Hidden by Catherine McKenzie

Published by HarperCollinsCanada

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” 
― Thomas Campbell

I love books, and what I truly love about the whole reading experience is when a book grabs hold of you and refuses to let go until the last page. This, for me, is one of those books. They say when people are dealing with difficult situations, it speaks volumes about character, and in the prologue we are introduced to Jeff Manning who is facing one of the most difficult days of his life. I couldn't help but react with admiration and empathy and by the end of the prologue, I was already reeling from the possibility of never being able to know this man more.

When Jeff Manning's life is cut short, so unexpectedly, it really takes a toll on his family and friends, and none so much as his wife Claire, and their son Seth. As the days continue though, it's pretty clear to Claire that the presence of Tish - one of Jeff's co-workers - is something more than it seems. If you had suspicions, wouldn't you want to know?  Trying to hold things together, for Seth, and for herself is difficult, and with the constant questions in her mind, along with the resurfacing of Jeff's estranged brother Tim.. it's almost more than she can bear.

The book is narrated by multiple characters, which is something I almost always enjoy. Claire of course is one of them, Tish the co-worker is another, and the character I loved hearing from most was Jeff himself. Although it's bittersweet knowing he's already dead and that can never be undone, it's still a joy to be able to know more of him, through his own eyes.

I found this to be a warmly written, highly emotional read that really delivers. I've liked many of Catherine McKenzie's books but I think this has to be my favourite so far. I love her writing style and it's not many who can create a high level of suspense within such a few short pages, and fuel that suspense throughout the entire novel without it breaking. My heart was in my mouth so often and it's definitely, for me at least, one of those books that even as you read, you catch your mind racing in every direction trying to piece together the information and answer questions that you can't shake.

I couldn't put this book down, both times. It went everywhere with me (yes, I was even that crazy person sitting outside the store in the minivan, in -10c temperatures, reading away because I couldn't bear to put the book down long enough to join my husband in the store).  The author skillfully draws out the story as well as leading the reader on an emotional roller-coaster which brought tears more than a few times. It's a highly charged, intelligent read that brings so much to mind regarding grief, and unresolved issues, but also with regard to ethics. I've tried to share as much as I can without sharing much of the book itself as I firmly believe that you'll find it much more rewarding to be able to read the book yourself. I'd like to think you'll enjoy it as much as I do.  For me, Hidden is now a favourite that will be re-read often. While it's been days since I last read it, Claire, Tish, and Jeff, are very much still on my mind.  I love characters that haunt.

I reviewed this title as part of a Holiday Blog Tour, for which you'll find the info below. Thank you to everyone who organized it, for having me along for the ride! Do take time to go and see what my fellow tour bloggers had to say and I'm sure many will agree, that this is a title that would make a great gift that will not disappoint. Also, when you get this title and read it, do drop me a comment and let me know what you think of it too! I love hearing from fellow bookworms,

Author's website - http://catherinemckenzie.com/

After River by Donna Milner

Published by Harper Perennial an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and HarperCollins Publishers Canada

Natalie Ward is a 15 year old girl, living in the Cascades of British Columbia. Natalie and her family live a happy life with their dairy farm - a farm that is known in the community as a place where all are welcomed, where every visitor is fed, and where love so obviously and abundantly resides.

Then one day a stranger arrives and accepts a job as a farmhand. Though some in the community are less than thrilled with the arrival of an American draft dodger, the Ward family are happy to have River with them. That is until tragedy strikes and a family is torn apart. Some 35 years later, circumstances make it essential for Natalie to face her fears and return to the home she has avoided for so long...

I found this novel to be a real page-turner. I had read the blurb on the back of the book and it seemed interesting but I have to say, neither that synopsis, or the one I have written above actually do this book justice. I fell in love with this novel very quickly thanks to the wonderfully developed characters and the brilliant storytelling talents of the author. Donna Milner has a gift for weaving a story so gracefully, so vividly, making the story come to life in your mind without ever providing any real clues as to the next twist or turn. In doing so she adds an air of mystery to an already dramatic and emotionally stimulating read that just really heightens the senses. Perhaps that is why this book seems so stunningly real while reading it. The downside is that when the last page is turned, it almost feels like one is saying goodbye to very dear friends.

I will definitely be reading more by this author and highly recommend you pick this one up but be warned, you are going to have great difficulty putting it back down once you do!

Author's website: http://donnamilner.com/

When Did I Get Like This? by Amy Wilson

Published by William Morrow an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and HarperCollins Publishers Canada

When Did I Get Like This? (The Screamer, The Worrier, The Dinosaur-Chicken-Nugget Buyer & Other Mothers I Swore I'd Never Be) is a book that I wish had been available when I was a mom-to-be and new mom. In this book Amy Wilson shares her thoughts and experiences as a mother and how her outlook has changed with each new child.

While reading this book I often found myself bouncing between two emotions. I found it to be an enjoyable and hilarious read at times thanks to Amy's honest and humour-filled anecdotes. The most vivid example was a flight in which Amy and her children flew to Orlando. I'm not going to talk about it here and spoil your fun but believe me when I say that it will stick in your mind for a long time and I think she ought to have recieved a medal for that day.

The second emotion was sadness. I constantly find myself disturbed by the pressure on a parent these days. I feel as though it's not enough to raise a child who is happy, fulfilled, responsible, well-balanced, and with good grades. It seems to have crossed the line into a realm where if your child hasn't been singled out as the second coming of Einstein, then you have somehow failed.

This is a great book. It reminds us what is really important when it comes to our children. It also shows us that you don't have to be a perfect stepford mom in order to be a successful mom. Now this is the kind of parenting book I can get behind! I think a quote from Amy's site says it best:

When Did I Get Like This? is the hilarious story of one mother’s struggle to shrug off the ridiculous standards of modern parenting, and remember how to enjoy her children.

Author's website: http://www.amywilson.com

The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee by Sarah Silverman

Published by HarperCollins Publishers Canada

I knew I was going to enjoy this book as soon as I held it in my hands. The back cover contains the often seen 'advance praise' you find on a book. However, this advance praise is provided in the form of quotes obtained from children aged 2-6 and struck me as particularly funny. Inside the flap of the jacket is a questionnaire that helps the reader to establish if they are going to like the book or be terribly offended. Both of these features caused me to feel good about this title before I had even turned a page.

The Bedwetter is an interesting read. In it, Sarah Silverman shares many different aspects of her life. I was greatly surprised by the lengths to which she opened up and came across as almost vulnerable at times. Even the most shocking of anecdotes (and there are more than a few!) reveal a more naive, innocent, and very unique individual. It's certainly one of the more interesting biographies I have read and the inclusion of photographs, especially the full colour images in the center of this book, added a little something.

The book reads with a flowing quality, helped I suspect by the wonderfully designed layout which clearly shows where each anecdote begins and ends. If it were not for that layout, with some of the anecdotes being a mere paragraph long I imagine the reader could have had quite a jarring experience. It was great to see that so much thought clearly went into this.

All in all, I liked this. It was an entertaining read. I love that Sarah Silverman can bring fun and laughter to any situation. That said, I admit that some parts of this book were not for me. I found myself struggling to find the humour in some of the writing when it was very clearly destined to make the reader laugh. The language and content may not be for everyone but if you aren't easily offended and have a good sense of humour, give it a whirl. You won't regret it!

I have to add too, that I had purchased the DVD of the Sarah Silverman Program and I hadn't known quite what to think of it, though some of the content was pretty hilarious. I revisited that DVD once I completed this book and had a whole new appreciation for the humour. That added a little something to this book for me.

You can browse inside this book at HarperCollins Canada by clicking here