Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her.
The last time sixteen-year-old Mandy Matteo broke a rule, her sister died. Since that day she has done only what is expected of her, but life as a goody-goody has made Mandy so boring her friends have all but abandoned her. And she’s given up on ever getting Ethan, the boy she’s liked forever, to notice her. Desperate, Mandy makes a wish … makes a wish to simply be happy.
Enter Desiree, a hippie from Woodstock serving a fifty-year indenture as a Wish Mistress (aka a genie). Years of only granting and never receiving her own wish have left Desiree bitter. Arranging for Mandy to right her biggest wrong – the exact thing Desiree would wish for – only makes things worse.
Still, Desiree does her job and grants the wish and happiness arrives for Mandy in the form of Lexi, her childhood imaginary friend come to life. Magical wishes have conditions though: Once started, the wish cannot be altered or revoked. Also, once Mandy is truly content with her life again, Lexi must go back to where she came from. However, the longer Lexi is alive the more she loves being alive, and she’ll do whatever it takes to stay that way.
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Family Secrets, Whispering Pines #1 – An intriguing story. After finishing Stick and Stones, I dove into Family Secrets, my second book by this new-to-me author. These two books are nothing alike on storylines, except fantasy. I was drawn into this well written novel with an interesting plot and realistic characters, including the lovable dog. I couldn’t put Family Secrets down until it was finished. There’s an overview letting the reader know what the book is about, which I appreciate. This author is definitely someone whose work I want to keep reading. Two books, two winners!
Kept Secrets, Whispering Pines #2 – Another intriguing story by a very good author. Now we’re being to know our main characters as they grow in this book, while remaining believable and realistic. The well written, fast paced plot keeps the reader interested, making it hard to put the book down. The author’s descriptions leave the reader with clear pictures about the town, townspeople and property. I contacted the author to review her books since she writes such substantial stories that leaves a reader satisfied.
Original Secrets, Whispering Pines #3 – This is the best of the series. So intriguing that the reader can’t put the book down. A well written, suspense filled book with two deaths forty years apart that may be connected. The characters are steadily growing, even the hated ones are interesting. Their dialog is realistic and non of The Stupid Formula for these characters. Her descriptions are clear and you’re there in Whispering Pines. I’m looking forward to the next book. I contacted the author to review her books; her stories are substantial and the reader is satisfied when finished reading one of her books.
Hidden Secrets, Whispering Pines #4 – Another hard to put down story. Well written, suspense filled and full of intrigue, still with an interesting group of characters with new ones added to boot. This substantial story has several stories going at once, including the past and the future and the worries that stem from them. I’ve never been disappointed by any book written by Ms. McGuire and I look forward to more of her work. I contacted the author to review her books.
Missing & Gone – An interesting novella. This well written story introduces the main and some of the secondary characters of the book Family Secrets. It’s a quickly read suspense story, which I read after Family Secrets; I didn’t miss not having read M&G before FS. A conflict: Jayne knows her grandmother is a Wiccan, but she forgot it in FS? Minor detail, both are must reads, actually any of the author’s books are must reads.
Sticks and Stones – A surprising, intense novel. Not knowing what to expect from this new-to-me author, I started reading a book that turned out to be mesmerizing. I couldn’t stop reading this well written, thought out book with its interesting characters and storyline full of twists, even thought the age group doesn’t interest me. I’ve had this book a while and am glad I finally got around to reading it. My next read is Family Secrets.
I got this as a freebie and proceeded to purchase series. For me it was touching and thoughtful.very well written.