Meg Carmody is heartbroken for her daughter, even as she’s desperate to get Alex’s life back on track. The Birches, a boarding school in New Hampshire, promises to do just that, yet Alex refuses to go. But when Meg finds a bag of pills hidden in the house, she makes a fateful call to a transporter whose company specializes in shuttling troubled teens to places like The Birches, under strict supervision. Meg knows Alex will feel betrayed—as will her estranged husband, who knows nothing of Meg’s plans for their daughter.
When the transport goes wrong—and Alex goes missing—Meg must face the consequences of her decision and her deception. But the hunt for Alex reveals that Meg is not the only one keeping secrets.
When the transport goes wrong—and Alex goes missing—Meg must face the consequences of her decision and her deception. But the hunt for Alex reveals that Meg is not the only one keeping secrets.
(Pub Date: May 1st, 2016)
Thanks to Netgalley, this ARC was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The official summary is misleading, making me expect a much more eventful book than what the author had in mind. I caught myself almost rating this 2 stars, and then I decided to upgrade it a little.
Consider it a 2.5 stars.
Alex has never recovered since she was involved in the car accident which killed her best friend and of which she can't remember. Her mother Meg knows she's losing her daughter and the best sh can do to save her is to enroll her in the special boarding school. To make sure Alex will get her, she contracted the experienced transporter Carl. Will she make it there in safety? Was going for her gut, against everyone's advice, really the best choice? Or was it too much love?
As I mentioned above, I feel fooled by the summary. As I read, and read, and read, nothing much ever happened. Yes, the transport does go wrong at a point, around half of the story. Yes, there were secrets, they were indeed important. Still, not enough to improve my opinion.
The good points: I liked the character development. I can't say I liked the characters themselves. Also, I feel the author played it safe almost all times, although she managed to shed new light on the father, it was a good call.
The plot was also well organized and the conclusion went well, although it was way too long. And when you thought it was over... there was more. A little too cheesy for my taste and no need to add so much. In fact, that sentence summarizes my feelings for the story.
I'd say this lacked first a more fitting summary to such a beautiful cover. Then a little more spice. The text always felt too controlled. The twists in the plot were there but failed to engage me.
A nice story about whether maternal love is enough to save one from self-destruction. However, I would call this a "heart-lukewarming" plot at best. At the same time, when you're up for a slow-pacing family drama, this is for you.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
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