Kerry Lonsdales’ Two Novels Deliver a Double Punch

Posted on July 8, 2017 by Charlene Giannetti in Reading Around

Kerry Lonsdale follows up her bestselling novel, Everything We Keep, with Everything We Left Behind, continuing the story of the star-crossed lovers Aimee and James. While the second book can stand on its own, you would do well to begin with Everything We Keep. Believe me, once you read the first, you will be eager to read the second.

Aimee and James were friends from childhood. No surprise that they began to date, became lovers, and planned to marry. James’ family owned the profitable Donato Enterprises and he was expected to follow his father and two brothers, Thomas and Phil, into the business. James, however, had another plan. A talented artist, he wanted to paint and one day open his own gallery. As a child, he was prevented from ever touching brush to canvas by his controlling mother, Claire. Aimee’s parents, more understanding of James’ goals, allowed him to paint at their home.

Aimee and James plan a wedding, but James has to make a trip to Mexico. What Aimee believes is a routine business trip is anything but. When James goes missing and then, according to Thomas, is found dead, Aimee finds herself attending a funeral on what was supposed to be her wedding day. (Claire reasoned that because the church was already booked, why not substitute one event for another?)

Aimee always has her doubts about James being dead. She was never allowed to see his body. And Thomas’ details about how and where he died adds to her confusion. When she’s approached by a medium after the funeral and told that James is still alive, her mistrust of the Donatos grows.

Aimee tries to get on with her life, pursuing her dream of opening her own cafe. She also attracts the attention of Ian, a photographer. When Aimee decides to travel to Mexico to see for herself whether James is still alive, Ian insists on going with her. What she discovers carries over to the next book, this one told from James’ perspective.

To give too much more away would detract from the enjoyment of these two novels. Lonsdale has created fascinating characters, an intriguing plot, and the settings in California and Mexico come alive. Buy both and head for the beach.

Kerry Lonsdale’s photo by Deene Souza Photography

Everything We Keep
Everything We Left Behind
Kerry Lonsdale

About Charlene Giannetti (690 Articles)
Charlene Giannetti, editor of Woman Around Town, is the recipient of seven awards from the New York Press Club for articles that have appeared on the website. A graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Charlene began her career working for a newspaper in Pennsylvania, then wrote for several publications in Washington covering environment and energy policy. In New York, she was an editor at Business Week magazine and her articles have appeared in many newspapers and magazines. She is the author of 13 non-fiction books, eight for parents of young adolescents written with Margaret Sagarese, including "The Roller-Coaster Years," "Cliques," and "Boy Crazy." She and Margaret have been keynote speakers at many events and have appeared on the Today Show, CBS Morning, FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and many others. Her last book, "The Plantations of Virginia," written with Jai Williams, was published by Globe Pequot Press in February, 2017. Her podcast, WAT-CAST, interviewing men and women making news, is available on Soundcloud and on iTunes. She is one of the producers for the film "Life After You," focusing on the opioid/heroin crisis that had its premiere at WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, where it won two awards. The film is now available to view on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other services. Charlene and her husband live in Manhattan.

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