Donna Marie Lanheady

This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on January 17, 2013.

This is a very quick read. The action is direct and to the point and there's not a whole lot of world building. In this case though it's not really necessary. The story moves itself along quite well.

There are a lot of secrets in this novel. Emily and her brother Eric are keeping a secret from their father that his business isn't doing as well since he is ill. And Emily is in for quite a shock when she finds out that her mother and father have lied to her all her life about who she really is. I won't give away the whole plot line, but lets just say it's quite significant.

Along with this shocking secret comes a great deal of money. Emily isn't sure if she wants to take it because of it's origins, and I have to say that I admired this strength in her character. Emily truly stood up for herself and her principles even though it made others unhappy. Particularly her brother Eric. He was rather selfish and mean about the whole ordeal, thinking that Emily owed it to him and their family to use her inheritance to save their family business. He also started to treat her differently, which was really insensitive. Lainey, Emily's parents and her girlfriend Katie were all supportive of her decision though, so I'd guess that as a way to add some extra conflict to the story it was easy to make Eric the bad guy.

The story really makes you stop to think about what's really important in life and how you define yourself. And sometimes when that all changes, something good can come out of a tumultuous situation, it all depends on how you handle it.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*… (plus d'informations)

I received a free e-copy of this novel, When Innocence Falls, from the author, Donna Lanheady. Thank you!

I enjoyed this novel which is Book 1 in a series. It's my understanding that Book 2 will be out in the fall of 2014. Can't wait!

The characters were strong and likable. They were friendly, nice, and helpful to each other so quick friendships were formed. I would have like a little more background on some of them and perhaps that will come in the next book.

This is an interesting mystery surrounding an orphanage, the priests and nuns who run it, an accident that happened there many years ago, and a young journalist who wants to get to the bottom of the mystery. Makes for a fast read.

I love the setting in Colorado as I did in Ms. Lanheady's previous book, Whoever You Are. The settings make me want to visit there on a long vacation. And how refreshing it was to read a novel with no cursing or foul language. Keep up the great work!… (plus d'informations)

This novel was a free download on another site from the author. Thank you!

I liked this novel which is set in beautiful Colorado. The author did a great job of describing the surroundings throughout the novel. Even though I've never been there, it was easy to picture the scenes.

This is a fast, easy read with likeable characters, except for Eric, and it has an especially strong protagonist, Emily. Perhaps if the author had delved into Eric's background, I could have understood his attitude. Emily has to overcome her family's lies and secrets so there's plenty of drama included as the story unfolds.

The novel flows at a nice pace and I thought the ending was appropriate. I feel the author was telling us that our lives can change in a heartbeat and for Emily, it certainly did. Very enjoyable novel.… (plus d'informations)

Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/12/whoever-you-are.html

What defines who you are as a person? Is it family? Is it race? Is it sexual orientation? Is it your career? And what if one element changes? What if you learn that you don't come from where you thought? Does that change who you are? These are the questions that this book deals with.

Emily McGinn is secure in her life, her relationships, and where she belongs. Then, she receives a large inheritance from someone she does not know. Questions about the inheritance lead to discoveries that make Emily question those who love her and her own view of herself.

The question the author poses is a significant one. The potential for a great story exists. However, this book falls a little short. The story addresses the question on many different levels - some unnecessary - and does so in a relatively short span. As such, the book seems rushed.

I loved the Donna Marie Lanheady's first book, Where Secrets Lie, (reviewed November 2011, Where Secrets Lie). In this one, I see the potential if not the implementation. I do look forward to reading more.

*** Reviewed based on a copy received from the author ***… (plus d'informations)