Still recovering from a divorce and the death of her parents, Rachel is living in the large house she grew up in. Upon meeting an African American veteran and his five-year-old son, she begins to hope for a new life. But when her estranged brother shows up demanding to move in to her back cottage, he threatens to ruin everything. He is disturbed, gun-obsessed, and, as Rachel discovers, involved with people who threaten much more than her dream of a happy home. Addressing themes of love, hate, social fracturing, and violent white supremacy, House of Fragile Dreams is not just a suspenseful love story; it’s a poignant reflection of a country in troubled times.
I had heard extremely good things about this author’s first book, “Arkansas Summer,” and remember getting that one to read for myself back in 2017. All I can tell you is… it was outstanding. Set in the Jim Crow South in the 1950s, it was just about the best debut novel I could remember seeing in a long time. And the author definitely proved, with this second creation, “House of Fragile Dreams,” that the first was no fluke. Anne Moose has an imagination and a gift for relaying the truth that will have her writing a great many more stories over time.
Readers meet up with Rachel, who is an adult living in the same house she grew up in. She’s alone in the big house because she’s still getting over some pretty grim times. Not only did she lose her parents, but she’s also suffered a divorce. A bright light is shining in her future, however, and she comes across this new hope after meeting an African American veteran and his son, who is only five years old. As the reader, you’re happy for Rachel, but the minute her estranged brother shows up at the house and readies himself to ruin her life yet again, that happiness turns to anger.
The brother is more than a little disturbed; he is obsessed with guns and he likes to threaten his sister. Not to mention, he has some connections who are violent to others and who have the ability to take far more than just a happy house away from Rachel. On a daily basis, Rachel’s hope for a better life now slips away as her brother emotionally torments her and slowly takes away her freedom.
Picking up the mantle once again, this author dives into the harsh subjects of hate, racism, love of a biracial couple in a time of white supremacy, and more. When combining all of those issues, Anne Moose creates yet another suspenseful love story set within a troubled time. Not only does the power of love and support come through the characters here, but readers are also able to reflect on the fact that, even though times have changed, there are black and white issues still out there threatening to bring us all down in the 21st century.
Anne Moose not only writes a memorable book in “House of Fragile Dreams,” she also shows what things can and should still be changed out there in the world so that everyone could have their own happy house. Well done.
Anne Moose has done an exceptional job of creating a page-turner story about two of the most heart wrenching issues in our country, gun violence and racism. And about the power of love. The opening chapter immediately captures the reader’s imagination and desire to know more… lots more. In the midst of unanticipated twists and turns, you feel like you are in the minds of the characters. Which ones can you trust? She develops the plot with passion that touches the soul. The book had me hooked at the first scene, and I couldn’t put it down.
A story you don’t want to miss! I had this in my library and kept skipping over it because it seemed too far out of my normal escape genre. I’m so glad I opened it because the author “had me at page one”. With aspects of romance, domestic drama, suspense and family sagas it ticked a lot of boxes and she checked each one beautifully. Wonderfully written storyline with characters so vibrant you’d recognize them on the street -don’t bypass this one. I walked around with it reading , woke up at 2:30 am and read some more, and finally finished this morning. I love when I find a new author to follow- thanks Anne Moose, I’ll be back for more.
House of Fragile Dreams” by Anne Moose is a story of family, love, and compassion. While the couple’s different racial backgrounds add dimension, it wasn’t the central focus for me. This novel is ultimately about humanity itself—the beauty, the flaws, and the responsibility that come with being human.
Anne Moose has created complex, multifaceted characters. Their dialogue is realistic. The decisions they make are understandable and what we see in society every day. This makes the characters relatable.
This is the third book of this author’s books I have read. I will be watching for her to publish again, because I will be eager to read that book also. I recommend all her books for your personal reading and to consider as gifts to friends and family. –Pat Spencer, author of Sticks in a Bundle (a trilogy).
I rarely read a book in one day, but Anne Moose's gripping story of love and intrigue engaged me from the beginning. The first chapter foreshadowed mysterious events to come, so I was hooked to read on in an attempt to solve the mystery. In the next two chapters, the author wasted no time getting up close and personal in an elevator scene that was so fun to read. Throughout the book, intimate scenes were created with enticing, tasteful dialogue and acts of love. Social issues of sibling rivalry, racial tension, and domestic terrorism are addressed in the context of a complex and unique plot. Twists and turns of the story had me turning pages to see what would happen next. At bedtime, I ignored the clock and kept on reading to the book's unpredictable yet satisfying ending. Having read Arkansas Summer, I am definitely a fan of Anne Moose's writing and look forward to her next book.
A wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your lounge chair!
Take your hand off the lever on that lounge chair. You just might blast off! The romance is endearing. You will hear yourself screaming at the insanity. You will be pleading for answers but don't expect any from me! Just read.
I appreciate the attention this story brings to white supremacists and domestic terrorists. It sheds a light on the division it causes in the world as well as within families
This book was difficult for me to put down the author Rights about so many issues we are facing and today's world I have never written a review Previously But Had to Let the world know Amazing this book is.