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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Silver Lake: Awakening by D.D. Franklin is an intriguing tale centered around a mysterious lake in rural Kansas. The story follows Lena, an innocent young woman with big hopes for the future with her husband, Leonard. Leonard, on the other hand, did not share those hopes and dreams. He takes her away from the only life and home she has ever known in Washington, D.C., to begin a new chapter in a quiet place halfway across the country called Silver Lake, Kansas. Her hopes begin unraveling shortly after arriving, and Lena is left to adjust to her new life basically alone. She battles grief and uncertainty about her purpose, as questions of identity and culture shock come to the forefront, and then she meets Robert. He’s a strikingly handsome and somewhat captivating man with whom she begins to have a growing emotional connection. Along the way, Lena learns not to settle for a marginal life and to fight back to live life to its fullest.
I was first drawn to Silver Lake by D.D. Franklin because of the cover. I wanted to know the story behind the faces of the two people on it, and, after reading the description, I just knew I had to read the book. I was not disappointed. This story blends mystery, emotional depth, and a hint of romance. Franklin’s writing pulls you in with its authenticity, and you feel like you’re right there experiencing events with the characters. A standout moment occurs when Lena has finally had enough of the life she’s been forced to live, being married to Leonard, and confronts him at work—a relatable scenario. This novel contains some mature content and explicit scenes, but they are handled with emotional honesty and purpose. The subtle supernatural elements were an added welcome surprise. This is a compelling, character-driven story about finding one’s voice, trusting intuition, and refusing to settle for a life that is less than ordinary.
