Bethlehem by Karen Kelly is the story of two families
and a secret that could tear them apart. The story opens in 1962, Joanna
Collier moved with her husband, Frank, and their two children, Charlie and
Daisy, to Frank’s childhood home. His father, Wyatt, died suddenly and they
moved into the family estate to help care for his mother, Susannah and his
grandmother, Helen. While visiting a neighbor, Joanna sees a grave with a
simple inscription, “Baby Hayes.” Rewind to the summer of 1918 where a young
Susannah Parrish is fishing with family friends, Wyatt and Chap Collier. The
two families are close it is no surprise when Susannah and Wyatt become
romantically linked with the possibility of a proposal in the future. As the
timeline switches between 1962 and the 1920s, a family history is unveiled
which hides a deep family secret. Joanna must deal with feelings of abandonment
as Frank tries to fill his father’s shoes and Susannah reveals her deepest
secret. Will Joanna be able to tell Frank how she feels? What is the connection
to Baby Hayes to the family?
Bethlehem was a fast read in that it held my attention
from the opening page to the final reveal. From the Roaring Twenties to the
early 60s, one family deals with life, tragedy and secrets. There isn’t much I
can discuss about the book as it will give too much away but it was a great
story with characters that were relatable. The story could be placed in anytime
and place and it would be a story that would captivate as all families have
secrets. I recommend Bethlehem.
Bethlehem
is available in
hardcover, eBook, and audiobook
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