That Terrible Woman: A Novel

This is a terrific story with amazing characters, not the least of which is the terrible woman. I loved the way the author described the lasting impact of events over time and how different perspectives can be. Most poignant of all, I enjoyed the way she described different ways of grieving through many different relationships and characters in the book. While parts of it are a little overdone and the dialogue is at times a bit unnatural, with excessive descriptions, it is a terrifically moving story which I very much enjoyed,

This was a beautifully done novel, it had everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the idea of this novel from the description. It was overall a strong story and had characters that worked with the story being told. It was a strong story and that the characters were realistic and it was a bittersweet story. Jacki Racke has a great writing style and am excited to read more from the author.

Edna's father has died and now someone she doesn't know wants to 'desperately; buy her house.. while looking through some things she comes across a box belonging to her mother and she discovers a secret that could explode.

I love family dramas. The secrets they have. The way they could destroy others lives and the way they, at times, don;t care about the consequences.

This is an amazing read. It has everything and more that a book of this genre could offer a reader to keep them gripped and intrigued.

I loved it

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written story. Edna is a complex interesting character and the story was poignant and heart wrenching. The detailed story is filled with secrets and heartbreak. This novel is of resentment and redemption after years of holding in all the pain of the past and finally forgiveness. I recommend this book as it is a real page turner and a must read! I would love to be able to meet this author one day!

I received an ARC of this book, thank you for the opportunity to review. A death in a family causes the main character to discover a family secret that she wasn't suppose to know and blows things out of the water. A stranger is insisting to buy her family home, and bullies her to try to buy it. I recommend reading this book, it is very intriguing and will keep you glue to the pages.

"That Terrible Woman" offers readers a deeply engaging and emotionally complex journey through the tangled web of family dynamics, personal trauma, and the quest for redemption. Centered on Edna Watson, a character as layered as she is enigmatic, the novel deftly explores themes of love, hate, and the shadows cast by our past.

Edna Watson, the eponymous "terrible woman," is portrayed with a compelling blend of cantankerousness and compassion. Her complexity as a character makes her both intriguing and frustrating—someone readers will find themselves loving even as they grapple with their own judgments of her flaws. The story begins with Edna receiving a call about her father's death, a moment that stirs up a whirlwind of unresolved emotions and repressed memories from her childhood.

The narrative cleverly interweaves Edna’s past and present, unraveling the dark incident from her youth that has shaped her entire life. This incident, which is gradually revealed through the course of the novel, is the key to understanding her insecurities and the driving force behind her strained relationships. As Edna returns to her hometown for her uncle’s funeral, she is forced to confront these painful memories head-on. The setting of a small English village adds a layer of intimacy and isolation, amplifying the emotional intensity of Edna’s internal struggle.

"That Terrible Woman" is a powerful narrative that shines a light on the corrosive effects of long-held grudges and the potential for healing through forgiveness. The novel’s portrayal of Edna is both empathetic and unflinching, making it a deeply resonant read. It’s a story that challenges readers to confront their own pasts and the people who have shaped them, ultimately offering a hopeful message about the possibility of redemption and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Not my usual genre but have t say that even thought the main character is not very likeable I really enjoyed this book and flew through it.

Thank you for the opportunity to review