The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand

This is the second book that I have read in as many weeks that left me a bit disenchanted with a heretofore favorite author.  If you have been reading this blog for a while, you should know that I have many "favorite" authors.  As such, I expect a certain type of story from them.

This latest entry took place on the island of Nantucket as all of this author's books do.  This story is bsically about two couples whose lives intertwine by virtue of the fact that their offspring have a relationship.  Madeline and Grace are best friends.  Madeline is married to Trevor and they have a son named Brick.  Grace is married to "fast" Eddie and they have twin daughters, Hope and Allegra.

Madeline is an author and suffers from writers block.  Whiile trying to get motivated to start something new, she remembers the old adage to "write about what you know".  This leads to a book about a love affair between her best friend and the gardener.

The story, as stories go, was simplistic enough and true to the form previously established by this author.  My problem with it was the graphic depictions of the sexual scenes, primarily among the teenaged offspring.   My other issue was the fact that the story seems to undermind those things which I venture to guess are of paramount concern to many people and they include moral turpitude and the deterioration of trust in our fellow human beings.  The story reeks with gossip and speculations which may or may not be true but which seek to destroy the parties involved.

The fact that I enjoy reading should come as no surprise. Over the past nine years I have maintained this blog, I have read a variety of stories which have encompassed a variety of scenarios, some of which I embrace and others which I do not.

At this point in my life I am looking forward to reading more books (both fiction and non-fiction) that foster kindness to our fellow human beings and hold characters up to higher standards.  I hope I am not disappointed.

Ladybookbug!