by Marisa de los Santos
Why did you choose this book? the story sounded like a good one
When did you read this book? April 2015
Who should read this book? readers who like family drama
Source: TLC Book Tours
From the New York Times bestselling author of Belong to Me, Love Walked In, and Falling Together comes a captivating novel about friendship, family, second chances, and the redemptive power of love.
In all her life, Eustacia “Taisy” Cleary has given her heart to only three men: her first love, Ben Ransom; her twin brother, Marcus; and Wilson Cleary—professor, inventor, philanderer, self-made millionaire, brilliant man, breathtaking jerk: her father.
Seventeen years ago, Wilson ditched his first family for Caroline, a beautiful young sculptor. In all that time, Taisy’s family has seen Wilson, Caroline, and their daughter, Willow, only once.
Why then, is Wilson calling Taisy now, inviting her for an extended visit, encouraging her to meet her pretty sister—a teenager who views her with jealousy, mistrust, and grudging admiration? Why, now, does Wilson want Taisy to help him write his memoir?
Told in alternating voices—Taisy’s strong, unsparing observations and Willow’s naive, heartbreakingly earnest yearnings—The Precious One is an unforgettable novel of family secrets, lost love, and dangerous obsession, a captivating tale with the deep characterization, piercing emotional resonance, and heartfelt insight that are the hallmarks of Marisa de los Santos’s beloved works.
My Review
I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to pick this one up. I’d only read one book by the author before, Falling Together, and it was a little bit of a disappointment. But I was attracted to the pretty cover of this one and the storyline sounded pretty good, so I decided to take a chance on it. I’m so glad I did! The characters were really interesting. The story is told from alternating points of view by the two main characters, sisters Taisy and Willow Cleary. I liked them both very much. I also liked Ben, Taisy’s first love, and Caro, Willow’s mother. And on the other end of the spectrum, it is hard to imagine a more despicable character than Wilson Cleary, the father of both sisters! He is pompous, arrogant, and heartless. But just when you think there couldn’t be a worse character... along comes Willow’s English teacher, Mr. Insley! He managed to make pompous, arrogant Wilson look like a compassionate, caring man!
I really enjoyed the character development as the story progressed. I also liked the way the back story was revealed a bit at a time, telling us about Taisy’s past relationship with Ben, and letting us see how she tried so hard to gain Wilson’s love! We also saw very clearly the contrast in the parenting she received from Wilson, and the parenting he gave to Willow, his ‘precious one’. There were some twists to the story that I didn’t expect, but very much enjoyed. On the other hand, I did feel like everything was wrapped up just a little too neatly and a little too quickly. The story ended happily, though not ‘fairy-tale happy’, and I found that satisfying, but I felt like Wilson’s story was revealed a little too quickly when it was finally revealed. I also felt like the Mr. Insley story line wasn’t really resolved. While there is some hint of what MIGHT come next, we really don’t know.
This book will lead to some great discussions by book clubs, with possible discussion topics of forgiveness and how resentment harms the person who can’t let it go, helicopter parenting, and many others. You can find discussion questions at Reading Group Guides. Pick this one up. You won’t be sorry!
About Marisa de los Santos
Marisa de los Santos has published three New York Times bestselling novels for adults, including Love Walked In and Belong to Me, while David Teague is the author of the picture books Franklin’s Big Dreams and Billy Hightower. Saving Lucas Biggs is their first joint venture. Married for over twenty years, Marisa and David live with their two children, Charles and Annabel, and their Yorkies, Finn and Huxley, in Wilmington, Delaware.
My Rating: ★★★★ 4 Stars
This book review is included in a tour by TLC Book Tours. I was provided a copy for review purposes and have written an honest review which appears above..
Marisa’s Tour Stops
Tuesday, March 24th: The Discerning Reader
Wednesday, March 25th: Kahakai Kitchen
Thursday, March 26th: The Book Bag
Friday, March 27th: Kritters Ramblings
Tuesday, March 31st: My Book Retreat
Wednesday, April 1st: BookNAround
Thursday, April 2nd: A Novel Review
Monday, April 6th: Write Meg
Tuesday, April 7th: A Bookish Way of Life
Wednesday, April 8th: Time 2 Read
Thursday, April 9th: Vox Libris
I've been hearing some good things about this book. I read another of this author's works several years ago and like it a lot. Have not read her last book before this one.
ReplyDelete