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Silver Bell Legends
They Call Her Dirty Sally
For years, the town of Silver Bell, Arkansas has quietly mourned the hospital fire that claimed the lives of nine of its residents—the town doctor, a young expectant mother, and seven infants. So, when journalist Finn Hardwick is assigned the story as part of a national thirtieth anniversary memorial service, he arrives at the town ready to interview its residents, thinking they’ll be ready to share and eager to make headlines.
He isn’t prepared for the resistance. Or for what appears to be a collective unwillingness to answer his questions.
Faced with one roadblock after another, Finn enlists the help of Billi Ellis, the young motel receptionist that everyone in the town seems to like. Maybe she can get them to open up to him. Maybe she can help him make sense of everything he keeps uncovering. Especially the unexpected tie this tragedy appears to have to his own life.
A tie that leads him directly to the old woman who seems to hold the key to everything. The woman everyone avoids…the woman they call “dirty”…the woman who hasn’t spoken a word to anyone since the day the hospital burned.
He isn’t prepared for the resistance. Or for what appears to be a collective unwillingness to answer his questions.
Faced with one roadblock after another, Finn enlists the help of Billi Ellis, the young motel receptionist that everyone in the town seems to like. Maybe she can get them to open up to him. Maybe she can help him make sense of everything he keeps uncovering. Especially the unexpected tie this tragedy appears to have to his own life.
A tie that leads him directly to the old woman who seems to hold the key to everything. The woman everyone avoids…the woman they call “dirty”…the woman who hasn’t spoken a word to anyone since the day the hospital burned.
376 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2022
4225 people are currently reading
13511 people want to read
About the author
Amy Matayo
26 books500 followersAmy Matayo is an award winning author of The Wedding Game, Love Gone Wild, Sway, In Tune With Love, A Painted Summer, and The End of the World. She graduated with barely passing grades from John Brown University with a degree in Journalism. But don't feel sorry for her--she's super proud of that degree and all the ways she hasn't put it to good use.
She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.
www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo
She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.
www.amymatayo
Twitter: @amymatayo
Instagram: @amymatayo.author
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymatayo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews
September 29, 2022
The author, Amy Matayo, does a fine job of telling the story of a small town filled with people keeping secrets and a young man intent on discovering those secrets and finding himself at the same time. Quick and easy. Enjoyable!
December 27, 2024
They Call Her Dirty Sally is my first book by this author and I'm honestly wondering how she hasn't caught my eye before, especially now after reading this book.
It's rare that a book completely blows me away to the point that hours after finishing it, I'm still thinking about the characters, or one in particular; in this case - Sally. The way the whole town wronged her, couldn't care less about her, used her, made fun of her and crushed her spirit from a very young age. Day by day. I still get chills just thinking about it.
The story is told by three people; Finn, Billi and Sally. The way their stories intertwine make this a fascinating and mysterious read. They are brilliant characters with beautifully painted development and intrigue. The topic is heavy and I felt a huge weight on my chest.
This book is so unique, with such interesting touches all throughout. It has awoken a part within me, and I have vowed to myself to never become that kind of a person.
They Call Her Dirty Sally left me savoring every word and dreading the inevitable end.
This is a masterpiece.
*re-reading in 2024*
So good!
It's rare that a book completely blows me away to the point that hours after finishing it, I'm still thinking about the characters, or one in particular; in this case - Sally. The way the whole town wronged her, couldn't care less about her, used her, made fun of her and crushed her spirit from a very young age. Day by day. I still get chills just thinking about it.
The story is told by three people; Finn, Billi and Sally. The way their stories intertwine make this a fascinating and mysterious read. They are brilliant characters with beautifully painted development and intrigue. The topic is heavy and I felt a huge weight on my chest.
This book is so unique, with such interesting touches all throughout. It has awoken a part within me, and I have vowed to myself to never become that kind of a person.
They Call Her Dirty Sally left me savoring every word and dreading the inevitable end.
This is a masterpiece.
*re-reading in 2024*
So good!
August 2, 2022
One of the reasons that I pursued a degree in English Literature is because of how important books are to me. I consume just about anything I can get my hands on. Especially, if after reading the blurb I continue to think about it. That was the case with this book for me. Up until this point, I had never heard of this author but that will change after having read this book.
I had no idea going in, what I was going to get. Everything from the writing style to characterizations was unknown. For all I knew, this could have been another William Faulkner, Barn Burning, type of story and I could have hated it (don't come at me--I don't care how much of a beloved author he is because I would rather watch paint dry than have to read something by him). Luckily, this story was nothing as tedious as a Faulkner story. Instead, this was a book that touched my soul. I went through a gamut of emotions. There was an authentic truthfulness to the way that she depicted every aspect of this story. My heart physically hurt. The callousness and cruelty made me reflect on humanity as a whole. It was a much-needed reminder to not judge another person until we walk in that person's shoes. This was a hard lesson. It sure made me think.
Days later after reading this book, I still am feeling the beauty of this book. The author did a fantastic job of creating a book that is beautiful in all the ugliness of the backstory. There is a reason that books are magic and words are powerful. This book gives the reminder that it takes nothing to be empathetic, compassionate, and kind. If nothing else, it made me want to do better and BE better. I am glad that I took the chance on this book and this author. Priceless.
I had no idea going in, what I was going to get. Everything from the writing style to characterizations was unknown. For all I knew, this could have been another William Faulkner, Barn Burning, type of story and I could have hated it (don't come at me--I don't care how much of a beloved author he is because I would rather watch paint dry than have to read something by him). Luckily, this story was nothing as tedious as a Faulkner story. Instead, this was a book that touched my soul. I went through a gamut of emotions. There was an authentic truthfulness to the way that she depicted every aspect of this story. My heart physically hurt. The callousness and cruelty made me reflect on humanity as a whole. It was a much-needed reminder to not judge another person until we walk in that person's shoes. This was a hard lesson. It sure made me think.
Days later after reading this book, I still am feeling the beauty of this book. The author did a fantastic job of creating a book that is beautiful in all the ugliness of the backstory. There is a reason that books are magic and words are powerful. This book gives the reminder that it takes nothing to be empathetic, compassionate, and kind. If nothing else, it made me want to do better and BE better. I am glad that I took the chance on this book and this author. Priceless.
July 30, 2022
Finally getting to dig in to this new book by Amy Matayo had me so excited! It did not disappoint. This particular book is a little different from the usual feel of her books. A sad,twisted, story of lies and deceit in small town Arkansas. You will feel for Dirty Sally and can’t help but hope and pray that somewhere along the line, she will have her happy ending. If that’s even possible after the hard life that she’s had.
Matayo has a wonderful gift of creating characters with the best back stories and sarcastic banter that goes on for days. Not to mention…a smidge of romance & sexual tension, just to keep things building! The chemistry between Finn and Billi had me unable to put this book down!
I can’t wait for her next!!
Matayo has a wonderful gift of creating characters with the best back stories and sarcastic banter that goes on for days. Not to mention…a smidge of romance & sexual tension, just to keep things building! The chemistry between Finn and Billi had me unable to put this book down!
I can’t wait for her next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
OH MY EVER LOVIN' HOLY WOW JUST WOW HELL! I've been thinking about this book since I finished it last weekend as it has touched me like you wouldn't believe, and I'm not saying that it's all happy & light, but more along the lines of how terrible the human race can be towards each other. I've also been thinking about how the hell I've been the book nerd I've been without having the brilliant Amy Matayo in my life. The moment I opened this story up, everything else ceased to exist because I was transported completely to the small town of Silver Bell in Arkansas, and I can't stop thinking about it. There was a tragedy that struck Silver Bell, and the town was changed completely in the aftermath. Finn is a reporter who is there to write a story for the anniversary of this tragedy, but what he found was so much more. This town is shrouded in lies, secrets, betrayal, and everything in between, so he can't get anyone to really talk to him. He ends up getting Billi to help him, and then they went to Sally, a woman the town has pretty much destroyed. From there, the overwhelming sadness hit from her story which hit me hard, with a big kicker of twists coming in hot so it made me think & feel so many things. Everyone NEEDS this story in their lives because it's a game changer on the book scene as this author writes with so much realism & authenticy that blew me away so do not pass go or collect $200, just hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
August 4, 2022
Amy Matayo is a favorite author who constantly surprises me with her writing--her words, the content, and the emotion. She's an auto-buy author and I didn't read the blurb and was not prepared for the flow of strong emotions this book evoked. However, I was held hostage to these pages from start to finish and passionately felt every wave of feelings on the spectrum. But yet, I don't even know what to think or feel. I'm still processing it all, but I can tell you this--this story is powerful and I loved it soooo much!
Part of what made this story so intense was the way the story unfolded, shifting from the past to the way back when past. Each little snippet and chapter allowed for the reader to watch what should have been a simple journalism assignment for Finn unravel into something much bigger.
The characters? Brilliantly flawed and amazing. The interactions? Outstanding and hard. The setting? Difficult and tender. The plot? Dazzling and ingenious.
How does Matayo do this?! Is she magic? This is a book that will stick with me for a very long time and I am now analyzing the traditions and interactions I have concerning others. This story is beautiful, heart wrenching, hopeful, sweet, and tragic, and I absolutely loved it.
Content: mild+ romance (implied intimacies); mild+ language; mild+ violence/discrimination
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Part of what made this story so intense was the way the story unfolded, shifting from the past to the way back when past. Each little snippet and chapter allowed for the reader to watch what should have been a simple journalism assignment for Finn unravel into something much bigger.
The characters? Brilliantly flawed and amazing. The interactions? Outstanding and hard. The setting? Difficult and tender. The plot? Dazzling and ingenious.
How does Matayo do this?! Is she magic? This is a book that will stick with me for a very long time and I am now analyzing the traditions and interactions I have concerning others. This story is beautiful, heart wrenching, hopeful, sweet, and tragic, and I absolutely loved it.
Content: mild+ romance (implied intimacies); mild+ language; mild+ violence/discrimination
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
September 9, 2023
This had the potential to be good, but something didn't work for me. I felt everything moved too fast and had no flow. I kept getting thrown by what was happening, and I just couldn't really understand anything in the beginning. The ending was good, but on the whole, the book was more like seperate ideas, rather than one big idea woven together.
January 18, 2023
Not Good
So many pages to not tell a full story. I thought this book would never end. First time I have ever skipped sentences and paragraphs to get to the end.
So many pages to not tell a full story. I thought this book would never end. First time I have ever skipped sentences and paragraphs to get to the end.
July 26, 2023
Spoiler Alert!!
Although the plot was interesting and suspenseful enough to keep me reading, I feel that there was over-explaining too often. The abundance of examples of the town’s cruelty toward Dirty Sally made me depressed. It was agitating to read Paul helping her but never influencing others to see her worth and need for basic humanity. I knew from early on that Sally was the main character’s mother, but it was rushed over near the end without allowing the reader to feel the emotional impact of the mother-son realization.
There was a lot of interruption of action with characters’ thoughts, the author’s platitudes, and interviews that didn’t reveal enough information.
I did enjoy the banter between Billi and the main character, and the comforting ending.
Although the plot was interesting and suspenseful enough to keep me reading, I feel that there was over-explaining too often. The abundance of examples of the town’s cruelty toward Dirty Sally made me depressed. It was agitating to read Paul helping her but never influencing others to see her worth and need for basic humanity. I knew from early on that Sally was the main character’s mother, but it was rushed over near the end without allowing the reader to feel the emotional impact of the mother-son realization.
There was a lot of interruption of action with characters’ thoughts, the author’s platitudes, and interviews that didn’t reveal enough information.
I did enjoy the banter between Billi and the main character, and the comforting ending.
Read
March 17, 2024Didn’t make it past the sample on Kindle. Feels like when I had to write stories in high school and was trying to get my word count up. Every page has a metaphor such as:
“Within minutes, I’m reaching for the Afghan on the back of the old sofa and sliding it around my shoulders like a favourite cardigan you forgot you loved.”
“My fathers final words have hung over my head every since like a riddle you’ll never solve, leaving you marked with regret that stretches endlessly.”
“He clung to his mid-century politics like plastic wrap clings to leftover Thanksgiving stuffing.”
“His voice rips though the silent office like a foghorn on a deserted lake.”
I just can’t. Metaphors are good when used properly, not when they’re shoved everywhere to seem “deep”
This is rated 4.5+ so I’m obviously the outlier here but it gives me the ick.
“Within minutes, I’m reaching for the Afghan on the back of the old sofa and sliding it around my shoulders like a favourite cardigan you forgot you loved.”
“My fathers final words have hung over my head every since like a riddle you’ll never solve, leaving you marked with regret that stretches endlessly.”
“He clung to his mid-century politics like plastic wrap clings to leftover Thanksgiving stuffing.”
“His voice rips though the silent office like a foghorn on a deserted lake.”
I just can’t. Metaphors are good when used properly, not when they’re shoved everywhere to seem “deep”
This is rated 4.5+ so I’m obviously the outlier here but it gives me the ick.
December 1, 2023
I’m giving this 3.5⭐️. I enjoyed it but something about the writing was off. I think it could have been a lot better and the ending just seemed a little too quick and perfectly tied with a bow. I love a HEA but this one just seemed a bit too far-fetched. Still a good book though and looking forward to discussing it in book club!
August 2, 2022
I Loved This book!!
Wow, just wow! Amy Matayo gives her readers a fantastic little whodunnit with They Call Her Dirty Sally. It's tragic and hopeful at the same time.
As the blurb states, Finn is a reporter going to cover the anniversary of a terrible tragedy in the small town of Silver Bell. He meets the quirky motel desk clerk Billi and it's instant friendship for these two, which I absolutely loved. There was so much chemistry, they didn't need any romance in my eyes, as I was way more interested in the secrets this little town held.
The story of Dirty Sally is a tough read when you get right down to it. I always say people suck and the people of Silver Bell really suck. An outcast all of her life, all you can hope is for Sally to finally get her comeuppance. Sooner or later it has got to be her turn. Amy Matayo did such a wonderful job giving each character a piece of the towns dark puzzle. We go from present to past to get the full effect of Dirty Sally's history.
The book is well written and such a hauntingly beautiful story. At times it was almost too much to take, your heart breaks for Sally and her past. While Finn is the main focus, there are all kinds of quirky townsfolk to help unravel the secrets of Silver Bell. They Call Her Dirty Sally reads as a standalone with a lovely peek into the future off all involved.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Wow, just wow! Amy Matayo gives her readers a fantastic little whodunnit with They Call Her Dirty Sally. It's tragic and hopeful at the same time.
As the blurb states, Finn is a reporter going to cover the anniversary of a terrible tragedy in the small town of Silver Bell. He meets the quirky motel desk clerk Billi and it's instant friendship for these two, which I absolutely loved. There was so much chemistry, they didn't need any romance in my eyes, as I was way more interested in the secrets this little town held.
The story of Dirty Sally is a tough read when you get right down to it. I always say people suck and the people of Silver Bell really suck. An outcast all of her life, all you can hope is for Sally to finally get her comeuppance. Sooner or later it has got to be her turn. Amy Matayo did such a wonderful job giving each character a piece of the towns dark puzzle. We go from present to past to get the full effect of Dirty Sally's history.
The book is well written and such a hauntingly beautiful story. At times it was almost too much to take, your heart breaks for Sally and her past. While Finn is the main focus, there are all kinds of quirky townsfolk to help unravel the secrets of Silver Bell. They Call Her Dirty Sally reads as a standalone with a lovely peek into the future off all involved.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
February 16, 2023
If I could give this book zero stars, I would. I was reading along, thinking I might have found a new author to follow. Interesting puzzle, interesting characters. All was well until one of the main characters, Finn, made this statement: "It's scientifically impossible not to share a blood type with one of your parents."
Wrong, wrong, wrong. This error jumped out at me immediately. I know from personal experience that it is VERY possible NOT to share a blood type with either of your parents. My blood type is B, my husband's was B...and our son is O.
I'm sure the author wanted to use this as a way to pivot the plot in a certain direction. But she could've found another way to do it other than blatant inaccuracy.
Wrong, wrong, wrong. This error jumped out at me immediately. I know from personal experience that it is VERY possible NOT to share a blood type with either of your parents. My blood type is B, my husband's was B...and our son is O.
I'm sure the author wanted to use this as a way to pivot the plot in a certain direction. But she could've found another way to do it other than blatant inaccuracy.
September 3, 2023
This was a great book! Loved the writing of the characters; at times even out loud chuckly-worthy. Its witty humor is what I appreciated. On the flip side, it's also a sweet, emotional story but one that doesn't totally get wrapped up in a nice little package at the end, but is still so satisfying. At times, this book wrenches at your heart-it took all I had not to burst into tears at times for Sally-and at other times made you so angry you wanted to scream. Any book that elicits real emotion is a good one to read, in my opinion.
August 10, 2022
Beautifully drawn portrait of small town life.
Romance, sweet, contemporary, mystery:
Sally, Billy, and of course our hero make up an intricate portrait of small town life with its meanness, petty corruption, and greed intermingled with goodness and dignity, and honor. Sweet romance intertwined with this past crime.
Perfect depiction of these well drawn characters that will pull at your heartstrings.
Romance, sweet, contemporary, mystery:
Sally, Billy, and of course our hero make up an intricate portrait of small town life with its meanness, petty corruption, and greed intermingled with goodness and dignity, and honor. Sweet romance intertwined with this past crime.
Perfect depiction of these well drawn characters that will pull at your heartstrings.
July 30, 2022
What an incredible story! This book had layer after layer and the story unfolded as each layer was revealed. It seems like every town has that one woman that has been given a horrible nickname, is made fun of, ridiculed and harassed. Sally was that woman for this town. Horrific circumstances brought her and her family down to the dregs of society. It wasn't her fault. None of it was her fault. There just wasn't any way for her to escape it. People are so cruel.
As a reporter from another city is sent to cover the anniversary of a deadly hospital fire, he discovers more than he ever planned on. New information keeps popping up--information that was covered up and has remained that way for decades. He doesn't have a clue how that town and what he discovers will impact his own life.
I loved every word of this book! Sally and her story will keep me thinking for a long time. The story was so well written and so rife with emotion. It truly made my heart, my mind and my conscience kick in. As a side note, the cover was absolutely perfect for the story!
Thanks to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
As a reporter from another city is sent to cover the anniversary of a deadly hospital fire, he discovers more than he ever planned on. New information keeps popping up--information that was covered up and has remained that way for decades. He doesn't have a clue how that town and what he discovers will impact his own life.
I loved every word of this book! Sally and her story will keep me thinking for a long time. The story was so well written and so rife with emotion. It truly made my heart, my mind and my conscience kick in. As a side note, the cover was absolutely perfect for the story!
Thanks to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
January 19, 2024
Good story. A reporter goes to Silver Bell, Arkansas to get information for a story about a memorial of a fire at the local hospital that happened 30 years ago. During his investigation he discovers many secrets hidden in this town, including his own birth and parents.
January 12, 2025
This was the first book I've read by Matayo. It did not disappoint. What a GREAT story!
August 2, 2022
They Call Her Dirty Sally blew me away! I usually stick to contemporary romance, but I took a chance on this book and I am so glad I did because it was phenomenal! Amy Matayo is a new-to-me author, and she had such a magical way with her words as she wove together this small-town mystery.
This book is chock-full of secrets, lies, and years of betrayal. As it all unravels, the lives of Sally -- who was at the heart of the accident decades ago -- Billi, and town outsider Finn will forever be changed. This book will really make you think about your actions and how the way you treat people can have long-lasting consequences.
Get ready to experience a rollercoaster of emotions with this gut-wrenching, inspirational, phenomenal story.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
This book is chock-full of secrets, lies, and years of betrayal. As it all unravels, the lives of Sally -- who was at the heart of the accident decades ago -- Billi, and town outsider Finn will forever be changed. This book will really make you think about your actions and how the way you treat people can have long-lasting consequences.
Get ready to experience a rollercoaster of emotions with this gut-wrenching, inspirational, phenomenal story.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
July 24, 2022
They Call Her Dirty Sally by Amy Matayo is a compelling book, one that you will not be able to stop reading once you begin. I have long been a fan of this author’s books, but this one sets her apart with its emotional authenticity and consequential themes. The characters felt real to me and their backstories made me want to cry. People of all ages should read this book. Our world would be a better place if we took to heart the message of this book. Amazing read overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
July 25, 2022
Once again, Amy Matayo writes a book that I can't seem to put down. I was drawn to the characters from the first chapter and they are so relatable. Their past is so hard that it will make you want to cry but you end up rooting for them the entire book. At first the conclusion left me unsatisfied, because I wanted more justice for Sally, but the more I ponder this, the ending was perfect. Sally got her happy ending, and the people she loved most were with her in the end. Beautiful story! I am so glad that I read it.
I received an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2023
They Call Her Dirty Sally is a testament to Amy Matayo's creativity - a story built on a house (and its resident) that piqued her interest. The best parts of the novel reveal Dirty Sally's history and why she lives the way that she does, a story that tugs at the reader's heartstrings.
The modern day-ish (1990s) characters are likable enough, but other than uncovering Dirty Sally's history and recognizing how awfully she was treated, they didn't have much of a character arc. Sally herself, while always sympathetic, is a passive character, never acting to improve her situation or her attitude toward it.
The catalyst for Sally's father's poor treatment (and thereby the treatment of Sally herself), once revealed, was a little underwhelming. Even so, the writing flowed well, and I stayed up a little late reading "one more chapter."
3.5 stars
The modern day-ish (1990s) characters are likable enough, but other than uncovering Dirty Sally's history and recognizing how awfully she was treated, they didn't have much of a character arc. Sally herself, while always sympathetic, is a passive character, never acting to improve her situation or her attitude toward it.
The catalyst for Sally's father's poor treatment (and thereby the treatment of Sally herself), once revealed, was a little underwhelming. Even so, the writing flowed well, and I stayed up a little late reading "one more chapter."
3.5 stars
August 6, 2022
Another winner from Amy Matayo
It’s 2:40 am and i just finished this book. Wow.
Normally I struggle with dual timeline novels but this one is so well written (like Amy Harmon can do) I was never confused. But intrigued??? YES!!!
The prologue had me determined to learn what the heck happened and along the way I came to love Finn and Billi so much. Without giving away too much I will also say that Paul was the real hero of this novel for most of the pages. Most of them.
Great storytelling with powerful characters to love and hate and sometimes both all the way to THE END while you laugh, hurt, cry, get mad, ponder and rejoice.
It’s 2:40 am and i just finished this book. Wow.
Normally I struggle with dual timeline novels but this one is so well written (like Amy Harmon can do) I was never confused. But intrigued??? YES!!!
The prologue had me determined to learn what the heck happened and along the way I came to love Finn and Billi so much. Without giving away too much I will also say that Paul was the real hero of this novel for most of the pages. Most of them.
Great storytelling with powerful characters to love and hate and sometimes both all the way to THE END while you laugh, hurt, cry, get mad, ponder and rejoice.
November 28, 2022
The idea is a good one - How a community creates a scapegoat and what happens to the scapegoat. Some good twists, though a bit predictable. Learning about Sally's life is the the real meat of the story.
The writing was repetitive and sophomoric in the 1998 sections focusing on Billi and Finn. Honestly, I could not tell their characters apart once I was off the chapter cover. I had to keep reminding myself. I also couldn't believe some of it wasn't written by a sixteen year old boy.
The research could have been better. The maple syrup description was not anything like reality.
The writing was repetitive and sophomoric in the 1998 sections focusing on Billi and Finn. Honestly, I could not tell their characters apart once I was off the chapter cover. I had to keep reminding myself. I also couldn't believe some of it wasn't written by a sixteen year old boy.
The research could have been better. The maple syrup description was not anything like reality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
After I thought about this book some more, I had to downgrade it another star - predictable, decent story, but definitely reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing. Additionally, I felt as if once the big reveal happened, the ending was rushed. And where was Sally’s justice? Everyone talked about how she was mistreated but then nothing after the big reveal.
September 5, 2023
Drawn out
The chapters based on Finn and Billie do little to keep the readers attention. I found myself skimming trying to find the main points. Sallie on the other hand bought life to the book.
The chapters based on Finn and Billie do little to keep the readers attention. I found myself skimming trying to find the main points. Sallie on the other hand bought life to the book.
March 1, 2023
This was an ok read. I don’t believe EVERYONE in a small town would be so mean to someone, but it’s a story.
July 17, 2023
Could have maybe been a good story but the characters were all insufferable, predictable. The writing felt juvenile and so cliche. Not for me.
August 8, 2022
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶
Angst: 💣💣💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend? HELL YES!
Tropes: romantic suspense, opposites attract
The town of Silver Bell, Arkansas has a history it has mourned for years. A hospital fire killed seven including the town doctor, a young pregnant woman and seven babies. For the 30th anniversary, reporter Finn Hardwick has been assigned the task of covering the memorial service. Trying to get questions answered by the town's residents becomes an almost impossible task since no one will talk. Soon he's forced to enlist the help of Billi Ellis, a hotel receptionist, that people in town seem to like and hopefully help him get some answers. With every new fact he uncovers, the more intrigued he becomes as did I. It also seems there are correlations between the tragedy and his life. That tie leads him to a woman named Sally that everyone in town calls "dirty", whose been mute since the fire.
How have I not heard of this author before?! Her writing is phenomenal with a plot that pulled me in and had me addicted. I was determined to read straight through so I could get answers too. My tablet stayed glued to me until I reached the end. I couldn’t scream my recommendation louder. If you love a good mystery, GO! GET! IT! NOW! This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💣💣💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend? HELL YES!
Tropes: romantic suspense, opposites attract
The town of Silver Bell, Arkansas has a history it has mourned for years. A hospital fire killed seven including the town doctor, a young pregnant woman and seven babies. For the 30th anniversary, reporter Finn Hardwick has been assigned the task of covering the memorial service. Trying to get questions answered by the town's residents becomes an almost impossible task since no one will talk. Soon he's forced to enlist the help of Billi Ellis, a hotel receptionist, that people in town seem to like and hopefully help him get some answers. With every new fact he uncovers, the more intrigued he becomes as did I. It also seems there are correlations between the tragedy and his life. That tie leads him to a woman named Sally that everyone in town calls "dirty", whose been mute since the fire.
How have I not heard of this author before?! Her writing is phenomenal with a plot that pulled me in and had me addicted. I was determined to read straight through so I could get answers too. My tablet stayed glued to me until I reached the end. I couldn’t scream my recommendation louder. If you love a good mystery, GO! GET! IT! NOW! This is my honest opinion, freely given.
September 25, 2022
Not sure I wanted to read this book. The title was intriguing and at about 4% I found myself fully invested in the storyline. Couldn't put it down. Fast read, great characters and Billi was the protagonist we needed to move the unspeakable along.
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