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Someone to Blame
In the wake of heartrending family tragedies, Matt and Irene Moore move with their fourteen-year-old daughter, Casey, to a small town. Their goal is to get far away from the daily reminders that leave each of them raw and guilt-ridden. Their hope is to find redemption, repair, and renewal. Instead, the threads that hold them together unravel even more. Breakers, a small community perched on the rocky coast of the Pacific Northwest, is draped with cold isolation that seems to mirror the hearts. As they settle into their new life, old grief settles with them. Matt is always on edge and easily angered, Irene is sad and pensive, and Casey is confused and defiant. They've once more set the stage for calamity. Into this mix comes Billy Thurber, a young drifter with his own conflicts, whose life unexpectedly entangles with the Moores’. His arrival in Breakers parallels a rash of hateful and senseless crimes, and soon the whole town – eager for someone to blame – goes after Thurber with murderous intent. Out of this dangerous chaos, however, the Moores find unexpected grace and healing in a most unlikely way. Author C. S. Lakin explores our need to assign reason and fix blame for the pain and grief in our lives. Though the circumstances are fictional, the emotions are real and universal, making Someone to Blame a great and inspiring read.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 12, 2010
Rarely do I find novels that make me want to stay up all night reading. Well, I didn't stay up all night with this book, but I did start early in the morning and read the novel through to the end. Yeah, without stopping. I couldn't put the story down, it was that good. Not just because the prose was amazing, or because the story flowed so well, but because the story had heart. That's something I miss seeing in a lot of books. It seems like a lot of authors would rather be safe and keep the message lighthearted and fun. That's no doubt a reflection of the current economy. People want an escape when times are tough like they have been lately. But not me. I like stories that make me think. Make me feel. Make me care. I love stories like this one. Ironically, the cover was a total turnoff for me, and my husband saw the book and said, "What a nice cover." So you never know. A lot of things are a matter of taste, I guess.
Anyway, I'd much rather read a meaningful "high concept" type of story like Someone to Blame. It carried so much impact as it hit my heart dead center. This story will knock you off your feet, especially if you think you stand. Think about pride coming before a fall. The message in Someone to Blame could knock the most sure footed (self-righteous) person off center. But that's a good thing when it makes you examine your own heart. I can totally see this book as a movie. One that would make it to the Academy Awards even. It had so much depth. I loved the fact that the story contained a number of points of view. It was so much more effective because of that perspective. Like God, you could see inside everyone's heart and mind. Unlike in other books I've read, this approach with multiple viewpoints didn't confuse me at all. It was clear whose head you were in with each chapter. That was so well done. I could literally hear the characters talking in my head.
As far as the story goes, it's difficult for me to tell the things that really touched my heart and made me think without giving away the story (I hate reviews that are spoilers.) So this is my pitiful attempt to reveal without revealing... Things aren't usually what they seem. It's easy to react on emotion and cause irreparable damage as a result. Don't let your heart get so hard that you stop caring about others. Reach out to those in need and don't worry about what it will cost you. That's it. So what do you think of that, eh?
Anyway, I'd much rather read a meaningful "high concept" type of story like Someone to Blame. It carried so much impact as it hit my heart dead center. This story will knock you off your feet, especially if you think you stand. Think about pride coming before a fall. The message in Someone to Blame could knock the most sure footed (self-righteous) person off center. But that's a good thing when it makes you examine your own heart. I can totally see this book as a movie. One that would make it to the Academy Awards even. It had so much depth. I loved the fact that the story contained a number of points of view. It was so much more effective because of that perspective. Like God, you could see inside everyone's heart and mind. Unlike in other books I've read, this approach with multiple viewpoints didn't confuse me at all. It was clear whose head you were in with each chapter. That was so well done. I could literally hear the characters talking in my head.
As far as the story goes, it's difficult for me to tell the things that really touched my heart and made me think without giving away the story (I hate reviews that are spoilers.) So this is my pitiful attempt to reveal without revealing... Things aren't usually what they seem. It's easy to react on emotion and cause irreparable damage as a result. Don't let your heart get so hard that you stop caring about others. Reach out to those in need and don't worry about what it will cost you. That's it. So what do you think of that, eh?
April 19, 2020
A root of bitterness springing up . . . and by this many become defiled.
So many characters. So many individual stories. Each one with and in-depth back story often defined by blame.
If you like to be inside the thoughts and histories of many characters simultaneously, this book is for you.
So many characters. So many individual stories. Each one with and in-depth back story often defined by blame.
If you like to be inside the thoughts and histories of many characters simultaneously, this book is for you.
January 6, 2011
Love Vs. Hate
“When you lose a child, you tumble in free fall continually, without acquittal. The ground rushes up at you, your mind frantic and disbelieving. Impending doom pulls you toward impact at dizzying speeds. But you never hit bottom. Never a reprieve from panic. Never startling awake before the moment of contact. Never breathing that sigh of relief as the wisp of nightmare dissolves and you learn you are safe, tangled in bed covers, your husband sleeping undisturbed at your side. You are always falling.”
- Pg. 8
Chapter 1 immediately snagged my attention. The words flowed with ease, purpose, and kept me on this journey of discovery. The plot was well done. The characters well developed and intriguing, typical of humanity. I could easily identify people of those personalities in my town. I could see me in that town making their mistakes. It is a classic story of love versus hate with several psychological twists.
Someone To Blame centers around Matt and Irene Moore. They moved from their town to escape the deaths of their sons—one was an accident and the other was suicide. Their daughter, Casey, becomes this angry form stomping through the pages of the book like a wind storm. All three wish to blame someone for the deaths. They blame each other. In this muddle comes a young man named Billy Thurber and in his wake a crime spree leaves the town of Breaker in an uproar. The Moore’s find curious healing in their encounters with Billy.
I read this book with the preconceived notion that it would follow a formula story. Villains in most books are easy to discover. It’s like watching a movie and the music changes when the villain enters the room. This is not the case with Someone To Blame. Everyone is blaming something or someone for whatever happened and the reader is left in the fog, questioning, turning the pages, compiling the clues, and coming to erroneous conclusions.
The writer always leaves finger prints of themselves in between the words. The emotions Irene and Matt experience of losing a child and the anger Casey exhibits makes me think the author must have experienced losing a child, too. I have never lost a child. Yet after reading this novel I feel as if I can fully understand a couple who has experienced that loss. It is deep and painful. The first half of the book is depressing leaving one to pick over the conversations and the words, thinking deeply about it for the rest of the day. On the back cover, C.K. Lakin says she has other books on the market. All are psychological suspense. It has certainly helped me look at my own novel with new eyes. While reading her book, I learned a few more things about character and plot development. Books that make me think and make 2D characters 3D always take a permanent spot in my library. It is well worth rereading over and over again. You learn about hate, love, bad choices, good choices, and scripture hits you in the face. It is an unusual love versus hate story that I would read again and again. In fact, I am going to look up her other books. If she writes this well on Someone To Blame, I can’t wait to read her other books.
Book Provided By Zondervan And The Author For Review. To order this book click here.
“When you lose a child, you tumble in free fall continually, without acquittal. The ground rushes up at you, your mind frantic and disbelieving. Impending doom pulls you toward impact at dizzying speeds. But you never hit bottom. Never a reprieve from panic. Never startling awake before the moment of contact. Never breathing that sigh of relief as the wisp of nightmare dissolves and you learn you are safe, tangled in bed covers, your husband sleeping undisturbed at your side. You are always falling.”
- Pg. 8
Chapter 1 immediately snagged my attention. The words flowed with ease, purpose, and kept me on this journey of discovery. The plot was well done. The characters well developed and intriguing, typical of humanity. I could easily identify people of those personalities in my town. I could see me in that town making their mistakes. It is a classic story of love versus hate with several psychological twists.
Someone To Blame centers around Matt and Irene Moore. They moved from their town to escape the deaths of their sons—one was an accident and the other was suicide. Their daughter, Casey, becomes this angry form stomping through the pages of the book like a wind storm. All three wish to blame someone for the deaths. They blame each other. In this muddle comes a young man named Billy Thurber and in his wake a crime spree leaves the town of Breaker in an uproar. The Moore’s find curious healing in their encounters with Billy.
I read this book with the preconceived notion that it would follow a formula story. Villains in most books are easy to discover. It’s like watching a movie and the music changes when the villain enters the room. This is not the case with Someone To Blame. Everyone is blaming something or someone for whatever happened and the reader is left in the fog, questioning, turning the pages, compiling the clues, and coming to erroneous conclusions.
The writer always leaves finger prints of themselves in between the words. The emotions Irene and Matt experience of losing a child and the anger Casey exhibits makes me think the author must have experienced losing a child, too. I have never lost a child. Yet after reading this novel I feel as if I can fully understand a couple who has experienced that loss. It is deep and painful. The first half of the book is depressing leaving one to pick over the conversations and the words, thinking deeply about it for the rest of the day. On the back cover, C.K. Lakin says she has other books on the market. All are psychological suspense. It has certainly helped me look at my own novel with new eyes. While reading her book, I learned a few more things about character and plot development. Books that make me think and make 2D characters 3D always take a permanent spot in my library. It is well worth rereading over and over again. You learn about hate, love, bad choices, good choices, and scripture hits you in the face. It is an unusual love versus hate story that I would read again and again. In fact, I am going to look up her other books. If she writes this well on Someone To Blame, I can’t wait to read her other books.
Book Provided By Zondervan And The Author For Review. To order this book click here.
June 26, 2011
If you think you don't need "Someone to Blame", think again. Everybody needs to read Someone to Blame by C.S. Lakin. Have you ever read a book that you didn't know you wanted to read? Needed to read? Were meant to read? If you can't answer yes to any of those questions, stop what you are doing and make a note to yourself to go buy a copy of this book
This is a story about a family living in silence with a tragedy that has permanently changed them forever. It is quickly revealed through first-person narration, that two teenage boys, the sons and brothers of the Moore family, died in an accident. The details of that accident become more apparent as the story moves forward. Matt, Irene, and their daughter Casey have moved to Breakers to make a fresh start. Breakers sits on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific and the gray, damp days that are common seem to fit the moods of the each of the family members.
There were times that I had to put the book down and step away for a day or so; but the characters would intrude on my thoughts and I soon found myself picking up the book once again to see what was happening in the lives of the people living between the covers of the book. It is an intense story, one that will not easily leave me the way some books do. I'm not even sure if I understand the "why" of my need or purpose in reading this book; I do know that I was longing to read this book even before I knew it existed.
I received an ARC of this book free of charge from the author. The opinions and views expressed in this article are 100% mine. Besides the ARC, there was no compensation from the author or publisher and there was no promise of a review from me.
Continue reading on Examiner.com Do you need Someone to Blame? A review of a book by C.S. Lakin - San Francisco Christian fiction | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/christian-fic...
June 30, 2011
The Moore Family recently moved to Breakers, a small town in the Pacific Northwest, fleeing the heartache of lost loved ones. Their family is fragile, and one wave crashing them against the cliffs could break them – unless the walls around their individual hearts came down.
Billy Thurber has recently shown up in town, as well, selling firewood off the back of his pickup truck. When he arrives, so does trouble. The people of Breakers don’t like the glare in his eyes or the attitude he carries. So when the trouble starts, all the fingers point to Billy…except for one.
Will one person’s compassion set Billy’s heart free from his past? Will the once-quiet town of Breakers find peace again?
In Someone to Blame, C.S. Lakin provides a full cast of characters with real issues. She provides just enough description for the readers mind to envision the coastal fishing town and the surrounding mountains, allowing the reader to imagine the rest. I enjoyed the small-town pace of the book. The action is just enough to keep one wondering what’s coming next, if anything else could go wrong, and who’s to blame for what the town is going through. Once the action peaks, it drops off again as evidence from the once sleepy town is revealed. But keep reading, because the end of the story is the best part of the book.
Lakin sprinkles revelations of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness throughout the story. The tale she tells moved my heart more than once.
Someone to Blame is a fresh story filled with twists and turns resembling the coastal roads it is set against. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I give it four out of five stars.
Billy Thurber has recently shown up in town, as well, selling firewood off the back of his pickup truck. When he arrives, so does trouble. The people of Breakers don’t like the glare in his eyes or the attitude he carries. So when the trouble starts, all the fingers point to Billy…except for one.
Will one person’s compassion set Billy’s heart free from his past? Will the once-quiet town of Breakers find peace again?
In Someone to Blame, C.S. Lakin provides a full cast of characters with real issues. She provides just enough description for the readers mind to envision the coastal fishing town and the surrounding mountains, allowing the reader to imagine the rest. I enjoyed the small-town pace of the book. The action is just enough to keep one wondering what’s coming next, if anything else could go wrong, and who’s to blame for what the town is going through. Once the action peaks, it drops off again as evidence from the once sleepy town is revealed. But keep reading, because the end of the story is the best part of the book.
Lakin sprinkles revelations of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness throughout the story. The tale she tells moved my heart more than once.
Someone to Blame is a fresh story filled with twists and turns resembling the coastal roads it is set against. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I give it four out of five stars.
April 23, 2012
The Moore family in CS Lakin’s debut novel is a family in pain and transition. Reeling from the tragedies of loss – not just one child in the family, but two – they relocate in hopes of putting the past behind and moving forward. In a small coastal town in northern California they find that not only does their past intrude on their lives, but new problems arise – particularly in the character of Billy Thurber.
Thurber is a mysterious young man who seems to have arrived just as the town of Breakers has a number of unexplained incidents of theft and arson. The townspeople are quick to point fingers at Thurber. What ensues is a mystery, but often as Lakin builds her story world, the book reads like a book of true crime – laying the foundation and increasing the tension at every turn. Lakin is a master at crafting chapter-ending hooks, which pulled me deeper into the story. I cared not only about the Moore family, but the other townspeople as well, even Billy Thurber.
The middle of the story may have lagged a bit, but it provided crucial information that led quickly into high stakes and a fast-paced ending. This is not your run-of-the mill inspirational read in that it’s difficult to pin a genre on it, but that is often the type of story I’m drawn to. In the end, healing comes in an unexpected way, and my faith in human nature was restored. An excellent read.
Thurber is a mysterious young man who seems to have arrived just as the town of Breakers has a number of unexplained incidents of theft and arson. The townspeople are quick to point fingers at Thurber. What ensues is a mystery, but often as Lakin builds her story world, the book reads like a book of true crime – laying the foundation and increasing the tension at every turn. Lakin is a master at crafting chapter-ending hooks, which pulled me deeper into the story. I cared not only about the Moore family, but the other townspeople as well, even Billy Thurber.
The middle of the story may have lagged a bit, but it provided crucial information that led quickly into high stakes and a fast-paced ending. This is not your run-of-the mill inspirational read in that it’s difficult to pin a genre on it, but that is often the type of story I’m drawn to. In the end, healing comes in an unexpected way, and my faith in human nature was restored. An excellent read.
March 27, 2011
I absolutely love C.S. Lakin's writing style. I went to the trouble of tracking her down to send her an email to tell her that as a matter of fact. This says a lot considering the fact that I'm a very busy person. The lady can write! I'll be watching for her next release.
C.S. tackled some tough topics in this book, topics that unfortunately are part of human nature, such as how some individuals are always looking for someone to blame when things don't go their way. C.S. takes the reader to the edge in a suspenseful twist, showing us what can happen when things go too far.
Characters were very believable and three dimensional. I enjoyed the teenage girl, Casey, in the book because she seemed so real, not easy to pull off by an adult writer. My heart went out to Casey and struggled with her as she faced loss and attempted to find her place in the world. I honestly liked and identified with every character in the book because they were believable and well-rounded.
If you like suspenseful books that tackle mild psychological concepts, this one's for you...
C.S. tackled some tough topics in this book, topics that unfortunately are part of human nature, such as how some individuals are always looking for someone to blame when things don't go their way. C.S. takes the reader to the edge in a suspenseful twist, showing us what can happen when things go too far.
Characters were very believable and three dimensional. I enjoyed the teenage girl, Casey, in the book because she seemed so real, not easy to pull off by an adult writer. My heart went out to Casey and struggled with her as she faced loss and attempted to find her place in the world. I honestly liked and identified with every character in the book because they were believable and well-rounded.
If you like suspenseful books that tackle mild psychological concepts, this one's for you...
December 2, 2010
This novel started off slow and with a lot of detail, but rightly so! Once I reached a about a third of the way through, and the plot really started to pick up and hook me in like sugar to a sweet tooth, I certainly appreciated the effort the author went to making sure each character popped. The story wouldn't have been the same if I hadn't known so much about the characters.
I heartily recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in not only a page-turning read, but in something with greater meaning. Something that might very well make you step back and question any uneducated judgements you've made about someone. It also shows that even though large groups of people sharing the same view can be persuasive, all it really takes is one person to make a difference in this world. And that is definitely something I like to believe in.
All in all, a very well-written, entertaining, and enlightening read.
I heartily recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in not only a page-turning read, but in something with greater meaning. Something that might very well make you step back and question any uneducated judgements you've made about someone. It also shows that even though large groups of people sharing the same view can be persuasive, all it really takes is one person to make a difference in this world. And that is definitely something I like to believe in.
All in all, a very well-written, entertaining, and enlightening read.
February 19, 2020
The story of a family who is trying to endure the tragic deaths of the couple's two sons, the Moores move to a small California town to try to get on with their lives, each painfully and separately going through grief on their own terms. It isn’t until a young contentious drifter comes to town and is suspected of many wrongdoings that some of the demons they have burdened themselves with are vicariously lifted from each family member’s psyche and shoulders.
I found this to be a compelling story with strong characters and valuable life lessons in forgiveness, blame, and judging others based on what you see on the outside. Written from multiple character points of view, Lakin skillfully has the main characters examine themselves—their flaws, their values, and their beliefs—through provocative internal dialogue and subsequent actions.
"Someone to Blame" is a great novel for those who like reading about the psychological side of characters and complex family dynamics.
I found this to be a compelling story with strong characters and valuable life lessons in forgiveness, blame, and judging others based on what you see on the outside. Written from multiple character points of view, Lakin skillfully has the main characters examine themselves—their flaws, their values, and their beliefs—through provocative internal dialogue and subsequent actions.
"Someone to Blame" is a great novel for those who like reading about the psychological side of characters and complex family dynamics.
July 24, 2015
Someone to Blame was a story that seriously moved me.
With a fast moving plotline, in-depth characters and a message of grace and forgiveness woven softly between the pages that truly gave this story its uniqueness. I don’t have clue how a parent feels after the death of a child nor do I ever want to feel it. Irene’s description of free falling, of never touching bottom and Matt’s physical pain and anger made it real for me as the reader. I felt the panic, the heartache, I felt on more than one occasion reading this my tears welling up and spilling with that sick feeling when something is wrong with your child or when you know danger for them is around the corner. I went on the emotional journey with all of these characters and grew to love their misgivings, their failures, their courage and triumph. An absolute beautifully haunting novel.
With a fast moving plotline, in-depth characters and a message of grace and forgiveness woven softly between the pages that truly gave this story its uniqueness. I don’t have clue how a parent feels after the death of a child nor do I ever want to feel it. Irene’s description of free falling, of never touching bottom and Matt’s physical pain and anger made it real for me as the reader. I felt the panic, the heartache, I felt on more than one occasion reading this my tears welling up and spilling with that sick feeling when something is wrong with your child or when you know danger for them is around the corner. I went on the emotional journey with all of these characters and grew to love their misgivings, their failures, their courage and triumph. An absolute beautifully haunting novel.
January 16, 2011
Someone to Blame is an unforgettable story that brought me to tears, invoked my anger, soothed my soul and put CS Lakin on my must read list. The Moores are a family attempting to cope with unspeakable tragedy and battling the insidious grip of guilt, anger and fear and CS Lakin's prose bleeds these emotions from the page leaving you breathless. Perfect pacing and delayed revelations made this a gripping read as each character explores their anguish and the mystery unfolds. The underlying challenge to extend grace and grasp forgiveness is sensitively woven into the fabric of the story and, as in life, rarely is anything as it seems. Someone to Blame is both powerful and sublime, a story that may just change the way you think of others.
August 29, 2020
I enjoyed the book for the most part. It tippy toed around God and even put a few bible verses in, but I wouldn't call this a Christian book like it is listed.
December 8, 2022
Good story
It was a good read. Following the many characters was a little challenging. I liked the many references to the Bible.
It was a good read. Following the many characters was a little challenging. I liked the many references to the Bible.
March 22, 2013
A story of grief and of family, Someone to Blame is the story of one family’s quest for healing and one town’s quest for justice and how they come to intersect.
I deeply love Mrs. Lakin’s Gates of Heaven series, but I wasn’t really certain what to expect from Someone to Blame. What I found was a truly unique story about faith and loss. So many Christian fiction books seem to follow the same the formulas, and I enjoyed Someone to Blame almost as much for its originality as for the wonderfully crafted characters and deeply moving story.
The story shifts between several different characters perspective but mostly revolves around Matt and Irene, and their daughter Casey. Having recently lost both of their sons, and older brothers for Casey, through tragedies, the family relocates to a small coastal town in Oregon, trying desperately to cope with their loss and not lose each other in the process. Arriving at nearly the same time is Billy Thurber, a young man from up in the mountains who instantly sets the town on edge with his harsh manners and hardened look. When things start going missing in the town, suspicion falls on Billy and when Matt realizes that fourteen old Casey might be interested in the older boy, he allows his grief and anger to start thinking for him. However, Irene also meets Billy without knowing his connection with the rest of her family, and he provides a very different outlet for her as God once again brings her a boy in need of a mother.
With a touch of mystery, a great deal of individual expressions of grief and then healing, and some of that small town Mitfordy love and community, Something to Blame is wonderful book. It is however, very much not a book for young readers as it contains flashbacks and scenes of extreme violence. And I can see it being inappropriate for readers who are bothered by depictions of accident victims and suicide.
My thanks to Zondervan for providing me with a copy of Someone to Blame, in return for my honest opinion of the book.
I deeply love Mrs. Lakin’s Gates of Heaven series, but I wasn’t really certain what to expect from Someone to Blame. What I found was a truly unique story about faith and loss. So many Christian fiction books seem to follow the same the formulas, and I enjoyed Someone to Blame almost as much for its originality as for the wonderfully crafted characters and deeply moving story.
The story shifts between several different characters perspective but mostly revolves around Matt and Irene, and their daughter Casey. Having recently lost both of their sons, and older brothers for Casey, through tragedies, the family relocates to a small coastal town in Oregon, trying desperately to cope with their loss and not lose each other in the process. Arriving at nearly the same time is Billy Thurber, a young man from up in the mountains who instantly sets the town on edge with his harsh manners and hardened look. When things start going missing in the town, suspicion falls on Billy and when Matt realizes that fourteen old Casey might be interested in the older boy, he allows his grief and anger to start thinking for him. However, Irene also meets Billy without knowing his connection with the rest of her family, and he provides a very different outlet for her as God once again brings her a boy in need of a mother.
With a touch of mystery, a great deal of individual expressions of grief and then healing, and some of that small town Mitfordy love and community, Something to Blame is wonderful book. It is however, very much not a book for young readers as it contains flashbacks and scenes of extreme violence. And I can see it being inappropriate for readers who are bothered by depictions of accident victims and suicide.
My thanks to Zondervan for providing me with a copy of Someone to Blame, in return for my honest opinion of the book.
June 21, 2011
Title: SOMEONE TO BLAME
Author: C. S. Lakin
Publisher: Zondervan
September 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-32759-4
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
The Moore family is struggling to readjust after a tragic loss to their family. Hoping to escape their memories, Matt and Irene sell almost everything they own and move to the first place that offers Irene a job—a small coastal town on the Pacific Northwest. It’s as far as they can go without going into the ocean. They hope to make a new life for themselves and their fourteen year old daughter, Casey.
But it isn’t far enough. Sadness, anger, guilt, and blame have moved with them, and threaten to tear the family apart.
When a cynical young drifter wanders across their paths, the fragile strands holding the family together fray even more. Is there any hope that they can find a place of grace and healing?
SOMEONE TO BLAME starts out as a very sad novel. The family is beginning the move, they are still reeling from their losses and well, anyone who has lost a child (be it to miscarriage, stillbirth, or older) knows that it is an event that takes a lifetime to heal from. A lot of families don’t recover and end up falling apart. Others survive and build a closer relationship with each other as a result.
The Moore family is falling apart. And I wanted them to find the strength then needed to get up and face each day, to reach out to each other, and to end up building a stronger unit. This is a novel of grace and healing that will tug you by your heart-strings. 360 pages. $12.99.
Author: C. S. Lakin
Publisher: Zondervan
September 2010
ISBN: 978-0-310-32759-4
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
The Moore family is struggling to readjust after a tragic loss to their family. Hoping to escape their memories, Matt and Irene sell almost everything they own and move to the first place that offers Irene a job—a small coastal town on the Pacific Northwest. It’s as far as they can go without going into the ocean. They hope to make a new life for themselves and their fourteen year old daughter, Casey.
But it isn’t far enough. Sadness, anger, guilt, and blame have moved with them, and threaten to tear the family apart.
When a cynical young drifter wanders across their paths, the fragile strands holding the family together fray even more. Is there any hope that they can find a place of grace and healing?
SOMEONE TO BLAME starts out as a very sad novel. The family is beginning the move, they are still reeling from their losses and well, anyone who has lost a child (be it to miscarriage, stillbirth, or older) knows that it is an event that takes a lifetime to heal from. A lot of families don’t recover and end up falling apart. Others survive and build a closer relationship with each other as a result.
The Moore family is falling apart. And I wanted them to find the strength then needed to get up and face each day, to reach out to each other, and to end up building a stronger unit. This is a novel of grace and healing that will tug you by your heart-strings. 360 pages. $12.99.
Read
October 3, 2019Someone to Blame, by C.S. Lakin provides a look into how one family copes with the heartache of family death. Tragedy prompts the Moore family to move to Breakers, a small town in Oregon, where they hope to heal as a family. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Irene, mourns the loss of her two sons, Casey misses her brothers, and Matt remains withdrawn and miserable in his grief, tormented by his part in his sons’ death. As each of the Moores struggle with their anguish, a stranger comes into their lives who will stretch the family to near destruction, yet he holds the key to their healing.
The title for Lakin’s story might easily have been Breakers, since each of the Moore’s and many of the town members become broken in their need for healing and change. The small town provides the dynamics of a close-knit community, yet, as the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. Lakin takes readers on a tense, emotional ride as each of the Moores deals with the death of Daniel and Jesse. The omnipotent point-of-view is a bit distracting at times, even so, the story is compelling as the full disclosure of the two boys’ deaths is slowly revealed. While the ending seems rushed and almost too neatly tied together, the message of looking into the heart of a person instead of the appearance is a strong takeaway message.
The title for Lakin’s story might easily have been Breakers, since each of the Moore’s and many of the town members become broken in their need for healing and change. The small town provides the dynamics of a close-knit community, yet, as the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. Lakin takes readers on a tense, emotional ride as each of the Moores deals with the death of Daniel and Jesse. The omnipotent point-of-view is a bit distracting at times, even so, the story is compelling as the full disclosure of the two boys’ deaths is slowly revealed. While the ending seems rushed and almost too neatly tied together, the message of looking into the heart of a person instead of the appearance is a strong takeaway message.
March 28, 2020
This is a story of redemption in the face of a world of sorrow. Someone to Blame was a difficult read for me because most of the characters dealt with a lot of pain, to which they reacted in varying ways. However, the changes that gradually brought them around, one way or the other, made the journey well worth my time and effort.
Some memorable quotes, both in writing and in theme:
"The sight snagged at her heart, like hide on barbed wire." p. 10
"She knew he needed something to fix...since there was so much he couldn't fix in his own life." p. 12
"...anger. It lay sleeping at the bottom of his heart, easily stirred and disturbed. A snarling beast that lunged and eviscerated..." p. 40
"His future was hurtling toward him, and that was why he cried. He couldn't get out of the way." p. 210
"They had no choice but to suffer [pain] and use it to build more love and stronger bonds between them." p. 235
"She thought peace would be a gentle, soft feeling, but it was much the opposite. Peace was powerful and tremendous, forceful and consuming. It flattened everything around into submission, like an atomic explosion blasting out in all directions and leveling the ground for miles around. That was what the felt, she now realized–empowered." p. 359
"Compassion was what counteracted sorrow." p. 360
Some memorable quotes, both in writing and in theme:
"The sight snagged at her heart, like hide on barbed wire." p. 10
"She knew he needed something to fix...since there was so much he couldn't fix in his own life." p. 12
"...anger. It lay sleeping at the bottom of his heart, easily stirred and disturbed. A snarling beast that lunged and eviscerated..." p. 40
"His future was hurtling toward him, and that was why he cried. He couldn't get out of the way." p. 210
"They had no choice but to suffer [pain] and use it to build more love and stronger bonds between them." p. 235
"She thought peace would be a gentle, soft feeling, but it was much the opposite. Peace was powerful and tremendous, forceful and consuming. It flattened everything around into submission, like an atomic explosion blasting out in all directions and leveling the ground for miles around. That was what the felt, she now realized–empowered." p. 359
"Compassion was what counteracted sorrow." p. 360
November 9, 2010
We think on something. Perhaps it's just something that "pops" in our heads or maybe it's something someone else has wondered out loud. Sounds reasonable so we start to believe it. No longer questioning it. We are convinced and nothing short of a miracle will change our minds.
Folks want Billy Thurber gone or at least arrested. Something. But they want their quiet little town safe again. It hasn't been since he showed up. There's been a string of break-ins and items missing, and a fire. No one sees him doing these things but then why did these crimes only begin to occur when Billy came to town? Why is he staying when it's so apparent that almost no one wants him there? They're accusing him. Pointing fingers. Judging. The defiant look in his eyes isn't helping his cause.
The Moores recently moved to Breakers after living through more than any family should have to live through. Matt is angry and controlling. His wife Irene is sad but tries to cheer him up. Their daughter Casey is suffering in her own way and her father's anger surely isn't helping.
Retired divorced firefighter Jerry—now he's another story. He's angry and he wants a fight and gloats when he sees one coming. He wants in on the action, baby!
Folks want Billy Thurber gone or at least arrested. Something. But they want their quiet little town safe again. It hasn't been since he showed up. There's been a string of break-ins and items missing, and a fire. No one sees him doing these things but then why did these crimes only begin to occur when Billy came to town? Why is he staying when it's so apparent that almost no one wants him there? They're accusing him. Pointing fingers. Judging. The defiant look in his eyes isn't helping his cause.
The Moores recently moved to Breakers after living through more than any family should have to live through. Matt is angry and controlling. His wife Irene is sad but tries to cheer him up. Their daughter Casey is suffering in her own way and her father's anger surely isn't helping.
Retired divorced firefighter Jerry—now he's another story. He's angry and he wants a fight and gloats when he sees one coming. He wants in on the action, baby!
April 21, 2011
In a last ditch effort to savage what is left of their family the Moore’s move to a small coastal town where they find they can’t run from their problems when the problem is them. With an unbearable loss that everyone blames each other for, and anger that is pulling them apart it is hard to tell if the family will make it.
Meanwhile, a young drifter comes to the same small town where there has been an outbreak of crime and finds the good people of the town are all ready to point the finger at him for their troubles.
This is a heart breaking tale of a families loss and attempt at survival and a close look at the assumptions that people make all the time just by judging each other.
Someone to Blame by C.S. Lakin is a book that will pull you in and keep you turning the pages while you immerse yourself in the lives that are torn apart to see if there will be a peaceful ending. While many books written in the Christian genre end up being a sermon with a story in them this was finds the grace of being a story with a message softly folded in. I read this is one day and would recommend it to all. I recieved this book for free from Librarythings Early Reveiwers but plan to buy another copy to send on to freinds.
Meanwhile, a young drifter comes to the same small town where there has been an outbreak of crime and finds the good people of the town are all ready to point the finger at him for their troubles.
This is a heart breaking tale of a families loss and attempt at survival and a close look at the assumptions that people make all the time just by judging each other.
Someone to Blame by C.S. Lakin is a book that will pull you in and keep you turning the pages while you immerse yourself in the lives that are torn apart to see if there will be a peaceful ending. While many books written in the Christian genre end up being a sermon with a story in them this was finds the grace of being a story with a message softly folded in. I read this is one day and would recommend it to all. I recieved this book for free from Librarythings Early Reveiwers but plan to buy another copy to send on to freinds.
February 21, 2014
Wow. I enjoyed this book. Maybe enjoy is the wrong word. I appreciated this book even though the story wrung some tears out of me. To feel as much grief as this book forces you to feel was hard, as grief is hard. I think it is important to know that life and grief are hard. I think we need to understand that when people hurt, they lash out at whatever they think is hurting them. Some of us are too quick to connect the dots and jump to conclusions, as did many in the book. You find yourself sympathizing with almost every character. And I found myself getting irritated at the nice sheriff in the cold town who really didn't want to be there. Because he would not do much of a job, the townspeople took things into their own hands.
There are several shocks in the story. Despite that, I think older teens could read this and maybe gain some insight into their parents. Parents of teens might find this book hard to read as parents' worst nightmares are vividly brought to life.
This book gave me a lot to think about. We all have push-all-the-wrong-button relationships, and it is good to think about ways to change the dynamic.
A good book that I thought was well-written.
There are several shocks in the story. Despite that, I think older teens could read this and maybe gain some insight into their parents. Parents of teens might find this book hard to read as parents' worst nightmares are vividly brought to life.
This book gave me a lot to think about. We all have push-all-the-wrong-button relationships, and it is good to think about ways to change the dynamic.
A good book that I thought was well-written.
January 29, 2011
Do you have any preconceived notions about people and circumstances? I think we all do and those notions will be tested as you read this book. Are we quick to judge, read the signs wrong? Probably. Here is a family that has been tested like Job, pushed past the point of breaking and they leave behind everything they've known and move to a new home. All they need is a fresh start to try and put the pain behind them right? As they settle in they are quickly presented with similar situations and it brings the past flying back in their faces. How will they deal with it. A hurting dad, a devasted mom and a daughter trying to keep the good memories from fading away - can forgiveness and healing really reign in this situation? I like the way C.S. Lakin wraps the book up, she pulls everything together and reveals little things that make the story open wide. It is a women's fiction book that will keep you guessing until the end.
August 20, 2011
I had never even heard of C.S. Lakin before this blog tour, but the book sounded good so I thought I'd try it. I am so glad I did; it was a good read. C.S. Lakin created wonderful three-dimensional characters, no matter how major or minor their role was. As in real life, each character in the book is dealing with their own trials, and unfortunately many are causing more hurt in the process. Through these trials, some turn to the Lord, while others turn to violence. Some run away, and others hide behind a charade that things are okay. This was a real life drama about grief and loss, but there was a bit of a mystery as well. I kept changing my mind as to what was really happening. The ending was full of a hope that only God can give. I loved the theme of redemption and hope, second chances and the power of love and forgiveness. C.S. Lakin is an author to check out!
October 15, 2010
I received a free advance copy of Someone to Blame, and, not being familiar with C.S. Lakin, really didn't know what to expect.
This is a book about healing, about the strength of love, and the power of faith. It is a moving story about the Moore family coping with the loss of two sons and its struggle with faith and its difficulty in moving forward.
It's about a stranger, a young man named Billy, who moves into town causing a wave of suspicion and distrust among the town's residents.
When Billy's life intersects with the Moore family, the family is moved to reevaluate their lives, their faith, and their relationships with one another.
A wonderful book that touches us and makes us think about our lives, our relationships and the role faith plays in our lives.
This is a book about healing, about the strength of love, and the power of faith. It is a moving story about the Moore family coping with the loss of two sons and its struggle with faith and its difficulty in moving forward.
It's about a stranger, a young man named Billy, who moves into town causing a wave of suspicion and distrust among the town's residents.
When Billy's life intersects with the Moore family, the family is moved to reevaluate their lives, their faith, and their relationships with one another.
A wonderful book that touches us and makes us think about our lives, our relationships and the role faith plays in our lives.
April 4, 2011
I actually received this book from another website as a giveaway. It's an interesting tale of a family leaving one town to start a new life in another after the deaths of two of their children. The thing that holds the readers attention is the fact that there's a seemingly troubled teen causing problems in the new town. But looks can be deceiving. Added to that is the fact that grief has not yet really been resolved in the childrens deaths and getting to where life goes on is entangled with what's going on with the trouble in town. I'm glad the author even took the time at the end of the book to wrap up a questionable death by going back and explaining how it actually happened in retrospect.
May 16, 2019
Lakin poses some interesting scenarios in this engaging tale, causing readers to examine their beliefs in a new way. The author's portrayal of a family dealing with the death of a child is incredibly realistic and well researched.
SUMMARY: After heartbreaking losses, Matt and Irene Moore, along with their fourteen-year-old daughter Casey, move to a small town to escape the memories that plague them daily. A fresh start isn't so easy, because the tragedies are still on their minds. They meet a young troublemaker named Billy Thurber, who relates to each member of the Moore family in a unique way, and they end up helping him as well.
SUMMARY: After heartbreaking losses, Matt and Irene Moore, along with their fourteen-year-old daughter Casey, move to a small town to escape the memories that plague them daily. A fresh start isn't so easy, because the tragedies are still on their minds. They meet a young troublemaker named Billy Thurber, who relates to each member of the Moore family in a unique way, and they end up helping him as well.
August 28, 2015
Don't judge this book by it's cover-I REALLY liked this book! I believe it is her first fiction book. I see she has been the editor of books . I think this author will be a keeper!
If you like Terri Blackstock I think you will like this book. I don't want to give anything away but loved how she showed we form opinions and assume things about people from first impressions .
This book is from Scribd- For a free 60 day free trial use the following referral link-
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If you like Terri Blackstock I think you will like this book. I don't want to give anything away but loved how she showed we form opinions and assume things about people from first impressions .
This book is from Scribd- For a free 60 day free trial use the following referral link-
http://click.mail.scribd.com/?qs=7e3b...
February 24, 2011
The Moore has already experienced plenty of tragedy in their family by losing two of their sons when they move to the small coastal town of Breakers. When a young drifter moves to town he is blamed for the wave of thefts in the area and other mischievous acts. The Moore family learns about the blessings that they have. This is a good book by the author by judging someone by outward appearances and sometimes those early judgements are proved to be wrong.
June 30, 2014
I am a great big fan of Lakin, and this book didn't let me down! The plot never stagnates, keeping you riveted right from the start,and her clever prose border on poetry at times. Her characters are unforgettable, I hated to parting with them at the end. This book could easily become a series. I highly recommend it!
November 3, 2020
According to Goodreads, 2 stars is "okay." That's all this book was to me---just okay. I stuck with it only because I wanted to see how it turned out. I never felt invested in any of the characters. Also, there were several typos, including missing words (for example, "straining see out"---the word "to" is missing). There definitely needed to be a better editor.
October 8, 2010
A book that anyone looking for inspiration would want to read. C.S. Lakin writes a great story and something that will draw the audience of the novel in. Someone to blame will be enjoyable to any Christian-Fiction reader.
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