The Mill River Redemption By Darcie Chan

[amazon_link id=”0345538234″ target=”_blank” ][/amazon_link]’The Mill River Redemption’ is the latest book by Darcie Chan.

Having unexpectedly lost her husband and lacking the means to support herself, Josie DiSanti and her two daughters take refuge in the small town of Mill River, to live with Josie’s aunt, Ivy. The sisters, Rose and Emily, are inseparable growing up – until a shocking tragedy tears them apart. Years later, Rose and Emily return to Mill River for the reading of their mother’s will, where they learn that Josie would do anything to force their reconciliation: the sisters must move into neighbouring houses for the summer and work together to locate the key to Josie’s safe deposit box, which contains their inheritance. And so, left with no choice, Rose and Emily reluctantly begin their search. But in a place known for its magic and miracles, little do they know that an even greater treasure awaits them .

Although I was sent a copy of Darcie’s previous copy ‘The Mill River Recluse’ I never got round to reading it which is unfortunate as I absolutely loved her new book. It was completely addictive and not what I imagined at all. Flashing between the past and the present, the story is seen from the perspective of sisters Rose and Emily, their great aunt Ivy as well as the townsfolk of Mill River, dealing with the sudden death of the sisters mother Josie. The sisters have been estranged for years and Josie’s final wish is for the two of them to make amends with giving them a task to claim their inheritance. They have been each given a house to live in beside each other and they have to work together on a treasure hunt, looking for clues, which is an impossible task since the pair of them have a deep hatred towards each other and not only verbally abuse but have taken to vandalising each others cars and houses.

The chapters alternate back to the past, to when the women were two little girls and had a close relationship and shows how it deteriorates through alcohol abuse and a tragic accident.

The story is cleverly written with a twist that completely caught me off guard and I actually thought it was a genius addition to the story and made it even better reading. As well as a really good storyline, Darcie has created genuinely interesting characters, especially Rose, the older of the two sisters. She is a particularly horrible person that makes reading the book frustrating, selfish, self absorbed with a nasty tongue and a secret alcohol addiction, she feels that the world is against her and shows no remorse for her actions. Whereas Emily, is more placid with a gentle heart and sweet nature but when the two women are together, they bring out the worst in one another.

I really enjoyed the story and found it very easy to become immersed in the drama that unfolded on the pages. An emotional roller-coaster from the very beginning, ‘The Mill River Redemption’ is a captivating story packed with mystery, volatile characters and unhappy relationships. I loved it!

You can buy [amazon_link id=”0345538234″ target=”_blank” ]The Mill River Redemption from Amazon [/amazon_link] and is available to buy from good bookshops.