The Five Year Lie
By Sarina Bowen
Review and Summary: 'The Five Year Lie' by Sarina Bowen
Book Overview
Author: Sarina Bowen
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Setting: Vermont
Plot Summary
The Setup:
The story revolves around the intertwined lives of two former childhood friends, Jason "Jace" McAllister, a hockey star on the cusp of a comeback, and Audrey Lind, a determined small-town entrepreneur. Their lives have been separated by a painful misunderstanding and a subsequent five-year period of silence.
The Central Conflict:
- The Lie: Five years prior, Jace believed Audrey had betrayed him by selling his secret to a tabloid, jeopardizing his career. This 'lie' fueled his bitterness and caused the rift.
- Return to Vermont: Jace, recovering from an injury and seeking a quieter life, returns to their shared hometown, forcing him and Audrey to confront their shared past.
- Unresolved Feelings: Despite the painful history, their attraction is undeniable, further complicating their already tense dynamic.
- External Challenges: They also face challenges from their past and present, including Jace's demanding hockey career and Audrey's struggles to keep her family business afloat.
The Resolution:
Through a series of emotional confrontations and gradual revelations, Audrey and Jace finally uncover the truth behind the 'lie'. They begin the process of rebuilding trust and exploring the depth of their feelings for each other. The book concludes with them finding their way back to love, navigating their personal issues while building a future together.
Detailed Review
Strengths:
- Compelling Characters: Both Jace and Audrey are well-developed and relatable characters, each with their own struggles and vulnerabilities. They display growth throughout the story, making them engaging to read about.
- Emotional Depth: Sarina Bowen excels at portraying raw, authentic emotions. The pain, anger, longing, and love between the characters feel genuine and powerful.
- Slow-Burn Romance: The romantic build-up is beautifully executed. The tension and emotional stakes are high, making the eventual reconciliation deeply satisfying.
- Vivid Setting: The small-town Vermont setting adds to the charm of the story. The descriptions of the landscape and community are immersive.
- Exploration of Themes: The book delves into themes of forgiveness, second chances, communication, and the complexities of family relationships.
- Writing Style: Bowen's writing is captivating and fluid, drawing the reader into the narrative and making it difficult to put down.
Weaknesses (Minor):
- Initial Misunderstanding: While integral to the plot, the initial misunderstanding can feel slightly contrived to some readers.
- Pacing: At times, the pacing can feel slightly uneven, with certain scenes being more drawn out than others.
Overall Rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Final Thoughts:
'The Five Year Lie' is a captivating and emotional read that showcases Sarina Bowen’s talent for crafting compelling characters and nuanced romantic relationships. The story is a perfect blend of second-chance romance, small-town charm, and emotional depth. It’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and sports romance genres.
Buy the book here.
