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Devoted
DISCOVERING THE TRUTH MAY BE MORE THAN SHE BARGAINED FOR Ashley Glynn knows there’s more to her sister’s untimely death than meets the eye. But as she investigates, Ashley is forced to confront the deep conflict within her own life between long-held religious beliefs and her sexuality. PRAISE FOR ALISON R. SOLOMON'S ALONG CAME THE "FASCINATING, COMPLEX AND FULL OF SUSPENSE, AN EXCELLENT PSYCHOLOGICAL WHODUNNIT." "A very unique book that kept me wanting to turn the page... extremely well written and a fascinating story...I really enjoyed the first person perspective told through different eyes. This is a book I will remember. Highly recommended." " I FOUND MYSELF BINGEING FOR TWO DAYS WITHOUT STOP."
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First published January 3, 2017
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About the author
Alison R. Solomon
7 books48 followersAlison grew up in England and lived in Israel and Mexico before settling in the USA. Despite being the proud holder of three passports, she is not on any national or international Wanted list.
Alison’s short stories have been published in the USA and Mexico. As a former clinical social worker, she has presented at conferences worldwide and been published in academic textbooks, anthologies, professional journals, and newspapers on feminism, diversity and mental health.
When she’s not writing, Alison can be found chasing dolphins, messing up her knees because she insists on playing tennis, or planning a road trip with her wife Carol, and their two rescue dogs.
Along Came the Rain is Alison's debut novel.
Alison’s short stories have been published in the USA and Mexico. As a former clinical social worker, she has presented at conferences worldwide and been published in academic textbooks, anthologies, professional journals, and newspapers on feminism, diversity and mental health.
When she’s not writing, Alison can be found chasing dolphins, messing up her knees because she insists on playing tennis, or planning a road trip with her wife Carol, and their two rescue dogs.
Along Came the Rain is Alison's debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 7, 2017
I found it hard to like the very religious and closeted Ashley which made this book heavy going for me. The first 30% was a tedious look at religious conformity and denial on the part of Ashley. As she searches for answers to her sister's sudden death she encounters many lesbians who moderate her views but she maintains her rigid devotion to her church.
The pace did improve when the point of view switches to the now widowed JP. Her actions, reactions and adventures don't make her any more likeable but they do pull you into this mystery. In the end it's not so much who caused Lizzie's death but whether their involvement could be proven.
Both women carry lots of baggage from their pasts. Their devotion, at times misguided and too often abused made for a tough and quite depressing read.
2.5 stars
The pace did improve when the point of view switches to the now widowed JP. Her actions, reactions and adventures don't make her any more likeable but they do pull you into this mystery. In the end it's not so much who caused Lizzie's death but whether their involvement could be proven.
Both women carry lots of baggage from their pasts. Their devotion, at times misguided and too often abused made for a tough and quite depressing read.
2.5 stars
May 6, 2017
If you enjoy who dunnit stories with a heavy dose of religion and faith, you can't go far wrong by picking up a copy of this story.
July 21, 2017
It has taken me a while to write this review because I am somewhat conflicted in my feelings and opinion. I enjoyed the mystery portion of the plot, which was clever, and somewhat creepily all too believable. I also enjoyed the book's departure from formulaic lesfic structure.
Where I run into difficulties with my review is in the area of religion. I am simply an non-religious person. I was raised without it due to my parent's active antagonism for organized religion, and I never developed any strong feeling for or against it. I just don't care what any church says, and I don't understand why anyone else does. Since religious beliefs are at the core of much of the character development, major elements of the story didn't engage me.
The writing is generally good. I think someone who can relate to emotional conflict arising from religious beliefs would give it more stars.
Where I run into difficulties with my review is in the area of religion. I am simply an non-religious person. I was raised without it due to my parent's active antagonism for organized religion, and I never developed any strong feeling for or against it. I just don't care what any church says, and I don't understand why anyone else does. Since religious beliefs are at the core of much of the character development, major elements of the story didn't engage me.
The writing is generally good. I think someone who can relate to emotional conflict arising from religious beliefs would give it more stars.
January 4, 2018
2.5 stars. the book takes a while to get into. the characters aren't that likeable or interesting and storyline is predictable. the later third of book does get better, but it can't redeem the rest of the book.
February 22, 2021
I read this book after _Along Came the Rain_, and this novel contains more vices and fewer virtues. A couple of housekeeping issues: Formatting for the Kindle reader is fairly awful. Paragraphs are randomly indented, conversation from two different characters is combined in the same paragraphs, etc. These issues make the book harder to read. The author has a singing range continuity issue. Ashley begins as a soprano (contrasted with Cleo’s alto voice), is later identified as an alto, and then once again becomes a soprano — most of us don’t change vocal range as frequently as underwear. The only overtly butch character in the novel is an extremely off-putting, if not pathological, character. Butch readers may wonder why so few and why so negative? And finally, the main character, Ashley, doesn’t have much to commend her, except for her devotion to her sister. She comes across as emotionally constipated, judgmental, and rigid. Hanging out inside her head was just not much fun. The denouement of the novel felt contrived and unlikely. I gave this book one star too many, simply because I liked _Along Came the Rain_. And that first book was good enough that I’ll try on more before I give up on this author.
May 9, 2017
I like reading a wide variety of things, but I've not read much in either the lesbian romance or suspense thriller genre, so this story stood out as something unique and piqued my interest. I'm glad I read it. I know women like this. They're outdoorsy and independent yet well integrated into an open and supportive community.
The Ashley character proved to be somewhat of an unreliable narrator regarding her own issues, but that also bolsters her faulty deduction as the story unfolds. As a literary device, it works to set up the twist ending which I predicted somewhere in the first or second chapter. Sadly, I know a few gals like her too, and in my experience, they've rarely set aside their discomfort and religiosity so easily, but for the sake of the story, I could suspend my disbelief.
The story will take you on quite a ride. By turns, it's touching, sad, melancholy, joyful, surprising, scary, thrilling, creepy and back again. All in all, a satisfying read. This book ends with a new chapter in Ashley's life just beginning to bud and I hope there's another novel on the way to show her in full bloom... with a new caper to solve!
The Ashley character proved to be somewhat of an unreliable narrator regarding her own issues, but that also bolsters her faulty deduction as the story unfolds. As a literary device, it works to set up the twist ending which I predicted somewhere in the first or second chapter. Sadly, I know a few gals like her too, and in my experience, they've rarely set aside their discomfort and religiosity so easily, but for the sake of the story, I could suspend my disbelief.
The story will take you on quite a ride. By turns, it's touching, sad, melancholy, joyful, surprising, scary, thrilling, creepy and back again. All in all, a satisfying read. This book ends with a new chapter in Ashley's life just beginning to bud and I hope there's another novel on the way to show her in full bloom... with a new caper to solve!
May 24, 2022
Devoted: A Suspense Novel — Alison R. Solomon (29 chapters separated into three parts) May 23-24, 2022
Ashley and Lizzie are God-fearing sisters and best friends, until Lizzie moves away to Philadelphia, marries a woman, and abandons her religion. Ashley stays home in California and keeps up her faith-based life filled with work at a parochial school. Lizzie becomes suddenly ill and when Ash rushes to her bedside she tells her some disturbing news. Ash realizes that she has to figure out what happened to her sister, even if it means coming to terms with own sexuality. Along the way she meets friends of Lizzies and finds herself falling in love.
Oh my gosh! What an incredible read. I really enjoyed this story and the characters and even though I suspected whodunit early in the first part, and confirmed in the second, it was an absolute delight reading through to the end.
I didn’t realize until the end that this is a prequel to the Gulfport Mystery series. Did this book come first and the other books followed or was this written after the first book or two. Not sure, don’t care. But if I come across more books in this series I will definitely read them.
Four stars.
Ashley and Lizzie are God-fearing sisters and best friends, until Lizzie moves away to Philadelphia, marries a woman, and abandons her religion. Ashley stays home in California and keeps up her faith-based life filled with work at a parochial school. Lizzie becomes suddenly ill and when Ash rushes to her bedside she tells her some disturbing news. Ash realizes that she has to figure out what happened to her sister, even if it means coming to terms with own sexuality. Along the way she meets friends of Lizzies and finds herself falling in love.
Oh my gosh! What an incredible read. I really enjoyed this story and the characters and even though I suspected whodunit early in the first part, and confirmed in the second, it was an absolute delight reading through to the end.
I didn’t realize until the end that this is a prequel to the Gulfport Mystery series. Did this book come first and the other books followed or was this written after the first book or two. Not sure, don’t care. But if I come across more books in this series I will definitely read them.
Four stars.
March 14, 2024
I bought this book along with The GP mystery series from Alison right before leaving Gulfport. I put off reading her books until now because of knowing there’s details about our beloved little beach town where I am no longer near and miss dearly.
In the last part of the book that’s where the flood of memories that came to my mind as I read along to her describing where the characters were going to go. Having lived there before it felt special to see that those places in my mind as I read along.
This book is much more than about location, though. Alison focuses in on characters devoted to their religion and expressing it in different ways. There’s a couple storylines in Devoted: 1st) the mystery portion and 2nd) someone struggling with their sexuality vs religion. What a beautiful story tied up at the end. The main character finds herself while trying to solve a mystery.
If you are unsure about your sexuality, you kind of need this book in your life because it will help guide you in such a way. This book provides hope on different levels, too.
In the last part of the book that’s where the flood of memories that came to my mind as I read along to her describing where the characters were going to go. Having lived there before it felt special to see that those places in my mind as I read along.
This book is much more than about location, though. Alison focuses in on characters devoted to their religion and expressing it in different ways. There’s a couple storylines in Devoted: 1st) the mystery portion and 2nd) someone struggling with their sexuality vs religion. What a beautiful story tied up at the end. The main character finds herself while trying to solve a mystery.
If you are unsure about your sexuality, you kind of need this book in your life because it will help guide you in such a way. This book provides hope on different levels, too.
May 12, 2017
This book was pretty good. Parts of it were predictable, and I felt that it didn't do a lot of in-depth character development.
It dealt with a woman who has lesbian feelings, but she fights them due to her religious beliefs. The story had some good points in it, like the importance of being true to how God made you. But it seemed too superficial in the way Ashley was able to reconcile her faith with being a lesbian. It seemed to be too easy of a jump for her; or at least, the book didn't go into detail of the emotional struggles.
As a suspense novel, it was decent. Parts of the mystery I was able to predict; but there were some surprises in there.
This was a quick read, so I'd say it's worth reading!
It dealt with a woman who has lesbian feelings, but she fights them due to her religious beliefs. The story had some good points in it, like the importance of being true to how God made you. But it seemed too superficial in the way Ashley was able to reconcile her faith with being a lesbian. It seemed to be too easy of a jump for her; or at least, the book didn't go into detail of the emotional struggles.
As a suspense novel, it was decent. Parts of the mystery I was able to predict; but there were some surprises in there.
This was a quick read, so I'd say it's worth reading!
April 12, 2020
Another brilliant piece of work
I am constantly amazed at the talent of Ms. Solomon. Her writing grabs you, holds you tight, and doesn’t let go until the last page. A very good read. Mystery personified with love, friends, antiquated belief systems, and finally, truth. I’m anxious to begin book one in the Gulfport Mystery Series, Timing is Everything. A truly gifted author. I am a huge fan and will read her other works. I heartily and unequivocally recommend this novel and any others by Ms. Solomon. Thank you. Peace
I am constantly amazed at the talent of Ms. Solomon. Her writing grabs you, holds you tight, and doesn’t let go until the last page. A very good read. Mystery personified with love, friends, antiquated belief systems, and finally, truth. I’m anxious to begin book one in the Gulfport Mystery Series, Timing is Everything. A truly gifted author. I am a huge fan and will read her other works. I heartily and unequivocally recommend this novel and any others by Ms. Solomon. Thank you. Peace
May 4, 2017
What a good story
Wow learned a lot about faith and love. How two sisters who grew up in a Christian household choose two ways to show their love of God. Ashley and Lizzie touched a lot of lives
Wow learned a lot about faith and love. How two sisters who grew up in a Christian household choose two ways to show their love of God. Ashley and Lizzie touched a lot of lives
May 16, 2017
Good story
This was a really incredible story of loss and finding yourself all rolled into one. You never know what can happen in life that takes just the right person to understand or figure out.
This was a really incredible story of loss and finding yourself all rolled into one. You never know what can happen in life that takes just the right person to understand or figure out.
May 23, 2021
Wow
I absolutely loved "Devoted" and plan to keep reading The Gulfport Mystery Series. Ashley's tenacity to not let her gut feeling go that someone murdered her sister and at the same time, coming to terms with her own sexulality.
I absolutely loved "Devoted" and plan to keep reading The Gulfport Mystery Series. Ashley's tenacity to not let her gut feeling go that someone murdered her sister and at the same time, coming to terms with her own sexulality.
May 18, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well written. And I love the twists. There are always surprises. I look forward to more books.
May 16, 2020
Good
Good plot. It’s been a very different read for me. Storyline was enthralling and the pages flew by. The characters were brave and unity was amongst them. Thank you.
Good plot. It’s been a very different read for me. Storyline was enthralling and the pages flew by. The characters were brave and unity was amongst them. Thank you.
February 18, 2017
I fell in love with Solomon's writing when I read Along Came the Rain. Devoted proved to be a wonderful second novel. Solomon has gift for the first person, getting her readers inside the heads of imperfect narrators. And while her stories can be read for pure reading pleasure and a delight in discovering "who done it," they also address important contemporary issues in way that is neither cliched nor precious. Definitely a good read. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2020
I love a good mystery and I very much enjoyed reading this book. I am not a good reader and was happy that I was able to follow the story easily and finished it in two days. The book kept my interest throughout. I enjoyed the characters and the baggage they carried. As a lesbian myself I could relate to characteristics and life experiences that were shared by both myself and the individuals in the story. The mystery itself revolves around the main character Ashley and the deaths of her sister. The plot is well thought out and gives a unique look into the personality of the killer. I recommend this book.
February 5, 2017
Alison Solomon's new book, Devoted, is a must read for people who love suspense stories. The story is revealed over a series of chapters, each representing the point of view of one of the characters - so you learn about things that the current narrator may not know. Just as the central character is a bit in denial over certain aspects of herself (don't want to put a spoiler here), the truth about what has happened dawns on the reader slowly until it is obvious. It's an great suspense story that you will enjoy.
February 5, 2017
I dearly loved Alison's Along Came The Rain and so I was very excited to read Devoted and it did not disappoint.
Amidst the backdrop of a crisis of faith and romantic stirrings, we're presented with a classic whodunnit with all the speculation, suspense, and twists you expect and enjoy.
Alison, once again, proves that lesfic stories can break free from the standard plots to give us a fresh and exciting story which will keep you turning pages well after you should be asleep.
Amidst the backdrop of a crisis of faith and romantic stirrings, we're presented with a classic whodunnit with all the speculation, suspense, and twists you expect and enjoy.
Alison, once again, proves that lesfic stories can break free from the standard plots to give us a fresh and exciting story which will keep you turning pages well after you should be asleep.
February 13, 2018
This book is a worthy pick from the lesfic genre. Well-written with a compelling plot, I was especially pleased with the astute psychological observations and insights of the characters' lives. As a matter of fact, one of the main characters, JP, is an excellent example of how an unexamined life - she has done absolutely nothing to process childhood trauma - turns evil.
February 5, 2017
What a wild ride! Loved it...couldn't put it down.
January 20, 2017
The author captured my interest immediately. Her character development was well-crafted and led to the complete interest of the book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews