Diane Chamberlain, The Shadow Wife

 The Shadow Wife is the reissue of  the book Cypress Point

Joelle D’Angelo’s best friend, Mara is left with brain damage after she suffers an aneurysm, giving birth to her son. Devastated by this, Joelle turns to her colleague, and Mara’s husband, Liam for support. What starts out as supportive relationship between friends, gradually becomes something more than just support and friendship. As a result Joelle is left expecting a baby and alone in the world.

Torn by guilt of her feelings for Liam, Joelle sets out determined to find help for Mara, no matter how unconventional the source. Her search leads her to a mansion in Monterey, California, and into the life of a woman shrouded in mystery.

Carlynn Shire is a healer and, according to Joelle’s parents, saved Joelle’s life when she was an infant, when she stopped breathing for quite some time.  Joelle turns to Carlynn who is a woman keeping her own secrets, and has her own wrongs to right.

This story is tragic on so many levels, it took me a little while to get into, unlike the other Diane Chamberlain novels I have read. However I am glad I persevered. It a beautifully written book, and I did not expect the ending at all. It is one of those books that you grow to love the characters within the pages. I loved Carlynn's sister Lisbeth, she was such an amazing character who showed an amazing strength of character dealing with a mixed race relationship, and bigoted unloving Mother in a time where people were not so accepting. Yet she remained true to herself, whilst allowing her sister who she adored, to have a relationship with her Mother she wished she had herself. This book is a grower that I am so glad I read.