Per usual, I didn't read the description of this book before I jumped in to read it. I've read several of Catherine West's books before and was eager to see what this new one would be about. I know from her other books that she isn't afraid to tackle the "real" things in life--that is to say, the hard things. The Things We Knew was in keeping with that, which is something I really appreciate about her writing. It's not dark by any means, just real and always infused with hope.
Lynette Carlisle was an interesting character to me. Seemingly the most innocent of the whole family, the weight of caring for her elderly father rests mainly on her shoulders. She's smart and talented but crippled by responsibility. Then there was Nick Cooper *sigh*. I liked his character a lot, though I would have liked to see even more of his past. Things were alluded to that made me think there's a lot more going on to him that even we know, and I'm not just talking about the mystery.
Speaking of mystery, I appreciated the light touches of a mysterious past and secrets kept. I do feel as if the secrets were not quite as "big" as I wanted them to be and that the characters seemed to hold things back for no apparent reason. I would have like to have even more mystery present, then again I like suspense so that's probably why (ha!).
One final character mention: Gray Carlisle. I just loved his character. Actually, part of me was hoping we would never find out about his past so that he could have his own book *grins*...but I digress.
When I finally had the time to sit down and finish this lovely book (moving is stressful, people) I was drawn in by the light touches of mystery, the sweet romance, and the haunting questions of what would happen. Not sure if there's a plan for a second book, but I could totally see the opening for one. Or maybe a novella about Gray? *grins*
I'd recommend this to those who enjoy women's fiction, romance, and light mystery.
My rating: 4*
Purchase: The Things We Knew
Book Description
(from Amazon)
When their tragic past begins to resurface, can he help her remember the things she can’t?
After her mother’s death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to blame their father for their mother’s death, but nobody will talk about that tragic day. And Lynette’s memory only speaks through nightmares.
Then Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, bringing the past with him. Once Lynette’s adolescent crush, Nick knows more about her mother’s death than he lets on. The truth could tear apart his own family—and destroy his fragile friendship with Lynette, the woman he no longer thinks of as a kid sister.
As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets surface that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question their faith, their willingness to forgive, and the very truth of all the things they thought they knew.
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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.
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