Review: A roller-coaster ride...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 31, 2014
...for me as a reader. Others have presented an overview of the plot, so I won't repeat that here.The first few chapters had me mentally yelling at Ellen for being such a doormat. I mean, YELLING. I couldn't believe she was regarded as a "crystal apple-winning teacher," and yet allowed -- yes, allowed her no-good husband to walk all over her AND alienate her daughter in the process, and that she was literally an ostrich, hiding her head in the sand and letting him run their lives financially (yes, run even though ruin would be applicable in this case). I almost quit reading in disgust, but stubbornness kept me going. I'm glad I did.Once Keeley entered the fray, things got better. Her ditsyness lightened my whole outlook, and I began to see the dark humor. Of course, I began to root more fervently for Ellen at that point, and stopped yelling at her. As Ellen revealed facets of her upbringing and how her father and mother were toward each other, it was obvious that Ellen was merely (at that point) a reflection of her parents, and I became more sympathetic toward her.As the mystery unfolded (and it surprised me that there was a mystery involved ... I thought it was simply out and out philandering and nefarious financial doings) and matters became more intense, I couldn't nor wouldn't stop reading.I enjoyed the ending. While there is still a bit of a mystery (no spoilers here), there is also the hint of a possible happiness on the horizon for Ellen, and doggone it, she deserves it. I think she became a stronger person as a result of everything Jeffrey put her through, and a better mother, to boot.I congratulate Ms. Ambrose...every reader needs a virtual roller coaster ride now and then to make one recognize the value of an interesting book!