I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Far End of Happy by Kathryn Craft
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date May 5th 2015
Source: Netgalley
Genres: General Fiction
Goodreads
Twelve tense hours, three women, and the suicide standoff that turns one family's little piece of heaven into a scene from hell
After enduring years of a struggling marriage, Ronnie Farnham has decided to divorce her husband and is beginning to hope for a happy future--until the morning Jeff is supposed to move out, when he locks himself in their barn with a rifle.
When a massive police presence arrives to control the 12-hour stand off, the women in Jeff's life are pushed to their breaking points. Based on the author's harrowing personal story, The Far End of Happy is a powerful novel about the way one man's spiral towards life's violent conclusion tests the resolve, love, and hope of the women he will leave behind.
The Far End of Happy was an intense read and never knew what Jeff would do next, nor the repercussions that Ronnie’s decisions created. It had page-turning chapter endings and thoroughly kept my attention, but, unfortunately, Ronnie’s mother Beverly and Mother-in-law Janet bickered throughout the novel creating a Jerry Springer show vibe, minus throwing chairs. This annoyance ruined the majority of the ending for me, despite the tension that built up to a nail-biting conclusion.
I enjoyed the flashback moments of Jeff and Ronnie’s life pre-stand-off as it gave a greater depth to the situation but I was irked the reminiscences of Beverly’s past and Ronnie’s mysterious father. I just didn’t see the point of it and didn’t think it added anything to the story.
Overall, The Far End of Happy was a good summer read, but I don’t think it is a book I would save if it was in the line of fire.
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