Books matching: grief and family secrets
100 result(s)
- #1
Compulsion by Martina Boone follows Barrie, a girl who recently lost her mother and is sent to live with her aunt in South Carolina. Barrie discovers a mystery surrounding Watson's Island and the three founding families - The Watsons, The Beauforts, and The Colesworths. As she unravels the secrets of the island, she meets a boy named Eight Beaufort, who becomes an important part of her journey. The story combines elements of family drama, romance, supernatural abilities, and a touch of magic, creating an engrossing tale that keeps readers hooked from the start. The plot is filled with suspense, mysteries, and a growing sense of curiosity as Barrie navigates through grief, family secrets, and the complexities of her new life on the island.
Martina Boone's writing style captivates readers with vivid descriptions of the southern US setting, the supernatural elements, and the character dynamics. The story unfolds gradually, blending elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. Through intricate world-building and a diverse cast of characters, Boone crafts a story that delves into themes of loss, family relationships, and self-discovery, making it a captivating read for fans of YA fiction.
The heat that crept into the airport baggage area whenever the door opened should have told Barrie Watson that she had arrived in hell. But it wasn’t the Charleston weather, or the fact that her mothe... - #2
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse that tells the moving story of two teenage girls, Camino and Yahaira, who are devastated when their father dies in a plane crash while traveling from New York City to the Dominican Republic. Unbeknownst to each other, they discover that they share the same father, who had two separate families. The book explores themes of love, family, grief, and secrets as the girls navigate through their loss and uncover the truth about their father's double life. Written in verse, the novel captures the emotions and struggles of the characters as they come to terms with their new reality and find solace in each other's existence.
- #3
"The Daughter" by Jane Shemilt follows the story of Jenny and Ted, a couple with twin boys and a 15-year-old daughter, Naomi. When Naomi suddenly disappears, the family is thrown into turmoil as they try to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance. The narrative alternates between the past and present, slowly revealing secrets within the family and leading to a powerful ending that uncovers what really happened to Naomi. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, secrets, and the complexities of parent-child relationships.
The writing style of "The Daughter" is described as twisty and turning, keeping readers engaged as secrets are gradually exposed and characters are fleshed out. The alternating timelines add suspense to the plot, while the author's ability to evoke emotions and set atmospheric scenes enhances the reading experience.
The leather-bound sketchbook Michael gave me is on the table, and in the pocket of the dressing gown there is a bitten red stub of pencil; he told me it would help to draw the past. The pictures are ... - #4
Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K. Reilly is a heartwarming and humorous novel that follows the lives of queer siblings, Greta and Valdin, as they navigate relationships, family dynamics, and self-discovery in New Zealand. The book delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, grieving lost connections, and the journey towards self-growth, all while maintaining a generous and tender tone that resonates with readers. Through relatable and quirky characters, the author explores themes of neurodiversity, queer representation, and the messy yet lovely nature of modern family life.
As the plot unfolds, Valdin embarks on a travel program while Greta grapples with unrequited love, leading both characters on a journey of personal exploration and second chances. With a mix of absurd humor, poignant moments, and diverse character portrayals, Greta & Valdin captivates readers with its relatable storytelling and richly drawn family dynamics, ultimately culminating in a touching and unconventional ending that leaves a lasting impact.
- #5
'The Emperor of Any Place' by Tim Wynne-Jones is a multi-generational story that delves into family relationships and survival during war. After Evan's father's death, his estranged grandfather visits, leading to the uncovering of family secrets dating back to World War II. The heart of the narrative revolves around a soldier's diary, blending elements of magical realism with conflicts from both past and present. The dual storylines keep readers engaged, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and fantastical challenges intertwined with historical events.
The book follows Evan's journey as he navigates grief, family dynamics, and the discovery of a Japanese soldier's diary found after his father's passing. Through the exploration of the diary and interactions with his grandfather, Evan gains a deeper understanding of his family's history and forms new relationships. The novel weaves together themes of loss, reconciliation, and the impact of war on individuals across different generations, creating a compelling narrative that seamlessly merges reality with fantasy elements.
Evan stands at the door to his father’s study. There is a sign at eye level: THE DOCKYARD. It was a present he gave to his father last Christmas, made of cork so that if the house sank, at least the s... - #6
'The House Between Tides' by Sarah Maine is a historic fiction novel set in the Scottish Hebrides, where a dead body is found under the floorboards of a house, leading to the unraveling of family secrets spanning a century. The story alternates between two timelines, following the lives of characters such as Hetty Deveraux in the present day and Beatrice Blake in 1910, both dealing with controlling men and uncovering mysteries within the remote and atmospheric setting of the Outer Hebrides.
The author, Sarah Maine, skillfully weaves together a tale of love, loyalty, and class divides, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the ancestral home. The book delves into themes of family, secrets, and the impact of the past on the present, creating a well-crafted puzzle of a story that keeps readers engaged with its atmospheric and suspenseful narrative.
The first bone he had dismissed as dead sheep. There’d been others—ribs decaying amidst rabbit droppings and debris from the collapsing ceilings, or bleached vertebrae. But the next one was a long bon... - #7
'Brat Farrar' by Josephine Tey revolves around the mysterious arrival of Brat Farrar at the Ashby family's country home, claiming to be the long-lost eldest son, Patrick Ashby. Despite Brat's resemblance to the family, doubts linger about his true identity. The story unfolds with Brat's intricate impersonation, intertwined with family dynamics, horse breeding, and a dark mystery surrounding Patrick's disappearance. Tey's writing style intricately weaves together character development, suspense, and moral dilemmas, creating a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of English country life.
The plot of 'Brat Farrar' is praised for its engaging portrayal of characters, particularly Brat Farrar and the Ashby family, each with their unique complexities and moral dilemmas. The story's charm lies in the subtle exploration of good and evil, moral choices, and the impact of deception on familial relationships. Tey's narrative skillfully combines elements of mystery, suspense, and family drama, culminating in a satisfying resolution that keeps readers engaged till the end.
She looked down the table at the three bent heads, and Eleanor's still vacant place, and wondered if she had done right by them. Would Bill and Nora be pleased with what she had made of their children... - #8
'The Other Daughter' by Lauren Willig is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s, following the story of Rachel Woodley who discovers that her father, believed to be dead, is actually an Earl with another family. Feeling betrayed, Rachel decides to confront him by posing as socialite Vera Merton with the help of a family friend, Simon. As Vera, Rachel navigates the world of the Bright Young Things, meets her half sister, and uncovers family secrets. The book is praised for its engaging plot filled with deceit, revenge, and a hint of romance, capturing the lingo and lifestyle of the rich and famous during that era.
The story explores themes of family secrets, revenge, and loyalty, as Rachel delves into the world of the upper class in England, discovering unexpected twists and relationships along the way. The book is described as a light, entertaining read with likable characters and engaging interactions, offering a blend of historical fiction, romance, and intrigue that keeps readers hooked until the end.
The girls were meant to speak English when they were with her; the countess had been very clear about that. If it was a rule Rachel enforced somewhat selectively, that, she decided, was a matter for h... - #9
In Pale Battalions by Robert Goddard is a captivating novel that follows the newly widowed Leonora Galloway and her daughter Penelope as they embark on a holiday to Paris, with a stop at the Thiepval Memorial for the Battle of the Somme. The story unfolds with a mysterious discrepancy in Leonora's father's death date, leading to a journey of uncovering hidden family secrets and mysteries. The narrative combines elements of mystery, historical fiction, and psychological twists, reminiscent of a Daphne DuMaurier Gothic novel. The plot is complex and intriguing, requiring readers to pay close attention to details as the story twists and turns right up to the final pages, keeping them guessing until the end.
The writing style of In Pale Battalions is elegant, lyrical, and engaging, drawing readers in with well-rounded and believable characters, as well as a nuanced plot that keeps them enthralled. The novel skillfully weaves together elements of WWI history, family conflicts, and unexpected plot developments, creating a page-turner full of surprises and mysteries that are gradually revealed through a series of flashbacks and intricate storytelling.
If he had flown back with Donna, of course, it would have been all right. If her flight had been delayed by a couple of hours, it would have been enough. If he had simply turned right instead of left ... - #10
'Let Me Lie' by Clare Mackintosh is a psychological thriller that follows Anna Johnson, a new mother who is still grieving the suicides of her parents. When Anna receives a mysterious note casting doubt on the nature of her parents' deaths, she becomes determined to uncover the truth. The story is told from multiple points of view, adding to the mystery and suspense as Anna delves deeper into the secrets surrounding her family. With twists, lies, and unexpected turns, the book keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The book delves into themes of suicide, grief, deception, and family dynamics as Anna navigates the complexities of her past and present. Clare Mackintosh's writing style is described as captivating, intense, and suspenseful, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps readers on edge. The narrative unfolds through various perspectives, creating a layered story that explores the blurred lines between truth and lies.
I want to shrug it off; to throw it in the cupboard and take back my well-tailored clothes. I didn’t want to leave my old life, but I’m hopeful for my next one—hopeful I can become someone beautiful a...