JDCMustReadBooks

By Darcie Chan  

ISBN:  9780345538239

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

Publication date: 8/26/2014

Pages: 416

Format:  Paperback

My Rating:  5 Stars  

Congrats to the winners of the Giveaway!

Myrna Flores
Arlene Feustel
Lindsey Ellis

My Review

"I fell in love with this story, the author, the town, and the characters!"

THE MILL RIVER REDEMPTION, a beautiful and heartwarming novel, set in the quaint town of Mill River. A poignant story of a mother’s sacrifice to reconnect her two estranged daughters, (Emily and Rose), after a tragic accident.

If you read THE MILL RIVER RECLUSE, you will not want to miss, THE MILL RIVER REDEMPTION! (if you haven't, read both)!  You are in for a treat.  

WOW, I had no idea what was in store, when I requested to read THE MILL RIVER REDEMPTION, via NetGalley! I was initially attracted to the inviting, yet mysterious front cover; however, what I discovered, when I began reading, was so much more,  A Treasured Gem!

Due to a horrible tragedy, Josie, a single mom arrives in Vermont from New York, in the middle of the night with two daughters to care for. She has to start over, with the help and support of her Aunt Ivy (owner of the town’s bookstore—many lovely book titles and quotes mentioned which literary fans will adore), and this angel, Mary, who lived on the hill - secretly gave gifts even after her death with the help of Father O’Brien. Readers will learn more about Mary in the first book, THE MILL RIVER RECLUSE.

Josie works hard to rebuild her life from no possessions, to a successful Realtor/Broker in town, making a real home for herself and her two daughters. She never tells her young daughters the circumstances surrounding the death of their father, the tragedy and the FBI involvement, except the house fire, until readers learn more later in the book.

As the two daughters mature through their teens, Emily is more of the talented, good girl, and Rose, a rebellious teen, causing many heartaches for her family and mother. After yet another tragedy, due to Rose’s alcoholism, Emily and Rose’s world fall apart, and the sisters become estranged. Josie, the mother has spent years attempting to reconcile this family bond between her two daughters, unsuccessfully.

There are many dark and hidden secrets, which will keep you on the edge, with page-turning suspense, as they are not divulged until the last part of the book (no spoilers here). When you reach this part, you will understand why the author chose to keep things hidden—for an unbelievable and surprising climax!

During the time when Josie’s estranged daughters return to the quiet town for the reading of their mother’s will, with a lot of crazy items filled with stipulations and clues,they are forced to work together to locate a hidden key to her safe-deposit box containing their inheritance.

Emily moves from San Francisco (she has lost Andy, her fiancé) dog, hardly no possessions, and is a talented glasswork artist, and freelances with home renovations (readers will sympathize with this character).

On the other hand, Rose the older sister, an alcoholic, and very materially minded, selfish, New York apartment, and cushy lifestyle, (not so great mother) of her son, Alex, who is brilliant and not allowed to experience a boys' life, and her older husband who has lost his job, and on the verge of losing their New York Apartment, unless Rose gets this inheritance.

The two sisters are given two homes, across from the bookstore. Some fun and cruel games between these two sisters, forced to live next to one another, which will keep you laughing! Most of the time Rose is passed out drunk on the sofa and forces her son Alex to find the clues, and read the books, where clues may be found, while her husband is back in New York trying to find a job.

Rose is supposed to be working with Emily to solve the mystery, however, she does not cooperate. Emily is the one making the effort, while out working, to keep money coming in, and trying to find the clues necessary before the deadline. Even from the beyond, the mother, Josie will try anything for her daughter’s reconciliation, even to the extremes.

A bittersweet journey, of finding your way back, forgiveness, family dynamics, motherhood, self-discovery, and overcoming addictions such as alcoholism-- which get in the way--difficult lessons, in order to bring us back to those we love. There are other addictions and compulsions mentioned in the book as well with outside appearances, eating, stealing, and insecurities.

I loved the character Josie, as a strong loving woman sacrificing her time and love, to make a real home for her family after the tragic death of her husband, losing all her possessions.

There is reference to the character, Mary McAllister throughout the book, and plans for turning the old mansion into a B&B, by the new owners, as well as other background information. Hoping for another book in the series if they open the B&B, with this lovable cast of characters, as too good to end.

THE MILL RIVER REDEMPTION characters are ones you will not soon forget, after the book ends. A close knit enchanting town full of magic, miracles, and redemption--people with big hearts, and a series I would highly recommend. (Fans of Jan Karon’s Midford Series – will love this series).

Even though REDEMPTION may be read as a standalone, you will want to read RECLUSE (6/17/14), as could not wait to find out more about these characters--- this beautiful mansion and the lives and mysterious background of these unselfish, giving, and thoughtful characters: Father Michael O’Brien and Mary McAllister, set on a hilltop, overlooking the city in this quaint town of Vermont. (Another 5 star winner!) Would highly recommend reading both books.

I look forward to reading more from this newfound author, which has made it to my "favorite author list!"

A special thank you to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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