Award-winning author ReShonda Tate Billingsley delivers a poignant, page-turning novel about the power—and fragility—of family, personal identity, and the choices we are called on to make . . . Raised by a widowed mother, Jill Reed has come a long way from her difficult youth. But while she may not have had money, Jill never doubted she was rich in love. Her mother, Connie, made Jill the center … Connie, made Jill the center of her world. Now, even though she has a young family of her own, it’s Jill’s turn to care for her ailing mother.
When early dementia begins to set in, Connie starts talking about Jill’s “other life.” Jill assumes it’s just rambling confusion. Still, Connie’s stories about Jill’s childhood, and her father’s early death, never quite added up. And when a strange man shows up to Jill’s job bearing news that turns Jill’s life upside down, there’s no denying Connie’s devastating secret.
As Jill sets out to learn more about her past, she’s stunned by what she learns and what it will mean for her future. Now, she must decide what price she’s willing to pay to claim the life that’s rightfully hers.
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This book is amazingly written that had my attention from the very first page. This is a story that has deep themes about choices, consequences and forgiveness. I loved this story for its amazing characters, the story line about an abduction, the meaning of family – biological or otherwise, and of course family secrets and drama.
Jillian our protagonist is at a crossroads and going through a lot – from financial difficulties, caring for a young child, and an elderly mother with Alzheimer’s. When you are at a loss, all you can dream of is being saved financially. What if there is a solution? But the solution is about a difficult past that can affect what you think of the people you love and consider as family.
This book was such a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend this book for an amazing story that will have you thinking about days after. This would be a great book club read and would make for amazing discussions.
I highly recommend.
Fast and easy read. Actual rating is 2 stars but I am increasing to 3. I realize this author has many books to her credit and has a huge following. This was my first book by her. But, this book was not my cup of tea.
It is about a child kidnapping that comes to light when the child is in her 20s. Much of it was just too unrealistic. I don’t always need realism because I read to be entertained. But, part of the plot was beyond my belief.
The book is good if you need a quick read (plane trip, lying on the beach) without requiring a lot of concentration.
I wish I had been able to like it more.
My son hated it so much
In the opening chapters I found this story was kind of depressing and wasn’t sure if I was going like it or be able to finish it. BUT, I did finish it and have to say that it was a very well written story. It had plenty of emotion and hurdles to overcome along with strong main characters and supporting ones too.
I really liked Jill. And oh boy, what a load she was carrying. And that was even before this shocking secret came into view. I have to say her husband Malcolm was not someone that I liked that much though. It seemed like he talked a good game but often he wasn’t much help when it came to lifting any of the load off Jill. He seemed to be pretty self-absorbed. He would complain about a situation but I wasn’t really seeing him doing all that much to correct it. Then he would go and do something slightly helpful or thoughtful and that helped. But most of the time I was waiting and watching to see if he was going to turn on Jill for money. You’ll have to read it for yourself to see if that happens or if he turns out to be a stand up kind of guy.
Philip is Jill’s newly found cousin and I would have liked to have seen a bit more done for him.
Things come to an interesting conclusion with Jill refusing to bend to pressure. She refuses to let her daughter Destiny (and herself) be forced into something she doesn’t want. She doesn’t just stand back and allow things to happen. She becomes braver than she knew she could be. Changes will be made and she helps make sure those changes happen.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
This is a very well written book . Jill discovers that her life may not be what she thought it was when a man turns up and changes everything Connie is her mother that is suffering with Alzheimer’s and starts saying things that confuse Jill will Jill and her family be able to sort through the emotions and make life changing decisions or will Jill decide to turn away from secrets discovered kept me reading to see what would happen very touching story I enjoyed it a lot
This is an amazing story!
It immediately grabbed me and would not let go until I had read the final word on the very last page!
The writing is incredible and it moved quickly, never slowing or feeling long.
Jill is a married woman who has never had an easy life. She was raised by her mother, Connie, who now has dementia. There has never been a doubt that love was present even though money was always tight.
Connie always told Jill “Be careful what you wish for, baby girl. Money is not the root of all happiness.”
There are days now when Connie makes perfect sense and then other times she gets agitated and often will make statements that do not make sense at all regarding Jill’s father that she has never met in person.
When an older gentleman comes to Jill’s place of employment and reveals an unbelievable and yet interesting declaration, the world changes for the entire Reed family!
Definitely- set aside a day to be with these wonderful characters in this novel!