Author: Mary Paddock
Published By: Dreaming Big Publications, 2017
Reviewed By: Jessica B
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Pages: 312
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Bright surprised me in both positive and negative ways. Without writing spoilers, I will attempt to compose my thoughts. After about 50 pages in, the book took a dark turn I was not expecting. From reading the synopsis of the book, I created an entirely different plotline in my head for what I thought was going to happen. The twist, to be honest, had a negative effect on my initial rating of the book. However, I pushed through and continued reading, interested to see where it would go. I was pleasantly surprised with how the book turned out and where the author took the plot. What kept me engaged was the complexity of the plot and the number of characters within the novel. Chapters varied on perspective and kept my attention, as the scenes moved quickly.
Although the plot developed into something I didn’t think I would like, I will admit I was wrong. I do think the book would have been interesting if it continued how I originally thought it would. However, the author took various twists and turns that ended up keeping me engaged, and I believe will keep others engaged as well.
For those interested in this novel, I will give a few warnings I wish I had before reading it. One, don’t take the synopsis to heart too much. I think this was my mistake. If I had gone into the story with a blank slate, I wouldn’t have been disappointed in the beginning. Also, the genre of supernatural thriller is a bit of a stretch. I can see where the title fits, but I think marketing it just as a thriller would suffice.
I ended up giving Bright a 4 out of 5 because the author continued to surprise me as I read. If I had stopped after the first plot twist, my rating would have been much lower. However, I enjoyed the author’s writing style and for that reason rated the novel higher.
About the Book:
Hannah Whitfield is tired of living a lie. She's been so caught up in hiding her affair from her husband, Jeff, and her three children that she cannot remember the last time she was honest with anyone, including her lover, Clint. Telling Jeff the truth is the hardest thing she's ever done, but she expects Clint to understand when she ends the affair. After all, he's the one who said "When it's over, it's over." Instead, he spends months stalking and intimidating Hannah. At last, Hannah believes she has finally convinced him to give up, and she and Jeff go camping. But Clint follows, and his actions alter the course of Hannah's destiny forever.
About the Author:
Mary Paddock lives with her family in the Missouri Ozarks. To date, she's written four books, and numerous short stories. Her short work has been published in a variety of venues. Mary's an avid gardener, loves long walks, and good books. In her spare time, she rescues strays, flea market china, and abandoned ideas.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for writing a review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, and all thoughts are my own.