Writers need a team of well-wishing readers around them, and it’s easy to forget that you have such a team once the reviews have come and gone. I save a file of mine for each book and make a point to read them again when my spirits are flagging while creating a new story. A good review can be not just a confidence-booster, but also a guide to ideas for new stories, dimensions of your writing to enhance and explore, and a signpost to point you toward doing more of what readers love.
Here’s a summary of a lengthy review I just received for Return to Lerici, my sequel to The Invisibles. The book launched January 4, 2024. This capped thegreat review:
“Rachel Dacus has created a novel that seamlessly combines mystery, emotion, and the beauty of the Italian coastal setting, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven fiction.”
The same day that review came in, someone gave the book a one-star on Amazon, with no explanation. A nasty mark for no good reason. Some people are just angry and take it out wherever they can snark at someone or something. In this case, my book, which lowered my rating. It will come back up, because I know it’s a good book — the best one I’ve written, I believe. I felt that way about The Invisibles too, and reader comments and book reviews led me to develop the sequel.
When you consider reviews of your book, hold the good ones close to your creative heart. They will empower you to keep on at this venture of writing, especially when you’re having doubts, feeling ignored, or wondering if your work is good enough.
Here’s the full-length review by Gina Rae Mitchell, from her excellent book review and lifestyle blog.
My Thoughts on Return to Lerici
“Return to Lerici” by Rachel Dacus is a captivating exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the potential for redemption. The novel, part of The Invisibles Series, follows the lives of sisters Elinor and Saffron as they grapple with the discovery of a long-lost half-brother, Baby Boy, and the unforeseen challenges that come with reconnecting with their familial roots.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of the Italian coast, the story unfolds in Lerici, where the Greene sisters gather to support their ailing mother, Betsy. However, their reluctance to delve into the past and search for Baby Boy becomes the focal point of tension. The faded adoption papers reveal only the name “Baby Boy,” a mystery that lingers over the family like a shadow.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Baby Boy, now known as Daniel, enters the scene. Having faced a challenging upbringing, Daniel has resorted to a life of thievery. Learning about his connection to a wealthy family, he decides to exploit the situation for personal gain. As he infiltrates the lives of the Greenes using a fake identity, he witnesses the warmth and connection that have eluded him throughout his tumultuous past. Dracus skillfully weaves Daniel’s internal struggle for belonging with the external threat his criminal history poses.
The strength of “Return to Lerici” lies in its gripping storytelling and well-developed characters. The author delves into the complexities of sisterhood, portraying the strained relationship between Elinor and Saffron with nuance and authenticity. The novel is firmly rooted in the bonds of family, exploring themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the enduring power of love.
The book is aptly described as sister fiction, as it skillfully navigates the intricacies of familial relationships. Dracus exhibits a talent for crafting a well-plotted, character-driven narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. While it is a sequel to “The Invisibles,” “Return to Lerici” stands on its own, allowing readers to dive into the story without needing to read the previous installment.
In Summary
“Return to Lerici” is a compelling addition to The Invisibles Series, offering readers a poignant exploration of family ties, redemption, and the pursuit of a sense of belonging. Rachel Dracus has created a novel that seamlessly combines mystery, emotion, and the beauty of the Italian coastal setting, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven fiction.
The Invisibles series on Amazon.
