An emotional story told by alternating points of view that illustrates a connection between words, prescription drugs, and their abilities to wound or heal. “I walked on pins and needles my entire life, until I got a place of my own. I’m speaking literally, and believe me, I tried to get out earlier.” Esteemed local news anchor, Marley Christopher, accepts the network’s request to endorse a nationwide drug abuse awareness campaign, unsuspecting of its significance in her personal life. Profound love for her daughter, Alex, contradicts the loathsome disdain she feels for her mother, Iris. Lifelong conflicts intensify when a bond between her mother and daughter ignites a spark that threatens to change everything.
I am really impressed by this first time author's complex investigation of how prescription drug use can tear through a family and bring them closer together all at the same time. This story is set in Phoenix, where I live and I enjoyed reading realistic settings that remind me of my hometown. The story is written in multiple first person viewpoints, and I was pleasantly surprised by Dax Townsend, an ex-Pro football player who becomes romantically involved with Marley, one of the main characters. His kindness and humility is not typical of pro athletes, but reading this book helped me get over this prejudice a little bit...maybe a Kurt Warner kind of guy. The relationships between 3 generations of women felt real and disconnected and connected in the way I think we all feel sometimes with our own families. The story had a really well written epilogue and I was happy that Marley and her mother were able to work through some of their difficulties.
I really enjoyed this book! Was a great read on a long car trip. Kept my interest throughout. Interesting to read a book that is told from many different perspectives.
I feel like paragraphs or pages were missing from this book because it jumped from one scene to another without any explanation. It was very disjointed. Not a book I would recommend. Also had a difficult time with the lead character assuming a role as spokesperson for an anti-drug campaign when she had no initial connection to drugs, legal or otherwise. The role was merely a convenience for the story and weakened the book.
Through many differences, struggles, and upheavals with her mother, Marley comes to learn that it is family ties that count and hold you together when outside forces, at times, are dropped on your doorstep to destroy you and your loved ones. Standing strong and finding strength in, and for, those you love become the resilience you need to get through life's storms. Great read.
Multi-generational story with interesting characters, family relationship dynamics, light romance, intrigue, and some serious social issues. The book is written from differing perspectives so pay attention to chapter headers. If you're looking for a fresh story that's well-written, moves at a brisk pace, and offers a twist at the end - the one is for you.