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The Art of Living #1
The Art of Going Home
“If you want a book with depth, soul and a fantastic plot, as well as a host of intriguing characters and a scorching hot love interest, this one’s for you.” –Eat Sleep Read Review
Maddie dreads going home to face the memories of her dead sister. But she must return to the tiny town after a decade to attend a funeral. As it turns out, the haunting reminders of her twin are the least of her worries...
Not given any details of her sister’s murder at the age of ten, Maddie is persuaded to track down the killer. Following one ominous clue after another, she learns the surrogate family she thought honestly loved her has been hiding the truth of her childhood for eighteen years. As suppressed memories of her past come crashing forward, Maddie begins to doubt everything she once believed. And everybody she thought she could trust.
Including Zac, her high school crush. Though she can’t seem to find the strength to resist their mutual attraction, Maddie isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to forgive his betrayal. As she struggles to come to grips with her family’s past and absolve those who deceived her, will she survive the horrifying discovery of who killed her sister?
With poignancy and clarity, author Nicole Sorrell spins a tale of a young woman’s personal journey as she faces her vulnerabilities and tries to accept the love of a man who may hold the key to her happiness. The story is a testament to the real meaning of family and the enduring strength of a sister’s bond.
Please note: contains mature content.
Maddie dreads going home to face the memories of her dead sister. But she must return to the tiny town after a decade to attend a funeral. As it turns out, the haunting reminders of her twin are the least of her worries...
Not given any details of her sister’s murder at the age of ten, Maddie is persuaded to track down the killer. Following one ominous clue after another, she learns the surrogate family she thought honestly loved her has been hiding the truth of her childhood for eighteen years. As suppressed memories of her past come crashing forward, Maddie begins to doubt everything she once believed. And everybody she thought she could trust.
Including Zac, her high school crush. Though she can’t seem to find the strength to resist their mutual attraction, Maddie isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to forgive his betrayal. As she struggles to come to grips with her family’s past and absolve those who deceived her, will she survive the horrifying discovery of who killed her sister?
With poignancy and clarity, author Nicole Sorrell spins a tale of a young woman’s personal journey as she faces her vulnerabilities and tries to accept the love of a man who may hold the key to her happiness. The story is a testament to the real meaning of family and the enduring strength of a sister’s bond.
Please note: contains mature content.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2014
39 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Sorrell
8 books35 followersNovelist Nicole Sorrell’s love of literary fiction and magical realism was born while reading the works of Latin American writers during her university studies which culminated in a B.A. in Hispanic Literature.
She says she writes literary fiction and magical realism while splitting her time between Texas and the rural Midwest, “observing various species of wildlife and dodging alien cows.” An annoying cat with the highly original name of Kitty and a four-pound Yorkie named GiGi keep her company.
She says she writes literary fiction and magical realism while splitting her time between Texas and the rural Midwest, “observing various species of wildlife and dodging alien cows.” An annoying cat with the highly original name of Kitty and a four-pound Yorkie named GiGi keep her company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 8, 2016
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! I'm so happy I got the chance to read this wonderful story. I admit, at first I wasn't completely sure I was going to enjoy it, but in the end I really did.
I love how the plot was written. The main elements are mystery and romance. They fit perfectly together, since none overshadows the other. So, if you want to read a romantic story or simply just a crime story, don't worry. You can get it all! But I warn you now, the story revolves around the murder of a ten year old and her sister that is trying to uncover the truth behing what happened ten years ago. What I'm trying to say is that there might be themes you are uncomfortable with, such as . If you think you can handle that, then this book is definitely worth a try.
As for the characters, I really liked most of them. Sure, there were moments where I wanted to shout at them out of frustration but other than that, I enjoyed their unique personalities.
Maddie has been through a lot, since her sister's murder years ago. She has huge trust issues (not that I blame her) and that's why it's hard for her to form a long lasting love relationship. With Zac back in the picture, it's even harder for her to give in to what they both truly want. There were times, where I though she reacted to a situation without thinking it over first and that then lead to
unnecessary drama. But other than that I found her to be quite pleasant and even funny.
He was the perfect guy; faithful, dependable, long-lasting (assuming his batteries didn’t run down), and always willing to put my needs ahead of his own.
She and Zac were really great for each other. I loved Zac. He never gave up on her and you could really tell how much she meant to him and his family. He and his family did screw up by not telling her such an important 'secret' but at the end her friend helped her understand why they did what they did. She had an amazing support sistem behind her that many could only wish for.
I'm so glad that at the end her sister and Maddie got their peace and that Maddie could finally move on and in a sense also start living again.
The Art of Going Home is a wonderful read I can only recommend!
Safety-gang: Safe but
Wow! I'm so happy I got the chance to read this wonderful story. I admit, at first I wasn't completely sure I was going to enjoy it, but in the end I really did.
I love how the plot was written. The main elements are mystery and romance. They fit perfectly together, since none overshadows the other. So, if you want to read a romantic story or simply just a crime story, don't worry. You can get it all! But I warn you now, the story revolves around the murder of a ten year old and her sister that is trying to uncover the truth behing what happened ten years ago. What I'm trying to say is that there might be themes you are uncomfortable with, such as . If you think you can handle that, then this book is definitely worth a try.
As for the characters, I really liked most of them. Sure, there were moments where I wanted to shout at them out of frustration but other than that, I enjoyed their unique personalities.
Maddie has been through a lot, since her sister's murder years ago. She has huge trust issues (not that I blame her) and that's why it's hard for her to form a long lasting love relationship. With Zac back in the picture, it's even harder for her to give in to what they both truly want. There were times, where I though she reacted to a situation without thinking it over first and that then lead to
unnecessary drama. But other than that I found her to be quite pleasant and even funny.
He was the perfect guy; faithful, dependable, long-lasting (assuming his batteries didn’t run down), and always willing to put my needs ahead of his own.
She and Zac were really great for each other. I loved Zac. He never gave up on her and you could really tell how much she meant to him and his family. He and his family did screw up by not telling her such an important 'secret' but at the end her friend helped her understand why they did what they did. She had an amazing support sistem behind her that many could only wish for.
I'm so glad that at the end her sister and Maddie got their peace and that Maddie could finally move on and in a sense also start living again.
The Art of Going Home is a wonderful read I can only recommend!
Safety-gang: Safe but
September 26, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This is book one in the "The Art of Living " series by Nicole Sorrell. This is the first book by this author too.
I will be honesty I didn't know if I would like the book as I was judging it by the cover at first. But once you get into the book you can't put it down. It is a somewhat different story than usually I would read. There is a murder of Maddie's twin sister at the age of 10.. also this set in motion for Maddie's mother to start having mental issues. Maddie has not been back in 10 years but the death of her ' Aunt Ceci ' has brought her back home. Aunt Ceci took Maddie in after the murder and when her mother had to be put into a Mental Institution. So Maddie would not have a home if not for her. This also puts Maddie on the path to meeting her High School crush Zac again.
This is definitely a book that will keep you turning pages!
This is book one in the "The Art of Living " series by Nicole Sorrell. This is the first book by this author too.
I will be honesty I didn't know if I would like the book as I was judging it by the cover at first. But once you get into the book you can't put it down. It is a somewhat different story than usually I would read. There is a murder of Maddie's twin sister at the age of 10.. also this set in motion for Maddie's mother to start having mental issues. Maddie has not been back in 10 years but the death of her ' Aunt Ceci ' has brought her back home. Aunt Ceci took Maddie in after the murder and when her mother had to be put into a Mental Institution. So Maddie would not have a home if not for her. This also puts Maddie on the path to meeting her High School crush Zac again.
This is definitely a book that will keep you turning pages!
April 11, 2015
The Art of Going Home by Nicole Sorrell is one that will forever lure readers deep within the heart of its plot. An engaging and heart melting story that will leave readers coming back to re-read the beautifully well written novel. Nicole definitely knows how to develop an intriguing plot and believable characters. Reading the first page, I could not stop reading until I finished the entire book. It’s definitely one novel readers won’t want to miss. The story tells of love, lies, and self-destruction. The main character, Maddie Chandler, goes through one epic journey that will have readers falling in love with her.
At the age of ten, Maddie Chandler, ends up losing her twin sister. And then her mothers goes insane with the loss of her twin sister and is placed into an institution. Maddie’s family life as she once knew it is destroyed and she is then taken into the home of a family friend whom raises her. This family friend is soon called Aunt Ceci. Aunt Ceci raises Maddie like she was her own daughter. Maddie goes through high school and then leaves for college. It isn’t until the death of her Aunt Ceci that Maddie soon returns back to the town that was once called her home. But fate has a way of playing games especially with Maddie’s life. She is soon haunted by her sister’s ghost to find her sister’s murder. Maddie fears of going insane like her mother did when she was much younger. Then there’s her old high school crush, Zac. Her memories of the horrible events in her past comes tumbling forward causing her to question everything she believes. Will Maddie find the person behind her sister’s murder? And what happens when she does?
The Art of Going Home is a compelling story that will leave readers wondering what happens next and who did it. The novel isn’t without its own surprising twists and an ending that readers weren’t excepting. A novel that has it all. Romance, mystery, and suspense all in one incredible book. I enjoyed reading Nicole Sorrell’s masterfully woven story and look forward to reading more of her brilliant works in the future. I would recommend this novel to every reader world wide. This story is raw, stunning, and one perfect read. I rate it a five out of five stars.
At the age of ten, Maddie Chandler, ends up losing her twin sister. And then her mothers goes insane with the loss of her twin sister and is placed into an institution. Maddie’s family life as she once knew it is destroyed and she is then taken into the home of a family friend whom raises her. This family friend is soon called Aunt Ceci. Aunt Ceci raises Maddie like she was her own daughter. Maddie goes through high school and then leaves for college. It isn’t until the death of her Aunt Ceci that Maddie soon returns back to the town that was once called her home. But fate has a way of playing games especially with Maddie’s life. She is soon haunted by her sister’s ghost to find her sister’s murder. Maddie fears of going insane like her mother did when she was much younger. Then there’s her old high school crush, Zac. Her memories of the horrible events in her past comes tumbling forward causing her to question everything she believes. Will Maddie find the person behind her sister’s murder? And what happens when she does?
The Art of Going Home is a compelling story that will leave readers wondering what happens next and who did it. The novel isn’t without its own surprising twists and an ending that readers weren’t excepting. A novel that has it all. Romance, mystery, and suspense all in one incredible book. I enjoyed reading Nicole Sorrell’s masterfully woven story and look forward to reading more of her brilliant works in the future. I would recommend this novel to every reader world wide. This story is raw, stunning, and one perfect read. I rate it a five out of five stars.
March 23, 2016
It's hard to describe my feelings about this book. Lots of drama in the plot. I haven't read such graphic romance in a long time. (Whew, I remember when. ) Overall, I didn't want to put the book down!
April 2, 2016
Title: The Art of Going Home
Author: Nicole Sorrell
Publisher: Booktrope
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 6, 2016
Genre(s): Suspense, Murder Mystery, Romance, Paranormal
Page Count: 242 pages
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of The Art of Going Home provided by the Nicole Sorrell for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Nicole Sorrell
Publisher: Booktrope
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: January 6, 2016
Genre(s): Suspense, Murder Mystery, Romance, Paranormal
Page Count: 242 pages
Heat Level: 1 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
“If you want a book with depth, soul and a fantastic plot, as well as a host of intriguing characters and a scorching hot love interest, this one’s for you.” –Eat Sleep Read Review
Maddie dreads going home to face the memories of her dead sister. But she must return to the tiny town after a decade to attend a funeral. As it turns out, the haunting reminders of her twin are the least of her worries...
Not given any details of her sister’s murder at the age of ten, Maddie is persuaded to track down the killer. Following one ominous clue after another, she learns the surrogate family she thought honestly loved her has been hiding the truth of her childhood for eighteen years. As suppressed memories of her past come crashing forward, Maddie begins to doubt everything she once believed. And everybody she thought she could trust.
Including Zac, her high school crush. Though she can’t seem to find the strength to resist their mutual attraction, Maddie isn’t sure she’ll ever be able to forgive his betrayal. As she struggles to come to grips with her family’s past and absolve those who deceived her, will she survive the horrifying discovery of who killed her sister?
With poignancy and clarity, author Nicole Sorrell spins a tale of a young woman’s personal journey as she faces her vulnerabilities and tries to accept the love of a man who may hold the key to her happiness. The story is a testament to the real meaning of family and the enduring strength of a sister’s bond.
Please note: contains mature content.
Review:
Love. The love of a sister that was taken away. The love of a good friend that keeps you together. The love of a surrogate mother, that loves you more than your own. The love that carries on after death. This is a tragic story of twin sisters. One who was murdered and endured a horrible life. One that survives, but blames herself for the loss of her sister.
This maybe a hard story to read. It deals with difficult subject matter. I for one liked the story very much. It was extremely suspenseful, and kept me unsure of the outcome until almost the end. The plot was good, but contains difficult subject matter, including mental illness, alcoholism, child abuse and child molestation/rape. There is strong chemistry between the characters of this book. This book reads fast, but it also had some unanswered questions. Maddie faces difficult realizations of events that occurred in her life. With the help of people that truly love her, both living and dead, she shows strong character development. This book has a heart stopping, dramatic ending.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 4 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of The Art of Going Home provided by the Nicole Sorrell for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
April 21, 2015
When Maddie Chandler is forced to return home she’s ready to deal with the naysayers and the family she left behind. However, she’s not quite ready to hear her sister’s voice in her head again—one of the many reasons she left in the first place. Not long after arriving her sister does indeed begin to speak to her, but this time it’s different. This time, her sister wants her to uncover the person responsible for her murder.
As Maddie follows the little clues Angeline gives her, she uncovers secrets so dark they twist her stomach. The truth behind Angeline’s death is far worse than she could possibly have imagined. Though Maddie is surrounded by people that love her, as the past comes back to haunt her, she begins to question their motives, pushing away the one person who wants to be there for her above others.
So much goes on in this book that it’s impossible to write a brief rundown without giving things away. The book really fouses on Maddie’s journey to uncover her sisters killer and her budding relationship with old friend Zac.
The romantic element to this book was A1 excellent. The growing relationship between Zac and Maddie was perfectly captured and the heat—wow. If the author ever steps away from women’s fiction to contemporary romance, there will be some very happy boyfriends and husband’s in this world! Rare is it that an author can capture a relationship and the tumultuous feelings within it as well as Sorell has. However, the author does such a food job making Maddie’s personal journey intriguing that I can’t wait to read more of her lovely style.
The mystery part to the plot was also very well done. I didn’t guess it, so when the reveal came I was wowed.
Mostly though, the poignancy to this tale had me in tears. One of the things the book explores is child abuse which I can say that I usually avoid at all costs – I just can’t cope with it. However, the abuse is not condoned in any way and treated with great care and it is only fleeting within the pages.
No part of this book left me wanting, no part left details out. Beautifully crafted with stunning clarity, this book will knock you on your ass with it’s attention to detail.
Maddie’s journey is both emotional and powerful. It was a real joy to read and I love the happy ending to the book, though it doesn’t reach a full conclusion. I will most certainly read the next installment and very much look forward to it.
If you want a book with depth, soul and a fantastic plot as well as a host of intriguing characters and a scorching hot love interest, this one’s for you. It is honestly one of the best books I have read this year. Have the tissues handy and set aside some time, it’s a real page turner and all round fabulous.
As Maddie follows the little clues Angeline gives her, she uncovers secrets so dark they twist her stomach. The truth behind Angeline’s death is far worse than she could possibly have imagined. Though Maddie is surrounded by people that love her, as the past comes back to haunt her, she begins to question their motives, pushing away the one person who wants to be there for her above others.
So much goes on in this book that it’s impossible to write a brief rundown without giving things away. The book really fouses on Maddie’s journey to uncover her sisters killer and her budding relationship with old friend Zac.
The romantic element to this book was A1 excellent. The growing relationship between Zac and Maddie was perfectly captured and the heat—wow. If the author ever steps away from women’s fiction to contemporary romance, there will be some very happy boyfriends and husband’s in this world! Rare is it that an author can capture a relationship and the tumultuous feelings within it as well as Sorell has. However, the author does such a food job making Maddie’s personal journey intriguing that I can’t wait to read more of her lovely style.
The mystery part to the plot was also very well done. I didn’t guess it, so when the reveal came I was wowed.
Mostly though, the poignancy to this tale had me in tears. One of the things the book explores is child abuse which I can say that I usually avoid at all costs – I just can’t cope with it. However, the abuse is not condoned in any way and treated with great care and it is only fleeting within the pages.
No part of this book left me wanting, no part left details out. Beautifully crafted with stunning clarity, this book will knock you on your ass with it’s attention to detail.
Maddie’s journey is both emotional and powerful. It was a real joy to read and I love the happy ending to the book, though it doesn’t reach a full conclusion. I will most certainly read the next installment and very much look forward to it.
If you want a book with depth, soul and a fantastic plot as well as a host of intriguing characters and a scorching hot love interest, this one’s for you. It is honestly one of the best books I have read this year. Have the tissues handy and set aside some time, it’s a real page turner and all round fabulous.
April 5, 2015
Addictive
Maddie and Angeline Chandler were twins; two peas in a pod, best friends. At the age of ten, Angeline is murdered. The case was never solved which prompted gossip and innuendos to run rampant within their community.
Angeline had always been the favorite with their parents. Upon her death, the mother suffers a mental breakdown and is permanently institutionalized. Eventually Maddie moves in with a family friend, Cecilia Redondo. This beloved woman became Maddie’s Aunt Ceci, who raised and loved her as her own daughter.
After high school Maddie left for college and never returned home, although she always kept in contact with her aunt.
It’s been ten years; Maddie returns home to honor her precious Aunt Ceci who had died. During her visit she starts rekindling a relationship with her high school crush, Zac. Soon memories of her tragic childhood begin to surface. Angeline keeps haunting her in her dreams, begging her to find her killer.
Maddie starts inquiring about her sister’s death. The more she digs the more devastated she becomes.
When she uncovers the truth will it set her free or will it consume her?
Author Nicole Sorrell has written a heart wrenching story filled with love, self destruction, lies, secrets and hideous family atrocities. I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. I was completely engrossed in the story; the ending was shocking!
Quite the page turner!
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
Maddie and Angeline Chandler were twins; two peas in a pod, best friends. At the age of ten, Angeline is murdered. The case was never solved which prompted gossip and innuendos to run rampant within their community.
Angeline had always been the favorite with their parents. Upon her death, the mother suffers a mental breakdown and is permanently institutionalized. Eventually Maddie moves in with a family friend, Cecilia Redondo. This beloved woman became Maddie’s Aunt Ceci, who raised and loved her as her own daughter.
After high school Maddie left for college and never returned home, although she always kept in contact with her aunt.
It’s been ten years; Maddie returns home to honor her precious Aunt Ceci who had died. During her visit she starts rekindling a relationship with her high school crush, Zac. Soon memories of her tragic childhood begin to surface. Angeline keeps haunting her in her dreams, begging her to find her killer.
Maddie starts inquiring about her sister’s death. The more she digs the more devastated she becomes.
When she uncovers the truth will it set her free or will it consume her?
Author Nicole Sorrell has written a heart wrenching story filled with love, self destruction, lies, secrets and hideous family atrocities. I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. I was completely engrossed in the story; the ending was shocking!
Quite the page turner!
Stephanie Lasley, from The Kindle Book Review
The Kindle Book Review received a free copy of this book for an independent, fair, and honest review. We are not associated with the author or Amazon.
February 10, 2016
Intense, involving, and interesting, not to mention hot.
Aunt Ceci’s funeral forces Madisen to confront the small town she fled, her guilt over her twin sister’s death years ago, and her family. Along the way she reconnects with an old flame, Zac and together they resolve to uncover the truth behind Angeline’s demise. It’s a cold trail, long overgrown with the weeds of shame and guilt; not just Madisen’s assumed responsibility for her sister. Along the way, Angeline herself appears to ‘Maddie’ as her spirit guide. Maddie’s and Zac’s search reawakens old passions. Some, like for each other, that they forgot, and some, like the real murderer’s that were buried, hopping to be forgotten in the fog of time.
A true romance, hot at times, and overlaid with intense stormy mystery, this book is well worth a read.
I received an ARC in return for an unbiased review.
Aunt Ceci’s funeral forces Madisen to confront the small town she fled, her guilt over her twin sister’s death years ago, and her family. Along the way she reconnects with an old flame, Zac and together they resolve to uncover the truth behind Angeline’s demise. It’s a cold trail, long overgrown with the weeds of shame and guilt; not just Madisen’s assumed responsibility for her sister. Along the way, Angeline herself appears to ‘Maddie’ as her spirit guide. Maddie’s and Zac’s search reawakens old passions. Some, like for each other, that they forgot, and some, like the real murderer’s that were buried, hopping to be forgotten in the fog of time.
A true romance, hot at times, and overlaid with intense stormy mystery, this book is well worth a read.
I received an ARC in return for an unbiased review.
July 14, 2016
I won this book in a GoodReads.com give away.
This book was an interesting read. We open up with Maddie coming back to her childhood home after the death of a family friend. On the ride to funeral, Maddie hears her dead twin sister's voice calling her name.
If you want to read the rest of my review you can go to my blog.
https://journeyingwithceltic.wordpres...
This book was an interesting read. We open up with Maddie coming back to her childhood home after the death of a family friend. On the ride to funeral, Maddie hears her dead twin sister's voice calling her name.
If you want to read the rest of my review you can go to my blog.
https://journeyingwithceltic.wordpres...
February 18, 2016
What a great book! While the romance in this book is stunning, what really kept me turning the pages was the mystery. I will definitely look for more from this author.
December 20, 2018
The Art of Going Home, The Art of Living Duet Book One by Nicole Sorrell
This first installment is incredible. The author gives you love, grief, mystery, suspense and a glimpse into the paranormal. The promise of a storyline that catches your attention and refuses to let go. A must read!
Madisen comes back to her hometown, after an absence of ten years, to attend the funeral of her beloved Aunt Cecilia. What she finds when she arrives is the voice of her deceased twin, asking Madisen to help solve her murder. As I continued to get caught up in the mystery, I kept thinking I knew who the killer had to be. Oh, how wrong I was!
Follow Madisen through her journey of not only finding a killer, but maybe herself in the process.
4* Review
**TRIGGER WARNING**
This first installment is incredible. The author gives you love, grief, mystery, suspense and a glimpse into the paranormal. The promise of a storyline that catches your attention and refuses to let go. A must read!
Madisen comes back to her hometown, after an absence of ten years, to attend the funeral of her beloved Aunt Cecilia. What she finds when she arrives is the voice of her deceased twin, asking Madisen to help solve her murder. As I continued to get caught up in the mystery, I kept thinking I knew who the killer had to be. Oh, how wrong I was!
Follow Madisen through her journey of not only finding a killer, but maybe herself in the process.
4* Review
**TRIGGER WARNING**
March 11, 2018
When she is 9 years old Madison's twinnsister was murdered. Almost 20 years later Madison returns to her hometown for a burial. She does not dare tell people she hears her sister talking to her in her head urging her to find the killer (Trauma???)
Ok story. The nephew of her former housekeeper who was a kind of mother for her is now a lawyer and is very attracted to her. Lots of romance here but the detective part is nicely done and the persons are more realistic. The large Hispanic family really comes to life.
Ok story. The nephew of her former housekeeper who was a kind of mother for her is now a lawyer and is very attracted to her. Lots of romance here but the detective part is nicely done and the persons are more realistic. The large Hispanic family really comes to life.
June 14, 2020
A well crafted story of love, betrayal,relationships. Madison and Anjeline, the twin sisters touch our heart along with Zac who loves Madison
Many are judged with the truth kept in darkness.This story penned by Nicole is highly fascinating and cutting deep into Madison's journey to find the truth in the darkness somehow dug deep into her subconscious. The expand of truth can sometimes leave us broken, a falter in the sanity....the revelation of such shreds put Madeline at a crossroad.
A wonderful read.
Many are judged with the truth kept in darkness.This story penned by Nicole is highly fascinating and cutting deep into Madison's journey to find the truth in the darkness somehow dug deep into her subconscious. The expand of truth can sometimes leave us broken, a falter in the sanity....the revelation of such shreds put Madeline at a crossroad.
A wonderful read.
March 7, 2018
Youth trauma
When she is 9 years old Madison's twinsister was murdered. Almost 20 years later Madison returns to her hometown for a burial. She does not dare tell people she hears her sister talking to her in her head urging her to find the killer.
Ok story. Lots of romance but the detective part is OK as well.
When she is 9 years old Madison's twinsister was murdered. Almost 20 years later Madison returns to her hometown for a burial. She does not dare tell people she hears her sister talking to her in her head urging her to find the killer.
Ok story. Lots of romance but the detective part is OK as well.
April 17, 2018
Good
this book is one that shows good people were able to help a young woman who had been abused sexually as a child.
this book is one that shows good people were able to help a young woman who had been abused sexually as a child.
January 23, 2019
Bug
A TV game h h 6b YB is the time to fall for the world to the only fact that I’m not
A TV game h h 6b YB is the time to fall for the world to the only fact that I’m not
January 31, 2023
good main plot
I liked the main story but the romance and sex made me subtract a star or two. It was so random and unnecessary.
I liked the main story but the romance and sex made me subtract a star or two. It was so random and unnecessary.
April 10, 2016
"The first time Angeline and I talked after she died was about a month after her murder. Some days before, I’d discovered that my gold butterfly necklace was missing. We were given matching necklaces on our eighth birthday, and Angeline had been buried with hers. I was heartbroken. In a dream, Angeline told me to check my tennis shoes. Although I’d worn them twice since the necklace was lost, I found it tangled in the laces. After that, I always listened to her, and she never failed me. She told me when to avoid Father because he was angry; the days Mother was up to talking; and when Aunt Ceci was going to fix my favorite dinner of cheese-stuffed fried peppers: chiles rellenos."
Death from illness or even accidental death of a young child is a heartbreak within itself. An act of murder against a young child is unforgivable and…unforgettable. Sorrell captivates her readers with the resonance of a destructive past life and the desire for a better future…one with closure. The characters that this author has created are very easy to emphasize with and the tragedy that befalls these families are quite criminal. The Art of Going Home is suspenseful and thought-provoking with some added romance to boot. Sorrell provides an enthralling story that will leave readers compelled to find out the mystery behind her sister’s murder.
Maddie returns home to attend her Aunt Ceci’s funeral. Aunt Ceci meant the world to her; her life depended on that woman being there during her childhood…especially after her sister’s death. Fighting the memories that make their way to the surface upon her arrival, she is happy to see some of her old friends and family, but her father’s bitterness strikes a chord right away. It has been a decade, yet her father’s words still resonate with hatred and deceit. Her high school crush, Zac was also very fond of Aunt Ceci. With his presence and calmness over the situation, her father leaves the funeral, also leaving Maddie’s feelings of uncertainty about returning home, a dominant force within the forefront of her mind. Then, without warning…her sister’s voice starts to talk to her again. She knows that she isn’t crazy, but she can’t explain the way that she just knows certain things, like where to find things that have been missing for years—or hidden. Her persistence into the murder investigation that was conducted so long ago, unravels many threats and Maddie finds herself unable to trust those around her.
Sorrell is knowledgeable with her writing aspects and research; however, this read does lack a bit of emotion throughout specific scenes. This author does a great job with character development and originality. Due to certain aspects of this novel, the author may have become withdrawn in order to write the scenes, which may be the leading factor behind lack of emotion. The pace is quick, but not so quick as to hinder understanding or perception. Sorrell has a mesmerizing novel that will both captivate and immerse the reader into the mysterious plot that unfolds before them. If you are a reader of women’s fiction and mysteries, you may be interested in picking this story up.
A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
Death from illness or even accidental death of a young child is a heartbreak within itself. An act of murder against a young child is unforgivable and…unforgettable. Sorrell captivates her readers with the resonance of a destructive past life and the desire for a better future…one with closure. The characters that this author has created are very easy to emphasize with and the tragedy that befalls these families are quite criminal. The Art of Going Home is suspenseful and thought-provoking with some added romance to boot. Sorrell provides an enthralling story that will leave readers compelled to find out the mystery behind her sister’s murder.
Maddie returns home to attend her Aunt Ceci’s funeral. Aunt Ceci meant the world to her; her life depended on that woman being there during her childhood…especially after her sister’s death. Fighting the memories that make their way to the surface upon her arrival, she is happy to see some of her old friends and family, but her father’s bitterness strikes a chord right away. It has been a decade, yet her father’s words still resonate with hatred and deceit. Her high school crush, Zac was also very fond of Aunt Ceci. With his presence and calmness over the situation, her father leaves the funeral, also leaving Maddie’s feelings of uncertainty about returning home, a dominant force within the forefront of her mind. Then, without warning…her sister’s voice starts to talk to her again. She knows that she isn’t crazy, but she can’t explain the way that she just knows certain things, like where to find things that have been missing for years—or hidden. Her persistence into the murder investigation that was conducted so long ago, unravels many threats and Maddie finds herself unable to trust those around her.
Sorrell is knowledgeable with her writing aspects and research; however, this read does lack a bit of emotion throughout specific scenes. This author does a great job with character development and originality. Due to certain aspects of this novel, the author may have become withdrawn in order to write the scenes, which may be the leading factor behind lack of emotion. The pace is quick, but not so quick as to hinder understanding or perception. Sorrell has a mesmerizing novel that will both captivate and immerse the reader into the mysterious plot that unfolds before them. If you are a reader of women’s fiction and mysteries, you may be interested in picking this story up.
A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
March 19, 2016
I received this ARC book for an honest review. I don't know how I was picked, other than I am in the Goodreads network & that is how I was contacted.
I read all types of books, and I couldn't tell what this classified as. Was it erotica, paranormal, mystery, girl fiction - even as I finished it, I still can't give it a category.
Spoiler free summary is the story is a woman who goes back to her small town for a funeral after years of absence and drama ensues with the people of her past.
This book contains murder, child molestation, erotica, romance, death (natural) , violence, and the paranormal, so if you are offended, this may not be for you.
This is a series book, not sure how many, and though the mystery of the murder is solved; a lot of plot stories were left to continue.
The details below outline potential spoilers - read at your own risk, but it's the reason I gave 3 stars and not higher:
I was not a fan of Maddie. I understand she is damaged, but she was almost schizophrenic at times. And if later books do diagnose her with a mental illness - then some behavior that got on my nerves would be justified. For example, yes, she is damaged, trauma of her twin, (and more), but she is independent, self aware sexual woman, who has one night stands, doesn't want relationships, proud of her vibrator & sexuality, enough so, that she takes it on a 2 day funeral trip. However, this self confident woman "is mortified" when the man she is lusting for sees it in her bathroom. Another is how she went hot/cold treating Zac.
Another reason that kept me from giving this 4 stars was the plot holes - perhaps they are there to introduce more stories in later book, not sure.
- the twins: were they identical or fraternal? Maybe this was kept away intentionally because for a good portion of the book, I thought that maybe the "wrong twin" was murdered. Some details elude to fraternal - again, maybe to intentionally think of who & why the murder occurred
- Lauren - why was she with the dad, how old is she - no one question that
- Elaine knocking, kicking & screaming on the door for 30 minutes, while they are inside watching tv - never answered
- Maddie talking to herself as "you"
- Trashed house crime
- Where is dad?
- who packs wax for a 2day trip & the endless supply of clothing she had for what turned to be 3 week trip - thats real nit picky, but details like that are a pet peeve
I read all types of books, and I couldn't tell what this classified as. Was it erotica, paranormal, mystery, girl fiction - even as I finished it, I still can't give it a category.
Spoiler free summary is the story is a woman who goes back to her small town for a funeral after years of absence and drama ensues with the people of her past.
This book contains murder, child molestation, erotica, romance, death (natural) , violence, and the paranormal, so if you are offended, this may not be for you.
This is a series book, not sure how many, and though the mystery of the murder is solved; a lot of plot stories were left to continue.
The details below outline potential spoilers - read at your own risk, but it's the reason I gave 3 stars and not higher:
I was not a fan of Maddie. I understand she is damaged, but she was almost schizophrenic at times. And if later books do diagnose her with a mental illness - then some behavior that got on my nerves would be justified. For example, yes, she is damaged, trauma of her twin, (and more), but she is independent, self aware sexual woman, who has one night stands, doesn't want relationships, proud of her vibrator & sexuality, enough so, that she takes it on a 2 day funeral trip. However, this self confident woman "is mortified" when the man she is lusting for sees it in her bathroom. Another is how she went hot/cold treating Zac.
Another reason that kept me from giving this 4 stars was the plot holes - perhaps they are there to introduce more stories in later book, not sure.
- the twins: were they identical or fraternal? Maybe this was kept away intentionally because for a good portion of the book, I thought that maybe the "wrong twin" was murdered. Some details elude to fraternal - again, maybe to intentionally think of who & why the murder occurred
- Lauren - why was she with the dad, how old is she - no one question that
- Elaine knocking, kicking & screaming on the door for 30 minutes, while they are inside watching tv - never answered
- Maddie talking to herself as "you"
- Trashed house crime
- Where is dad?
- who packs wax for a 2day trip & the endless supply of clothing she had for what turned to be 3 week trip - thats real nit picky, but details like that are a pet peeve
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review of the book and as part of Goodreads Bookclub.
When Maddie Chandler was ten years old, her twin sister, Angeline, was murdered. Her mother then goes insane, being placed in an institution and with her father being who he is, Maddie is placed into the care of Aunt Ceci, who raises and treats Maddie as though she is her own daughter. Maddie goes through high school being blamed for her sisters death, also for being the wrong sister to have died, leaving town as soon as she leaves for college. It takes her ten years before she comes back to her home town, but sadly, she only come back to attend the funeral of the beloved Aunt Ceci. But as soon as she is back, she is forced to face her troubled past that she has hidden even from herself. There is some happiness, in the form of her old high school crush Zac, her friends and her home made family. Will she find the truth behind the murder of her sister? Is she going insane or is she really seeing her sisters ghost?
I was genuinely shocked that I enjoyed this book has much as I did and because I thought that I wasn't going to enjoy it, I was putting it off until the last minute until it had to be read for the bookclub on Goodreads. There are so many topics in this book, which is surprising as it isn't that big of a book, such as; Mystery, Erotica, Romance, Crime, Death, Paranormal, that I wasn't sure which was the main theme of the book. There is also another bigger topic/theme, but I don't want to include it, as it will give away one of the main surprises to the plot of this book.
The characters did have some strong developments, and I did like the relationship between Maddie and Zac. I even liked the relationship, or lack there of, between Maddie and her father. Even the writing was good and easy to follow and once I started reading it, it took me less than 2 days to finish it.
I did want to give this book 4 stars out of 5 because I did enjoy this book and it was good, but there were so many questions left unanswered and even though I know that there is going to be another book, I wouldn't rush out to buy it. So for that reason, I had to give it 3 stars out of 5.
When Maddie Chandler was ten years old, her twin sister, Angeline, was murdered. Her mother then goes insane, being placed in an institution and with her father being who he is, Maddie is placed into the care of Aunt Ceci, who raises and treats Maddie as though she is her own daughter. Maddie goes through high school being blamed for her sisters death, also for being the wrong sister to have died, leaving town as soon as she leaves for college. It takes her ten years before she comes back to her home town, but sadly, she only come back to attend the funeral of the beloved Aunt Ceci. But as soon as she is back, she is forced to face her troubled past that she has hidden even from herself. There is some happiness, in the form of her old high school crush Zac, her friends and her home made family. Will she find the truth behind the murder of her sister? Is she going insane or is she really seeing her sisters ghost?
I was genuinely shocked that I enjoyed this book has much as I did and because I thought that I wasn't going to enjoy it, I was putting it off until the last minute until it had to be read for the bookclub on Goodreads. There are so many topics in this book, which is surprising as it isn't that big of a book, such as; Mystery, Erotica, Romance, Crime, Death, Paranormal, that I wasn't sure which was the main theme of the book. There is also another bigger topic/theme, but I don't want to include it, as it will give away one of the main surprises to the plot of this book.
The characters did have some strong developments, and I did like the relationship between Maddie and Zac. I even liked the relationship, or lack there of, between Maddie and her father. Even the writing was good and easy to follow and once I started reading it, it took me less than 2 days to finish it.
I did want to give this book 4 stars out of 5 because I did enjoy this book and it was good, but there were so many questions left unanswered and even though I know that there is going to be another book, I wouldn't rush out to buy it. So for that reason, I had to give it 3 stars out of 5.
September 5, 2015
I went into this book a little unsure, this is going to sound fickle, but I judge books by their covers and having read the blurb for this one I wasn’t sure that I ‘got’ it. Having read the book, I still don’t. I’m not a huge fan of the cover and it really doesn’t speak to me.
This is an intricate tale of a small town misfit, Maddie. She fled to a big city having spent most of her life being accused of her twin sisters murder.
Maddie returns to town following the death of someone she held dear, and straight into the arms of her surrogate family, namely the gorgeous Zac.
The author clearly displays the characters in the way they are meant to be received, most notably Maddie’s mother and father, they are completely weird. This story is a lovely tale woven with a beautiful romance and a harrowing mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, I found it captivating and unpredictable, and the romantic aspects kept the story deliciously buoyant throughout.
There are twists and turns in this novel that will continually keep you guessing, as well as a sizzling romance that will have you pulling at your collar.
The only problem for me, aside from the cover was, the high volume of seemingly insignificant untied up mysteries, such as who trashed Maddie’s house? She never even returned to the house before she returned home? I found that a little strange? Just little aspects like that made me wonder if they would be covered in a future title, and wether such things would spur me on to read the next book?
The deep routed problems that became unearthed during this story had me in tears, and although initially devastated by those events Maddie seemed to make an almost too quick recovery from the mentally earth shattering discoveries. I found it a tad unbelievable and cold.
The paranormal ghost connection was a beautiful part of the tale that I loved. The frankness of Maddie’s voice was refreshing and the mystery element kept me suitably intrigued. I highly recommend this book to any lovers of the mystery romance genre.
This is an intricate tale of a small town misfit, Maddie. She fled to a big city having spent most of her life being accused of her twin sisters murder.
Maddie returns to town following the death of someone she held dear, and straight into the arms of her surrogate family, namely the gorgeous Zac.
The author clearly displays the characters in the way they are meant to be received, most notably Maddie’s mother and father, they are completely weird. This story is a lovely tale woven with a beautiful romance and a harrowing mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, I found it captivating and unpredictable, and the romantic aspects kept the story deliciously buoyant throughout.
There are twists and turns in this novel that will continually keep you guessing, as well as a sizzling romance that will have you pulling at your collar.
The only problem for me, aside from the cover was, the high volume of seemingly insignificant untied up mysteries, such as who trashed Maddie’s house? She never even returned to the house before she returned home? I found that a little strange? Just little aspects like that made me wonder if they would be covered in a future title, and wether such things would spur me on to read the next book?
The deep routed problems that became unearthed during this story had me in tears, and although initially devastated by those events Maddie seemed to make an almost too quick recovery from the mentally earth shattering discoveries. I found it a tad unbelievable and cold.
The paranormal ghost connection was a beautiful part of the tale that I loved. The frankness of Maddie’s voice was refreshing and the mystery element kept me suitably intrigued. I highly recommend this book to any lovers of the mystery romance genre.
February 10, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book last month and devoured it, but I was waiting for the book’s release so it would be fresh in your mind when you could buy it.
The Art of Going Home was originally written a couple of years ago and she is re-releasing it this week with new edits and a brand new, absolutely gorgeous cover. It’s part of the Art of Living series, the second of which is, I hope, coming out soon.
This book grabbed me from the first page and kept me reading almost non-stop. The chapters were short, which made it easy to take a break whenever I had to work and easy to pick back up when I had some time set aside to read. Where a lot of books would slow down in the middle, this one kept up the pace, introducing new characters and some family secrets that even shocked me.
I loved Madisen, even though she and I have very little in common. She was flawed and in some ways not a very good person, but as the secrets are revealed I was able to understand why she was that way. I did want to grab her and shake some sense into her a few times, though. In spite of this, I still liked her a lot. Not every heroine has to be perfect!
The romance was strong between Madisen and Zac right from the beginning, and there didn’t seem like there was going to be much conflict apart from a bit of will-they-or-won’t-they tension. It was more of a natural progression than a romance novel, which was refreshing. When there was a big conflict, it made it all the better, and when they finally got together for real it was very satisfying.
The ending itself is also very good. There’s a twist that resolves the central mystery in this book and a great lead in to the next book in the series, The Art of Retribution. There was a little teaser in the back, which made me all the more eager to read more, but I had to remind myself that unlike the Flawed series I didn’t have more to read right away. It’s a great book that I definitely recommend to fans of romance and light mystery.
The Art of Going Home was originally written a couple of years ago and she is re-releasing it this week with new edits and a brand new, absolutely gorgeous cover. It’s part of the Art of Living series, the second of which is, I hope, coming out soon.
This book grabbed me from the first page and kept me reading almost non-stop. The chapters were short, which made it easy to take a break whenever I had to work and easy to pick back up when I had some time set aside to read. Where a lot of books would slow down in the middle, this one kept up the pace, introducing new characters and some family secrets that even shocked me.
I loved Madisen, even though she and I have very little in common. She was flawed and in some ways not a very good person, but as the secrets are revealed I was able to understand why she was that way. I did want to grab her and shake some sense into her a few times, though. In spite of this, I still liked her a lot. Not every heroine has to be perfect!
The romance was strong between Madisen and Zac right from the beginning, and there didn’t seem like there was going to be much conflict apart from a bit of will-they-or-won’t-they tension. It was more of a natural progression than a romance novel, which was refreshing. When there was a big conflict, it made it all the better, and when they finally got together for real it was very satisfying.
The ending itself is also very good. There’s a twist that resolves the central mystery in this book and a great lead in to the next book in the series, The Art of Retribution. There was a little teaser in the back, which made me all the more eager to read more, but I had to remind myself that unlike the Flawed series I didn’t have more to read right away. It’s a great book that I definitely recommend to fans of romance and light mystery.
February 15, 2015
Awesome book
I am not a big reader, but this book caught and held my interest from the very beginning. I loved that it was set in a small Midwestern town. I could relate to the characters, especially the main character, Maddie.
I was drawn in by her struggles in coming back to her home town that held unpleasant memories. These include the murder of her sister Angeline, and the gossips that target her because of her parents' reputations.
The majority of the plot centers on her hunt for her sister's murderer, and the information that was kept secret concerning her and Angeline's childhood by her surrogate family. Another plot line follows how she overcomes her self-doubt to develop a relationship with Zac who she's known since they were children.
Maggie's emotional roller coaster was balanced by lighter funny moments, like when Maddie got tipsy drinking wine with her best friend Tabs.
The last two chapters are not in chronological order, but when I figured this out, I decided I liked it. It gives the book an unusual ending that is out of the ordinary.
I found the book easy to read and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next book to find out how Maddie's father, Lauren, and Elaine affect Maddie and Zac's relationship.
Highly recommended!
I am not a big reader, but this book caught and held my interest from the very beginning. I loved that it was set in a small Midwestern town. I could relate to the characters, especially the main character, Maddie.
I was drawn in by her struggles in coming back to her home town that held unpleasant memories. These include the murder of her sister Angeline, and the gossips that target her because of her parents' reputations.
The majority of the plot centers on her hunt for her sister's murderer, and the information that was kept secret concerning her and Angeline's childhood by her surrogate family. Another plot line follows how she overcomes her self-doubt to develop a relationship with Zac who she's known since they were children.
Maggie's emotional roller coaster was balanced by lighter funny moments, like when Maddie got tipsy drinking wine with her best friend Tabs.
The last two chapters are not in chronological order, but when I figured this out, I decided I liked it. It gives the book an unusual ending that is out of the ordinary.
I found the book easy to read and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next book to find out how Maddie's father, Lauren, and Elaine affect Maddie and Zac's relationship.
Highly recommended!
March 20, 2016
Booktrope and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Art of Going Home, in exchange for an honest review.
As a big fan of mystery fiction, I had high hopes for this novel. The concept grabbed my attention, but the execution is where this book falls short. Maddie tragically faced her twin's death at age ten, compounded by the fact that her parents both blamed her. Ten years after leaving town, Maddie is back for Aunt Ceci's funeral, a woman who basically raised Maddie in the aftermath of her sister's murder. As her sister's case was never solved, Maddie is compelled to figure out the truth and put her past to rest.
The problems with The Art of Going Home could be solved mainly with more content. The characters of Maddie and Zac are basically thrown together with their past histories largely absent. The death of a loved one did not seem to faze either of them, as they seem more interested in lust than in grief. Considering how much Aunt Ceci meant to each of them, this just does not seem believable. Had they had a real relationship in the past, the motivations of both characters would have been more clear. Despite the horrific murder and revelations from Maddie about her past, this book was mostly emotionless. The Art of Going Home does have the potential to be a great mystery/thriller, but it is just not there yet.
As a big fan of mystery fiction, I had high hopes for this novel. The concept grabbed my attention, but the execution is where this book falls short. Maddie tragically faced her twin's death at age ten, compounded by the fact that her parents both blamed her. Ten years after leaving town, Maddie is back for Aunt Ceci's funeral, a woman who basically raised Maddie in the aftermath of her sister's murder. As her sister's case was never solved, Maddie is compelled to figure out the truth and put her past to rest.
The problems with The Art of Going Home could be solved mainly with more content. The characters of Maddie and Zac are basically thrown together with their past histories largely absent. The death of a loved one did not seem to faze either of them, as they seem more interested in lust than in grief. Considering how much Aunt Ceci meant to each of them, this just does not seem believable. Had they had a real relationship in the past, the motivations of both characters would have been more clear. Despite the horrific murder and revelations from Maddie about her past, this book was mostly emotionless. The Art of Going Home does have the potential to be a great mystery/thriller, but it is just not there yet.
September 8, 2016
When Maddie (Madisen) finds out that Aunt Ceci has died, she must return to the small town she fled 10 years earlier to attend her funeral. When she arrives she is picked up by Zac Redondo, an old friend who has carried a torch for her for years. We find out that when she was 10 years old, her twin sister, Angeline, drowned and her parents blamed her for the accident. She is unable to return to San Antonio until she tries to find out what happened. With help from Zac and his family, she begins to uncover the truth behind Angeline’s death. Along the way, Angeline herself appears to Maddie in her dreams and guides her to find some answers. Maddie’s and Zac’s search reawakens old feelings and there are some pretty heated scenes. Zac is truly an understanding man and refuses to "make love" to Maddie while she is distraught. He wants to make sure she really wants to have a relationship.
There are some pretty heavy issues in this book such as mental illness and sexual abuse but the romance lightens it up some so it is not a completely dark read. A romance, hot at times, with an intense stormy mystery, this book is well worth a read. I am waiting for the second in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
There are some pretty heavy issues in this book such as mental illness and sexual abuse but the romance lightens it up some so it is not a completely dark read. A romance, hot at times, with an intense stormy mystery, this book is well worth a read. I am waiting for the second in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2016
Received an Arc from the Author for an honest review.
While the book was pretty good and very intense at times it dealt with some very hard topics the worst being molestation and murder of a little girl. It was definitely not the type of story I thought it was going to be before I started to read it. That being said, I had some problems with parts of the story that didn't flow for me with the story, like when we see Maddie's father, both times Lauren is with him and no one questions that, even though both Zac and Maddie have reason to. Or any hint even to Elaine's hatred of Maddie or why Maddie felt the whole town disliked her when as far as the town goes you see no evidence of that throughout the entire book. I really liked the dry hummer and banter between the main characters and the strong message of making a family with the people who love you and you love blood relative doesn't make family.
While the book was pretty good and very intense at times it dealt with some very hard topics the worst being molestation and murder of a little girl. It was definitely not the type of story I thought it was going to be before I started to read it. That being said, I had some problems with parts of the story that didn't flow for me with the story, like when we see Maddie's father, both times Lauren is with him and no one questions that, even though both Zac and Maddie have reason to. Or any hint even to Elaine's hatred of Maddie or why Maddie felt the whole town disliked her when as far as the town goes you see no evidence of that throughout the entire book. I really liked the dry hummer and banter between the main characters and the strong message of making a family with the people who love you and you love blood relative doesn't make family.
April 18, 2016
Things happen may happen to you when you are young – things you suppress. Maddie had a twin that died at the hands of a murderer when she was ten. When Maddie returns to her home town to attend the funeral of a woman who basically raised her, she is forced to find the murderer. Clues lead from one thing to another and, as the suppressed memories begin to unravel, people she thought she could trust knew things they never told her. Maddie reconnects with her high school crush, Zac, who helps her, along with trying to protect her from the memories. When the truth unfolds, can Maddie overcome what she learns and accept Zac’s love? The journey that Maddie takes will test her and hopefully open the key to her heart. They say a sister’s bond is great but a twin sister’s bond is even greater. Family is a person’s world but one crack can split the world in two.
March 21, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is WOW!! This story takes you through a range of emotions. It is full of suspense and shocking revelations. Maddie, comes home to a town which she left years ago. A death of a loved one brings her home with feelings of trepidation and unanswered questions of what happened to her twin sister, and the haunting words of her mother still ringing in her head.
As the truth begins to unfold with the help of her own dead sister, the reality of that day ends in the shocking discovery of what really happened...and who was to blame.
This is a must read! It will take your breath away.
As the truth begins to unfold with the help of her own dead sister, the reality of that day ends in the shocking discovery of what really happened...and who was to blame.
This is a must read! It will take your breath away.
July 10, 2016
The story itself was not so bad.
I would have like more of the past to be in the book, and less of the current relationship
There was also some parts that I knew would never happen , such as all the physical activities after surgery. Even walking after my gallbladder surgery wS a killer !!
Things were left untold in the story -- what happens to the dad !! What does she do with the house ! Who vandalized the house BUT there is a second book coming out this year.
So I'll have to read it now :)
I won this book in a giveaway and wouldn't have read it otherwise. I will pass it on to BORROW only :p
I would have like more of the past to be in the book, and less of the current relationship
There was also some parts that I knew would never happen , such as all the physical activities after surgery. Even walking after my gallbladder surgery wS a killer !!
Things were left untold in the story -- what happens to the dad !! What does she do with the house ! Who vandalized the house BUT there is a second book coming out this year.
So I'll have to read it now :)
I won this book in a giveaway and wouldn't have read it otherwise. I will pass it on to BORROW only :p
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2016
This suffers from trying to be all things at all times for all readers. It also suffers a lack of editing. There is a lot of telling, not showing; and Sorrell seems compelled to explain everything that might confuse a reader.
**This was an advanced reader copy won through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.**
**This was an advanced reader copy won through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.**
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