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That Darkest Place

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In Book 3 of her popular Riverbend series, Marcia Meara, author of Wake-Robin Ridge, A Boy Named Rabbit, and Harbinger, takes another look at the lives of the Painter brothers—Jackson, Forrest, and Hunter. While Hunter is home again and on the mend, the same isn’t true for his oldest brother. Jackson’s battle has just begun.

“There are dark places in every heart, in every head. Some you turn away from. Some you light a candle within. But there is one place so black, it consumes all light. It will pull you in and swallow you whole. You don't leave your brother stranded in that darkest place."
~Hunter Painter~

The new year is a chance for new beginnings—usually hopeful, positive ones. But when Jackson Painter plows his car into a tree shortly after midnight on January 1, his new beginnings are tragic. His brothers, Forrest and Hunter, take up a grim bedside vigil at the hospital, waiting for Jackson to regain consciousness and anxious over how he’ll take the news that he’s lost a leg and his fiancée is dead. After all, the accident was all his fault.

As the shocking truth emerges, one thing becomes obvious—Jackson will need unconditional love and support from both of his brothers if he is to survive.

Just as he begins the long road to recovery, danger, in the form of a sinister, unsigned note, plunges him back into bleak despair. Scrawled in blood red letters, the accusation—and the threat—is clear. “MURDERER!”

Will the long, harrowing ordeal that lies ahead draw the Painter brothers closer together, or drive them apart forever?

Suspenseful and often heartbreaking, this small-town tale is a testimonial to the redemptive power of love and paints a story filled with humor, romance, and fierce family loyalty.

518 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2017

3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Marcia Meara

14 books58 followers
Marcia Meara lives in central Florida, just north of Orlando, with her husband of over thirty years and four big cats.

When not writing or blogging, she spends her time gardening, and enjoying the surprising amount of wildlife that manages to make a home in her suburban yard. She enjoys nature. Really, really enjoys it. All of it! Well, almost all of it, anyway. From birds, to furry critters, to her very favorites, snakes. The exception would be spiders, which she truly loathes, convinced that anything with eight hairy legs is surely up to no good. She does not, however, kill spiders anymore, since she knows they have their place in the world. Besides, her husband now handles her Arachnid Catch and Release Program, and she's good with that.

Spiders aside, the one thing Marcia would like to tell each of her readers is that it's never too late to make your dreams come true. If, at the age of 69, she could write and publish a book (and thus fulfill 64 years of longing to do that very thing), you can make your own dreams a reality, too. Go for it! What have you got to lose?


CONTACT MARCIA HERE:
The Write Stuff: http://marciamearawrites.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara...
Facebook Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/marcia.meara
Twitter: @marciameara
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marciameara/

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF MARCIA'S BOOKS:
Wake-Robin Ridge
A Boy Named Rabbit: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 2
Harbinger: Wake-Robin Ridge Book 3

Swamp Ghosts: A Riverbend Novel
Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2
That Darkest Place: Riverbend Book 3

The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella
The Emissary 2: To Love Somebody
The Emissary 3: Love Hurts

The Emissary Trilogy

Summer Magic: Poems of Life & Love

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for D.L. Finn.
Author 25 books304 followers
April 7, 2022
“That Darkest Place” jumps right in after the oldest Painter brother, Jackson, has been in a horrible car accident. He had been treating his family horribly in the previous book, but his two younger brothers rushed to his side when he needed them most. It was assumed he had been drinking and driving, but new information changed everything for this family. All the Painter brothers have slowly won my heart. I wanted to see each of them find some happiness. This story had a beam of hope for them, but someone was also after Jackson. I loved how each brother had to work on himself, no matter how painful it became. There are some serious issues dealt with that included mental health and amputation. In the mix were love and building trust, no matter what life has brought them in the past. The story focuses on Jackson and Forrest and their journey, but it also offers some amazing settings. These are places I’d love to visit. I can easily recommend this beautifully written story, with a perfect ending to a wonderful series.
Profile Image for Mae Clair.
Author 24 books566 followers
September 16, 2019
The third book of the Riverbend series focuses primarily on Painter brothers, Jackson and Forrest, though youngest brother Hunter, is still a strong presence in his unique and quiet way. I fell in love with his character in book two.

At the end of Finding Hunter, Jackson was behaving horribly—lashing out at those around him, physically and verbally abusive. He ended up in a car accident believed to be the result of drunk driving. In That Darkest Place, the truth of what really took place and why is quickly revealed. Once brought to light, Jackson’s long road to recovery begins.

Once again, Meara tackles some weighty issues, but the most powerful theme is the unshakable bond of family, specifically brothers. Forrest and Hunter are not about to let Jackson muddle through on his own. Presenting a united front, they eventually have Jackson back to functioning almost normally again. Along the way there are physical and emotional hurdles to overcome, but there are also heartwarming and humorous moments to offset the weightier scenes.

In addition, both Forrest and Jackson meet women who impact their lives. It’s especially fun seeing Forrest—the former ladies’ man of Riverbend—thrown off-kilter in his first serious relationship. If that isn’t enough, Meara tosses in an unidentified stalker who holds a grudge against Jackson and isn’t afraid to act on that bitterness. The thread adds a nice mystery element to the book which culminates in a heart-pounding ending.

As always, the writing is polished with a pace to keep you flipping pages. If you like fiction that engages your heart and is flavored with strong family bonds, romance, mystery, and characters who remain with you long after you turn the final page, don’t miss That Darkest Place. It’s filled with light and love.

Profile Image for Cathy Ryan.
1,267 reviews76 followers
August 23, 2017
4.5*
Following straight on from Finding Hunter, we find two of the Painter brothers keeping a harrowing hospital vigil. The fate of the patient is uncertain but his injuries are bound to be life changing. This story focuses mainly on Forrest and Jackson, both of whom have a lot to come to terms with in different ways. Jackson’s New Year begins with a tragedy. He can’t remember how he ended up in hospital and is initially unaware of the result of the devastating crash he was involved in. The knowledge he’s lost a leg comes as a huge shock but his brothers, and Willow, Hunter’s wife, are there to support and help Jackson as much as they can. Between them they decide to keep more terrible news from Jackson until he’s stronger and begins to remember.

As the shocking reason for Jackson’s behaviour and subsequent accident becomes apparent, the brothers are faced with an alarming scenario, which Forrest has a hard time dealing with. Their family has had so much pain and tragedy and Forrest is afraid he won’t be able to cope, especially if Jackson is left with long term issues. But he has Hunter and Willow and they all unite to support each other and help Jackson through what was turning out to be a very dark time, compounded by escalating threats.

The use of multiple perspectives worked well, getting each of the brothers’ points of view and differing personalities, seeing how they deal with the challenging situations they find themselves in. Jackson especially, being the eldest, had always been the leader, and now he finds himself mostly dependent on Forrest. It’s a role neither of them are used to or initially comfortable with. Forrest has middle child syndrome and has always felt insignificant, but this unfortunate state of affairs is actually the making of him. Hunter still feels the effects of his recent experiences but is also getting stronger and more at ease in company, even though he is happiest at home with Willow. It was fascinating following their progress and seeing them all develop and grow.

Marcia Meara deals with the subject matter sensitively and in a clear-sighted way. The disasters that have befallen the family throughout each book have been approached realistically, without being overly sentimental. This has been an excellent series which includes romance, heartbreak, suspense and family dynamics, in a wonderful setting…and not forgetting those Painter brothers.
Profile Image for Staci Troilo.
Author 35 books162 followers
June 19, 2017
I was so glad to read this third installment of the Riverbend series. It picks up right where the second book left off, so I never missed a beat. And those Painter brothers aren't men you want to turn your back on. I was on the edge of my seat for every detail.

The author's use of multiple POVs let us delve into the very different worlds of the Painter boys. Jackson, the eldest, is used to being the strongest. Watching him become dependent on others and how he responds to the challenges his situation presents is powerful. Meanwhile, Forrest, the quintessential middle child who feels lost and inconsequential, really comes into his own in this novel. His character arc was a joy to watch.

We'd left book two with a lot of negative feelings toward Jackson. It was nice to finally understand the motivations behind his actions and to get to know the real Jackson Painter. It was also refreshing to see strong female leads in the story rather than damsels-in-distress. That doesn't mean these ladies don't feel pain or need support. It just means they can give as good as--actually, much more than--they get.

This novel is a frank and realistic portrayal of a family who has had more than their share of tragedies and has come out on the other side better, stronger, and closer for it all. The best part is there's no candy-coating or false happily-ever-after. These types of problems don't go away in a few weeks, and Meara shows that reality in a compassionate and unidealized manner.

I loved this book, I loved this series, and I love having the opportunity to recommend this author to you.
Profile Image for Alex Craigie.
Author 7 books147 followers
September 24, 2018
That Darkest Place is the third of Marcia Meara’s books in the Riverbend series. Each one can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading them in published order so as not to come across spoilers - and I’m pretty confident that once you’ve read one, like me you’ll want to read the others!

This book picked up from where the second left off and tells the story of the two older Painter brothers, Jackson and Forrest. There’s intrigue and danger running through it but the biggest and greatest part of the plotline for me concerns the relationships between the characters. Marcia has a special talent for revealing the uncertainties and inner feelings of her protagonists in a way with which her readers can readily identify.

At the heart of the book is the subject of how people move on after tragedy strikes and the often dangerous, ill-considered assumptions made by those around them. Two of the characters have suffered severe physical and emotional damage that has left them feeling unable to interact socially. Their powerful portrayal creates such real and believable personas that you’re swept along with them, feeling their suffering and praying that they’ll overcome the obstacles before them.

Marcia has done her homework and the medical and psychological backgrounds feel real and grounded; there’s no instant solution. However, the book isn’t doom and gloom at all. As always, there’s plenty of wit and humour running through the plotline – even in the tender love scenes which capture the spark of passion, the fear of rejection and the joy in finding a soulmate.

This book has all you need for a captivating read. Buy it!
Profile Image for Yvette Calleiro.
Author 13 books64 followers
February 9, 2024
I am so happy I came back to this family. I fell in love with Hunter Painter in Finding Hunter, but it ended in a tragedy that broke my heart. So, it took me a bit to come back to this series, and it was absolutely worth coming back to.

The story picks up right where the last one left off. Jackson is in a coma with Hunter and Forrest believing his drunkenness had finally severed all that was good about him. Luckily, they were wrong on all accounts. As Jackson awakens, they learn the truth about his accident and vow to be by his side as he recovers. With his memory loss and his shattered spirit, Jackson leans on his brothers for strength. But he doesn't find a way forward until he meets Mel at his group counseling.

Forrest struggles to be the best brother to both his siblings. He fights his infatuation with Hunter's wife and second guesses every decision he makes when it comes to helping Jackson. It isn't until he begins leaning on Bailey, his brother's caregiver coordinator, that the world starts making sense.

Add to that a vengeful ex-boyfriend of Jackson's deceased ex-girlfriend, and all hell breaks loose!

This story is so perfectly written! The author is blessed with the ability to dig deep into each character's pain, insecurities, trauma, and recovery, and she does it in such a realistic way. These brothers are not perfect, but they have so much heart, and I love each of them exactly as they are.

This is such an amazing series, and I truly recommend that everyone read it. I now want to read her spinoff series, The Emissary. I've also heard the author is writing a book four, and I will read it as soon as it is written. :-)
Profile Image for D. Peach.
Author 24 books176 followers
March 12, 2022
Meara continues to impress me with her characters, their emotional depth, the reality of their relationships, and how utterly genuine they feel. They’re like people I know—working, struggling, caring for each other, arguing, forgiving, doubting themselves, dealing with baggage from their pasts, and ultimately finding their way. This book, the final installment in the Riverbend trilogy has all that.

The story focuses on the Painter brothers. Their parents are deceased, and it’s only the three of them. When Jackson is severely injured in an auto accident, Forrest and Hunter are committed to seeing him pull through, not only physically, but emotionally. The hurdles are many, including Jackson’s guilt over the death of his passenger, the woman he intended to marry.

There’s an action-oriented subplot, as Jackson starts receiving death threats which escalate into violence. It keeps the tension up, but to be honest, it was the brothers’ relationships that kept me glued to the read. I loved their steadfast loyalty to one another, their good hearts, and pure determination in the face of challenges.

There’s also plenty of romance, but without a lot of superficial drama. The challenges faced by the characters are very real and relatable, and though there are hurdles to overcome, there’s a pervasive feeling of maturity, forgiveness, and commitment. So, if readers are interested in great characters with good hearts and a compelling story, I can highly recommend this series. The last book, this one, will stick with you for a long time.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Plano.
Author 3 books59 followers
May 17, 2022
Meara writes from the heart and pursues themes familiar to all. In this novel, the third book of the Riverbend series, the focus is the Painter brothers. Tragedy brings them together unexpectedly, and readers walk with them as they confront lies, bad behavior, and lingering hurts. Eventually, the journey takes them to a place of trust. I highly recommend That Darkest Place. Well written and soul-filling, it will capture your attention and hold it to the end.
Profile Image for Norma Reasor.
564 reviews
January 12, 2018
The Painter brothers trilogy was so good. I love Marcia Meara books. And I really appreciate that they are so well edited. Great stories by a very insightful woman.
Profile Image for Irene Marie Baker.
8 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2018
Another great book. Loved it.

Love this author and all her books. The story of the Painter brothers is so good. Write fast. I will miss this family.
Profile Image for Rosie Amber.
Author 1 book82 followers
July 26, 2017
That Darkest Place is book #3 of The Riverbend romantic suspense series set in Florida. It is the story of Forrest and Jackson Painter, and continues from where we left off in book #2, Finding Hunter.

Jackson is the eldest brother of three, and the book opens with a hospital scene. Left with severe memory loss and an amputated leg, it will take a long time for Jackson to recover.

Forrest is the brother who keeps the family together, and runs the family hardware store. He’s supportive to Hunter, from Book #2, in the past—now he needs Hunter’s support as they pull Jackson through his rehabilitation.

As the book title suggests, this novel deals with its characters' psychologically darkest moments. I thought the author did a great job describing Jackson—his roller-coaster of recovery followed by deep periods of depression. We see the picture from his point of view and from Forrest’s, who becomes his prime carer once he comes home. Both go through periods of guilt, doubt and discomfort, but with the help of family and counsellors they make progress.

The sinister element built the tension well and I didn’t guess the person behind the threats. This series also has an element of romance in each book and the author writes the intimate scenes with grace and care, using enough description for the reader to use their imagination without it being explicit, so will suit readers who prefer their romance with lower heat levels.

I enjoy this author’s writing style and shall look forward to her next book.
Profile Image for Joan Hall.
Author 14 books57 followers
July 5, 2020
When You’re in That Darkest Place…

This is the third installment of Marcia Meara’s Riverbend series. Like the first two books, it drew me in and kept me wanting to turn the pages.

That Darkest Place picks up where Finding Hunter left off with Jackson Painter plowing his car into a tree, killing his fiancée, Leann, and resulting in the loss of a leg. His brothers, Forest and Hunter, are quick to believe he was drunk but they set up a bedside vigil at the hospital.

When the truth emerges, the Painter brothers realize Jackson will need their unconditional love and support in order to recover.

Like the other Riverbend books, this one is romantic suspense. Both Jackson and Forest find love. But danger also lurks in a mysterious stalker with an ax to grind.

The timeline is well-paced, and you just can’t help but like the Painter brothers. This is also a powerful story of a family coming together to overcome tragedies of the past.

Definitely recommend this one!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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