Title: The Things We Wish Were True
Author: Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: September 1, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
In an idyllic small-town neighborhood, a near tragedy triggers a series of dark revelations.
From the outside, Sycamore Glen, North Carolina, might look like the perfect all-American neighborhood. But behind the white picket fences lies a web of secrets that reach from house to house.
Up and down the streets, neighbors quietly bear the weight of their own pasts—until an accident at the community pool upsets the delicate equilibrium. And when tragic circumstances compel a woman to return to Sycamore Glen after years of self-imposed banishment, the tangle of the neighbors’ intertwined lives begins to unravel.
During the course of a sweltering summer, long-buried secrets are revealed, and the neighbors learn that it’s impossible to really know those closest to us. But is it impossible to love and forgive them?
From the outside, Sycamore Glen, North Carolina, might look like the perfect all-American neighborhood. But behind the white picket fences lies a web of secrets that reach from house to house.
Up and down the streets, neighbors quietly bear the weight of their own pasts—until an accident at the community pool upsets the delicate equilibrium. And when tragic circumstances compel a woman to return to Sycamore Glen after years of self-imposed banishment, the tangle of the neighbors’ intertwined lives begins to unravel.
During the course of a sweltering summer, long-buried secrets are revealed, and the neighbors learn that it’s impossible to really know those closest to us. But is it impossible to love and forgive them?
Somewhat melodramatic with definitely a "gossipy" feel to it, there's quite a number of characters to take in, and remember, not everyone is who or what they seem. With a sense of foreboding and a sense of drama in a soap opera sense, The Things We Wish Were True may be what the title suggests, we wish for it to be true. We wish for a storyline that draws you in and captivates you. Though I believe there are great merits and potential to many subplots, this one just doesn't hold my interest or create a strong opinion on it. I'm not particularly fond of any of the characters, but there were some surprises, redeeming some of my disappointments. In all, it's a light summer read that you will breeze through within hours, if you can skim through the draggy parts. If you are looking for light romance with some drama and slight suspense, go for it.
"Jencey understood, there were the things she wished were true, and there was what was actually true. She was learning that there was usually a great distance between the two."
Scroll on down for the chance to win a copy. For my clean readers, there are profanity in this book.
TO PURCHASE A COPY
Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is the author of five previous novels and speaks to women’s groups around the United States. She is the cofounder of the popular women’s fiction site She Reads and is active in a local writers’ group. Marybeth and her husband, Curt, have been married for twenty-four years and are the parents of six children, ranging from young adult to elementary age. The family lives in North Carolina. Marybeth spends most of her time in the grocery store but occasionally escapes long enough to scribble some words. She is always at work on her next novel.
Yes, I live in a small rural area. All the neighbors help each other out, very nice place to live! :)
ReplyDeleteI live in a really great neighborhood and everyone looks out for each other. I really like the feel of my neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteI live in the suburbs of a large city and the neighborhood is very supportive. We all look out for each other and there is a good feel to our neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour!
ReplyDeleteNo, Not really, I live in a mid-sized town I used to LOVE My neighbors then a new set of them moved in and we had to move they caused too many problems
ReplyDeleteWell, I've only lived in this town for a year, but my husband has worked here for 10 years. It's definitely a supportive town! People pitch in and help each other when needed.
ReplyDeleteDianna
I like a close knit town. Mine is like that :)
ReplyDeleteI like a close knot community but unfortunately mine is not.
ReplyDeleteI live in the country and most of my neighbors don't speak English--some from Russia and some from the Ukraine, so I don't really have a close relationship with them. That, and I'm very much an introvert. Thanks!
ReplyDelete