Secrets can be deadly

This is the second novel by Barbara Delinsky that I've read, and I enjoyed it. The plot of this novel focuses on the relationship of a recently divorced woman and her teenage daughter who are involved in an accident while driving home a rainy night. The mother's decision about the events of that night cause more heartache and grief than either of them could have ever imagined.

Delinsky is a great storyteller. I think I enjoy her books because of the relationships that are explored. Divorce is probably never easy for any child, but you add in the stress of high expectations from parents who are not really talking to each other or anyone else, a grandfather who expects perfection from everyone even though he has secret flaws of his own, and a little brother with serious eye problems and it's enough to make any 16-year-old crazy. The lengths to which the mother goes to protect her daughter is admirable, even if it's misguided. This is a great look at a mother-daughter relationship.

I personally enjoyed the Jill character, who doesn't really care what anyone thinks about her, because she reminded me of my favorite aunt.

In the end, the family pulls together and resolves most of their issues. A satisfying novel that leaves just enough "what if" to keep it from having one of those "tied up in a neat bow" endings that I absolutely hate.

I'm adding her new one to my library cue.