The details…
- Title: Suspecting Her
- Author: Mary P. Burns
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
- Publication date: September 14, 2021
- Available formats: ebook, paperback
- File size: 1170 KB
- Print length: 268 pages
- ISBN: 163555960X
- Genre: contemporary romance
- Theme: love, friendship, trust, self-confidence, racism
- Trope: age-gap
The blurb from the publisher…
Erin O’Connor is broke in more ways than one. A rising star in the art world, her last showing crashed and burned, wrecking her marriage on the way down. Now her finances are in ruins, and she may have to leave New York City. To help Erin out, her best friend, journalist Nat Robicheaux, hires her to help research a story about racist practices at a local realty company.
Catherine Williams, Sumter Realty’s top saleswoman, thought she was done with relationships when her last one imploded. But when Erin walks into one of her open houses, all bets are off. She invites Erin to a private showing. Then, she asks her to dinner. And a friend’s wedding. The more time she spends with Erin, the deeper she falls.
My thoughts…
This book grabbed my attention within the first few pages and it did not let go. Erin O’Connor, the romantic lead in this heartfelt tale, tugged at my heartstrings and endeared herself to me quite quickly. She’s a flawed and somewhat broken character trying to regain her confidence and get her career back on track after having it shattered by her ex. She seems unable to move forward from this heartbreaking experience and it affects nearly every aspect of her life, especially her art. Fortunately, her best friend Nat Robicheaux is always there for her, offering support and encouragement at every turn. Nat finds her jobs when she’s floundering and keeping her from becoming dead-broke. Because of her unwavering support, Erin is incredibly loyal to her. She would do anything for Nat, including letting a real shot at love slip through her fingers so Nat can get the big break she so deserves at her online newspaper.
This is a great story. I loved the sub-plot. The dynamics between the characters are wonderfully manipulated to create a big effect, making the storytelling rich and layered. Burns uses Erin and Nat’s friendship to create a unique tension, one that places Erin in a moral dilemma and risks road-blocking the romance with Catherine. This all works to make the storytelling a bit suspenseful and unnerving at times. Readers are never quite sure how it’s all going to play out. Will Erin honor her friendship with Nat, or will she take a chance on love with Catherine? Theses questions create a bit of angst for readers and lead to some no-regrets, late-night reading.
Burns is a skilled writer. Her character work is solid. She gives her readers characters that are believable and sympathetic. Readers like these people and want them all to get what they deserve. For Nat, it’s success. For Erin and Catherine, it’s love. Even though the friendship is important to the story, it’s the romance that really gets the readers. Burns does a nice job setting it up too. Readers like Catherine and they want to see her with Erin. Burns plays on readers’ sympathies, giving them all the feels they expect in a good romance.
Final remarks…
This was my first Burns novel, but it won’t be my last. She’s a solid writer and strong storyteller. Her writing style flows naturally across the page, making her a real joy to read. Suspecting Her has real substance. It’s an engaging romance built on a solid plot and well-developed characters. I was a little sad to see it end, but I’m excited to see what she comes up with next.
Strengths…
- Engaging
- Entertaining
- Likable, interesting leading ladies
- well-formed and constructed story
- Interesting sub-plot
- Captivating romance
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A bit about the author…
Mary Burns is a longtime resident of New York City. When not writing, she is…writing, because after breaking a twenty-year-long writer’s block, she doesn’t want to do anything else. Except see her therapist once a week, and maybe a couple of Broadway or cabaret shows every month.
Mary received a master of fine arts in playwriting from Columbia University in 1991 and lives with her partner of sixteen years, a retired teacher.
Connect with the author…
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