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Firefly Hollow #10
Kathy
Life changed forever for Kathy Browning one tragic, fateful day in 1960 when her husband murdered their children, another man, and himself in front of her. Three years later, she’s battling serious depression, still trying to pick up enough shattered pieces of what’s left to continue living. She has all but given up when Fate intervenes again, this time in the form of one Charles Kelly. Full of anger, grief, and pain, Kathy’s less than appreciative of his interference, and she doesn’t hesitate to let him know just that.
As for Charles, he’s been keeping an eye on Kathy for months now ever since a chance meeting at a dinner party. Intrigued by what he sees and what he suspects—that there’s more to Kathy than she shows the world—he’s drawn to her intellectually, emotionally, and physically, and he’s determined to learn more about her. Aware of snippets of her tragic past, it isn’t until he happens across her in a life-threatening situation of her own making that he realizes just how deep her wounds go. All he can hope to do is help her see another path to the future.
“Kathy” is the tenth book in the Firefly Hollow series, though it takes place chronologically after book one. It is the story of a severely abused and traumatized woman who is struggling to hold on to life, and it contains detailed references to the abuse and violence she suffered at the hands of her husband. There are also scenes of a sexual nature between the two main characters. It’s a story of hope and redemption, but it does tackle very dark subjects, so reader discretion is strongly advised.
As for Charles, he’s been keeping an eye on Kathy for months now ever since a chance meeting at a dinner party. Intrigued by what he sees and what he suspects—that there’s more to Kathy than she shows the world—he’s drawn to her intellectually, emotionally, and physically, and he’s determined to learn more about her. Aware of snippets of her tragic past, it isn’t until he happens across her in a life-threatening situation of her own making that he realizes just how deep her wounds go. All he can hope to do is help her see another path to the future.
“Kathy” is the tenth book in the Firefly Hollow series, though it takes place chronologically after book one. It is the story of a severely abused and traumatized woman who is struggling to hold on to life, and it contains detailed references to the abuse and violence she suffered at the hands of her husband. There are also scenes of a sexual nature between the two main characters. It’s a story of hope and redemption, but it does tackle very dark subjects, so reader discretion is strongly advised.
- GenresParanormalRomanceFantasy
ebook
Published April 19, 2016
37 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Haddix
40 books229 followersT.L. Haddix is the author of the Firefly Hollow Series, women's fiction romances set in Eastern Kentucky, as well as numerous other projects under various pen names. She's a self-described eccentric, a somewhat reclusive stick in the mud who lives in Eastern Kentucky with her husband and their cat-children. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, reading, genealogy, casual bird-and-critter watching, and being short.
She writes books about characters who are flawed but who somehow still manage to overcome the challenges thrown in their paths and reach for happiness with their soul mates. And while she can't tell a joke in the real world to save her life, she tries to inject her characters' lives with quirky, unintentional humor that surprises readers at just the right moment.
She writes books about characters who are flawed but who somehow still manage to overcome the challenges thrown in their paths and reach for happiness with their soul mates. And while she can't tell a joke in the real world to save her life, she tries to inject her characters' lives with quirky, unintentional humor that surprises readers at just the right moment.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 28, 2016
This is the tenth book in TL Haddix's Firefly Hollow series, BUT it does not have to be read in order. This would be fine as a stand alone. So don't panic. We first met Kathy in Firefly Hollow as Sarah's annoying older sister. I didn't like Kathy's character at that time. In fact, I despised her. Then Kathy's life got turned upside down. I changed my mind.
This book tells that story so you will not feel lost reading it.
*sorta spoilery but not really*
Kathy was married to a man that abused her. Physically and mentally. This storyline is set in the 1960's so you have to keep in mind that women didn't have a whole lot of choices when it came to leaving a marriage. Kathy does cheat on him. (I would have chopped off his weiney and rubbed it in his face, but I'm pure southern crazy so..) She thinks she is in love with the guy. I think Kathy just wanted out. Kathy has a daughter by the abusive turd and then she has another child that is the product of her affair. She plans on leaving Randall (he is the turd) and taking her children and running with the other man. Life didn't work that way though. Randall finds out.
**********all kinds of triggery************
Randall kills her children, he then kills the other man. He abuses Kathy in every way possible. Then shoots himself in the head.
This is Kathy's past. I don't know if I could get past all that. I really honestly don't.
She has moved to Savannah with her mom and is on the beach with her decision made one day when Charles Kelly comes up to her. He knows what she is up too and has lost someone in his own family to suicide so he seeks out help for Kathy.
This story is not just a romance, don't even write it off as that. It's a story of a woman rebuilding herself. It looks at depression. It looks at the abuse Kathy suffers. It looks at the guilt and feelings that Kathy will probably always carry.
She gets judged for her past, even though she was innocent in what her husband did. She had an affair. This is the 1960's south. She faces lots of judgement.
But no more that she heaps on herself. She starts therapy and this story is about the re-building of a person. It has a touch of romance but it's very nicely done. Charles is very supportive of Kathy and mostly just wants her better. The smoochy smoochy stuff can come later. (It does but it's def. not insta-love)
I completely adored both these characters. Kathy is not perfect..but who is? Charles is just a really good man. Not just a hottie as is typical in most romance-type books. These are real people and their story jumps off the page as such.
Booksource: I did receive a copy of this book from the author. Who I consider my friend. I love her writing and I adore her. Would that affect how I reviewed the book? Not even. She never has tried to make me drink any kool-aid or juice. She just wants honest opinions.
I'll drink any juice she wants to write and throw my way.
This book tells that story so you will not feel lost reading it.
*sorta spoilery but not really*
Kathy was married to a man that abused her. Physically and mentally. This storyline is set in the 1960's so you have to keep in mind that women didn't have a whole lot of choices when it came to leaving a marriage. Kathy does cheat on him. (I would have chopped off his weiney and rubbed it in his face, but I'm pure southern crazy so..) She thinks she is in love with the guy. I think Kathy just wanted out. Kathy has a daughter by the abusive turd and then she has another child that is the product of her affair. She plans on leaving Randall (he is the turd) and taking her children and running with the other man. Life didn't work that way though. Randall finds out.
**********all kinds of triggery************
Randall kills her children, he then kills the other man. He abuses Kathy in every way possible. Then shoots himself in the head.
This is Kathy's past. I don't know if I could get past all that. I really honestly don't.
She has moved to Savannah with her mom and is on the beach with her decision made one day when Charles Kelly comes up to her. He knows what she is up too and has lost someone in his own family to suicide so he seeks out help for Kathy.
This story is not just a romance, don't even write it off as that. It's a story of a woman rebuilding herself. It looks at depression. It looks at the abuse Kathy suffers. It looks at the guilt and feelings that Kathy will probably always carry.
She gets judged for her past, even though she was innocent in what her husband did. She had an affair. This is the 1960's south. She faces lots of judgement.
But no more that she heaps on herself. She starts therapy and this story is about the re-building of a person. It has a touch of romance but it's very nicely done. Charles is very supportive of Kathy and mostly just wants her better. The smoochy smoochy stuff can come later. (It does but it's def. not insta-love)
I completely adored both these characters. Kathy is not perfect..but who is? Charles is just a really good man. Not just a hottie as is typical in most romance-type books. These are real people and their story jumps off the page as such.
Booksource: I did receive a copy of this book from the author. Who I consider my friend. I love her writing and I adore her. Would that affect how I reviewed the book? Not even. She never has tried to make me drink any kool-aid or juice. She just wants honest opinions.
I'll drink any juice she wants to write and throw my way.
January 8, 2017
"Kathy" by T.L. Haddix is set in the early 1960's, a time when my age was still in single figures; a time when the neighbours were still addressed as Mrs Saunders and Mrs Rusling rather than Marge and Mona; a time when we ran unfettered between each others houses, our only instruction to be home before dark.
But there were dark times then too. Spousal/family violence was whispered about, but was almost accepted.
Kathy is a story about the aftermath of such violence; about a woman's struggle to come to terms with her past, to learn to live with her grief and guilt. Kathy is not blameless....
I am not a fan of 'romance' books, but this one seemed to promise so much more. Instead it came across more as a 'self-help' manual in many places. I found myself skimming over great tracts of text and by 3/4 through just wanted it to end. The writing style is quite 'stiff' or formal, and I feel so much more could have been gained in this book had the writing style been a little more relaxed. Another thing that irked me was the frequent use of the term "Ms." I don't believe that was used as a form of address until women's liberation hit the world many years later.
Having said all that, there are some touching moments, and although it is all a little too glib for my taste, I know it is a book that will appeal to a great number of people.
2.5 stars from me for Kathy by T L Haddix.
Thank you to NetGalley and Streetlight Graphics for providing an ARC of Kathy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
But there were dark times then too. Spousal/family violence was whispered about, but was almost accepted.
Kathy is a story about the aftermath of such violence; about a woman's struggle to come to terms with her past, to learn to live with her grief and guilt. Kathy is not blameless....
I am not a fan of 'romance' books, but this one seemed to promise so much more. Instead it came across more as a 'self-help' manual in many places. I found myself skimming over great tracts of text and by 3/4 through just wanted it to end. The writing style is quite 'stiff' or formal, and I feel so much more could have been gained in this book had the writing style been a little more relaxed. Another thing that irked me was the frequent use of the term "Ms." I don't believe that was used as a form of address until women's liberation hit the world many years later.
Having said all that, there are some touching moments, and although it is all a little too glib for my taste, I know it is a book that will appeal to a great number of people.
2.5 stars from me for Kathy by T L Haddix.
Thank you to NetGalley and Streetlight Graphics for providing an ARC of Kathy for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 30, 2016
This book was just average for me. It has a nice storyline to it but it really moves terribly slow with not a lot happening. I think you would need to be a true contemporary romance fan through and through maybe to enjoy this one. I could not really connect with Kathy as a character and that might have made the book a stronger read for me.
Others may very well enjoy this book, it's got some decent 4 star reviews but it was not something that really got me excited at all. I plugged along with it but was kind of glad when it was over and I was on to the next book.
Not bad enough to be a 2 star rating so I will give it 3.
Thanks so much to the publisher for my copy of the book via NetGalley.
Others may very well enjoy this book, it's got some decent 4 star reviews but it was not something that really got me excited at all. I plugged along with it but was kind of glad when it was over and I was on to the next book.
Not bad enough to be a 2 star rating so I will give it 3.
Thanks so much to the publisher for my copy of the book via NetGalley.
April 18, 2016
Kathy, written by T.L. Haddix, is the tenth book in the Firefly Hollow series. The main character, Kathy, was first introduced in the first book of the series, Firefly Hollow, but this book can be read as a stand-alone.
The storyline of this book takes place in the 1960's, and the main character is Kathy Browning. Kathy has not had an easy life. She was married to Randall, a man that was both physically and emotionally abusive. She has two children, one with her husband, and one that was the result of an affair she had. Thinking she is in love with the other man, she makes plans to take her children and leave Randall. Randall finds out, and does the unthinkable...he kills the other man, the children, and then beats and rapes Kathy before he kills himself. Kathy survived the brutal attack, but didn't escape the emotional fallout from that horrific day, and she sinks into a deep depression. Trying to escape the memories, she relocates to Georgia. What she doesn't realize, is her memories didn't stay behind, and she wants to commit suicide. This is the point in her life in which this story begins.
Charles Huston Kelly is sitting on the beach, trying to escape from a hectic day at work. He sees a woman walking into the waves, hesitating as she walks further into the pounding surf. Not a stranger to suicide, he recognizes the signs, and stops her from being lost under the waves.
Through her therapy sessions with Dr. Milton, Kathy begins the slow road to recovery. She is trying to learn to cope with that horrific day, and heal so that she can move on with her life. Charles is also a key factor in the healing process.
This is not a light-hearted read, but a very powerful story of survival. The author brilliantly deals with the topic of guilt and the depression that resulted from it. Kathy is a character that suffered the unimaginable, but through her therapy and the support of Charles, she begins the road to recovery, and slowly learns how to deal with her demons. This story is written in a manner that brings the story to life, the characters are true to life, and the pain is real. You feel for Kathy, and want her to heal. Charles is amazing, and was my favorite character. He was Kathy's rock when she needed it the most. He saw the woman she could be, and helped her to achieve that. Although this book deals with a sensitive subject matter, it is not nearly as depressing as it is uplifting. The courage and strength Kathy has is truly amazing, and the road to her recovery is beautifully written. I honestly can't stress enough just how good this book is! This is by far, my favorite of this series. I would definitely recommend this book, as well as the previous books in the series.
I was given an advance digital copy of this book from Streetlight Graphics Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline of this book takes place in the 1960's, and the main character is Kathy Browning. Kathy has not had an easy life. She was married to Randall, a man that was both physically and emotionally abusive. She has two children, one with her husband, and one that was the result of an affair she had. Thinking she is in love with the other man, she makes plans to take her children and leave Randall. Randall finds out, and does the unthinkable...he kills the other man, the children, and then beats and rapes Kathy before he kills himself. Kathy survived the brutal attack, but didn't escape the emotional fallout from that horrific day, and she sinks into a deep depression. Trying to escape the memories, she relocates to Georgia. What she doesn't realize, is her memories didn't stay behind, and she wants to commit suicide. This is the point in her life in which this story begins.
Charles Huston Kelly is sitting on the beach, trying to escape from a hectic day at work. He sees a woman walking into the waves, hesitating as she walks further into the pounding surf. Not a stranger to suicide, he recognizes the signs, and stops her from being lost under the waves.
Through her therapy sessions with Dr. Milton, Kathy begins the slow road to recovery. She is trying to learn to cope with that horrific day, and heal so that she can move on with her life. Charles is also a key factor in the healing process.
This is not a light-hearted read, but a very powerful story of survival. The author brilliantly deals with the topic of guilt and the depression that resulted from it. Kathy is a character that suffered the unimaginable, but through her therapy and the support of Charles, she begins the road to recovery, and slowly learns how to deal with her demons. This story is written in a manner that brings the story to life, the characters are true to life, and the pain is real. You feel for Kathy, and want her to heal. Charles is amazing, and was my favorite character. He was Kathy's rock when she needed it the most. He saw the woman she could be, and helped her to achieve that. Although this book deals with a sensitive subject matter, it is not nearly as depressing as it is uplifting. The courage and strength Kathy has is truly amazing, and the road to her recovery is beautifully written. I honestly can't stress enough just how good this book is! This is by far, my favorite of this series. I would definitely recommend this book, as well as the previous books in the series.
I was given an advance digital copy of this book from Streetlight Graphics Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2016
For those familiar with the Firefly Hollow series, as you might suspect from the title, this book is a bit of a departure from the rest of the series. Rather then continuing on a chronological progression, Kathy jumps back in time to three years after the end of Firefly Hollow to take a look at how Kathy, Sarah's sister, recovered from the traumatic events at the end of FH.
*Slight spoilers* Those that read FH will remember that Kathy was married to an abusive husband with two children at that time. When her husband, Randall, discovered that she was going to run away with another man he killed the children, the other man and himself after beating and raping Kathy. *Spoilers over* Kathy moved to Georgia to escape the memories and for three years was still struggling to overcome her depression caused by those events. This story picks up when Kathy has decided to commit suicide. If you are looking for a light and fluffy book, turn around right now and walk away. This is not that book.
I think this book can be broken down into two parts. The first half focuses on Kathy finally addressing her demons and the second half is when the romance finally comes into play.
For anyone who has gone to therapy or struggled to overcome some demon, I think this book will strike a powerful chord. The peaks into Kathy's sessions with Dr. Milton were particularly poignant. Even though most people probably (hopefully) haven't experienced something as traumatic as Kathy, I think everyone can relate to a lot of the issues that come up in some way or another. Haddix has really done a masterful job delving into the human psyche.
Now Kathy and Charles have met at the very beginning of the book, but Charles knows that she's dealing with some things so he doesn't approach her romantically for a bit. Once Kathy has started healing a bit is when Charles really comes into the picture. I loved him! What a smart, considerate, loving man. He was wonderful! And he and Kathy together were absolutely precious. It's wonderfully heartbreaking to see Kathy finally find happiness the she deserves. She's not particularly likable in FH because of Randall's influence on her, but in this one we see a whole other side of her that deserves her happy ending.
P.S. If you're hoping for the appearance of other FH character you will not be disappointed. Eliza plays a large role, as does Sarah as the sisters rebuild their relationship, Owen and babies John, Emma and Ben.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*Slight spoilers* Those that read FH will remember that Kathy was married to an abusive husband with two children at that time. When her husband, Randall, discovered that she was going to run away with another man he killed the children, the other man and himself after beating and raping Kathy. *Spoilers over* Kathy moved to Georgia to escape the memories and for three years was still struggling to overcome her depression caused by those events. This story picks up when Kathy has decided to commit suicide. If you are looking for a light and fluffy book, turn around right now and walk away. This is not that book.
I think this book can be broken down into two parts. The first half focuses on Kathy finally addressing her demons and the second half is when the romance finally comes into play.
For anyone who has gone to therapy or struggled to overcome some demon, I think this book will strike a powerful chord. The peaks into Kathy's sessions with Dr. Milton were particularly poignant. Even though most people probably (hopefully) haven't experienced something as traumatic as Kathy, I think everyone can relate to a lot of the issues that come up in some way or another. Haddix has really done a masterful job delving into the human psyche.
Now Kathy and Charles have met at the very beginning of the book, but Charles knows that she's dealing with some things so he doesn't approach her romantically for a bit. Once Kathy has started healing a bit is when Charles really comes into the picture. I loved him! What a smart, considerate, loving man. He was wonderful! And he and Kathy together were absolutely precious. It's wonderfully heartbreaking to see Kathy finally find happiness the she deserves. She's not particularly likable in FH because of Randall's influence on her, but in this one we see a whole other side of her that deserves her happy ending.
P.S. If you're hoping for the appearance of other FH character you will not be disappointed. Eliza plays a large role, as does Sarah as the sisters rebuild their relationship, Owen and babies John, Emma and Ben.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2016
Ok. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that since I started reading the Firefly Series a year ago I have gotten to know this author and I love her as a person as much as an author.
Kathy was tough. It's a difficult story to read in Firefly Hollow and I can't imagine how difficult this story had to be to write. The horrible tragedy that she must survive along with the guilt that she was responsible in some way is staggering. I was so proud of the way this book dealt with the murders, the guilt, the therapy and ultimately the healing. This was absolutely one of the best books of the series which is my favorite series of all time.
The characters are so true to life. Nothing is ever perfect, things are scary and love is always the central of the family. They have problems and arguments and even people who would love to hurt them for their own twisted amusement. You fall in love with these characters, from the first book to the last. You laugh and cry and even yell at them at times. You just can't help but feel this family becomes a part of your own. I've passed theses books to my beautiful mother, my sister, nieces and aunts. I've recommended them to friends and even the girls at my dentists office at the mammogram center. Yes, they are that good! This book gave me hope that if Kathy can find love and happiness, then we all can if we are brave enough to try and have the love of family to hold us up when we need it.
Kathy was tough. It's a difficult story to read in Firefly Hollow and I can't imagine how difficult this story had to be to write. The horrible tragedy that she must survive along with the guilt that she was responsible in some way is staggering. I was so proud of the way this book dealt with the murders, the guilt, the therapy and ultimately the healing. This was absolutely one of the best books of the series which is my favorite series of all time.
The characters are so true to life. Nothing is ever perfect, things are scary and love is always the central of the family. They have problems and arguments and even people who would love to hurt them for their own twisted amusement. You fall in love with these characters, from the first book to the last. You laugh and cry and even yell at them at times. You just can't help but feel this family becomes a part of your own. I've passed theses books to my beautiful mother, my sister, nieces and aunts. I've recommended them to friends and even the girls at my dentists office at the mammogram center. Yes, they are that good! This book gave me hope that if Kathy can find love and happiness, then we all can if we are brave enough to try and have the love of family to hold us up when we need it.
November 16, 2016
I love this series
This series starts out with sarah and owen, then their children and grandchildren and so on. This book is Sarah's sisters story and I am so glad it was written. This series is a little paranormal and a lot about family loyalty, and family love. I recommend this book and author to anyone.
This series starts out with sarah and owen, then their children and grandchildren and so on. This book is Sarah's sisters story and I am so glad it was written. This series is a little paranormal and a lot about family loyalty, and family love. I recommend this book and author to anyone.
March 7, 2017
Beautiful Story
I found the story of Kathy to be very realistic. The approach to therapy was completely on point. I love this series and I absolutely fell in love with our Hero!
I found the story of Kathy to be very realistic. The approach to therapy was completely on point. I love this series and I absolutely fell in love with our Hero!
April 24, 2022
4 Stars.
The Good:
• How Kathy grew
• It actually shows Kathy & Charles actually dating
The Bad:
• How much Kathy’s ‘voice’ changed
• How ‘Out of time’ it felt
The Book:
This book was interesting, I was intrigued when I saw that Kathy would be getting her own book as we’ve only seen her in Firefly Hollow. But overall I didn’t hate her book, I didn’t like her in Firefly Hollow but she changed in this book. I understood why T.L. Haddix had to change Kathy’s ‘voice’ in this book because she wasn’t nice when we first met her. Yes, there was a tragedy that happened to her & her family but she changed where she basically become Sarah except a little more brash. I did like how she grew as a person because of therapy & it really challenged her. It wasn’t something that was breezed over, it actually showed her struggling with what had happened & how she grew as a person going from being severely depressed to managing that depression. The last point is this is supposed to be after Firefly Hollow, back in the 1960’s. It didn’t feel like it, it honestly felt like it could’ve taken place today. With the first book, it felt like it took place in the 60’s, or at least at a time that wasn’t modern to today. With the exception of not having a cell phone, it could happen tomorrow & I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. I did like this book as a single book but not as part of the Firefly Hollow series. It felt too different.
The Good:
• How Kathy grew
• It actually shows Kathy & Charles actually dating
The Bad:
• How much Kathy’s ‘voice’ changed
• How ‘Out of time’ it felt
The Book:
This book was interesting, I was intrigued when I saw that Kathy would be getting her own book as we’ve only seen her in Firefly Hollow. But overall I didn’t hate her book, I didn’t like her in Firefly Hollow but she changed in this book. I understood why T.L. Haddix had to change Kathy’s ‘voice’ in this book because she wasn’t nice when we first met her. Yes, there was a tragedy that happened to her & her family but she changed where she basically become Sarah except a little more brash. I did like how she grew as a person because of therapy & it really challenged her. It wasn’t something that was breezed over, it actually showed her struggling with what had happened & how she grew as a person going from being severely depressed to managing that depression. The last point is this is supposed to be after Firefly Hollow, back in the 1960’s. It didn’t feel like it, it honestly felt like it could’ve taken place today. With the first book, it felt like it took place in the 60’s, or at least at a time that wasn’t modern to today. With the exception of not having a cell phone, it could happen tomorrow & I wouldn’t have thought anything of it. I did like this book as a single book but not as part of the Firefly Hollow series. It felt too different.
June 15, 2017
Have read all of the Firefly series and wish there were more. Thoroughly enjoyed the entire series and Kathy was the last book and as stated before didn't want the series to end. Recommend the book but need to read the entire series especially if you like romance with some paranormal abilities mixed in. Wasn't any abilities in this book but was brought up.
October 29, 2021
Another wonderful book
This one was as good as the first one I read. I am looking forward to reading them all. So enjoyable and keep you very intested. I read this one straight through not putting it down. I am looking forward to the next one which I will start now.
This one was as good as the first one I read. I am looking forward to reading them all. So enjoyable and keep you very intested. I read this one straight through not putting it down. I am looking forward to the next one which I will start now.
February 8, 2023
Great series
This is a sensitive and tender story.(Hallmark movie type) what a great feel good. Kathy is regaining her self after a horrific time in her life. When you least expect it ,,,,, .
This is a sensitive and tender story.(Hallmark movie type) what a great feel good. Kathy is regaining her self after a horrific time in her life. When you least expect it ,,,,, .
August 28, 2023
Great story
Its so great to see Kathy find the love she so deserves. It was well written and showed how helpful therapy can be.
Its so great to see Kathy find the love she so deserves. It was well written and showed how helpful therapy can be.
January 14, 2024
I have read this series many times! Working on it again ❤️
February 5, 2017
This may very well be the best book of the series! I loved it immensely. I felt so sorry for everything she had been through: the abuse, the murders, and the immense depression and grief that followed. I also like how counseling didn't make everything look all peaches and roses. It is a process....a time-consuming process in which you slowly learn to live with a new normal. To me, it sounds very realistic. I hope other readers enjoy it as much as I did.
May 2, 2016
***ARC kindly provided by author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review***
Spoilerish
Healing is an unfinished process…
How a married woman survives the worst tragedy in the 60’s society?
This book opens with Kathy about to take the most drastic decision… till Charles crosses her path and decides to interfere.
This sets the beginning of a very hard journey of healing… or if not completely at least letting the dead in the past and forgive herself (if we consider Kathy is “guilty” of something here).
The author did an absolutely wonderful job here. The subject is too dark to deliver a cheesy and utopic denouement.
I really had the feeling I was making this journey with Kathy, the day by day with the ups and downs, the immense guilt she feels, the very long process to opening herself again and to analyze her own situation in the past.
Because if today women have still to fight for their rights even in the most developed countries, the 60’s, a women like Kathy could find herself trapped in a “matrimony”, a society where appearance is most important that what really happens behind the door of a home.
There was a moment in the book where we read how can a religion consider that cheating is a worst sin that beat a wife?”
How can people justify what Roy did to Kathy?
I even consider Kathy wasn’t guilty of anything. The assassination of here children was a “consequence” of the decision of her husband, the real monster here. They don’t die because of here, they die because the bastard (the real one indeed) wanted to punish here in the worst way possible, being coward enough to kill himself after torturing both paramours and raping her in all possible ways…
Hypocrite society has it: once a woman get married (for getting pregnant or not), she makes her choice and have to deal with consequences, in a great matrimony or in the worst case, in a matrimony that becomes a jail. Kathy is guilty for getting pregnant of an abusive boyfriend, who cheated on her once they married and beat her after begging her to come back, causing her a miscarriage in the process.
How can we blame a woman turn to another man (not necessary better, but who makes her believe he loves her for good?
How can people and even family can think Kathy caused those deaths?
How many beaten women were they in the 60’s?
How many Kathy? How many died behind their door or couldn’t escape their home, being prisoner with her children, of the husband, the monster?
What happened to Kathy was a tragedy caused by an egocentric man, who never respected her and treated her like a belonging.
I admired Kathy’s mother, her perspective of all this is so brilliant.
And what about Charles… He gives us some closure with masculine mentality in those days… even today, we need so much Charles in this world, for us women and for our daughters…
I’ll finish this review saying the author did an excellent job, with a very realistic story, in a journey that gives Kathy some kind of closure. She’s still healing, and certainly always be, but she’s stronger, she has her family, Charles and she’s learnt to really be herself.
A very touching story.
Spoilerish
Healing is an unfinished process…
How a married woman survives the worst tragedy in the 60’s society?
This book opens with Kathy about to take the most drastic decision… till Charles crosses her path and decides to interfere.
This sets the beginning of a very hard journey of healing… or if not completely at least letting the dead in the past and forgive herself (if we consider Kathy is “guilty” of something here).
The author did an absolutely wonderful job here. The subject is too dark to deliver a cheesy and utopic denouement.
I really had the feeling I was making this journey with Kathy, the day by day with the ups and downs, the immense guilt she feels, the very long process to opening herself again and to analyze her own situation in the past.
Because if today women have still to fight for their rights even in the most developed countries, the 60’s, a women like Kathy could find herself trapped in a “matrimony”, a society where appearance is most important that what really happens behind the door of a home.
There was a moment in the book where we read how can a religion consider that cheating is a worst sin that beat a wife?”
How can people justify what Roy did to Kathy?
I even consider Kathy wasn’t guilty of anything. The assassination of here children was a “consequence” of the decision of her husband, the real monster here. They don’t die because of here, they die because the bastard (the real one indeed) wanted to punish here in the worst way possible, being coward enough to kill himself after torturing both paramours and raping her in all possible ways…
Hypocrite society has it: once a woman get married (for getting pregnant or not), she makes her choice and have to deal with consequences, in a great matrimony or in the worst case, in a matrimony that becomes a jail. Kathy is guilty for getting pregnant of an abusive boyfriend, who cheated on her once they married and beat her after begging her to come back, causing her a miscarriage in the process.
How can we blame a woman turn to another man (not necessary better, but who makes her believe he loves her for good?
How can people and even family can think Kathy caused those deaths?
How many beaten women were they in the 60’s?
How many Kathy? How many died behind their door or couldn’t escape their home, being prisoner with her children, of the husband, the monster?
What happened to Kathy was a tragedy caused by an egocentric man, who never respected her and treated her like a belonging.
I admired Kathy’s mother, her perspective of all this is so brilliant.
And what about Charles… He gives us some closure with masculine mentality in those days… even today, we need so much Charles in this world, for us women and for our daughters…
I’ll finish this review saying the author did an excellent job, with a very realistic story, in a journey that gives Kathy some kind of closure. She’s still healing, and certainly always be, but she’s stronger, she has her family, Charles and she’s learnt to really be herself.
A very touching story.
February 24, 2017
took to long to read
May 4, 2017
This book is not a common romance. It is not a lighthearted jaunt through the lives of pretty people as they navigate everyday problems with a few silly hijinks to make the book interesting. It is a book about finding love and some degree of peace after suffering unthinkable loss.
Kathy's loss is horrifying and not the kind of thing you can ever come back from completely. Kathy is not magically healed by the selfless love of Charles; he helps her move forward with her life, not move on from her loss.
I really liked Charles. He is a genuinely decent and caring person without being annoyingly good. He does not look at Kathy like a weekend fix it project, but as a person worth helping and loving.
I liked Kathy and found her character believably written as well. (I have read the Firefly Hollow series so I knew her already from those books.)
Strangely, this book is not a depressing tear jerker. (Not that I didn't cry my ass off.) It is a romance about finding hope and love when circumstances are so overwhelmingly soul crushing that you cannot imagine surviving them.
Kathy's loss is horrifying and not the kind of thing you can ever come back from completely. Kathy is not magically healed by the selfless love of Charles; he helps her move forward with her life, not move on from her loss.
I really liked Charles. He is a genuinely decent and caring person without being annoyingly good. He does not look at Kathy like a weekend fix it project, but as a person worth helping and loving.
I liked Kathy and found her character believably written as well. (I have read the Firefly Hollow series so I knew her already from those books.)
Strangely, this book is not a depressing tear jerker. (Not that I didn't cry my ass off.) It is a romance about finding hope and love when circumstances are so overwhelmingly soul crushing that you cannot imagine surviving them.
March 29, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review. I practically begged for it after reading my first book by this author. I read Firefly Hollow just a few weeks ago, so Kathy was still fresh in my mind. Her story completely broke my heart in the first book, and I wasn't sure I evening liked her. I changed my mind the moment I read her story. T.L. Haddix has a way of sucking you into her story telling, and making you feel everything the characters feel.
I loved this book. I truly can't wait to read the rest of this series.
I loved this book. I truly can't wait to read the rest of this series.
April 29, 2016
This book is set in the 60's but doesn't seem dated. It is book 10 in the Firefly Hollow series , I have not read any other book in this series but I had no problems getting into this book. Kathy is a woman who is trying to put her life together after an unimaginable tragedy. She is thinking of taking her own life when she is saved by Charles who has admired her from afar. This story is a journey by Kathy and it's fascinating to travel with her though a year in her life.
June 26, 2016
Loved this book! Just as much as I love all the other books in the Firefly Hollow series. It was a difficult story to read, given what Kathy had to go through in her life, but it was a story of healing and coming out on the other side for her. Wonderful book!
May 2, 2016
Great read
Really great addition to the series. It is wonderful to see Kathy get her happy ending after everything she went through. The story was tastefully done without trading on the tragedy of her past.
Really great addition to the series. It is wonderful to see Kathy get her happy ending after everything she went through. The story was tastefully done without trading on the tragedy of her past.
January 27, 2017
This is my second reading of this book and I still love it. Outstanding.. After tragic there is always hope and love. This book brings this message home with finding love/family and a strong person to stand beside you. And as always I love Owen he's my hero.
March 29, 2017
I read this book second in the Firefly Hollow series as recommended by the author. I can see why she recommended the 10th book in series to be second. Kathy's character evolved tremendously in this book. The author guided you through all her emotions which ran from one extreme to the next. You rode the emotional roller coaster with Kathy until it finally came to rest. I enjoyed reading Firefly Hollow, then Kathy, and will be starting Butterfly Lane today.
June 5, 2017
it made me laugh and cry I loved it
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