Peyton’s crusade to save her family estate is as stirring as is her quest for self-actualization, marked by complex family dynamics that muddy even the clearest waters. Burdened by evidence that her mother suffered heavily from bipolar disorder before ending her own life, Peyton sees similar struggles in her niece, Margot—though she’s unable to help much, given Margot’s mother, Lexi, is overprotective and envious of Peyton as the “privileged” half-sister. Peyton soon finds herself beset on all sides by malicious forces, but there’s plenty of friends onboard, too, most notably Blake—who offers up wisdom to combat Peyton’s self-esteem issues: “Dreaming points out possibilities a man might not have considered before.”
A fine cast of supporting characters adds to the budding romance between Peyton and Blake, and Reine’s rich descriptions of New Mexico’s architecture and natural landscape bring the setting to vivid life. Peyton’s own artistic style, which took a backseat to her mother’s rising star, in some ways parallels her journey of self-worth, as do the clues left in her mother’s paintings, eventually prompting her realization that “I’m worthy. An original. Not a copy.”
Takeaway: A troubled heiress fights to save her family ranch, rediscovering herself in the process.
Comparable Titles: Barbara O’Neal’s The Starfish Sisters, Adrienne Brodeur’s Little Monsters.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: NA
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B
