THINGS WE ONCE HELD DEAR

Author: Ann Tatlock ISBN: 0764200046 1/2006 INSPIRATIONAL Publisher: BETHANY HOUSE

The foundations of Neil Sadler's small-town life had been rocked by a suspicious death. Years later, as he struggles to recover from a more recent loss, memories surrounding that disturbing ordeal have taken hold of his mind and won't let go. Intent on repairing his shattered world, Neil reconnects with his friend Mary Beeken. Their once-close relationship hadn’t been strong enough to survive the tragedy that overtook Mary’s family—yet what drove them apart years ago now seems to be drawing them back together. The mystery that shrouds the fateful event stretches back over two decades—and remains unsolved. To bring closure will mean facing old truths—hard truths—and discovering some new ones. For Neil, the future is as much in the balance as the past.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THINGS WE ONCE HELD DEAR is pretty slow going and not a romantic work. Eventually, it turns into a past frame story that is more interesting than the events happening in current time, but it's still slow, despite some of the subject matter.

Fans of Danielle Steele might like Tatlock's style of writing. It flows like Steele's work, but keep in mind that the romance featured in most Steele books is missing here. There is hint of romantic involvement, more like love lost, but it's mostly a character driven read with mystery and secrets.

If you enjoy stories about going home again and realizing the mistakes of your past make you who you are today, you may enjoy this one.

Shannon Johnson