"Everyone knows happiness
Everybody grieves
We all cry, we all smile
Everybody bleeds
Everybody has a past,
things they want to hide
There's give, take, love,
hate in each and every life."
from "Dark Night, Bright Future" by Rose McCord
This book was wildly popular with its well-known authors, surprisingly matched. James Patterson, of course, is a prolific producer of thrillers and Dolly Parton, a much beloved country singer and philanthropist. I was curious when the novel was released but stifled the urge to buy and waited weeks to get an E-copy from the library.
As a big fan of country music, I especially enjoyed the mentions of well-known artists and songs, like Tracy Lawrence, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and many more. I have visited Nashville and knew of some of the sites mentioned there. I liked the story although I found it a bit too predictable.
AnnieLee Keyes is running as fast as she can from a traumatic past and readers are left guessing what it was. Hitchhiking, she ends up in Nashville to try and make it as a country singer/songwriter. Sadly, she must keep looking over her shoulder as the ugly past tries to catch up.
She meets Ethan Blake in a bar where she has gotten a gig and they exchange barbs and insults.... until they don't. As good luck would have it, Ethan works for Ruthanna Ryder, a country music legend in her own time, now retired and wanting to take AnnieLee under her wing.
"Songbook" at the end of the novel includes the complete lyrics of the songs mentioned, ostensibly written by AnnieLee, Ruthanna and Ethan. (See quote) I can't help but wonder if the audio version of the book includes the music. That would be very cool!
As I mentioned, the plot was a bit formulaic which is why I rate it a 3. If you are a country music fan, you will like it!
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