Title: Wrecked Palace
Author: Catherine Cowles
First published January 18, 2021
358 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781951936990 (ISBN10: 195193699X)
Rating: 4.38
Overview
Life can change in an instant. One moment you’re standing on solid ground, and the next you’re left to pick up the pieces.
For Sienna, that moment came when she became guardian to her siblings overnight. Her world was turned upside down, and she had no choice but to put her own life on hold.
But then she met Griffin, a man who mirrored her brokenness in ways she never thought possible. Despite their obvious connection, Sienna knew she didn’t have the time or energy to pursue anything with him.
However, someone else had other plans. Someone who was determined to destroy everything Sienna had worked so hard to build.
Will she be able to pick up the pieces once again, or will the flames be too much to handle? Only time will tell in this emotional story of love, loss, and picking up the pieces.
About the Author
Meet Catherine – a word aficionado, a Diet Coke enthusiast, and a lover of all things cute and furry, with a particular soft spot for her dog. Reading has been her passion since childhood, and now she’s finally decided to put pen to paper and create her own stories.
When she’s not busy writing, you can find her exploring the beautiful state of Oregon, tuning in to true crime podcasts, or on the hunt for her next literary crush.
Editoral Review
Catherine Cowles’ Wrecked Palace is a romantic suspense novel that deals with themes of loss, grief, forgiveness, and second chances. Published on January 18, 2021, the book centers around two damaged souls who find solace in each other amidst the wreckage of their lives.
Cowles, who has written several bestselling novels in the romance genre, delivers a powerful story with vividly drawn characters and a compelling narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book’s main protagonist is Avery Dacosta, a successful fashion designer who is still dealing with the aftermath of her sister’s death ten years ago.
Haunted by guilt and regret, Avery returns to her hometown in the hopes of finding closure and healing. However, her plans are derailed when she meets Gabriel, a brooding and mysterious man who is also struggling with his own demons.
Gabriel is a former soldier who has returned home after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Scarred both physically and emotionally, he lives a solitary life on a farm outside town.
However, his world is turned upside down when Avery arrives, and the two are drawn to each other despite their initial reluctance. Cowles employs a deft touch in developing the characters of Avery and Gabriel, allowing readers to feel their pain and hope as they navigate through their shared past and uncertain future.
The author’s descriptions of the rural setting and the small-town dynamics are also noteworthy, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. One of the strengths of Wrecked Palace is Cowles’ skill as a storyteller.
The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep readers engaged. The plot twists and turns are unexpected, making the book a thrilling read from start to finish.
However, the book is not without its flaws. The resolution of some of the conflicts comes across as a bit rushed, and some of the supporting characters could have been fleshed out more.
Additionally, some readers may find the romance between Avery and Gabriel a bit clichd, but Cowles does manage to give it a fresh spin with her nuanced characterization. Overall, Wrecked Palace is an excellent addition to Cowles’ oeuvre, and will undoubtedly appeal to fans of romantic suspense.
The book is a testament to the healing power of love and forgiveness, and a reminder that we all deserve a second chance. It also touches upon issues of mental health and the challenges faced by veterans, giving the book a contemporary relevance.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written, emotionally charged romance with a suspenseful edge. Rating: 4/5
