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The Red Bike
Fans of Jo Jo Moyes and Jennifer Weiner will fall in love with Tara Delaney’s riveting debut novel, “The Red Bike”. Gritty, raw and steamy, this genuinely unputdownable novel will haul you through every emotion!
Abigail Gallagher needs answers. Which of her mother’s lives was real? The life she led or the one she left behind?
When wildlife photographer Abbey captures the tenderness between a protective mother gorilla and her newborn baby, she wonders if she can ever feel the same family bonds. First, she must break free from the intense anger she has carried since learning of her mother’s affair. Her mother’s self-centered behavior remains the wedge that keeps Abbey and mom apart.
After a year away, Abbey returns to Austin from Africa just before her 31st birthday. Her boyfriend Ryan cannot pry any commitment from her for their future together, despite her mother’s playful, but pointed, urging and interference.
When her mother is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, Abbey offers begrudging assistance to lighten her father’s care taking load. Slowly, the secret layers of her mother’s life are peeled away, until Abbey has no choice but to face a new and unsettling truth.
Can she close the gap in her relationship with her mother before her life slips away? Can Abbey open herself to Ryan enough to repair their attachment and resume their romance, to make plans for a life together?
Abigail Gallagher needs answers. Which of her mother’s lives was real? The life she led or the one she left behind?
When wildlife photographer Abbey captures the tenderness between a protective mother gorilla and her newborn baby, she wonders if she can ever feel the same family bonds. First, she must break free from the intense anger she has carried since learning of her mother’s affair. Her mother’s self-centered behavior remains the wedge that keeps Abbey and mom apart.
After a year away, Abbey returns to Austin from Africa just before her 31st birthday. Her boyfriend Ryan cannot pry any commitment from her for their future together, despite her mother’s playful, but pointed, urging and interference.
When her mother is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, Abbey offers begrudging assistance to lighten her father’s care taking load. Slowly, the secret layers of her mother’s life are peeled away, until Abbey has no choice but to face a new and unsettling truth.
Can she close the gap in her relationship with her mother before her life slips away? Can Abbey open herself to Ryan enough to repair their attachment and resume their romance, to make plans for a life together?
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2021
1263 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
June 30, 2021
This book perfectly describes a rich and turbulent relationship between a mother with secrets trying to protect her daughter and a daughter's heartache and struggles that result. The characters vulnerabilities were beautifully written making you grow into liking and rooting for them more and more as the story progresses. The intertwining of the "red bike" was really sweet but not hokey. Highly recommend this book.
June 30, 2021
A well written & gripping story. A story of a difficult mother daughter relationship. Abby's larger than life and very sexy mom Rachel has always overshadowed Abby as well as everyone else in her family, but there are deeper seated reasons why Abby resents her mom. These are revealed in a series of flashbacks, while the main story takes several unexpected turns (and there are quite some surprises in the flashbacks as well!). Whether the book deals with the past or the present, the story telling moves along swiftly and made me turn the pages so fast that I read the entire book in two days. An easy to read, very well written book with great observations on family, relationships and people in general, I bookmarked several eloquent insights!
August 12, 2021
*DNF
This book was toooooo graphic and gross for me. I was only like 25% in and there were already a whole bunch of sex scenes. I really liked the story and thought it was compelling, but it just got to be too much.
This book was toooooo graphic and gross for me. I was only like 25% in and there were already a whole bunch of sex scenes. I really liked the story and thought it was compelling, but it just got to be too much.
August 18, 2021
Wow! I really loved The Red Bike by Tara Delaney! What am interesting story centering on a mother/daughter relationship that is based on misunderstanding. Once Abigail Gallagher understands her mother better, she can finally let go of all the anger and animosity towards her, can she finally live her best life. Abigail has “the eye” and is becoming a renowned wildlife photographer. She constantly is running from her life: a committed relationship with Ryan, her longtime friend and boyfriend, and a nurturing relationship with her mother. As Abby comes to understand the truth about her and her mother’s past, she comes to a deeper understanding about a mother’s love and protection of her child.
5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 25, 2021
Abigail Gallagher was a woman who did things her way, she decided to go to Africa for a year, and she did. She didn't get along with her mother, and she just expected her boyfriend to just accept the decisions she made. When she came back from Africa, she still didn't get along with her mother, and she found out her mother had breast cancer. She would have to have both breast removed and go through chemo.
Her Dad had a talk with her, and she decided she would try to understand her mother, When her mother decided to have a dinner party for the family, it didn't go very well, and her brother's boyfriend whispered, you're scared.
She denied it, but she seemed to change after that. She made an effort with her mother, and she saw a different side of her mother that she had never seen. When Abigail showed her mother the photo she took in Africa, of the ape and her infant, her mother asked her if the mother ever protected their babies from their fathers. She thought that was odd, and the day came when she found out why her mother said it.
Abigail overheard things when she was young between her parents that affected her because she didn't know the facts. When she finally discovered the love her parents had for each other, and what they did for her, she had to go to New York. She got more answers there, and she really started to see the things she had always missed. She also learned that love is many things and everyone loves differently. I enjoyed the story, it was complicated, there were things that was just under the surface, but a spark can lead to many wonderful things, that changes so much.
I received an ARC form Treaty Oaks Publishing through NetGalley.
Her Dad had a talk with her, and she decided she would try to understand her mother, When her mother decided to have a dinner party for the family, it didn't go very well, and her brother's boyfriend whispered, you're scared.
She denied it, but she seemed to change after that. She made an effort with her mother, and she saw a different side of her mother that she had never seen. When Abigail showed her mother the photo she took in Africa, of the ape and her infant, her mother asked her if the mother ever protected their babies from their fathers. She thought that was odd, and the day came when she found out why her mother said it.
Abigail overheard things when she was young between her parents that affected her because she didn't know the facts. When she finally discovered the love her parents had for each other, and what they did for her, she had to go to New York. She got more answers there, and she really started to see the things she had always missed. She also learned that love is many things and everyone loves differently. I enjoyed the story, it was complicated, there were things that was just under the surface, but a spark can lead to many wonderful things, that changes so much.
I received an ARC form Treaty Oaks Publishing through NetGalley.
July 19, 2021
An emotional journey through raw self discovery, a complex mother-daughter relationship, intimacy, and personal growth. The author takes the reader on a sensational ride in this insightful and at times salacious debut novel bringing her character's experiences to life. It's rich and it's saucy. The depths which the author is able to explore within her main character, Abbey, will keep you turning the pages late into the evening. From Abbey's work in Africa to her mother's bedside, Ms. Delaney's ability to bring the written page to life will linger with you long beyond the last page.
October 22, 2021
Wow, what a great title, what a great cover photo and what a great book!!
Tara Delaney's debut novel is a powerful story of redemption - I was reduced to blubbering tears by the last time the red bike appeared and had to take a deep breath and make myself a hot cup of tea before starting this review.
I don't give out 5 stars easily, but this book hits all the marks: the writing is excellent, the character development is superb, the setting is unique, the narrative stays interesting through out the book and it packs an emotional wallop at the end.
I did not expect to be so affected by the ending - I didn't like where I thought the story was going and I couldn't stand the protagonist at first.
Abbey had an exciting career as a wildlife photographer, which I would have liked to read more about (and less about her narcissistic sex life), but I realize the point of the book was not her career, it was that she used it to run away from situations and distance herself from the people who cared about her.
Abbey is not a completely likable character, or even a reliable narrator. She seemed to make rules to live by from one experience - the terrible way she lost her virginity and her discovery of the infidelity of her mother. These pivotal experiences which happened when she was young, made her segregate sex and love and affected her relationships. I think she unfairly judged her mother and spitefully stuck to her misconceptions, refusing to forgive her mother for anything, while idolizing her father.
There seemed to be an unusual amount of references to breasts, especially her mother's -
Mothers (and their breasts) are supposed to be nurturing, but since Abbey did not feel cared for, I assume that breast cancer was a metaphor for Abbey's desire to de-sexualize her mother and punish her for being sensual.
I might add that there are graphic descriptions of sex, which may offend some people, but they are important for the narrative.
I won't go into spoiler territory, but it was so satisfying when Abbey's boyfriend, Ryan, called her out on her selfish about excuses why she wouldn't commit and his explanation about the red bike devastated me - that's why I thought the ending was so good!
Tara Delaney's debut novel is a powerful story of redemption - I was reduced to blubbering tears by the last time the red bike appeared and had to take a deep breath and make myself a hot cup of tea before starting this review.
I don't give out 5 stars easily, but this book hits all the marks: the writing is excellent, the character development is superb, the setting is unique, the narrative stays interesting through out the book and it packs an emotional wallop at the end.
I did not expect to be so affected by the ending - I didn't like where I thought the story was going and I couldn't stand the protagonist at first.
Abbey had an exciting career as a wildlife photographer, which I would have liked to read more about (and less about her narcissistic sex life), but I realize the point of the book was not her career, it was that she used it to run away from situations and distance herself from the people who cared about her.
Abbey is not a completely likable character, or even a reliable narrator. She seemed to make rules to live by from one experience - the terrible way she lost her virginity and her discovery of the infidelity of her mother. These pivotal experiences which happened when she was young, made her segregate sex and love and affected her relationships. I think she unfairly judged her mother and spitefully stuck to her misconceptions, refusing to forgive her mother for anything, while idolizing her father.
There seemed to be an unusual amount of references to breasts, especially her mother's -
Mothers (and their breasts) are supposed to be nurturing, but since Abbey did not feel cared for, I assume that breast cancer was a metaphor for Abbey's desire to de-sexualize her mother and punish her for being sensual.
I might add that there are graphic descriptions of sex, which may offend some people, but they are important for the narrative.
I won't go into spoiler territory, but it was so satisfying when Abbey's boyfriend, Ryan, called her out on her selfish about excuses why she wouldn't commit and his explanation about the red bike devastated me - that's why I thought the ending was so good!
September 4, 2021
This was a very relatable book about a fractured mother/daughter bond and all the years of anger, resentment, disappointment and distance that follows the Abigail. As an adult she is a wildlife photographer and witnesses/captures a tender moment between a mother gorilla and her baby and wonders where the relationship went wrong with her own mom. She then receives news that her mom is diagnosed with breast cancer and fighting for her life.. Abby's relationship with her boyfriend has been trying to seal their commitment but knows Abby has walls up. Will Abby's adult life be in as much turmoil as her younger years? Can she forgive her mom and learn why she made such bad decisions?
This book was packed with so much anger and heartache, oh my Lord, you better be ready for it. A mother's secrets go deep but why? This book has it and it was better than I thought it was going to be. I am glad this popped up in my recommendations and I highly recommend it as well! I would definitely read from this author again in the future if it is as good as this book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Tara Delaney, and Treaty Oak Publisher's Author Buzz for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Already available: 5/5/21
This book was packed with so much anger and heartache, oh my Lord, you better be ready for it. A mother's secrets go deep but why? This book has it and it was better than I thought it was going to be. I am glad this popped up in my recommendations and I highly recommend it as well! I would definitely read from this author again in the future if it is as good as this book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Tara Delaney, and Treaty Oak Publisher's Author Buzz for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Already available: 5/5/21
May 8, 2022
Abigail Gallagher and her mother Rebecca, who had a troubled relationship, were the focus of the story entitled "The Red Bike." Isn't it interesting how children can hear things that shouldn't really be said? As a result of what had happened to Abigail, she was filled with anger towards her mother, which created havoc in her life. The reader is given a sense of what had happened earlier; one finds out that maybe Abigal didn't know everything she thought she knew. The problem is that Abigail appears to be having difficulty making commitments. Although one could see that Ryan loved Abigail, he still had to deal with the effect her upbringing had on the way she acted. After reading further, Abby realizes how incorrect her initial assessment of her mother's past had been. This book didn't disappoint; it was well worth reading. I recommend reading this as well to see how the author accurately conveyed how much a mother loves and protects her child. You'll be intrigued by the story as you turn the pages to find out what will happen next.
November 1, 2021
This was an amazing book with a lot of twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew which way it was going, it took another direction. I don't want to spoil this book by giving too many details, all I can say is read it. It's one of the best-written and plotted books I've ever read, and the characters felt like real people. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel.
The book is about family and overcoming trauma. The main character is an award-winning wildlife photographer and can be overseas a year at a time, frequently in remote, isolated places - which is how she likes it. She is very much a free spirit. She has a long-time boyfriend back home, but they are not monogamous, given her long absences (and she doesn't want to be monogamous).
Her family could walk out of a sitcom. Dad, Mom, and two kids, where Mom loves to entertain their wide network of friends and cook for their family dinners. Abbey is the one who stands out. She resents her mother a lot. The reason for that and the eventual resolution is riveting. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. It was my pleasure to read and review it.
The book is about family and overcoming trauma. The main character is an award-winning wildlife photographer and can be overseas a year at a time, frequently in remote, isolated places - which is how she likes it. She is very much a free spirit. She has a long-time boyfriend back home, but they are not monogamous, given her long absences (and she doesn't want to be monogamous).
Her family could walk out of a sitcom. Dad, Mom, and two kids, where Mom loves to entertain their wide network of friends and cook for their family dinners. Abbey is the one who stands out. She resents her mother a lot. The reason for that and the eventual resolution is riveting. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. It was my pleasure to read and review it.
September 8, 2021
The book is about a wildlife photographer called Abbey who spends a lot of her life travelling the world but has a very rocky, unstable and spiteful relationship with her mother. On her travels, she sees the way a female gorilla looks at her baby and vows to make amends with her mother after all these years before it is too late. Abbey also has troubles with commitments in relationships and begins to lose her long-term partner who wants more from her. The characters have lots of secrets, and they are revealed gradually throughout the book, and start to make sense of their actions and relationships. The twist nearing the end of the book finally explains everything, and it was so unexpected and clever. This book is *spicy*, but I feel like it is very important to the plot and the development of the characters.
It’s a very emotional book and it deals with some pretty dark and upsetting topics, but it doesn’t leave you haunted and disturbed. I couldn’t have wished for a better ending - everything felt resolved, and there is the perfect mixture of sadness and hope. The author makes some striking and wise observations about human psychology and behavior.
How dyslexic-friendly is it?
I had no trouble at all reading this book. The font is large and easy to read, and the writing was clear and effortless to read. Every time I opened the book I was right there in the story instantly, unlike some other books that take a while to get back into after a break.
Thank you so much to @author.taradelaney who kindly sent me a copy of the book. All the opinions expressed are completely my own!
It’s a very emotional book and it deals with some pretty dark and upsetting topics, but it doesn’t leave you haunted and disturbed. I couldn’t have wished for a better ending - everything felt resolved, and there is the perfect mixture of sadness and hope. The author makes some striking and wise observations about human psychology and behavior.
How dyslexic-friendly is it?
I had no trouble at all reading this book. The font is large and easy to read, and the writing was clear and effortless to read. Every time I opened the book I was right there in the story instantly, unlike some other books that take a while to get back into after a break.
Thank you so much to @author.taradelaney who kindly sent me a copy of the book. All the opinions expressed are completely my own!
July 8, 2022
Trigger warnings: rape, breast obsession?, Mother hatred obsession, coercion, cheating.
Terrible writing. A bunch of terrible situations. Transitions aren't smooth and confusing. Spelling and grammatical errors. I don't see any redeeming qualities in this book at all for getting to 56%.
Abbey is selfish and cynical, her taking sides against her mother has rankled her view. She's had a shitty influence thanks to Amy. Abbey's perspective is written in such a negative view, her view of others is extremely negative, she's insufferable, it's exhausting reading this book. Completely obsessed with breasts. Running from emotions, constantly. Ryan finally stands up for himself, and the title is about him wanting something he couldn't have, like Abbey.
Things I've learned from this book: 1. communication is important. Fucking communicate. 2. Listen to your mother. 3. Don't hold weird grudges that you know nothing about. 4. Don't go to college parties if you're underage. 5. THINK and don't be an apathetic skewed biased observer. 6. Don't be a hypocrite.7. don't run from your problems.
I didn't enjoy this book in any way at all. I don't understand how it has so many good reviews from what I have read.
Terrible writing. A bunch of terrible situations. Transitions aren't smooth and confusing. Spelling and grammatical errors. I don't see any redeeming qualities in this book at all for getting to 56%.
Abbey is selfish and cynical, her taking sides against her mother has rankled her view. She's had a shitty influence thanks to Amy. Abbey's perspective is written in such a negative view, her view of others is extremely negative, she's insufferable, it's exhausting reading this book. Completely obsessed with breasts. Running from emotions, constantly. Ryan finally stands up for himself, and the title is about him wanting something he couldn't have, like Abbey.
Things I've learned from this book: 1. communication is important. Fucking communicate. 2. Listen to your mother. 3. Don't hold weird grudges that you know nothing about. 4. Don't go to college parties if you're underage. 5. THINK and don't be an apathetic skewed biased observer. 6. Don't be a hypocrite.7. don't run from your problems.
I didn't enjoy this book in any way at all. I don't understand how it has so many good reviews from what I have read.
September 12, 2021
Good story
Good story about relationships with in a family. The main character Abby has a deep resentment towards her mother and this resentment affects all of Abby's relationships. Her boyfriend of 3 years wants more from her than just sex. He loves her and wants to marry her. Abby is a professional photographer and travels the world on assignments. She is not faithful to Ryan when she is away. She won't open up to anyone. She has as wall built around her to keep from getting hurt. The story weaves in and out and eventually leads to Abby reconciling with her Mother after finding out her Mothers secret. Although somewhat sad it does end up having a happy ending. I enjoyed the book very much.
Good story about relationships with in a family. The main character Abby has a deep resentment towards her mother and this resentment affects all of Abby's relationships. Her boyfriend of 3 years wants more from her than just sex. He loves her and wants to marry her. Abby is a professional photographer and travels the world on assignments. She is not faithful to Ryan when she is away. She won't open up to anyone. She has as wall built around her to keep from getting hurt. The story weaves in and out and eventually leads to Abby reconciling with her Mother after finding out her Mothers secret. Although somewhat sad it does end up having a happy ending. I enjoyed the book very much.
July 7, 2021
Captivating right from the start. This was a raw depiction of the complexities of the parent/child dynamics and the history that molds their interpersonal relationships. I became so invested in the characters that I felt the full range of emotions - sympathetic, irritated, amused, envious and affection. The thread of symbolism throughout decades, continents and generations doesn’t fully reveal itself until much later in the book when all readers will likely have a collective “aha” moment. I couldn’t put the book down and read it until the small hours of the night because each chapter was its own cliffhanger. The perfect summer reading book.
May 18, 2022
My Thoughts:
Years after losing my mom to Breast Cancer whenever I read a blurb about breast cancer I am still drawn to read it. And yet again I am happy I did. At first the cover threw me off a bit but shortly after reading I got the correlation. This story is about a emotion but understandably relationship of a mother and daughter which has been filled with turmoil. But When Abbeys mom is diagnosed with aggressive Breast Cancer Abbey try’s to get answers and make peace with her mom. This is a book I recommend reading slide to see the book tour for other reviews. Amazon also chose it as book of the month in Jan 2022
Years after losing my mom to Breast Cancer whenever I read a blurb about breast cancer I am still drawn to read it. And yet again I am happy I did. At first the cover threw me off a bit but shortly after reading I got the correlation. This story is about a emotion but understandably relationship of a mother and daughter which has been filled with turmoil. But When Abbeys mom is diagnosed with aggressive Breast Cancer Abbey try’s to get answers and make peace with her mom. This is a book I recommend reading slide to see the book tour for other reviews. Amazon also chose it as book of the month in Jan 2022
September 28, 2021
Love and Hate book
While reading this story, I became more and more angry with this bright, talented young woman who could not, even in her thirties, think about the people who suffered the consequences of their actions. She could not forgive or forget but let her anger grow. She tossed aside the feelings of others like they did not count. It took a terrible incident for her to come to grips with her blind side. It is a story of regret losing its grip and hope coming through.
While reading this story, I became more and more angry with this bright, talented young woman who could not, even in her thirties, think about the people who suffered the consequences of their actions. She could not forgive or forget but let her anger grow. She tossed aside the feelings of others like they did not count. It took a terrible incident for her to come to grips with her blind side. It is a story of regret losing its grip and hope coming through.
November 7, 2021
I appreciated this book for what it was, but it really wasn't for me. The story is a commentary on mother-daughter relationships and the nuances involved - the secrets, the misunderstandings, the things given up. It is very dark and difficult to read at times. I didn't find myself really connecting to the characters or even liking them most of the time. Trigger warnings for rape, infidelity, mental illness, cancer. The ending was definitely not at all what I expected and it tied up a little too neatly.
July 16, 2021
Wow this book was a surprise treat! The emotional twists and turns kept me wanting more. The mother/daughter relationship made me mad, sad and hopeful. This book is heartbreaking and heartwarming as it explores so many of our preconceived notions surrounding family and especially how we perceive our parents and marriage.
It should be noted that there are some steamy sex scenes but they do not overwhelm the story or take away from the characters.
It should be noted that there are some steamy sex scenes but they do not overwhelm the story or take away from the characters.
July 22, 2021
The description of this book said it would haul you through every emotion. It did just that for me! It's a painful but hopeful journey about love. Love in many forms, love yourself, love your past, your inspiration, your family and mostly love and embrace who you want to become. I felt like the writer subtly peeled away the layers of the narrator to show us all that forgiving yourself is essential part of forgiving others. Great book club choice...so much to talk about.
February 7, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots to learn about life and living. Certainly a good read for mothers and daughters and their relationships. Let us not forget daughters and daddy’s relationship also. Have to admit, had some tears along the way, not many books can do that to me. True life!
February 10, 2024
This book takes you on a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions. It has moments of excitement, anger, trauma, love, loss, heartbreak, and happiness. If you wear your emotions on your sleeve, hold tight.
*it should have a trigger warning for rape victims.
*it should have a trigger warning for rape victims.
October 22, 2021
Wow, what a great title, what a great cover photo and what a great book!!
Tara Delaney's debut novel is a powerful story of redemption - I was reduced to blubbering tears by the last time the red bike appeared and had to take a deep breath and make myself a hot cup of tea before starting this review.
I don't give out 5 stars easily, but this book hits all the marks: the writing is excellent, the character development is superb, the setting is unique, the narrative stays interesting through out the book and it packs an emotional wallop at the end.
I did not expect to be so affected by the ending - I didn't like where I thought the story was going and I couldn't stand the protagonist at first.
Abbey had an exciting career as a wildlife photographer, which I would have liked to read more about (and less about her narcissistic sex life), but I realize the point of the book was not her career, it was that she used it to run away from situations and distance herself from the people who cared about her.
Abbey is not a completely likable character, or even a reliable narrator. She seemed to make rules to live by from one experience - the terrible way she lost her virginity and her discovery of the infidelity of her mother. These pivotal experiences which happened when she was young, made her segregate sex and love and affected her relationships. I think she unfairly judged her mother and spitefully stuck to her misconceptions, refusing to forgive her mother for anything, while idolizing her father.
There seemed to be an unusual amount of references to breasts, especially her mother's -
Mothers (and their breasts) are supposed to be nurturing, but since Abbey did not feel cared for, I assume that breast cancer was a metaphor for Abbey's desire to de-sexualize her mother and punish her for being sensual.
I might add that there are graphic descriptions of sex, which may offend some people, but they are important for the narrative.
I won't go into spoiler territory, but it was so satisfying when Abbey's boyfriend, Ryan, called her out on her selfish about excuses why she wouldn't commit and his explanation about the red bike devastated me - that's why I thought the ending was so good!
Tara Delaney's debut novel is a powerful story of redemption - I was reduced to blubbering tears by the last time the red bike appeared and had to take a deep breath and make myself a hot cup of tea before starting this review.
I don't give out 5 stars easily, but this book hits all the marks: the writing is excellent, the character development is superb, the setting is unique, the narrative stays interesting through out the book and it packs an emotional wallop at the end.
I did not expect to be so affected by the ending - I didn't like where I thought the story was going and I couldn't stand the protagonist at first.
Abbey had an exciting career as a wildlife photographer, which I would have liked to read more about (and less about her narcissistic sex life), but I realize the point of the book was not her career, it was that she used it to run away from situations and distance herself from the people who cared about her.
Abbey is not a completely likable character, or even a reliable narrator. She seemed to make rules to live by from one experience - the terrible way she lost her virginity and her discovery of the infidelity of her mother. These pivotal experiences which happened when she was young, made her segregate sex and love and affected her relationships. I think she unfairly judged her mother and spitefully stuck to her misconceptions, refusing to forgive her mother for anything, while idolizing her father.
There seemed to be an unusual amount of references to breasts, especially her mother's -
Mothers (and their breasts) are supposed to be nurturing, but since Abbey did not feel cared for, I assume that breast cancer was a metaphor for Abbey's desire to de-sexualize her mother and punish her for being sensual.
I might add that there are graphic descriptions of sex, which may offend some people, but they are important for the narrative.
I won't go into spoiler territory, but it was so satisfying when Abbey's boyfriend, Ryan, called her out on her selfish about excuses why she wouldn't commit and his explanation about the red bike devastated me - that's why I thought the ending was so good!
August 21, 2021
I loved the story, especially the ending. I cried.
August 23, 2021
Three stars for the story, but an unfortunate 1 star for writing style. The novel if filled with misspellings, grammatical errors and inappropriate use of words. (Wretched, instead of retched, osmosed?) It's also interspersed with graphic sex scenes that are not in the least erotic.
Abigail, a rape survivor who thinks her mother did not nurture her, is a gifted photographer who travels the world to take unusual animal portraits. The best of these show a mother gorilla cradling her infant. This appears to be a metaphor for the caring she feels she did not receive from her mother. So as a result, Abigail is incapable of loving any one man. She is promiscuous and not faithful to the one man who truly loves her.
There are many (too, too many descriptions of breasts.) He mother's are pillowy and always on display. (Her own are small and pink tipped, but otherwise she looks like her mother) How, therefore, can it not happen that her mother has a double mastectomy to head off her breast cancer diagnosis.
The red bike of the title is mentioned once, briefly, earlier in the book and again at the end. I suppose it is a symbol of something. Much like the bike, the novel meanders around scenic Austin, smelly New York and descriptions of drinking and drunken behavior. Nothing much really hangs together but I finished reading, while rolling my eyes often, to see how Abigail's story develops. And it is that story and wanting to know how it ends that made me finish reading it.
I received a copy of this on Kindle in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
Abigail, a rape survivor who thinks her mother did not nurture her, is a gifted photographer who travels the world to take unusual animal portraits. The best of these show a mother gorilla cradling her infant. This appears to be a metaphor for the caring she feels she did not receive from her mother. So as a result, Abigail is incapable of loving any one man. She is promiscuous and not faithful to the one man who truly loves her.
There are many (too, too many descriptions of breasts.) He mother's are pillowy and always on display. (Her own are small and pink tipped, but otherwise she looks like her mother) How, therefore, can it not happen that her mother has a double mastectomy to head off her breast cancer diagnosis.
The red bike of the title is mentioned once, briefly, earlier in the book and again at the end. I suppose it is a symbol of something. Much like the bike, the novel meanders around scenic Austin, smelly New York and descriptions of drinking and drunken behavior. Nothing much really hangs together but I finished reading, while rolling my eyes often, to see how Abigail's story develops. And it is that story and wanting to know how it ends that made me finish reading it.
I received a copy of this on Kindle in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
September 7, 2021
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to read "The Red Bike" in exchange for my honest review.
After her return from a year long nature photography assignment, Abbey begins the too long experience of reconciling her troubled relationship with her mother. A relationship damaged by failure to communicate, years of unresolved misinformation and Abby's self-destructive acting out. I was disappointed that there was very little about her nature photography and so much personal wheel spinning about her mother, men and her own obnoxious behavior in general. Abbey was difficult for me to like.and "The Red Bike" was a slow read.
After her return from a year long nature photography assignment, Abbey begins the too long experience of reconciling her troubled relationship with her mother. A relationship damaged by failure to communicate, years of unresolved misinformation and Abby's self-destructive acting out. I was disappointed that there was very little about her nature photography and so much personal wheel spinning about her mother, men and her own obnoxious behavior in general. Abbey was difficult for me to like.and "The Red Bike" was a slow read.
September 20, 2021
I had to doublecheck to see whether the author of "The Red Bike" was a man or a woman. Given the salacious descriptions of the main character's mother's breasts, I thought the author surely was a man. Nope. A woman, Tara Delaney, wrote this.
Obviously, I've turned into an old lady because the emphasis on breasts and the sexual descriptions seemed totally inappropriate for this book. Rather crass, in my opinion.
Abigail is a wildlife photographer who uses men for sexual pleasure but refuses to get tied down in monogamy. Her mother is a sex kitten with a figure to match her purr. She and Abigail have their differences.
Abigail knows a secret about her mother. A health crisis ends up divulging more of her mother's secret. Abbey has secrets of her own. She tells someone and cracks form in the hard shell she has built around herself.
After years of hating her mother, Abigail has to decide whether she can forgive her or just keep on hating.
Abigail isn't a particularly likeable character. I preferred her mother. The sexual descriptions were annoying and really reminded me of all of the memes we've seen in social media about how men write women characters.
The story did not excite me.
Obviously, I've turned into an old lady because the emphasis on breasts and the sexual descriptions seemed totally inappropriate for this book. Rather crass, in my opinion.
Abigail is a wildlife photographer who uses men for sexual pleasure but refuses to get tied down in monogamy. Her mother is a sex kitten with a figure to match her purr. She and Abigail have their differences.
Abigail knows a secret about her mother. A health crisis ends up divulging more of her mother's secret. Abbey has secrets of her own. She tells someone and cracks form in the hard shell she has built around herself.
After years of hating her mother, Abigail has to decide whether she can forgive her or just keep on hating.
Abigail isn't a particularly likeable character. I preferred her mother. The sexual descriptions were annoying and really reminded me of all of the memes we've seen in social media about how men write women characters.
The story did not excite me.
August 20, 2021
My opinion, as I was reading this book, ran the gamut. I vacillated between liking and disliking it, and ultimately, I enjoyed it. What resonated to me, is that children really do not know the intricacies of their parents’ marriage. They may think they know and are convinced they know but it is all speculation and determined by what they “see” before them. The mother/daughter relationship, in The Red Bike, was complex. Abagail’s life’s direction unfolded, by her own admission, due to her conception (ultimately misconception) of her parent’s marriage, where she is very bitter toward her mother. I want to add, that it can be very easy, often times. to blame parents for our life’s projection, and many adults carry these judgements throughout adulthood. But there comes a point, when one has to take responsibility for one’s own life, regardless of past family relationships. In The Red Bike, Abagail needed clarity, regarding her mother’s actions, in order to achieve perspective. Thank you NetGalley and Treaty Oaks Publishers for the opportunity to read this novel.
September 3, 2021
I received an email about this Debut Novel, loved description, had to read
Photographer for National Geographic
is sent away for a-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity-shoot
observes a protective mother - wonders why own mother could not have done same for her.
Returns home determined to build relationship with mom
when mom receives a diagnosis the family has to deal with and come to terms with prognosis.
Motherhood - say is to be the most wonderful thing in world
our past shapes us, so it is part of us ...
how do we let go? ...
what lengths will you go?
Photographer for National Geographic
is sent away for a-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity-shoot
observes a protective mother - wonders why own mother could not have done same for her.
Returns home determined to build relationship with mom
when mom receives a diagnosis the family has to deal with and come to terms with prognosis.
Motherhood - say is to be the most wonderful thing in world
our past shapes us, so it is part of us ...
how do we let go? ...
what lengths will you go?
October 25, 2021
Main character very unlikable, negative and hateful towards her mother. Her obsession with her mother's breasts was ridiculous. I got 1/2 way through book and gave up waste of my time and money. If u want to read a negative book who's main character hates her mother and cheats on her boyfriend then this is the book for you.
March 14, 2022
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Trigger Warnings: rape, cancer
Spice: 🌶
Synopsis:
Wildlife photographer Abigail Gallagher needs answers. Which of her mother’s lives was real? The life she led or the one she left behind?
When Abby captures the tenderness between a protective mother gorilla and her newborn baby, she wonders if she can ever feel the same family bonds. First, she must break free from the intense anger she has carried since the learning of her mother’s affair.
After a year away, Abby returns to Austin from Africa just before her 31st birthday. Her boyfriend Ryan cannot pry any commitment from her for their future together, despite her sexy, socialite mother’s playful, but pointed, urging and interference. Her mother’s self-centered behavior remains the wedge that keeps them apart. Abby retreats into her own defense mode: Keep your life separate come I don’t share your feelings, escape to another continent, refused to make plans together, use people without letting them use you, stay detached, never say I love you.
But when her mother is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, Abby postpones her travel assignments and offers begrudging assistance to lighten her father’s caretaking load. One by one, the secret layers of her life as her mother’s child are peeled away, until Abby has no choice but to face a new and unsettling truth. All along, her mother has been protecting her, but at what cost?
Can she close the gap in the relationship with her mother before her life slips away? Can Abby open herself to Ryan enough to repair their relationship and have a life together?
Abby cannot take the next step until she learns Ryan’s childhood story of his yearning for a bike. Not just any bike. The red bike.
Thoughts: 💭
Tara you amaze me! What a beautifully written well thought out book. I would have never guessed that this was your debut novel.
Obviously it will not be your last.
It’s so true that the things we go through in our lives when we were younger, shaped the way you become when you’re an adult, and this is true for Abbey. I do admire that Abbey is a smart, strong-willed woman, she will does things her way, not putting any regard into what other people think or want. But, I just so wished she put down her walls and let people in. Let them love her and her love them back. I don’t want to give too much away because if you haven’t read this book you need to.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars because the book was easy to read and so well written and it was a great story. But, I personally have a very hard time reading about cancer. It hits way too close to home for me. But that’s the only reason I gave it 4 3/4 stars.
So if you want to read a great book about a mother and daughter relationship this is the book for you. Oh, and it has spice. 🌶🤗😉
I had to include this because it was so beautiful.
Abbey, in Africa on assignment photographing mother and infant gorilla.
“I drew the camera to my eye, focused, and stared through the lens and disbelief. In a gesture that seemed almost planned, as she we were a model and I had told her how to pose for the cover of some parent magazine, she turned toward me, opening her chest to the camera and exposing her infant.” - Abigail Gallagher
I want to thank Tara Delaney for gifting me this copy of The Red Bike in exchange for my honest review.
Trigger Warnings: rape, cancer
Spice: 🌶
Synopsis:
Wildlife photographer Abigail Gallagher needs answers. Which of her mother’s lives was real? The life she led or the one she left behind?
When Abby captures the tenderness between a protective mother gorilla and her newborn baby, she wonders if she can ever feel the same family bonds. First, she must break free from the intense anger she has carried since the learning of her mother’s affair.
After a year away, Abby returns to Austin from Africa just before her 31st birthday. Her boyfriend Ryan cannot pry any commitment from her for their future together, despite her sexy, socialite mother’s playful, but pointed, urging and interference. Her mother’s self-centered behavior remains the wedge that keeps them apart. Abby retreats into her own defense mode: Keep your life separate come I don’t share your feelings, escape to another continent, refused to make plans together, use people without letting them use you, stay detached, never say I love you.
But when her mother is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, Abby postpones her travel assignments and offers begrudging assistance to lighten her father’s caretaking load. One by one, the secret layers of her life as her mother’s child are peeled away, until Abby has no choice but to face a new and unsettling truth. All along, her mother has been protecting her, but at what cost?
Can she close the gap in the relationship with her mother before her life slips away? Can Abby open herself to Ryan enough to repair their relationship and have a life together?
Abby cannot take the next step until she learns Ryan’s childhood story of his yearning for a bike. Not just any bike. The red bike.
Thoughts: 💭
Tara you amaze me! What a beautifully written well thought out book. I would have never guessed that this was your debut novel.
Obviously it will not be your last.
It’s so true that the things we go through in our lives when we were younger, shaped the way you become when you’re an adult, and this is true for Abbey. I do admire that Abbey is a smart, strong-willed woman, she will does things her way, not putting any regard into what other people think or want. But, I just so wished she put down her walls and let people in. Let them love her and her love them back. I don’t want to give too much away because if you haven’t read this book you need to.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars because the book was easy to read and so well written and it was a great story. But, I personally have a very hard time reading about cancer. It hits way too close to home for me. But that’s the only reason I gave it 4 3/4 stars.
So if you want to read a great book about a mother and daughter relationship this is the book for you. Oh, and it has spice. 🌶🤗😉
I had to include this because it was so beautiful.
Abbey, in Africa on assignment photographing mother and infant gorilla.
“I drew the camera to my eye, focused, and stared through the lens and disbelief. In a gesture that seemed almost planned, as she we were a model and I had told her how to pose for the cover of some parent magazine, she turned toward me, opening her chest to the camera and exposing her infant.” - Abigail Gallagher
I want to thank Tara Delaney for gifting me this copy of The Red Bike in exchange for my honest review.
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