Pages: 376
Released: 2012
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Emma Tupper, a young and dedicated lawyer is distraught by the death of her mother. She has no family left, and she feels very disconnected from everyone, including her boyfriend of many years. Her mother didn’t leave her much, but she did leave her a plane ticket for a trip to Africa, a trip her mother would have loved to take herself. She always had a fascination with Africa. Emma is reluctant to go, she’s been working towards partnership for many years and her firm warns her that a month away is not a good idea. Emma decides she needs this time to be away, and experience this trip for her mother. A month long trip turns into six months when an earthquake causes great devastation and traps Emma with no available communication. When she finally returns home, the lock on her door has been changed, and she discovers that everyone thought she was dead. Life went on without her, and Emma is forced to re-evaluate her life.
Review:
I’ve read all of Catherine McKenzie’s books and they seem to be getting better and better. I loved each one more than the last. McKenzie puts her characters into strange situations, and readers begin to feel invested in their lives right away. Her characters are likable and despite their odd circumstances, they are relatable. The prose flows easily, the pace is perfect, and the overall experience of the novel is very enjoyable. Each of her novels is uniquely memorable.
When Emma returns her life is upside down, and she has no one to turn to. It was really difficult as a reader to put myself in her shoes. Her emotions and mindset really resonated with me. I wasn’t sure where the story would go, and it wasn’t completely happily-ever-after which I really thought did the novel justice. Emma faced many ups and downs, and discovered that life doesn’t always work out the way you expected. She could sit and wallow or she could pick herself up and figure out how to make the best of it.
I highly recommend this one. I recommend all of Catherine McKenzie’s novels. They’re quick reads, especially because you’ll refuse to put them down. I can’t wait for the next one, which I’m hoping I won’t have to wait too long to read.
This sounds good. I read Arranged and really like it as well, because I really liked the premise. This also sounds original. I get so tired of the same old plotlines all the time!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed Arranged and have Spin waiting to be read. I'll put this one on my list!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read something by McKenzie. All of her books sound so good!
ReplyDeleteArranged and Forgotten were my favorite. I really enjoyed Spin too.
DeleteI've considered this one. Glad to hear you liked it.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree! I've read each of McKenzie's books and adore all of them!
ReplyDeletewow I cannot imagine everyone thinking you were dead, this sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteI find the concept of this story fascinating, and since you loved it so much, I am eager to see if I can read it soon as well. It sounds like something that I could really relish, and I am glad that the characters were easy to relate to. Nice job today!
ReplyDeleteYes, Catherine does choose interesting plotlines. I have yet to read her first book *sigh* which is on my bookshelf. I better get to it.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting premise! It makes me wonder what Emma chose to do after she returned. I need to add Catherine McKenzie's books to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like McKenzie is really coming into her own as an author. I'm adding this book to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI think I have a McKenzie book on my shelf and now I want to go and read it, like right now!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like one I might enjoy; thanks for blogging about it.
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