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Stillwater Bay #.5
Before the Storm
Fans of Jodi Picoult and Elin Hilderbrand will fall in love with this new series that sets the stage for her upcoming novel, Stillwater Rising, from NY Times bestselling author Steena Holmes.
Before the first shots are fired within the walls of Stillwater Elementary School, life went on as normal for five women who were close friends. Their monthly girls' night was coming up and they couldn't wait to get together. They all needed this night to run away and be carefree - from their husbands, their children, their church - with no expectations, no responsibilities, where they weren't mothers or wives.
No one expected their lives to be torn apart, their friendships tested in one short minute when their town is rocked by a danger lurking in their tight-knit community.
This novella gives you a glimpse into the town of Stillwater Bay and its residents. You will see what their lives were like BEFORE the storm that rocked their little community descended upon them.
This is a novella and comes before Stillwater Rising and a portion of proceeds from this novella will be donated to KidsPeace.org to help stop school violence.
Before the first shots are fired within the walls of Stillwater Elementary School, life went on as normal for five women who were close friends. Their monthly girls' night was coming up and they couldn't wait to get together. They all needed this night to run away and be carefree - from their husbands, their children, their church - with no expectations, no responsibilities, where they weren't mothers or wives.
No one expected their lives to be torn apart, their friendships tested in one short minute when their town is rocked by a danger lurking in their tight-knit community.
This novella gives you a glimpse into the town of Stillwater Bay and its residents. You will see what their lives were like BEFORE the storm that rocked their little community descended upon them.
This is a novella and comes before Stillwater Rising and a portion of proceeds from this novella will be donated to KidsPeace.org to help stop school violence.
- GenresFiction
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
About the author
Steena Holmes
60 books1,602 followersSteena Holmes is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with nearly 3 million copies of her titles sold worldwide, including The Patient, The Forgotten Ones, and Sister Under the Stairs.
Named in the Top 20 Women Author to Read by Good Housekeeping, she won the National Indie Excellence Award for her breakout novel Finding Emma and the USA Book News Award for The Word Game. Steena has been featured in various newspapers and magazines, websites such as Goodreads, BookBub, RedBook, Glamour, Coastal Living and Goodhousekeeping.
One of Steena's passions is to travel with her readers, so she created her Sweet Tours, where she shares her love for the sweet life with her readers, whether in Paris, Italy, or exploring Christmas Markets.
To learn more about her books and join her on the next Sweet Tour, visit her website at http://www.steenaholmes.com.
You can also find Steena on the web at:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsteenaholmes
Facebook: SteenaHolmes.author
LIST OF HER NOVELS STARTING FROM MOST RECENT:
SHE TOOK MY BABY
THE GIRLS IN THE BASEMENT (follow up to The Sister Under the Stairs)
THE TWIN
ENGAGED TO A SERIAL KILLER
THE SISTER UNDER THE STAIRS
THE PATIENT
THE FORGOTTEN ONES
SAVING ABBY & ABBY'S JOURNEY
THE WORD GAME
Stillwater Bay Series:
Stillwater Shores
Stillwater Rising
Stillwater Tides
Stillwater Deep
The Memory Child & The Memory Journal
FINDING EMMA series:
Finding Emma
Dear Jack
Emma's Secret
Dottie's Memories
Megan's Hope
Named in the Top 20 Women Author to Read by Good Housekeeping, she won the National Indie Excellence Award for her breakout novel Finding Emma and the USA Book News Award for The Word Game. Steena has been featured in various newspapers and magazines, websites such as Goodreads, BookBub, RedBook, Glamour, Coastal Living and Goodhousekeeping.
One of Steena's passions is to travel with her readers, so she created her Sweet Tours, where she shares her love for the sweet life with her readers, whether in Paris, Italy, or exploring Christmas Markets.
To learn more about her books and join her on the next Sweet Tour, visit her website at http://www.steenaholmes.com.
You can also find Steena on the web at:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsteenaholmes
Facebook: SteenaHolmes.author
LIST OF HER NOVELS STARTING FROM MOST RECENT:
SHE TOOK MY BABY
THE GIRLS IN THE BASEMENT (follow up to The Sister Under the Stairs)
THE TWIN
ENGAGED TO A SERIAL KILLER
THE SISTER UNDER THE STAIRS
THE PATIENT
THE FORGOTTEN ONES
SAVING ABBY & ABBY'S JOURNEY
THE WORD GAME
Stillwater Bay Series:
Stillwater Shores
Stillwater Rising
Stillwater Tides
Stillwater Deep
The Memory Child & The Memory Journal
FINDING EMMA series:
Finding Emma
Dear Jack
Emma's Secret
Dottie's Memories
Megan's Hope
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 27, 2017
3 yrs. ago at Stillwater Elementary School there had been a horrific shooting.
6/21, Stillwater Bay. 12 families were there today to reconnect with each other & remember their lost loved ones.
Julia Berry’s (Charlotte’s BFF) son Gabriel Berry had walked into the public school & gunned down 10 students & 2 teachers.
Reverend Mark Giffin lead the service.
Julie was the owner of The Treasure Chest. Gina was employed there.
Why did Wilfred Sawyer call Jennifer “Jenn” Crowne (wife/mother)?
Will Stillwater finally recover?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written hometown tragedy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great hometown tragedy movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Press Inc.; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
6/21, Stillwater Bay. 12 families were there today to reconnect with each other & remember their lost loved ones.
Julia Berry’s (Charlotte’s BFF) son Gabriel Berry had walked into the public school & gunned down 10 students & 2 teachers.
Reverend Mark Giffin lead the service.
Julie was the owner of The Treasure Chest. Gina was employed there.
Why did Wilfred Sawyer call Jennifer “Jenn” Crowne (wife/mother)?
Will Stillwater finally recover?
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written hometown tragedy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great hometown tragedy movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Author; Press Inc.; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 14, 2016
Steena Holmes, thank you for this short story. The characters are well developed, the plot engaging and the descriptions vivid. I really loved the setting as it sounds like a great summer place. I will definitely be reading this series!
April 2, 2015
This is the first book in the Stillwater Bay series. I was offered an ARC by the author for an honest opinion of this novella.
Set in a small close knit town, you get to know many of the individuals in this story, their personalities, families and friends before a tragedy happens and turns their lives upside down. I truly enjoyed the characters who were easy to get to know and the small town atmosphere sounds like an idyllic place to live.
The next book in the series is Stillwater Rising which you won't want to miss. Both of these books will be available later this year.
Congratulations to Steena Holmes for a job well done! I will be looking forward to more books in this series also.
Set in a small close knit town, you get to know many of the individuals in this story, their personalities, families and friends before a tragedy happens and turns their lives upside down. I truly enjoyed the characters who were easy to get to know and the small town atmosphere sounds like an idyllic place to live.
The next book in the series is Stillwater Rising which you won't want to miss. Both of these books will be available later this year.
Congratulations to Steena Holmes for a job well done! I will be looking forward to more books in this series also.
September 28, 2014
Amazing! The way the book is written, it will touch your heart, invoke different emotions and heals with love. The theme of Before the Storm is tragic, but has truly happened way to often. Ms. Holmes writes with insight and sensitive about the victim's family and the Mother of the shooter. Best friends friendships are tested, a small town is devastated and marriages are unraveling. I would highly recommend this book to everyone! Ms. Holmes is a gifted writer that draws you into her books and you won't put it down until the last page.
March 30, 2015
Fans of Jodi Picoult and Elin Hilderbrand will fall in love with this new series that sets the stage for her upcoming novel, Stillwater Rising, from NY Times bestselling author Steena Holmes.
Before the first shots are fired within the walls of Stillwater Elementary School, life went on as normal for five women who were close friends. Their monthly girls' night was coming up and they couldn't wait to get together. They all needed this night to run away and be carefree - from their husbands, their children, their church - with no expectations, no responsibilities, where they weren't mothers or wives.
No one expected their lives to be torn apart, their friendships tested in one short minute when their town is rocked by a danger lurking in their tight-knit community. I can't wait to read more about Stillwater and all the inhabitants and find out how each come to terms with what is left of the devastation and violence and the decisions each one has made.
This novella gives you a glimpse into the town of Stillwater Bay and its residents. You will see what their lives were like BEFORE the storm that rocked their little community descended upon them.
This is a novella and comes before Stillwater Rising and a portion of proceeds from this novella will be donated to KidsPeace.org to help stop school violence.
--My thoughts. I love Stillwater even more after reading this one. I love each lady even more now, reading a little bit of background, setting it up. Having read Stillwater Rising first, and now Before the Storm second. Sigh, each lady is so good, I couldn't possibly pick a favorite now. Each lady is complicated and woven together so wonderfully I sigh with each page turned.
You will get the background on Gabriel, you will be sad when the last page comes, wanting more and it ended way too soon for me. This has no happy ending, as it doesn't in real life either. How can we not want to read this book and realize we can't hide from this? Also, this book is wonderful purchase, since the proceeds go towards kidspeace.org... happy reading!!!
Before the first shots are fired within the walls of Stillwater Elementary School, life went on as normal for five women who were close friends. Their monthly girls' night was coming up and they couldn't wait to get together. They all needed this night to run away and be carefree - from their husbands, their children, their church - with no expectations, no responsibilities, where they weren't mothers or wives.
No one expected their lives to be torn apart, their friendships tested in one short minute when their town is rocked by a danger lurking in their tight-knit community. I can't wait to read more about Stillwater and all the inhabitants and find out how each come to terms with what is left of the devastation and violence and the decisions each one has made.
This novella gives you a glimpse into the town of Stillwater Bay and its residents. You will see what their lives were like BEFORE the storm that rocked their little community descended upon them.
This is a novella and comes before Stillwater Rising and a portion of proceeds from this novella will be donated to KidsPeace.org to help stop school violence.
--My thoughts. I love Stillwater even more after reading this one. I love each lady even more now, reading a little bit of background, setting it up. Having read Stillwater Rising first, and now Before the Storm second. Sigh, each lady is so good, I couldn't possibly pick a favorite now. Each lady is complicated and woven together so wonderfully I sigh with each page turned.
You will get the background on Gabriel, you will be sad when the last page comes, wanting more and it ended way too soon for me. This has no happy ending, as it doesn't in real life either. How can we not want to read this book and realize we can't hide from this? Also, this book is wonderful purchase, since the proceeds go towards kidspeace.org... happy reading!!!
October 8, 2014
Steena Holmes does it again, flawlessly telling a very difficult story with ease, heart and dignity to all characters involved. This had to be a difficult story to decide to tell, as it is a heart-wrenching story of a school shooting that took place at the local Elementary School in Stillwater Bay, Washington, USA.
The shooter was a 16 year old boy named Gabriel Berry. When we hear of these stories in the headlines, we often forget that the Mother of the shooter is mourning the loss of her child and the tragedy their child caused. Steena taught me that Gabriel’s Mother, Julie deserves as much support as the parents and families of the other victims. Ostracizing is not an option! What a wake-up call that was!! Impressive storytelling to say the least.
We are introduced to a flurry of families within this close knit community, with the main characters all being the closest of friends. We are introduced to a group of women that gather each month to get a break to just “be”. There is Charlotte, Jenn, Ann-Marie, Lacie, and even Julia; Gabriel’s mother. I fell in love with everyone’s family, history, and each woman tugged at a different part of my heart strings.
One of the most touching sentences was “a senseless act as the world looked on”. When these types of events happen, families cannot mourn in private. Steena Holmes gave me an entirely new outlook. I am grateful for having read this story.
You will walk away feeling different about these events. You will put the book down with a tear rolling down your check, googling to see when the sequel comes out.
My heart broke, and I anxiously wait to learn how this community heals.
This was one of the most important fictional stories I have ever read, to say the least.
The shooter was a 16 year old boy named Gabriel Berry. When we hear of these stories in the headlines, we often forget that the Mother of the shooter is mourning the loss of her child and the tragedy their child caused. Steena taught me that Gabriel’s Mother, Julie deserves as much support as the parents and families of the other victims. Ostracizing is not an option! What a wake-up call that was!! Impressive storytelling to say the least.
We are introduced to a flurry of families within this close knit community, with the main characters all being the closest of friends. We are introduced to a group of women that gather each month to get a break to just “be”. There is Charlotte, Jenn, Ann-Marie, Lacie, and even Julia; Gabriel’s mother. I fell in love with everyone’s family, history, and each woman tugged at a different part of my heart strings.
One of the most touching sentences was “a senseless act as the world looked on”. When these types of events happen, families cannot mourn in private. Steena Holmes gave me an entirely new outlook. I am grateful for having read this story.
You will walk away feeling different about these events. You will put the book down with a tear rolling down your check, googling to see when the sequel comes out.
My heart broke, and I anxiously wait to learn how this community heals.
This was one of the most important fictional stories I have ever read, to say the least.
September 28, 2014
I finished the book yesterday but I am reading it again. I will write my review when I have finished re reading. :)
Before the Storm by Steena Holmes: coming out on October 7th 2014
I was happy to be allowed to read an ARC of this novella. It is a prequel to her Stillwater Rising book which will be released on November 11th 2014. I was also able to read that one early and loved it.
Note, its good to pay attention to the Chapter titles, they have information that helps. I have a tendency to dive into a book and pay no attention to Chapter one etc. But sometimes, there is information that keeps you from getting confused. This novella introduces the characters you will meet in the Stillwater Rising book and gives you some back story on them. Get to know the five women who are best friends and their families. There is a secret being kept that will disturb the tranquility in this close knit town. Read this book and the one to follow to find out what it is.
This author makes me want to live in Stillwater Bay and have friends like these five women,who have get togethers and dinners and lunches out.
Before the Storm by Steena Holmes: coming out on October 7th 2014
I was happy to be allowed to read an ARC of this novella. It is a prequel to her Stillwater Rising book which will be released on November 11th 2014. I was also able to read that one early and loved it.
Note, its good to pay attention to the Chapter titles, they have information that helps. I have a tendency to dive into a book and pay no attention to Chapter one etc. But sometimes, there is information that keeps you from getting confused. This novella introduces the characters you will meet in the Stillwater Rising book and gives you some back story on them. Get to know the five women who are best friends and their families. There is a secret being kept that will disturb the tranquility in this close knit town. Read this book and the one to follow to find out what it is.
This author makes me want to live in Stillwater Bay and have friends like these five women,who have get togethers and dinners and lunches out.
March 30, 2017
I liked it but don't bother if you aren't going to read the rest of the series because this book leaves you hanging. The book was divided by Chapters that each focused on a character and how their lives intertwined with the other characters' lives. I was looking for an easy read and it didn't fail me there although the subject was a bit difficult.
November 21, 2015
A short introduction to the lives of the women whose world's are about to be forever different. I enjoyed learning where things stood before I dive into Stillwater Rising.
January 12, 2016
I'm glad I read this before I read Stillwater Rising. It was a good introduction to the characters and town.
December 8, 2017
Stillwater Shores is a very poignant novel, which represents the first chapter in the touching Stillwater Bay Series.
As a prequel to Stillwater Rising, this book introduces the reader to the quiet town of Stillwater Bay and its residents. Immediately you can understand how the characters really enjoy being part of this town which is intended more like a big family, with all its little daily habits and supportive gestures.
Here five close friends, each one with a different personality, ambition, and family situation, but all linked by a deep bond are finally looking for their next girls’ night.
In Stillwater Shores, Steena describes all the characters and their friendship extraordinarily, and through an acute observation, shows the strength and the fragilities of the human relationships, when a dramatic event weakens them.
The novel starts during the victim’s funeral day and introduces the reader to the suffering of the community. Follows a flashback to what seems an ordinary morning, which shows the reader how was the life of these women before those tremendous shots in the elementary school.
Steena is amazing in describing how the ordinary life of these women, linked by a deep friendship, was dramatically overturned. This very well written novel shows how unpredictable life is, and how sometimes a strong bond could help to heal such immense suffering. Although life can be very hard and there are unfillable voids, solidarity remains the chance to find a reason to live.
I've received a Kindle version of this prequel when I signed up to receive the author's newsletter.
As a prequel to Stillwater Rising, this book introduces the reader to the quiet town of Stillwater Bay and its residents. Immediately you can understand how the characters really enjoy being part of this town which is intended more like a big family, with all its little daily habits and supportive gestures.
Here five close friends, each one with a different personality, ambition, and family situation, but all linked by a deep bond are finally looking for their next girls’ night.
In Stillwater Shores, Steena describes all the characters and their friendship extraordinarily, and through an acute observation, shows the strength and the fragilities of the human relationships, when a dramatic event weakens them.
The novel starts during the victim’s funeral day and introduces the reader to the suffering of the community. Follows a flashback to what seems an ordinary morning, which shows the reader how was the life of these women before those tremendous shots in the elementary school.
Steena is amazing in describing how the ordinary life of these women, linked by a deep friendship, was dramatically overturned. This very well written novel shows how unpredictable life is, and how sometimes a strong bond could help to heal such immense suffering. Although life can be very hard and there are unfillable voids, solidarity remains the chance to find a reason to live.
I've received a Kindle version of this prequel when I signed up to receive the author's newsletter.
April 23, 2021
This is the first book in the Stillwater Bay series. I have always loved Steena Holmes books, and this book is just as amazing as her other books I've read. In this series, the small town of Stillwater has been completely turned upside down by a shooting at an elementary school, where so many innocent lives were lost. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat! So many emotions as I was reading this. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
August 26, 2019
I'm really enjoying this series on the healing of a group of different women in a small town in which a school shooter killed 13 people in an elementary school. This focuses on the aftermath. I am on book 3 and enjoying the entire series.
January 12, 2022
Wow, what a gripping and emotional story. You are deeply immersed in the lives of the residents of Stillwater before the unimaginable happens, a school shooting. You will feel so many emotions while reading this story. Grab the tissues!
May 16, 2017
I received this book for my Kindle for free for signing up for the author's newsletter. It is a prequel novella to her Stillwater series. It definitely made me want to read the series!
November 13, 2017
Excellent! Looking forward to the rest of the series!!
December 18, 2017
This novella certainly made me interested to read the rest of this series!
November 18, 2019
A quick read, it was good to reacquaint myself with the characters in this series before reading the next book.
August 29, 2021
While this book does not fit into my usual stable of Science Fiction and Fantasy reads, Steena has a way of bringing the raw emotions of her characters out in a way that left me saying "wow".
May 10, 2022
Loved this novella but it was heartbreaking.
June 1, 2018
Great continuation of the story! I’ll finish out the series.
October 11, 2014
I loved this book. I absolutely can't wait for the next book " Stillwater Rising". We all know that , unfortunately, school shootings happen a lot in our country. This series deals with this issue and the aftermath that follows. Exquisitely written book by Steena. The characters are developed in a chapter to chapter method, so you get to know them intimately. This is a work of fiction, however, I found it to be a book that could definitely be based on fact. This is a book everyone needs to read. I highly recommend this one.
Merged review:
Very moving book.
This book could easily have been a portrayal of actual events. There have been so many children lost due to gun violence in our schools. I found this novella to be extremely important and well written. I loved how each chapter dealt with a different person, so that you feel like you know them personally. This made the characters development incredible. I can't wait to read the upcoming novel, a continuation of this heartbreaking story. I just want to cry, this book is heartbreaking, probably because things like this actually happened. Please read this book. It's a very important read for everyone. Incredible writing by an amazing storyteller. My heart is breaking after reading this book and books should make us feel, or why bother reading them, right.
Merged review:
Very moving book.
This book could easily have been a portrayal of actual events. There have been so many children lost due to gun violence in our schools. I found this novella to be extremely important and well written. I loved how each chapter dealt with a different person, so that you feel like you know them personally. This made the characters development incredible. I can't wait to read the upcoming novel, a continuation of this heartbreaking story. I just want to cry, this book is heartbreaking, probably because things like this actually happened. Please read this book. It's a very important read for everyone. Incredible writing by an amazing storyteller. My heart is breaking after reading this book and books should make us feel, or why bother reading them, right.
September 29, 2014
I was given a copy of this by the author for an honest review.
This story is a very touchy and touching one. About a town where everyone knows everyone. They all work together to make the town strong and each family has it's own problems but they are there for each other through most everything. Until their town is torn apart by a school shooting.
You will learn about each person that lost someone in each chapter. It tells what their lives are like before the shooting and leads up to the second book "Stillwater Rising" perfectly.
Such a wonderful town to live and raise a family in, until the unthinkable happens. The Mayor and the school principal are married to each other and work hard to keep the town running smoothly.
When one troubled teen walks into the Elementary school and shoots five people the whole town changes. Each life is touched in a different way.
It is a wonderfully told story that will touch everyone who reads it. I loved the way this story is told and how each person's life is told. It made me stop and think about putting blame on a person who is hurting just as much as everyone else and maybe just a bit more in many ways.
A definite 5 star story from start to end.
This story is a very touchy and touching one. About a town where everyone knows everyone. They all work together to make the town strong and each family has it's own problems but they are there for each other through most everything. Until their town is torn apart by a school shooting.
You will learn about each person that lost someone in each chapter. It tells what their lives are like before the shooting and leads up to the second book "Stillwater Rising" perfectly.
Such a wonderful town to live and raise a family in, until the unthinkable happens. The Mayor and the school principal are married to each other and work hard to keep the town running smoothly.
When one troubled teen walks into the Elementary school and shoots five people the whole town changes. Each life is touched in a different way.
It is a wonderfully told story that will touch everyone who reads it. I loved the way this story is told and how each person's life is told. It made me stop and think about putting blame on a person who is hurting just as much as everyone else and maybe just a bit more in many ways.
A definite 5 star story from start to end.
February 16, 2015
If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult's book "Nineteen Minutes" or Jennifer Brown's "The Hate List" , then Steena Holmes "Stillwater Bay" series is definitely the reads for you. Before the Storm is the prequel which leads up to the tragic events which occur in the main story "Stillwater Rising". Before the day , that would ruin the lives of five women and the community that surrounds them - these five women were inseperable , they would talk to each other on the phone and have monthly meetings where they would wine and dine and have fun. One fateful morning though, all that would change when one of the five women's teenage son would enter the elementary school with a gun and take a classroom hostage which would kill several children. Before the Storm is told from each five main characters - the five women's POV's and lead the reader to the events that took place and give the reader as well - an eye-opener into possibly why it happened. In some places, though on a personal note as I am one who enjoys these type of stories, I would have preferred possibly to have a little bit more of the school shooter's POV and not just the parents involved.
Before the Storm, was a quick read and if you are one who doesn't mind reading about School Shootings - then this is the perfect read for you.
Before the Storm, was a quick read and if you are one who doesn't mind reading about School Shootings - then this is the perfect read for you.
May 29, 2015
What a spellbinding little teaser to come before Steena Holmes' novel "Stillwater rising". I'd give it a 4 1/2. Before even finishing this book I had already bought Stillwater Rising. Never thought I would be so much into ebooks, (and it's a good thing too, most of Steena Holmes' novels seems to be only in ebook and I really loved the other one of hers that I read) and I can buy new books that magically appear without getting off my couch.
This book introduces you to a group of close female friends in this town, gives you a glimpse of their lives, and gives a few hints of some secrets to come. These women will all be affected in different ways by the events that are at the ending of this little novella.
I look forward to reading her new novel, I love the way she writes, I want to know more about these women, their lives all so different, yet they're friends and Stillwater Bay sounds like a besutiful place. I have a little dread mixed In, as instances like these are getting all too real but I am looking forward to an engrossing read.
This book introduces you to a group of close female friends in this town, gives you a glimpse of their lives, and gives a few hints of some secrets to come. These women will all be affected in different ways by the events that are at the ending of this little novella.
I look forward to reading her new novel, I love the way she writes, I want to know more about these women, their lives all so different, yet they're friends and Stillwater Bay sounds like a besutiful place. I have a little dread mixed In, as instances like these are getting all too real but I am looking forward to an engrossing read.
December 15, 2014
A prequel novella that sets the stage for the first book - Stillwater Rising (which I am reviewing tomorrow). This little book packs quite the punch while introducing the HUGE cast of characters and setting the scene for the full novel.
Told through many points of view from the town, the most prominent voice is the mayor Charlotte Stone who is married to the school principal and while doesn't have kids is greatly impacted by the school shooting that occurs. I am glad the book opened at the public memorial for all the victims, so there was no doubt as to the subject of the novella and the book that would follow. I also loved how a few women from the town took turns telling of their mornings that happened right before the tragedy hit the small town.
I am so glad I knew that this novella was out and loved reading it before I started reading the full novel, it perfectly set the stage.
Told through many points of view from the town, the most prominent voice is the mayor Charlotte Stone who is married to the school principal and while doesn't have kids is greatly impacted by the school shooting that occurs. I am glad the book opened at the public memorial for all the victims, so there was no doubt as to the subject of the novella and the book that would follow. I also loved how a few women from the town took turns telling of their mornings that happened right before the tragedy hit the small town.
I am so glad I knew that this novella was out and loved reading it before I started reading the full novel, it perfectly set the stage.
December 3, 2014
My Review after reading Stillwater Rising:
I would recommend reading this novella after reading the book even though it is set before the book. I feel like the novella gives away information that makes the book less exciting because you already have figured out the big secret. The novella also features chapters from the point of view of characters who are not even mentioned in the book or if so, rarely referred to. I assume these women will come into the story later, but for now have a minimal part. Worth reading, but I'd wait until after the book if I could do it again.
My Original Review:
A little confusing switching between the point of views of so many women, especially when they reference each other, but a good novella overall. Definitely got me interested in Stillwater Rising.
I would recommend reading this novella after reading the book even though it is set before the book. I feel like the novella gives away information that makes the book less exciting because you already have figured out the big secret. The novella also features chapters from the point of view of characters who are not even mentioned in the book or if so, rarely referred to. I assume these women will come into the story later, but for now have a minimal part. Worth reading, but I'd wait until after the book if I could do it again.
My Original Review:
A little confusing switching between the point of views of so many women, especially when they reference each other, but a good novella overall. Definitely got me interested in Stillwater Rising.
December 21, 2014
Do not read this book unless you have Stillwater Rising in your hands - which does not comes out until November 11, 2014. Where this novella leaves you will haunt you until you get your hands on Stillwater Rising.
I loved getting an inside look at each woman before the incident. It is interesting to see their relationships to each other, their husbands and their children. It will make reading Stillwater Rising even more meaningful, as soon as I get it.
Steena Holmes has been an author I do not even have to read the synopsis of her books - I just see her name and pick up the book. She is an amazing writer.
I loved getting an inside look at each woman before the incident. It is interesting to see their relationships to each other, their husbands and their children. It will make reading Stillwater Rising even more meaningful, as soon as I get it.
Steena Holmes has been an author I do not even have to read the synopsis of her books - I just see her name and pick up the book. She is an amazing writer.
July 2, 2015
I usually don't go for novellas since they're so short but this one was a great introduction to the world of Stillwater. I enjoyed getting to know the characters & how they were before the school shooting.
There are 2 reasons I didn't give this 5 stars: one is that I got distracted by some awkward prose near the beginning and two that I found the transition from the section about after the shooting to the section before the shooting a tiny bit confusing. I wasn't sure what was going on for a few pages & had to go back to see what I missed.
Otherwise I thought it was a great book. I'm glad I have a copy of Stillwater Rising on my Kindle.
There are 2 reasons I didn't give this 5 stars: one is that I got distracted by some awkward prose near the beginning and two that I found the transition from the section about after the shooting to the section before the shooting a tiny bit confusing. I wasn't sure what was going on for a few pages & had to go back to see what I missed.
Otherwise I thought it was a great book. I'm glad I have a copy of Stillwater Rising on my Kindle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2016
I read this one because I got it for free. I'm planning to come back and finish the series when I have the money to buy it.
From the beginning it captured my attention. Who hasn't had to deal with a moody teenager? You never know what's going on in their heads & hearts.
My heart breaks equally for the parents of the children who takes the lives of others, as well as for the ones who lose their children to senseless acts of violence. All we can do is our absolute best at parenting and pray for the best. Having a teenaged son with mental health issues myself, this book hit a nerve. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
From the beginning it captured my attention. Who hasn't had to deal with a moody teenager? You never know what's going on in their heads & hearts.
My heart breaks equally for the parents of the children who takes the lives of others, as well as for the ones who lose their children to senseless acts of violence. All we can do is our absolute best at parenting and pray for the best. Having a teenaged son with mental health issues myself, this book hit a nerve. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
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