Alone in a Cabin is my “What I’m reading post this week.” But first the photo and scripture verse. I don’t quite know why, but this picture of the moon rising made me think of Acts 2:21. Maybe because just as sure as the moon will rise, Acts 2:21 is true.
Now for Alone in a Cabin by Leanne W. Smith. Here are the first lines: Maggie’s gaze rested on Tom’s throat, on the smooth-shaven ridge she used to press her lips against. If I wrap my hands around his trachea–cut off his windpipe below his larynx–could I squeeze hard enough to shut him up? Forever?
I loved this book! But first the cover and back cover copy.
On the eve of Maggie Raines’ fiftieth birthday, her husband announces he has gotten his young receptionist pregnant. Months later, newly-divorced Maggie sees an ad for an 1800s cabin billed as the “perfect writer’s retreat.” For years she has wondered if she has what it takes to be a fiction writer. Maggie rents the cabin for the week between Christmas and New Year’s hoping the old log walls will inspire a story. And they do-just not the story she imagines.
My take:
This is a story I didn’t want to end, and as a writer, I learned so much from Alone in a Cabin. It’s a haunting story that will not leave you alone.
I loved the way Smith used writer insights at the beginning of each chapter and the way her words just seemed to flow. She has a poetic cadence to her work that will draw the reader in and not let go. And Canon. He was so perfect for the story. I haven’t read a love story that affected me like this one in a long time.
Maggie is dealing with not only her mid-life crisis but her husband’s as well. I can so easily understand her thoughts in the opening lines. But her husband actually did her a kindness–setting her free to write–and to find a man who truly loved her. But would it be Zeke or Canon? And then there was Zeke’s dad Ollie–the secondary characters almost steal the show.
Watching her journey as a writer was so uplifting. This is both a mystery and a love story, one I believe all readers will love.
You can find purchase links here. (for $2.99)
What’s the first line of the book you’re reading (or the one closest to you)? Leave it in the comments or just leave a comment, and I’ll enter you in August’s drawing for a book from my library.
July’s winner is…Shelia Hall!
Alone in a Cabin is What I'm Reading! It's a story you don't want to miss. Leave a comment and I'll enter you in an August drawing for a book from my library. Share on X
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Comments 30
Alone in a Cabin sounds like a super read! I am reading Tidepool, a Lovecraftian Gothic novel about a small seaside town. The first line is: “Tidepool looked like a place where people went to die, not to live.”
Author
Oooh, Priscilla, that sounds so good! Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to let me know which book you want. 🙂
I love the story line of Alone in a Cabin. Sounds like it will have to be added to my extensive TBR pile. Here’s the first line of a book close by me, Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch: As the pickup bounced along the muddy track to the old homestead, Dana Cardwell stared out at the wind-scoured Montana landscape, haunted by the premonition she’d had the night before.
Author
Sally Jo, I know what you mean about the TBR pile. lol And the line you posted makes me want to read that one too!
Wow Pat, “Alone in a Cabin” seems like a real thriller. Thanks for finding those for us.
“Today, the watching ended and the killing started.” That first line is from “Hostile Intent”, Lynette Eason’s last book in the Danger Never Sleeps series. Great book and great series.
I discovered yesterday that your “Crosshairs” releases on the same day as Elizabeth Goddard’s “Deadly Target”. What reading bonanza is in store for us!
Author
Hi, Tim! Yes, I’m excited about our books coming out together! And I have Lynette’s on order. Alone in a Cabin is more mystery than thriller, although there are some exciting scenes. 🙂
“Growing up, I find myself housed in a scrawny sort of body–legs thin as broomsticks, interrupted by knees so knobby they bang into each other when I walk.” Thin Places, Mary De Muth.
Author
Oh, Delores, this first line makes me want to read Mary’s book! Thanks for stopping by.
“Button eyed the compound’s exit and forced herself to trudge behind her parents as the pain intensified in her belly.” One Little Lie Colleen Coble
Author
Mary, this first line drew me in! Now I want to know what’s going on. Thanks for adding it.
Well, you sold me, Pat. I bought Alone in a Cabin. My first line is from a book that I will read next, Her New Story by Laura Bradford.
It was happening. It was finally, finally happening.
Author
I think you’ll really enjoy Alone in a Cabin , Gloria! I like your first line, too.
You find some of the most interesting books! This one sounds really good, again. Thanks for sharing your reviews, I enjoy learning about new to me authors.
Author
Thanks, Megan. This is a great book.
Sounds like a great book.
No sooner did the last notes of the closing hymn, “precious name” fade after the Sunday service then Emma Draycott allowed Stephen to pull her behind the Methodist church building.
Author
Your first line sounds intriguing, Lucy! Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, I will have to add Alone in a Cabin to my TBR list, it sounds and looks Very Intriguing !! “I fell in love at thirteen , full-blown, knock your socks off, lifetime commitment, soulmate love.” from the book “Just One Look” by Joanne Kukanza Easley. I am loving this book.
Author
Alicia, that sounds like a great book! Thanks for stopping by.
Like others, Alone in A Cabin is going on my never-ending, ever-lengthening TBR pile!
“The first time Katie Reed saw the airplane, she knew it was going to crash.” (The Wings of Adrian, Jan Seabaugh)
Great story of wilderness survival and God blessing those who follow Him.
Author
Oh, wow, that’s a great first line, Elizabeth. 🙂 Glad you stopped by.
When you pause for a moment, Acts 2:21 is even more certain and far more life-changing than the moon rising. I like your selection.
“Come on.” Jennie Wilson held tight to her son’s hand as they crept down the back steps of the house. From Desert Rescue by Lisa Phillips. I haven’t started it yet but it will probably be the next fiction I read, unless I get my hands on Hostile Intent by Lynette Eason.
Author
I so agree, Edward! And I like your first sentence and will have to find that book. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Book sounds interesting! So excited to see I was the July winner too!
Author
Thanks, Shelia! I’ve sent you a message on Messenger about your book. 🙂
Wade Trudeau was losing his mind. What was left of it, anyway.
Author
Love that, MS Barb! What’s the book? I’d like to read it. 🙂
Castle Kittleson
Wiltshire County, England
Early evening shadows blanketed the study lit only by desk candles and a sputtering fire in the hearth. Eighteen-year-old William Snopes watched his father from the entryway, hunched over stacks of papers on his desk.
From “The Barrister and the Letter of Marque” by Todd M. Johnson
Author
Sounds interesting, Trixi! thanks for stopping by!
My first line is from To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano:
March 1887. New York City
There was not a shadow of doubt left in Miss Daphne Beekman’s mind that her days as a successful novelist were numbered.
This was a hilarious book.
Yours sounds intriguing!
Author
I’ll have to get Jen’s book, Paula! This sounds really good. I could use a little humor about now. 🙂