The Shadow of Your Smile is the newest offering in the Deep Haven series by Susan May Warren. Although I have read several of the other books in the series, it has been a while and I don’t recall many of the details, so I was glad that this story stood on its own.
After being brutally attacked during a robbery in the nearby city of Duluth, Noelle Hueston wakes up in the hospital thinking she is still a 21 year old college student pursuing her passion for art. Being told she is actually a 46 year old wife and mother who hasn’t painted in years seems like a cruel joke until she looks in the mirror and is stunned by what she sees.
Noelle has good reasons for wanting to forget her life. Her grief over the loss of her teenage daughter, Kelsey, and the emotional distance from her husband, Eli, had led to the secret trip out of town, although now she doesn’t know why she was there or even what she was running from in the first place. As Noelle struggles to remember the missing years, Eli is battling his own guilt and shame over his reaction after his daughter’s death, and her best friend, Lee, is still mourning her husband, killed in the same tragic event as Kelsey.
Although the use of an amnesia storyline often makes me wonder if the author is looking for a convenient way to create dramatic moments, I felt that the story here was allowed to unfold gradually. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two love stories, with Eli and Noelle wondering if they can fall in love again while their older son Kyle is encountering his own first love.
All in all, an enjoyable and thoughtful read.
Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28. Be sure to click on the image below for more details.
We also have two copies of the book to give away! Just leave a comment below to be entered to win. Giveaway is closed.
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Trish thanks Litfuse Publishing and Tyndale House for the review copy of this book. She blogs at In So Many Words.
riTa says
A giveaway not to be missed.
And curious about how the story resolves.
Jessica says
My sister really likes Susan May Warren. I agree that sometimes the amnesiac plot lines stretch a bit thin – but this sounds interesting.
Barbara H. says
I’d love to give this a try. Thanks!
Chuck says
Sounds sad, but good to read.
Margaret says
Sounds like a good one! Count me in! Thanks!
Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com
tennille says
thanks for the chance-sounds very interesting
Angie says
I love Susan’s books! THanks for the chance!
Lane Hill House says
I would like to be entered to win The Shadow of Your Smile! I have not read any of this series and this book sounds action packed.
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
anne says
Many thanks for your great review and the giveaway.
Cindi says
I adore the writing of Susan May
Warren…Many thanks for this wonderful
book giveaway opportunity!
Cindi
connie black says
Thank you for the chance to win this great read.
Beth C says
I’d enjoy reading this book.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Sandra K321 says
This is a new author for me. The story sounds interesting and I would enjoy it. Thanks.
Angela E. says
This book sounds so good, would love to win!
Mary Preston says
It’s ages since I read a book my Susan May Warren. I don’t mind stories where someone suffers from amnesia.
Anita Yancey says
Sounds like an interesting book. I would enjoy reading it. Thanks for this chance.
Bethany says
I’d love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for offering! 🙂
bn100 says
This book sounds very interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.
Kim says
I’d love this!
Brittanie says
Enter me please. I love this author. 🙂
Don says
This book sounds really good, enter me also please.
Tammy Gordon says
Looks like a good book!
Johnelle says
I love to read and this sounds interesting!
Gail says
Thanks for all the good reviews! I would enjoy this one.
Van says
Very good review, would like to read.
Carol M says
I’d love to read this!
Garrett says
I would like to give this book to my girlfriend if I win it.
Alison S. says
I would love to read this! Thanks!
June says
Will enjoy for sure.
Jennifer says
You won June! Please reply to this email with your shipping address.
Staci A says
It sounds like a story that will keep you reading!
Merry says
I’ve enjoyed the Deep Haven series and this newest book sounds like another winner.
Chuck says
My wife would like this one.