"Tromp weaves a complex historical tale incorporating love, suspense, hurt, and healing--all the elements that keep the pages turning." --Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Perennials "A riveting read and . . . a first class suspense thriller." -- The Midwest Book Review Charlotte Anne Mattas longs to turn back the clock. Before her husband, Sam, went to serve his country in the war, he was the man everyone could rely on--responsible, intelligent, and loving. But the person who's come back to their family farm is very different from the protector Annie remembers. Sam's experience in the Pacific theater has left him broken in ways no one can understand--but that everyone is learning to fear. Tongues start wagging after Sam nearly kills his own brother. Now when he claims to have seen men on the mountain when no one else has seen them, Annie isn't the only one questioning his sanity and her safety. If there were criminals haunting the hills, there should be evidence beyond his claims. Is he really seeing what he says, or is his war-tortured mind conjuring ghosts? Annie desperately wants to believe her husband. But between his irrational choices and his nightmares leaking into the daytime, she's terrified he's going mad. Can she trust God to heal Sam's mental wounds--or will sticking by him mean keeping her marriage at the cost of her own life? "With twists and turns as unexpected as an Arkansas thunderstorm, Tromp brilliantly explores the things war can change and the important things it can't." -- LYNNE GENTRY , USA Today best-selling author of Lethal Outbreak
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Shadows in the Mine's Eye is a wonderful debut novel by Janyre Tromp . From the very beginning the story has twists and turns that will throw you mind off goodtime. Just when you think you have everything under control, something else happens and you are back at square one. I finally realized I would never figure anything out right and just enjoyed reading to the end. And that I did.
I felt so bad for Sam because no one believed him, so that meant everyone thought he was crazy. Even his wife. The PTSD that hit him when he got home from the war was leaning on him goodtime. Tromp does a nice job giving the vivid details of each scene, and this shows the extent of research she did before writing the book. There are many dark moments in the book, sometimes it is hard to read, but the story flows pretty good and those dark times you need to read to understand the story.
And boy was it an ending you won't forget for a while. It may not be a good idea to finish the book in the middle of the night like I did. There is a lot of stuff going on in Shadows in the Mine's Eye by Janyre Tromp. Not only the twists and turns but a few surprises in the end as well. My only thing with the story is, I feel the author used God's name inappropriate a number of times throughout the story and that bothers me. Other than that, it is a really great debut for the author. If you enjoy a good suspense/mystery, you will really enjoy this one.
Shadows in the Mind's Eye
Published by amybooksy , 2 years ago
Shadows in the Mind's Eye is a great debut for novelist Janyre Tromp. For me, it was an emotional tale that had me wanting to grab some tissues. It is a powerful story of redemption and healing. I personally felt a connection to Sam and the trauma and nightmares he endured. I wanted to keep reading to find out how it would all end for him and Annie. I liked the addition of suspense and mystery, too.
Shadows in the Mind's Eye will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I will be looking for more like this by Janyre Tromp in the future. She has found herself a new fan.
I received a paperback copy of Shadows in the Mind's Eye from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Could Not Put Down!
Published by labornotinvain , 2 years ago
A gripping and gritty story about love, revenge, betrayal, and holding on for better or for worse.
I didn't want to put this book down for a second, it kept me guessing all the way up until the explosive conclusion and I loved every minute of it. I liked how the book alternated perspectives between Sam and Annie, their scars and ghost from the past hindering their reunion. Sam is a veteran who has seen countless horrors that haunt his nightmares, returning to fight another battle for his marriage and family. I admired his fierce devotion to his family, and willingness to sacrifice him self many times over for the ones that he loves.
Annie has always seen Sam as her hero, but the man who returns reminds her of her nightmares. I admired Annie for her strength and how she has grown while Sam was away, as well as her inner mama bear. There was intensity, yet vulnerability to both Sam and Annie, that brought a genuine rawness and gravity to their plight. Rosemary is a darling child, but one of my favorite characters had to be Dovie May, a woman of strong faith, and the most quotable character in the whole book.
This is well layered read, intense and poignant, with honest, raw characters. Masterful storytelling pulled me in and didn't let go until I was finished, I loved the elements of a psychological thriller, as well as how it definitely kept me guessing and holding on tight for the answers. I couldn't have asked for anything more from this stunning and intense read, it checked every box for me and I can't recommend it enough!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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