On Mystic Lake: A Novel By Kristin Hannah

I do like Kristin Hannah’s books and have read at least 5, maybe more. This particular book was good but too similar to Magic Hour… Small town on the Olympic Peninsula in the PNW; Cop as one a main characters, child who doesn’t speak… and a woman that ‘loves’ the child back to ‘normal.’ Hmmm… so so similar… but still an enjoyable read.

3 Stars, good story, not great. Based on the first part of the book, I thought it was going to be really cheesy and shallow — I was wrong. I got tired of the Malibu and Beverly Hills lifestyle with Cadillacs, Waterford and Baccarat crystal, silk blouses and Louis Vuitton luggage. But it was representative a rich lawyer’s family living in Malibu. Once Annie got to Mystic Lake, after learning her husband wanted a divorce, the story got more interesting, and the characters had more depth. I was moved by the storyline of Annie, Nick and Izzie all losing their mothers at a young age and how the author dealt with those profound losses. Annie’s compassion and understanding of Izzy was simply beautiful. The author also explored grief, children of alcoholics, homelessness, alcoholism and losing one’s identity after 20 years of marriage. I loved the daughter Natalie. She was very aware of the flaws in her parent’s marriage. I found the ending a little too hard to believe. SPOILER ALERT. Who drives from Malibu to Stanford with a newborn baby with no toothbrush, change of clothes or baby supplies? And, then decides to turn left/north on the #5 instead of going back home? A little too far fetched for me.

There was an issue in the Kindle edition with transitions between events the text. I would be in one paragraph and suddenly, the next paragraph was in a totally different time, place or from a different point of view. It was rather confusing. The book was published in 1999 so the conversion from a paper to an electronic edition should have been better. It is a small detail. Overall, a good story, somewhat predicable but definitely a triumph in dealing with life issues.

The novel that will inspire a women that after a heartbreak you can find self-discovery, personal growth, change and can love again.

First of all, I absolutely love the writings of this author and have read many of her books. “On Mystic Lake” continues with the deeply emotional story of Annie for whom life has tossed some very intense and emotional life experiences which culminate in her learning that although she’s been living in the shadow of her husband, ignoring her own needs in order to fulfill his every need, he still leaves her, seeking the love from another. It takes Annie many years and many up and down life experiences to finally realize that her life will never be her own unless she allows her heart to truly lead her toward who she really is – a woman who becomes in love with the simplicities of life which also lead her to the true love of her life, a man and his child living a complex life until Annie happens upon them. Together this threesome unite their difficult life experiences and become a family, proving to themselves and everyone else that perseverance and following your heart takes you directly upon the road toward those with whom you are meant to be.

Perseverance, belief in oneself and following your heart would, in my opinion, describe best the message the author is making in this book. Allowing yourself to listen and follow your heart will always lead to what you are meant to do. This book follows the very emotional lives of not only the main charecter, Annie, but also of those around her. It takes the reader through the charecters’ experiences of love, loss, grief, alcoholism, healing and openly sharing. Sometimes it takes years to become the person you are truly meant to be, but as Annie experiences, listening to your heart without inhibitions will get you there. This is a book which gives hope, no matter what life tosses our way.

Good writing skills. Can easily visualize her characters & places. Story moves along well. A favorite author

I’m hooked on the series after reading The Women.
This is totally different, and great in very different ways. The characters are so real, weak and very strong.
Great book.

Good read