Publication
New York, NY : Kensington Books, [2015] ; Center Point Large Print
Collection
Call number
Large Print Fiction B
Physical description
479 p.; 23 cm
Status
Available
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Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML: From New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick comes an emotionally rich, inspiring new novel about family, second chances, and the connections that bring women together in hope and healing. Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit Wisconsin hometown. An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson's Bay. Lucy, meanwhile, got out and never looked back. But now, to meet the terms of Alice's eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister's cottage�??and begins to see the town, and Alice's life, anew. Alice's diverse group of friends appears to have little in common besides an interest in quilting. Yet deep affection for Alice united them, and soon Lucy, too, is brought into the fold as they share problems and stories. And as she finds warmth and support in this new circle, Lucy begins to understand this will be her sister's enduring gift: a chance to move beyond her difficult past and find what she has long been missing.… (more)
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LibraryThing member JudithDCollins
A special thank you to Amazon Publishing, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jennifer Jaynes returns with UGLY YOUNG THING, (Grand Trespass #2) a "killer" followup --an intense psychological suspense thriller, a sizzling page-turner, for a continuation of
Allie, sixteen-years-old, is beautiful; however, after being a victim of her abusive mom, telling her she is ugly, she sees a different face, a reflection, when looking into the mirror. She has experienced a traumatic childhood, a lifetime of horror-her mom was a prostitute, a psychotic murderer.
Her older brother tried his best; however, he also suffered from mental illness, and in the end a murderer, ending his life and misery by killing himself before Allie’s eyes. With no family left, she is on the run to Texas, hitchhiking, trying to survive with one trucker after another.
Allie’s home had been one of horror-her father abandoned the family early on, her mother a prostitute, dumping bodies in the pond behind their house, as well as abusing her brother; thereby screwing up his mind. After he finally killed their mother, he ended up taking care of Allie, by paying the bills and putting food on the table; ultimately was sick and began hurting people, as well.
Currently, she is on the run, tired of trying to survive by selling her body, and when her boyfriend Johnny has to leave, she realizes everyone has abandoned her. Now, nine months later without her brother or her boyfriend Johnny, she met along the way, she sees no point in life. The world to Allie is a frightening place, and she never seemed to belong. In a lonely motel she tried to end her own life with pills unsuccessfully. She feels like such a loser and couldn’t even manage to kill herself.
After being attacked while hitchhiking, she decides to return to Grand Trespass, Louisiana to her childhood home to rest and figure out what to do next. She just wants normal. She wants to be wanted and loved, but all the pain has worn her down, and she wants to escape.
Finally she ends up in foster care and placed with Miss Bitty. Her home is beautiful, and Miss Bitty, even though eccentric, everyone seems to love her. She is an older, kind, and a giving person. Allie wants to be like her and does not want to disappoint her and lose this opportunity. However, can she trust her? After all, her mom said never to trust anyone nice. Can she possibly have a normal life and a fresh start without her past haunting her? Sometimes she wonders if she will become crazy like the rest of her family.
However, not long after moving in with Miss Bitty in Louisiana, near her old home, Allie begins to feel someone is watching her. Miss Bitty is a wellness coach, making sure her home environment is in alignment with health goals from nutritious foods and positive thoughts--from meditation, yoga, and energy work, helping everyone around her. She had been caring for foster children for almost sixteen years and Allie grows to like her. Miss Bitty helps her pick out new clothes and makeup, to give her a classier look and assists with her lower self-esteem issues. Allie just wants to be accepted and have friends.
Miss Bitty is kind to her and supportive in every way. Their household is not the norm. Louis comes and goes, a guy which home schools her in preparation for her GED, and later college courses. Joe is a client of Miss Bitty’s from California, living in their guesthouse, and she meets a new friend, Hannah. Hannah’s stepfather, Ted and mother, Claire are weird and he also does maintenance and yard work for Miss Bitty. So a variety of men coming and going.
Allie tries working at the supermarket part time; however, it turns into a disaster when people find out she was the murderer’s daughter and sister. The job is short lived.
Now, if things could not get any worse, there is a killer on the loose in the nearby town and he is targeting young women, stabbing them multiple times – he is on the hunt and nothing satisfies his itch except killing. He has tried to keep in under control however he stalks, watches, and hides in waiting for the kill.
Since the murders have been occurring, Miss Bitty brings home a dog for Allie, and now seems worried and overly protective. Miss Bitty seems distant, Allie sees someone watching her, hears voices, and she wonders if death and pain will continue follow her.
UGLY YOUNG THING keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat, switching back and forth between Allie, Bitty, and the sick mind of a killer. As a reader you have no idea the identity of the killer and are holding your breath to learn the killer’s next move. What a shocker!
Jennifer does an outstanding job of keeping the suspense high, as one minute you think you have the mystery figured out, and then you begin suspecting another. You are never certain how Miss Bitty is connected to the players and the motives behind the killing until towards the very end. With intense twists and turns, as all the pieces come together from the first and second book.
Well-developed characters and vivid settings with heart-pounding scenes awaiting the sick and twisted killer’s next move. So many suspects!
Wow, I really enjoyed this riveting psychological mystery thriller, leaving you anxiously awaiting the next book, to learn what is in store for Allie. Cannot wait. Highly recommend this series, and this talented newfound author!
Jennifer Jaynes returns with UGLY YOUNG THING, (Grand Trespass #2) a "killer" followup --an intense psychological suspense thriller, a sizzling page-turner, for a continuation of
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Allie we met in Never Smile at Strangers (Grand Trespass #1). Allie, sixteen-years-old, is beautiful; however, after being a victim of her abusive mom, telling her she is ugly, she sees a different face, a reflection, when looking into the mirror. She has experienced a traumatic childhood, a lifetime of horror-her mom was a prostitute, a psychotic murderer.
Her older brother tried his best; however, he also suffered from mental illness, and in the end a murderer, ending his life and misery by killing himself before Allie’s eyes. With no family left, she is on the run to Texas, hitchhiking, trying to survive with one trucker after another.
Allie’s home had been one of horror-her father abandoned the family early on, her mother a prostitute, dumping bodies in the pond behind their house, as well as abusing her brother; thereby screwing up his mind. After he finally killed their mother, he ended up taking care of Allie, by paying the bills and putting food on the table; ultimately was sick and began hurting people, as well.
Currently, she is on the run, tired of trying to survive by selling her body, and when her boyfriend Johnny has to leave, she realizes everyone has abandoned her. Now, nine months later without her brother or her boyfriend Johnny, she met along the way, she sees no point in life. The world to Allie is a frightening place, and she never seemed to belong. In a lonely motel she tried to end her own life with pills unsuccessfully. She feels like such a loser and couldn’t even manage to kill herself.
After being attacked while hitchhiking, she decides to return to Grand Trespass, Louisiana to her childhood home to rest and figure out what to do next. She just wants normal. She wants to be wanted and loved, but all the pain has worn her down, and she wants to escape.
Finally she ends up in foster care and placed with Miss Bitty. Her home is beautiful, and Miss Bitty, even though eccentric, everyone seems to love her. She is an older, kind, and a giving person. Allie wants to be like her and does not want to disappoint her and lose this opportunity. However, can she trust her? After all, her mom said never to trust anyone nice. Can she possibly have a normal life and a fresh start without her past haunting her? Sometimes she wonders if she will become crazy like the rest of her family.
However, not long after moving in with Miss Bitty in Louisiana, near her old home, Allie begins to feel someone is watching her. Miss Bitty is a wellness coach, making sure her home environment is in alignment with health goals from nutritious foods and positive thoughts--from meditation, yoga, and energy work, helping everyone around her. She had been caring for foster children for almost sixteen years and Allie grows to like her. Miss Bitty helps her pick out new clothes and makeup, to give her a classier look and assists with her lower self-esteem issues. Allie just wants to be accepted and have friends.
Miss Bitty is kind to her and supportive in every way. Their household is not the norm. Louis comes and goes, a guy which home schools her in preparation for her GED, and later college courses. Joe is a client of Miss Bitty’s from California, living in their guesthouse, and she meets a new friend, Hannah. Hannah’s stepfather, Ted and mother, Claire are weird and he also does maintenance and yard work for Miss Bitty. So a variety of men coming and going.
Allie tries working at the supermarket part time; however, it turns into a disaster when people find out she was the murderer’s daughter and sister. The job is short lived.
Now, if things could not get any worse, there is a killer on the loose in the nearby town and he is targeting young women, stabbing them multiple times – he is on the hunt and nothing satisfies his itch except killing. He has tried to keep in under control however he stalks, watches, and hides in waiting for the kill.
Since the murders have been occurring, Miss Bitty brings home a dog for Allie, and now seems worried and overly protective. Miss Bitty seems distant, Allie sees someone watching her, hears voices, and she wonders if death and pain will continue follow her.
UGLY YOUNG THING keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat, switching back and forth between Allie, Bitty, and the sick mind of a killer. As a reader you have no idea the identity of the killer and are holding your breath to learn the killer’s next move. What a shocker!
Jennifer does an outstanding job of keeping the suspense high, as one minute you think you have the mystery figured out, and then you begin suspecting another. You are never certain how Miss Bitty is connected to the players and the motives behind the killing until towards the very end. With intense twists and turns, as all the pieces come together from the first and second book.
Well-developed characters and vivid settings with heart-pounding scenes awaiting the sick and twisted killer’s next move. So many suspects!
Wow, I really enjoyed this riveting psychological mystery thriller, leaving you anxiously awaiting the next book, to learn what is in store for Allie. Cannot wait. Highly recommend this series, and this talented newfound author!
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick is the story about living life, change, taking chances, and love. Lucy Toomy has been working with Tom Ryland for over thirteen years. Working to get him elected to various positions including governor. She is now working to get him elected President of the
Lucy rushes to Nilson’s Bay, but she is too late. Alice is gone from an accidental overdose. Lucy is hoping to have the funeral, clean out Alice’s house, sell it, and get back to work. However, Alice has other plans for Lucy. Peter Swenson went to school with Lucy (who had a crush on him) and Alice. He is the newest member of Nilson’s Bay town council and Alice’s lawyer. Peter informs Lucy that in order to inherit the house, she must live in it for eight weeks (and part of that has to be over Christmas). Lucy received a further blow when Tom Ryland. President-elect Ryland offers Lucy a position in the West Wing of the White House, but wants her to take some time off before joining him in Washington.
Lucy is not sure how she is going to spend her time in Nilson’s Bay without work. She has not taken time off in thirteen years. Lucy discovers that she really did not know her sister very well. She learns about Alice from her friends (FOA—Friends of Alice), the house, her beautiful drawings, and Alice’s quilts. Lucy learns about herself and has to decide what she wants. Peter is glad that Lucy will be staying around for a little while. Romance is in the air!
I give The Second Sister 4 out of 5 stars. It is a good story but I found it a little rambling and did not find it as good her Marie Bostwick's Cobbled Court series. When I finish one of the Cobbled Court books I always want more, but I did not feel that way with The Second Sister. The Second Sister has a lot of twists and turns as Lucy learns about her sister’s life and discovers that there may be more to life than work. There is some quilting in the book (Alice’s stash sounds marvelous) as well as two cute cats.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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United States. Her parents of been deceased for several years, but she has her sister, Alice. Alice Toomey was hurt in an accident when she was eighteen and has been left mentally challenged. Alice still lives in her their hometown of Nilson’s Bay in Wisconsin. Lucy has not been home in years. Unfortunately, Lucy’s memories of Nilson’s Bay are not happy ones. On Election Day Lucy receives a call that her sister is in the hospital and she needs to come home immediately.Lucy rushes to Nilson’s Bay, but she is too late. Alice is gone from an accidental overdose. Lucy is hoping to have the funeral, clean out Alice’s house, sell it, and get back to work. However, Alice has other plans for Lucy. Peter Swenson went to school with Lucy (who had a crush on him) and Alice. He is the newest member of Nilson’s Bay town council and Alice’s lawyer. Peter informs Lucy that in order to inherit the house, she must live in it for eight weeks (and part of that has to be over Christmas). Lucy received a further blow when Tom Ryland. President-elect Ryland offers Lucy a position in the West Wing of the White House, but wants her to take some time off before joining him in Washington.
Lucy is not sure how she is going to spend her time in Nilson’s Bay without work. She has not taken time off in thirteen years. Lucy discovers that she really did not know her sister very well. She learns about Alice from her friends (FOA—Friends of Alice), the house, her beautiful drawings, and Alice’s quilts. Lucy learns about herself and has to decide what she wants. Peter is glad that Lucy will be staying around for a little while. Romance is in the air!
I give The Second Sister 4 out of 5 stars. It is a good story but I found it a little rambling and did not find it as good her Marie Bostwick's Cobbled Court series. When I finish one of the Cobbled Court books I always want more, but I did not feel that way with The Second Sister. The Second Sister has a lot of twists and turns as Lucy learns about her sister’s life and discovers that there may be more to life than work. There is some quilting in the book (Alice’s stash sounds marvelous) as well as two cute cats.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member justacatandabook
Lucy Toomey is busy working on a Presidential campaign. Her days and nights are consumed by work and punctuated only by late night calls from her sister, Alice, who still lives in Lucy's hometown of Nilson's Bay, Wisconsin. We learn that Alice suffered an accident at 18, which left her mentally
As the campaign winds down, Lucy finds herself once again in her hometown, settling Alice's affairs, living in her old home, and trying to figure out her life.
Overall, this is a fairly easy read, though I found the beginning a bit slow. Lucy is not the most likeable of characters, though she did grow on me as she herself grows. The plot is rather predictable, though you don't find yourself fighting the ending much. Once I got through about the first third, the book went quickly and was a pleasant read, but nothing amazing. (It did make me want to visit Door County, Wisconsin, however! Well-done on that front.)
Note: I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
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disabled, and for which Lucy still feels guilty, many years later. However, not even her guilt can convince her to return to Nilson's Bay. Until she receives a call that Alice has passed away.As the campaign winds down, Lucy finds herself once again in her hometown, settling Alice's affairs, living in her old home, and trying to figure out her life.
Overall, this is a fairly easy read, though I found the beginning a bit slow. Lucy is not the most likeable of characters, though she did grow on me as she herself grows. The plot is rather predictable, though you don't find yourself fighting the ending much. Once I got through about the first third, the book went quickly and was a pleasant read, but nothing amazing. (It did make me want to visit Door County, Wisconsin, however! Well-done on that front.)
Note: I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
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LibraryThing member SABC
Lucy takes up temporary residence in her sister's cottage, as requested and detailed in her sister's will. During the year Lucy resides in Nilson's Bay, Lucy rediscovers small home town life and the impact her sister had on others in the town. Enjoy!
LibraryThing member kbranfield
A truly unforgettable journey of grace and healing, The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick is a very emotional novel of family, forgiveness and friendship. It is also a heartfelt and engaging story about making peace with the past and letting go of mistakes in order to move on and embrace the
Lucy Toomey has spent her entire adult life avoiding her small hometown in Wisconsin. Despite her older sister Alice's numerous pleas to visit, she has not returned home in the eight years since her parents' deaths. When she learns that Alice been hospitalized and is in serious condition, she drops everything to rush to her sister's side, but unfortunately Alice passes away while Lucy is still en route. Planning to leave as soon she settles her sister's estate, Lucy is stunned to discover that the terms of Alice's will stipulate she live in the family home for eight weeks in order to inherit or the house will go to a local animal rescue. She reluctantly remains in town where she eventually discovers startling truths about herself, her sister and their somewhat complicated relationship. Lucy also unexpectedly finds friendship and, quite possibly, love but will this be enough to change her mind about leaving the small close-knit community for good?
Lucy lives life at a frantic pace and she allows herself very little time to think about anything other than her demanding career. Her childhood was spent in the shadow of her older, more accomplished and outgoing sister and she could never live up to her father's expectations. In the aftermath of the tragic accident that left Alice mentally impaired, Lucy was overcome with guilt at the events of the day and she could not wait to leave her unhappy memories behind. Although she has achieved a measure of professional success, her personal life is devoid of friendship or love. Lucy and Alice talk daily, but Lucy only pays superficial attention to her sister's rambling middle of the night phone calls and after Alice's death, she comes to realize how little she knew about her sister or her life.
While at first Lucy resents taking time away from her career, she slowly begins to appreciate the slower pace of life. Of course, she still plans to leave as soon as possible, but in the meantime, she enjoys getting reconnecting with old school friend Peter Swenson, his extended family and other people from her past. When she decides to make a quilt in her sister's memory, Alice's close friends, Rinda, Daphne and Celia, reluctantly offer their assistance, and Lucy is pleasantly surprised to discover how much she likes spending time with the three women. Despite her new found contentment, her departure date is fast approaching and Lucy clings tightly to her decision to leave. But will a shocking revelation change her plans?
The Second Sister is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that is also quite uplifting. The storyline is complex but easy to relate to and the characters are appealing and sympathetic. The setting is charming and Marie Bostwick brings the small Wisconsin town vibrantly to life. It is a very heartwarming story of reconciliation and grace that is sure to resonate with readers of who enjoy novels that are not afraid to delve into the complexities of real life relationships.
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future.Lucy Toomey has spent her entire adult life avoiding her small hometown in Wisconsin. Despite her older sister Alice's numerous pleas to visit, she has not returned home in the eight years since her parents' deaths. When she learns that Alice been hospitalized and is in serious condition, she drops everything to rush to her sister's side, but unfortunately Alice passes away while Lucy is still en route. Planning to leave as soon she settles her sister's estate, Lucy is stunned to discover that the terms of Alice's will stipulate she live in the family home for eight weeks in order to inherit or the house will go to a local animal rescue. She reluctantly remains in town where she eventually discovers startling truths about herself, her sister and their somewhat complicated relationship. Lucy also unexpectedly finds friendship and, quite possibly, love but will this be enough to change her mind about leaving the small close-knit community for good?
Lucy lives life at a frantic pace and she allows herself very little time to think about anything other than her demanding career. Her childhood was spent in the shadow of her older, more accomplished and outgoing sister and she could never live up to her father's expectations. In the aftermath of the tragic accident that left Alice mentally impaired, Lucy was overcome with guilt at the events of the day and she could not wait to leave her unhappy memories behind. Although she has achieved a measure of professional success, her personal life is devoid of friendship or love. Lucy and Alice talk daily, but Lucy only pays superficial attention to her sister's rambling middle of the night phone calls and after Alice's death, she comes to realize how little she knew about her sister or her life.
While at first Lucy resents taking time away from her career, she slowly begins to appreciate the slower pace of life. Of course, she still plans to leave as soon as possible, but in the meantime, she enjoys getting reconnecting with old school friend Peter Swenson, his extended family and other people from her past. When she decides to make a quilt in her sister's memory, Alice's close friends, Rinda, Daphne and Celia, reluctantly offer their assistance, and Lucy is pleasantly surprised to discover how much she likes spending time with the three women. Despite her new found contentment, her departure date is fast approaching and Lucy clings tightly to her decision to leave. But will a shocking revelation change her plans?
The Second Sister is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that is also quite uplifting. The storyline is complex but easy to relate to and the characters are appealing and sympathetic. The setting is charming and Marie Bostwick brings the small Wisconsin town vibrantly to life. It is a very heartwarming story of reconciliation and grace that is sure to resonate with readers of who enjoy novels that are not afraid to delve into the complexities of real life relationships.
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Language
ISBN
9781628995886