*ARC* Burying Water - Review

Burying Water #1

By: K.A. Tucker

Published: October 7, 2014 by Atria Books

320 pages

Source: Netgalley ARC from publisher

(Goodreads / Amazon)

Summary:

The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away.

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?

Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.

The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

MY REVIEW:
Told between past events from the POV of Jesse and present events from the POV of Jane Doe/Water, a troubling story unfolds about a girl who once lived with a controlling, dangerous and abusive husband, was severely beaten and presumed dead, but by the grace of God and sheer force of will survives, only to not remember anything about who she is or her past.

There were so many elements of this story I connected with and enjoyed. The location of Portland, Bend and Sisters, Oregon were at the top of the list. Having visited these places in real life some 14+ years ago I could literally see the mountains and lakes and giant trees. All of the beautiful scenery descriptions took me back to a place I loved visiting. I adored being taken back in my mind to that area again. The horses, the muscle cars, the Wellses family, the ranch, this whole book enveloped me from beginning to end.

Though I don't particularly like reading stories that involve cheating on spouses, I wasn't necessarily bothered by this portion of the story. Perhaps because it's very hard to root for a marriage that is already destroyed by the actions and repeated infidelity of one partner - in this case the abusive husband.

No doubt the heroine of the story is a strong and determined young woman. There are many moments I ached for her, and many moments I cheered for her and lots of feelings that came from everything she goes through.

This was the third book I've read by K.A. Tucker, the first two being Ten Tiny Breaths and In Her Wake, so I knew I would more than likely love this story as well. If you enjoyed those books, then you'll want to read these!

Favorite Quotes:
"He said the truth is like water: it doesn't matter how hard you try to bury it; it'll always find some way back to the surface. It's resilient."

"That your soul is scarred but it will survive, once it finds what it is searching for."

I am lost and yet somehow found. I am afraid and yet somehow comforted. I am drifting and yet somehow...home.

Language Rating: 2 (medium)
Mature Content Rating: 2 (medium)
Final Rating: 4 stars