Mona is the owner of an antique shop struggling to make a go of her business. But she struggles with more than that – her past is haunted with anguish and guilt. And her teenage niece, Hallie, is caught in the same agony. As their tale unfolds, Beach slowly reveals the story of their painful past, and the hidden guilt they share.
When the book opened, I thought I’d picked up a light read as I tagged along with Mona to an estate auction to find treasures she could sell. The story changed as the author began hinting that all was not well with Mona’s family relationships. There’s a sister who barely speaks to her, and a niece she’s not allowed to see. Despite the appearance of a neurotic wiener dog and a memorable antique shop employee, this isn’t a ‘feel good’ novel – at least not through most of the book. But it’s a poignant story with realistic characters who love each other and want to help one another through the pain of loss and guilt.
Check to see if your library has a copy of Hallie’s Heart. It’s a Christy Award finalist, so if they don’t have it, you might suggest that they order a copy for their shelves. If you decide to purchase online, click here.
