Review: The continuing adventures of a flawed but loving cast of characters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 30, 2014
Quadruple threat Lucia- Singer/Dancer/Musician/Baker Extraordinaire- adds a new skill to her resume in this release: Mother. Wait, who’s the dad? No, back up- who’s the mom? Because those Mpobo-Riddell girls never like to do anything the easy way, neither question is as easily answered as you might think. But none of that matters- all you need to know is that Marcus Grant and Greg McMullen have a new rival for Lucia’s affections, and the one who handles it best wins.But what’s that saying about every season having it’s turn? This book ushers in a new life just as it ushers out an old one, and that loss is going to be devastating to Lucia. In a roundabout way, it’s also going to bring us back to the question that’s been lingering over Lucia and her sisters since the first book: what happened to their parents, specifically, their mother? Her older sisters drop hints in the book, and it’s heartbreaking. I found myself tearing up particularly when we saw Axelle’s side of the story. Maybe she has been the super-nurturer of the family, but before that she was a kid who needed- and didn’t get- love and affection. And is Noor really a femme fatale screw up, or is she simply doing what she was shown?Which leads us back to Lucia. How long can she keep up the facade that she’s “altogether” and that everything in her life is orderly and perfect? And the real question: who does she love and want? Ah...maybe she needs to answer that one first because she can answer the other.While Lucia is figuring that out, we get to see a lot of Beesly (oh honey- if you're going to be manipulative, don't be so controlling, okay?), Marcus’ brother Patrick (and someone gets to see A LOT of him), and the talented but troubled Alex Sanders (and boy is he a big deal!). And while “Bloody” Mary Gillis doesn’t pop in too often, when she does it’s a nail biter- and a very good laugh.In other words, I loved Lucia and her gang, and I loved them just a little bit more for the imperfections. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next release.