Title: Unlocking Brynleith
Author: D A Mayes
Publisher: XlibrisNZ
ISBN: 9781499099263
Pages: 224
Genre: Fiction / Suspense
Reviewed by: Jennifer Weiss
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
After the traumatic experience of giving birth to a still born son, Tayte Murdoch finds the strength and motivation to leave her husband and their failing marriage. While on sabbatical to New Zealand, she tries to rediscover her teaching career and what it will take to move it into a new direction. Before she returns to her studies, she goes to Lower North Island to visit her relative Adam; while there she meets a young, illiterate, awkward man named Boy. Despite his challenges, Boy displays outstanding artistic abilities which Tayte tries to help him grow and reach his fullest potential. The mystery of his past brings them closer as they begin to discover dark secrets about Brynleith. Tayte went to New Zealand to get away from a life she no longer desired, what she didn’t expect was to fall in love and find her soul mate in Boy. This is as much a love story as it is one about self-discovery and mystery.
Based on the plot synopsis of this book alone I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a good fictional novel. Upon reading it, I discovered there is so much more to uncover and explore within this story. With Fall just around the corner, this is a great book to snuggle under a blanket on the porch reading. It goes beyond the relationship between Boy and Tayte. Readers will find themselves glued to every page wondering what Tayte will discover next and how she will grow. The character development feels natural, almost as if you are watching two people meet, interact and inevitably fall in love. We are drawn to and attached to Tayte from the very beginning with her heartbreak and sorrow at losing her son. That attachment continues throughout the rest of the story.
Going into this novel, readers are unsure of what to expect. While it doesn’t seem like it, there is a lot that happens throughout the novel. Readers will find it easy to put themselves into the story and feel as if they are watching as the events unfold. Nothing feels rushed or out of place, everything was natural and easy flowing. From the minute you begin reading the book you are hooked into the tale that unfolds with each passing word. Unlocking Brynleigh is one of those books that when you are finished there is a sense of both satisfaction and sorrow. One can only hope there will be more books like this from D. A. Mayes.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an enthralling fiction novel, as well as to those who enjoy a good love story mixed with a little mystery. Mayes is an author who can take a story and make it come to life before our eyes. As for a rating, I would give this a well-deserved star rating. Pick up a copy of D A Mayes’ fantastic novel today, you will not regret it. Unlocking Brynleigh deserves a place on your shelf.
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