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Shudder
Darcy and Clare grew up as best friends, sharing trials and triumphs from preschool through college graduation. Now they’re sharing an apartment in Boise, Idaho, where Clare just landed a great job and Darcy is pursuing a teaching certificate. There’s only one problem: Blaine, Clare’s boyfriend. His chauvinistic, know-it-all ways set Darcy’s teeth on edge. Darcy vows not to let Blaine ruin her lifelong friendship with Clare, but when Blaine insists on moving in, Darcy suddenly finds herself alone. The estranged friends forge ahead on seemingly separate paths. Engaged to Blaine, Clare becomes trapped in ugly family politics and vicious treatment from her fiancé. Darcy finds a temporary home with Karlene, an accident victim seeking live-in help, but a twisted plot soon threatens their safety. Clare’s wedding briefly reunites her with Darcy, yet the friends have never been farther apart. And when Clare finds herself in mortal peril and finally calls on Darcy to help, it might be too late.
218 pages
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 3, 2010
In general, I try to avoid religious fiction, regardless of the religion. This book pretty well reaffirmed why I do that. It came across as preachy and at times, self-righteous. I really wish the author had left out the religious part. I recognize that it's a big part of her life, especially as I share the same religion and am very active in my church. I just think that in this case, the story would have been better served to leave it out.
I also didn't really connect with the action going on. It just seemed so contrived and so seat-of-your-pants. Every time the characters would come through one challenge, another (bigger and better, of course) would present itself and they'd miraculously come through it as well. They're not unscathed, which was nice, but still. Seriously? I just couldn't swallow it.
Here's what did work for me: the way Jennie Hansen presented domestic violence. She was careful to treat it with respect, while not glorifying it in any way. She showed very well that any group of people, regardless of religion, race, social status, economic status, can be affected by domestic violence. She showed how the victim loses themselves in trying to please their abuser and how they end up distancing themselves from the people who could help them. That part of the story was compelling and the reason that I give this book a 'meh' rating and not something else.
I also didn't really connect with the action going on. It just seemed so contrived and so seat-of-your-pants. Every time the characters would come through one challenge, another (bigger and better, of course) would present itself and they'd miraculously come through it as well. They're not unscathed, which was nice, but still. Seriously? I just couldn't swallow it.
Here's what did work for me: the way Jennie Hansen presented domestic violence. She was careful to treat it with respect, while not glorifying it in any way. She showed very well that any group of people, regardless of religion, race, social status, economic status, can be affected by domestic violence. She showed how the victim loses themselves in trying to please their abuser and how they end up distancing themselves from the people who could help them. That part of the story was compelling and the reason that I give this book a 'meh' rating and not something else.
October 17, 2009
I don't know why I keep reading these books! I shout at the author every time!!! Her stories are great, but she has trouble telling them in any kind of event sequence. How do you get from- "I like spending time with you"- to "will you marry me"? How about a first kiss, or an I really like you, or I love you, or SOMETHING! Way too jumpy with way too much happening behind the scenes that we are left struggling to figure out. Very accurate portrayal of abused spouses. However difficult to believe, it's exactly that real :(
November 13, 2009
(Genre:LDS fiction/suspense) This book tells the story of Darcy, a young woman who is watching her best friend, Clare, fall in love with a manipulator and abuser. Clare won't listen to reason and Darcy has to helplessly watch her friend pull away from their friendship and really lose herself in the dysfunctional relationship. That made it a sad read, but Darcy has her head on straight, so her story is much more hopeful. I could predict much of what happened, but still enjoyed the ride, so I gave it 3 stars. I do agree with some other reviewers, that Hansen sometimes moves things forward rather quickly in the story. But unlike some reviewers, I did appreciate the ending. I agree that some parts were rushed, but I liked how Hansen left Clare's life open while bringing things in this story to a conclusion. I liked how there were permanent consequences to her decisions. Too many young people enter marriage with a completely unrealistic mind set. They have very unrealistic expectations. Some girls appear to be in love with the idea of being in love and they make very foolish choices "because they are in love". Falling in love is really a lot of head work, not just the heart. I want to shake anyone that is being oblivious and yell at them, "Use your head! That is why God gave you one!!!" Sigh. Sorry, I will stop my ranting. :) I have to say that I can't imagine being in a relationship like Clare's, nor do I understand why someone would choose to stay in a relationship like that. Maybe, like Clare, they do feel so alone and that is more scary than what they are living with. But it wasn't like Clare didn't have a friend--Darcy and her family were always there for her, but for some unknown reason she chose her boyfriend. While every quality relationship (especially marriage) does require some self-sacrifice (or thinking of others needs before your own), it doesn't require having your every move monitored or ever being physically abused. Whenever I hear about girls dating guys that act "possessive" then my advice is to run as hard as they can in the other direction.
November 10, 2009
Not my favorite Jennie Hansen book (I just love Code Red!!) but it was still a good book. I think it would be so difficult to watch your friend make the mistake of marrying/dating someone that was abusing them. I have never seen this and it would be so hard to not just step in and do something. I admired how Darcy allowed Clare to make her own decisions, but firmly told her that she was making a mistake. And then being there to help pick up the pieces after. She was a true friend.
As a side note, I don't like the cover all too much! It is kind of scary!
As a side note, I don't like the cover all too much! It is kind of scary!
February 2, 2010
The message of this LDS novel depicts the horrors of abusive, controlling husbands and illustrates how easy it is to fall into that trap and how hard to get out. And surrounding that main theme is a murder mystery, a romance, and lots of action. Most of the characters are a little too good or too bad to be true, but the action was fast enough and interesting enough to make the book enjoyable to read. Not exactly a light read given the horrors of spousal abuse, but light in that it's not too demanding.
June 11, 2015
LDS modern fiction. Not that suspenseful.
Overall, it was a good story. It dealt with a lot of serious issues that I haven't had experience with so I feel out of my element rating the accuracy of motivations and so forth. The story takes place over a long period of time and sometimes the jumps were awkward, the progression was odd and I felt disoriented.
Loose ends all get tied up but the ending was a bit unsatisfying. Justice was not served! Unfortunately, that is how life is sometimes.
So, this was decent. Not my most favorite. I might try out this author again, but we'll see.
Overall, it was a good story. It dealt with a lot of serious issues that I haven't had experience with so I feel out of my element rating the accuracy of motivations and so forth. The story takes place over a long period of time and sometimes the jumps were awkward, the progression was odd and I felt disoriented.
Loose ends all get tied up but the ending was a bit unsatisfying. Justice was not served! Unfortunately, that is how life is sometimes.
So, this was decent. Not my most favorite. I might try out this author again, but we'll see.
May 15, 2024
Good clean book. The story was one that kept me interested, but I don't think it was the level of thrilling suspense that I am looking for. Still overall a good story. Had some heartfelt moments and mystery that kept the pages turning. I enjoyed the story of friendship that endured. Good read 🙂
October 26, 2009
I had a hard time putting this one down. And since I now work, I cannot read late into the night like I use to. I think this is one Jennie's best. And I love all her books.
October 17, 2017
I'm not sure how to feel about this book. It was emotionally raw and powerful, suspenseful, and surprising, yet I felt like it also lacked clarity and a good ending.
I loved the relationship between Darcy and Clare, who are two lifetime best friends and the main characters of the story. The girls are roommates living together in Boise when Clare gets a unlikeable boyfriend who pushes the limits of the two girl's friendship. This boy drives Darcy away from Clare when she is needed most.
The strength of this story lies in the poignancy of Clare's involvement in an abusive relationship. I felt that after reading it, I understood better what drives people to stay in an abusive relationship, despite the dangers. I felt my heart go out to sweet Clare, who, because of an accumulation of poor decisions, ended up with a fairy-tale-less ending to her own life story. In contrast, her best friend Darcy was blessed with a pretty normal and rosy life and a fairy tale man to match. Yet, Darcy's happiness with her life was constantly tempered throughout the story by her acute awareness of Clare's pain. For me, that's what made the story so powerful. Darcy was always there for Clare, even when she didn't have to be.
As for the love interest... he was meh. Not that cute. And I did not prefer the ending. Other than that, though, it was worth the read.
I loved the relationship between Darcy and Clare, who are two lifetime best friends and the main characters of the story. The girls are roommates living together in Boise when Clare gets a unlikeable boyfriend who pushes the limits of the two girl's friendship. This boy drives Darcy away from Clare when she is needed most.
The strength of this story lies in the poignancy of Clare's involvement in an abusive relationship. I felt that after reading it, I understood better what drives people to stay in an abusive relationship, despite the dangers. I felt my heart go out to sweet Clare, who, because of an accumulation of poor decisions, ended up with a fairy-tale-less ending to her own life story. In contrast, her best friend Darcy was blessed with a pretty normal and rosy life and a fairy tale man to match. Yet, Darcy's happiness with her life was constantly tempered throughout the story by her acute awareness of Clare's pain. For me, that's what made the story so powerful. Darcy was always there for Clare, even when she didn't have to be.
As for the love interest... he was meh. Not that cute. And I did not prefer the ending. Other than that, though, it was worth the read.
May 6, 2010
In my case, the test of a book's appeal can easily be determined by one look at its post-read appearance. I rarely have the time to sit down and do a straight read-through, (oh, the heaven of such an indulgence!) So if I really get into a story, I stuff the novel into my purse and drag it around everywhere I go, stealing reading moments anytime and any place possible.
My copy of "Shudder" is a a sad sight. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The quality of the read is no surprise. Jennie Hansen is a prolific author whose experience shines in this novel. She grabs her readers' attention in paragraph one, dropping little breadcrumbs of back story until by page three, we're fully invested in the principal characters--best friends and roommates, Darcy and Clare. The tension and suspense ramp up as multiple story lines twist around a common theme--the danger encircling two women Darcy loves.
The timing between the arrival of Clare's wealthy, well-connected boyfriend--Blaine--and her persistent injuries, frightens Darcy, but despite her love for her childhood friend, Darcy moves out when love-hungry Clare succumbs to Blaine's insistence and allows him to move in to the spare room in the girls' apartment. As a student teacher hours from her home and family, Darcy's financial resources are limited. Fellow-teacher and running companion, David Schoenfeld provides a housing lead, and Darcy leaps at the opportunity to serve as a live-in companion for Karlene, a fifty-ish car accident victim. But Karlene insists that her accident was anything but accidental, and she fears her attacker is still out there, awaiting another opportunity to finish the job.
The two story lines contrast powerfully off of one another. Clare is a young, beautiful, and physically strong woman whose emotional neediness causes her to submit to Blaine's abuses in the name of love; while Karlene summons a broken body to vigilance, fighting to have someone believe her story and save her from her attacker. Entangled in each of their lives is Darcy, who finds her own life in jeopardy because of her love for both women. Jennie Hansen did such a fine job weaving multiple threats into the story that I became suspicious of every support character as well, and that's what led me to turn one more page each time I tried to lay the book down.
Sadly, we likely know a Clare or two. Perhaps that's the real reason "Shudder" hits home. It pulls no punches, showing how ugly and destructive abuse can be, while holding a mirror up to potential enablers who protect abusers out of some misconstrued sense of loyalty.
"Shudder" would make an important YW read as well. The coverage of Chris Brown's abuse of Rhianna showcased this issue as an important topic for vulnerable, insecure women of dating age. Though the topic is tough, Ms. Hansen balances the questionable moral choices made by some of her characters by openly emphasizing Church standards. It feels a bit instructional in places, but her care to avoid glamorizing or condoning such decisions is admirable and should put parents at ease. An added bonus is the lovely romance Jennie Hansen weaves a through the book, providing another contrasting storyline, balancing Clare's and Blaine's destructive relationship against the tender, respectful, supportive romance developing between Darcy and David.
The ending is suspenseful to the last page turn, and though bittersweet, the growth of the characters left me content and thoughtful well after the book was laid aside. "Shudder" is a satisfying, important read I can highly recommend to all readers, and one I feel mothers and daughters should read and discuss together. After reading "Shudder" I'm anxious to dig into other pieces from Jennie Hansen's body of work. The hardest part of that decision is choosing which piece from her twenty-one-book collection to begin with. Such a lovely dilemma!
"Shudder" is available wherever LDS books are sold.
My copy of "Shudder" is a a sad sight. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The quality of the read is no surprise. Jennie Hansen is a prolific author whose experience shines in this novel. She grabs her readers' attention in paragraph one, dropping little breadcrumbs of back story until by page three, we're fully invested in the principal characters--best friends and roommates, Darcy and Clare. The tension and suspense ramp up as multiple story lines twist around a common theme--the danger encircling two women Darcy loves.
The timing between the arrival of Clare's wealthy, well-connected boyfriend--Blaine--and her persistent injuries, frightens Darcy, but despite her love for her childhood friend, Darcy moves out when love-hungry Clare succumbs to Blaine's insistence and allows him to move in to the spare room in the girls' apartment. As a student teacher hours from her home and family, Darcy's financial resources are limited. Fellow-teacher and running companion, David Schoenfeld provides a housing lead, and Darcy leaps at the opportunity to serve as a live-in companion for Karlene, a fifty-ish car accident victim. But Karlene insists that her accident was anything but accidental, and she fears her attacker is still out there, awaiting another opportunity to finish the job.
The two story lines contrast powerfully off of one another. Clare is a young, beautiful, and physically strong woman whose emotional neediness causes her to submit to Blaine's abuses in the name of love; while Karlene summons a broken body to vigilance, fighting to have someone believe her story and save her from her attacker. Entangled in each of their lives is Darcy, who finds her own life in jeopardy because of her love for both women. Jennie Hansen did such a fine job weaving multiple threats into the story that I became suspicious of every support character as well, and that's what led me to turn one more page each time I tried to lay the book down.
Sadly, we likely know a Clare or two. Perhaps that's the real reason "Shudder" hits home. It pulls no punches, showing how ugly and destructive abuse can be, while holding a mirror up to potential enablers who protect abusers out of some misconstrued sense of loyalty.
"Shudder" would make an important YW read as well. The coverage of Chris Brown's abuse of Rhianna showcased this issue as an important topic for vulnerable, insecure women of dating age. Though the topic is tough, Ms. Hansen balances the questionable moral choices made by some of her characters by openly emphasizing Church standards. It feels a bit instructional in places, but her care to avoid glamorizing or condoning such decisions is admirable and should put parents at ease. An added bonus is the lovely romance Jennie Hansen weaves a through the book, providing another contrasting storyline, balancing Clare's and Blaine's destructive relationship against the tender, respectful, supportive romance developing between Darcy and David.
The ending is suspenseful to the last page turn, and though bittersweet, the growth of the characters left me content and thoughtful well after the book was laid aside. "Shudder" is a satisfying, important read I can highly recommend to all readers, and one I feel mothers and daughters should read and discuss together. After reading "Shudder" I'm anxious to dig into other pieces from Jennie Hansen's body of work. The hardest part of that decision is choosing which piece from her twenty-one-book collection to begin with. Such a lovely dilemma!
"Shudder" is available wherever LDS books are sold.
July 20, 2011
Jennie Hansen is a prolific and much-admired LDS author, and reading Shudder it's easy to see why. The style is smooth and easy to read - no flowery prose, detailed description or complex metaphors - and should appeal to all ages, especially young adult. Jennie addresses an important subject in this novel, that of domestic violence, and neatly ties it in to the main action and intrigue. Even so, it doesn't seem like an afterthought and is, in fact, the most powerful part of the book. Despite some gripping action sequences, it was Claire's story which stayed with me, and conveyed the main moral message - that no good ever comes of compromising one's standards. (And conversely, Darcy's story showed how much happiness comes from sticking to them.)
I found much of the dialogue strangely stilted and unconvincing. Odd explanations cropped up occasionally for minor events, and characters seemed to see the need to tell others why no one was in the house at a particular time, for example, or outline the relationship between people they didn't know. I suspect these might have been insisted on by an editor who was worried about readers spotting plot-holes. I think that was misguided, and realistic dialogue is more important than making sure every base is covered.
I really enjoyed the switches between the point of view of the main character, Darcy, and her best friend Claire. These were very well handed and, especially at the beginning of the book where Claire is asking Darcy whether her boyfriend Blaine can move in with them, it was fascinating to see the horror and despair on both sides for different reasons. I'd have liked this to continue a little more because, not having much from Claire's perspective, it was difficult to see what she saw in Blaine or why she was sticking with him. There were occasional references to how sweet and loving he could be, but mostly it was my knowledge that so many women DO stay with men who abuse them that carried it through.
But ultimately this was Darcey's story, and going into detail about Claire's experience would have made it overly long. There is also a lot of background about Claire's childhood which helps us to understand her reasons for needing to be with Blaine. I particularly loved the scenes where Blaine's family are described, and Jennie masterfully showed their true characters with just a few simple lines describing their appearance and behaviour.
Overall, this is a very good and readable book with an important message which will stay with you. I highly recommended it.
I found much of the dialogue strangely stilted and unconvincing. Odd explanations cropped up occasionally for minor events, and characters seemed to see the need to tell others why no one was in the house at a particular time, for example, or outline the relationship between people they didn't know. I suspect these might have been insisted on by an editor who was worried about readers spotting plot-holes. I think that was misguided, and realistic dialogue is more important than making sure every base is covered.
I really enjoyed the switches between the point of view of the main character, Darcy, and her best friend Claire. These were very well handed and, especially at the beginning of the book where Claire is asking Darcy whether her boyfriend Blaine can move in with them, it was fascinating to see the horror and despair on both sides for different reasons. I'd have liked this to continue a little more because, not having much from Claire's perspective, it was difficult to see what she saw in Blaine or why she was sticking with him. There were occasional references to how sweet and loving he could be, but mostly it was my knowledge that so many women DO stay with men who abuse them that carried it through.
But ultimately this was Darcey's story, and going into detail about Claire's experience would have made it overly long. There is also a lot of background about Claire's childhood which helps us to understand her reasons for needing to be with Blaine. I particularly loved the scenes where Blaine's family are described, and Jennie masterfully showed their true characters with just a few simple lines describing their appearance and behaviour.
Overall, this is a very good and readable book with an important message which will stay with you. I highly recommended it.
November 22, 2009
Great book about the blinders that loves sometimes puts on our eyes when abuse is happening. Clare is a quiet, ready to please, orphan since her parents both have died and she has been taken in by her best friend, Darcy and her family. When they set off to Boise after graduating college, they think their adventure is just starting. Clare has a great job she loves and a boyfriend and Darcy has a job that supports her barely to get her teaching certificate and pay the bills. What Clare doesn't realize in her attempt at getting her own family is that her boyfriend is physically abusive and she keeps excusing his violent outbursts as her fault. When Darcy puts her foot down to having Blane move in as a 3 roommate there becomes a break in their friendship, just what Blane wants...to isolate Clare from her friend. They get married and the abuse continues, but Clare keeps going back.
Meanwhile, Darcy finds a friend and confidant in David, a high school coach at the school that she is student teaching at. He helps her secure a place to live with Karlene, a woman from his ward that is trying to recuperate from a car accident, but it wasn't an accident. Darcy soon finds out that Karlene is in danger of being silenced and her association with Karlene makes her a target when the murderer tries to find the hiding Karlene through Darcy. Darcy and Karlene escape many attempts. Darcy and David are married and while on their honeymoon, Clare or Clara as she has changed her name while hiding from Blane after divorce to find that Blane has found her and beaten her up again. The quick thinking and rescue of her neighbor and friend helps to save her life, but she makes the sad conclusion that she must leave for good and cut ties with all her past including Darcy. Karlene's attacker is brought to justice and her husband the ex-cop helps Darcy on with her new life. It sounds like their is an opening for a sequel to find out what happens to Clare?
Meanwhile, Darcy finds a friend and confidant in David, a high school coach at the school that she is student teaching at. He helps her secure a place to live with Karlene, a woman from his ward that is trying to recuperate from a car accident, but it wasn't an accident. Darcy soon finds out that Karlene is in danger of being silenced and her association with Karlene makes her a target when the murderer tries to find the hiding Karlene through Darcy. Darcy and Karlene escape many attempts. Darcy and David are married and while on their honeymoon, Clare or Clara as she has changed her name while hiding from Blane after divorce to find that Blane has found her and beaten her up again. The quick thinking and rescue of her neighbor and friend helps to save her life, but she makes the sad conclusion that she must leave for good and cut ties with all her past including Darcy. Karlene's attacker is brought to justice and her husband the ex-cop helps Darcy on with her new life. It sounds like their is an opening for a sequel to find out what happens to Clare?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2010
It was the cover and title that first caught my eye. Of course I picked it up to read the description on the back. The second thing that jumped out at me was that the story takes place in Boise, Idaho. I know most people would say who cares, but I’m from southern Idaho (about 2 hours from Boise), and this really got me. I was happy to see it on the shelf at the library, so I picked it up. Now comes the trouble of reviewing it. I liked it, but I can guarantee that it is not for everybody. The main problem I see is that it revolves greatly around the Mormon religion. I can take it with a grain of salt, but I’m afraid that there will be many who can’t read around it. Plus, if you are not Mormon or familiar with the religion, I’m afraid it will come across as extreme. Now, setting that aside, I liked the characters. I think it gives a very good picture of abusive relationships. You can’t help but feel for Darcy as she watches what her friend goes through. Add in the murder/mystery, and it was a lot of fun. The book got better when it stepped away from why the girls can’t live with a man, or issues with modest clothing, and all things that seem so cliché to the mormon religion. I understand that they need something to read too. Something that fits in with those who have strong beliefs, and above all something clean. That’s what the author was aiming for here, and that’s fine too.
March 2, 2013
This is pretty serious subject matter; abusive boyfriends/husbands. I was drawn in by the situation Clare finds herself in and saddened by how long it takes her to ask for help. I was disappointed with the inconsistencies in this story; 1) David grew up on a farm and went to Ricks for 1 year before his mission early in the book, then later he says his family moved to a farm after he graduated and he went to Boise State for 2 years before his mission. 2) Evan wants Darcy and Karlene to wait inside the cabin, then 3 minutes later it's not safe for David and Darcy to go in there. Some poor editing really disrupted the flow of the story. Throw in 2 serious subplots - abusive relationship and a friend who has a psycho trying to kill her and things get crazy. I was disappointed in the love story aspect, and seriously, who has time to take a leisurely stroll on the beach between their wedding ceremony and reception!? There was so much going on, sometimes pretty unbelievable at that, and not enough resolution. I did like Darcy as a main character, and most of the supporting characters, andJennie did a good job with Clare and her struggle, so it was decent overall.
June 3, 2013
Darcy and Clare grew up as best friends, sharing trials and triumphs from preschool through college graduation. Now they're sharing an apartment in Boise, Idaho, where Clare just landed a great job and Darcy is pursuing a teaching certificate. There's only one problem: Blaine, Clare's boyfriend. His chauvinistic, know-it-all ways set Darcy's teeth on edge. Darcy vows not to let Blaine ruin her lifelong friendship with Clare, but when Blaine insists on moving in, Darcy suddenly finds herself alone. The estranged friends forge ahead on seemingly separate paths. Engaged to Blaine, Clare becomes trapped in ugly family politics and vicious treatment from her fiancé. Darcy finds a temporary home with Karlene, an accident victim seeking live-in help, but a twisted plot soon threatens their safety. Clare's wedding briefly reunites her with Darcy, yet the friends have never been farther apart. And when Clare finds herself in mortal peril and finally calls on Darcy to help, it might be too late.
June 19, 2011
Wow! This one brought out the woman activist in me. I've never been okay with domestic abuse or abuse in general. I always feel disappointed to read of women in these situations. I realize that women tell themselves that they won't be victims, but the reality is that it still happens to the best of them. The important part is to get help as soon as possible. It makes me crazy to think that women excuse these violent acts as love; reality check: it's not. I'm happy that this victim had a loyal friend that was always willing to help her, even though she wasn't necessarily making wise choices. A great tale of true friendship and a good reminder to get to know who you date before you commit to anything. Great book! :)
October 10, 2009
This story deals with two young women and the men they meet and love. It deals with spouse abuse. My daughter couldn't believe that a woman would be that "dumb" to put up with that kind of treatment but she hasn't had to deal with this reality. Sometimes it is difficult to believe that a woman would put up with this much abuse but I have also met and talked, and it is hard to put away hope.
The ending was too abrupt, almost as if the author ran out of time to finish the story and so ended it too quickly.
I enjoyed this better than the last few of this authors books. Almost as good as her earliest books.
The ending was too abrupt, almost as if the author ran out of time to finish the story and so ended it too quickly.
I enjoyed this better than the last few of this authors books. Almost as good as her earliest books.
October 15, 2009
There were a couple of mildly suspenseful parts, but I got a little confused with the murder/mystery. I had a hard time connecting everyone who was involved in the murder and trial and felt like there really wasn't any closure to the murder. I liked the relationship between the two friends and I think Hansen's portrayal of how women get into abusive relationships and then find it hard to get out is very realistic. I just felt the ending was very abrupt. I'm thinking it's because she plans to write a sequel so we'll see.
January 7, 2011
Darcy and Clare grew up as best friends. They went to college together and now live together in Boise. However, Darcy doesn't approve of Clare's new boyfriend. He seems very chauvinistic and demanding. And when he decides to move in with them--over Darcy's objections--she becomes very alarmed for the welfare of her friend.
This is a good murder mystery but also a disturbing book about spousal abuse. I didn't like it as well as other Jennie Hansen's books I've read, and the ending seemed very abrupt--and not really satisfying.
This is a good murder mystery but also a disturbing book about spousal abuse. I didn't like it as well as other Jennie Hansen's books I've read, and the ending seemed very abrupt--and not really satisfying.
February 22, 2011
I am really trying to give LDS authors a try without judgment. This is not your typical Jack Weyland Boy meets girl and live happily ever after story. It starts out really good with 2 roommates living together needing another roommate to fill to empty space when one of them has the return missionary boyfriend move in. I do feel like some of the story line was a little far fetched and some of the problems each character is involved in is to extreme for even a regular non-religious person. I felt like it the story could have ended better.
October 12, 2009
This story touches on a modern issue--one of abuse. It is sad that so many women find themselves trapped in a marriage like this, but it is reality. There were some suspenseful moments and some mysterious happenings going on, with just enough romance. My only major problem with the book was the sudden ending. I'm not sure if it kind of left the reader hanging because a sequel is in the works or what, but it was a little too abrupt for me.
October 22, 2009
okay. the book on cd wasnt the best! the story was okay but the reader sounded like a tour guide or the chick that guides you around in your car. i think i would have liked it better had i read it and not listened to it.
it's a story about 2 best friends that sadly go their seperate ways because of some guy. this guy turns out to be the biggest jerk in the entire world by the way! there is a murder that has to be solved and lives that need to be saved. good book.
it's a story about 2 best friends that sadly go their seperate ways because of some guy. this guy turns out to be the biggest jerk in the entire world by the way! there is a murder that has to be solved and lives that need to be saved. good book.
December 20, 2009
This was an okay read with some unrealistic situations. Namely, you get knocked out at school with your purse contents scattered all over and you don't call the police, and a bad guy finds a remote cabin that has no known connection to those he is looking for and finds them there.
Unfortunatley there are plenty of women out there who are in similar circumstances as Clare but are so starved for attention that they put up with the garbage.
Unfortunatley there are plenty of women out there who are in similar circumstances as Clare but are so starved for attention that they put up with the garbage.
March 3, 2010
I'm a big Jennie Hansen fan, but this book didn't cut it for me. It was anti-climactic, the love story stunk(they hadn't even kissed or said they loved each other, and suddenly he pops the question?) and I hated the ending. I got the feeling that all the sub-stories were going to merge together in the end, but nope. I don't feel that any of them wrapped up well, and it didn't really hint at a sequel.
June 1, 2011
Clean. This was definitely not a Who-done-it! You know the whole time who the shmuck is, but it did have some exciting parts. The romance not the heart palpitating - physical chemistry kind. (yes, I realize this makes me sound SO LAME!) In fact, you get to the point when the guy proposes to girl, and you think "What? I thought he'd just barely held her hand?!" I don't want sizzle and sleeze in a book, but I'd like a little heart fluttering!
November 6, 2009
I have to admit I was sorely disappointed. I expected much more from Hansen, but unlike her other novels, this moved painfully slow. It lacked the gripping suspense I've come to expect from her work. I guess, with this being her seventeenth novel, she's bound to have one less than stellar piece of work.
September 6, 2012
I liked the characters in the book. The plot kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I wish Clair would have been a little bit smarter. The ending wasn't quite to my liking as I like more fairy tale and Everyone Lived Happily ever after. This ending was realistic and possible.
Overall good book.
Overall good book.
February 16, 2014
A quick read for the airplane. The story tackles the subject of a manipulative, physically abusive relationship. Made me want to go home and teach my girls about abusive boyfriends and to stay away from them! I love that all of Jennie Hansen's books are set in the west, often in Idaho. This one is set in Boise.
November 9, 2009
Read my review on Haiku Amy.
October 23, 2009
It's scary that there really are people who think it's okay to beat up on women and children. And it's sad that there really are people who are stuck in those kinds of relationships.
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