Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific book that intrigued me from the first chapter to the end. An over-protective single father raised Emerson. After his death, she discovered that her real mother was not who she thought she was. Determined to find the truth, she heads to Cider Creek and starts asking questions. This puts her in the crosshairs of someone who doesn't want her to know. When the first man she questioned became aggressive and uncooperative, a stranger stepped in to help.
Rory has returned to Cider Creek for the first time in thirteen years. He left right after his high school graduation, along with his pregnant girlfriend. His unpleasant and controlling grandfather made staying impossible. Since then, he built a successful business and is raising his twelve-year-old daughter on his own. He has never told his family about Liv and is nervous about doing so. When he stops at the convenience store for snacks, he's astounded to witness the rudeness that the woman experienced and steps in to help.
This begins a roller coaster ride of suspense and emotion. Emerson's questions have stirred up a hornet's nest. She is run off the road and rescued by Rory. Her damaged car was broken into at the garage, where it was taken for repairs. Attacks increase in intensity as Emerson gets closer to the answers she seeks. The final confrontation had a twist that kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
Emerson and Rory's relationship developed quickly. Rory's protectiveness was aroused immediately, quickly followed by unexpected sparks of attraction. Meanwhile, Emerson feels those same sparks and a deep appreciation for his help. Over the next few days, Rory doesn't let Emerson out of his sight, preferring to watch over her himself. I liked the trust that quickly built between them. With Rory, Emerson shared her hurt, anger, and betrayal over her father's actions. Rory used Emerson as a sounding board to help him solve his dilemma of looking for his ex-wife. Neither expects to fall as hard and fast as they do. I liked the ending.
I liked Rory's daughter, Liv. At almost thirteen, she's entering the volatile teen years. The author did a great job of making her realistic - not too sweet and not too dramatic, just a typical mix of the two. She clearly loved Rory, even when she was rolling her eyes at him. I liked how well she and Emerson connected.
Rory has returned to Cider Creek for the first time in thirteen years. He left right after his high school graduation, along with his pregnant girlfriend. His unpleasant and controlling grandfather made staying impossible. Since then, he built a successful business and is raising his twelve-year-old daughter on his own. He has never told his family about Liv and is nervous about doing so. When he stops at the convenience store for snacks, he's astounded to witness the rudeness that the woman experienced and steps in to help.
This begins a roller coaster ride of suspense and emotion. Emerson's questions have stirred up a hornet's nest. She is run off the road and rescued by Rory. Her damaged car was broken into at the garage, where it was taken for repairs. Attacks increase in intensity as Emerson gets closer to the answers she seeks. The final confrontation had a twist that kept me glued to the pages until it was over.
Emerson and Rory's relationship developed quickly. Rory's protectiveness was aroused immediately, quickly followed by unexpected sparks of attraction. Meanwhile, Emerson feels those same sparks and a deep appreciation for his help. Over the next few days, Rory doesn't let Emerson out of his sight, preferring to watch over her himself. I liked the trust that quickly built between them. With Rory, Emerson shared her hurt, anger, and betrayal over her father's actions. Rory used Emerson as a sounding board to help him solve his dilemma of looking for his ex-wife. Neither expects to fall as hard and fast as they do. I liked the ending.
I liked Rory's daughter, Liv. At almost thirteen, she's entering the volatile teen years. The author did a great job of making her realistic - not too sweet and not too dramatic, just a typical mix of the two. She clearly loved Rory, even when she was rolling her eyes at him. I liked how well she and Emerson connected.
