Newman
Phyllis M.
Roberta Blankenship, a frustrated middle-aged, middle-class housewife living in Indianapolis, struggles to make sense of her meaningless existence while also pondering an old family secret involving her mother that has plagued her since childhood. Sick of her Pottery Barn life and motivated by the mystery only whispered about in the past, she flees to the farthest point she can get without a passport, Juneau, Alaska. Everything is clearer under the vast Alaskan sky.
Having abandoned everything she’d spent her life creating, Roberta remakes herself in another place, doing anything other than responding to the demands of her self-absorbed husband and her entitled kids. Taking her first job since college, and a small room above a tourists’ shop, she contemplates new vistas. She never expected, however, to find romance in the form of a handsome federal agent involved in murder and mayhem.
And it is murder and mayhem, and the discovery of other’s secrets, that causes Roberta to run for her life into the Alaskan wilderness…
Clearing in the Woods
Readers are saying...
If you go into the woods today...
Just about every middle aged woman can relate to protagonist Roberta's escape to Alaska on a noble mission. Not long thereafter the reader is either chiding her rash, stupid actions, yelling, Nooooo, Roberta, THINK! or amazed by her ingenuity and brilliance, cheering her on. Mixed in with a good dose of soul searching and reflection, Clearing in the Woods is a thoroughly enjoyable read, well worth it.
Bravery and Suspense!
Clearing in the Woods just blew me away! Couldn't put it down! I really connected with the main character (although she was much braver than I), and I think any woman who has a husband and children could easily relate to her. Newman's descriptions put me right at the scene of many heart-pumping situations. And, the suspense! Newman knows how to tell a story and keep her readers turning the page. One great line -- not going to give it away -- was so bold and unexpected it made me think of the line in Jane Eyre, "Reader, I married him." I look forward to reading Newman's next book!
Not your typical Adventure Mystery- A Cut Above the Rest!
Fantastic book! The plot and characters are well developed. I fell into this adventurous mystery with ease, enjoying every second of the ride! The eloquent descriptive writing made me feel as if I were there. I especially enjoyed the intelligent humor and the thoughtful insights. It was captivating!