In Book 2 of the Riverbend Series, Marcia Meara, author of Wake-Robin Ridge, A Boy Named Rabbit, and Harbinger, takes a look at the devastating effects of a family torn apart by a horrific tragedy, pitting brother against brother, and focusing on battling PTSD with the redemptive power of unwavering love and support.
Before, I never thought about taking a life.
Not once.
Now, the thought fills my mind day and night,
and I wonder how I’ll hide that terrible need,
As an old car swings to the shoulder,
And stops.
~ Traveling Man ~
Hunter Painter’s darkest fears have shaped his offbeat personality since he was a child, crippling him in ways invisible to those unable to see past his quiet exterior. In a sleepy Florida town known for its eccentric inhabitants, he’s always been a mystery to most.
Only one person sees beyond Hunter’s quirky facade. Willow Greene, the new age herbalist who owns the local candle and potpourri shop, has secretly loved him since they were in high school. When, sixteen years later, she discovers Hunter has loved her just as long, Willow hopes her dreams are finally coming true.
Willow soon learns that Hunter fears happiness at her side isn’t in the cards for him. With her natural optimism and courage, she almost convinces him he’s wrong—that they can really have that life together they both long for—but even Willow can’t stop what Hunter knows is coming.
One by one, his worst nightmares become reality, culminating in an unthinkable tragedy, which devastates everyone it touches. Willow’s battle begins in earnest as Hunter is plunged into a bleak, guilt-ridden despair, threatening to destroy not only their love, but Hunter, himself.
Finding Hunter is the story of a lost man’s desperate struggle to make his way home again, and one woman’s unshakeable faith in him and the power of their love.
·•◊♦◊•·
Gut-Wrenching, Heartbreaking, and Soul-Warming
I was looking forward to this book because I enjoyed the first one in the series so much. And now I’m eager to read book three. Marcia Meara has found her groove in the complex-character/Florida-fiction niche.
I love character-driven fiction, and this is the epitome of a character-driven piece. Hunter Painter puts a smile on your face and a tear in your eye from the first page. His story arc had me an emotional wreck, so you can imagine what he and Willow went through. And Willow… so strong, so understanding, so amazing. She is a force to be reckoned with.
These characters and the supporting cast kept me on the edge of my seat. This book depicts the horrors of PTSD from not just the person plagued by it, but also from the POV of the family and friends who so often feel helpless and are relegated to watching their loved one suffer. Meara explored this condition thoroughly and without restraint. It was an eye-opening and heart-wrenching take on the topic.
As I said, I really enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to read the next installment.
Book 1: Swamp Ghosts | Book 2: Finding Hunter | Book 3: That Darkest Place
If you are interested in more information, visit Marcia Meara’s website for purchase, newsletter, and social media links.
I can hardly wait to read book two, but book one awaits first.
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
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Riveting review! I can’t wait to read this book! 🙂
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Thank you. I’m glad the review piqued your interest. Finding Hunter is book two of the series, so you might want to read book one first (all the links are at the end of the post). The novel stands alone, but reading the first one helps ground you in the series.
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Oh no worries. I’ve read book 1 and have the other 2 awaiting my attention on my Kindle. I love Marsha and her writing. 🙂
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Wonderful. I’m thrilled to hear it. I’ve become a fast fan of her writing, as well.
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🙂
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Excellent review, Staci – thanks for sharing!
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Thanks, Teri.
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Stellar review! Congrats, Marcia. Thanks for posting, Staci. Pinned & shared. 🙂
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Thank you for commenting and sharing, Linda.
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Thank you so much, Linda! I was truly pleased to see this here today, and very, very happy with Staci’s kind words. You create a character and send him out in the world with your fingers crossed that readers will get what he’s about, and Staci made me feel like she really did. It doesn’t get better than that! Nice to see you here today, too. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share.
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I love angst-driven characters. I know I will enjoy this book. Thanks for sharing your review, Staci!
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They don’t get too much angstier than Hunter Painter, Mae. He makes Mac look like a slacker. Hahahahaha. I do hope you enjoy it, when you have time to check it out. 😀
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Mae, I thought I wrote troubled characters. This one makes mine look happy and well adjusted. I think anyone who enjoys stories with complex, tortured characters will have found a favorite.
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Sounds like my kind of character! 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Finding Hunter is my personal favorite of all my books, to date, and it was absolutely lovely to discover this beautiful review from Staci Troilo this morning. I’m sharing it with you guys, because 1) I can’t help myself, and 2) Deb told me I could! 😀 Hope you enjoy it, and please pass it along. And if you’ve read FH and haven’t left a review yet, please consider doing so. It would make Hunter feel so good! 😀
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What a wonderful review, Staci. As my personal favorite of my books, it’s always lovely when somebody “gets” the uber quirky and angsty Hunter Painter. He’s such a gentle soul, struggling to survive in a world that doesn’t have room for him. Thank God for Willow! I’m happy I warmed your soul, and apologize for wrenching your gut and breaking your heart along the way. 😀
Lovely way to start my day, for sure. And I’m going to share this with folks on The Write Stuff.
Thank you, Staci!
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Just telling it like it is, Marcia. You wrote one heck of a story. One heck of a series! I’ll be posting my review of the third book soon.
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