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Motherless
Guilt may be the most dangerous motive of all.
On a rainy night seventeen years after his wife's presumed suicide, Garrett Becker sees her walking down the street. A car accident snatches him away from this world before he can reach her.
Marina has spent her whole life mothering her brother, who suffers from an anxiety disorder. After their father's accident, they face losing their home--the only place Dylan's fears are held at bay.
Crushing debt is just one of their father's secrets. Old keepsakes lead Dylan to believe their mother is alive and lives nearby. Sara Rochester is a successful chocolatier who doesn't dwell on her past and never expected the resurrection of its ghosts. But after Dylan confronts her, Sara consents to parent the only way she knows how: with money, chocolate, and a gross deficit of experience.
Sara's hesitant presence divides Marina and Dylan. Marina doesn't believe that Sara is their mother. The woman's paper-thin lies suggest she might even be responsible for their mother's death. When Marina's suspicions spark an investigation, no one is prepared for the tragic truth or the powerful redemption that Marina's actions expose.
Narrated by a storyteller with more to lose than any other character, Motherless is a richly layered mystery about the power of perception--and deception--among people seeking forgiveness for irreversible sins.
On a rainy night seventeen years after his wife's presumed suicide, Garrett Becker sees her walking down the street. A car accident snatches him away from this world before he can reach her.
Marina has spent her whole life mothering her brother, who suffers from an anxiety disorder. After their father's accident, they face losing their home--the only place Dylan's fears are held at bay.
Crushing debt is just one of their father's secrets. Old keepsakes lead Dylan to believe their mother is alive and lives nearby. Sara Rochester is a successful chocolatier who doesn't dwell on her past and never expected the resurrection of its ghosts. But after Dylan confronts her, Sara consents to parent the only way she knows how: with money, chocolate, and a gross deficit of experience.
Sara's hesitant presence divides Marina and Dylan. Marina doesn't believe that Sara is their mother. The woman's paper-thin lies suggest she might even be responsible for their mother's death. When Marina's suspicions spark an investigation, no one is prepared for the tragic truth or the powerful redemption that Marina's actions expose.
Narrated by a storyteller with more to lose than any other character, Motherless is a richly layered mystery about the power of perception--and deception--among people seeking forgiveness for irreversible sins.
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2014
About the author
Erin Healy
14 books332 followersErin Healy is a supernatural-suspense novelist and an award-winning fiction editor. She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding stories before their collaboration on KISS, the first novel to seat her on "the other side of the desk."
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 9, 2017
Three and a half stars.
I’m not usually a fan of novels told from a dead person or disembodied voice’s point of view, which this book is. Consequently it took me a while to get into this novel because I kept having trouble suspending disbelief. At times I wondered whether I might simply give up, and yet something would not let me. I wanted to see where it was going and so I became involved in the story of Marina and Dylan whose mother went missing when Dylan was a baby. Though her body was ever found it is believed Misty committed suicide. But is that the case?
Marina and Dylan were interesting characters. Dylan is a young poet who has great difficulty leaving the house. Marina, his big sister does her best to accommodate Dylan’s foibles. There I also Sara, cousin to Marina’ and Dylan’s mother Misty. Or is she? Could there be another explanation. There are questions raised about Sara throughout the novel.
It is not only Marina and Dylan that don’t always understand what is going on. Neither does the reader. Some things about this book don’t appear at first to make sense, but they become clearer as it goes on. A couple of twists that made it an interesting read. I found myself quite keen to go with the flow and see where this book took me. A couple of plot points seemed a bit convenient or too easily resolved and certain aspects of the ending didn’t convince me completely. But, all in all, I enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would. If you want something a bit different you may also enjoy it. I'd be curious to read another story by this author.
I’m not usually a fan of novels told from a dead person or disembodied voice’s point of view, which this book is. Consequently it took me a while to get into this novel because I kept having trouble suspending disbelief. At times I wondered whether I might simply give up, and yet something would not let me. I wanted to see where it was going and so I became involved in the story of Marina and Dylan whose mother went missing when Dylan was a baby. Though her body was ever found it is believed Misty committed suicide. But is that the case?
Marina and Dylan were interesting characters. Dylan is a young poet who has great difficulty leaving the house. Marina, his big sister does her best to accommodate Dylan’s foibles. There I also Sara, cousin to Marina’ and Dylan’s mother Misty. Or is she? Could there be another explanation. There are questions raised about Sara throughout the novel.
It is not only Marina and Dylan that don’t always understand what is going on. Neither does the reader. Some things about this book don’t appear at first to make sense, but they become clearer as it goes on. A couple of twists that made it an interesting read. I found myself quite keen to go with the flow and see where this book took me. A couple of plot points seemed a bit convenient or too easily resolved and certain aspects of the ending didn’t convince me completely. But, all in all, I enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would. If you want something a bit different you may also enjoy it. I'd be curious to read another story by this author.
November 25, 2014
Looking back through my Goodreads account I see that I have read two other books by Erin Healy, and marked them both fairly low in stars. I remember why now.
Motherless starts off very confusing. You aren't even quite sure what you are reading about. It's very other worldly, and delves into the spirit world throughout. But in such an odd way. This book is not religious at all, until the very end when there is one page mentioning God. Which means that this book will appeal to everyone, and yet maybe make sense to no one.
Yet, towards the middle of the book it takes a complete one eighty and turns into something that you are least expecting. That was interesting. That makes for a good suspense book and does throw in the mystery.
I did stay up past midnight to finish this book, which means it was suspenseful. Yet I didn't really like it. So I'm not sure how to rate it because it was good enough to feel strong feelings for it - one way or the other but not necessarily one I would recommend!
Motherless starts off very confusing. You aren't even quite sure what you are reading about. It's very other worldly, and delves into the spirit world throughout. But in such an odd way. This book is not religious at all, until the very end when there is one page mentioning God. Which means that this book will appeal to everyone, and yet maybe make sense to no one.
Yet, towards the middle of the book it takes a complete one eighty and turns into something that you are least expecting. That was interesting. That makes for a good suspense book and does throw in the mystery.
I did stay up past midnight to finish this book, which means it was suspenseful. Yet I didn't really like it. So I'm not sure how to rate it because it was good enough to feel strong feelings for it - one way or the other but not necessarily one I would recommend!
December 1, 2014
“This is truth: we all tell the stories that we want to believe. We tell them for so long that we forget what we really know. Occasionally we convince others to believe them too.”
Motherless is the story of brother and sister, Marina and Dylan, who are coming to terms with the anticipated death of their father (he’s in an induced coma) having lost their mother many years earlier from an apparent suicide.
Marina, even though only a few years older than 16-year-old Dylan, has taken on many of the responsibilities of being a mother. She is especially protective of him as he suffers from agoraphobia, which can be tremendously debilitating.
Their story is told through the eyes of a first person narrator who has a particular interest in their welfare. This individual takes on a far greater role in their story and especially the key themes as it unfolds.
Healy uses vivid imagery in describing her characters, the Californian coast and the delicacies created by Sara, another key character. At any moment Healy is able to transport the reader into being a cocktail party guest, harvesting grapes in a vineyard or sitting on a surfboard waiting for the next set to roll in.
I particularly appreciated how Healy took me into Dylan’s mind, the young poet who was at his happiest surfing the break outside his home even though stepping out the front door to pop down to the shops crippled him with fear. I know what that feels like.
Lies, deception, grace and forgiveness. Key themes at the heart of most families as they reflect the darkness and light we all must navigate through life.
This is what makes this story so compelling: it could be any of our families that Healy has captured on the page.
Highly recommended.
Motherless is the story of brother and sister, Marina and Dylan, who are coming to terms with the anticipated death of their father (he’s in an induced coma) having lost their mother many years earlier from an apparent suicide.
Marina, even though only a few years older than 16-year-old Dylan, has taken on many of the responsibilities of being a mother. She is especially protective of him as he suffers from agoraphobia, which can be tremendously debilitating.
Their story is told through the eyes of a first person narrator who has a particular interest in their welfare. This individual takes on a far greater role in their story and especially the key themes as it unfolds.
Healy uses vivid imagery in describing her characters, the Californian coast and the delicacies created by Sara, another key character. At any moment Healy is able to transport the reader into being a cocktail party guest, harvesting grapes in a vineyard or sitting on a surfboard waiting for the next set to roll in.
I particularly appreciated how Healy took me into Dylan’s mind, the young poet who was at his happiest surfing the break outside his home even though stepping out the front door to pop down to the shops crippled him with fear. I know what that feels like.
Lies, deception, grace and forgiveness. Key themes at the heart of most families as they reflect the darkness and light we all must navigate through life.
This is what makes this story so compelling: it could be any of our families that Healy has captured on the page.
Highly recommended.
April 6, 2015
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Motherless by Erin Healy is one of those novels that gripped and intrigued me from the start and I couldn’t put it down. Packed with plenty of drama, suspense and mystery, this novel follows a tragically fractured family through secrets, guilt and lies to find the truth and hope. The story is well-paced and surprising, and in all the events of the novel, the narrator provides a unique perspective and insight. A powerful, compelling and touching story, Healy’s Motherless is an interesting read and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read more from Erin Healy in the future.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Motherless and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Motherless by Erin Healy is one of those novels that gripped and intrigued me from the start and I couldn’t put it down. Packed with plenty of drama, suspense and mystery, this novel follows a tragically fractured family through secrets, guilt and lies to find the truth and hope. The story is well-paced and surprising, and in all the events of the novel, the narrator provides a unique perspective and insight. A powerful, compelling and touching story, Healy’s Motherless is an interesting read and I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read more from Erin Healy in the future.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of Motherless and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
August 27, 2020
At times, Healy’s latest is just strange. It takes a while to get the idea of what is going on, and even then, perception may change again. The unique style and perspective make the book appealing, if one can get past the initial confusion.
Marina and Dylan’s mother apparently committed suicide many years ago, and now their father has just died in a tragic accident. Their mother’s cousin, Sara, might be the one to help, but it’s difficult to make the connection. Marina, now a young adult, feels responsible for Dylan, who suffers from anxiety disorders. They may lose their home and security, but someone is watching over them, trying to make right a wrong from the past.
Marina and Dylan’s mother apparently committed suicide many years ago, and now their father has just died in a tragic accident. Their mother’s cousin, Sara, might be the one to help, but it’s difficult to make the connection. Marina, now a young adult, feels responsible for Dylan, who suffers from anxiety disorders. They may lose their home and security, but someone is watching over them, trying to make right a wrong from the past.
December 12, 2020
Wow. Did not see that one coming. I love Healy's writing style and how she makes the characters ones you will not only care about, but miss once you finish the book. However, this book was a departure from the more supernaturally themed ones of hers I have read in the past.
If you enjoy suspense and the unknown, this book is for you. If you're seeking a book similar to the others, I would say this one stands apart from those with open endings or mysterious unfinished details. This book will make you think long and hard about the choices we make, parenting wins and losses and the reality of how those who love someone with mental illness never really know what to expect each day. A very powerful read, but one that is vastly different from Healy's other books.
Healy remains one of my favorite authors, and although the supernatural aspect was not as expected in this story, the characters are some of the most relatable. The reader roots for those facing such impossibly difficult situations and will feel visible relief when the good times come once the truth is revealed. Healy does not shy away from the tough stuff, which I appreciate.
If you enjoy suspense and the unknown, this book is for you. If you're seeking a book similar to the others, I would say this one stands apart from those with open endings or mysterious unfinished details. This book will make you think long and hard about the choices we make, parenting wins and losses and the reality of how those who love someone with mental illness never really know what to expect each day. A very powerful read, but one that is vastly different from Healy's other books.
Healy remains one of my favorite authors, and although the supernatural aspect was not as expected in this story, the characters are some of the most relatable. The reader roots for those facing such impossibly difficult situations and will feel visible relief when the good times come once the truth is revealed. Healy does not shy away from the tough stuff, which I appreciate.
December 2, 2018
It was just okay!
November 1, 2014
Life is all about perception - what we choose to see and how we choose to see it. Why do two people see the same thing in two completely different ways? The reasons can come from many different factors, but in the end it is based on their choice. They each choose to see the same thing very differently. Believing in their heart that their choice is the correct one, they mold their life around that choice in order to make everything bend to it. Every fiber of their being yearns for conformity in order to continue to feed and strengthen that belief. Where does wrong and right come into the picture? When does belief end and obsession begin? How does the mind draw lines in the sand to separate truth from lies, sanity from insanity, and hope from despair? These questions create a soundless hurricane that consume the hearts of some while it helps to hold others together as they meander down this path called life.
Nothing can prepare you for events that are so earth-shattering that they change the course of your life and those closest to you. No amount of pity, encouragement, or empathy can mend a tear so deep and devastating that you are no longer the same person that you were before it happened. This is how we are introduced to Garett and his kids Marina and Dylan. They have experienced such a disaster that even years later, they still don’t know how to move beyond the hurt and begin to heal. In the wake of yet another tragedy, this hurting family is offered a beacon of light in the form of a long, lost family member whose silent, debilitating pain equals their own. Sara learns of their recent loss and does all she can to reach them in the hopes of one day seeing this family become whole and experience the kind of healing that only hope and love can offer. Is Sara’s offering too little too late, or will the sacrifice of her broken heart be the catalyst that will start a wildfire that will sweep deep into the hearts of those around her bringing with it the unexpected and the unimaginable?
A couple of days have passed since I finished reading this story, and I still find myself dumfounded and speechless in the wake of its painful intensity and shocking revelations. While some have characterized me as tender hearted and sensitive, I like to think that it is a result of my introspective view of myself and the world around me. I am no stranger to the deep searing pain that is felt throughout these pages. While my story is different, it is still the same. It is on one level self-imposed and on another level forced upon me by others. While we live in different houses, come from different backgrounds, and live on different continents, we share the same heart and soul. Our human heart beats with hope for a time when we will no longer feel the pain we carry with us each day, and we hold onto an unspoken promise that there is more to this life then what we choose to see or not to see. A time will come when lies will fade and only the truth will stand before us shining with a brilliance that can blind us or set us free depending on which we choose.
Erin Healy has carved out a special place in my heart for her incredibly unique and deeply touching stories that make you feel like you matter, force you to think beyond the boundaries of our own mind, and breathe hope into the thought that the dreams contained in your heart were put there as a gift and not a curse. Motherless is not merely a story to be read and then put on a shelf and forgotten the next second. It is a pattern for a way of living life. We can’t live life on the outskirts passing by people quickly in fear that we will lose our heart if we dare to take a minute and look them in the eye. Living life with a healthy balance means allowing our heart to grow by reaching out to those who need the hope they see in you. Fear will push us away in order to protect ourselves, but love will push us into their arms where it wants to live, put down deep roots, and blossom in order to be passed on to the next hurting soul. Love is a guide, a friend, sometimes a matchmaker, but it is the only way to live a life worth living.
Nothing can prepare you for events that are so earth-shattering that they change the course of your life and those closest to you. No amount of pity, encouragement, or empathy can mend a tear so deep and devastating that you are no longer the same person that you were before it happened. This is how we are introduced to Garett and his kids Marina and Dylan. They have experienced such a disaster that even years later, they still don’t know how to move beyond the hurt and begin to heal. In the wake of yet another tragedy, this hurting family is offered a beacon of light in the form of a long, lost family member whose silent, debilitating pain equals their own. Sara learns of their recent loss and does all she can to reach them in the hopes of one day seeing this family become whole and experience the kind of healing that only hope and love can offer. Is Sara’s offering too little too late, or will the sacrifice of her broken heart be the catalyst that will start a wildfire that will sweep deep into the hearts of those around her bringing with it the unexpected and the unimaginable?
A couple of days have passed since I finished reading this story, and I still find myself dumfounded and speechless in the wake of its painful intensity and shocking revelations. While some have characterized me as tender hearted and sensitive, I like to think that it is a result of my introspective view of myself and the world around me. I am no stranger to the deep searing pain that is felt throughout these pages. While my story is different, it is still the same. It is on one level self-imposed and on another level forced upon me by others. While we live in different houses, come from different backgrounds, and live on different continents, we share the same heart and soul. Our human heart beats with hope for a time when we will no longer feel the pain we carry with us each day, and we hold onto an unspoken promise that there is more to this life then what we choose to see or not to see. A time will come when lies will fade and only the truth will stand before us shining with a brilliance that can blind us or set us free depending on which we choose.
Erin Healy has carved out a special place in my heart for her incredibly unique and deeply touching stories that make you feel like you matter, force you to think beyond the boundaries of our own mind, and breathe hope into the thought that the dreams contained in your heart were put there as a gift and not a curse. Motherless is not merely a story to be read and then put on a shelf and forgotten the next second. It is a pattern for a way of living life. We can’t live life on the outskirts passing by people quickly in fear that we will lose our heart if we dare to take a minute and look them in the eye. Living life with a healthy balance means allowing our heart to grow by reaching out to those who need the hope they see in you. Fear will push us away in order to protect ourselves, but love will push us into their arms where it wants to live, put down deep roots, and blossom in order to be passed on to the next hurting soul. Love is a guide, a friend, sometimes a matchmaker, but it is the only way to live a life worth living.
November 21, 2014
Some of the most memorable novels are the ones that don't follow the structure we would expect. It's like watching the movie, "The Sixth Sense," yes the one about a young boy who can see dead people who seeks the professional help of Bruce Willis, who promises to help him. It isn't until we get to the very end of the movie, when everything we have been led to believe comes completely unraveled as the real plot is revealed. It makes you realize not everything is as it seems. That is just what Erin Healy has managed to masterfully accomplish.
Now don't be misled by the questionable reviews out there. I honestly believe most didn't finish with the novel and see how it all is revealed by the end. I even, wondered to myself more than 100 pages in, how did I get so lost in this story. I wondered if I was the only one, was it worth digging in deeper to finish or should I throw my hands up in defeat and surrender. After all, all of the novels I have read from Erin Healy have been amazing. So I wondered just what is going on.
I don't want to give any of the details away, because those are so precious when you finally discover what is happening, I don't want to ruin it for you. What I will say is press on, because the prize is so worth it. This isn't like any other suspense novel I have ever read and the ending will completely turn you upside down. You will need to press on pass more than 100 pages in the beginning and give yourself a break from what you are trying to figure out. Don't!!! Simply take your time and read it as it is happening. Don't try to figure out anything, just take it as it comes. It will be so worth your time and I honestly believe you will LOVE it as much as I did. I did put it down for a few days while trying to figure out what I was going to do about finishing it. As an honest reviewer, I feel I am committed to providing an honest review of any novel I am asked to review, whether it is positive or negative.
To give you a brief overview of the novel without giving anything away, I will refer to the synopsis that Erin provides on her cover. "A whispering voice at the back of my mind reminds me that I've been this way for some time. Dead. That is."
"The dead have a very broad view of the living, of actions performed out of sight, of thoughts believed to be private. I would know. Losing both parents is a trial no child should endure, and Marina and Dylan have endured enough. They deserve the one thing I could never give them: a mother's love."
"A mother's love, and the truth."
"My children have believed a lie about me for years and years. After all this time, I can still feel their hurt in my heart. But the tether holding me to them is frayed from years of neglect... and I have to find a way to make my confession before it snaps."
"But when the truth comes out, what other beasts will I unleash?"
"Why do we lie to the children?" someone asked me once.
"To protect them," I answered.
"How terrible it is that they need protection from me."
I received Motherless by Erin Healy compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Shelton Interactive for my honest review. Besides receiving a free copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. This is such a great novel because it completely deviates from your standard novel. It doesn't follow scripted patterns you can easily figure out, it has you all over the place because as readers, we honestly are trying to figure it out before it ends. Erin, keeps your guessing. Everything I thought was tossed over the ocean cliff by the time I got to the final chapters. Don't even read the discussion guide questions for clues because you will ruin it for yourself. Keep pressing on despite how difficult the beginning may be. Even I struggled, but I persevered and for once it was SOOO worth it! Erin Healy is by far becoming one of my favorite authors because she doesn't write the novels you are expected, she gives you the unexpected and for me that was so refreshing. Hands down a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
Now don't be misled by the questionable reviews out there. I honestly believe most didn't finish with the novel and see how it all is revealed by the end. I even, wondered to myself more than 100 pages in, how did I get so lost in this story. I wondered if I was the only one, was it worth digging in deeper to finish or should I throw my hands up in defeat and surrender. After all, all of the novels I have read from Erin Healy have been amazing. So I wondered just what is going on.
I don't want to give any of the details away, because those are so precious when you finally discover what is happening, I don't want to ruin it for you. What I will say is press on, because the prize is so worth it. This isn't like any other suspense novel I have ever read and the ending will completely turn you upside down. You will need to press on pass more than 100 pages in the beginning and give yourself a break from what you are trying to figure out. Don't!!! Simply take your time and read it as it is happening. Don't try to figure out anything, just take it as it comes. It will be so worth your time and I honestly believe you will LOVE it as much as I did. I did put it down for a few days while trying to figure out what I was going to do about finishing it. As an honest reviewer, I feel I am committed to providing an honest review of any novel I am asked to review, whether it is positive or negative.
To give you a brief overview of the novel without giving anything away, I will refer to the synopsis that Erin provides on her cover. "A whispering voice at the back of my mind reminds me that I've been this way for some time. Dead. That is."
"The dead have a very broad view of the living, of actions performed out of sight, of thoughts believed to be private. I would know. Losing both parents is a trial no child should endure, and Marina and Dylan have endured enough. They deserve the one thing I could never give them: a mother's love."
"A mother's love, and the truth."
"My children have believed a lie about me for years and years. After all this time, I can still feel their hurt in my heart. But the tether holding me to them is frayed from years of neglect... and I have to find a way to make my confession before it snaps."
"But when the truth comes out, what other beasts will I unleash?"
"Why do we lie to the children?" someone asked me once.
"To protect them," I answered.
"How terrible it is that they need protection from me."
I received Motherless by Erin Healy compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Shelton Interactive for my honest review. Besides receiving a free copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. This is such a great novel because it completely deviates from your standard novel. It doesn't follow scripted patterns you can easily figure out, it has you all over the place because as readers, we honestly are trying to figure it out before it ends. Erin, keeps your guessing. Everything I thought was tossed over the ocean cliff by the time I got to the final chapters. Don't even read the discussion guide questions for clues because you will ruin it for yourself. Keep pressing on despite how difficult the beginning may be. Even I struggled, but I persevered and for once it was SOOO worth it! Erin Healy is by far becoming one of my favorite authors because she doesn't write the novels you are expected, she gives you the unexpected and for me that was so refreshing. Hands down a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
August 5, 2016
Erin Healy knows exactly how to lead us throughout the book, and follow the dramatic and moving story of a broken family.In this life full of lies, they must discover important values but the way it's not so easy to take.
Motherless is a unique story. It is narrated in the first person. The character moves from one scenario to another in a very strange way -as a ghost- and makes us wonder the reason why the character is in that state. Besides being the story of a mother, is that of a broken family living wrapped in a web of lies; and in the hour of truth, it will not be easy to accept, and what's more: forgiving.
The story is very dramatic and poignant, yet full of suspense and surprises. In the book there are many twists in the plot, that you can't speculate what's going to happen next.
If you've read any books by Erin Healy, you know that she has a particular and poignant way of telling things. Her novels always touch the heart, because you can identify some point in your life in the book.
Since the family is the center of the whole story, the issues it raises are very deep and I think it applies to anyone who feels that their family bond is riddled with lies. But Erin Healy, not satisfied with showing us the problems also leads us to a solution where we learn that all situations that seem torment us, have a solution.
I recieved a free eBook from BookLookBloogers but this fact didn't influence the review.
Motherless is a unique story. It is narrated in the first person. The character moves from one scenario to another in a very strange way -as a ghost- and makes us wonder the reason why the character is in that state. Besides being the story of a mother, is that of a broken family living wrapped in a web of lies; and in the hour of truth, it will not be easy to accept, and what's more: forgiving.
The story is very dramatic and poignant, yet full of suspense and surprises. In the book there are many twists in the plot, that you can't speculate what's going to happen next.
If you've read any books by Erin Healy, you know that she has a particular and poignant way of telling things. Her novels always touch the heart, because you can identify some point in your life in the book.
Since the family is the center of the whole story, the issues it raises are very deep and I think it applies to anyone who feels that their family bond is riddled with lies. But Erin Healy, not satisfied with showing us the problems also leads us to a solution where we learn that all situations that seem torment us, have a solution.
I recieved a free eBook from BookLookBloogers but this fact didn't influence the review.
December 10, 2014
Days after finishing it, I’m still thinking about this one. But that’s pretty typical for the way an Erin Healy novel affects me.
As usual, her prose is flawless, the characters multi-dimensional. The story is layered and complex, to the point that, yes, perhaps the narrative is a bit confusing. It’s the kind of story that you just have to hang on and trust to become clear. Which it does. But not immediately. And not all at once.
Perhaps because it did take time to untangle all the threads, I found myself becoming a mite impatient for things to actually happen. But of course, the intricate set-up was necessary in order to achieve the pay-off.
This was one of those books that after finishing the last page, I flipped right back to the beginning to read the first few pages again with fresh understanding. And appreciation. In fact, I daresay this novel would be even better enjoyed a second time ’round.
While Motherless is not one of my favorite of Healy’s–it is a rather somber tale–I did enjoy it. Most of all, I liked the way it left me mulling the hope-filled possibilities.
Thanks to BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
As usual, her prose is flawless, the characters multi-dimensional. The story is layered and complex, to the point that, yes, perhaps the narrative is a bit confusing. It’s the kind of story that you just have to hang on and trust to become clear. Which it does. But not immediately. And not all at once.
Perhaps because it did take time to untangle all the threads, I found myself becoming a mite impatient for things to actually happen. But of course, the intricate set-up was necessary in order to achieve the pay-off.
This was one of those books that after finishing the last page, I flipped right back to the beginning to read the first few pages again with fresh understanding. And appreciation. In fact, I daresay this novel would be even better enjoyed a second time ’round.
While Motherless is not one of my favorite of Healy’s–it is a rather somber tale–I did enjoy it. Most of all, I liked the way it left me mulling the hope-filled possibilities.
Thanks to BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
June 12, 2019
Erin is a talented author and I enjoyed reading Motherless. It does take a willingness to bend one's perceptions a bit as you grasp the various points of view from which the narrative is coming. Unable to say more without giving away too much of the story, I'll simply say that if you like novels with a bit of otherworldly aspects, you'll probably enjoy this one.
May 12, 2025
This was described as a complex and emotional web. It truly was that. And a kind of mystery too. Psychological, with so many viewpoints and so many lies intended to shield others from hurt. Sometimes it was hard to tell who is narrating, as it changes unexpectedly.
Engrossing!!! Not my usual read, but compelling.
Engrossing!!! Not my usual read, but compelling.
June 22, 2017
I admit I went into this one with questionable expectations, but it turned out alright. Not spectacular, but a nice little mystery going on here, some detective work... lies, convenient forgetfulness. Still a bit too "feel good" for me at the end, but okay overall.
May 7, 2021
I liked the book, it’s different. It led me down a path that what I thought turned out to be completely wrong. I wasn’t the only one from reading other reviews. Maybe not my exact kind of read but I like to mix it up and this achieved it’s purpose.
September 16, 2021
Great book.
Read
December 23, 2024Great story.
October 31, 2014
Motherless by Erin Healy is the suspense filled mystery of the year! This book will engage the reader from start to finish as the interlocking characters twist their way through the pages.
Motherless by Erin Healy has earned the title "top favorite fiction read of the year" award on my list! This novel to be released tomorrow (November 1, 2014) will have the reader shaking their head with intrigue as they forge ahead in rapid page turning succession (or swiping for those E-readers out there:). As with her previous books, it is difficult to put Motherless down once you get started.
Now, before I continue, I must confess that I am admittedly an Erin Healy enthusiast. I jumped aboard the "fan" wagon with her publication of the books: Afloat and Stranger Things and I somewhat obsessively watch for her new releases to snatch them up. Why? Because Erin not only entertains the reader with her creative mind, but she also manages to simultaneously bring awareness to a culturally relevant subject matter. The themes within her books are usually hot topic buttons that our society has tried to gently brush under the rug or items that we feel somewhat uncomfortable talking about.
Motherless by Erin Healy manages to present the subject of mental illness through the life of one of the main characters with a respectful authenticity that is very believable. The obstacles that an individual suffering with a mental health illness have placed before them are infinite and immense. The responsibility that a family dealing with an afflicted loved one must bear is communicated throughout the book with inventiveness and truth. The layers of guilt, shame and regret for past mistakes in the handling of the afflicted individuals behavior are also scrolled throughout the character's hearts and minds.
As I began reading the first few chapters of the book, I quickly found myself (for my older readers out there) thinking of the movie, Ghost with Patrick Swayze. The way in which the main character, Garrett is able to see the earthly happenings of his family and minimally convey his presence, despite their inability to make the connection is quite similar to the 1990 film. As the book proceeds, there is a similarity to Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Story released in 1893, wherein Ebenezer Scrooge finds himself reviewing his life with ghosts from the past. In this classic, of course, Scrooge takes a tally of all of the negative choices he has made while he inhabited the earth and applies them upon his awakening.
Do not be confused by my comparisons, however, this is not a rewrite of a tried and true Christmas time classic. This book is written for today's readers swirling through a wild current of mental health issues as lived out in the lives of several of the family members. Motherless by Erin Healy will take the reader on a compelling, rousing, and soul stirring journey. The message of hope and the constant undercurrent that God's grace and mercy really are enough to cover our inequities is an undeniable communication throughout the book. This work is a mysterious and complicated thriller that you won't want to miss!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc for this review copy of Motherless by Erin Healy. The thoughts expressed within this review are strictly my own. I was not required to give a favorable review of this work; I was only required to read the book in it's entirety and render a transparent opinion.
Motherless by Erin Healy has earned the title "top favorite fiction read of the year" award on my list! This novel to be released tomorrow (November 1, 2014) will have the reader shaking their head with intrigue as they forge ahead in rapid page turning succession (or swiping for those E-readers out there:). As with her previous books, it is difficult to put Motherless down once you get started.
Now, before I continue, I must confess that I am admittedly an Erin Healy enthusiast. I jumped aboard the "fan" wagon with her publication of the books: Afloat and Stranger Things and I somewhat obsessively watch for her new releases to snatch them up. Why? Because Erin not only entertains the reader with her creative mind, but she also manages to simultaneously bring awareness to a culturally relevant subject matter. The themes within her books are usually hot topic buttons that our society has tried to gently brush under the rug or items that we feel somewhat uncomfortable talking about.
Motherless by Erin Healy manages to present the subject of mental illness through the life of one of the main characters with a respectful authenticity that is very believable. The obstacles that an individual suffering with a mental health illness have placed before them are infinite and immense. The responsibility that a family dealing with an afflicted loved one must bear is communicated throughout the book with inventiveness and truth. The layers of guilt, shame and regret for past mistakes in the handling of the afflicted individuals behavior are also scrolled throughout the character's hearts and minds.
As I began reading the first few chapters of the book, I quickly found myself (for my older readers out there) thinking of the movie, Ghost with Patrick Swayze. The way in which the main character, Garrett is able to see the earthly happenings of his family and minimally convey his presence, despite their inability to make the connection is quite similar to the 1990 film. As the book proceeds, there is a similarity to Charles Dickens' novella A Christmas Story released in 1893, wherein Ebenezer Scrooge finds himself reviewing his life with ghosts from the past. In this classic, of course, Scrooge takes a tally of all of the negative choices he has made while he inhabited the earth and applies them upon his awakening.
Do not be confused by my comparisons, however, this is not a rewrite of a tried and true Christmas time classic. This book is written for today's readers swirling through a wild current of mental health issues as lived out in the lives of several of the family members. Motherless by Erin Healy will take the reader on a compelling, rousing, and soul stirring journey. The message of hope and the constant undercurrent that God's grace and mercy really are enough to cover our inequities is an undeniable communication throughout the book. This work is a mysterious and complicated thriller that you won't want to miss!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc for this review copy of Motherless by Erin Healy. The thoughts expressed within this review are strictly my own. I was not required to give a favorable review of this work; I was only required to read the book in it's entirety and render a transparent opinion.
July 16, 2016
A very deep, richly layered novel about guilt and forgiveness, responsibility and the motives behind it, love and family, but mostly about grace. It will leave you with a lot of food for thought.
Not for the ordinary reader.
You will like this novel if you are a fan of Ted Dekker (or from the non-religious authors think John Connolly and Stephen King, but without violence and sexual situations) and/or if you like a bit of magical realism in your read.
I am, so I was deeply impressed. This is one of the novels what grow on you and work within you. For now, I feel peaceful when thinking about the message of the help from the powers above.
Marina and Dylan have been motherless practically their whole lives. And now it seems that they are fatherless, too, after their Dad´s car accident and him being deep in a coma. Marina, 20, has been protecting her 16-year-old brother suffering from the panic attack, substituting the missing mother in the process. But now the unknown debts are piling and the responsibilities are too heavy for their young shoulders. But there is much more love around as it seems.
Sara, the cousin of their mother, has been feeling guilty for years because of the affair with the married man. Now, realizing that there is a need for help and maybe a possibility to settle the emotional debt, steps out to offer her money and her fragile heart.
And there are also some hidden powers at work - because the dead might also wish to be forgiven for their mistakes and to protect their loved ones.
In this process some hidden truths might go out into the light, like the one of what had really happened to Misty Rochester, the missing mother.
The title of Motherless is somehow confusing, or maybe "not enough" for me, because there is a spectre of motives here. Sure, the idea of a missing parent (both in physical and spiritual sense) is very strong and the authoress understands the pain behind it. But for me, this novel is more about forgiveness and grace, even in the situations we think we can´t be forgiven for our sins.
Another interesting point is that all of the characters in the book are good people. Sure, some are broken, some are already mended from brokenness, some of the youngsters are brats. But their intentions are good. They are making mistakes, they sin, but they care about the people.
And they also somehow misperceive the truth about them and the other people. Or they decide not to see the truth, to bury it very deep. Yep, not a good decision.
But the authoress´s hand is gentle when writing about these untruths, not in covering what is true and what is not, but in touching our scars. Because the untruth can scar us more than the truth itself.
I very much liked Sara Rochester, who is too good for her own good and who is hiding behind her guilt, unable to open the door to her heart - and yet running to help anyone.
And Dylan in his brilliance and the cage of his fears, but who is a fighter. Fingers crossed for your love story, bro!
And Ian, who is the haven in the storm. Fingers crossed for your love story, bro!
And all of them. Because I can somehow identify with everyone of them.
Some parts of this beautiful, difficult novel hit quite close to home. And yet, the message of grace is much stronger motive that any of the hits.
Deeply recommended.
Not for the ordinary reader.
You will like this novel if you are a fan of Ted Dekker (or from the non-religious authors think John Connolly and Stephen King, but without violence and sexual situations) and/or if you like a bit of magical realism in your read.
I am, so I was deeply impressed. This is one of the novels what grow on you and work within you. For now, I feel peaceful when thinking about the message of the help from the powers above.
Marina and Dylan have been motherless practically their whole lives. And now it seems that they are fatherless, too, after their Dad´s car accident and him being deep in a coma. Marina, 20, has been protecting her 16-year-old brother suffering from the panic attack, substituting the missing mother in the process. But now the unknown debts are piling and the responsibilities are too heavy for their young shoulders. But there is much more love around as it seems.
Sara, the cousin of their mother, has been feeling guilty for years because of the affair with the married man. Now, realizing that there is a need for help and maybe a possibility to settle the emotional debt, steps out to offer her money and her fragile heart.
And there are also some hidden powers at work - because the dead might also wish to be forgiven for their mistakes and to protect their loved ones.
In this process some hidden truths might go out into the light, like the one of what had really happened to Misty Rochester, the missing mother.
The title of Motherless is somehow confusing, or maybe "not enough" for me, because there is a spectre of motives here. Sure, the idea of a missing parent (both in physical and spiritual sense) is very strong and the authoress understands the pain behind it. But for me, this novel is more about forgiveness and grace, even in the situations we think we can´t be forgiven for our sins.
Another interesting point is that all of the characters in the book are good people. Sure, some are broken, some are already mended from brokenness, some of the youngsters are brats. But their intentions are good. They are making mistakes, they sin, but they care about the people.
And they also somehow misperceive the truth about them and the other people. Or they decide not to see the truth, to bury it very deep. Yep, not a good decision.
But the authoress´s hand is gentle when writing about these untruths, not in covering what is true and what is not, but in touching our scars. Because the untruth can scar us more than the truth itself.
I very much liked Sara Rochester, who is too good for her own good and who is hiding behind her guilt, unable to open the door to her heart - and yet running to help anyone.
And Dylan in his brilliance and the cage of his fears, but who is a fighter. Fingers crossed for your love story, bro!
And Ian, who is the haven in the storm. Fingers crossed for your love story, bro!
And all of them. Because I can somehow identify with everyone of them.
Some parts of this beautiful, difficult novel hit quite close to home. And yet, the message of grace is much stronger motive that any of the hits.
Deeply recommended.
December 9, 2014
When I finished reading Motherless by Erin Healy, I was emotionally spent, swept away and found myself wiping tears from my eyes. There are very few books that have had that kind of impact on me. I found myself leaning into the story to absorb as much as I could.
Motherless takes off from page one and grips the reader. It immediately immerses you into the story and you are invested in what is going on. Motherless combines the supernatural with a thriller and mystery and does it with such heart. I found myself trying to unravel what was going on and even when I knew what was happening, I would turn the page to a surprise I did not expect. Everything was well-thought out and well executed.
Highlights -
Characters who were imperfect. How nice it is to read about individuals that you can relate to. Things aren't wrapped up in a simple bow of misunderstanding. It can be hard to read about flaws, but it is also hard to ignore them in real life. I appreciate that Healy went there with realistic characters that were perfectly fleshed out.
Location, location, location. I was blown away by the descriptions of real locations I grew up going to in California. From the vineyards to Monastery Beach, I felt like I was right there. Even the homes and businesses were so perfectly described without imposing them on the reader. I saw it, I smelled it and I felt it.
Truly engaging, There were a lot of unanswered questions bouncing about in this story and each and everyone was answered. There were no rabbits pulled out of hats (in other words the story wasn't tweaked unbelievably to make things work). Everything made perfect sense.
All in all, I can say that I am glad that I read Motherless. It was a story that entertained me, made me think and gave me a new perspective on getting away and running away (you'll have to read the book to know what I'm talking about there). I would definitely give Motherless 5 Stars.
In full disclosure, I was given a copy of Motherless through a promotional team and publisher to facilitate my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest opinion.
November 10, 2014
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced copy. In exchange for a pre-publish copy I am giving an honest review.
What an odd book. It wasn't bad but I'm not sure I thought it was good either. My husband asked me what it was about and I never could come up with a description that would make sense.
The book is narrated by two people. It starts off being narrated by Misty, mother of two children and wife of Garrett. Misty is dead and she can still view the lives of her children and husband. Misty, in a manic place, walked into the ocean when Dylan, her son, was only three weeks old. Her daughter, Marina, was three and became a mommy figure to Dylan while their Dad did his best to move them on. Fast forward 16 years. Misty is looking in on her kids and Garrett and knows the time is coming for them to learn the truth soon about her disappearance and death. Confusing the situation is an accident Garrett is in, the reappearance of Misty's cousin Sara, and a story that doesn't quite tie together. "Why do we lie to the kids?" And the answer has been, "To protect them," but is that true? Have they been protected or was their damage just delayed 16 years?
Strange book. The narration was slightly blurred and when Misty's voice dropped off I was a bit confused for a page or two until I picked up who the next narrator was. Something about the story line frustrated me but also kept me reading so that the truth of Misty and Garrett and their family could be known. I sort of understand what Healy was attempting in her choice to narrate through Misty and the second person but something about that choice falls a bit flat, it is too vague and a little murky. Part of my frustration had to do with the character of Sara. She was cowardly with the truth and there was no reason to be. She came off as guilty of something when she wasn't guilty of anything. Like I said, I think I get what Healy was trying to accomplish with the story and the characters but I'm questioning that she was actually able to pull it off.
What an odd book. It wasn't bad but I'm not sure I thought it was good either. My husband asked me what it was about and I never could come up with a description that would make sense.
The book is narrated by two people. It starts off being narrated by Misty, mother of two children and wife of Garrett. Misty is dead and she can still view the lives of her children and husband. Misty, in a manic place, walked into the ocean when Dylan, her son, was only three weeks old. Her daughter, Marina, was three and became a mommy figure to Dylan while their Dad did his best to move them on. Fast forward 16 years. Misty is looking in on her kids and Garrett and knows the time is coming for them to learn the truth soon about her disappearance and death. Confusing the situation is an accident Garrett is in, the reappearance of Misty's cousin Sara, and a story that doesn't quite tie together. "Why do we lie to the kids?" And the answer has been, "To protect them," but is that true? Have they been protected or was their damage just delayed 16 years?
Strange book. The narration was slightly blurred and when Misty's voice dropped off I was a bit confused for a page or two until I picked up who the next narrator was. Something about the story line frustrated me but also kept me reading so that the truth of Misty and Garrett and their family could be known. I sort of understand what Healy was attempting in her choice to narrate through Misty and the second person but something about that choice falls a bit flat, it is too vague and a little murky. Part of my frustration had to do with the character of Sara. She was cowardly with the truth and there was no reason to be. She came off as guilty of something when she wasn't guilty of anything. Like I said, I think I get what Healy was trying to accomplish with the story and the characters but I'm questioning that she was actually able to pull it off.
November 4, 2014
The Becker family knows tragedy. Misty Becker, wife & mother of two, is presumed dead of an apparent suicide. Dylan & Marina were just babies when their mother left. Their father, Garrett, was never the same. Now, years after losing their mother, they may have lost their Dad, too.
Garrett has been in a car accident at his job sight. It appears the children have been orphaned. Both Marina & Dylan have constructed their own little worlds while all the while wondering about their mother.
Too young to remember much, they’ve long relied on the memories of others & trust in their father. But, when they realize that they are responsible to run the household; they must go through Garrett’s things. Instead of simply finding a will or bills, they find a full-fledged mystery with their parents in the center.
They aren’t as alone as they believe. Hovering around them, one of their parents watches on, attempting to guide their steps towards the answers they seek. Like a tidal wave, their secure world is crashing around them. Can they handle the real truth about their parents? What’s known can’t be unknown, but can they at least learn forgiveness?
Erin Healy grabbed my attention from the beginning. However, readers will need to be diligent when reading because the beginning chapters can be confusing. I was totally perplexed by which of the parents was near the children. But, once I caught on, I was hooked.
Avoid the temptation to fly through it to discover all the Becker’s mysteries. This novel deserves to be savored. It was fabulous. All families are flawed even if we don’t know it & the Becker’s’ flaws are part of their charm. Each family member has their own hurdles & readers will be able to relate to some if not all of them.
I highly recommend you give ‘Motherless’ a try. It’s a 5 star novel & well worth the read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Garrett has been in a car accident at his job sight. It appears the children have been orphaned. Both Marina & Dylan have constructed their own little worlds while all the while wondering about their mother.
Too young to remember much, they’ve long relied on the memories of others & trust in their father. But, when they realize that they are responsible to run the household; they must go through Garrett’s things. Instead of simply finding a will or bills, they find a full-fledged mystery with their parents in the center.
They aren’t as alone as they believe. Hovering around them, one of their parents watches on, attempting to guide their steps towards the answers they seek. Like a tidal wave, their secure world is crashing around them. Can they handle the real truth about their parents? What’s known can’t be unknown, but can they at least learn forgiveness?
Erin Healy grabbed my attention from the beginning. However, readers will need to be diligent when reading because the beginning chapters can be confusing. I was totally perplexed by which of the parents was near the children. But, once I caught on, I was hooked.
Avoid the temptation to fly through it to discover all the Becker’s mysteries. This novel deserves to be savored. It was fabulous. All families are flawed even if we don’t know it & the Becker’s’ flaws are part of their charm. Each family member has their own hurdles & readers will be able to relate to some if not all of them.
I highly recommend you give ‘Motherless’ a try. It’s a 5 star novel & well worth the read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
November 26, 2014
"This is the truth: we all tell the stories that we want to believe. We tell them for so long that we forget what we really know. Occasionally we convince others to believe them too."
Marina and Dylan are two siblings who find themselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty, faced with the sudden death of their father and the loss of the stable life they knew. Having already lost their mom at a young age, they now must forge a new path and find their way in a world where the things they'd believed about their parents bears little resemblance to the truth. As they search out what really happened in their family's past, they have no idea that the secrets they uncover will change everything...
"Motherless" is a wonderfully unique story, richly told from a first-person perspective of a character that will keep you guessing! In fact, rarely do I find myself in the middle of a book and suddenly find out that the assumptions I'd made out about the characters were completely wrong! I love those sorts of surprises, and that made me an instant fan of this book (though I will note my wife read the book with a similar sense of surprise and was not as pleased). Healy's writing is beautiful, and her pacing is perfect as she peels back the layers one by one to uncover the secrets that have been hidden for so long. The book explores the depths of human emotion, of wrong choices that lead to deep pain, pain that all too many readers will be able to identify with. The story resolves in a beautiful way, with the wonder of forgiveness offered for a sin that the world would argue doesn't deserve it. And that's where "motherless" really shines, celebrating the grace and forgiveness only God can provide, in the midst of a mysterious story unlike any other I have ever read.
I strongly recommend this well-written book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and the Booklook program, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
Marina and Dylan are two siblings who find themselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty, faced with the sudden death of their father and the loss of the stable life they knew. Having already lost their mom at a young age, they now must forge a new path and find their way in a world where the things they'd believed about their parents bears little resemblance to the truth. As they search out what really happened in their family's past, they have no idea that the secrets they uncover will change everything...
"Motherless" is a wonderfully unique story, richly told from a first-person perspective of a character that will keep you guessing! In fact, rarely do I find myself in the middle of a book and suddenly find out that the assumptions I'd made out about the characters were completely wrong! I love those sorts of surprises, and that made me an instant fan of this book (though I will note my wife read the book with a similar sense of surprise and was not as pleased). Healy's writing is beautiful, and her pacing is perfect as she peels back the layers one by one to uncover the secrets that have been hidden for so long. The book explores the depths of human emotion, of wrong choices that lead to deep pain, pain that all too many readers will be able to identify with. The story resolves in a beautiful way, with the wonder of forgiveness offered for a sin that the world would argue doesn't deserve it. And that's where "motherless" really shines, celebrating the grace and forgiveness only God can provide, in the midst of a mysterious story unlike any other I have ever read.
I strongly recommend this well-written book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and the Booklook program, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
November 24, 2014
Motherless by Erin Healy is a book that I will not soon forget. As I was nine chapters into the book, my son asked what it was about and I honestly told him I did not know. After responding I shushed him so I could keep reading.
To say this book got into my head would be an understatement. I feel like I can see Ted Dekker’s influence on Erin’s writing, as she has co-wrote books with him in the past. I loved this book. I loved that she jumped right into addressing issues like agrophobia (fear of going in public)but in a way that makes you feel the fear that Dylan feels. You almost fear for him, and fully understand him.
The way you will come to understand Marina and the weight she is caring around is just as real. Seeing her as a woman who has coped with the suicide of her mother after 17 years, and relating to her as a confidant. Seeing her hold her family together and willing to fight for their survival will endear her to you.
Motherless is a book that will take you on a journey that will leave you wondering where you went, and yet wanting to stay right there, or go further. Dylan and Marina are the children of Misty, who committed suicide weeks after Dylan’s birth. However it is not until their father dies in an accident that the secrets start to unfold.
I loved this book. I loved every single character, and each for differing reasons. Each character is working on their own issues, and yet they are not overly heavy – they are real. This book speaks a message of forgiveness, redemption, and love but does not preach it. I really love books that successfully can speak of God, yet without specific words. (hope that makes sense)
Probably one of the best books I have read this year, and I have read quite a few amazing books!! Personally I think this is Erin’s best work yet, and just shows the potential this amazing young author is bringing to the book world!! Can’t wait to read the next book!
I highly recommend this great story!!!
To say this book got into my head would be an understatement. I feel like I can see Ted Dekker’s influence on Erin’s writing, as she has co-wrote books with him in the past. I loved this book. I loved that she jumped right into addressing issues like agrophobia (fear of going in public)but in a way that makes you feel the fear that Dylan feels. You almost fear for him, and fully understand him.
The way you will come to understand Marina and the weight she is caring around is just as real. Seeing her as a woman who has coped with the suicide of her mother after 17 years, and relating to her as a confidant. Seeing her hold her family together and willing to fight for their survival will endear her to you.
Motherless is a book that will take you on a journey that will leave you wondering where you went, and yet wanting to stay right there, or go further. Dylan and Marina are the children of Misty, who committed suicide weeks after Dylan’s birth. However it is not until their father dies in an accident that the secrets start to unfold.
I loved this book. I loved every single character, and each for differing reasons. Each character is working on their own issues, and yet they are not overly heavy – they are real. This book speaks a message of forgiveness, redemption, and love but does not preach it. I really love books that successfully can speak of God, yet without specific words. (hope that makes sense)
Probably one of the best books I have read this year, and I have read quite a few amazing books!! Personally I think this is Erin’s best work yet, and just shows the potential this amazing young author is bringing to the book world!! Can’t wait to read the next book!
I highly recommend this great story!!!
November 19, 2014
Marina has spent her whole life, mothering her little brother Dylan, after her mother's presumed suicide seventeen years ago. After all, they have to call it a suicide. They have no body and she had a past of mental illness. That's all she's known. Untill one day her father gets into a car accident, that whisks him away from their world. Now Marina is trying to figure out how she and her brother will survive. They are in danger of losing their house on top of dealing without both parents. As she searches for the answers, secrets begin to be revealed. Dark, hideous secrets. And the answer to why her mother's body was never found. These secrets cast a dark shadow on her father, Garrett.
Garrett, being stuck between the two worlds, wishes he had the courage to tell his kids the truth so they wouldn't find out this way. Being too late, and not knowing wether he's alive or dead, Garrett watches as the secrets flow out. Like the waves on the beach where the lies began.
I really liked this book. It didn't turn out the way I thought it would. At times, I was confused at what was happening, but just as quickly as I was confused the answers came to me. I think it was an amazing book and a must read for suspense lovers.
About the Author
Erin Healy is the bestselling coauthor of Burn and Kiss (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for many bestselling authors. She is a member of ACFW and Academy of Christian Editors. Her novels include such thrilling stories as Never Let You Go, The Baker's Wife, Stranger Things, and Motherless. She and her family live in Colorado.
*I recieved a complimentary copy of this book, from BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for my honest review and opinon.*
Garrett, being stuck between the two worlds, wishes he had the courage to tell his kids the truth so they wouldn't find out this way. Being too late, and not knowing wether he's alive or dead, Garrett watches as the secrets flow out. Like the waves on the beach where the lies began.
I really liked this book. It didn't turn out the way I thought it would. At times, I was confused at what was happening, but just as quickly as I was confused the answers came to me. I think it was an amazing book and a must read for suspense lovers.
About the Author
Erin Healy is the bestselling coauthor of Burn and Kiss (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for many bestselling authors. She is a member of ACFW and Academy of Christian Editors. Her novels include such thrilling stories as Never Let You Go, The Baker's Wife, Stranger Things, and Motherless. She and her family live in Colorado.
*I recieved a complimentary copy of this book, from BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for my honest review and opinon.*
February 24, 2015
A wonderfully crafted story with an ending you won’t see coming.
Marina and Dylan have lived through more loss than most people their age should have to. Marina is twenty and Dylan is sixteen. When he was just a baby their mother killed herself and now their father has had an unexplainable accident and is in a coma, barely hanging on. Marina has tried to be both sister and mother all her life and now with their father gone she has even more put upon her. Dylan suffers from a phobia of crowds and unfamiliar places that has plaque him since his mother’s death. Together they try to pick up the pieces and move forward, but before they can they find more secrets that had been kept from them and one by one they start to unravel.
Throughout the story we see the story in a supernatural light. It is hard to tell at times who is speaking. Regardless the story comes across and the writing is Healy’s best. It takes a little patience to get into the story and follow where it is going but completely worth it. Healy is a superb writer, unlike any other out there. The pace of the story works perfect. Even if it is a slow start it won’t stay that way. Each page I found myself wondering ore and more what was going to happen as they mystery thickened. The secrets held within the family threaten to tear them apart but ultimately are what hold them all together. Each character brought just the right amount of mystery, suspense, drama and everything else you can think of to the story that kept the pages turning.
I have been a fan of Erin Healy for a long time and each time she produces another novel I know I will be entertained and surprised with what I read. It is hard to ask for more than that when picking up a book and investing as much time as you do.
Marina and Dylan have lived through more loss than most people their age should have to. Marina is twenty and Dylan is sixteen. When he was just a baby their mother killed herself and now their father has had an unexplainable accident and is in a coma, barely hanging on. Marina has tried to be both sister and mother all her life and now with their father gone she has even more put upon her. Dylan suffers from a phobia of crowds and unfamiliar places that has plaque him since his mother’s death. Together they try to pick up the pieces and move forward, but before they can they find more secrets that had been kept from them and one by one they start to unravel.
Throughout the story we see the story in a supernatural light. It is hard to tell at times who is speaking. Regardless the story comes across and the writing is Healy’s best. It takes a little patience to get into the story and follow where it is going but completely worth it. Healy is a superb writer, unlike any other out there. The pace of the story works perfect. Even if it is a slow start it won’t stay that way. Each page I found myself wondering ore and more what was going to happen as they mystery thickened. The secrets held within the family threaten to tear them apart but ultimately are what hold them all together. Each character brought just the right amount of mystery, suspense, drama and everything else you can think of to the story that kept the pages turning.
I have been a fan of Erin Healy for a long time and each time she produces another novel I know I will be entertained and surprised with what I read. It is hard to ask for more than that when picking up a book and investing as much time as you do.
November 6, 2014
Where do I start this review about Erin Healy’s newest novel? New mother Misty disappeared 16 years ago. Her body was never found, but it’s presumed she killed herself at a notorious stretch of California’s Pacific coast. Now, her husband’s vehicle has plunged into the foundations of a building project and their two children must figure out how to survive life without either parent. Marina is 20 and the fierce protector of her agoraphobic 16 year old brother. While going through family documents, they come across photographs that make them wonder if their mother could possibly still be alive.
The siblings’ actions are viewed through the eyes of a supernatural being, a being that can ‘transport’ from place to place, but cannot move through walls. This being has watched over Marina and Dylan for years. Not only are the siblings observed, but also a chocolatier named Sara and her vintner friend and colleague, Ian. I found this perspective weird, but it wasn’t weird enough to stop reading. In fact, I found it strangely compelling. Then, something happened that turned everything I thought I knew on its head.
Motherless is a powerful book that left me stunned and in tears. I knew before the end that I would have to re-read it. My presumptions kept changing as the narrative developed and yet I was unable to solve the mystery before it was revealed. Motherless is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Tiffany Ballard of Shelton Interactive for my complimentary electronic copy of Motherless, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
The siblings’ actions are viewed through the eyes of a supernatural being, a being that can ‘transport’ from place to place, but cannot move through walls. This being has watched over Marina and Dylan for years. Not only are the siblings observed, but also a chocolatier named Sara and her vintner friend and colleague, Ian. I found this perspective weird, but it wasn’t weird enough to stop reading. In fact, I found it strangely compelling. Then, something happened that turned everything I thought I knew on its head.
Motherless is a powerful book that left me stunned and in tears. I knew before the end that I would have to re-read it. My presumptions kept changing as the narrative developed and yet I was unable to solve the mystery before it was revealed. Motherless is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Tiffany Ballard of Shelton Interactive for my complimentary electronic copy of Motherless, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2015
If I had to pick three words to describe my feelings while reading Erin Healy's Motherless, they would be:
Introspective. Detailed. Mysterious.
Erin's descriptions come off the page and swirl into filmy existence like smoke from wet wood. They create a "presence" that is as eery as her plot.
I will leave discussion of most of the plot to the description below and instead focus on my thoughts on the book as a whole without many specifics. It's one of those books you need to experience in order to understand.
I will say her approach was very interesting, taking the viewpoint that she does and telling the story as she has. From the plot arise questions about life, death, truth, lies, and a sense of the intricacies of life seen from an unusual perspective.
I enjoyed this book, however it wasn't what I was expecting. Then again, I'm not sure I knew what to expect. Expectations aside, it's well written, beautiful descriptive, slightly haunting, very intriguing, and has a touch of light suspense. If you've enjoyed Erin's previous novels I'm sure you will enjoy this.
I will give it four stars and would recommend it to someone willing to be mentally involved with an issue and happy to be led on a slower paced, intriguing mission in pursuit of truth. You will be surprised, if not content with what you discover.
Originally posted on: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2015/01...
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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
Introspective. Detailed. Mysterious.
Erin's descriptions come off the page and swirl into filmy existence like smoke from wet wood. They create a "presence" that is as eery as her plot.
I will leave discussion of most of the plot to the description below and instead focus on my thoughts on the book as a whole without many specifics. It's one of those books you need to experience in order to understand.
I will say her approach was very interesting, taking the viewpoint that she does and telling the story as she has. From the plot arise questions about life, death, truth, lies, and a sense of the intricacies of life seen from an unusual perspective.
I enjoyed this book, however it wasn't what I was expecting. Then again, I'm not sure I knew what to expect. Expectations aside, it's well written, beautiful descriptive, slightly haunting, very intriguing, and has a touch of light suspense. If you've enjoyed Erin's previous novels I'm sure you will enjoy this.
I will give it four stars and would recommend it to someone willing to be mentally involved with an issue and happy to be led on a slower paced, intriguing mission in pursuit of truth. You will be surprised, if not content with what you discover.
Originally posted on: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2015/01...
_______________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
September 12, 2016
I like Healy, and was excited to read another title by her. I have to admit, this started off slow, and I wasn't sure I was going to continue, and then I got hooked around the end of the second chapter. But a few chapters later, when one of our main characters contemplates assisting in Grand Theft Auto, I just could not continue. I mean, I get it and why Healy includes this for the plot, but as someone who works in law enforcement, I just can't stomach reading about characters who make these choices. SO I had to abandon the book. The writing was solid, and I'm sure there's a great story going on, just not one that I could appreciate.
July 4, 2015
Erin Healy is one of the only authors whose books I will buy without having read them first. They are well-plotted, intriguing, and have relatable characters, and this book was no exception.
The story is narrated by a ghost-like observer (one of the parents of Marina and Dylan) who is able to hear the thoughts of the living and to transport from one place to another in a moment. This makes for a very interesting narrative, as we can hear and see all of the different characters' thoughts and memories. We can experience what each person is experiencing.
This seemingly omniscient narrator is what makes the plot so confusing and I mean this in the best way. I kept running down rabbit trails and getting caught on red herrings trying to figure out what was going on. Who is telling the truth, who is lying? I unfortunately can't fully discuss my thoughts as that would spoil the reading experience, but be assured the denouement is satisfactory and the tangled web is unwoven (for the most part ;).
I also really enjoyed the characters. Although I didn't always agree with their decisions, I always felt empathy for their predicaments and tragedies. I think my favorite character was Dylan. He has agoraphobia, but he is really just a regular boy with regular interests; he is well-rounded and well-written.
In the end, it was a very enjoyable and suspenseful read; I was wide-eyed and gripping the book intensely for the last several chapters. I highly recommend it!
Note: I received an ARC of this book in a giveaway from Erin Healy; this did not affect my review in any way.
The story is narrated by a ghost-like observer (one of the parents of Marina and Dylan) who is able to hear the thoughts of the living and to transport from one place to another in a moment. This makes for a very interesting narrative, as we can hear and see all of the different characters' thoughts and memories. We can experience what each person is experiencing.
This seemingly omniscient narrator is what makes the plot so confusing and I mean this in the best way. I kept running down rabbit trails and getting caught on red herrings trying to figure out what was going on. Who is telling the truth, who is lying? I unfortunately can't fully discuss my thoughts as that would spoil the reading experience, but be assured the denouement is satisfactory and the tangled web is unwoven (for the most part ;).
I also really enjoyed the characters. Although I didn't always agree with their decisions, I always felt empathy for their predicaments and tragedies. I think my favorite character was Dylan. He has agoraphobia, but he is really just a regular boy with regular interests; he is well-rounded and well-written.
In the end, it was a very enjoyable and suspenseful read; I was wide-eyed and gripping the book intensely for the last several chapters. I highly recommend it!
Note: I received an ARC of this book in a giveaway from Erin Healy; this did not affect my review in any way.
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