Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Mira (August 25, 2015)
Join #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs on a journey to a charming Catskills town that feels like home and where a cast of brilliantly drawn characters awaits in a poignant story of reconciliation and the healing power of love.
When caregiver Faith McCallum arrives at the enchanted lakeside estate of Avalon’s renowned Bellamy family, she’s intent on rebuilding her shattered life and giving her two daughters a chance at a better future. But she faces a formidable challenge in the form of her stubborn and difficult new employer, Alice Bellamy. While Faith proves a worthy match for her sharp-tongued client, she often finds herself at a loss for words in the presence of Mason Bellamy—Alice’s charismatic son, who clearly longs to escape the family mansion and return to his fast-paced, exciting life in Manhattan…and his beautiful, jet-setting fiancée.
The last place Mason wants to be is a remote town in the Catskills, far from his life in the city, and Faith McCallum is supposed to be the key to his escape. Hiring the gentle-hearted yet strong-willed caregiver as a live-in nurse gives his mother companionship and Mason the freedom to return to his no-attachments routine. For Faith, it means stability for her daughters and a much-needed new home. When Faith makes a chilling discovery about Alice’s accident, Mason is forced to reconsider his desire to keep everyone, including his mother, at a distance. Now he finds himself wondering if the supercharged life he’s created for himself is what he truly wants…and whether exploring his past might lead to a new life—and lasting love—on the tranquil shores of Willow Lake.
“Wiggs’s storytelling is heartwarming… [for] romance and women’s fiction readers of any age.”—Publishers Weekly
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Review
Faith is a single mom of two girls who's barely making ends meet. When she's hired to take care of a broken woman, Alice, dealing with her own loss, both women embark on a new journey.
Mason, Alice's son, goes through life keeping everyone at arm's distance. But he soon realizes his mother needs more, and so does he.
A good story will entertain you for a couple of days, but a good story with memorable characters who touch your heart will remain with you for a quite a bit longer. That's this story. Faith is an amazing character who, pardon my cheesiness, restores your faith in perseverance and having a kind heart. She does everything for her two girls, often forgoing her own needs.
Alice is a woman searching for a reason to continue. Revelations and loss rock her world, and she feels as if she's on the edge looking into the abyss. But Faith and her daughters give Alice hope again and touch her heart. (I was especially touched by Alice's interactions with the girls.)
Finally, Mason is a guy putting up defenses. Deep down, he's more, and the women in his life pull it out of him. Although I would have liked more peripheral character development, the three (and Faith's girls) were enough. They made their way into my heart and have stayed there long after closing the last page.
This story is about relationships and struggle. Romance is very much in the background (I thought I'd note this for readers wanting more of a romantic focus). These characters have all endured sadness, and they are coming out on the other end. There they begin to discover their happiness. It's a journey, one many of us have to take or are taking now.
If you are looking for some inspiration and a feeling of connection, pick up this charming and heartfelt novel. Happy reading!
Rating: 4.5 stars
About Susan Wiggs
Susan Wiggs is the author of many beloved bestsellers, including the popular Lakeshore Chronicles series. She has won many awards for her work, including a RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America.
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Excerpt tour for STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE:
Monday, August 3rd: From the TBR Pile
Tuesday, August 4th: The Sassy Bookster
Wednesday, August 5th: Book Reviews & More by Kathy
Thursday, August 6th: Sara’s Organized Chaos
Friday, August 7th: Raven Haired Girl
Monday, August 10th: Mom in Love with Fiction
Tuesday, August 11th: The Romance Dish
Wednesday, August 12th: Written Love Reviews
Thursday, August 13th: Books and Spoons
Friday, August 14th: A Chick Who Reads
Monday, August 17th: Urban Girl Reader
Tuesday, August 18th: Snowdrop Dreams of Books
Wednesday, August 19th: FictionZeal
Thursday, August 20th: Palmer’s Page Turners
Friday, August 21st: The Bookish and The Romantic
Thanks to TLC for my review copy.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
Please visit other stops on the Starlight on Willow Lake blog tour page.
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
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