Publishers Weekly
There's enough melodrama in Michaels's newest offering (after No Place Like Home) to quench the thirst of soap opera devotees during a daytime drama drought, and the author's fans will likely lap up every word. At 17, Casey Edwards has experienced plenty of heartache and betrayal. Her mother, Evie, neglects her; her stepbrother, Ronnie, sexually abuses her; and her fianc may leave her if she doesn't have sex with him. The day Casey finally fights back and stabs Ronnie in the leg, she miscarries his baby and comes to 10 years later in a mental hospital with no memory of her life before being admitted. Evie, now wealthy and married, greets Casey with little enthusiasm, as do the citizens of Sweetwater, Ga., and she can't help but wonder why. Slowly, she pieces together the lost details of her life with the help of Dr. Blake Hunter, a gorgeous family friend, but there are those who will do anything to keep her memories buried. Michaels's characterizations are far from subtle, and her plot consists of too many highs and lows with very little in between. However, her incisive descriptions of Southern life (and the mannerisms that separate the wealthy from the working masses) will impress, even if the conventional romance between Blake and Casey doesn't. (Apr.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
Recently released from a ten-year stay at a mental health facility, Casey returns to her mother's home hoping to regain her memory of her life before hospitalization. Instead, Casey finds glass shards in her body lotion and becomes a hit-and-run victim while shopping. Unable to explain the mysterious and disturbing acts, she wonders if someone is trying to drive her insane. Murder, divorce, money, social position, amnesia, mental illness, and sexual abuse make this tale difficult to put down. Anna Lauris's wide range of voices and tonal variations make it easy for the listener to track the various speakers. A deep Southern accent adds to the ambiance and suits those particular characters. The tapes are professionally produced, with no tape hiss or other background noise. Side changes are timed to occur at convenient breaks in the story. Unfortunately, there is no repetition of a thought or sentence at the beginning of the new side, making it necessary for the listener to pay close attention as the end of a side approaches. Strongly recommended for all public libraries.-Laurie Selwyn, Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
Praise for Fern Michaels
"Incisive descriptions of Southern life will impress." —Publishers Weekly on About Face
"Michaels' latest is sure to capture the hearts of its readers" —Booklist on The Blossom Sisters
DECEMBER 2015 - AudioFile
Casey Edwards has spent the last 10 years of her young life in a mental institution. She still has no memory of the events that put her there, or her life before then. Moreover, there are people who don't want her to remember and who will do anything to make sure their secrets remain secret. Lauren Ezzo's irritating Southern accents, overacting, and disjointed presentation fit perfectly with this story, which is filled with characters a listener can't believe in or care about. Listening to this disappointing offering, from an author who is usually at the top of her game, will merely raise the question of how many times can a heroine make a dumb decision and not become tedious. A.C.P. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
