Holly Sheidenberger

Most days make absolutely no difference. But sometimes a single day can change your entire life forever.

A mother writes a letter to her daughter Camille a year after 5 significant days in the mother’s life in the past year - January 20, April 5, June 15, September 4, and October 3. As Lara writes the letter, she wonders if Camille will ever read it—a letter of truth. If Camille does read it, will Camille believe that Lara has written the truth? A truth only her mother knows.

After reading "Related By Blood," I wanted to read more of the author's writing and received this novelette after signing up for the author's newsletter. It is a compelling read. While finding it difficult to assign a star rating, I must admit that the story, although easily read in one sitting, is undeniably gripping and culminates in an unexpected ending.… (más)

In Seattle, Washington, Harris Cox is running for election in 2018 to be a U.S. Congressman, and his father, U.S. Senator William Cox, has been orchestrating his son's life to lead to this time. The win of this election. The win of the beginning of his son’s political career. Fifteen years ago, the Senator's dream for his son was almost crushed, but thankfully, at the most crucial moment, his son was wise to call him first. Harris has followed each step of his father's guidance, even the steps that infringed on his personal happiness with Cleo. The race is close, and every step must follow the plan, with the election only a month away. The plan to win!

The intrigue for me began as soon as the title captured my attention and the delight of introduction to an author that I had not previously read. Opening the book, I was delighted by the Table of Contents showing that a Prologue would introduce Harris and Cleo 15 years ago and then continue in succession from a month to different weeks to different days leading up to the election as I love that format and it was also clear a 3rd POV of a woman named Thalia would add another dimension before the election.

Power. Intellect. High Stakes. Calculating Risks. This is not a poker game; this is life, but for some, life is a game of winning, having it my way. Who will succeed? There are twists and turns, junctions, and detours, and choices are made at each twist, turn, junction, and detour. Right or wrong? I loved the suspense, the unexpected, and the choices I wouldn't even think of, and together, they made for a page-turning thrill ride from cover to cover.

It's a powerhouse of a stand-alone, but I'm excited by the possibilities that will come as this novel begins a new series.

Thank you to Holly Sheidenberger and Voracious Readers Only for a digital eARC of this novel.… (más)