Welcome to Book Review Tuesday. Today, I’m thrilled to share another five star read. I’d like to clarify that I never publicly review a book unless I’m able to provide a minimum of three stars—which I consider an average read. That’s why you mostly see four and five star reviews on my blog with the occasional three star. Today’s book definitely earns five sparkly stars.
That Darkest Place
by Marcia Meara
The third book of the Riverbend series focuses primarily on Painter brothers, Jackson and Forrest, though youngest brother Hunter, is still a strong presence in his unique and quiet way. I fell in love with his character in book two.
At the end of Finding Hunter, Jackson was behaving horribly—lashing out at those around him, physically and verbally abusive. He ended up in a car accident believed to be the result of drunk driving. In That Darkest Place, the truth of what really took place and why is quickly revealed. Once brought to light, Jackson’s long road to recovery begins.
Once again, Meara tackles some weighty issues, but the most powerful theme is the unshakable bond of family, specifically brothers. Forrest and Hunter are not about to let Jackson muddle through on his own. Presenting a united front, they eventually have Jackson back to functioning almost normally again. Along the way there are physical and emotional hurdles to overcome, but there are also heartwarming and humorous moments to offset the weightier scenes.
In addition, both Forrest and Jackson meet women who impact their lives. It’s especially fun seeing Forrest—the former ladies’ man of Riverbend—thrown off-kilter in his first serious relationship. If that isn’t enough, Meara tosses in an unidentified stalker who holds a grudge against Jackson and isn’t afraid to act on that bitterness. The thread adds a nice mystery element to the book which culminates in a heart-pounding ending.
As always, the writing is polished with a pace to keep you flipping pages. If you like fiction that engages your heart and is flavored with strong family bonds, romance, mystery, and characters who remain with you long after you turn the final page, don’t miss That Darkest Place. It’s filled with light and love.
Amazon link
Genre: Psychological Fiction > Romantic Suspense
Just added The Darkest Place to my reading list. Can’t think how I missed this one!
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It’s wonderful! You will surely love it. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Mae…
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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All is well, Jaye–you’ve discovered it now! 😀 Hope you’ll enjoy it when you have time to check it out. The Painter Brothers are very near and dear to my heart. 🙂 ❤
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Thank you for the reblog!
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Wonderful review Mae and congratulations Marcia.. will share in an update next Monday.
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Oh, thanks so much, Sally! I’m very excited to be included in that! 🙂 ❤
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Delighted to do so Marcia..hugsx
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That’s fantastic! I will be away on vacation and will miss that update but I know that Marcia will appreciate it. I hope my review entices others to this wonderful book!
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From your lips to God’s ears, Mae! 🙂 ❤ And yep, I'll truly enjoy Sally's post! 🙂
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Congratulations to Marcia, and Mae, I love your idea about not reviewing books you can’t give three stars or above. I’ve been wrestling with a couple of books I’ve read that have been pretty ordinary but wasn’t sure how to review them. I think I’ll adopt your three stars or above ethos. 🤗
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Thank you, Jessica! And I’m with you and Mae on the review thing. I figured out years ago there were plenty of people out there happy to say negative things about books. They don’t need my help. So I no longer review books I don’t enjoy, period. I feel much better about it, too, than when I was telling people what I didn’t like about some books. Besides, my time is too valuable to me to waste it reading books I don’t like. If I’m not enjoying them, I toss them aside and find a book I DO like.l (And then I review it. 😀 )
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Exactly! Couldn’t have said it better! And best of luck with the book too ❤️
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That Darkest Place is a fantastic read. I’ve found I love sharing reviews of books I enjoy. It’s a tough call on reviews, but odds are if I can’t give a book at least three stars, I’m going to DNF it anyway. If I were strictly a book blogger and didn’t write as well, I might feel differently, but I plan to stick with the three star rule–especially on my blog!
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I think your plan is a good one! SO many great books out there, it’s a shame to waste time on ones that aren’t working for you. 🙂
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Me too I think!
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I have this on my TBR and enjoyed Swamp Ghosts, the first book in the series. I’m looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for sharing your review, Mae 🙂
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Good to know, Harmony! Yay! (But do read Finding Hunter first, so you’ll understand the family dynamics and the things that led up to the opening scene in That Darkest Place.) I hope you’ll enjoy both of them when you find time to check them out. Thanks! 🙂
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It’s a great series, Harmony. And Maggie and Gunn continue to make cameo appearances throughout Finding Hunter and That Darkest Place. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them!
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I don’t know if you have ever noticed, but I unofficially have a three-star rule as well 🙂 This book sounds like it truly does warm the heart as sibling relationships are like no other relationship you will ever have (being the oldest of six – I know a bit about that). Thank you for another great recommendation and review!
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Thanks so much, Theresa! I agree. That unbreakable bond between brothers is the one that especially moves my heart, and the Painter Brothers are very dear to me. Hope you’ll check out the series when you get a chance, and that you’ll enjoy all three books. (More will be forthcoming, too, as the sleepy little town of Riverbend, Florida boasts a small but very interesting population of characters.)
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I look forward to them 🙂
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You’re the oldest of six? I can picture a full house at holidays, LOL. My husband is one of six siblings, although he’s second youngest. I do love stories that deal with brothers or sisters. Any siblings. Even father/son and mother/daughter relationships suck me in.I love how Marcia handled her brothers in That Darkest Place.
I think the three-star rule is a good one. Every now and then, I like to repost that philosophy because the bulk of my reviews are 4 and 5 stars. I will mention if I DNF a book, but even then I don’t mention the title. If I can’t give it three stars, it’s definitely going to be a DNF for me. There are far too many other books waiting to be read!
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I’m getting ready to start book two and I see this one as coming up on my TBR list soon! Great review, Mae!
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I do hope you enjoy #2, Finding Hunter, Joan, and then you’ll be all set to read That Darkest Place. I sort of gave readers a push at the end of FH that I hope makes it impossible not to see what else is about to happen. Not a cliffhanger, though, which I don’t much like. But a set-up to the next story, which I do. 😀 Can’t wait to see what you think of Hunter Painter when you meet him. He’s my favorite character. So far. 😀 Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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I can’t wait to see your reviews, Joan! Books 2 and 3 are my favorites of the series. Swamp Ghosts was fantastic, but I love the focus on the Painter brothers for books 2 and 3. I know you’ll enjoy both of them!
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I actually agree, Mae. While I loved writing Swamp Ghosts, and creating those characters, and it’s done well for me, it was only the second book I’d ever produced. I’d like to think that my writing grows stronger with each following one. (Of course, just because I’d LIKE to think that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true, but that’s my goal, anyway.) 😀
Plus, the more I move away from RomSupense, the more I like psychological drama, and family conflicts. I VERY much enjoyed writing Books 2 and 3 in this series, and hope to do others in that vein.
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Ooo, not just five stars, but “five sparkly stars.” Sounds great!
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Those sparkles make all the difference, don’t they, Priscilla? 😀 I love this review SO much, though, that’d I’d take the stars plain, too. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you get a chance to read the series someday. And I hope you enjoy it, too! 🙂
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I do have a habit of being somewhat giddy about books that resonate with me, LOL!
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Yes, but those sparkly stars are a very happy thing to receive!! (And I’m super happy the book resonated with you!) 🙂 ❤
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This sounds like another excellent book by Marcia, Mae. I have one of Marcia’s on my TBR.
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Thanks, Robbie. I hope you enjoy them all, as you find time to read them. I don’t know how you do everything you do, anyway. (I’ve been enjoying all the photos of you on your wonderful trip to Scotland, etc. What a dream come true something like that would be for me!) Thanks for stopping by today! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you, Marcia. Scotland was a great place to visit. We all enjoyed it a great deal. Budapest was also amazing and I learned so much. I am hoping for Ireland next year.
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You GO, girl!! Enjoy every minute of these wonderful trips! 🙂 ❤
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I’ve now read everything she’s written and can vouch that she definitely knows how to tell a good tale.I fall in love with her characters every time. Whatever book is on your TBR, it’s a winner–they all are! 🙂
Happy reading, Robbie!
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Wow. You can’t get a better testimonial than that!!! Thank you so much, Mae! I’m beyond thrilled that you feel that way! Back to work on the final 3 chapters of my 4th Wake-Robin Ridge book, now. Oh, that Rabbit! He’s too clever for his own good sometimes! 😀
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I can’t wait to get caught up in his newest adventure
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Marcia is very talented. Her poetry is also outstanding. I am working through my list, Mae. So many wonderful authors. I have Harmony’s new book coming up soon.
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mae, both for this absolutely wonderful review of That Darkest Place, and for sharing it here on your blog today. I love that YOU loved these brothers, because they are so very special to me.
When we breathe life into our characters and set them loose in the world, nothing is better than finding out they’ve touched other people! It’s the greatest feeling in the universe and the main reason we gather up all these words and spread them out on paper for readers to pore over. I love that I’m finally doing that, and most of all, I love when others tell me they’ve enjoyed reading my tales. I’ll be reblogging this on The Write Stuff later today, after my #ShareAReviewDay guests have had their time in the spotlight. Can’t wait to share it with the Immediate World!
Thank you once again for reminding me why I’m toiling away every day at this stage of my life, when I could be relaxing in a rocking chair on the porch, drinking iced tea, and gossiping about the neighbors. (Eeeek.) 😀
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I can’t imagine you rocking away and gossiping about the neighbors–no way! There are too many books to write, characters to breathe life into, and presentations to give. I’m so glad you discovered your passion for writing because your stories certainly touch hearts. I hope the Painter boys will show up in the succeeding Riverbend stories, much like Maggie and Gunn do.
And I just remembered Team Loki from the book, as I was typing this LOL! That was a treat for this Loki fan 🙂
So glad you liked my review. It’s my pleasure to share it with others!
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Hahahahaha. I totally forgot to ask you about Team Loki! Me, I’m Team Thor, as evidenced by Gunnar Wolfe, BUT, I’ve heard it rumored there are actually folks out there who prefer Loki. Imagine! *snort*
And don’t worry. If all goes well, I’ll be writing books from now until I fall face down on the keyboard. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s my idea of the perfect way to go! 🙂 Thanks for this great review and post today. I’m still doing the Snoopy Happy Dance, but I may have to bring that to a close. My feet are killing me! 😀 ❤
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LOL! Well, there’s room for Team Thor and Team Loki. I wouldn’t have a problem hopping into the other camp –just for a day or two, and then it would be back to where I belong…with a Snoopy dance! 😀
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I have the same policy, Mae – nothing below three stars for me. Thanks for sharing your review, and congrats to Marcia on the fantastic review!
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Thanks, Teri! It’s such a great review, and from someone who really “gets” why I love telling this type of story. I’m so happy she enjoyed the book this much! And yeah, I’d never leave less than three stars, because a two-star book isn’t something I’d likely finish, anyway. My reading time is way too precious to spend on books that aren’t working for me, especially when there are so many excellent ones out there. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by today, and hope you’ll have a chance to meet the Painter Brothers at some point. I know how you are with those brotherly bonds! 😀
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I’m realizing a lot of authors seem to stick to that policy for reviews. And if it’s not three stars, it’s going to be a DNF for me anyway.
Thanks for checking out the review, Teri!
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Congratulations, Marcia. I like that policy on reviews. As writers ourselves spreading negativity doesn’t help anyone, and it could come back to bite us.
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Thanks, Craig. It was such a wonderful treat to read her thoughts on That Darkest Place! And I agree on the reviews. Besides, there’s enough negativity in the world at large, as it is. No need to add more.
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Yep. I’m sure I’d feel different if I was a book blogger and not a writer. Then again, odds are I wouldn’t stick with a book that I couldn’t shower with at least three stars.
Marcia told an excellent story and earned every one of those glittery, sparkly stars for That Darkest Place. Thanks for visiting, Craig!
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Fabulous review of Marcia’s book. I like the way she goes deep into the emotional bonds that underscore her stories. And you write such tantalizing reviews, Mae, that I can’t help but get sucked in. Thanks for the recommendation and congrats to Marcia. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Diana. I write about the kinds of people I grew up around and still live among today, and I hope that lets me connect with them on a deep level. That’s what I try to share in my books, and it does my heart good to think I may have succeeded with the Painter brothers.
And Mae’s reviews positively rock! This one touched my heart, because I could tell she “got it.” *happy sigh* Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you’ll enjoy these books if you get a chance to read them. 🙂 ❤
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So cool to hear that about my reviews, Diana! 🙂
I completely agree with you about Marcia’s books. Characters are what make a book worth reading for me. I love the emotional attachments I form. And that’s all the more likely to happen when I see and feel the attachments between them unfold on the page. That Darkest Place is a gem of a story.
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New tag line: That Darkest Place is a gem of a story. I like it! 😀 ❤
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It sounds as though Marcia captured how complicated family relationships get. Three brothers who bond together make great characters. As always, you tempt us with your reviews! Congrats to Marcia for a great story.
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I know a thing or two about complicated family relationships, for sure, having been through some, myself. And I HOPE I’m doing a decent job of translating tricky issues to the written word. I’m learning more about writing every day, but in the meantime, getting a review like this just makes me happier than I can describe! Mae’s words touched my heart and left me doing her favorite Snoopy Happy Dance all around the room. (Only slower, and more clumsily than Mae would, being as how I have a LOT of years on her! 😀 )
Thanks so much for stopping by, Judi, and I hope you get a chance to meet the Painter Brothers & the rest of the denizens of Riverbend yourself one day!
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You are too funny 🙂
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I’ve always known my main purpose in life was to provide the Comic Relief. 😀 It’s a job I don’t mind in the least, even if my books make you snivel along the way. Sooner or later, they should make you laugh, too. 😀 ❤
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You accomplish both equally well!
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Thank you, Judi. That Darkest Place is such a wonderful story, it’s my hope others will be tempted to read it. The whole series is fantastic but books 2 (Finding Hunter) and 3 (TDP) are my favorites. I really became smitten with all three brothers.
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Great to know, Mae, because yes, they will pop up here and there throughout the entire series, I’m sure. It’s a small town. Everybody knows everybody else, and cross paths often. Besides, I don’t want to let them go, myself. 😀 Aren’t we writers funny birds? We fall in love with our characters and can’t bear to part with them!
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Thanks so much for sharing, Mae! A book recommendation from you carries a lot of weight in my world! 🙂 Congrats, Marcia!
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That is so sweet of you to say, Jan.
Many thanks and many thanks for checking out the review. I loved this book! {{hugs}}
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Thanks so much, Jan. I love Mae’s reviews, too, and I was thrilled with this one. It was so great to find out she enjoyed my Painter brothers! They are pretty special to me, and it simply made my day! 🙂
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Fantastic review, Mae! I have to catch up on Marcia’s books soon 🙂
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She has an amazing gift for storytelling. I’m impatiently awaiting her next WRR book!
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All kinds of stuff going on in it, Mae, from new characters who will remain throughout the life of the series, to new characters who … um … don’t. 😀 I’m hoping to have it ready for at least a cover reveal in a couple more weeks! ❤
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Snoopy dancing!!
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Thanks, Jacquie! I agree the review was wonderful, and I’ll be very eager to see if you agree on this series, especially this this third book. I really loved telling this story, both the dramatic bits and the funny ones. If you get a chance to read it, I hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
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I agree on the three-star limit. Anything less and I toss the book. Super review, Mae. Congrats, Marcia.
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Thanks, John! I thought the review was amazing, myself, and am still smiling, having grown too tired to continue the Snoopy Happy Dance! 😀 Mae rocks! 🙂
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😁
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I’m with you, John. There are too many good books out there to wade through 1 and 2 star books. I DNF as well.
Glad you enjoyed the review. Marcia definitely delivered those sparkly stars!
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She did. Thanks, Mae.
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
It’s a great day, indeed, when you wake up to Mae Clair sharing a 5-star review of one of your books! I hope you’ll read what she has to say about my 3rd Riverbend book, That Darkest Place. Because of circumstances beyond my control, I didn’t get any marketing done on this one, and a review like this really does my heart good. I hope you’ll share it far and wide, thanks. And my heartfelt thanks to Mae, too! This made my day, my week, and probably the rest of my month, as well! 😀
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Woohoo! Thank you for the awesome reblog, I am SO HAPPY to have you spread the word on how much I loved this book, You really have a knack for creating characters I become besotted with!
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But … but … but do you even know what besotted MEANS, Mae? 😀 😀 😀 (Just a little inside joke, here.) And trust me, I was tickled pink to reblog this. I want everyone to know Jackson, Forrest, and Hunter have the Mae Clair Seal of Approval! 😀 ❤
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🙂
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BTW, that was meant to be Bailey talking to Forrest. 😉
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I didn’t even catch that—but I knew that, LOL!
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I had a feeling you missed it, but I can’t imagine why! It’s not like you have anything much on your mind or a whole bunch of stuff to do, or the like! 😀 😀 😀
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😀
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Wonderful review, Mae! Adding Darkest Place to my TBR
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So glad you liked the review, Bette. Marcia really pulls some heartstrings with this one. I loved the relationships between the brothers!
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Thanks, Bette! Hope you’ll enjoy it when you get a chance to read it. (And the preceding ones, of course. 😀 ) I do love these brothers! And Mae’s review is still making me happy today! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 ❤
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If I hadn’t already read the book I’d be doing so now – a briilliant review that captures the essence of the book. I’ve read all of Marcia’s works now (the poetry’s amazing, too) and am eagerly awaiting the next Rabbit book.
As for 3* reviews, I’m the same. I do sometimes contact the author, tell them what worked for me, what didn’t, and do they want me to put up a 3* review that says that. Giving every review the full 5 devalues the currency. I have, occasionally, given a low rating to a much-hyped book that doesn’t seem to live up to the praise from the netGalley crew…
That Darkest Place fully deserves its 5 ‘sparkly’ stars!
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Hi, Trish. I’m glad you like my review. I’ve read all of Marcia’s books, including her poetry, and like you am eagerly awaiting the next Rabbit book. She tells so many good tales, it’s hard to choose a favorite.
I will put up a three star review, saying what I liked and didn’t like, but nothing lower than three stars. I think I once published a two-star review on GR for a book that was overhyped and already had in excess of a thousand reviews. I figured my two star wasn’t going to bring the rating down. I can’t remember what the book was, so clearly it didn’t leave much of an impression on me, LOL.
Thanks for stopping by today to check out my review, I’m glad you feel those sparkly stars are well deserved!
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What a great review! I have all the Riverbend books on my TBR. Now to find that elusive “reading time”! Congrats, Marcia!
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You’re sure to enjoy them, Julie. I wish there was a sure-fired way to pin down that elusive reading time. It always manages to flit away from all of us!
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