I just finished Stone Creek, by Victoria Lustbader. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this from Book Club Girl, and I have been savoring it for several days now.

One might consider this a love triangle of sorts, and in some ways it is..but it’s so much more than that. Danny is struggling to maintain balance after the sudden loss of his wife, Tara. He is left with his 5-year-old son Caleb and the only family that he has close to him, includes his bitter, mother-in-law that blames him for her daughter’s death. Danny is consumed by grief and wants desperately to learn how to live again. He is searching for something, but has no idea what. He remains in the small town of Stone Creek but is constantly reminded of what was.

On a trip to the market, Danny’s attention is drawn to a woman in the same aisle. There is something about her.. the way she carries herself, her expression while talking on her cell phone, that piques his interest. Lily, also notices him and although she is married for the better part of 10 years, she is also drawn to him in a way that she cannot explain.

This is a story about love and loss. As you read the story, you feel as if you know these characters… as if they could be your friends or a close acquaintance. Their mannerisms, their preferences, everything about them become real. Lustbader does an excellent job of describing their inner most feelings and leaves you wanting more. Anyone that has experienced pain firsthand will appreciate many aspects of this novel. It is definitely a book that I will recommend.