Every so often you come by a really unique novel, one that is hauntingly beautiful … that is Olivay by Deborah Reed. The book moves at a slow pace but as you read the tension is constantly building within the story and that alone keeps you turning the pages quickly. Olivay is a novel of grief, loss, of moving on, and of coming face to face with the reality that our lives can irrevocably change in an instant.
The novel opens with Olivay losing her husband in a hit-and-run accident. Devastated she barely drags herself along for the next year of her life. Eventually she begins to step outside of her apartment to the coffee shop near her home. On one such occasion she meets Henry and feels an instant attraction. It’s something so foreign to her now that she takes him back to her apartment planning on a one-night stand. As the next morning dawns she notices some strange behavior with Henry but hasn’t got the time to fully analyze it because bombs are detonating all across Los Angeles and one of those bombs is right by her home. Her windows have blown out, and glass is everywhere. Olivay is not only injured, she is also trapped inside her apartment with Henry as no one is allowed out on the streets and Henry has begun to act even more strange than he had in the morning. He seems nervous and uncomfortable and Olivay begins to have suspicions about him. Could he be part of the terrorist plot? He drives a motorcycle – is he the one who killed her husband? And why is guarding that backpack of his so diligently?
This book keeps you guessing throughout. The tension builds and you think you’ve got it all figured out but in the very next sentence you realize that you don’t. It is beautifully written and the emotion and power of the author’s words flow in each and every sentence. You feel the grief and loss, the fear and helplessness in the face of a terrorist attack, and the power of new love. Truly this is one of those books that I loved but can’t find adequate words to describe just how it made me feel … especially the unexpected ending. It’s an emotional book and one that will stay with me for a long time… it is a very good book. One of my favorites this year. Highly recommended!
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GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US & CANADIAN RESIDENTS
1 paperback copy up for giveaway
*CLICK HERE* and fill out the form to enter
Draw Date July 22/15
Sounds like a good one.
Wow. This does sound good! I will have to look for this one. It sounds like such a compelling and beautifully written novel.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway, Darlene! I’ve added it to my blog’s sidebar. I am a fan of author Deborah Reed and interviewed her a few years ago. 🙂
This looks so interesting!
“hauntingly beautiful” is such an evocative phrase – it makes me want to pick this book up right away!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
Hallo, Hallo! 🙂
I caught sight of this novel on the TLC sidebar and something about it’s premise had me curious — I’m thankful I dropped by tonight to not only read your insightful review on how this psychological suspense arches over a well-conceived plot but how the author truly knits you so close into the heart of the characters that you are stirred with such a strikingly pensive afterthought of recollection once the book is put down! Definitely the kind of review I appreciate finding about a novel because it takes me inside the heart of what I would find of the story and allows me to feel what you felt as you entered it’s catacomb of mystery!
Entered the bookaway but I am definitely seeking out this novel to read! I am going to make sure I can devour it during PERIL when the book blogosphere will be celebrating all the lovelies of Mystery | Suspense | Psychological | Horror!
Thank you!