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Traces
When Alida Bernie's husband Stan runs naked through their small Montana hometown, she can no longer keep his dementia a secret. Her adult children arrive to intervene. So does her estranged daughter-in-law, Joli, recently released from prison for abuse of Alida's grandchildren. Alida is horrified when Joli becomes Stan’s caregiver in a nursing home. After his death, Alida uncovers his secret life that forces her to question her once-happy marriage. Meanwhile, Joli ingratiates herself back into the family, inflaming Alida's fear of potential harm to her beloved grandchildren. As she struggles to protect them, she must face the consequences of secrets that were hidden from her as well as ones that she herself hides.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2018
251 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Ann Minnett
5 books12 followersAnn Minnett is a writer and developmental psychologist.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 4, 2020
This was a freebie. I’ve learned that can go two ways... it’s free for a reason or it’s actually a really good read. I read a lot of freebies. This one was a hit.
Editing: I only noticed one typo. Think instead of thing early in the book.
Voice: I loved the voice Ann Minnett gave Alida.
The story kept moving forward and building tension.
The short blurb made me believe this was a bittersweet dementia story. Not the case. At times I wondered if Alida was losing her mind. Without spoiling the story, I walked away with wondering the next day. Ann planted seeds along the way that tied everything into place.
I despise sequels but would definitely pay for one (although it was a stand-alone and in no way needed). I was that invested in the Bernie family.
Ultimately this is a story about survival and choices that we make.
I will look for more books from Ann Minnett.
Side note: I’m in my 50s. So reading about a character in my age demographic was a refreshing pleasure.
Editing: I only noticed one typo. Think instead of thing early in the book.
Voice: I loved the voice Ann Minnett gave Alida.
The story kept moving forward and building tension.
The short blurb made me believe this was a bittersweet dementia story. Not the case. At times I wondered if Alida was losing her mind. Without spoiling the story, I walked away with wondering the next day. Ann planted seeds along the way that tied everything into place.
I despise sequels but would definitely pay for one (although it was a stand-alone and in no way needed). I was that invested in the Bernie family.
Ultimately this is a story about survival and choices that we make.
I will look for more books from Ann Minnett.
Side note: I’m in my 50s. So reading about a character in my age demographic was a refreshing pleasure.
September 27, 2020
A true page turner!
When I began this book, I almost returned it immediately because of the opening paragraphs it began to read like a trashy romance novel! Glad I continued reading! Minnett weaves a fascinating tale about family, treachery and secrets and finally, understanding that grabs you by the coat tails, drags you onto a rollercoaster for a screaming ride, exposing more secrets at every twist in the track until the very end when you are left with heart pounding breathlessness. Well written!
When I began this book, I almost returned it immediately because of the opening paragraphs it began to read like a trashy romance novel! Glad I continued reading! Minnett weaves a fascinating tale about family, treachery and secrets and finally, understanding that grabs you by the coat tails, drags you onto a rollercoaster for a screaming ride, exposing more secrets at every twist in the track until the very end when you are left with heart pounding breathlessness. Well written!
March 1, 2019
Gripping family drama
This is the first novel I have read by this author. I am truly impressed. Nothing like the majority of books I read ( and I read a lot!), this drew me in and kept me enthralled. Written masterfully, with no glaring errors and with a true storytelling flair, I could not put this novel down until I finished it. Highly recommended!
This is the first novel I have read by this author. I am truly impressed. Nothing like the majority of books I read ( and I read a lot!), this drew me in and kept me enthralled. Written masterfully, with no glaring errors and with a true storytelling flair, I could not put this novel down until I finished it. Highly recommended!
September 12, 2020
This book is not my typical genre. I will consider broadening my interests after reading this. The intricacies of secrets and the reasons for keeping and/or disclosing them are explored thoroughly within a family unit. Be warned I didn’t find a particular hook early in this book, but after getting in about 1/4 of the way, I was reeled in. Give this a read, I think you’ll enjoy it.
September 22, 2020
Traces. a story told with humor
and kept my interest page after page until the end. I enjoyed the writing style very much, the story was compelling. The only thing I did not like was the ending in that I I thought the ends of some characters needed to be tied up stronger. That’s it.
and kept my interest page after page until the end. I enjoyed the writing style very much, the story was compelling. The only thing I did not like was the ending in that I I thought the ends of some characters needed to be tied up stronger. That’s it.
October 13, 2019
Alida Bernie's husband Stan runs naked through their small Montana hometown, she can no longer keep his dementia a secret. Her adult children arrive to intervene. So does her estranged daughter-in-law, Joli, an addict
February 9, 2021
Secrets and Lies
And boy, were there ever! You needed a scorecard to keep up with them all. This book started out like it was going to be one thing, with a husband slipping into dementia and a wife trying to cope, a story I’ve seen over and over in my nursing career, and then became something quite other...a rip-roaring family drama complete with addiction, domestic abuse, secret lives, family abduction, and as Charley Weaver used to say, I don’t know what all. It was generally well written and kept me up much later than I should have been. I have one small quibble though, and one big one. I would have liked some more development of Alex Smith; she was interesting. And I don’t know of any state that would allow a convicted felon, especially one convicted for drug crimes, to get a nursing license.
And boy, were there ever! You needed a scorecard to keep up with them all. This book started out like it was going to be one thing, with a husband slipping into dementia and a wife trying to cope, a story I’ve seen over and over in my nursing career, and then became something quite other...a rip-roaring family drama complete with addiction, domestic abuse, secret lives, family abduction, and as Charley Weaver used to say, I don’t know what all. It was generally well written and kept me up much later than I should have been. I have one small quibble though, and one big one. I would have liked some more development of Alex Smith; she was interesting. And I don’t know of any state that would allow a convicted felon, especially one convicted for drug crimes, to get a nursing license.
June 6, 2020
Family relationships
This was a very good novel about family relationships, family dysfunction, secrets and cults. Alida Bernie’s husband dies and she finds out he had a secret cabin on a lake in Montana. She discovers pictures and information about her family at the cabin which could effect her children. She must come to grips with her husband’s deceit and what she should tell her children. This was a gripping family drama that kept me interested from the beginning to the surprising ending. I will read more from this author.
This was a very good novel about family relationships, family dysfunction, secrets and cults. Alida Bernie’s husband dies and she finds out he had a secret cabin on a lake in Montana. She discovers pictures and information about her family at the cabin which could effect her children. She must come to grips with her husband’s deceit and what she should tell her children. This was a gripping family drama that kept me interested from the beginning to the surprising ending. I will read more from this author.
October 21, 2019
I love it when I find an unknown book by an unknown (to me) writer and it is written as well as Traces is. It is a story that could be told to you by a friend, it is so utterly believable. All the characters are flawed and real. I see Ms Minnett was a psychologist and wonder if she draws inspiration from some of her cases? I will definitely be reading more of her books.
September 25, 2020
Compelling read.
Stayed up late then rationed it toward the end. I like mysteries and this was a bit of a different sort of mystery. Actions seemingly foolish are explained as history is slowly parsed. It's a family drama with extremely complex characters with even more complex relationships.
Stayed up late then rationed it toward the end. I like mysteries and this was a bit of a different sort of mystery. Actions seemingly foolish are explained as history is slowly parsed. It's a family drama with extremely complex characters with even more complex relationships.
February 8, 2021
Like watching a train wreck.
I loved and hated this story. I couldn't put it down, but willed it to end. The author wrote a compelling, engrossing and difficult story that convinced me that someone out there had a more complicated family than mine. It would make a fabulous movie.
I loved and hated this story. I couldn't put it down, but willed it to end. The author wrote a compelling, engrossing and difficult story that convinced me that someone out there had a more complicated family than mine. It would make a fabulous movie.
August 24, 2021
This slow paced novel about family secrets took me a while to get into it. It's not a fun read. Child abuse and addiction, deceit, manipulation and violence are all part of these secrets. Alida's struggle to build a normal family and to save her grandchildren of what she herself had to endure made her hide her own past and keep her secrets.
July 17, 2022
This one was just, well, different. I almost didn't stay with it, but I did and in the end I am glad I did. I could totally relate to parts of the story lines. I just didn't relate with the main character and her actions. Too 'off the handle' for a person like myself. Overall a decent enough read.
March 2, 2019
Excellent!
This is the first book I read by Ms. Minnett, and it had me hooked from the first page. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Fascinating and in-depth characters, a bit of dark comedy, and a real page-turner. I will be reading any other books she produces!
This is the first book I read by Ms. Minnett, and it had me hooked from the first page. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Fascinating and in-depth characters, a bit of dark comedy, and a real page-turner. I will be reading any other books she produces!
March 7, 2020
Family Secrets
An emotional ride through one family's messy journey. This hits on the sad points of addiction and abuse and how damaging lies and secrets can affect generations of a family. Good read but unsettling.
An emotional ride through one family's messy journey. This hits on the sad points of addiction and abuse and how damaging lies and secrets can affect generations of a family. Good read but unsettling.
September 6, 2020
Left wanting
After reading this book, I was a little disappointed. All throughout the book I just couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. Then at the end, I was just left wanting more.
After reading this book, I was a little disappointed. All throughout the book I just couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. Then at the end, I was just left wanting more.
September 23, 2020
Twist and turns til the end
Middle aged woman finds out secrets after death of her husband. Her children become adults she hadn't seen coming. Drugs, mental illness and abusive childhood frame this story.
Middle aged woman finds out secrets after death of her husband. Her children become adults she hadn't seen coming. Drugs, mental illness and abusive childhood frame this story.
October 2, 2020
Wacky!
This melancholy book will draw you in until you finish it. A sad family tale, but well-written. A few typos here and there but they don't really interfere with sustained reading. I DID like the book but I wouldn't like to read another one like it.
This melancholy book will draw you in until you finish it. A sad family tale, but well-written. A few typos here and there but they don't really interfere with sustained reading. I DID like the book but I wouldn't like to read another one like it.
July 26, 2022
Complications
This book took me on a lot of journeys I was just a surprised at the end has anyone else will be It's so sad The process that Aleta had to go through To find out her family connection It was a very interesting book I definitely couldn't stop reading
This book took me on a lot of journeys I was just a surprised at the end has anyone else will be It's so sad The process that Aleta had to go through To find out her family connection It was a very interesting book I definitely couldn't stop reading
November 3, 2019
INTERESTING READ
New to me author..writes a great book, keeps you turning the
pages, DON'T delay get your copy today..Get Comfortable and
E N J O Y ...
New to me author..writes a great book, keeps you turning the
pages, DON'T delay get your copy today..Get Comfortable and
E N J O Y ...
June 11, 2020
Traces
This was a free book. When I first started it I did not know whether I wanted. to finish it. It was a great story kept you guessing who would pop up next.
This was a free book. When I first started it I did not know whether I wanted. to finish it. It was a great story kept you guessing who would pop up next.
September 7, 2020
5 Star!
This book will get you in ALL the feels! I quickly felt all of my emotions....many at the same time. Andrew or Drew..I have never wanted to just hug a kid so much.
This book will get you in ALL the feels! I quickly felt all of my emotions....many at the same time. Andrew or Drew..I have never wanted to just hug a kid so much.
January 13, 2021
Not a mystery
When I purchased I thought it was a mystery. It was not. Book had to much sad drama. For me it was not a fun read.
When I purchased I thought it was a mystery. It was not. Book had to much sad drama. For me it was not a fun read.
July 27, 2022
Great family story
Talk about a disfunctional family this one take the cake. I can't believe that a family could be this screwed up. Just proves that secrets do not stay buried!
Talk about a disfunctional family this one take the cake. I can't believe that a family could be this screwed up. Just proves that secrets do not stay buried!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews