Susan Wiggs
Return to Willow Lake is the first Susan Wiggs book I have read. I was expecting a rather sappy romance, but I got a pretty interesting tale of choices, family, and yes, love. Sonnet, the lead character, is surrounded by a well thought out and balanced supporting cast. Illness, pregnancy, life choices, commitment, responsibility and, most importantly, being true to one’s self while respecting others all play supporting roles as well. I was bothered by a pretty unlikely timeline of events for Sonnet's family (being "commander of the first gulf war" at about age 27?”, or being "director of a UNESCO department at less than 27?”).
This book will offer plenty of topics for discussion for a female book group. The mother/daughter relationship, relationship "mistakes", divorce, blended families, felonies, judging others and absent fathers are all presented sensitively. Race is briefly (and not very realistically) touched on also.