The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate352 pages
Published November 2009 by Simon and Shuster (Downtown Press)
Source: ARC from publisher
Rebecca's life seemed to be a track for a happily-ever-life. She has a great job as a paralegal, is dating one of the firm's partners, lives in a wonderful condo and has a terrific dad. But things aren't always what they seem. As "The Secret of Joy" opens, Rebecca has serious concerns about where her relationship with Michael is headed and her father's battle with pancreatic cancer is about over. Then Rebecca's father makes a startling deathbed confession. Twenty-four years ago, he had a daughter by another woman. He has never seen the child nor spoken to the mother since the day she called to say the baby had been born. But, he tells Rebecca, there is a stash of letters to the daughter in a safe deposit box and he would like Rebecca to read them.
When Rebecca's father passes away, she is left adrift and can't help but think that she needs to meet her half-sister. Thanks to the internet, the sister turns out to be easy to find. Rebecca hops in a car and sets off to Maine to met her half-sister.
But Joy, who operates a singles tour bus, isn't in the least bit happy to see Rebecca. But she does invite Rebecca along for a weekend tour and as Rebecca spends time with Joy and the ladies on the tour, she learns as much about herself as she does about her sister.
Senate explores relationships of all kinds in "The Secret of Joy," father/daughter, sibling, love. It's a fun, light look that takes the time to dig a little deeper than the usual novel of this type. But, of course, there's always room to add in the hunky local. I've never read any Melissa Senate before, but I know she has a huge following and I can definitely understand the appeal. I'll look for more of her works when I need that book that you know will end with the characters having learned something and having made a better life for themselves.
Thanks to Sarah Reidy and Pocket Book Blog Tours for the chance to read this book.
I've never read any Melissa Senate either. Thanks for the heads-up!
ReplyDeletewow. sounds like such a neat read. i'll definitely have to add this one to my towering tbr list. great review! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Melissa Senate before but need to pick up a title now that I have read every Emily Giffin and Jane Porter (I need to wait a year for a new title).
ReplyDeleteI did this blog tour too and really enjoyed the book!
ReplyDeleteI read another review of this book and it really does sound like a book that I would truly enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this book, but the cover alone has me sold. Love that image - it's pitch perfect for the blurb and your review. Great stuff. I'm off to add it to my wish list... :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun book, and I've been seeing a lot of good reviews around.
ReplyDeleteThis book was so good. I loved the characters!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, the author has a huge following and there are some great reviews of this one as well.. I am glad i read yours... I have not read any of her books... but I definitely will someday :)
ReplyDeleteI've just started seeing other good reviews of this book. Yours has put me over the top and I'm adding it to my list.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of this book - it looks all joyful! Sounds like a feel-good book, which I can always use more of...
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