The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz

Posted September 6, 2018 by shooting in Book Review / 21 Comments

The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz

Review by Lauren

Source: ARC from Dara at Not In Jersey

Official Summary (add to Goodreads): They called themselves “the lucky ones.” They were seven children either orphaned or abandoned by their parents and chosen by legendary philanthropist and brain surgeon Dr. Vincent Capello to live in The Dragon, his almost magical beach house on the Oregon Coast. Allison was the youngest of the lucky ones living an idyllic life with her newfound family…until the night she almost died, and was then whisked away from the house and her adopted family forever.

Now, thirteen years later, Allison receives a letter from Roland, Dr. Capello’s oldest son, warning her that their father is ill and in his final days. Allison determines she must go home again and confront the ghosts of her past. She’s determined to find out what really happened that fateful night–was it an accident or, as she’s always suspected, did one of her beloved family members try to kill her?

But digging into the past can reveal horrific truths, and when Allison pieces together the story of her life, she’ll learns the terrible secret at the heart of the family she once loved but never really knew.

Review: I’d seen books by Tiffany Reisz around the blogosphere, and while I was curious, it wasn’t until I read the synopsis for The Lucky Ones that I really found myself wanting to read one of her books. This book is a mix of things – family reunion, romance, mystery – and I thought all aspects worked fairly well. I wouldn’t say the mystery is entirely difficult to figure out, but it was still interesting to watch Allison work through what she knew of the past and lining it up with things she was just now learning about.

Dr. Capello is a fascinating man. He helps children that nobody else seems to want and he gives them a home – some end up leaving, but he does adopt a few. Allison probably would have been adopted if not for a mishap when she was young, leading her to be taken away by an elderly aunt. This mishap, if you will, is what Allison finds most confusing about her stay with Dr. Capello. She loved it there – but did someone really try and kill her? What would her life have been like if she’d never left?

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I appreciated that we got to know all of Dr. Capello’s kids, but we definitely learn the most about Roland, who was always Allison’s favorite. Now that the two are grown up, early infatuation turns into lust and while they were “brother and sister” at one time, they are now very much falling for each other. It sounds weird to think of these two being together, but it didn’t bother me. Allison and Roland are not related, and before she left, she was starting to develop feelings for the older boy. It was nice to see Allison with someone who truly cared for her, as she hadn’t had much luck with that prior to going back to the Capello house (don’t worry; you learn all about this in the book!)

I found The Lucky Ones to be an enjoyable read. It’s not the best mystery novel, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to learn more.

21 responses to “The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz

  1. RO

    I’ve heard of this author as well, but never read any of her work. This novel sounds like it has a lot of different aspects to keep thing interesting, so I’ll definitely be checking this out! Hugs and Happy Thursday! RO

  2. I was thinking ooh I read that! And then I remembered I sent it to you. LOL. Glad you liked it. I also didn’t have a problem with the “siblings” relationship.

  3. I’ve never read anything by this author, but this sounds like an interesting read. I like books that go back and forth between past and present too.

  4. This book sounds very familiar so I must have read another review in a blog. I’m intrigued by the storyline and always love a good mystery? Thanks for sharing, Lauren, I may have to pick this one up from the library! Xo

  5. I’m not often one for mysteries but this one sounds like it would be something I would enjoy. I am so curious about what causes Allison to leave and really just want to learn more, so I’m adding this one to my list!

  6. I haven’t read this one yet- I’ve heard mixed reviews. I heard the concept was really interesting and that it is a quick, fun read but that it wasn’t all that well written? But reading your review definitely makes me want to read it! It sounds like something I’d love!

    XXOO Sunny

  7. I was glad Allison finally found love even with the dark past between them. Yeah, her previous boyfriend was a kind of a dick and I knew him from The Bourbon Thief. Didn’t like him here but did like him in the other book. Wonderful review, Lauren!

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