I finished reading my ARC last night. Today I’m sad because I miss Amie, Shibby, Chester, Jake, etc. That’s the mark of a good story for me - it’s like missing a friend. And what’s not to love about the location? Of course, Joy Jordan-Lake beautifully describes the coastal Maine village. To me the focus of the story is more of a mystery than an historical novel. I did love the time period though and learning about photo interpreters during WWII. Joy deftly weaves a tale of suspense filled with drama sprinkled with bits of wisdom and humor. Well written, well plotted, well drawn characters. I loved Shibby’s “blessed are……” sayings (there were several……..“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. And fresh lemonade” / “Blessed are the quiet, for they shall hear God—and also when they’re called for dessert.”) Also, I am usually pretty good with figuring out mysteries. I thought I had solved this one but NO. I was totally sucker punched when the big reveal came. Did not see that coming. This would make a good movie. I appreciate receiving the free ARC.

This is a mystery, a book about post-war America. It has all the intrigue, suspense, twists and turns of a good book. It has some great characters but is a bit slow, which didn't really hold it back at all.

An enjoyable book but not one on my best-seller list.

Good story. Certainly not fast paced, but that is not required for an interesting tale. This author has been around and knows how to create a good story. This will also appeal to readers of Megan Chance.

I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!

A female photographer returns to her small town in Maine after WWII. She reconnects with the people that she grew up with along with providing a home for an abandoned little boy. Will she solve who this child is ? A slow read, but I finished it. I will not be recommending it.

A slowburning mystery that has suspense, twists, secrets and drama. Well written with a compelling plot and well developed characters, A really enjoyable read,

This book was sent to me for review by Netgalley…likable characters…friends and family…secrets…intrigue…enjoy…although the story moves slowl, it is worth it to read to the end…gifted author

This book started off well -- interesting characters, a lovely setting (small town in Maine), and some non-fatal but intriguing mysteries -- who left a small child alone in the town center with a note pinned to his coat? Who drove their car onto the tracks just before the local arrived, forcing our heroine (Amie) to bump her off the tracks at the expense of her own auto, and what happened to Amie's childhood friend, the orphan Jake who disappeared at the start of the war (WWII)? However, the characters are stereotypes -- especially the ever so evil megarich guy (Fossick) who manages to get people to do despicable things for him in a completely (to me) unrealistic way. Add to this the fact that the prose is somewhat stilted and I can't say I enjoyed reading this book. At first the story made the other flaws overlookable, but when the story descended into ridiculous unpleasantness, I lost interest.

Loved this book so much… it was just so freaking good. One of the best of 2022 and I’ll be recommending it to every one of my friends.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
5 stars!!