Grandmother. She finds herself while piecing together the true story from clues left in letters and an old family Bible, as she restores the house where her Great Grandmother lived.
March 12, 2014
This is the first book I have read by this author. The story she told was so well told. I couldn't put my kindle down until I finished the book. And it was a long book. It is a story
of love and forgiveness and truth.
I fell in love with the characters. They were so real.
of love and forgiveness and truth.
I fell in love with the characters. They were so real.
March 17, 2014
Wonderful story
A chronological story of me misinformation and unsubstantiated rumors. Very well put together. Really was a story to tell. Was gripping and full of romance, not th physical kind, but the heart felt kindle n d. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
A chronological story of me misinformation and unsubstantiated rumors. Very well put together. Really was a story to tell. Was gripping and full of romance, not th physical kind, but the heart felt kindle n d. I thoroughly enjoyed this book
November 19, 2015
Heart Warming
The mystery of Ana's great-grandmother slowly unfolds and had me nodding my head in agreement, silently raging at fate, and getting weepy more than once. Well worth the read. Well written.
The mystery of Ana's great-grandmother slowly unfolds and had me nodding my head in agreement, silently raging at fate, and getting weepy more than once. Well worth the read. Well written.
January 8, 2015
started off great but didn't end as strong. I felt the end was rushed.
Read
February 10, 2014A distance to love.
This book is a true love story. And a story of lost and redemption. I liked following the clues as they occurred. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
This book is a true love story. And a story of lost and redemption. I liked following the clues as they occurred. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
February 24, 2014
I truly adored this book. So unusual and so different to what I'm used to reading.
I'm glad I came across it on Amazon.
I'm glad I came across it on Amazon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews