Book Review: The Godforsaken Daughter

by: Christina McKenna

I've been toying around with the idea of reading The Misremembered Man by this author, so when I saw this on NetGalley to review, I snapped it up. I'm so glad I did.

Some people don't like books about sad and lonely characters. And Ruby is both sad and lonely. She has a bit of a Cinderella quality to her, as both her mother and twin sisters treat her horribly. She used to help her father on their farm in Ireland, but he has since died and her mother sold off all the animals. Ruby is forced to remain indoors as her mother's caretaker. Her sisters come home on weekends and tease her all the more.

Her life changes when she finds the witchcraft items her grandmother left in the attic. Ruby finds confidence with the goddess Dana. Although I was bothered by the 22 card tarot - that's only the Major Arcana! But beyond that, seems Christina did her homework. This is by no means the majority of the story. It is merely something that helps Ruby find herself and gain strength. Once she meets the good doctor, she begins to heal. She also meats Jamie, another lonely soul. He has good people in his life though, and once they (Rose & Paddy) meet Ruby, the matchmaking begins.

I hate how Ruby is treated by her family, but there is that comfort when she meets people who have her back. She's needed that since her father died. She didn't realize her own worth. But once that confidence kicks in, look out!

There is a side story with the psychiatrist. Dr. Henry Shevlin has come to this small town to escape his own loneliness. His wife left him and he just can't stand the memories anymore. I didn't care for this story as much, as their relationship seemed one-sided and inappropriate. But you do get the feeling that Dr. Henry does truly love this woman, and only wants to know she is safe.

I just discovered this is the 3rd book in a series. #1 is The Misremembered man and #2 is The Disenchanted Widow. That should tell you that this works as a stand along novel. I'm seriously going to have to check out the other 2.