This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
Reunion by the Lake by James Gilbert is a deeply moving and reflective story of a family facing the imminent death of a loved one. Richard Collins, in the final days of his life, wishes to see his three sons, Seth, Deck, and Nick, to inform them of the contents of his will. His wife, Grace, is unhappy with this will as she feels that he has not been fair to the children by leaving them too little. Coupled with this, she is contemplating her life after Richard’s passing, and the past regrets in her life. As the sons make their way to the meeting, each is forced to grapple with their current and past relationship with their father and with each other. The meeting unfolds as expected, with sharp divisions arising from the content of the will.
In Reunion by the Lake by James Gilbert, the themes of mortality, legacy, and the impact of loss on relationships are central to the story. Gilbert skillfully uses the perspectives of the supporting characters to reveal Richard’s personality, depicting him as forceful, angry, rigid, and controlling. This portrayal creates significant tension and conflict within the narrative, especially as it intertwines with the theme of mortality. This looming sense of death adds urgency to the family’s efforts to resolve their issues. I enjoyed how Gilbert described the emotional and complex family dynamics especially the strained relationships within the unit. Additionally, the use of a serene location for this story contrasted with the turbulent emotions in the house, giving the narrative a unique and heartbreaking touch. This is one story that will linger in my mind for a long time.
