Status Updates From Silver Falls

Pretty sure every Anne Stuart FMC is a strapping redhead.

So I think I disagree with the multiple reviews that call Rachel TSTL. She's obviously trying to justify her impulsive decision without resorting to more impulsiveness.

Yes I'm avoiding my book club book.

Yes I've read this one already.

No, I don't remember it.

what is it, my 4th read now? still lovin' it

So far this book is...frustrating. Parts of it are really great and the writing overall is pretty good. The main issue here is that I'm trying my hardest to like the main character the way Ms. Stuart wants me to, but she's just so stupid. Don't make her out to be a strong-willed, independent woman and then continuously have her ignore obvious warning signs that something is VERY wrong with the people around her.

“At least tell me whether we’re safe or not.”
“As far as I can prove, you’re completely safe.”

This is how women get murdered by their husbands!

I feel like we’re supposed to like Maggie? But she, Caleb, and the rest of the town are complicit in keeping Rachel and her daughter in an abusive situation just to be mysterious or whatever.

“We’ve got four distinct seasons. Less rain. More rain. A lot more rain. And the deluge.”
Truer words about the pnw were never written.

Oh yes, Maggie and Sophie know what's up. Definitely the best characters of the book.

I'm finding Rachel's characterisation is slipping a bit in this latter half. The flip-flop between her believing Caleb and then David doesn't fit well; she might not be the best judge of character (it's hard to see through a sociopath), but she's got good instincts. I'm also not keen on the way the sexual aspect of the romance unfolded. Caleb is a good match for her but the consent was questionable at best.

Ohhhh Maggie sees right through David.

Rachel's motivations for her move to Silver Falls and rapid wedding are very clearly laid out and I certainly understand and applaud them, but for the love of the gods there's no universe in which I would even consider letting a man I've known for six months adpot my daughter and I really hope she doesn't.

The writing is definitely solid, even if some of the narrative is not to my liking. So far the characters have been consistent, distinct. Rachel, the main character, is growing on me more as I get to know her.

Okay, the main character's daughter is my favourite character so far. Very well written.

Ah, that explains it. <spoiler>The husband is the bad guy, that's why he's creepy as fuck.</spoiler>

Hmm. 20 pages in and I'm wondering if this book is really for me. CW: murder, rape in the first few pages. And then there's the main romantic couple... 6 months since they met, and they've been married 4. I'll stick with it, but my expectations are currently set quite low.

my 3rd read and I love it