Thursday, May 21, 2015

The Sound of Glass by Karen White

 

Southern families and families with secrets.

After her husband died, Merritt le​ft their home in Maine and headed to South Carolina to Cal's grandmother's home​ that she ​had inherited​.  Little did ​Merritt know that ​her husband, Cal, never told anyone about her, and she didn't know anything about his family.

Grandmother Edith's home is a huge mansion where ​​she ​kept secrets locked up inside herself and in the attic.  The death of Edith's husband had an enormous impact on her life for more than one reason.  After his death, Edith raised her only son C. J. alone, and he had a temper just like his father.  C. J.'s son, Cal, married Merritt and took the temper with him to his marriage.

Merri​tt​ is a bit unlikeable because she just couldn't relax and trust anyone, but who would after she knew no one even knew she existed.  When her half brother​, Owen,​ and ​her step-mother, Loralee, unexpectedly arrive at the house and plan on staying, secrets come out, and the story heats up with the secrets of the house and of the characters as they find clues about the house and each other's lives.  Merritt became more likeable and caring as the book continued.

Loralee is a bit overbearing, but means well and is very loving.  ​She definitely has a secret and a reason for moving in with Merritt.  ​

Owen is precocious and a nerd, but very pleasant and sweet and tries to bring Merritt out of her shell.​

Gibbs, Cal's brother, was likable and helpful.  He knew secrets about his brother and the house their grandmother lived in.  The attic and its contents were the biggest secret his grandmother had and one that caused the most excitement and questions.  Would Merritt find out what was meant by what was left in the attic and why Cal’s grandmother did what she did up there?

Did the house hold the family secrets, did the characters hold the family secrets, or did both the house and the characters hold the secrets that had been kept under wraps for years?​ To me both the house and the characters were fragile just like Edith’s glass wind chimes.

THE SOUND OF GLASS is another remarkable, beautiful book by Karen White.  Her descriptions of the characters, the scenes, and the emotions of the characters are very real.  The book kept me wondering just what some of the female characters had to hide and why they were the way they were.

The characters will grow on you and grow on each other in a warm, inviting way.  You will need some tissues as this wonderful story wraps up. 

THE SOUND OF GLASS has suspense and mystery as well as addressing the issue of domestic violence. 

I truly enjoyed THE SOUND OF GLASS, and if you have ever read one of Ms. White’s books, you know you will be in for a marvelous read. ​

I hope you get to read the book and enjoy it too.​  It is oh so good.  LOVED IT.  5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.



20 comments:

  1. I keep meaning to read one of this author's books. This one sounds like a great place to start.

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    1. I LOVE her books.

      ENJOY when you read one of them.

      Thanks for stopping by, Kay.

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  2. I didn't realize this is set in South Carolina. I can't wait to read it.

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  3. This sounds lovely and like even the unlikable characters are redeemed in their own way. This is already on my TBR but I'm really looking forward to read it.

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    1. I will be looking forward to seeing what you think, Katherine.

      I know you will love it, though.

      Thanks for stopping.

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  4. I'm glad you enjoyed this so much, Elizabeth. It sounds very compelling.

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    1. It was excellent as all of her books.

      I hope you enjoy it if you read the book.

      Thanks for stopping, Suko.

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  5. This looks like a great story. I love the cover, too!

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  6. I think I'd like this story. It's certainly set in an area I love. I've seen this book in a few places lately.
    @dino0726 from 
    FictionZeal - Impartial, Straighforward Fiction Book Reviews

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    1. It was a good read.

      I hope you get to read it.

      Thanks for stopping, Diane.

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  7. Great review. I loved this book too.

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    1. Thank you, Nise'. Always wonderful to have someone comment on my review.

      Thanks for stopping. It was such a good book.

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  8. I loved this one, too...it will be a favorite on my list this year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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    1. A favorite for me too.

      Thanks for stopping, Laurel.

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  9. I've got this one on my tbr pile. Can't wait to get it started, especially after this glowing review!

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    1. Thank you about my review.

      I really enjoyed the book a lot as you can tell.

      Thanks for stopping, OnDBookshelf.

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  10. I read this one a few years ago. It was a 4½ star read for me!

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    1. I always enjoy her books. :)

      Thanks for commenting, Kim.

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