Title: Pieces of Blue
Author: Liz Flaherty
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Book Blurb:
Life comes in shades of blue...
Self-imposed loner, Maggie North, has worked for bestselling author Trilby Winterroad her entire adult life, starting as simply his assistant and ending up as his ghost writer. Through ups and downs--including a divorce from an abusive husband--he has been the one person on whom she could always rely. So when Trilby dies suddenly, Maggie finds herself adrift, not sure what she’ll do or where she belongs in the world any longer. And the confusion continues when she discovers he’s not only left her his beloved dachshund, Chloe, but a house she knew nothing about, on a lake she’s never heard of.
It only takes one visit for Maggie to fall in love with both the house and the small lakeside community. The longer she’s there, the safer she feels and the more her life begins to expand...as do her feelings toward her friend and Trilby’s attorney, Sam Eldridge.
But is she really safe? Or are the glistening pieces of her new life about to shatter as an old danger returns?
My Review:
Can Maggie see the enormous gift she’s been bestowed or will fear continue to steal her joy? Pieces of Blue is the quintessential women’s fiction about discovering simple joys and embarking on new experiences without fear. There’s also a bit of romance and suspense. The fictional lake community Liz Flaherty creates is filled with quirky townsfolk, small town charm, and a feeling of togetherness. From the moment I opened page one until the very last page, I was captivated by Pieces of Blue. I couldn’t put the book down. It became a part of my soul.
Let’s start with the characters. Maggie is the star of Pieces of Blue and she’s quite the complex character. She’s independent yet clings to her friends. She’s open yet closed off to new experiences. She’s easy-going yet has deep-seated fears. She’s unsure about what the future holds or which path to take. Yet, all these contradictions make me love her more. I connected with her on so many levels. She’s written from a part of the author’s soul, and it makes for compelling reading.
The rest of the characters provide a well-rounded story that is impossible to put down. Each character is there for a specific purpose and helps Maggie figure things out. I love the lake residents and of course the steady love and friendship of Sam.
What makes Pieces of Blue unputdownable is the lake community. I grew up surrounded by lakes and the people who call it home. There’s a tight-knit vibe to the residents and that feeling is present throughout Pieces of Blue. I have to assume Liz Flaherty lived in a lakeside community at one point. It’s this kind of immersive detail which makes Pieces of Blue one of the best books I’ve read this year.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Buy it Now:
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/FlahertyBlue
Author Biography:
Liz Flaherty has spent the past several years enjoying not working a day job, making terrible crafts, and writing stories in which the people aren’t young, brilliant, or even beautiful. She’s decided (and has to re-decide most every day) that the definition of success is having a good time. Along with her husband of lo, these many years, kids, grands, friends, and the occasional cat, she’s doing just that. Find her on Facebook or her blog, Window Over the Sink.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizkflaherty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizkflaherty/
Reviewed by: Nancy