The Shadow of Your Smile Book Review

A Deep Haven Novel

SUMMARY:  A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can't quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston's marriage. After twenty-five years, they're contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn't remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What's more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can't remember? Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future?

REVIEW:  This book was interesting.  The main characters, Noelle and Eli, are ready to give up on their marriage.  A few years earlier, the loss of their daughter sent them both into a tail spin, severely fracturing their relationship with each other and their two surviving sons.  As they are unknowingly seeking separate lives, Noelle witnesses a murder and robbery and loses her memory when she slips and falls while escaping the men.  I like the way Eli pursues Noelle, giving her time to adjust to a life she has no memory of, helping her when she needs it as she searches for something that will show her a part of her forgotten past.  I don't like it when Eli decides to withhold information about the death of their daughter Kelsey and some calls Noelle receives from an art institute.  I do like how they decide to overcome the past, forgive the recent hurts and wrongs, and hope to build a future together (again).
     I also like the secondary story of Kyle and Emma.  As their relationship develops, it is indirectly affected by the choices Noelle and Eli make, choices that almost tear the family apart a second time.  Kyle and Emma have to look past the hurts of others to find out what they have together.
     This is the sixth book in the Deep Haven series but you would never know it.  Each book stands on its own.  I liked this book very much and would love to go back and read the first four.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press.  A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she's also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.  A seasoned women's events speaker, she's a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer's workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.  She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. 

Find out more at www.susanmaywarren.com.