Carry Yourself Back to Me

Feb 19, 2012 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pacific-u-mfa

Annie Walsh is a celebrated alternative country singer-songwriter living in rural Florida and has just turned forty at the start of the story. Her career is at its peak but her personal life at its nadir, after her live-in boyfriend and producer leaves her for a much younger woman and her brother is arrested for murder.

There is so much to admire in this book: the cleverly and tightly woven plot, with multiple points of view and time periods seamlessly and fluidly working together, like melody a...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Joanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Were I casting the movie version of Deborah Reed's debut novel, I'd give the great Lucinda Williams an audition for the role of Annie Walsh. If Lucinda could act with the same soul with which she writes and sings, she would bring just the right amount of melancholy angst to Reed's lushly drawn, likeable heroine. Following some bad luck in love and in the recording studio, Annie goes back to her old family homestead in Florida with her old hound dog Detour for company. If a solitary retreat is wh...more

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Mar 12, 2012 Jason (FNORDinc) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, reviewed, reviewed-on-fnordinc

Everybody knows that there is never good timing for heart ache. It can take the form of a fog, or a striking pain, it is different for everyone and has no miracle cure. Annie Walsh is a singer song writer, no longer fresh to the scene but with bated breath fans waiting for her next release. They will be waiting a longer than they expect though, as Annie has lost her muse and she is hermit-ted, seemingly a new person (broken).

Annie has been self medicating as only she can see fit. She has been hi...more Everybody knows that there is never good timing for heart ache. It can take the form of a fog, or a striking pain, it is different for everyone and has no miracle cure. Annie Walsh is a singer song writer, no longer fresh to the scene but with bated breath fans waiting for her next release. They will be waiting a longer than they expect though, as Annie has lost her muse and she is hermit-ted, seemingly a new person (broken).

Annie has been self medicating as only she can see fit. She has been hiding from the world for months. When her boyfriend Owen abruptly left her, her focus switched to the grove of Tangelos out front and ensuring that they are tended to. Her secondary focus is on sandpapering Owen out of her existence. Music no longer matters..

After sIx months of hiding out, wallowing in her pain, and seething in her anger.. Annie is just beginning to numb, to reach an internal understanding and start to heal. Because the universe is cruel (and authors are more so) this poor woman just cannot catch a break, Annie’s brother Calder is arrested for murder. This news brings her back into the celebrity spotlight, and brings Owen back into her town and knocking on her door. She is forced to come out into the light, and deal with her life.

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On the Novel – It is hard to go into too much detail on this book, it does not deserve to be critically analyzed or torn apart; it begs to be consumed to be embraced to be thrown across the room in a fit of “I hate you” and to be gently picked back up to continue consumption. Deborah Reed built it with layer upon layer of emotion and I am finding it hard to do it justice in any form of discussion.. It is painful to read and heart wrenching to put down. Reed’s book made my soul ache.

This is easily one of the best novels I have read in years. I am proud to have this book on my shelf. Folks who are into literary fiction, musician novels, being stabbed emotionally, and experiencing ambiguity as to your personal opinion of cheating lying men.. This book may be for you. If you are a cheating lying man, this may also be for you. If you like sad tales of like those of country story tellers past, this may be for you.

I say pick it up, even if you do not know if it is up your alley. You know 15 people you can give it to who will thank you for it and love it when you are done. It’s just that good.

On a slight aside note – You hear a lot of people ask authors “what did you listen to while you were writing this” or “what would be on the soundtrack for this book”. This book goes one further because it IS a soundtrack. The characters, being musicians make a number of references to great music, I highly suggest that readers who are unfamiliar with specific works mentioned should look them up. The prose of the novel is already melodic, and the strength of the characters provides a constant rhythm, backing it with real world music adds a depth, characters become real people.. Specifically check out Brush Prairie and the song “Carry Yourself Back To Me”. You will notice that the EP cover and the book cover are similar.. I do not know if the book inspired the song, or the other way, but both are excellent.

On the Author – I listened to Reed do some speaking at WordStock 2011. She was kind to the fat bearded man (me) who walked up and advised he had never heard of her, but was glad to have caught her round table discussion. She was incredibly nice and interesting insert other pleasant words here. I was pleased to be able to catch her at the convention and chat for a couple minutes. I highly suggest fans go to her events and say “Hi”, you won’t regret it.

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Nov 17, 2011 Erin Shull rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This writer definitely has skill with words, but not so much storyline and characters. I felt the reading experience to be sort of "been there, read that," for me. Originally, what drew me to this story was the main character, Annie Walsh. A country singer/songwriter suffering from writer's block after being jilted by her lover, Owen, for a much younger woman, she is forced to get herself together to try to help out her brother, Calder, who has been accused of a murder she does not know whether...more

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Nov 04, 2011 Pamelabyoung rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Since my last review elicited a response from the author, I'm a little gun shy about giving a book review with three stars again. So, I want to explain that I have reserved five stars for only my very favorite books of all time and four stars for great reads that I would recommend to any of my friends. However, if I give a three star rating, I liked much about the book. In this day and time I do not continue reading books I don't like unless I am looking for it to redeem itself. Suffice it to sa...more Since my last review elicited a response from the author, I'm a little gun shy about giving a book review with three stars again. So, I want to explain that I have reserved five stars for only my very favorite books of all time and four stars for great reads that I would recommend to any of my friends. However, if I give a three star rating, I liked much about the book. In this day and time I do not continue reading books I don't like unless I am looking for it to redeem itself. Suffice it to say that I do not rate books I have not finished.

Now about this novel. Annie Walsh is a singer/songwriter living in Central Florida and is in the midst of the unraveling of her life. Talk about material for a country song...I won't spoil it for you by telling you what happens, but you can bet that Annie's life is filled with potential lyrics for a classic country song. Between her estranged mother, her brother who constantly deals with Tourette's Syndrome issues, and the remaining cast of motley characters, complications abound with a murder mystery to boot.

I love that the story takes place during an unusual winter storm in Florida. Many forget that we in the south actually deal with hateful winters from time to time and, in this case, the setting is perfect for a time when everything in Annie's life seems out of sync or simply just "off". I also love a story that allows families to go through the worst of the worst, including estrangement, only to find a way to love and live as a family unit again. Forgiveness and reconnecting are themes I will never find tiring. However, I think maybe I have read too many stories of reflection on a difficult childhood in recent months, and it is a bit disheartening that all of them involved lots of cheaters and unscrupulous family members. Perhaps if I read this book another time I would have felt less depressed and sad throughout the angst and dreariness. Ha! I just looked back and the last three books I have read were sad tales of lives tangled up in unresolved issues of the past. See! I need to read a light comedy and I'll be raring to delve into another "Woe is me for I am undone" tale. Hmmmm...now which silly story is calling my name?(less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Alla rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Carry yourself back to me” by Deborah Reed is both a mystery novel, as well as a story of love, betrayal, and how events of the past can make an impact on the present.

I became interested in this book, after I read another one of Deborah Reed’s novels, called “A small fortune” and written under Reed’s pen name of Audrey Braun. I was impressed enough by this story, to see what other novels Reed published. And lo behold, I came across this book.

The main character of “Carry yourself back to me” i...more

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Sep 11, 2011 Lori L (She Treads Softly) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Carry Yourself Back to Me by Deborah Reed is the story of singer/songwriter Annie Walsh. Annie has secluded herself at her home in Florida after being abandoned by her lover, Owen, six months ago. This also caused her to be estranged from her brother, Calder. Calder tries to mend their relationship but he is then accused of murdering his girlfriend's husband.

This is author Deborah Reed's first literary novel. She writes suspense fiction under the penname Audrey Braun. Reed includes several myste...more Carry Yourself Back to Me by Deborah Reed is the story of singer/songwriter Annie Walsh. Annie has secluded herself at her home in Florida after being abandoned by her lover, Owen, six months ago. This also caused her to be estranged from her brother, Calder. Calder tries to mend their relationship but he is then accused of murdering his girlfriend's husband.

This is author Deborah Reed's first literary novel. She writes suspense fiction under the penname Audrey Braun. Reed includes several mysteries and questions that must be answered in this novel, as well as a lot of introspective musing, reflection on memories, and pondering the meaning of life. There is more going on under the surface than outward appearances would indicate.

Stylistically, Reed is a good writer. While I will effortlessly concede that the writing is thoughtful and contemplative, and that the descriptions evoke a real sense of place, I would be remiss if I didn't also confess that I had a few problems with Carry Yourself Back to Me. To be honest, I found all the characters whiny and too self absorbed. It was like a stereotypical country song where everything goes wrong, everyone is cheating, and then your dog dies. All of this made the plot feel contrived to me. Apparently bad things have targeted this group of people and they have had it all happen to them.

Carry Yourself Back to Me just felt way too morose and desolate to me. However, with a nod to Reed, the quality of the actual writing kept me reading to see what happened in the end. Once I reached the ending, it felt implausible, but I suppose it neatly tied up all the loose ends of the plot. My issues with the novel may be more indicative of my frame of mind than of the merits of the novel itself. I would say that this novel is a bit more "chick lit" than I normally read.
Recommended - especially if you tend to like introspective chick lit. http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/

Disclosure: I received an advance reading copy of this novel for review purposes.
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Sep 01, 2011 Sheila rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cultural, mystery, relationships

Author Deborah Reed does a wonderful job with backstory in her novel, Carry Yourself Back to Me. The present day tale starts with singer-songwriter Annie Walsh looking out over her neighbor’s tangelo grove and wondering whose truck it is she sees. Owen, her lover, has left her. Calder, her brother, is estranged from her. Detour, her dog, is getting old. And winter’s drawing near.

In that short time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, what’s left of Annie’s world will fall apart and maybe even beg...more

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Dec 27, 2011 guiltlessreader rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: requested-review, mystery, reads-2011

When betrayal comes full circle

Tomorrow, Carry Yourself Back to Me by Deborah Reed hits the shelves. I received an ARC of this book to review after much back and forth with the publisher (why, oh why does mail always take so long to get to me?) Was it worth the wait? I answer with a resounding "Yes!"

The book in one sentence: A study of a woman's journey through loss, betrayal, childhood revelations, and forgiveness and redemption.

My thoughts: When I first held this book, for some odd reason, th...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Aimee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, emotional

4.5 stars

It's difficult to describe this book as a whole without getting cliche'd, even though the story doesn't hold many of those on its own.

I love stories that drag you so deeply into someone's emotions that you find yourself dazed a little afterwards, trying to remember where the character ends and you begin. Its not just that I felt for Annie, but with the flashbacks and spacing the main plot so you can put it together piece by piece, you're almost building the puzzle with her.

Her sadness...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011

I feel like I'm always reading these quiet sort of semi-tragic novels set deep in Modern Americana, populated by lost lovers and dying dogs and unpredictable weather. I'm attracted to this kind of poetically sad modern fiction for reasons I can never entirely pin down. Maybe because secretly I think of myself as some kind of modern, poetically sad uh, fictional character. Sigh. I can't believe I just admitted that.

Anyway, the point. I had one, I'm sure. Yes: Carry Yourself Back to Me is one of t...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Marguerite rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a bittersweet story of love, betrayal, murder, family dysfunction and forgiveness. Annie, the protagonist, has unconsciously put her life on hold after the love of her life, Owen, deserts her without warning. Her sense of loss is compounded when she discovers her brother, Calder, knew Owen was having an affair and failed to tell her. All this is disclosed in the opening pages, so I don't think that's a spoiler. Just those first few pages grabbed me and I knew I had to finish Annie's jour...more

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May 21, 2013 Sarah-Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would classify “Carry Yourself Back to Me” by Deborah Reed as an intertwined love story with elements of a whodunit mystery. I found the book to be an enjoyable read with interesting characters and enough mystery to keep you engaged. While I did find the characters interesting on the surface I would have enjoyed some further character development. I did enjoy the element of the love stories within the novel. The intertwined love stories of betrayal, forgiveness and redemption carries you throu...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Jesse rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have been trying to keep in mind that I was stepping outside of my usual genre when I chose this book. Maybe my pregnancy hormones were compelling me to read something more feminine, who knows. While I would say that I enjoyed this book, a few elements of it were slightly off. I never really felt like I could connect to the characters. I always have a mental picture of how a character looks, yet I realized I was at 50% on my kindle and couldn't even begin to picture the characters in my head....more I have been trying to keep in mind that I was stepping outside of my usual genre when I chose this book. Maybe my pregnancy hormones were compelling me to read something more feminine, who knows. While I would say that I enjoyed this book, a few elements of it were slightly off. I never really felt like I could connect to the characters. I always have a mental picture of how a character looks, yet I realized I was at 50% on my kindle and couldn't even begin to picture the characters in my head. I feel like the author spent so much time describing other aspects of the story (which were very well written) that the characters were sort of lost. I also didn't like the constant switching from past to present, different characters recollections of the past and their experiences. I would pick the book up the next day and have to flip back to remind myself who and what we were talking about. I also rarely ever guess an ending yet did about 3/4 through, which was kind of disappointing.

Quite possibly the most aggravating aspect of this book for me was the unrealistic setting in which it took place. I have lived in the area that this book was set in for 25 years. Not once can I say that a day in my life has ever been remotely how it is described in this book. Every time I took my kids out to play and settled in on the porch with this book next to my fan and reminded myself "wow, this is the same time of year that this book is describing, yet I am sweating in this humidity with a t-shirt on" I felt a little more of the "believability" of this book die. I, again, found myself at 40% completed asking myself "where does this take place again? Oh.. FLORIDA?!" Not only have snow-flurries fallen here only twice in my 25 years, they most certainly melted before settling on the ground. I felt like I would have possibly enjoyed it more had it been set somewhere realistic, not my own back yard with descriptions about the treacherous winters. I think the intention was to add to the sullen, listless mood throughout this book. However, I would have prefered it to be realistic. Even if this was a "fluke" that it is described as, it was VERY MUCH exaggerated to real life in central Florida. So exaggerated that it would be like describing a minnow as a great white shark.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. It was slow to start, setting the ground work for a potentially good book, so I kept reading. I finished the last half in a day and felt truly interested. Other than the unrealistic setting, it was well written. I like to dig deeper into the characters, or maybe relate to them a little more. Either way, I would recommend this to a friend who enjoys the genre.(less)

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Oct 02, 2012 Jean rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An alternative title to this book could be "Your Cheating Heart" complete with musical accompaniment. The main character, singer-songwriter Annie has been betrayed by her long-time lover Owen, who left her on account of a 'twist of fate.' Most of the characters in the book are cheating or have cheated on their spouse or significant other. The story illustrates how much trouble cheating can cause: family estrangements, a false charge of murder, and, of course, misery and pain. The writer has done...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Jasmine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked it, I didn't love it. I was prepared to love it, the set up is extremely enticing: Lucinda Williama-type, soulful singer-songwriter Annie is nursing a broken heart in the middle of a Florida cold snap. Great characterization of Annie and the setting off the top, great images of frozen tangelos and, this one real sent me, 'the cloudy skin of a blueberry' her mother's 'glamour-girl mouth' looking closely at a beautiful European woman to 'see how it was done'. Gorgeous, right? Then there wa...more

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Sep 16, 2011 LORI CASWELL rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Song writer and performer Annie Walsh has plenty of material in her everyday life, the songs should just be pouring out of her. Her lover has left her for another woman, her family is a mess and her career is going nowhere fast, but the lyrics are not flowing. Annie escapes into her home on the edge of a lush Florida tangelo grove with her dog, Detour, trying to forget about the love she has lost to another. She spends her days picking fruit and sanding every piece of wood in her home down to th...more Song writer and performer Annie Walsh has plenty of material in her everyday life, the songs should just be pouring out of her. Her lover has left her for another woman, her family is a mess and her career is going nowhere fast, but the lyrics are not flowing. Annie escapes into her home on the edge of a lush Florida tangelo grove with her dog, Detour, trying to forget about the love she has lost to another. She spends her days picking fruit and sanding every piece of wood in her home down to the bare grain. But thoughts of Owen are forever on her mind.

All of the sudden her solitary life is completely disrupted when he brother because the prime suspect in a horrendous murder. Her life is turned upside down as she has to deal with issues from her past, trying to cope in the present and not even thinking about the future.

My Thoughts
I enjoyed Carry Yourself Back to Me. This author is extremely talented, not only is the main character a song writer but Deborah Reed has written the story is such a way that it flows much the same way a song does. Whether she is describing a sunrise or her character's turmoil it has a melodic feeling and rhythm. We travel back and forth in time with Annie revealing secrets, thoughts, fears and the writing seems effortless. The only thing I would have changed about this book was I would have completely cut the last chapter. After the wonderfully written story it would have been nice for a change to be left wondering a little.

This author also writes suspense fiction under the name Audrey Braun. I reviewed her book A Small Fortune back in July and I loved it so much I gave it fifteen stars, well I would have if I could. No matter what name she writes under this author is a gifted storyteller with a bright future. I anxiously await more of her work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from MindBuck Media. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” (less)

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Aug 08, 2011 S.D. rated it 4 of 5 stars

I scored myself an advanced reader's copy of Portland author Deborah Reed's debut novel Carry Yourself Back to Me.

I read the first few pages of Carry Yourself Back to Me and tried to reserve all judgement. I wasn't really prepared to like it (for no good reason, I should add) and so my brain kept trying to pull out of the story and assess the craft. "Anyone can write a compelling beginning," I erroneously thought, "but can you keep my attention Deborah Reed? I dare you!"

The short answer: Yes.

Sh...more I scored myself an advanced reader's copy of Portland author Deborah Reed's debut novel Carry Yourself Back to Me.

I read the first few pages of Carry Yourself Back to Me and tried to reserve all judgement. I wasn't really prepared to like it (for no good reason, I should add) and so my brain kept trying to pull out of the story and assess the craft. "Anyone can write a compelling beginning," I erroneously thought, "but can you keep my attention Deborah Reed? I dare you!"

The short answer: Yes.

She did.

And my "want to dislike this" attitude was humbled. Sometimes I dislike a book because I genuinely believe it's crap (see my Water for Elephants review). Sometimes I dislike something because I wish I would have written it and I'm insanely jealous. Carry Yourself Back to Me falls more into that category.

The book opens with country/folk singer-songwriter Annie Walsh mourning the loss of her long-term relationship; a partnership that ended due to infidelity. When she learns her brother Calder is accused of murdering his lover's husband, a series of events unfold in Annie's life that demonstrate to her that life has a unique way of folding in on us -- especially in the throes of a crisis.

I couldn't bring myself to find much fault with Reed's rich prose, her believable characters, and her crisp dialogue. Also, I found the tangelo groves of Florida -- the setting for this book -- vivid and beautiful. (Even if I have never actually been to that particular state in the union.)

The dual themes -- running like two parallel strings from the first page to the last -- resonated with me. And I noticed the complexity of crafting this nuanced story without the hit-you-over-the-head method favored by most writer's today. The story isn't a riveting fast-paced adventure, it's a slower, steadier journey that explores what the heart wants and what it means to love and lose what matters most to you. The book is expertly plotted, which is evident by the fact that you aren't always aware of the plot. In a publishing world where books either have break-neck pacing screaming blockbuster movie or meandering literary books whose plots are thin, at best, I found the combination of a literary book with an engaging plot refreshing and rare.

Every writing "how-to" or workshop instructor vehemently opposes the dreaded flashback as a plot device. Reed's book is a great example of why we should NEVER listen to these books or workshop instructors. The flashback scenes -- woven seamlessly into the story of the present -- provide great background and character development. Some of the flashbacks were my favorite parts.

It's one of those books that resonates long after you've finished the final page -- subtle and powerful.

I wish Deborah every ounce of success and hope that this book finds the readership it deserves.(less)

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Mar 25, 2012 Rori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved the music within this book.

"Carry Yourself Back To Me" by Brush Prairie
"Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" by Rufus Wainwright
"Save Me" by Aimee Mann
"The Littlest Birds" by The Be Good Tanyas
"Dream A Little Dream" by The Beautiful South
"Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" by Billie Bragg and Wilco
"Today" by Jennifer O' Connor
"Side of the Road" and "Can't Let Go" by Lucinda Williams
"Misfits" by The Kinks
"Carolina" by M. Ward
"Boots of Spanish Leather" by Nanci Griffith
"Achin' To Be" by The Repla...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Charity rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

I have to admit I do not remember where I got this book. I found it one day on my Kindle and decided to give it a read. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised; I very much enjoyed this book-until the end.

This story immediately gets your emotionally involved with the characters. Annie and Calder have had a rough life and you can’t help but want it all to work out for them, but getting there is the hard part. I liked the mystery of who done it and why.

The reason this book can’t be a 5 star for me i...more

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Mar 12, 2013 Debra Brunk rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book. It is well-written and I identified well with many of the characters; it also made me cry, while not exactly a desired reaction, if I can get that engaged in any book, that's an impressive feat for the author. It was a little sad for me - but felt 'real' because of its sadness. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is it felt like the last chapter or two wrapped up everything a little too tidily. While it's nice to have the loose ends wrapped up, the rest of the bo...more

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Feb 13, 2012 L rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

At first I thought I probably wouldn't read more than a few pages. This is because Reed seemed to be way too much in love with distracting, evocative descriptive language. Before I had a chance to become too annoyed, though, I was pulled in--hooked on her characters and the story she had to tell. This is a relatively small story of relatively ordinary lives, interrupted by a single violent event. The untangling of that event, though, opens up all sorts of earlier interruptions--again, relatively...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 15, 2012 Ivy rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-club-book

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book felt like it was kindof a suspense-lite book meets an anti-romance novel, if there can be such a thing as an anti-romance novel then this is it. Her ex-cheated on her, her brother is cheating with married woman and her mother cheated with her brother-in-law. Ummm its just felt to me like one, two, three too many cheaters. (They should be on an episode of Cheaters. Except no one in this book gets ghetto and tries to beat the cheating partner up.)

It starts off a bit slow for me and the w...more This book felt like it was kindof a suspense-lite book meets an anti-romance novel, if there can be such a thing as an anti-romance novel then this is it. Her ex-cheated on her, her brother is cheating with married woman and her mother cheated with her brother-in-law. Ummm its just felt to me like one, two, three too many cheaters. (They should be on an episode of Cheaters. Except no one in this book gets ghetto and tries to beat the cheating partner up.)

It starts off a bit slow for me and the whole while I'm all like ummm ok the story's already progressed and our heroine is in the dumps, when will she get herself out of it? 2nd spoiler alert it doesn't happen until the very last bit of the book.

I was disappointed by the lack of actual things that happen to her in the present. The flashback chapters and the soundtrack are the only things what worked for me but all her current/real time actions and behaviors were so odd and unnatural to me. I mean what kind of sister is so blase' about her brother going to jail for murder. I don't care if he lied to her about her lover, that's her brother, her family, WTF?

The author spent a lot of time building up a decent back story where our heroine is defending her brother and is so close to him and she practically raises herself but her grown-up self has zero relation to how she was as a child. None of her behaviors make sense. And why has she got no friends... not one girlfriend? Not one?

The suspense to me was suspense-lite. It felt secondary and no one really cared that her brother Calder was in jail. Do people really trust the justice system? Really? Seriously really??!! I mean Annie doesn't have to go all Nancy Drew but her lack of concern was so disconcerting to me that I just couldn't help but dislike her.

Actually I disliked just about everyone in the story except for the dog. I'm thinking the author was just too ambitious with the whole winter in Florida and tangelos as a metaphor for I don't know what. Whatever it was it fell flat for me and for the other gals in my book club that read this. I've downgraded my rating to one star and I wish I could grade it lower because it is a mystery to me how anyone could rate it higher.(less)

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Jan 12, 2012 Tina Hayes rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vine

"Carry Yourself Back to Me" by Deborah Reed was an okay book. I just didn't connect to the characters.

Annie Walsh is a washed up divorced country singer. When her brother is arrested for murder, she flashes back to their childhood and their relationship with thier mom, dad, and uncle. She struggles with her thoughts as she works through her brother's arrest, her ex husband popping back into her life, making friends with her brother's new girlfriend (widow of the murder victim), and tries to find...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Gina rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, books-i-own-read, book-club, challenges-2012, mystery, suspense, women-of-mystery-club

Bookreads Description- With a broken heart, a stalled career, and a troubled family, singer-songwriter Annie Walsh seeks refuge at her secluded home, surrounded by a lush Florida tangelo grove and the company of her old dog Detour. But a crime connected to her brother Calder threatens to tear her family apart, and Annie is forced to shore up her loyalties and question some profound disappointments of her past. From the ever-changing present, where each hour brings an unforeseen piece of news, to...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Dawn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Coincidentally this is the second book in a row where the main character writes and sings country music. But where "and My Shoes Keep Walking Back to You" was focused mostly on the music business and seemed quite predictable...this one has deeper writing, a more complicated story line and kept me interested. I really like and disliked some of the characters...the music business was ancillary, the main character could have been in any business and the story would have been the same. I really enjo...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Galadriel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked the author's style very much, except when she's writing in present tense. It's always hard for me to lose myself in that situation. She's a beautiful writer however.

As for the story, it was enjoyable, but I probably won't remember it a year from now. It was a nice quick read, but nothing that will glue itself to my memory.

I really enjoyed the use of music to help tell the story. Familiar and unfamiliar songs alike really made the book come to life.

I'd recommend it, but I'd also say there...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Erika Lauren rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: can-t-finish

I'm not normally a book quitter, but I just couldn't get through this book. I picked it up several times to try to move further into the book, just hoping the pace would pick up and all would be right in the world again, but molasses pours out of a bottle faster than this plot took off. The characters are well written, the plot is interesting, but either I lack the patience to push through or this book lacks that forward motion needed to keep pushing the reader forward.

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Mar 02, 2012 Janie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this book. Read a little like a romance, but the kind I like. Annie is a singer songwriter betrayed by her long standing lover/soulmate Owen leaving her for a much younger woman. Her brother who she is extremely close to was somewhat complicit in the affair wounding her even deeper. It has the backstory of a difficult early life. This was very well written and I had to love all of the musial references. Added bonus of being a Northwest writer.

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title link	preview: Carry Yourself Back to Me
avg rating	preview: Carry Yourself Back to Me Goodreads rating: 3.46 (563 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9975053-carry-yourself-back-to-me?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348722316l/9975053.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9975053-carry-yourself-back-to-me?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Carry Yourself Back to Me by Deborah Reed[/url]

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