Review: Safe Within by Jean Reynolds Page

Safe Within by Jean Reynolds Page

Publisher: 

Pages: 352 

Format: ARC 

Buy the Book: Amazon 

Amazon:  Elaine and Carson Forsyth have returned to the tree house—Elaine's childhood home, a cabin nestled high in the branches of two oaks beside a North Carolina lake—where forty-nine-year-old Carson has chosen to spend the waning days of his life. As Elaine prepares for a future without her beloved husband, their solace is interrupted. Carson's mother, Greta, has set loose a neighbor's herd of alpacas and landed herself in police custody. While Carson, remarkably, sees humor in the situation, Elaine can only question what her obligations are—and will be—to a woman who hasn't spoken to her in more than twenty years.


In the wake of Carson's death, Elaine and their grown son, Mick, are thrust into the maelstrom of Greta, the mother-in-law and grandmother who never accepted either of them. Just as they are trying to figure out their new roles in the family, Mick uncovers unexpected questions of his own. A long-ago teenage relationship with a local girl may have left him with more than just memories, and he must get to the bottom of Greta's surprising accusations that he's not Carson's son at all. 




Kritters Thoughts:  A main character that is twice my age, but a story that hit very deep in an emotional sense - I thought this book had a less than positive central story, but the reader doesn't feel left down in the dumps. 


Elaine has moved into her childhood home on behalf of her dying husband's request, so they spend his last days in the place where she grew up.  With a mother-in-law who isn't the sweetest cupcake on the tray and a son who is trying to figure out how to move forward after dealing with more than one lose in a short time, this book was jam packed with characters that were trying to reconcile the past, the present and the future.


At first, I was apprehensive to recommend this to readers my age and would limit its readership to an older crowd, but about midway through I found the son, Mick's storyline very enjoyable and I had a change in heart.  I think this book could be read by a wide range of audiences.  I would hesitate recommending this read to someone who may have recently lost a loved one - it may hit too close to home.




Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from A Cozy Reader's Corner.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.


On tour:

Tuesday, June 12th: Jenn’s Bookshelves

Wednesday, June 13th: Reading Lark

Thursday, June 14th: A Cozy Reader’s Corner

Friday, June 15th: Cover to Cover … and everything in between!

Monday, June 18th: Hospitable Pursuits

Tuesday, June 19th: Silver & Grace

Wednesday, June 20th: A Musing Reviews

Thursday, June 21st: Kritters Ramblings

Monday, June 25th: Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books

Tuesday, June 26th: Paperback Princess

Wednesday, June 27th: BookNAround

Thursday, June 28th: The Book Bag