This book was very believable and easy to read, but very slow and boring in my opinion.

This story follows Annie Delancey and her happy, grown family as the child she gave up for adoption while she was a teenager tries to contact her. This ends up causing trouble within the family and the story follows this very drama.

While the drama that occurred was believable, I found that a little bit more action or drama could have happened to make the story more interesting. While more drama might have made it seem less realistic, it also would have made for a better novel.

The story moved very slowly, but the writing was very beautiful. The descriptions and word choices by the author made it a very beautiful read. Once I got about two thirds into the book, I did find myself hooked to the story since I wanted to find out what was happening to the characters.

I found the ending to be quite lame and uneventful. I expected an interesting ending that showed how the characters were years later, instead of a small summary of a random event to the family.

I did enjoy this book, and I would suggest it to other people but I would not read the book again. Well written with a believable plot, but not the most attractive read to keep you hooked onto the book.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. ( )

3.5 stars Reviewed by IvyD for Miss Ivy's Book Nook
Annie Delancey has the perfect life. A successful business she built from the ground up doing something she loves, a supportive and loving husband, and three children navigating young adulthood. When she receives a letter from Kent Social Services her perfect life will be challenged by a secret she’s kept from her children; thirty-five years ago an unwed Annie gave her first born son up for adoption.

Annie told her husband, Richard, about Daniel prior to their marriage but the time had never seemed right to tell her children, Ed, Marsha, and Lucy. Now Daniel wants to connect with his birth mother leaving Annie no choice but to reveal her past to her children. After all, not a day has gone by that she hasn’t thought of him, wondered what he was like, if she’d done the right thing and had his adoptive parents loved him. Now she can meet the man the baby grew to be, discover the answer to all her questions, and ease her mind.

TANGLED LIVES, though not quite what I expected, was an emotionally realistic story about secrets, adoption, and complicated familial relationships. The upheaval caused by Daniel’s introduction into Annie’s family rings true. Ms. Boyd tells Daniel and the Delancey’s story in a way that allows the reader to see the effect on each person. No family member, with the possible exception of Annie’s mother, Eleanor, is left unscathed. You have to meet Eleanor to understand why. Can’t say I found her likeable, more someone you respect and begrudgingly admire for their accomplishments.

While others question if Daniel is who he says he is, Annie never does, especially after meeting him. What she does struggle with is why Richard can’t understand how important connecting with Daniel is to her. Annie understands Ed’s jealousy, after all it was to be expected, but what on earth is wrong with Richard? Surely he isn’t jealous of Daniel?

When a shocking accusation calls Daniel’s character and motives into question Annie’s familial relationships are strained to the breaking point by her unwavering support of him. Some family members question her decision. Why is she taking his side? Does she have any doubts about his version of events? How can she trust Daniel when she actually knows so little about him? Marjory (also known as Aunt Best) is Annie’s friend and owner of the unwed mother’s home she lived in. Marjory is the grounded voice of reason and wisdom throughout. Her willingness to speak the truth, no matter what, made her a favorite character.

The Delancey’s love and faith in each other will be tested via trial by fire. Will they survive intact or will Daniel and the chaos he brings tear their family apart? You’ll have to read TANGLED LIVES for yourself to find out. ( )