Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Well-done conclusion to the series. Though it can be read as a stand-alone, reading the previous books gives a more detailed history of the events leading up to this one.
Joelle is the middle sister and the final one to return to Calais to claim her inheritance. She is a social worker who helps women escape their abusive husbands. When she learns of her inheritance and its conditions, Joelle takes it as an opportunity to escape the threats of a husband desperate to find his wife. She's excited to reunite with her sisters but nervous about staying in the house. Scenes from her childhood haunt her, and she doesn't know if they are real or the imaginings of a frightened child.
Tyler is the son of estate lawyer William Duhan. He recently left the Marine Corps and is in the process of starting his own security company. While waiting for the paperwork to process, Tyler's father talks him into providing bodyguard services to Joelle. He's not happy about it, but he'll do it for his dad.
Trouble starts as soon as Joelle moves in. Threats, mysterious intruders, and terrifying visions arouse Tyler's protective instincts. His determination to protect himself can't withstand Joelle's effect on his heart. Joelle wasn't looking for a relationship, but she couldn't deny the feelings Tyler roused in her.
The suspense of the story was excellent. The depths of their stepfather's evil actions were slowly revealed, leaving the three women wondering about their mother's death. A shocking discovery at the beginning of this book leads to more questions than answers. There are also attacks on Joelle and intruders who are clearly searching for something. As the incidents intensified, I was glued to the pages, anxious to get to the truth. The twists and turns of the final chapters kept me guessing, but I never expected the surprise at the end.
Joelle is the middle sister and the final one to return to Calais to claim her inheritance. She is a social worker who helps women escape their abusive husbands. When she learns of her inheritance and its conditions, Joelle takes it as an opportunity to escape the threats of a husband desperate to find his wife. She's excited to reunite with her sisters but nervous about staying in the house. Scenes from her childhood haunt her, and she doesn't know if they are real or the imaginings of a frightened child.
Tyler is the son of estate lawyer William Duhan. He recently left the Marine Corps and is in the process of starting his own security company. While waiting for the paperwork to process, Tyler's father talks him into providing bodyguard services to Joelle. He's not happy about it, but he'll do it for his dad.
Trouble starts as soon as Joelle moves in. Threats, mysterious intruders, and terrifying visions arouse Tyler's protective instincts. His determination to protect himself can't withstand Joelle's effect on his heart. Joelle wasn't looking for a relationship, but she couldn't deny the feelings Tyler roused in her.
The suspense of the story was excellent. The depths of their stepfather's evil actions were slowly revealed, leaving the three women wondering about their mother's death. A shocking discovery at the beginning of this book leads to more questions than answers. There are also attacks on Joelle and intruders who are clearly searching for something. As the incidents intensified, I was glued to the pages, anxious to get to the truth. The twists and turns of the final chapters kept me guessing, but I never expected the surprise at the end.
Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed The Reunion / The Secret of Cypriere Bayou (Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance, Bk 3) (Harlequin Intrigue, No 1452) on + 1169 more book reviews
I really enjoy DeLeon's atmospheric novels set in Louisiana swamplands because they are scary enough to be compelling page turners, but not so scary that I have bad dreams. The Reunion is part of a trilogy with The Accused and The Betrayed. It's an enjoyable stand alone, but if you're able to read them in order, the mystery will make more sense. Questions are finally answered here with a gothic flair and there are nice scenes between the reuniting sisters.
