Mending Fences

by: Sherryl Woods

Published by: MIRA Books

Reviewed by Leslie Granier

After the Carter family moves into the neighborhood, they become exceptionally close friends with the Dobbs family–so close that their children cut a pathway in the hedges dividing the properties in order to gain faster access to their friends. Their relationships are followed for an approximate ten-year time span during which there is marital strife and the natural angst that occurs as the children become teenagers.

When one of the children is accused of a serious crime, the families struggle to stick together through the difficulties to uncover the truth and to decide how to best rectify the situation. In the process, family secrets are revealed, which leads to even greater hardships in trying to maintain a once seemingly unbreakable bond between friends.

Sherryl Woods does an excellent job of developing the characters. I was able to feel their pain and understand their dilemmas fully. Woods uses the themes of strength and honesty prevalently in this book. I enjoyed watching Marcie’s transformation from a subservient housewife into a woman who finally was honest with herself about how she was being treated and took a stand toward making drastic changes in her life. Emily had to accept what she knew in her heart was true in order to save her family. Dani had to muster the courage to admit her secret so she could forgive and move on with her life.

Mending Fences contains elements of romance, friendship and suspense and will thus appeal mainly to females. For the most part, the characters are likable and realistic which makes it easy for the reader to connect with them and empathize with their situations.

I could not wait to find out how this story would end because it could have gone in several directions.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

Author’s Web site: http://www.SherrylWoods.com