You might think that a book about an affair between two married people might not be that great, or that it on its highest level it is very shallow, but this book gives a great example of how communication in marriage is vital. It was interesting switching back between past and present constantly to tell the story. The ending was not at all predictable. I was surprised to read Maddie's bio and find out that she is happily married. It was almost as if she had lived the situation and could explain all sides. This would make a great romantic drama movie. ( )

Dawson's writing style was very easy to follow, and the storyline relates to anyone with those excruciating "what if" thoughts about the past. This book was a fast read and enjoyable throughout every part as she reveals how the protagonist's past played out. Any parent, a mother specifically, could relate also, as she battles with revealing necessary information, but censors accordingly, the details of her past to her daughter as she sees her daughter going through turmoil herself. ( )

I liked the back and forth between the past and current day. Enjoyable story line. Fast read ( )

Loved the way this book was written going back to past to present.
Annabell McKay lives what appears to be a picture perfect life, except for the fact that she has been in love with a man other than her husband for 26 years. Shortly after marrying Grant her brother is in an accident, and Annabell freaks out and thinks she has made a mistake. She goes back home, and eventually follows her husband Grant to NY who is living with a family, and his best friend Jermeiah. Jermeriah is married with twins. When Annabell comes to stay too they fall in love. They hid an affair and eventually Jermeriah comes up with a plan for them both to run away together. He changed his mind after Annabell leaves Grant. Grant and her eventually get back together and start anew. They made a pact that she would never speak, talk or see Jeremeriah again. They live a great life together for almost three decades...Grant is always very busy, and thier kids grow up and move out. Sopie, her daughter has a difficult pregnancy and Annnabell comes to her aid since Sopie's husband is in another country at the time working on a film they were going to do together before Sopie gets pregnant. While back in NY taking care of Sopie, Annabell runs into Jermeiah...all the unspoken things are finally put back on the table, and he was never in love with her as she was him. ( )

All of the characters in this book are hard to like at times. Some of them are hard to like a large percentage of the time. If you require characters you can root for (or if you object to sex in your novels, because there's a LOT of sex), this may not be the book for you.

But it's so well written! Nuanced and insightful, it's a look at the inner workings of a marriage and family in its infancy and 25 years later. It's told in first person narration, with alternating chapters from the two time periods. Despite traditional "women's fiction" themes of love, children, self-identity, and personal growth, it's an easy read but far from a fluffy "beach read". I really enjoyed this! ( )