The Widow's Watcher

I was immediately drawn into this story by the characters. Larger than life and absolutely recognisable, it was impossible not to be captivated by them. Once the mystery of the Jorgensen family was unveiled, it was near impossible to put down.

Jenna, in such pain from the loss of her family that she couldn't see a way out of the darkness; Lars, nursing a broken heart in more ways than one; Owen, doing his best despite the secrets he kept; Audrey, lost inside her own mind, holding the key to a decades-old mystery inside herself.

All the characters, large and small, were real and relatable. When the mystery deepened, I was totally invested. The end was more than satisfying and had me teary-eyed (a rare feat these days).

A great read, highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance review copy.

THE WIDOW’S WATCHER is my first Eliza Maxwell read. The title fought for my attention. The cover caused me to click. And then the opening scene drew me in. Well done indeed! The bitter backdrop for Jenna and Lars’s encounter was masterfully selected, the frozen lake rich with symbolism. The scene was essential to launch the story and successfully delivered. The book bears up well under the weight of heavy themes, in large part because it is told with heart. The unique “inner voice” technique was creative, effective, and not at all intrusive. (Introspection, for readers like me, can be tedious at times!) Because I was unfamiliar with the author, I had not anticipated the mysterious tone occurring well into the story, but Eliza negotiated the transition with skill. The tragic themes in the novel placed it at risk of becoming too emotional for my taste. But because of the midwestern sensibilities of the characters, it did not. From the initial scene, I cared about Jenna and Lars and eagerly made the journey with them.

A melancholy tale with growing hope sums up The Widow's Watcher. Jenna Shaw is at the end of her tether when Lars Jorgenson snatches her from an icy death on a Minnesota lake. She is locked in mourning, afraid to begin to live again. He is haunted by the loss of two of her children decades earlier. As they help each other come to terms with their sorrows they also unravel the mystery. A swiftly moving family saga The Widow's Watcher is moving and thought-provoking as it asks questions about family, mental illness and the the often muddled meaning of the past.

This was a story of two people helping each other heal through devastating heartache. The story starts where Lars is drawn to a woman on the ice and through his own heartache is annoyed that he has to rescue someone else. With Jenna stuck in this little midwest town with a broken down van she is stuck staying at Lars while his son Owen fixes her van. Lars and Jenna after a tumultuous beginning start building a friendship. Jenna gradually finds purpose to stick around and help Lars find some answers. The history of sadness they both carry is heavy and is felt through out the book.

One of my favorite sayings is, "In divine providence, there's no such thing as accidents." This novel, though full of heart-rending tragedies, proves this saying. Keep the tissues handy as the emotions run deep and often throughout this novel. The plot and main characters are fully developed. Supporting characters needed more depth. Still would have gotten 5 stars, but the reader in the audible download wasn't great - so soft spoken at times, I had to crank the volume to its loudest. Gave up on the audio and read it myself. A shame because I chose this book because of it's free audible to accompany me on my daily commute.

Eliza Maxwell was an unknown author to me, but one I will certainly look forward to reading again. As I began this novel, I found myself immediately intrigued by the author's style and drawn in to the emotion of the characters. I quickly read for an hour or so and was pleased that the plot did not go the way I had expected. I was engaged. The freshness of writing and honest reflections made me feel I was sharing the experiences of a friend. I laughed, cried, and finished this within the day. I am looking forward to another Maxwell book. Pardon me for not sharing details of the plot or characters, but I feel each reader deserves the pleasure of discovering Eliza's characters and writing for herself (or himself). Enjoy.

OK, she has become my next favorite author. Another page turner that broke my heart so many times I lost count! And yet I couldn't stop. Her characters become people you care about, become invested in, and just absolutely need to know where their journey goes! Jenna, who suffers unthinkable tragedy; Lars, who you think you would hate but end up falling in love with, his tragedies even more horrific than Jenna's due to the amount of time he's had to live with them. And the family that surrounds them, all pulling you into their midst and making you keep turning the pages. Highly recommended! Thank you, Eliza, for another great read!

This book was ripe with emotion. It started out a little slow but I enjoyed all the ‘writers commentary’. The commentary by Cass on how a plot line should go and if this were a story etc. The main character was a a writer so I greatly enjoyed the juxtaposition of “how a story should go” through the commentary and that if this character was a real person they may actually think that about certain life events. I am very pleased with the ending and may look into more books by this author.

I was overwhelmed with emotion over the loss and grief of a mother and wife and how she barely endured. The author is brilliant in blending other characters suffering their own losses and grief. Unlikely friendships are formed that are difficult, and yet heartwarming. Buried secrets come to life, haunting mysteries uncovered and hope to live on despite their pain is beyond inspiring. It is miraculous. This book will break your heart and heal your soul.

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I went into this hesitantly, with a concern that it would make light of mental illness and suicidal feelings. About half way through, I felt like the book totally switched gears, from one main character arc to a second one. I did enjoy the second half of the book more than the first, and I was pleasantly surprised that the handling of mental illness and depression was well handled. Parts of the story were predictable, but I'd be interesting in reading more by this author.

I received this from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

Reclusive Lars Jorgensen is an unlikely savior. But when Jenna Shaw walks onto the ice of a frozen Minnesota lake, her intentions are brutally clear, and the old man isn’t about to let her follow through.

I really liked the pacing of the story. Loss, redemption, forgiveness, love and being able to live on and move through life's terrible tragedies.

I inhaled this story. My widow status could not stop reading. Well presented Eliza Maxwell. Grief is treated as something we work through and it's done.
Nope! It's almost ten years and my soul wound starts to heal, and then another family loss. Jenna, our Story Widow never had a chance for hers to heal.
Read this with a box of Kleenex nearby.
Reach out and help someone grieving, one day everyone will feel that loss.

Another great one by Eliza Maxwell. Characters are extremely well developed. At the beginning of the story I felt there was just no coming back for Jenna. Her decision to end her life was perfectly understandable. What did she have to live for!

The ending was absolutely incredible. Out of the ashes of grief rises hope, faith and a chance to love again.

I've read every single Maxwell title available in the course of one week. This was the last I came to, and it did not disappoint. I find Maxwell's use of language and brilliant narrative style enrapturing, and she does not fear subject matter that is painfully real, and gripping. She explores grief and trauma in such a vibrant way; this entire book (and her other three) had me on the edge of my seat, heart pounding... Without spoilers, there were moments toward the end - one specific instance in particular - that got a choked sob from me. The journeys she takes her characters on, the way she makes them so perfectly human in their mistakes and raw emotions, is nothing short of genius.

The Widow’s Watcher is full of mystery and secrets. A poignant tale of lost and hopeless lives. This book is about the loves, joys, sorrows and connections of each life. Reminds us of how decisions we make impact us and others. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by this author. Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for making this book available to me.

The dynamics of several families with several traumatic events circles around and back like water draining out of a tub. The interwoven connections unfold one small piece at a time. No one asked for the trouble, no one wanted it and no one knew how to resolve it when several events bubble to the surface. This was a quick read because I couldn't put it down.

Beautiful character development. A story that draws you in and won’t let go. I recommend it highly. See? This is why I don’t like to write reviews - these damn word found requirements. There? Is that enough??

This book is about guilt, both deserved and undeserved; sins, both of deliberate and unintended; loss and forgiveness — all tied up in a carefully crafted mystery that takes the reader up and down the scales of emotional involvement with the characters. One of the better books I've read in a long time.

I started this book with a different story line in my mind. Once involved in the plot I could not put it down. So many different emotions and heartache from all the characters in the story. The author wove a tale that came together with love and many questions answered in so many lives.
A great read.

Well written, the 2 leads are memorable and easy to care about. Their relationship unexpected and Maxwell develops it masterfully. I liked their humorous banter in the midst of this heavy and sad tale that brings the two the road to a better place. 5 stars is not enough, well done and clever story.

Excellent read! A pivotal day for a young widow who has lost everything; and an older man who lives an almost hermit's life. On a cold winter day , resisting, their world's collide. With raw emotions, an unsolved crime, their stories unfold. A book the reader will not want to put down.

** I have received an Arc for a honest review!! **

This is my very first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be my last!!

Really kept my interest throughout the book! Its so captivating! What a great page turner!!

Highly recommend!!

This book has me hooked from the first chapter. I have not given any 5 star ratings to any of the books I have been reviewing the last three years. This book totally surprised me and made me cry with emotion. This was a great story and I could not put it down.

And kept my mind wondering with every twist. Eliza Maxwell, you do know how to write!
This book was fantastic, couldn't put it down!
My husband had to paint the bathroom by himself because I had to find out what happened to everyone, including the children!

A wonderful book! I shed tears through most of it. I couldn't stop reading. Read completely at my first setting. You could just feel the emotions. Of course I kept second guessing how it would end, partly I got figured out but still couldn't stop reading!