Linda Rawlins

I really enjoyed this lightly romantic, clean, Mystery. I received this book for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. For someone who never had a pet, the heroine of this story did a good job taking in a big dog. Someone was breaking in at the pet clinic and it wasn't long till the heroine was accidently in the middle of it. Lots to chuckle about, and wanting to know who all is in on the break-ins . Just knew something was going to happen but didn't know what. Well worth the reading.… (lisätietoja)

Well, I did it again, not as bad as yesterday, but still. I couldn't seem to put this book down! The last time that happened to me was when I read the Hunger Games series, and the time before that was Angels & Demons. I just finished The Bench by Linda Rawlins and it's wonderful and if you like - dang, I don't know how to classify this book. Perhaps if I tell you a little bit about it, you can classify it for yourself.

One of the main characters is Amy. Amy is a doctor who worked in a big Boston hospital; but after a home invasion leaves her sister dead and her niece in a coma, Amy finds she can no longer deals with the pressure of Boston, so she moves to a more quiet hospital in Vermont.

Next is Father Michael, a fairly young priest and psychologist who presides over the local parish and a retreat for priests who are having trouble dealing with the various stressors of their job.

Then you have Willow, a fifteen year old, who was raised by her grandmother because her mother, Marty, was an alcoholic and her father, Bobby, didn't want anything to do with either of them. After the grandmother dies under questionable circumstances, Willow is left a very rich little girl, and now suddenly her parents are back in her life. Marty goes to rehab so she can finally get sober and try to protect her daughter from Bobby, who basically is threatening Willow's life so he can get his hands on the inheritance.

Rounding out the cast of characters are Tony, ex NYPD now bartender, three visiting priests, several doctors and nurses from the hospital and a local or two thrown in for good measure. The story weaves their lives together in a Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman meets Father Dowling sort of way. I have no idea what genre to stick this story in, but I know I love it!

Another reason I'm excited, and I probably shouldn't admit it, is I already have Linda Rawlins' second book in the series, Fatal Breach, which I can start the second I finish The Bench.

Five stars, five thumbs up, five cupcakes whatever you want to give it, it deserves it! GET THIS BOOK NOW! You won't be disappointed!!!… (lisätietoja)

Enjoyable well-written story. Loveable characters and interesting plot.

I'm usually too busy to finish a book quickly, but I finished this one in two days -- I just couldn't put it down! Who cares if I didn't get much sleep?! It was well worth it. What impressed me most was Rawlins's ability to keep the reader reading, despite the late hour. She really gets you involved with her characters, anxious to find out what will happen to them next. I also gave this book to a few of my friends to read, and they all agree with me.

This would be an excellent read for someone who truly enjoys mystery entertainment, or for someone who merely appreciates really good writing.… (lisätietoja)