Review: Secrets at Swallow's nest
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 12, 2008
The death of a loved one is always a devastating experience, and an untimely and unexpected death is even more so.  And so it is with Anna, whose husband Chris met his end on the way home when his car ran off the road and ended up in the harbor.The couple ran a small business in the middle of nowhere, New Zealand, providing lodging for the adventurous souls who dare to go backpacking away from civilization.  The morning after the accident, Anna finds herself unable to cope, and retreats to her studio after the smell of freshly burned bread permeates the kitchen.Offering a shoulder and other means of support is an acquaintance named Catherine, and the author provides us with just enough background to learn that this intriguing woman with her memories of India will be playing a significant part in the story yet to come.I love the descriptive passages, and the way the story is shaping up to be quite a thrilling read about love and deception.  The dialogue needs minor editing, and I didn't care so much for the staccato bursts of words at the beginning of the excerpt, but it DID serve the purpose of revealing Anna's state of mind at the time.Pretty good reading.  Rated: 4.5 starsNote: This review is based on the excerpt submitted for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, and awarded a place in the semi-finals.Amanda Richards, February 12, 2008