My Review of Thrown Out: Stories from Exeter by Jennie Coughlin

THE BLURB

Travel to Exeter, Massachusetts, where old grudges, buried secrets and lifetime regrets haunt the residents of this small town – and sometimes trip up unwary newcomers.

In Bones of the Past, Ellie learns some old secrets lurking underneath the small town peace.

Step back 10 years in Thrown Out as Chris must decide if he’ll let old scars come between him and what he’s building with Dan.

F.X. O’Leary can see something is very wrong with his grandchildren, but he must enlist Riordan’s help for an End Run when his son Joe won’t let him help.

Finally, in the 40 years they’ve known each other, Becca and Riordan have perfected this Intricate Dance between them.

 

WHAT I THOUGHT

Jennie Coughlin has created a town which seems real enough to perhaps be the one next to your own.  This small book spans a few decades with its four short stories.  It’s about everyday life for the people of Exeter, complete with problems, trivial and large.  I felt like I was looking at the town through a window, getting a little glimpse at the goings on and getting to know the characters.  It was like being given a sneak peak at what was to come – which is good because I have heard there are more stories about Exeter in the works.

Can I pick a favourite?  Nope, I can’t.  Even though they are four short stories it still seemed like more of a whole to me than four parts, they interwove and it was great.  It gave me the feeling that I had known the town for more than just the ‘time at the moment’. 

An easy to read pocketsize book with engaging characters and good storylines.

 

I must say thank you to Jennie for providing me with a copy of her book – thanks, Jennie!