See ~ Saw: A Novel

by Lili Vincent

Few things are more terrifying than living in total darkness, but Charlie may have found something worse. On the verge of total blindness, she discovers that life as she knows it is a lie, and that lie entangles everyone she loves.




Charlie's mother, Nina, is holding her life and family together with a fraying ribbon. She is walking the line of functional depression, terrified to admit she'd trade every bit of her beautiful life for the truth.




Marie has everything she needs-supportive family, friends, and a career she loves. As a blind woman in Baltimore, Maryland, she's learned not to ask for more, but when Walter Mavin walks across her front porch in early spring, he doesn't just interrupt Wednesday afternoon knit club. He disrupts her whole world.




Author Lili Vincent explores the depth and strength of relationships that transcend distance, space, and time. Her debut novel, a multi-point-of-view masterpiece, will take you on a captivating journey knit by three women as they face their fears and confront a deception that could break a family for good. See ~ Saw invites the reader to ask the




Is it okay to lie if lying protects people you love?




How far will a person go to find forgiveness?

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2024

Reviews

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy (day late) publication day 🎉🥳

What a beautiful novel!

I’m going to have to address my personal bias first, as I have my own Marie aka The Mammy, who is every bit as kind and sweet and loving as the Marie in the pages, also, I have my very own Charlie also a Charlotte aka The Middle Child which felt really quite bizarre and perhaps made for a deeper bond with the characters. I shouldn’t use that to detract from the authors skill in anyway. Just happy coincidence’s. Also I’d like it to be noted that the Tesco delivery man found me a blotchy faced sobbing mess today. I think he was more embarrassed than me.

What a talent to write such a multi generational story in such a way that you can truly relate to each character, each so well developed that they felt like people I knew. The story itself was raw, honest, heartfelt and heartbreaking. While I didn’t necessarily agree with choices made by some characters the writing was such that whilst I may not like it but I did understand the reasoning.

The narration was absolutely beautiful. As was the authors note.

A very easy 4 stars 🌟

My thanks to Crippled Beagle Publishing via NetGalley for this ELC

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

See ~ Saw was a beautifully written novel. The characters were heartwarming and real and I felt like I really got to know them through the story and I was sad when it ended, although I loved the ending too! I was drawn in to the main character, Charlie's, world which was rapidly changing throughout the story and I felt lost with her, but also felt found with her. The author paints vivid scenes and emotions with her words and the chapters end in a way that makes you want to keep reading to know more. I really hope there's a sequel coming soon!!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book that tells a story with such depth and thought-provoking moments that it draws you in with the characters.

From the beginning you can sense for the most part what Charlie & Marie deal with in their lives even if you haven't directly dealt with some of the concepts brought to us by this author such as blindness or depression it's so well written that I think it would be difficult for anyone not to relate on some level with their own personal experiences or of experiences of those close to them.

This was well narrated and flowed very well it was a pleasure to listen to.

With thanks to Netgalley & Crippled Beagle Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lili sent me a quick summary and offer to read the book my response was “This hits close to home for me! My mother lost most of her vision when I was 10. I would love to read this!” Little did I know how very close to home this would hit! The amount of things in this book that I connected with or felt on a personal level were unbelievable. While having so many connections was amazing it’s not the only thing that makes this a great book, the storytelling and writing is phenomenal! I was hooked from chapter 1 and there was never a dull moment, I was eager to know what would happen next. I loved getting the story from Marie, Charlotte, and Nina and how each of their perspectives and timelines complimented each other and worked cohesively to keep the story progressing. The little details, that only someone who has intimate knowledge of what life without vision is like, the emotions that filled each page and the beauty of friendship and love that spans lifetimes made for a truly beautiful story 💕

[Nancy Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. The plane ride from Spain to the US was just long enough to finish this book. I could have tried to sleep, but I just couldn’t put the book down. The way the author wove the stories together was masterful. I felt like I knew each of these characters as someone in my “real life.” At different times through out the book, each character became my favorite. The attention to detail in the cities, the voice of each character, and her knowledge of one of the main character’s difficulties, was extraordinary. What an accomplishment for the new author. I hope there is a sequel!

[Rachel Antiporda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could NOT put this down. I kept coming up with reasons to get back to this story. I loved the story structure, shifting from the past to present and different characters points of view; it definitely kept me on my toes.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. The novel features intertwined stories of a blind woman, a young girl losing her sight, and the people who love them. It touches on bullying and a desperate act, family secrets, and forgiveness. Most interesting to me were the lightly discussed aspects of blindness and adaption, mainstreaming, and schools for the blind. While the book dealt with heavy topics, the overall impression was one of sweetness and light, with its PG-rated romances and happy tears (the characters'). Interesting but ultimately a little sappy.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes.

[Christina Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up… and grab a box of tissues. Lili takes you through the lives of 3 main characters and gives you all the feels from different perspectives.

[Holley Young Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading! I was captivated from the start. Staying up all night reading I felt as if I was living with these characters. The women in this book are so realistic and relatable, it feels as if they are a part of you. This book spoke to me on such a deep level, not just about how your actions have such a ripple on your life but, on the lives of others around you. This book is one of those rarest gems that you feel like you could read when you need the characters in it.

[Robyn Overby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional read. The fabric of the story is woven from three distinct characters at different points in time. The specific points of view from three different women offer depth and intrigue to the story that materializes and unravels before you. The topics are heavy, real and characters relatable. You identify with their various perspectives and feel like you are a friend along for the ride. This is a page turning novel that expands your understanding of visual impairment, gives you empathy for those in hard places, and makes you appreciate friendship, loyalty and family. It is hard to put down! If you are anything like me, you may find yourself reading till the middle of the night and peeking ahead to the next chapter written from a specific characters point of view.

[Pwilson1123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. I wouldn't call myself an "avid" reader. In the very beginning I had to keep going back to make sure I was familiar with characters due to a little time travel. But if you find yourself doing that, KEEP READING! Once I got to know the characters I literally couldn't put it down. Lili does such a great job of bringing these characters to life. I actually found myself on the verge of tears a few times, and then laughing at other times. It's very well written and I hope she continues to take us on the characters' journeys in other books. Thank you for making me want to read again!

[Sherry Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired Librarian there are very few books that can appeal to older and younger audiences,this book does on all fronts. The characters are so well developed and relatable that I found myself mesmerized by their authenticity. I found myself so drawn in that I couldn't put it down. It left me wanting more of their story and feeling like these are people I have known for years. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Diana D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. The way Lili introduced us to each character and then eventually brought them together was mastery!!! The deep friendships among the young and older characters are so heartwarming! I forced myself to save the last 25 pages for the next day! It was that hard to put down! I will be on the lookout for any future books written by Lili Vincent!

[Donna Brunson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic debut novel. Characters that you will love and, at least one that you will hate. This book is a wonderful study of the people and relationships that shape our lives and the decisions made that make all the difference.

[Stephanie Repine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent debut novel that I couldn’t put down. I fell in love with the characters instantly. The strong female friendships in the book were one of my favorite things. This is a story about a wonderful family hiding a huge secret that eventually comes out. I enjoyed the journey.

[Lauren Lenio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! I was drawn into the book and finished it quickly. Lili did a wonderful job of writing vibrant characters you want to root for. I loved the friendships and how the story progressed. I highly recommend you read it!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. A definite read to those looking for a story of families and overcoming challenges. The characters are fun and complex. A wonderful first book from this author!

[Lauren Meador · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the three main characters and how it transitioned from each perspective. Beautifully written going from the past to the present. Didn’t want to put the book down!

[Timothy Endsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!!!!

[Thomas L · Rating 5 out of 5]

See~Saw is a must-read for residents of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Baltimore, Maryland, and the perfect book to take to the beach. I started it on the plane and finished it by the third day of my vacation—it was simply captivating and hard to put down. I can’t wait to explore more of Lili Vincent's novels!