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Bittersweet Hollow #1
Devil's Lake
After two years of brutal captivity, Portia Lamont has escaped and returned to her family’s Vermont horse farm—only to find her parents gone to New York to try an experimental treatment for her mother’s cancer, and her childhood friend Boone Hawke running the farm.
Like the rest of her family, Boone has never given up hope that Portia would return. But when she turns up battered, skinny as a twelve-year-old boy, afraid of everything and unable to talk about what happened, he does the only thing he can—try to help her heal. He summons the town doctor and Portia’s parents, and sets out to put this beautiful, broken woman back together again.
Through her family's love and Boone's gentle affection, Portia gradually comes back to herself, and starts to fall for her old friend in a whole new way. But one thing threatens her fragile hope for recovery: The man who took her promised that if she ever escaped, he'd kill her. Slowly. And someone is definitely watching her...waiting to make his next deadly move.
Like the rest of her family, Boone has never given up hope that Portia would return. But when she turns up battered, skinny as a twelve-year-old boy, afraid of everything and unable to talk about what happened, he does the only thing he can—try to help her heal. He summons the town doctor and Portia’s parents, and sets out to put this beautiful, broken woman back together again.
Through her family's love and Boone's gentle affection, Portia gradually comes back to herself, and starts to fall for her old friend in a whole new way. But one thing threatens her fragile hope for recovery: The man who took her promised that if she ever escaped, he'd kill her. Slowly. And someone is definitely watching her...waiting to make his next deadly move.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2014
433 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Paul Lazar
42 books188 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. Author of 28 books, including three addictive mystery series, writing books, a romantic suspense series, and a new love story series, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com. Aaron has won 21 book awards for his novels and finds writing to be his form of "cheap therapy." Feel free to network with him on Facebook or his website; he loves to connect with readers!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 6, 2014
This book is dedicated to the women kidnapped and held hostage for ten years in Cleveland, Ohio, and so it is with great tenderness that the author, Aaron Paul Lazar, imparts this story, which I imagine must have been inspired by what he learned about the case, and by his great compassion. Part I of the story opens with Portia coming back home, having escaped from her abductor. She is in a severely weakened state, “Her heart slammed against her ribs, quickening with every mile she recognized,” and has an overwhelming yearning for safety, for home. “Green mountains surged into the clouds in the background. guarding the rolling hills of the valley where her family’s farm nestled in the hollow.” But the place is empty, except for her childhood friend, whom she barely recognizes, and because of her harrowing experience, she is afraid to be touched. “‘It’s me.’ He offered her a hand, but she pulled her away.”
Portia would like to bury the past. “She needed to forget. Really forget…. Don’t think about him.” But part of her healing is to remember. Part II of the book goes back ten years, recreating her abduction. “Shhhh,” says Murphy, in his frighteningly metallic voice. “It’s okay. You’re with me now, sugar.” We get a glimpse into the way she managed to survive the torture and starvation. “Pretend to be respectful and sweet,” she tells herself. “Go along with him. Watch and wait… If you don’t fight him, he’ll have nothing to push against.” And throughout the ordeal, she braces herself. “You can do this.”
Part III and IV, Revenge and Payback, bring a much needed conclusion to the story. Anderson and Boone work their way toward Devil’s Lake and watch for the cabin with the boarded up windows. Grace, Portia’s sister, plays a great role, which I am not going to divulge here, except to say that in the end, she and Portia renew their bond of sisterhood, and cleanse themselves of the past. It is so symbolic that they do it by diving beneath the surface of Devil’s Lake.
Five stars.
Portia would like to bury the past. “She needed to forget. Really forget…. Don’t think about him.” But part of her healing is to remember. Part II of the book goes back ten years, recreating her abduction. “Shhhh,” says Murphy, in his frighteningly metallic voice. “It’s okay. You’re with me now, sugar.” We get a glimpse into the way she managed to survive the torture and starvation. “Pretend to be respectful and sweet,” she tells herself. “Go along with him. Watch and wait… If you don’t fight him, he’ll have nothing to push against.” And throughout the ordeal, she braces herself. “You can do this.”
Part III and IV, Revenge and Payback, bring a much needed conclusion to the story. Anderson and Boone work their way toward Devil’s Lake and watch for the cabin with the boarded up windows. Grace, Portia’s sister, plays a great role, which I am not going to divulge here, except to say that in the end, she and Portia renew their bond of sisterhood, and cleanse themselves of the past. It is so symbolic that they do it by diving beneath the surface of Devil’s Lake.
Five stars.
January 24, 2019
Sigh, I shouldn't have read this book. I thought it would be more serious but it was an outright bodice ripper which is so not my type of book.
The characters were all sickeningly sweet, apart from the vicious baddie that is and he was very cardboard. you get no real idea about what drove him. We have a damsel in distress and the hero rides off into the sunset to rescue said damsel in distress, end of, ugh! OK I'm over-simplifying but you get the drift. Everything felt contrived. The characters all felt cliched and even the abuse was tame (in comparison). There's not much more to say. The plot was a very standard plot with little to differentiate it from other bodice rippers. Apparently this is based on a true story of three women held in captivity in Cleveland for ten years. If that is the case I think this book is an insult to those women and other abused women. It is not a realistic portrayal.
The characters were all sickeningly sweet, apart from the vicious baddie that is and he was very cardboard. you get no real idea about what drove him. We have a damsel in distress and the hero rides off into the sunset to rescue said damsel in distress, end of, ugh! OK I'm over-simplifying but you get the drift. Everything felt contrived. The characters all felt cliched and even the abuse was tame (in comparison). There's not much more to say. The plot was a very standard plot with little to differentiate it from other bodice rippers. Apparently this is based on a true story of three women held in captivity in Cleveland for ten years. If that is the case I think this book is an insult to those women and other abused women. It is not a realistic portrayal.
August 28, 2014
Portia Lamont has been gone for two years. Kidnapped? A runaway? Dead? Nobody ever knew for sure, but suddenly she shows up at home, suffering from severe trauma but unable to reveal the truth right away about where she has been. It doesn’t help that she arrives at Bittersweet Hollow, her family’s horse farm in Vermont, to find her parents gone and only her neighbour’s son, Boone, there tending to the horses. They were childhood buddies, but now he’s a stranger to her, and the horrors of the past two years keep her shying away from him in fear. As her parents and her sister rush home to see Portia there with their own eyes, my heart actually hurt with emotion to see all of them reunited. It seems like life might now get back to normal, but in usual Aaron Lazar style, don’t get too comfortable. The suspense is only beginning.
I kept trying to think of an original way to start this review, but all that kept coming to mind was WOW!! Aaron asked me to read and review this new book before its release, but being very busy getting ready to leave on vacation, I told him it would have to wait until I got back, but that he could send me the file any time. Because I knew this was going to be a little different from his usual mystery series, I was curious and thought what would it hurt if I just read the first couple of pages? You know how you can get a really good feel for a book in the first chapter? As the words wrapped me in their spell, the world around me disappeared and I was inside Portia’s body willing that old Chevy and my weary, tortured self to find the strength to go just that little bit further. I could feel her fear and desperation like it was my own, and my eyes raced through the sentences, needing to see if she would make it to safety. When she looked behind her, I almost did too, and with every mile bringing her closer to home, I could feel the emotions welling up inside of me like a damn that was about to burst. And it didn’t stop there. Danger follows Portia home, and my heart didn’t stop thumping until the very last page. Ok, so you are thinking I’m being a little dramatic here, but seriously that’s what Aaron’s writing does to me. Aaron is so skilled at putting feelings to paper that his stories always feel more like real life than fiction.
If I had to describe this story in two words, it would be raw emotion. Terror, pain, anger, anxiety, joy, love, relief – it’s all there on every single page. You can feel Portia’s terror as she relays the story of what happened to her family as well as the horror that dawns on each family member as they begin to understand exactly what she went through, and their relief and joy that she is back home safe and sound is very palpable. What Portia has endured is proof of just how strong a person she is. She is a survivor, but she is not the only one. Each and every character in Devil’s Lake faces challenges for which they have to dig deep to find the strength to overcome, and their strengths have intertwined like the roots of trees to make this a family to be reckoned with and admired. No matter what each person is going through individually, they all play a part in helping the layers of horror and abuse fall away so that the pieces can be put together again and Portia can be whole and live a full and happy life once again. This is a story of strength and healing like none other I have ever read, and I highly recommend it!
I kept trying to think of an original way to start this review, but all that kept coming to mind was WOW!! Aaron asked me to read and review this new book before its release, but being very busy getting ready to leave on vacation, I told him it would have to wait until I got back, but that he could send me the file any time. Because I knew this was going to be a little different from his usual mystery series, I was curious and thought what would it hurt if I just read the first couple of pages? You know how you can get a really good feel for a book in the first chapter? As the words wrapped me in their spell, the world around me disappeared and I was inside Portia’s body willing that old Chevy and my weary, tortured self to find the strength to go just that little bit further. I could feel her fear and desperation like it was my own, and my eyes raced through the sentences, needing to see if she would make it to safety. When she looked behind her, I almost did too, and with every mile bringing her closer to home, I could feel the emotions welling up inside of me like a damn that was about to burst. And it didn’t stop there. Danger follows Portia home, and my heart didn’t stop thumping until the very last page. Ok, so you are thinking I’m being a little dramatic here, but seriously that’s what Aaron’s writing does to me. Aaron is so skilled at putting feelings to paper that his stories always feel more like real life than fiction.
If I had to describe this story in two words, it would be raw emotion. Terror, pain, anger, anxiety, joy, love, relief – it’s all there on every single page. You can feel Portia’s terror as she relays the story of what happened to her family as well as the horror that dawns on each family member as they begin to understand exactly what she went through, and their relief and joy that she is back home safe and sound is very palpable. What Portia has endured is proof of just how strong a person she is. She is a survivor, but she is not the only one. Each and every character in Devil’s Lake faces challenges for which they have to dig deep to find the strength to overcome, and their strengths have intertwined like the roots of trees to make this a family to be reckoned with and admired. No matter what each person is going through individually, they all play a part in helping the layers of horror and abuse fall away so that the pieces can be put together again and Portia can be whole and live a full and happy life once again. This is a story of strength and healing like none other I have ever read, and I highly recommend it!
November 13, 2014
What might it be like to escape from an abductor and abuser after two years? How would a woman pick up her life? How would she learn to trust a man again? Aaron Lazar’s Devil’s Lake invites readers to ponder these questions through the story of Portia who returns home, still in shock and terror, to find her parents and sister gone and a seeming stranger in their place. But order, and family, are restored in good time, and what’s left is, perhaps, revenge and retribution.
Some jarring political notes and a deep distrust of authority are probably true to the attitudes of the area. Frustratingly, they lead to a private quest that might cost lives. But Portia’s not the only one who’ll need to learn trust in this tale, and recognizing the difference between controlling and protecting might be important in many arenas besides her wounded life.
Redemption proves more important than revenge and retribution by the end of this tale. And it’s not just Portia’s relationships that find healing. Love can and does prove the strongest bond of all, making this dark story a tale of light as well, and a satisfying read.
Disclosure: I enjoy Aaron Lazar’s writing so I was delighted to be given an ecopy of this novel, and I offer my honest review.
Some jarring political notes and a deep distrust of authority are probably true to the attitudes of the area. Frustratingly, they lead to a private quest that might cost lives. But Portia’s not the only one who’ll need to learn trust in this tale, and recognizing the difference between controlling and protecting might be important in many arenas besides her wounded life.
Redemption proves more important than revenge and retribution by the end of this tale. And it’s not just Portia’s relationships that find healing. Love can and does prove the strongest bond of all, making this dark story a tale of light as well, and a satisfying read.
Disclosure: I enjoy Aaron Lazar’s writing so I was delighted to be given an ecopy of this novel, and I offer my honest review.
February 20, 2015
Devil’s Lake by Aaron Lazar was a sobering intense story of what is sadly too real! This book will hit a lot of emotions as a reader that will have your heart pumping for the danger and for the tender parts of closeness. This review is based on the audio version of the book narrated by Gwendolyn Dryer. She had me at the edge of what is next feeling! Since this book was dedicated to the young ladies that were kidnapped in Ohio. It lends that is the primary topic of this book. Abductions by those we see as normal on the outside yet very scary on the inside to the captives. This story was so well layout in a timeline that is so believable. Right out of too many headlines. It will leave you with maybe some feelings you did not have before. It really draws you in. It is a bit of an underlying love story as well.
This story surrounds a young college student, Porsche that was kidnapped at the closing of a garden center where she work at. Watched indiscreetly by a patron that for hours looking at the flowers in the garden center. Putting some in his basket putting some back. Nothing that Porsche has not seen with avid gardeners. Upon the closing of the store Porsche asked the gentlemen to make his final selections and he ends up bringing to the counter a single geranium. After closing up and feeling uncomfortable over the whole situation. Porsche locks up and finds herself approached from behind and a rag put over her mouth. So now I am getting ahead of myself.
The story opens as Porsche is racing home to her parents. Her little dog Cupcake right by her side. “We’ll be home soon.” That is all she could think of. Gone 2 years. 2 long years. Had her family given up hope that she was still alive or were they resolved she was dead and they would never see her again. Rushing into her parent’s home calling out their names. Where was everyone? Then a deep voice comes from behind her and she starts to panic. With relief seeing that it was not her capture that followed her but, she kept telling herself all the way home that she knew that she has killed him! “Who are you?” Is all she can say as she surveys his eyes, his face and broad shoulders? “You know who I am Peaches! It’s Boone.”
Boone a childhood friend is helping take care of the farm. As he explains to Porsche where her mom and dad is. That her sister is now married to a college professor. Knowing that she would not see them till the next day. Boone sees that she is in dire straits he finally talks her into eating, showering and getting some rest. Knowing that her parents were out of town she knew he was right. She would see them tomorrow.
The absolute joy when Porsche is finally reunited with her family is very uplifting. Aaron really hit the nerve of all the emotions that just pour out with the reunion. The questions of where she was the last 2 years. What was happening with her mom’s health? How or did her sister Grace beat her addiction from her actions? Who was her new husband and how did they meet? I find that all the questions are unraveled in the story at a nice pace.
How even after 2 years she could still see her sister really didn’t change all that much even being married. Why? Was she now jealous of the attention that Porsche is getting? However, as the story unfolds and Porsche starts telling the family her story her sister Grace finds that she can’t help wondering and wanting to feel for her sisters’ distain for her capturer named Murphy. To protect her.
Now, the story goes back to the beginning of my review. Porsche now tells them how the capture unfolds to a cabin at Devil’s Lake, WI. The things that Porsche’s capturer makes her do. Now home will she never want another man? Did she kill this man? Afraid that Porsche will be arrested for his murder. If indeed he was killed when she finally escape. Boone and Grace’s husband Anderson head to WI to find out. What steps will they take to protect her throughout the story?
After returning back to the farm in Vermont to inform her that he was not dead based on the information she gave them. Now she feared that her capturer is coming to seek her down. What risk will he take to get her back? Was her family and the police ready to take on one guy? Only this time he takes her sister Grace. Is her capturer ready for her sister’s strong will? Will everyone find her sister in time? What happens between Boone and Porsche? Will there be a happy ending? I will not spoil the stories ending for you.
The narrator Gwendolyn Druyer, is my first experience listening to her. She did a wonderful job with the list of characters she had to perform. She did have the same similar voice as I have heard with other female narrators. A soothing voice when needed. To a scared voice of Porsche and Grace as they were held captive. The male voices I could tell the difference but found Boone’s voice a bit too sultry at times when I didn’t feel it fitting. She capture the mood of each of the scenes and the transition from character to character. I will be looking for her name in future narrations she performs. Whether for any of Aaron’s books or for other authors. Well done Gwendolyn!
I highly recommend this book from young adult +. I would even recommend this for young teen girls to listen to. Being a mother and knowing what I have heard over the years from my girls of not being afraid. This book makes me afraid for them.
Please note that this book was provided to me by the author. In no way was his or anyone else influenced me in the final review of the book. Please feel to comment and if you feel my review was helpful please like it!
This story surrounds a young college student, Porsche that was kidnapped at the closing of a garden center where she work at. Watched indiscreetly by a patron that for hours looking at the flowers in the garden center. Putting some in his basket putting some back. Nothing that Porsche has not seen with avid gardeners. Upon the closing of the store Porsche asked the gentlemen to make his final selections and he ends up bringing to the counter a single geranium. After closing up and feeling uncomfortable over the whole situation. Porsche locks up and finds herself approached from behind and a rag put over her mouth. So now I am getting ahead of myself.
The story opens as Porsche is racing home to her parents. Her little dog Cupcake right by her side. “We’ll be home soon.” That is all she could think of. Gone 2 years. 2 long years. Had her family given up hope that she was still alive or were they resolved she was dead and they would never see her again. Rushing into her parent’s home calling out their names. Where was everyone? Then a deep voice comes from behind her and she starts to panic. With relief seeing that it was not her capture that followed her but, she kept telling herself all the way home that she knew that she has killed him! “Who are you?” Is all she can say as she surveys his eyes, his face and broad shoulders? “You know who I am Peaches! It’s Boone.”
Boone a childhood friend is helping take care of the farm. As he explains to Porsche where her mom and dad is. That her sister is now married to a college professor. Knowing that she would not see them till the next day. Boone sees that she is in dire straits he finally talks her into eating, showering and getting some rest. Knowing that her parents were out of town she knew he was right. She would see them tomorrow.
The absolute joy when Porsche is finally reunited with her family is very uplifting. Aaron really hit the nerve of all the emotions that just pour out with the reunion. The questions of where she was the last 2 years. What was happening with her mom’s health? How or did her sister Grace beat her addiction from her actions? Who was her new husband and how did they meet? I find that all the questions are unraveled in the story at a nice pace.
How even after 2 years she could still see her sister really didn’t change all that much even being married. Why? Was she now jealous of the attention that Porsche is getting? However, as the story unfolds and Porsche starts telling the family her story her sister Grace finds that she can’t help wondering and wanting to feel for her sisters’ distain for her capturer named Murphy. To protect her.
Now, the story goes back to the beginning of my review. Porsche now tells them how the capture unfolds to a cabin at Devil’s Lake, WI. The things that Porsche’s capturer makes her do. Now home will she never want another man? Did she kill this man? Afraid that Porsche will be arrested for his murder. If indeed he was killed when she finally escape. Boone and Grace’s husband Anderson head to WI to find out. What steps will they take to protect her throughout the story?
After returning back to the farm in Vermont to inform her that he was not dead based on the information she gave them. Now she feared that her capturer is coming to seek her down. What risk will he take to get her back? Was her family and the police ready to take on one guy? Only this time he takes her sister Grace. Is her capturer ready for her sister’s strong will? Will everyone find her sister in time? What happens between Boone and Porsche? Will there be a happy ending? I will not spoil the stories ending for you.
The narrator Gwendolyn Druyer, is my first experience listening to her. She did a wonderful job with the list of characters she had to perform. She did have the same similar voice as I have heard with other female narrators. A soothing voice when needed. To a scared voice of Porsche and Grace as they were held captive. The male voices I could tell the difference but found Boone’s voice a bit too sultry at times when I didn’t feel it fitting. She capture the mood of each of the scenes and the transition from character to character. I will be looking for her name in future narrations she performs. Whether for any of Aaron’s books or for other authors. Well done Gwendolyn!
I highly recommend this book from young adult +. I would even recommend this for young teen girls to listen to. Being a mother and knowing what I have heard over the years from my girls of not being afraid. This book makes me afraid for them.
Please note that this book was provided to me by the author. In no way was his or anyone else influenced me in the final review of the book. Please feel to comment and if you feel my review was helpful please like it!
January 20, 2015
4.5 stars
This book is so different of what I thought. It is dark but it's not like any other book I've read. It started a little slow and Portia got on my nerves sometimes but then, it took off and wow.
Usually a dark book it's about what happens to the heroine while in captivity or in a bad relationship but just a few are about the healing part. This book has both, we get to know what happened to Portia, since she was abducted to the moment she's telling her story, and then moved on. A lot of things happened since Portia gets home and she gets her family reunion.
Once she was abducted, life went on for her family and they had their own things to overcome during that time, specially Grace (Portia's sister). They had their issues but at the end they are family and when Grace goes to something she has to do, you can tell the difference between the sisters. The way the writer approached this was really good, he kept Grace true to her personality through all of it.
And then we get to Boone, what a great guy. He's there for Portia since the beginning and he'd do everything to keep her safe. Yes, things happen and he's next to Portia. What I like the most about him is how you can tell he's an alpa type of guy but he respects Portia's wishes. He never asks for more than a hand shake, a smile and he helps her heal at her own pace.
A lot of things happen and this book it definitely worth reading if you like dark reads, but not your usual dark plot. I'm looking forward to read more about the author, I like his style and specially how he develops the characters and keeps them true to themselves through all the story.
This book is so different of what I thought. It is dark but it's not like any other book I've read. It started a little slow and Portia got on my nerves sometimes but then, it took off and wow.
Usually a dark book it's about what happens to the heroine while in captivity or in a bad relationship but just a few are about the healing part. This book has both, we get to know what happened to Portia, since she was abducted to the moment she's telling her story, and then moved on. A lot of things happened since Portia gets home and she gets her family reunion.
Once she was abducted, life went on for her family and they had their own things to overcome during that time, specially Grace (Portia's sister). They had their issues but at the end they are family and when Grace goes to something she has to do, you can tell the difference between the sisters. The way the writer approached this was really good, he kept Grace true to her personality through all of it.
And then we get to Boone, what a great guy. He's there for Portia since the beginning and he'd do everything to keep her safe. Yes, things happen and he's next to Portia. What I like the most about him is how you can tell he's an alpa type of guy but he respects Portia's wishes. He never asks for more than a hand shake, a smile and he helps her heal at her own pace.
A lot of things happen and this book it definitely worth reading if you like dark reads, but not your usual dark plot. I'm looking forward to read more about the author, I like his style and specially how he develops the characters and keeps them true to themselves through all the story.
August 9, 2015
I was shocked at the start of the book to hear it is based upon a true story.
I am a recent fan of this authors work but after this, my second book by the author I am a fan for life.
I was shocked that a man would take on such a topic via the angle this author did. Then I was even more shocked when it became clear that he is going to pull it of.
Never once is Our main protagonist a super hero. She is human but somehow musters up the courage to truly do the superhuman. She escapes a madman.
All is not what it seems.
Her baby sister. A girl with issues with drugs and men gets wrapped up and this girl is nobodies fool.
The romance is sweet and all but about the very least of my favourite aspects of this book. Character development, scene setting etc is all way above my expectation.
Truly a book you need to read.
WaAr
I am a recent fan of this authors work but after this, my second book by the author I am a fan for life.
I was shocked that a man would take on such a topic via the angle this author did. Then I was even more shocked when it became clear that he is going to pull it of.
Never once is Our main protagonist a super hero. She is human but somehow musters up the courage to truly do the superhuman. She escapes a madman.
All is not what it seems.
Her baby sister. A girl with issues with drugs and men gets wrapped up and this girl is nobodies fool.
The romance is sweet and all but about the very least of my favourite aspects of this book. Character development, scene setting etc is all way above my expectation.
Truly a book you need to read.
WaAr
March 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot. It's about a girl that is kidnapped and held for two years before she can escape, and make it home. A lot has happened since she was gone and there is more coming. The horse farm described in this story sounds amazing. Makes you want to visit!
May 31, 2015
I first encountered Aaron Paul Lazar when I read his novel Lady Blues: Forget Me Not. That book was rich with finely tuned characterizations and an entertaining plot. But I found the book somewhat muddled by too many characters. I’m extremely happy to say that Lazar’s Devil’s Lake does not suffer from that malady. Lazar has kept his character count to a skeletal minimum, and each of these intricately wrought characters serves the book well. This is a taut thriller, telling the story of Portia Lamont, a young woman who returns home at the beginning of the tale from having spent two years in isolation, imprisoned by a kidnapper. One would think that a young woman who has suffered so would spend the entire novel in recovery, but Portia is a strong, strong woman. And though she does suffer psychologically upon her return, like the iron woman she is, she gets past it and becomes determined to see her kidnapper gets his due. Lazar has given us a wonderful woman here, a character that has grit. But wait! As they say in cheesy infomercials, we’ll send you not one, but two, two, two wonderful women characters. When I first met Grace, Portia’s younger sister, I did not like her one bit and was convinced that she was going to throw a monkey wrench into the well-oiled machine Lazar was constructing here. But as the story progressed, I found I loved Grace more than Portia, for she is wonderful woman with grit times two (or more, even.) Rounding out the major characters are Portia and Grace’s strong mother, and three men who match their women in determination and strength. And making these guys even better is that they all have tremendous sensitivity. I loved these guys as much as I loved Portia and her mother, and almost as much as I loved Grace. Devil’s Lake is a book to curl up with, to while away a lazy summer afternoon with, to comfort you on a wintry morning. And nothing muddles this one. Lazar could have chosen to use that third person, omniscient voice that is all-seeing, all-knowing, thus we readers are flung, willy-nilly from one character’s brain to another. But no. When Lazar needs to get inside of a different brain than he is in, he switches to the other character’s viewpoint to tell the next passage. The asterisks cue us in, and we instantly see the world through different eyes. It’s a wise choice. It is a choice that writers with great skill choose. And Lazar has great skill. Devil’s Lake is a fast-moving story peopled with interesting—and sometimes flawed—characters, and a villain who is ruthless and nasty and cruel, but used just enough for us to hate him without getting tired of his shenanigans. Read Devil’s Lake. You won’t be sorry.
April 1, 2017
Devil’s Lake centers around a young woman who finally escapes being held captive by a man for two years, and takes us on a journey as she is forced to face what happened and try to move forward.
Portia Lamont has returned home in a frenzy of panic, relief, and fear after being kidnapped and held captive for two years. She wants nothing more than to be close to her family and try to forget what happened to her, but it becomes evident that the past isn’t going to go away. Portia is strong and capable, and I think I respected her and the author more due to the fact that despite her strength she struggles with the physiological damage that was caused by her ordeal…because that’s what real people have to go through. She isn’t a robotic, paper thing, cut out of a character. She’s a woman who has to learn to find peace within herself, to protect herself and her family, and to move forward with her life. The book is split in to four parts, each one dealing with a different portion of the story and focusing mostly on a single aspect. Through these different lenses we get to see the much needed relief of returning home to a wonderful support system, the past in which Portia must face, and the healing and closure she and her family needs after the ordeal. It was great seeing Portia and her sister reconnect after a troubled childhood and for her to find support in her old friend Boone.
The narrator, Gwendolyn Druyer, is not my favorite but she does a good job handling the emotions and getting the right tone across. I really only had issues with the amount of variation in her treatment of character voices, there were times when I got a couple of characters confused, but it didn’t really detract from the story itself.
I think that Lazar handled this story with a certain amount of grace that I appreciate. It’s so easy to lose sight of the human emotional and impact in books like this and go straight down the sensationalized thriller route. This is certainly an author I plan to check out some more in the future.
Portia Lamont has returned home in a frenzy of panic, relief, and fear after being kidnapped and held captive for two years. She wants nothing more than to be close to her family and try to forget what happened to her, but it becomes evident that the past isn’t going to go away. Portia is strong and capable, and I think I respected her and the author more due to the fact that despite her strength she struggles with the physiological damage that was caused by her ordeal…because that’s what real people have to go through. She isn’t a robotic, paper thing, cut out of a character. She’s a woman who has to learn to find peace within herself, to protect herself and her family, and to move forward with her life. The book is split in to four parts, each one dealing with a different portion of the story and focusing mostly on a single aspect. Through these different lenses we get to see the much needed relief of returning home to a wonderful support system, the past in which Portia must face, and the healing and closure she and her family needs after the ordeal. It was great seeing Portia and her sister reconnect after a troubled childhood and for her to find support in her old friend Boone.
The narrator, Gwendolyn Druyer, is not my favorite but she does a good job handling the emotions and getting the right tone across. I really only had issues with the amount of variation in her treatment of character voices, there were times when I got a couple of characters confused, but it didn’t really detract from the story itself.
I think that Lazar handled this story with a certain amount of grace that I appreciate. It’s so easy to lose sight of the human emotional and impact in books like this and go straight down the sensationalized thriller route. This is certainly an author I plan to check out some more in the future.
December 28, 2014
This was a really good story that needed a bit more on the story editing side.
It starts off very strong, great characterization, good visuals, but in the middle (Part II) it goes haywire. It regains its footing for Part III, but to tell you the truth, after the first couple of chapters of Part II, I skimmed until Part III begain.
As this is kinda spoilerish, I will put some spoiler space in case that thing bothers you.
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Okay, Part I starts with Portia escaping from a lunatic who kept her captive in the woods. She gets home to find a lot has changed, but begins to tell her tale. She's still worried the lunatic will find her as he somehow followed her case in the newspapers while he held her.
Part II is the flashback of the kidnapping and how she lived her life for two years. I found this part to be boring after the first couple of chapters and think this part of her tale could have been told in flashbacks in the current timeline. I think it would have shown more 'healing' for her to share her story with either Boone, her mother, or her sister, rather than have the story told in an entire section of the book.
Part III was back in the current timeline and the resolution of the lunatic. All-in-all, Part III was pretty good, however it ended WAY too abruptly. Suddenly she's okay and agreeing to get married. Sorry, nope, not believing it. It needed much more time, much more healing and while we got a nice kiss at the end, I wanted to see more of the romance. More of how she'd allow someone to hold her intimately after what she'd been through (and I still find it hard to believe the sexual pervert that took her didn't rape her over two years - that part was unbelieveable.)
As stated, a good story that needed just a bit more on the story editing. I did enjoy reading Parts I and III, but Part II kept me from giving this a five star rating.
It starts off very strong, great characterization, good visuals, but in the middle (Part II) it goes haywire. It regains its footing for Part III, but to tell you the truth, after the first couple of chapters of Part II, I skimmed until Part III begain.
As this is kinda spoilerish, I will put some spoiler space in case that thing bothers you.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
P
A
C
E
Okay, Part I starts with Portia escaping from a lunatic who kept her captive in the woods. She gets home to find a lot has changed, but begins to tell her tale. She's still worried the lunatic will find her as he somehow followed her case in the newspapers while he held her.
Part II is the flashback of the kidnapping and how she lived her life for two years. I found this part to be boring after the first couple of chapters and think this part of her tale could have been told in flashbacks in the current timeline. I think it would have shown more 'healing' for her to share her story with either Boone, her mother, or her sister, rather than have the story told in an entire section of the book.
Part III was back in the current timeline and the resolution of the lunatic. All-in-all, Part III was pretty good, however it ended WAY too abruptly. Suddenly she's okay and agreeing to get married. Sorry, nope, not believing it. It needed much more time, much more healing and while we got a nice kiss at the end, I wanted to see more of the romance. More of how she'd allow someone to hold her intimately after what she'd been through (and I still find it hard to believe the sexual pervert that took her didn't rape her over two years - that part was unbelieveable.)
As stated, a good story that needed just a bit more on the story editing. I did enjoy reading Parts I and III, but Part II kept me from giving this a five star rating.
February 6, 2016
I first gave it a 4 star rating until I realized and learned this story was based on a true story. I honestly can't say I heard it mentioned in the start or even in the end if the audio. Of course I normally tune out the beginning of the story when it starts and at the ending when it's over. I went back and listened to the story again. From what I learned a group of women were kidnapped for 10 years in Cleveland.
The author, Aaron Paul Lazar wrote this story and it truly surprised me of his understanding and the compassion he had writing this story. I am thankful that he changed the story from the true story. He wrote this story and made it his own even though the true story inspired him. Aaron has written a story that inspired me, it was intense, it kept me glued to my seat, and my heart pumping hard at certain times in the story. Aaron pulled it off and did a magnificent job in doing so. This is my first story I've ever heard by this author but he has a new fan for life.
Narrator Gwendolyn Druyor did an outstanding job. I've never heard any of this narrator's work before Devil's Lake. I'll check to see other stories she's narrated. Gwendolyn brought so much emotion and feeling to this story. With this story being based on a true story the narrator made it feel so real to. Druyor captured my attention and she held it from start to finish. She brought this story to life as I listened to her tell this story. I'm sorry that I don't write about the stories and give details in my reviews but I hate to be one of those spoiled people. I think The excerpt gives you enough detail to capture your attention. Overall, my first rating of 4 stars is now a 5 star rating from me. This is a great story, not my normal genre but I enjoyed it immensely, so much that I listened to Devil's Creek immediately after.
The author, Aaron Paul Lazar wrote this story and it truly surprised me of his understanding and the compassion he had writing this story. I am thankful that he changed the story from the true story. He wrote this story and made it his own even though the true story inspired him. Aaron has written a story that inspired me, it was intense, it kept me glued to my seat, and my heart pumping hard at certain times in the story. Aaron pulled it off and did a magnificent job in doing so. This is my first story I've ever heard by this author but he has a new fan for life.
Narrator Gwendolyn Druyor did an outstanding job. I've never heard any of this narrator's work before Devil's Lake. I'll check to see other stories she's narrated. Gwendolyn brought so much emotion and feeling to this story. With this story being based on a true story the narrator made it feel so real to. Druyor captured my attention and she held it from start to finish. She brought this story to life as I listened to her tell this story. I'm sorry that I don't write about the stories and give details in my reviews but I hate to be one of those spoiled people. I think The excerpt gives you enough detail to capture your attention. Overall, my first rating of 4 stars is now a 5 star rating from me. This is a great story, not my normal genre but I enjoyed it immensely, so much that I listened to Devil's Creek immediately after.
January 19, 2015
I received this book as a gift from the author via The Books Machine in exchange for an honest review.
Portia Lamont, held captive for two years, escapes and heads back home to her family's horse farm in Vermont. Upon arrival, she finds the house empty and her childhood friend, Boone is the caretaker. He tells her that her mother has cancer and her parents are in New York trying out an experimental drug treatment.
The subject of captivity simultaneously fascinates and frightens me. What would bring someone to commit such a horrific crime? How does the captive maintain the will to survive? What is the dynamic between the captor and his/her captive? If the captive gets out of the situation either by escape or rescue, how does he/she recover?
The novel opens with Portia in a stolen pick-up truck as she is making her escape. I was hooked from the first line. The language is very readable. The descriptions are just vivid enough without being over-the-top. The dialogue and voice was authentic and realistic. I like that the story is told from alternating viewpoints because it helps with character development. The major characters are introduced early on so I got a sense of their appearances, personalities, relationships, and dynamic.
The novel is divided into four parts, each broken up into short chapters. Although there are time shifts from the past to the present day, the story flows smoothly. The plot pacing was just right. The plot itself was suspenseful and thrilling. Many times, I had to stop myself from reading ahead.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The storyline was compelling and the ending was realistic, satisfying, and conclusive.
Portia Lamont, held captive for two years, escapes and heads back home to her family's horse farm in Vermont. Upon arrival, she finds the house empty and her childhood friend, Boone is the caretaker. He tells her that her mother has cancer and her parents are in New York trying out an experimental drug treatment.
The subject of captivity simultaneously fascinates and frightens me. What would bring someone to commit such a horrific crime? How does the captive maintain the will to survive? What is the dynamic between the captor and his/her captive? If the captive gets out of the situation either by escape or rescue, how does he/she recover?
The novel opens with Portia in a stolen pick-up truck as she is making her escape. I was hooked from the first line. The language is very readable. The descriptions are just vivid enough without being over-the-top. The dialogue and voice was authentic and realistic. I like that the story is told from alternating viewpoints because it helps with character development. The major characters are introduced early on so I got a sense of their appearances, personalities, relationships, and dynamic.
The novel is divided into four parts, each broken up into short chapters. Although there are time shifts from the past to the present day, the story flows smoothly. The plot pacing was just right. The plot itself was suspenseful and thrilling. Many times, I had to stop myself from reading ahead.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The storyline was compelling and the ending was realistic, satisfying, and conclusive.
July 31, 2014
First of all, some cover love. Isn't this cover just gorgeous? The images and colors are just amazing!
Devil's Lake captured my attention from the very beginning. Portia is escaping, after being held by a horrible, sick man for 2 years. Her journey home in the stolen truck had my heart racing right along with hers. Would she be able to get home to safety before he came after her? Hurry, Portia, hurry!
'Portia couldn't remember how she felt before it all happened. Before he took her, before he tied her to the bed, day after day, night after night. Before he took her soul.'
And then, after she gets home, is she really safe? And did she put her family in danger by coming home?
There were parts of this book that made me GASP out loud. Even as awful as that can be for the characters in the story, I love when that happens to me, the reader. That is a sign that the author took the story in a direction that I wasn't expecting. It is awesome when that happens!
I have to admit that even though I have a lot of Aaron's e-books, in particular, most of the Gus LeGarde Mysteries series, Devil's Lake is the first book of his that I have read -- up to this point. My TBR list of Aaron's book is extremely long but I will be getting to it more quickly now, after reading this book. I really like his writing style and I am looking forward to diving into that mystery series that is patiently waiting for me.
Devil's Lake captured my attention from the very beginning. Portia is escaping, after being held by a horrible, sick man for 2 years. Her journey home in the stolen truck had my heart racing right along with hers. Would she be able to get home to safety before he came after her? Hurry, Portia, hurry!
'Portia couldn't remember how she felt before it all happened. Before he took her, before he tied her to the bed, day after day, night after night. Before he took her soul.'
And then, after she gets home, is she really safe? And did she put her family in danger by coming home?
There were parts of this book that made me GASP out loud. Even as awful as that can be for the characters in the story, I love when that happens to me, the reader. That is a sign that the author took the story in a direction that I wasn't expecting. It is awesome when that happens!
I have to admit that even though I have a lot of Aaron's e-books, in particular, most of the Gus LeGarde Mysteries series, Devil's Lake is the first book of his that I have read -- up to this point. My TBR list of Aaron's book is extremely long but I will be getting to it more quickly now, after reading this book. I really like his writing style and I am looking forward to diving into that mystery series that is patiently waiting for me.
September 21, 2014
I ordered this book several weeks ago and held it as a reward for finishing a difficult project. I finished the project yesterday and read Devil's Lake yesterday. I guess that can give you an idea of how much I enjoyed reading Lazar's most recent mystery. Lazar is a prolific author, but rather than some fluent writers, who run on one story line, he's got several series going, and they're all enjoyable. I've watched Aaron's writing get stronger and tighter during the years I've enjoyed his books. His are not erudite mysteries with complex unfathomable plots. They are trustworthy mysteries. His characters are warm and likable. His villains have, over the years, become more believable. What I most enjoy is Lazar's portrayal of strong families that bond more closely as the story progresses. The environments from which they emerge and the strong thread of human goodness runs through each story,
October 14, 2015
Having read several books in Aaron Paul Lazar's multiple mystery series, I was intrigued by Devil's Lake, especially since it was based on the true story of the girls who were kidnapped and held captive in Ohio. As usual, Mr. Lazar's characters are so well-developed that by the end of the book, I felt as if I knew them personally. Several times, I even wanted to reach through the pages (well, actually my Kindle) and grab the "villain" by the unmentioned body part(s) and hurt him. This was a good example of Good, Faith and Love defeating Hate and Evil. I look forward to many years of reading Mr. Lazar's captivating stories, if he continues writing them!
November 20, 2014
omg.. this was amazing. i can't believe how everything went down and everything that happened. i loved the characters... i loved that it had a good amount of thriller without going too dark (i love dark also don't get me wrong). i liked that we werent left hanging wondering what happened to her or left hanging at the end of the book for a second. the plot was very well written and i felt like i was there with her in that cabin. he did an awesome job with everything. loved it and will recommend it to my friends. :)
December 13, 2014
OMG! Devil's Lake by Aaron Paul Lazar could very well be my favorite book of the year. This book takes a serious and tragic event, turns it into a fascinating mystery and a wondrous story of love and faith. I am loving this new family from Lazar. All the characters are strongly written and captured a piece of my heart. There isn't a single chapter in this book that didn't make my eyes leak for one reason or another. I did not put this book down, not for a minute. And the extra chapter after the mystery was solved just put all the pieces together for me. A must read!
February 27, 2016
This book really grabbed me from the very start! I'd give it 4.5 stars. I enjoyed the characters (humans and animals), the descriptive settings, and the way the story flowed. There was a fabulous mix of intrigue, personal challenges, adventure, and romance. At the risk of sounding cliche, I couldn't put this book down.
I've found an inordinate amount of mistakes in many of the books I've read recently, and was ecstatic to discover that this book is a well-written exception. I'll happily be seeking out more of Mr. Lazar's work!
I've found an inordinate amount of mistakes in many of the books I've read recently, and was ecstatic to discover that this book is a well-written exception. I'll happily be seeking out more of Mr. Lazar's work!
June 3, 2015
This was one book I couldn't put down! Written in such a way that one felt Portia's emotions.
Being kidnapped and held prisoner for two long years, it was obviouos that on her return she had to make peace with her tremndous and unspeakable past.
Her loving family and especially her childhood friend, Boone, were there to help her. The madman who took her is still at lodge and so Portia had to deal with the fear of his return.
A book that will spellbound you and make you sincerely hope that the situation that Portia had to live through would never ever happen again.
Being kidnapped and held prisoner for two long years, it was obviouos that on her return she had to make peace with her tremndous and unspeakable past.
Her loving family and especially her childhood friend, Boone, were there to help her. The madman who took her is still at lodge and so Portia had to deal with the fear of his return.
A book that will spellbound you and make you sincerely hope that the situation that Portia had to live through would never ever happen again.
January 17, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
I have listened to several books by this author. As of this point, this the best one so far. From the dedication on through the story the
suspense grew.Waiting to the end to see if there would be a " Happily ever after" was difficult ! The characters were well defined, and most were likable.
The narration was very good, each character was brought to life by the narrator .
I have listened to several books by this author. As of this point, this the best one so far. From the dedication on through the story the
suspense grew.Waiting to the end to see if there would be a " Happily ever after" was difficult ! The characters were well defined, and most were likable.
The narration was very good, each character was brought to life by the narrator .
February 17, 2016
"Devil’s Lake" by Aaron Paul Lazar (2014) held my interest from the start. The story about a young woman who escapes the clutches of a madmen after two years of captivity is not new. However, I was captivated by Portia’s plight and the descriptions of family and friends who support and later defend her when the madmen comes to reclaim her. The narration by Gwendolyn Druyor is exceptional. The reason for Portia et al not telling the police everything—clearly a plot device—had me rolling my eyes, but other than that I strongly recommend this one.
July 15, 2015
wow, where do I start, this story is packed full of amazing characters that each have their own personal story, how they all pull together, the strong emotions that will definitely get to you throughout this and it just pulls you right in as sadly you know that these events have happened and continue to happen and some are not so lucky to survive,an amazing and deeply emotional story
October 13, 2019
I enjoyed the story line, but I found the characters too good and sweet. I didnt really feel the anger and despair that such a situation deserved. I only felt these feelings st the very beginning when Portis escaped from her two years in captivity. From there the emotions expressed came through as gentle as opposed to hard.
December 22, 2014
I loved this book. The ending made me angry though. I feel like it was too easy. It fell flat, like the author was tired of writing the novel and just wanted to get it over with. Everything else was amazing.
January 22, 2016
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com.
This book was very good! I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking into book number 2.
This book was very good! I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking into book number 2.
December 2, 2014
Nice
Good read for sure. It was a fast read. Suspense was a nice surprise. I would recommend it to anyone!!!!!!!!
Good read for sure. It was a fast read. Suspense was a nice surprise. I would recommend it to anyone!!!!!!!!
December 4, 2014
Loved it
Kept me on my toes with the suspense. Read in 2 days
Kept me on my toes with the suspense. Read in 2 days
July 14, 2018
This isn't my favorite genre, and I really recoiled when I read the book blurb. However, I decided to check out this book which I won in a Facebook contest.
Guess what? I couldn't put the book down! I won't lie, it was difficult reading about Portia's kidnapping and the psychological terror she withstood at the hands of a madman.
However, Lazar balances the horror and suspense in such a way that I didn't cringe at every page turn. He chooses his descriptions carefully as if he had Portia's feelings in mind as he wrote.
The introduction of Boone, her childhood friend, softens the harsh edges of the story. Immediately, you can feel the connection between the two characters even though Portia is nowhere near ready to become involved in a relationship.
Portia's sister Grace, who has her own problems and issues to deal with, displays an inner strength and fortitude in the face of danger that I found admirable. The two sisters are direct opposites who play off each other's personalities all the way to the explosive ending.
If you're in the mood for something different, Devil's Lake will deliver in the mystery and suspense department. The story is creative and I couldn't predict what would happen next. But beware. There is explicit sexual content. I didn't find anything offensive so don't let that put you off.
I'm interested in the rest of the series as I would like to see where this author's creativity takes the characters and the continuing story.
The Kindle book and the Audible version are listed as FREE. For a few hours of great entertainment, you can't go wrong.
MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars
Guess what? I couldn't put the book down! I won't lie, it was difficult reading about Portia's kidnapping and the psychological terror she withstood at the hands of a madman.
However, Lazar balances the horror and suspense in such a way that I didn't cringe at every page turn. He chooses his descriptions carefully as if he had Portia's feelings in mind as he wrote.
The introduction of Boone, her childhood friend, softens the harsh edges of the story. Immediately, you can feel the connection between the two characters even though Portia is nowhere near ready to become involved in a relationship.
Portia's sister Grace, who has her own problems and issues to deal with, displays an inner strength and fortitude in the face of danger that I found admirable. The two sisters are direct opposites who play off each other's personalities all the way to the explosive ending.
If you're in the mood for something different, Devil's Lake will deliver in the mystery and suspense department. The story is creative and I couldn't predict what would happen next. But beware. There is explicit sexual content. I didn't find anything offensive so don't let that put you off.
I'm interested in the rest of the series as I would like to see where this author's creativity takes the characters and the continuing story.
The Kindle book and the Audible version are listed as FREE. For a few hours of great entertainment, you can't go wrong.
MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars
September 7, 2019
Highly recommend this book.
BRAVO, Aaron!
I can certainly understand why this novel was a finalist in the Readers Favorite Books. The narration is excellent & the storyline is great. Aaron Lazar has woven the plot together very well. I would have said it unputdownable except I had to put it down in order to get everything I needed done. But I was quick to pick it back up again as soon as I could. Portia's ordeal & how she kept herself alive strictly by sheer willpower shows a woman with strong convictions & love of family. Her parents are proof of where she learned it from. Their survival of many tribulations that others would have caved in to from what they've been through with both daughters, shows love of family & each other. Her sister, Grace, has a real spitfire temperament who hasn't given in to her temptations when her family needed her the most. With all of her faults her love of family comes through loud and clear. Portia's childhood best friend is a patient, kind man who won't ever let her down & makes sure she knows he'll be there for her & her family, no matter what. These characters blend together so well & the realistic nature of the writing will make you feel like you know them like you do your own family. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Can't wait to get into the next in series.
BRAVO, Aaron!
I can certainly understand why this novel was a finalist in the Readers Favorite Books. The narration is excellent & the storyline is great. Aaron Lazar has woven the plot together very well. I would have said it unputdownable except I had to put it down in order to get everything I needed done. But I was quick to pick it back up again as soon as I could. Portia's ordeal & how she kept herself alive strictly by sheer willpower shows a woman with strong convictions & love of family. Her parents are proof of where she learned it from. Their survival of many tribulations that others would have caved in to from what they've been through with both daughters, shows love of family & each other. Her sister, Grace, has a real spitfire temperament who hasn't given in to her temptations when her family needed her the most. With all of her faults her love of family comes through loud and clear. Portia's childhood best friend is a patient, kind man who won't ever let her down & makes sure she knows he'll be there for her & her family, no matter what. These characters blend together so well & the realistic nature of the writing will make you feel like you know them like you do your own family. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Can't wait to get into the next in series.
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