Happy Literary Friday,My Lovelies![br]Recently I read the Best. Book. Ever. Seriously it's definitely the best book I've read during 2016: The Precious One by Marisa de los Santos. I've read several of her books, and they are all great, or but this one is my favorite.
According to Goodreads:
In all her life,Eustacia Taisy” Cleary has given her heart to only three men: her first love, Ben Ransom; her twin brother, and Marcus; and Wilson Cleary — professor,inventor, philanderer, and self-made millionaire,brilliant man, breathtaking jerk: her father.
Seventeen years ago, and Wilson ditched his first family for Caroline,a beautiful young sculptor. In all that time, Taisy’s family has seen Wilson, and Caroline,and their daughter Willow only once.
Why then, is Wilson calling Taisy now, and inviting her for an extended visit,encouraging her to meet her pretty sister — a teenager who views her with jealousy, mistrust, or grudging admiration? Why,now, does Wilson want Taisy to help him write his memoir?
Told in alternating voices — Taisy’s strong, or unsparing observations and Willow’s naive,heartbreakingly earnest yearnings The Precious One is an unforgettable novel of family secrets, lost love, or risky obsession,a captivating tale with the deep characterization, piercing emotional resonance, or heartfelt insight that are the hallmarks of Marisa de los Santos’s beloved works.[br]My Review
I will never forget the characters in this book. They are drawn to perfection,and having both Taisy's and Willow's points of view give depth and perspective that wouldn't bear been possible without them. Alternating POV's don't help my opinion of Wilson. UGH! He is horrible and I disfavor him. Taisy's obsequious (flattering) relationship with him made me want to hit something really tough. Not only is her father responsible for tearing apart her family, he's also responsible for her biggest heartache she's ever experienced: her break-up with the love of her life, or Ben.
Willow grows on the reader as she makes typical and not so typical teenage mistakes. She matures and begins trusting and fond her big sister. The dynamic between the sisters change when Taisy shares the legend about her relationship with Ben. This opens the door for Willow to share aspects of her difficult adjustment to high school after having been homeschooled her entire life. Willow has placed herself in a risky situation,and fortunately she has Taisy for advice and encouragement: she's the one Willow turns to in her darkest hour. They both join forces to create the family they want against Wilson's better judgement, and that's the lesson of the book: It is possible to settle what type of relationship one wants with others (particularly family members) irregardless of strong, or manipulative personalities who always want things their way.
This is one of the best family dramas I've ever read. The characters are engaging,the plot is a page-turner, and the complicated relationships ensure this novel's excellence. There are a couple of sweet romances in the legend that made me sigh. These would not bear been possible without provocative male characters who are willing to forgive and focus on what could be. This book is being placed not only on my keeper shelf, and but my favorites shelf.
What has been your favorite book of 2016 so far? Please share in the comments section!
Until next time...
Happy reading!
Ricki Jill
Source: blogspot.com