A Long Thaw by Katie O'Rourke

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Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're exploring between the pages of a work of Fiction from author Katie O'Rourke.  It stars two cousins, but eventually branches to a good portion of the family tree, while reminding us that nothing is more important than family and sometimes they may need us even when they disagree.  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

A Long Thaw

by

Katie O'Rourke

About the book...

A multi-generational story about the power of secrets and the unbreakable bonds of family.

A Long Thaw is about two female cousins who were close as children and reconnect as adults. Abby and Juliet were born into one big, close, Catholic family. But the divorce of Juliet’s parents fragments this family and sends the girls in very different directions.

Juliet grows up too quickly, on the west coast, forced to be responsible for her younger sisters as well as an alcoholic, single mother. On the east coast, Abby grows up a pampered, sheltered only child. As women, they try to mend the rift and come to terms with the way their shared history connects them in spite of the years apart.

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Right from the start, I knew this was going to be a different sort of read for me.  How so?  Well, we open in the midst of an "adults only" scene, switch on over to sentimental moments of youth, only to then introduce a new character, and start the whole thing again.  Sound confusing?  Though not a huge fan of multi-POV stories, it really wasn't.

The author gives a unique and authentic voice to everyone she introduces.  From our main duo, cousins Abby and Juliet, to their grandmother, the estranged father, the distant mother, the younger siblings, the friends, and the boyfriends.  Each one has their own time to shine and allows us to grow our relationship with them along the way.  I, myself, felt closest to Abby, though I don't have a sibling or extended family personally.  I related to her intellectual humor, thoughtful approach to situations, desire to not necessarily meet every single (single or otherwise) person within her radius, deeply held wish to find the one she really connects with, and her need to keep those she loves safe in any way she can.  She wasn't perfect, but then who is, right?  Juliet was more of a take the world by storm sorta girl, whether her own preference or a product of her upbringing (or lack thereof) we shall never know.  Truth is she had to take on responsibilities bigger then herself much earlier than she should have, leaving her slightly jaded and a bit of a latch-on type...though she doesn't realize it's too the wrong person.  Things come to a head and people get hurt, both emotionally and physically, but through it all, the connection these two gals forged in childhood remains strong, reminding us that family is always there for one another come what may.

I really enjoyed the story, and though the author's writing style was different in regards to its assembly, it still provided an entertaining read.  Recommended for Women's Fiction fans from older teens through adults, due to some content and topics covered.

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About the author...

Katie O’Rourke was born and raised in New England, growing up along the seacoast of New Hampshire. She went to college in Massachusetts and graduated with a degree in gender and sexuality. She lives in Tucson, Arizona where she writes, loves and is happy.

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Special thanks to author Katie O'Rourke for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or her other works, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title was originally released in 2014, but is celebrating its rerelease RIGHT NOW, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag a copy today.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!