Faultlines

At 20, Jordy Cline's life should be just beginning. Instead, it seems as if he's looking at a long period in jail and a lifetime of guilt. It all begins when his mother, Sandy, receives the call every mother dreads: there's been a car accident. Jordy and his cousin, Travis, were thrown from the vehicle, and their passenger, Michelle, is in a coma. Both boys are seriously injured and even worse, it looks like they were drinking. Local law enforcement seems to think Jordy was drinking and driving--a natural assumption given his history of underage drinking and Travis' usual role as the designated driver--but Jordy is insistent that he wasn't. Suddenly, Sandy finds herself fighting for her son's survival and dealing with her sister Jenna's show more anger over Jordy's role in the crash. The crash also reveals more family and town secrets. Will things ever be the same? And was Jordy really responsible for the crash?

This is an intricate and crazily plotted book, filled with emotional characters and various plot twists. Some of the twists are exciting and completely unexpected, making the story more than just a family drama and almost making it a thriller at some points. A few twists toward the end struck me as rather transparent and easily guessed. A lot of the plot points are a little outlandish and far-fetched, but it does make the book a fairly quick and exciting read. It's not exactly fun, as the subject matter is pretty heavy and horrible, dealing with the sort of topics that are hard to read as a parent.

While none of the characters are fully fleshed out, I liked Sandy well-enough and found myself gravitating toward Jordy, even if I couldn't fully trust him. Jordy's nemesis, local police sergeant Huckabee, is easy to dislike, even as you're constantly guessing as to why exactly he harbors this hatred toward a near teen. The chapters alternate between Sandy and another character, Libby, and she's a sympathetic and enjoyable character as well.

Overall, the story is an intriguing one, which will keep you guessing and reading. It speaks well to the legacy parents leave, both from a biological and environmental standpoint. It represents the power of the good ol' boy system of the South as well and is a strong tale depicting the bonds of loyalty, small town politics, and the power and pain of family. It's both emotional and enjoyable. There were a few nagging plot points that bugged me, but it was still a good, quick read.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it is available for publication everywhere as of 09/06/2016. show less

Two sisters receive news about their sons being involved in an awful accident. The boys end up being airlifted to another hospital due to their injuries. Immediately, Jenna blames her nephew Jordan for the car crash and reveals secrets that her sister, Sandy, has kept hidden for many years. I know both sisters were suffering, but Jenna just seemed nasty. Libby and Beck's story is interwoven into Sandy and Jordan's. I enjoyed this part of the book. I never would have have guessed how Libby and Beck would fit into Sandy and Jordan's life until it was revealed. Then there is Officer Huck, an all around jerk of a police officer. I sort of guessed why he had it out for Jordy, but the lengths he went to was plain crazy. Even though Sandy and show more Jenna weren't getting along, the scene where Sandy stops by and washes her sister's hair was very touching.

I enjoyed the book. It involved family drama, suspense and some crazy characters. One was definitely not on the mentally stable side, having escaped from a mental institute. I enjoyed the different storylines. I'm pretty sure I shed some tears at the end.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for a free electronic ARC of this novel. show less

This story begins with a tragic car accident that tears a family apart! This is the first novel by Barbara Taylor Sissel that I have read. It was a great read about family drama and also the author includes some mystery and suspense woven into the plot. Throughout the story each character is faced with decisions that cause family srife and wondering who they can trust. There are many twists and turns in this book which kept me turning the pages. It is always great to discover a new author! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice Cover!

Barbara Taylor Sissel delivers an emotional, gripping domestic suspense, FAULTLINES –how hidden fault lines and secrets threaten families. From teens to parents—betrayal, guilt, trust, blame, forgiveness. A character-driven tale of how the secrets we hold closest, are the ones that can most tear us apart.

A heartfelt, moving and cautionary tale, of the lasting effects of grief and betrayal amidst family bonds—and the healing powers of love, honesty, and acceptance. Fault lines among relationships are potentially disruptive boundaries between what people perceive as incompatible or irreconcilable differences. What makes a show more previously harmonious relationship quake?

Told from two POV, two women, Sandy and Libby. Two women which may not have anything in common. However, they may be similar in many ways.
Sisters, Sandy and Jenna are close. However, one of their sons causes the death of another. A car accident. Drunk driving. There is a secret. How will they ever go back?

Jenna swore to keep Sandy’s secret many years ago. A sister’s bond. However, something happens and she spills the secret. Broken trust. Desperation. Choices. A marriage in trouble. Pain. Consequences. Forgiveness.

Teenagers in a drunk driving accident. Who is to blame? Families torn apart. A son, nephew, brother and friend. Lives and families are tested in many ways, from friendships, parenting, marriages, sisters, wives and husbands. A sympathetic exploration of family, where the characters each grapple with life's challenges. The author renders each of them with compassion and understanding!

Heartfelt, heartbreaking, and ultimately an uplifting novel sure to start an important dialogue about the secrets we keep... and it could even save lives. The consequences of drinking and driving. How we can help others, before it is too late.

An ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions (a great reading group guide included).

Fault line: “A divisive issue or difference of opinion that is likely to have serious consequences.” A fault line is something that will divide you and lead to some serious issues in a marriage. Physical fault lines are located beneath the surface of the earth. So they are not easily noticed. The only way a fault line can be recognized is by going deep. By looking below the surface. Cracks. This involves communication-before it is too late. As in an earthquake, it often “causes great destruction or upheaval.” Destruction or survival. (Thought-provoking)

Mixed with domestic suspense and crime—Fans of Amy Hatvany, Randy Susan Meyers, Barbara Claypole White and Diane Chamberlain will enjoy the powerful and complex highly charged topics of family. My first book by the author, and look forward to reading more!

In addition to the digital reading copy, also purchased the audiobook narrated by Donna Postel, for an engaging performance. I always enjoy Postel –narrator of Donna Ball, Ellen Meister, J. Carson Black’s books, among others.

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4.5 stars