Review: The Word Game by Steena Holmes

The Word Game

by Steena Holmes

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 207

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  For overprotective parent Alyson Ward, any time her daughter, Lyla, is out of sight is reason to panic. So it’s a big step for her when she lets Lyla attend a sleepover at her cousin’s house. Comforted by the knowledge that her sister, Tricia, is the chaperone, Alyson does the one thing she never thought possible: she lets go and trusts that her daughter will be safe.

But Alyson’s sense of peace is short lived. When Lyla comes home the next morning, she reveals something that could tear apart not only their family but also the entire community. Now, Alyson and Tricia must confront their painful shared past as they come together to help a little girl who they fear might be harboring terrible secrets similar to their own. Will the sisters be strong enough to face their demons in order to protect the child, even if it means telling their most private truths? 

Kritters Thoughts:  Steena Holmes is by far one of my favorite authors.  She writes books across genre and just cranks them out, but they are all so unique and satisfying.  I couldn't tell you where to begin, but instead to just say start now!  

Ok now after gushing.  The Word Game.

Told through 4 women's points of views, all mothers and all confronted with a hard subject and all want to deal with it in their own way.  What started at a harmless girl sleepover after a great dance recital ends in the principal's office with Child Protective Services involved.  One of the girls makes statements that can be taken out of context or put right where it belongs and the mothers must decide what daughter is telling the truth and how to deal with it.

I am not a mother and not sure I plan on being one, but I loved this book.  I loved the gut check it made me do.  It boils down to the simple statement - when do you say something to an authority figure or when do you let a family deal with it internally.  

Each woman was dealing with it and other secrets that were slowly but surely revealed.  I read this book in two sittings, I was flipping page after page and couldn't put it down until I knew how it was all going to get resolved.  

If you want to start with Steena Holmes, this is a great one to start.  If you have been reading her from the beginning like me, this one will meet or exceed your expectations!


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2015 Challenge: 47 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from BookSparks PR.  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.