Underneath The Honeysuckle Vine, Beyond Cedar Cove, Book One

"Underneath The Honeysuckle Vine" by Cynthia Ulmer is a powerful start to the Beyond Cedar Cove series, weaving a captivating tale of family drama, deception, and the search for redemption. Once living a life of wealth and privilege, Meg Evans spirals into a world of lies and manipulation, blaming her daughter Carin for her downfall. The vivid storytelling pulls you into their complex relationship, leaving you wondering if Meg will find the strength to change. Ulmer crafts a beautifully written, heart-wrenching narrative about love, loss, and second chances. Recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven sagas!

The book is exceptionally well-written, and it exceeded all my expectations! This was my first time diving into the Cedar Cove Series, and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. From the very first page, I was drawn into the world the author so masterfully created. The narrative is not only engaging but also richly detailed, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the lives of the characters and the charming setting of Cedar Cove. The author did an outstanding job weaving together a storyline that is both compelling and emotionally resonant. Each character is crafted with such depth and authenticity that I found myself deeply invested in their journeys. The way the plot unfolds is nothing short of brilliant, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep me eagerly turning the pages. I particularly appreciated how the author balanced moments of joy, heartache, and suspense, making the reading experience dynamic and unforgettable. The setting of Cedar Cove itself felt like a character in its own right, with its vivid descriptions and inviting atmosphere making me feel as if I were right there alongside the characters. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a well-told story filled with relatable characters, heartfelt emotions, and a plot that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. It’s rare to find a book that resonates on so many levels, but this one truly does. I’m already looking forward to exploring more of the Cedar Cove Series, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeply satisfying and immersive read!

While appreciate that Meg was supposed to be immature, narcissistic, and villainous--but I did not enjoy reading chapters from her point of view--hanging out with her in her own head was cringingly awful. I didn't enjoy it and piling on her awfulness didn't make me want to read the book. By putting her as one of the main POV characters, it immediately ripped me out of immersion and enjoyment into a place of ick. That being said, it does say that the author has an amazing gift for characterization and Meg will absolutely remind you of scheming girls in small towns with twisted and unlikable personalities. And even though Meg and her family rubbed me the wrong way, I felt horrible for her daughter Carin, and I did like a lot of the supporting cast. Overall, the book was compelling, I just kept getting annoyed I had to read anything from Meg's POV because there was nothing really all that sympathetic about her and the way she treated her daughter left me even angrier at her than I would normally be about a spoiled rich girl.

The author does a great job of making you feel like you're right there with the characters, experiencing their ups and downs. And the themes of family, class, and personal responsibility are woven throughout the story in a way that's really thought-provoking.