What do you think?
Traces of Home
Lea is lost and searching for home and safety. She doesn't know she'll have to lose everything to find them. Her fiancé, Dr. Matthew Howell, is searching for the lost Lea. When his search seems fruitless, it threatens to derail his ability as a Chicago surgeon.
Dr. Eric Lloyd and his mother, Margaret, try to pick up the pieces of Lea’s life and help her find herself. They give her all the love and security she’s always wanted. But they fail to help her make sense of her life when Matthew discovers her whereabouts.
When Lea and Matthew are reunited, both are shocked by what they find out about each other. But the couple is now a part of a bigger picture, and their actions affect the lives of those around them.
Matthew and Lea, the Lloyds, Lea’s parents and a psychiatrist, Dr. Paul Glass, are all thrown together in the mansion where Lea grew up. As it reveals its dark secrets, each person is also forced to face their unwanted past. But once those unwanted memories are resurrected, no one can escape the destruction that follows. No one, especially the practical and cautious Matthew, is prepared for the possibility that destruction can also lead one back to his forgotten dreams.
Dr. Eric Lloyd and his mother, Margaret, try to pick up the pieces of Lea’s life and help her find herself. They give her all the love and security she’s always wanted. But they fail to help her make sense of her life when Matthew discovers her whereabouts.
When Lea and Matthew are reunited, both are shocked by what they find out about each other. But the couple is now a part of a bigger picture, and their actions affect the lives of those around them.
Matthew and Lea, the Lloyds, Lea’s parents and a psychiatrist, Dr. Paul Glass, are all thrown together in the mansion where Lea grew up. As it reveals its dark secrets, each person is also forced to face their unwanted past. But once those unwanted memories are resurrected, no one can escape the destruction that follows. No one, especially the practical and cautious Matthew, is prepared for the possibility that destruction can also lead one back to his forgotten dreams.
360 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2019
About the author
S.S. Bazinet
28 books79 followersMy passionate world of writing is about letting go of mental structures and simply having fun. By giving myself that freedom, wonderful things happen. The story unfolds in new and exciting ways.
Maybe that’s why I love writing. It allows my emotions and deepest feelings to surface. When I’m writing, my soul is unfettered. There’s no emotional denial, no holding back. My characters are allowed to explore their lives in ways that open up my own heart again. Hopefully my readers will enjoy their stories.
My website: http://www.ssbazinet.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSBazinet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSBazinet
Maybe that’s why I love writing. It allows my emotions and deepest feelings to surface. When I’m writing, my soul is unfettered. There’s no emotional denial, no holding back. My characters are allowed to explore their lives in ways that open up my own heart again. Hopefully my readers will enjoy their stories.
My website: http://www.ssbazinet.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSBazinet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSBazinet
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 11, 2019
What is the true meaning of love? Undoubtedly, the answer you get to this question will depend greatly upon whom you ask. Some will focus on attraction while others may target affection in their interpretation. Be that as it may, one thing is consistent in every definition of love I have ever come across. It is all about a bond and depth of wide-ranging emotions. From happiness to sadness. Anger to joy. Each case is different and will inevitably encounter peaks and valleys. In S.S. Bazinet's novel Traces of Home (Open My Heart Book 1), we are given a front row seat to witness the ebb and flow of relationships- and ultimately the love that anchors them. A beautiful piece of romantic fiction which clearly illustrates that sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you have a chance to rise to the top.
Essentially the novel follows the path of Lea who is the main protagonist. Despite her efforts she is uncontrollably sinking into the depths of despair. Quite possibly due to an abusive past, she finds herself in a very dark place emotionally, with little hope of escape. Not wanting to constantly take out her torment on her fiance', Dr. Matthew Howell, Lea flees her home in Chicago and lands in Baltimore. Once there, she encounters Dr. Eric Lloyd and his mother. They kindly offer her a place to stay after Lea is struck by Eric's car and suffers amnesia. It is here where Lea begins to understand what love and caring are all about as she is welcomed into their family. However, she soon finds out the the Lloyds are carrying their own secrets and internal trauma. When Lea is eventually found by Matthew and Lea's family, things begin to come to a head. They soon all come together at Lea's family mansion and with the help of a top rated psychiatrist, we begin to see how deep pain is really buried... in all the participants! Do they have what it takes to overcome such anguish? Or will love be extinguished, ultimately leaving a trail of misery behind?
This novel reminds me of the quote "You cannot truly appreciate the top if you have never hit rock bottom." At its core, it is really a story about self-discovery, strength and true love. The author also sends us a very strong message to not be so quick to judge people- good or bad. You really just never know what lies behind their external facade. That is a lot to take in, but the story events are presented in such a way that they mesh beautifully. The readers will constantly find themselves guessing about what will come next. Just when it seems as if all the issues are resolved and lovers will reunite... we are quickly taken into an entirely different direction. The action is wholly engaging, captivating and emotionally charged.
While the plot of Traces of Home, is fascinating, it is undoubtedly a character driven novel. As the main protagonist, Lea grows and develops in the most detail throughout the book. However, she clearly leaves a path for which the other supporting players will follow. Indeed, there are a whole group of characters who have their own unique sorrows and struggles. When they are all brought together we are able to comprehend the various issues in depth and begin to truly understand them as individuals. Throughout this unmasking we can witness Lea as the catalyst acting to unpeel the various characters like an onion. What is left at the end is strength and love.
Without a doubt, I would give this novel my highest recommendation. It is an easy story to read with crisp dialogue and dynamic characters. The writing has a poetic flow which has the unique ability to provoke an entire array of emotions in the reader. That is what true engagement is all about. As this is Book 1 of a series, I await anxiously to see what is in store for Lea and her family in the future!
5 out of 5 Lovely Stars for this one! *****
Essentially the novel follows the path of Lea who is the main protagonist. Despite her efforts she is uncontrollably sinking into the depths of despair. Quite possibly due to an abusive past, she finds herself in a very dark place emotionally, with little hope of escape. Not wanting to constantly take out her torment on her fiance', Dr. Matthew Howell, Lea flees her home in Chicago and lands in Baltimore. Once there, she encounters Dr. Eric Lloyd and his mother. They kindly offer her a place to stay after Lea is struck by Eric's car and suffers amnesia. It is here where Lea begins to understand what love and caring are all about as she is welcomed into their family. However, she soon finds out the the Lloyds are carrying their own secrets and internal trauma. When Lea is eventually found by Matthew and Lea's family, things begin to come to a head. They soon all come together at Lea's family mansion and with the help of a top rated psychiatrist, we begin to see how deep pain is really buried... in all the participants! Do they have what it takes to overcome such anguish? Or will love be extinguished, ultimately leaving a trail of misery behind?
This novel reminds me of the quote "You cannot truly appreciate the top if you have never hit rock bottom." At its core, it is really a story about self-discovery, strength and true love. The author also sends us a very strong message to not be so quick to judge people- good or bad. You really just never know what lies behind their external facade. That is a lot to take in, but the story events are presented in such a way that they mesh beautifully. The readers will constantly find themselves guessing about what will come next. Just when it seems as if all the issues are resolved and lovers will reunite... we are quickly taken into an entirely different direction. The action is wholly engaging, captivating and emotionally charged.
While the plot of Traces of Home, is fascinating, it is undoubtedly a character driven novel. As the main protagonist, Lea grows and develops in the most detail throughout the book. However, she clearly leaves a path for which the other supporting players will follow. Indeed, there are a whole group of characters who have their own unique sorrows and struggles. When they are all brought together we are able to comprehend the various issues in depth and begin to truly understand them as individuals. Throughout this unmasking we can witness Lea as the catalyst acting to unpeel the various characters like an onion. What is left at the end is strength and love.
Without a doubt, I would give this novel my highest recommendation. It is an easy story to read with crisp dialogue and dynamic characters. The writing has a poetic flow which has the unique ability to provoke an entire array of emotions in the reader. That is what true engagement is all about. As this is Book 1 of a series, I await anxiously to see what is in store for Lea and her family in the future!
5 out of 5 Lovely Stars for this one! *****
July 9, 2019
From the very first page, this book is filled with a sense of foreboding. The lives of several people are poised on the brink of falling into unchartered territory. I felt the undercurrent as the author skillfully set her characters on separate paths, away from each other, but not away from their destinies.
What I love so much about this author’s writing is her ability to take the reader on a journey into the hearts and souls of her characters, allowing the reader to examine their feelings vicariously. She tackles so many big questions that lie under the cloak of everyday living, but are potential landmines when the origins of the pain they feel deep down inside erupt and threaten to wreak havoc on everyone close to them.
Besides giving us a fascinating, action-packed read, S.S. Bazinet shows the hope that lies underneath all that torments us mere mortals. Love, faith in something, and forgiveness can change anyone’s life by stripping away the fears and regrets that haunt us. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
What I love so much about this author’s writing is her ability to take the reader on a journey into the hearts and souls of her characters, allowing the reader to examine their feelings vicariously. She tackles so many big questions that lie under the cloak of everyday living, but are potential landmines when the origins of the pain they feel deep down inside erupt and threaten to wreak havoc on everyone close to them.
Besides giving us a fascinating, action-packed read, S.S. Bazinet shows the hope that lies underneath all that torments us mere mortals. Love, faith in something, and forgiveness can change anyone’s life by stripping away the fears and regrets that haunt us. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
November 21, 2019
In this beautiful story, one of the characters sums it all up so perfectly.
“When it comes to love, things can get so complicated.”
There are many lives involved here and all have had past demons that have left them fragile and non-trusting of their inner selves. Memories have been moulded through time to allow them to survive and carry on. If they had been left to themselves, as individuals, they would have all self-destructed. However they came together to help with the recovery of Lea, left with no memory of her past after running, from her relationship with Matthew, into the path of a car, driven by Eric.
It’s an interesting dynamic when the group gets together. Lives are reset through introspection, and friendships are forged and strengthened, though not without many doubts and recriminations bubbling to the surface. Memories are brought up and revisited but can they be fully overcome?
At the end of this beautiful first book, exquisitely written by talented author Sandy Bazinet, everything appears to have turned out for the best, for everyone. Has love conquered all? What further trials and tribulations await our couples? We’ll have to wait and see what twists await the reader in Book 2.
Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this journey of the heart.
“When it comes to love, things can get so complicated.”
There are many lives involved here and all have had past demons that have left them fragile and non-trusting of their inner selves. Memories have been moulded through time to allow them to survive and carry on. If they had been left to themselves, as individuals, they would have all self-destructed. However they came together to help with the recovery of Lea, left with no memory of her past after running, from her relationship with Matthew, into the path of a car, driven by Eric.
It’s an interesting dynamic when the group gets together. Lives are reset through introspection, and friendships are forged and strengthened, though not without many doubts and recriminations bubbling to the surface. Memories are brought up and revisited but can they be fully overcome?
At the end of this beautiful first book, exquisitely written by talented author Sandy Bazinet, everything appears to have turned out for the best, for everyone. Has love conquered all? What further trials and tribulations await our couples? We’ll have to wait and see what twists await the reader in Book 2.
Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this journey of the heart.
January 31, 2020
TRACES OF HOME by S.S. Bazinet is an extremely well-written, addictively engrossing book. It has a bit of everything; familial love, romantic love, childhood abuse, mental illness, family and personal secrets and friendship and loyalty.
This tale pulled me in and then held me captive with many twists, turns and surprise revelations throughout. Just when I thought I knew how the story was going to turn out the plot would take an unexpected turn and convince me it would turn out completely differently than I had thought. Almost impossible to put down, this book is one that I was incredibly anxious to discover the ending, and yet longed for it to never end at the same time. I am truly happy that there will be at least one more book in this series, and hopefully more.
The story flowed like a dream, and the characters are all well fleshed out and believable. Although Lea is the protagonist, all of the supporting characters have stories of their own to tell, giving this novel a complex, but genuine, realistic aura.
I highly recommend TRACES OF HOME (OPEN WIDE MY HEART Book 1).
This tale pulled me in and then held me captive with many twists, turns and surprise revelations throughout. Just when I thought I knew how the story was going to turn out the plot would take an unexpected turn and convince me it would turn out completely differently than I had thought. Almost impossible to put down, this book is one that I was incredibly anxious to discover the ending, and yet longed for it to never end at the same time. I am truly happy that there will be at least one more book in this series, and hopefully more.
The story flowed like a dream, and the characters are all well fleshed out and believable. Although Lea is the protagonist, all of the supporting characters have stories of their own to tell, giving this novel a complex, but genuine, realistic aura.
I highly recommend TRACES OF HOME (OPEN WIDE MY HEART Book 1).
January 9, 2020
This is one story I didn’t rush through, I wanted to savor every bit of it. The beautiful writing smoothly guides the reader into the minds of the characters to discover their secrets. I’ve always been intrigued by what makes a person who they are, whether they are angry, lashing out at every little thing, or calm, sweet, and kind…what happened in their life to make them so? Well, this was the perfect book for me, because it delved deep into characters’ psyches to examine their pasts and motivations to give a full picture of who they are.
And who they are may not be who they want to be. So how do they change the parts of themselves they wish to dispose of? Sometimes the answer is thrust upon us, as with Lea, who loses the memory of who she was. Fighting her way back to her old life or even who she was, is a journey unto itself. And once she finds it, does she even still want that life?
Secrets haunt the past of each of the characters, which makes me wonder, are we all living with something so monumental that it has affected us to the core? I think the answer is a resounding, yes! This is one of the reasons this story resonates, because we see ourselves in so many of its aspects.
I highly recommend this 5-star novel for its beauty and depth in examining human emotions and its excellent writing that flows magnificently.
And who they are may not be who they want to be. So how do they change the parts of themselves they wish to dispose of? Sometimes the answer is thrust upon us, as with Lea, who loses the memory of who she was. Fighting her way back to her old life or even who she was, is a journey unto itself. And once she finds it, does she even still want that life?
Secrets haunt the past of each of the characters, which makes me wonder, are we all living with something so monumental that it has affected us to the core? I think the answer is a resounding, yes! This is one of the reasons this story resonates, because we see ourselves in so many of its aspects.
I highly recommend this 5-star novel for its beauty and depth in examining human emotions and its excellent writing that flows magnificently.
January 7, 2020
Escaping Your Past Can Prove Impossible – But Can Also Become A Healing Journey.
Open wide my heart is a romance. It’s also an unusual and rousing tale of fear, violence, and how humans overcome unmeasurable challenges.
In the brooding prelude, Lea, the protagonist flees an abusive relationship, or her tortured past, only to be involved in a car crash and losing her memory. The driver, who’s a doctor takes her into his and his mother’s home. From there, Lea must find out who she really is, and her journey influences everybody around her, including her own family and her fiancé, her doctor, his mother, and a psychiatrist.
SS Bazinet sets the scene and lets the characters work out their darkest fears, their secrets, and their loves. Her kaleidoscopic narrative is written in beautiful prose, one of the characteristics of her authorship. Open Wide My Heart is the first in a series, and that leaves me wondering what darkness will appear in the following instalments. Highly recommended.
Open wide my heart is a romance. It’s also an unusual and rousing tale of fear, violence, and how humans overcome unmeasurable challenges.
In the brooding prelude, Lea, the protagonist flees an abusive relationship, or her tortured past, only to be involved in a car crash and losing her memory. The driver, who’s a doctor takes her into his and his mother’s home. From there, Lea must find out who she really is, and her journey influences everybody around her, including her own family and her fiancé, her doctor, his mother, and a psychiatrist.
SS Bazinet sets the scene and lets the characters work out their darkest fears, their secrets, and their loves. Her kaleidoscopic narrative is written in beautiful prose, one of the characteristics of her authorship. Open Wide My Heart is the first in a series, and that leaves me wondering what darkness will appear in the following instalments. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2020
Lea Ferguson is a troubled soul who increasingly is lashing out at those who are close to her. Memories of a cruel past and abuse are pushing her to the brink of sanity. She decides to leave her family and fiancé, surgeon Matthew Howell, in a desperate attempt to start anew, believing their lives would be better off without her. Fate deals an unexpected hand and Lea’s plans are changed forever when she is hit by a car, causing her to lose all memories of her past life. Dr. Eric Lloyd is horror struck when he accidently runs over Lea, and is determined to see to her recovery when no one contacts the hospital about her. He and his kind hearted mother take Lea into their home, showing her a peaceful way of living that is free of the dark visions that once consumed her.
As the seasons pass–Lea thrives with Eric and his mother. Her fiancé Matthew struggles with her disappearance, and is shocked to learn a private investigator has finally located her. Their initial reunion does not go as expected, and leaves everyone upset and dejected. Lea decides to return home and confront her family and fiancé to see why they are so disturbed with her, and also to learn the details of her past life, which has obviously caused those who love her much pain and anguish.
Psychiatrist Paul Glass is called in to the Ferguson home, with Lea’s parents, fiancé Matthew, and Eric and his mother in attendance in a bid to get the past exposed so that Lea can heal once and for all. When the emotions start flowing, everyone in attendance is impacted as their own secrets and fears are also revealed. Will this group ever be able to heal the wounds of the past and move on with their lives and loves? Author Bazinet takes us on a psychological journey that both chills and moves you as the tangled webs of emotions and life experiences are unraveled. A thought provoking, suspense filled read, highly recommended!
As the seasons pass–Lea thrives with Eric and his mother. Her fiancé Matthew struggles with her disappearance, and is shocked to learn a private investigator has finally located her. Their initial reunion does not go as expected, and leaves everyone upset and dejected. Lea decides to return home and confront her family and fiancé to see why they are so disturbed with her, and also to learn the details of her past life, which has obviously caused those who love her much pain and anguish.
Psychiatrist Paul Glass is called in to the Ferguson home, with Lea’s parents, fiancé Matthew, and Eric and his mother in attendance in a bid to get the past exposed so that Lea can heal once and for all. When the emotions start flowing, everyone in attendance is impacted as their own secrets and fears are also revealed. Will this group ever be able to heal the wounds of the past and move on with their lives and loves? Author Bazinet takes us on a psychological journey that both chills and moves you as the tangled webs of emotions and life experiences are unraveled. A thought provoking, suspense filled read, highly recommended!
December 21, 2021
A page turner!
From the first chapter you will embark on a tumultuous roller coaster ride! S.S. Bazinet has an uncanny ability to make you feel each characters emotions, from stark terror to unbridled happiness. You will not be able to put the book down for long as you will be pulled back into the lives of the characters, each on their own journey battling their childhood/past demons.
As suppressed memories come to the forefront for some of the characters, S.S. Bazinet traverses the intricacy of the human mind like a seasoned pro. When the characters are together as a whole, you will not know what is coming next when their emotions play off of each other.
I look forward to the next installment of this book by this incredibly talented author!
From the first chapter you will embark on a tumultuous roller coaster ride! S.S. Bazinet has an uncanny ability to make you feel each characters emotions, from stark terror to unbridled happiness. You will not be able to put the book down for long as you will be pulled back into the lives of the characters, each on their own journey battling their childhood/past demons.
As suppressed memories come to the forefront for some of the characters, S.S. Bazinet traverses the intricacy of the human mind like a seasoned pro. When the characters are together as a whole, you will not know what is coming next when their emotions play off of each other.
I look forward to the next installment of this book by this incredibly talented author!
June 1, 2021
Open Wide My Heart. Traces of Home; Talented author S. S. Bazinet has written a fantastic story.
Lea had a secret past. Her fears will get the best of her, and life will be a rollercoaster of fears until love and caring ease Lea's heart, but running is not a great thing to do, and countless sleepless nights will take a toll.
Never a dull moment reading this book. The characters come to alive as they grab your attention with dramatic drama and twists and turns beautifully written. You won't be able to put the book down. I highly recommend such a captivating story. I can't wait to read book 2.
Lea had a secret past. Her fears will get the best of her, and life will be a rollercoaster of fears until love and caring ease Lea's heart, but running is not a great thing to do, and countless sleepless nights will take a toll.
Never a dull moment reading this book. The characters come to alive as they grab your attention with dramatic drama and twists and turns beautifully written. You won't be able to put the book down. I highly recommend such a captivating story. I can't wait to read book 2.
June 7, 2019
What an amazing story that has you delving into page after page, not wanting to stop reading!
There is mystery, intrigue, romance, friendships made and strengthened throughout this remarkable story.
There are so many twists and turns that you don't see coming. You'll be hooked and caught up in reading yet not wanting the story to end.
Each character is well developed and you can picture yourself in the setting as each event unfolds.
This is the first story I've read by this author and I'm SO glad I did!
I very highly recommend this story, it'll have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what's going to happen next.
Brilliant job in writing this story S.S. Bazinet!! Keep them coming.
There is mystery, intrigue, romance, friendships made and strengthened throughout this remarkable story.
There are so many twists and turns that you don't see coming. You'll be hooked and caught up in reading yet not wanting the story to end.
Each character is well developed and you can picture yourself in the setting as each event unfolds.
This is the first story I've read by this author and I'm SO glad I did!
I very highly recommend this story, it'll have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what's going to happen next.
Brilliant job in writing this story S.S. Bazinet!! Keep them coming.
January 26, 2025
What is the true meaning of love?
Undoubtedly, the answer you get to this question will depend greatly upon whom you ask. Some will focus on attraction while others may target affection in their interpretation. Be that as it may, one thing is consistent in every definition of love I have ever come across. It is all about a bond and depth of wide-ranging emotions. From happiness to sadness. Anger to joy. Each case is different and will inevitably encounter peaks and valleys.
In S.S. Bazinet's novel Traces of Home (Open My Heart Book 1), we are given a front-row seat to witness the ebb and flow of relationships- and ultimately the love that anchors them. A beautiful piece of romantic fiction that clearly illustrates that sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you have a chance to rise to the top.
Essentially the novel follows the path of Lea who is the main protagonist. Despite her efforts, she is uncontrollably sinking into the depths of despair. Quite possibly due to an abusive past, she finds herself in a very dark place emotionally, with little hope of escape.
Not wanting to constantly take out her torment on her fiance', Dr. Matthew Howell, Lea flees her home in Chicago and lands in Baltimore. Once there, she encounters Dr. Eric Lloyd and his mother. They kindly offer her a place to stay after Lea is struck by Eric's car and suffers amnesia.
It is here where Lea begins to understand what love and caring are all about as she is welcomed into their family. However, she soon finds out that the Lloyds are carrying their own secrets and internal trauma. When Lea is eventually found by Matthew and Lea's family, things begin to come to a head. They soon all come together at Lea's family mansion and with the help of a top-rated psychiatrist, we begin to see how deep pain is really buried... in all the participants!
Do they have what it takes to overcome such anguish? Or will love be extinguished, ultimately leaving a trail of misery behind?
This novel reminds me of the quote "You cannot truly appreciate the top if you have never hit rock bottom." At its core, it is really a story about self-discovery, strength and true love.
The author also sends us a very strong message to not be so quick to judge people- good or bad. You really just never know what lies behind their external facade. That is a lot to take in, but the story events are presented in such a way that they mesh beautifully.
The readers will constantly find themselves guessing about what will come next. Just when it seems as if all the issues are resolved and lovers will reunite... we are quickly taken into an entirely different direction. The action is wholly engaging, captivating and emotionally charged.
While the plot of Traces of Home, is fascinating, it is undoubtedly a character-driven novel. As the main protagonist, Lea grows and develops in the most detail throughout the book. However, she clearly leaves a path for which the other supporting players will follow.
Indeed, there is a whole group of characters who have their own unique sorrows and struggles. When they are all brought together we are able to comprehend the various issues in depth and begin to truly understand them as individuals. Throughout this unmasking, we can witness Lea as the catalyst acting to unpeel the various characters like an onion. What is left at the end is strength and love.
Without a doubt, I would give this novel my highest recommendation. It is an easy story to read with crisp dialogue and dynamic characters. The writing has a poetic flow which has the unique ability to provoke an entire array of emotions in the reader. That is what true engagement is all about. As this is Book 1 of a series, I await anxiously to see what is in store for Lea and her family in the future!
5 out of 5 Lovely Stars for this one!
Undoubtedly, the answer you get to this question will depend greatly upon whom you ask. Some will focus on attraction while others may target affection in their interpretation. Be that as it may, one thing is consistent in every definition of love I have ever come across. It is all about a bond and depth of wide-ranging emotions. From happiness to sadness. Anger to joy. Each case is different and will inevitably encounter peaks and valleys.
In S.S. Bazinet's novel Traces of Home (Open My Heart Book 1), we are given a front-row seat to witness the ebb and flow of relationships- and ultimately the love that anchors them. A beautiful piece of romantic fiction that clearly illustrates that sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you have a chance to rise to the top.
Essentially the novel follows the path of Lea who is the main protagonist. Despite her efforts, she is uncontrollably sinking into the depths of despair. Quite possibly due to an abusive past, she finds herself in a very dark place emotionally, with little hope of escape.
Not wanting to constantly take out her torment on her fiance', Dr. Matthew Howell, Lea flees her home in Chicago and lands in Baltimore. Once there, she encounters Dr. Eric Lloyd and his mother. They kindly offer her a place to stay after Lea is struck by Eric's car and suffers amnesia.
It is here where Lea begins to understand what love and caring are all about as she is welcomed into their family. However, she soon finds out that the Lloyds are carrying their own secrets and internal trauma. When Lea is eventually found by Matthew and Lea's family, things begin to come to a head. They soon all come together at Lea's family mansion and with the help of a top-rated psychiatrist, we begin to see how deep pain is really buried... in all the participants!
Do they have what it takes to overcome such anguish? Or will love be extinguished, ultimately leaving a trail of misery behind?
This novel reminds me of the quote "You cannot truly appreciate the top if you have never hit rock bottom." At its core, it is really a story about self-discovery, strength and true love.
The author also sends us a very strong message to not be so quick to judge people- good or bad. You really just never know what lies behind their external facade. That is a lot to take in, but the story events are presented in such a way that they mesh beautifully.
The readers will constantly find themselves guessing about what will come next. Just when it seems as if all the issues are resolved and lovers will reunite... we are quickly taken into an entirely different direction. The action is wholly engaging, captivating and emotionally charged.
While the plot of Traces of Home, is fascinating, it is undoubtedly a character-driven novel. As the main protagonist, Lea grows and develops in the most detail throughout the book. However, she clearly leaves a path for which the other supporting players will follow.
Indeed, there is a whole group of characters who have their own unique sorrows and struggles. When they are all brought together we are able to comprehend the various issues in depth and begin to truly understand them as individuals. Throughout this unmasking, we can witness Lea as the catalyst acting to unpeel the various characters like an onion. What is left at the end is strength and love.
Without a doubt, I would give this novel my highest recommendation. It is an easy story to read with crisp dialogue and dynamic characters. The writing has a poetic flow which has the unique ability to provoke an entire array of emotions in the reader. That is what true engagement is all about. As this is Book 1 of a series, I await anxiously to see what is in store for Lea and her family in the future!
5 out of 5 Lovely Stars for this one!
June 17, 2019
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
Traces of Home (Open Wide My Heart Book 1) by S. S. Bazinet takes us right inside the lives of some seriously dysfunctional people from difficult childhoods. Lea, a successful pediatrician is haunted by her childhood memories when her parents gave her none of the love and support, she needed instead leaving her to be brought up by nannies. One brutal Nanny, in particular, had physically and mentally abused and tormented her when she was just three. As a result, she has found it impossible to get close to anyone, as an adult. Engaged to an eminent but somewhat emotionless surgeon, Lea decided she has to run away and stop Matthew, her fiancée from the mistake of marrying her. When she is struck by a car, driven by a hard-working cardiologist and loses all memory of her past life, Eric and his Mother take her in and show her the love and concern she has always been lacking. What she doesn’t initially realise is that Eric and Margaret have their own internal traumas to deal with, relating to Eric’s late father and Margaret’s husband, Ricky. Throw in a somewhat confused and frustrated psychiatrist and you have a story full of angst, loss, doubt, self-discovery and love.
This story is essentially about family and the pressures and pain that parents can transfer to their children. In Traces of Home (Open Wide My Heart Book 1), author S. S. Bazinet has created an ensemble cast of characters each of whom has something in their past they are ashamed of or they are struggling to live up to the expectations of others, be it their parents, their peers, or their loved ones. The characters are drawn to an absolute extreme and sometimes appear less real because of this but the author does an excellent job of describing and understanding the weird dynamics that go into making family relationships work, let alone the extreme dynamics of these terribly dysfunctional people. The overwhelming saving grace of the story is the deep caring and love that is evident in each of the characters the author has drawn, beneath their exterior walls of indifference and pride that they have placed around themselves. An incredibly easy book to read, the author’s style and changes in POV’s were abrupt and frequent, which allowed each of the characters to shine at various times. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Matthew, Lea’s fiancée and Eric, her angel and faux brother. There was a chemistry and humour between them that had me chuckling and turning pages rapidly. It is difficult to write, convincingly, about the angst of familial relationships and I think the author does very well at that. If you enjoy family drama and the power of love to overcome all odds, you’ll enjoy this book. I look forward to the further adventures of these odd-ball characters in the next installment in the Open Wide My Heart series.
Traces of Home (Open Wide My Heart Book 1) by S. S. Bazinet takes us right inside the lives of some seriously dysfunctional people from difficult childhoods. Lea, a successful pediatrician is haunted by her childhood memories when her parents gave her none of the love and support, she needed instead leaving her to be brought up by nannies. One brutal Nanny, in particular, had physically and mentally abused and tormented her when she was just three. As a result, she has found it impossible to get close to anyone, as an adult. Engaged to an eminent but somewhat emotionless surgeon, Lea decided she has to run away and stop Matthew, her fiancée from the mistake of marrying her. When she is struck by a car, driven by a hard-working cardiologist and loses all memory of her past life, Eric and his Mother take her in and show her the love and concern she has always been lacking. What she doesn’t initially realise is that Eric and Margaret have their own internal traumas to deal with, relating to Eric’s late father and Margaret’s husband, Ricky. Throw in a somewhat confused and frustrated psychiatrist and you have a story full of angst, loss, doubt, self-discovery and love.
This story is essentially about family and the pressures and pain that parents can transfer to their children. In Traces of Home (Open Wide My Heart Book 1), author S. S. Bazinet has created an ensemble cast of characters each of whom has something in their past they are ashamed of or they are struggling to live up to the expectations of others, be it their parents, their peers, or their loved ones. The characters are drawn to an absolute extreme and sometimes appear less real because of this but the author does an excellent job of describing and understanding the weird dynamics that go into making family relationships work, let alone the extreme dynamics of these terribly dysfunctional people. The overwhelming saving grace of the story is the deep caring and love that is evident in each of the characters the author has drawn, beneath their exterior walls of indifference and pride that they have placed around themselves. An incredibly easy book to read, the author’s style and changes in POV’s were abrupt and frequent, which allowed each of the characters to shine at various times. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Matthew, Lea’s fiancée and Eric, her angel and faux brother. There was a chemistry and humour between them that had me chuckling and turning pages rapidly. It is difficult to write, convincingly, about the angst of familial relationships and I think the author does very well at that. If you enjoy family drama and the power of love to overcome all odds, you’ll enjoy this book. I look forward to the further adventures of these odd-ball characters in the next installment in the Open Wide My Heart series.
October 23, 2019
Lea is running from her past, leaving the man she loves, because she's afraid of hurting him. Unable to speak of the terrible things that happened to her as a child Lea knows she is a horrid person. Isn't that what she's been told countless times! She was wicked... too wicked to find happiness. Through the driving rain she fleas the torment that her past creates in her mind, right into the oncoming car of Dr Eric Lloyd.
When Lea wakes in the hospital her past has gone, and so has her memories. Known only as Jane, and with the help of the Lloyds, Lea finds the strength to overcome her fears, to find love and happiness.
But not everything with the kind and thoughtful Lloyds is as they seem. Margaret Lloyd in hope of protecting her son holds a secret which she hopes her husband has taken to his grave. However, some secrets are too big not to be spoken.
Eric has his own nightmares which torture him and prevents him from moving forward with his life.
This is an incredible story of strength, secrets, lies, family, love and friendship. S.S. Bazinet does a fabulous job of entwining lives into a truly remarkable story. This book is more than a story of love, it is a story of belief in yourself and in others. And the best part is this is book one, so for those of us that yearn for more, we can be satisfied that S.S. Bazinet will provide us with the ongoing saga of these remarkable characters.
When Lea wakes in the hospital her past has gone, and so has her memories. Known only as Jane, and with the help of the Lloyds, Lea finds the strength to overcome her fears, to find love and happiness.
But not everything with the kind and thoughtful Lloyds is as they seem. Margaret Lloyd in hope of protecting her son holds a secret which she hopes her husband has taken to his grave. However, some secrets are too big not to be spoken.
Eric has his own nightmares which torture him and prevents him from moving forward with his life.
This is an incredible story of strength, secrets, lies, family, love and friendship. S.S. Bazinet does a fabulous job of entwining lives into a truly remarkable story. This book is more than a story of love, it is a story of belief in yourself and in others. And the best part is this is book one, so for those of us that yearn for more, we can be satisfied that S.S. Bazinet will provide us with the ongoing saga of these remarkable characters.
January 13, 2020
‘Traces of Home’ by S.S. Bazinet is a character driven plot, focusing on the fears and insecurities that most people have to struggle with. Here we have Lea, Eric and Matthew who have to deal with their demons, which continue to haunt them till they slash the walls that they had built around themselves. The book begins well but soon degenerates into inconsequential chitchat till they get together at Lea’s childhood home to address the real issues. It’s not that easy, as each character’s perspective is different and the author steps in to describe every detail, thereby complicating it further.
The pace of the story is painfully slow, boring at places, too dramatic and repetitive. This book needs incisive editing as real and meaningful messages are muddled in unnecessary descriptions. Bazinet’s characters know that love and relationships are as essential as living but they take time to understand that they could never be perfect. Imperfections have to be accepted; escapism has never solved any problems and self-discovery is a journey that could be initiated if we delve deeper into the past that has been buried or denied.
Eric’s story makes me ponder how easily do children pass judgment on their parents, without understanding the circumstances they lived in and the choices they had to make in that era. This book makes a good study into relationships, which need to be nurtured without any hypocrisy.
The pace of the story is painfully slow, boring at places, too dramatic and repetitive. This book needs incisive editing as real and meaningful messages are muddled in unnecessary descriptions. Bazinet’s characters know that love and relationships are as essential as living but they take time to understand that they could never be perfect. Imperfections have to be accepted; escapism has never solved any problems and self-discovery is a journey that could be initiated if we delve deeper into the past that has been buried or denied.
Eric’s story makes me ponder how easily do children pass judgment on their parents, without understanding the circumstances they lived in and the choices they had to make in that era. This book makes a good study into relationships, which need to be nurtured without any hypocrisy.
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