From the beginning to end you will be in for one heck of a roller coaster ride, especially if you are as emotional as I am. This book will keep almost anyone entertained, as it crosses over so many different area's. If you love mysteries and puzzles, you won't be able to help yourself in trying to pull together the true story before it is finally revealed. That is what I found myself doing, as I continued each chapter.

You do not have to be a mother to understand the feeling of fear, helplessness, anxiety that Junie experiences with her daughter. You don't need to be married to understand the tension that this can bring to a couple. I think this is what I loved most about the book, the true "reality" of the characters. The realizing that what people show on the outside can be so very different than what is really going on.

This is a book that I will treasure, and surely be reading over and over again. Since in essence this book became personal to me, it will be hard to top this book in my favorites of all time. I promise that this is a book that you will enjoy even if it is something you typically don't read. It will leave an effect on you, it will cause you to think.
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This is an absolutely amazing book. Melissa has a way with pulling in the reader and making them care about her characters. In this book, you following Junie as she tries to first understand why her 4 year old daughter is regressing back to toddler-hood and then she takes you on her journey of discovering hidden things from the past which impacts everyone's future. Several different story lines come together with a surprising ending. ( )

The characters in this emotional story captured my attention from page one and held onto it right until the very end. I became totally engrossed, turning every page waiting to see what was going to be discovered, I ended up reading this in only three days, which for me is quite a feat!

The story follows Junie, a mother to Sarah and wife to Brian. Junie's childhood best friend, neighbour and also Brian's younger sister, Ellen, disappeared without a trace when they were very young, now 24 years ago, and still have no trace to where she is or what happened to her. Such a trauma has weighed heavily on Junie and she has buried so much of it within herself to stop herself feeling the pain. Junie and Brian became man and wife and had their daughter Sarah.

Suddenly, completely out the blue, Sarah withdraws from everyone, she stops talking, starts wetting the bed during the night and her character changes without reason. A wedge between Junie and Brian starts to build with so many unanswered questions and worry for their daughter. Not only that but Junie's dad dies suddenly and they have to return where they both dread to go, back home where Ellen disappeared.

Now back home Ellen becomes the forefront in Junie's mind, thoughts and images come back to her shocking her very being. She is left with more questions than answers. Her marriage to Brian worsens and Sarah's withdrawal intensifies. You share her fears, confusion, emptiness, her want for answers. What did really happen to Ellen? What has happened to Sarah to make her so unresponsive? What is it that Junie fears, that she is keeping buried deep inside?

My heart was pounding at times as there were different avenues of truth the story could take, it could have gone any way and I felt like I was holding my breath to find out what was going to be discovered.

An emotive and enthralling read that will have you turning pages as you cannot help become connected to the characters. In fact as I am writing this it is making me want to read it all over again! ( )

Junie definitely has a lot to deal with. Her four year old daughter is regressing and no longer speaking. Her husband is becoming more and more withdrawn and distant and her father passes away. Surely she can't handle any more. When she returns home for her fathers funeral old memories of her childhood friends disappearance come barreling toward her and Junie needs answers. But will she be able to handle what she finds...

This book is full of twists and turns and will keep you turning the page. I did find the writing dragging in parts but the need to know what happens next keeps you going. Definitely a book to read. ( )

Junie is dealing with so many issues from both her past and her present life that you just can't help but feel sympathy and connect strongly with her from the very beginning. Like a twisting path through a forest this story has many hidden surprises. One particular feature I loved was Junie's therapy through baking. The author captures the process and the healing for this character so well that I longed for a bite of these baked goods. An emotional story that grips your heart.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review ( )