I am overjoyed to have my daughter (the Jellybean’s mama!) visiting the blog today with a guest review post. We recently went on vacation and my sweet, darling Erica picked up one of my books I had for review. You are most definitely in for a treat, as I’ve found Erica’s taste in books to be impeccable ~ Enjoy!
Playing Dead by Julia Heaberlin Published May 29, 2012 362 pages
When Tommie McCloud returns home to attend her father’s funeral, she receives yet another life-altering blow – this time in the form of a pink, perfume sprayed letter. The letter’s author, Rosalina Marchetti, claims that her own daughter was kidnapped thirty-one years ago. “I’ve spent most of my life searching for you,” she says, “I believe you are my daughter.”
The woman Tommie has always known as ‘Mom’ can’t answer any questions – Alzheimer’s has deteriorated her mind past recognition. So, Tommie sets out to figure things out on her own, initially. But when things start to get messy, Tommie enlists the help of a few wonderfully complex characters – her younger sister, Sadie, an artist who lives in a double-wide despite having a rather large bank account, an ex-boyfriend, Hudson, who is both terribly tough and super soft, and a no-nonsense journalist who tells everything like it is.
Each chapter left me yearning for more, and “just one more page, sweetie,” had a funny way of turning into ten more than once. The plot was intriguing, the setting was beautifully described, and the characters were unique while still remaining believable. “Playing Dead” is a definite page-turner and will keep you guessing right up to the end!
Many thanks to the publisher for the complimentary review copy.
Oh, my goodness, this sounds great! I can’t even imagine what truths Tommie uncovers. I’ll have to check this one out. Well done, Jellybean’s Mama!
Thanks Natalie! I think she did a great job….and as I’ve also read the book, I can agree with Erica’s summary ~ it IS a page turner!
Wow, what a story! It really sounds like a page turner!
We both enjoyed it…and for Erica to really like a book is saying a lot! She has quite discriminating tastes!
Your review was wonderful, and this does indeed sound like a story that would entice me and keep me in it’s clutches. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it with us. I love that you went into detail, and that you shared how addictive it was with us!
It is a cute story with just enough intrigue to keep you guessing! I hope you get an opportunity to read it – well worth the time!
Awesome picture. Great review. Welcome welcome!
I love books that don’t let me put them down.
Thanks love! She is a beauty…and it’s not just me being her mom….btw, love your button – too precious!
This sounds worth checking out. Great review!
Thanks Kailana! It IS a super book!
The description sounds gripping!! And those “just one more page” books can be dangerous — keeping me up long past my bedtime!
Oh yes I know just what you mean! I’m notorious for staying up way too late and then I pay for it the next day! I’m ‘trying’ to do better….some days that works and I’m in bed at a decent hour and other days….well, let’s just say I can hear the roosters crowing while I turn the pages!
Thanks for being on the tour!
Impeccable taste is convincing. Looks good
Sounds like a great read and I am wishing for a trip to the beach soon after seeing that picture!