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The Common Thread
Dr. Nicole Coussart and Katie Finan seem to have no common thread, but the one they discover will change both of their lives. Nic has lived a privileged life as the only child of two physicians, but she’s not happy. Her career as an ER doctor isn’t just like on TV, and she’s convinced she’ll never find a woman who lives up to her high expectations. Katie has struggled since running away from home as a teenager. Now the father of her children has been shot and the killer is after her. As these two women’s worlds become tangled, a secret is uncovered that sends Nic spinning into the arms of DEA Attorney Rae Rhodes. Rae helps Nic make decisions that redefine her life as she learns to live and laugh and love for the first time.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2014
9 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Maddox
12 books24 followersJaime Maddox grew up on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the baby in a family of many children, she was part adored and part ignored, forcing her to find creative ways to fill her time. Her childhood was idyllic, spent hiking, rafting, biking, climbing, and otherwise skinning knees and knuckles. Reading and writing became passions. Although she left home for a brief stint in the big cities of Philadelphia, PA, and Newark, NJ, as soon as she acquired the required paperwork—a medical degree and residency certificate—she came running back.
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
She fills her hours with a bustling medical practice, two precocious sons, a disobedient dog, and an extraordinary woman who helps her to keep it all together. In her abundant spare time, she reads, writes, twists her body into punishing yoga poses, and whacks golf balls deep into forests. She detests airplanes, snakes, and people who aren’t nice. Her loves are the foods of the world, Broadway musicals, traveling, sandy beaches, massages and pedicures, and the Philadelphia Phillies. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 12, 2014
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for the free download of The Common Thread in exchange for an honest review.
The Common Thread is a very good book by promising new author Dr. Jaime Maddox. Being a newly retired physician, I was, of course, attracted to the cover depicting a woman in a white coat, as well as to the intriguing title and to the fact that the author is a practicing MD. Though there are some background medical themes to this book as well as some suspense, this novel is primarily about relationships. There are two protagonists, Katie and Nicole. The first section of the novel tells Katie's story, the second portion sets up background on Nicole, and the final part of the book pulls their stories together. Katie, though far from perfect, is very likable and actually admirable in how she makes lemonade out the lemon her life had become. Nicole, on the other hand, being a spoiled-princess daughter of two physicians, is a pretty self-centered woman and not lovable (this is not bad thing in the context of the story). The narrative is sprinkled with a number of other interesting characters, and all played complementary roles.
As relationships develop amongst the key players, particularly in the last section of the book, it is interesting to see how Nicole in particular changes her attitude when she realizes what has been missing from her life. The changes are relatively fast, but I do think the time course is within the realm of possibility. I was pleased to see an epilogue which described Nicole's situation one year later, confirming that her mindset changes were indeed real, though her basic personality had for the most part stayed intact. This made her tale more real to me, and I found the ending to be very satisfying
The book was well-edited, the only errors being "Katie" substituted for "Nicole" on 3 occasions.
In regards to anything I did not like about the book, there were a few times when the author told us about a conversation or an event that I would have preferred to have actually played out rather than have been told about. There were also a few loose ends, though they were not critical to the direction and ending of this stand-alone narrative. For example, what became of Louis? What happened to the white Lexus? Did Nicole change her mind about pursuing "more answers" to the question that will remain out of this review as it would be a real spoiler. I think this third question might be good fodder for a sequel that I would love to read. How about it, Dr. Maddox?
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more novels by Dr. Jaime Maddox.
The Common Thread is a very good book by promising new author Dr. Jaime Maddox. Being a newly retired physician, I was, of course, attracted to the cover depicting a woman in a white coat, as well as to the intriguing title and to the fact that the author is a practicing MD. Though there are some background medical themes to this book as well as some suspense, this novel is primarily about relationships. There are two protagonists, Katie and Nicole. The first section of the novel tells Katie's story, the second portion sets up background on Nicole, and the final part of the book pulls their stories together. Katie, though far from perfect, is very likable and actually admirable in how she makes lemonade out the lemon her life had become. Nicole, on the other hand, being a spoiled-princess daughter of two physicians, is a pretty self-centered woman and not lovable (this is not bad thing in the context of the story). The narrative is sprinkled with a number of other interesting characters, and all played complementary roles.
As relationships develop amongst the key players, particularly in the last section of the book, it is interesting to see how Nicole in particular changes her attitude when she realizes what has been missing from her life. The changes are relatively fast, but I do think the time course is within the realm of possibility. I was pleased to see an epilogue which described Nicole's situation one year later, confirming that her mindset changes were indeed real, though her basic personality had for the most part stayed intact. This made her tale more real to me, and I found the ending to be very satisfying
The book was well-edited, the only errors being "Katie" substituted for "Nicole" on 3 occasions.
In regards to anything I did not like about the book, there were a few times when the author told us about a conversation or an event that I would have preferred to have actually played out rather than have been told about. There were also a few loose ends, though they were not critical to the direction and ending of this stand-alone narrative. For example, what became of Louis? What happened to the white Lexus? Did Nicole change her mind about pursuing "more answers" to the question that will remain out of this review as it would be a real spoiler. I think this third question might be good fodder for a sequel that I would love to read. How about it, Dr. Maddox?
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more novels by Dr. Jaime Maddox.
October 5, 2014
Two stars because the writing is pretty decent and because the chemistry between the couples is nice, but I wouldn't recommend this book.
There are more POVs than necessary. When a chapter is getting interesting, the author presents another character or fact and your chance to connect with the story is gone. She was probably trying to keep her readers engaged, but it was frustrating to me.
I’m ok with some “coincidences” here and there, but ALL the characters in this book are interconnected. How surreal is that? This is too much, even for a book called The Common Thread.
The ending was predictable and rushed. Everything (conveniently) fell into place, which made me roll my eyes more than once. And I'm not saying this because I need angst or drama in my books, far from it. I just wanted something "out of the box" for a change.
*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.*
There are more POVs than necessary. When a chapter is getting interesting, the author presents another character or fact and your chance to connect with the story is gone. She was probably trying to keep her readers engaged, but it was frustrating to me.
I’m ok with some “coincidences” here and there, but ALL the characters in this book are interconnected. How surreal is that? This is too much, even for a book called The Common Thread.
The ending was predictable and rushed. Everything (conveniently) fell into place, which made me roll my eyes more than once. And I'm not saying this because I need angst or drama in my books, far from it. I just wanted something "out of the box" for a change.
*ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley.*
September 8, 2014
I got an advance copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
This was a romance and a thriller/mystery thrown together and it really worked well. The book opens up with Katie telling the father of her kids she does not want to sleep with him and leads to events that has her leaping off her roof, running through alleys from a bullet and dressing up as a child protective agent to get her kids out of the hospital. In this situation is Jet who’s she’s started to fall in love with and helps her in anyway she can. Unknown to Katie she has an identical twin sister Nic who’s a doctor and winds up getting arrested when the police mistake her for Katie.
Nic is on a visit to her old roommate and does not like his new neighbor, Rae. She’s taken Nics place in Louse life and that is just not ok. While out on a jog Nic gets stopped and arrested by two police officers who mistake her for her twin sister she finds out later. When Katie ends up in the hospital Jet calls for help and Nic winds up going to court and getting temporary custody of Katie's kids, her niece and nephew. While taking care of them she is taken in with their wonder and little kid happiness not only that but she gets closer to Rae who is a DEA agent. In the end the sisters get close when Katie comes out of the hospital and face down a third attempt on Katie's life before life settles down and they can enjoy the pleasure of not only having a sibling but a twin who will be there for you.
This was a romance and a thriller/mystery thrown together and it really worked well. The book opens up with Katie telling the father of her kids she does not want to sleep with him and leads to events that has her leaping off her roof, running through alleys from a bullet and dressing up as a child protective agent to get her kids out of the hospital. In this situation is Jet who’s she’s started to fall in love with and helps her in anyway she can. Unknown to Katie she has an identical twin sister Nic who’s a doctor and winds up getting arrested when the police mistake her for Katie.
Nic is on a visit to her old roommate and does not like his new neighbor, Rae. She’s taken Nics place in Louse life and that is just not ok. While out on a jog Nic gets stopped and arrested by two police officers who mistake her for her twin sister she finds out later. When Katie ends up in the hospital Jet calls for help and Nic winds up going to court and getting temporary custody of Katie's kids, her niece and nephew. While taking care of them she is taken in with their wonder and little kid happiness not only that but she gets closer to Rae who is a DEA agent. In the end the sisters get close when Katie comes out of the hospital and face down a third attempt on Katie's life before life settles down and they can enjoy the pleasure of not only having a sibling but a twin who will be there for you.
December 22, 2020
Picked this book up because I thought it would be a medical romance. But, aside from some of the characters being doctors or nurses, this was not set around working in a hospital. There are certainly a lot of characters and many different threads and POVs. Dare I say there are too many. I like the different stories of Nicole and Kate and how they eventually connect. But there were some that were introduced and went nowhere. An example is that of Detective Young, who was last seen waiting undercover hoping to find Kate, and then nothing else for the rest of the book. What happened to him? We were not really told.
In my opinion, the book could probably have been tightened with a narrower focus. I wouldn't have minded if the book showed Nicole's and Katie's POVs only. Even though this is marketed as a romance, that's really more peripheral to the plot. Nicole and Rae's romance is there, but is more incidental with all that's going on in the book.
In my opinion, the book could probably have been tightened with a narrower focus. I wouldn't have minded if the book showed Nicole's and Katie's POVs only. Even though this is marketed as a romance, that's really more peripheral to the plot. Nicole and Rae's romance is there, but is more incidental with all that's going on in the book.
November 14, 2014
I give three stars to 'The Common Thread', although I think it had the potential for more than that.
January 4, 2018
This was a bit of a hot mess. The first 40% was almost entirely exposition about characters, with little action in the plot and next to no dialogue. After that it picked up, and I hoped it was finding its footing, but different plot threads just kept pulling it all over the place. This is the second book I’ve read by Maddox, and both have had a unique premise, but struggled with execution.
September 20, 2014
This story was fun, heartwarming, with a touch of danger, the warmth of friendship and family, and some hot lovin'…a great combo! Additionally there is a fabulous reunion affecting two women in ways they could not imagine or envision. Plus a great balance between city and country settings unfolds as the initially illusive common thread blossoms before my eyes. Simply delightful!
Katie Finan is in trouble. The father of her two children's associate is carrying a gun and firing it all over the place and that has sent her on the run. She does not have time to gather up her kids and include them in this desperate, but haphazard escape. So she is tossed into some serious hot water right at the beginning of things. Nevertheless she is very inventive in her getaway, keeps her head on her shoulders, and finds safe haven with the one person she is really confident in. That is how this book opens and while it was unnerving, it was a solid introduction to Katie and her survival skills. Her friend and work associate, Jet, becomes the obvious person for Katie to turn to for help and sanctuary. Katie definitely made the correct choice and Jet becomes way more than a savior, she becomes a good friend and a lover. My eyes were wide open and focused. The game is afoot. Fantastic!
Common threads are unquestionably the underlying theme. So Nic, Dr. Nicole Coussart, is in actuality the connecting common thread to Katie, but the foundation for this connection takes a long time to finally be revealed. It is really worth the wait, however, to come face-to-face with this reality. In the meantime, we get to see Nic in all of her prickly forms along with her skill as an emergency medicine doctor. She is a real powerhouse, but as with practically everyone she has her dark and complicated sides. In fact, the first time Nic shows up in the story she is really a bitch. However, it was amazing to see her professional side and then she also rises to the occasion at a super critical time. After first being exposed to Nic, I would have certainly bet against the manner in which she handled a key crisis. I not only came to admire her, but I became a card carrying member in her peanut gallery. Incredible!
Katie's kids certainly stole the show more often than not, but the cast of characters in this book were astounding. I give this a thumbs-up recommendation. Really enjoyable, very engaging with lots of uplifting and tender moments that warmed my heart. Fascinating!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Katie Finan is in trouble. The father of her two children's associate is carrying a gun and firing it all over the place and that has sent her on the run. She does not have time to gather up her kids and include them in this desperate, but haphazard escape. So she is tossed into some serious hot water right at the beginning of things. Nevertheless she is very inventive in her getaway, keeps her head on her shoulders, and finds safe haven with the one person she is really confident in. That is how this book opens and while it was unnerving, it was a solid introduction to Katie and her survival skills. Her friend and work associate, Jet, becomes the obvious person for Katie to turn to for help and sanctuary. Katie definitely made the correct choice and Jet becomes way more than a savior, she becomes a good friend and a lover. My eyes were wide open and focused. The game is afoot. Fantastic!
Common threads are unquestionably the underlying theme. So Nic, Dr. Nicole Coussart, is in actuality the connecting common thread to Katie, but the foundation for this connection takes a long time to finally be revealed. It is really worth the wait, however, to come face-to-face with this reality. In the meantime, we get to see Nic in all of her prickly forms along with her skill as an emergency medicine doctor. She is a real powerhouse, but as with practically everyone she has her dark and complicated sides. In fact, the first time Nic shows up in the story she is really a bitch. However, it was amazing to see her professional side and then she also rises to the occasion at a super critical time. After first being exposed to Nic, I would have certainly bet against the manner in which she handled a key crisis. I not only came to admire her, but I became a card carrying member in her peanut gallery. Incredible!
Katie's kids certainly stole the show more often than not, but the cast of characters in this book were astounding. I give this a thumbs-up recommendation. Really enjoyable, very engaging with lots of uplifting and tender moments that warmed my heart. Fascinating!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 23, 2014
The Common Thread got four stars from me. Nicole was a very interesting person but I really just wanted to slap her. She was like a little kid stuck in a grown woman's body. She was very prone to jealousy and if she didn't get things her way she pouted. I know she grew up with a privileged family and has a great job but that is no reason to make others feel bad or look down on them. Her twin was much better and I loved the fact that she looked out for her kids. I found it funny that they grew up apart but wound up being lesbians. I think Katie having kids not only made her focus and become the adult she is but it made her more caring. I'm glad they had people who looked out for them.
It was very adventurous right from the start I was hooked and I loved it. The things they went through and the fear of not knowing what happens to your kids. Having a crazy person hunt you down and trying to kill you. Then finding out that your not one but you have a double out there who has your face and DNA. That would be a shock for anyone but Katie takes it all in stride. I think she took it better than Nicole did. It was really good and I recompensed it.
It was very adventurous right from the start I was hooked and I loved it. The things they went through and the fear of not knowing what happens to your kids. Having a crazy person hunt you down and trying to kill you. Then finding out that your not one but you have a double out there who has your face and DNA. That would be a shock for anyone but Katie takes it all in stride. I think she took it better than Nicole did. It was really good and I recompensed it.
September 2, 2014
I can dig a romance book every now and then because sometimes you don’t want a complicated story. You just want to read about some folks gettin’ it on, or whatnot. Other than the overly complicated plot (the whole drug dealer/murder plot was insanely unbelievable) and the plot device children, I did like the characters and the love stories part. Yeah, stories, plural. This book is a two-fer.
The Katie/Jet relationship is sort of mostly established as the story begins. The Nic/Rae love story is main love story, I’d say. These characters are all very likable, even though at first Nic is a bit spoiled, I guess. But there’s growth, and I always like that.
There is a plot twist that I will not talk about so as not to spoil it, but it has all the characters meeting each other to make one big cohesive story. There was one thing (other than the unbelievable drug/murder story line) that bugged me and that was ALL the characters seemed to own a lake house.
The Katie/Jet relationship is sort of mostly established as the story begins. The Nic/Rae love story is main love story, I’d say. These characters are all very likable, even though at first Nic is a bit spoiled, I guess. But there’s growth, and I always like that.
There is a plot twist that I will not talk about so as not to spoil it, but it has all the characters meeting each other to make one big cohesive story. There was one thing (other than the unbelievable drug/murder story line) that bugged me and that was ALL the characters seemed to own a lake house.
October 16, 2016
This was interesting but the sheer number of point of view characters spoiled the way that the threads came together for me.
July 4, 2022
Several people connect after discovering family secrets and ties
(3.5 stars)
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: coming-out story, butch character, not a romance; UNICORN: twins, period, more than 2 POVs (possibly other categories)
This story had a lot of potential, and a majority of it was good, but there was a major plot hole that would have changed the rest of the story if it hadn't been overlooked. There were procedural and privacy violations that could have been blamed on a lot of bad employees, but weren't, and was more likely the fault of the author. The characters, plot, and how they were connected were solid parts of the novel, but they deserved a greater effort than they received.
(3.5 stars)
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: coming-out story, butch character, not a romance; UNICORN: twins, period, more than 2 POVs (possibly other categories)
This story had a lot of potential, and a majority of it was good, but there was a major plot hole that would have changed the rest of the story if it hadn't been overlooked. There were procedural and privacy violations that could have been blamed on a lot of bad employees, but weren't, and was more likely the fault of the author. The characters, plot, and how they were connected were solid parts of the novel, but they deserved a greater effort than they received.
May 10, 2017
I found this book intriguing and surprising. It entertained me and kept me reading.
December 16, 2015
The Common Thread by Jaime Maddox: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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