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The Girl from Home
The acclaimed author, whose recent novel of suspense Losing Faith was declared “startling…a well-crafted story” (Kirkus Reviews), takes you on a gripping psychological thrill ride in this electrifying tale of a millionaire who will go to deadly lengths to get what he wants.
Jonathan Caine is a true master of the universe—a currency wizard with a trophy wife, a penthouse condo with a view of the Statue of Liberty, and the desire for more—when his world comes crashing down, spiraling him into a relentless fall from grace. Devastated, Jonathan returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father and attend his twenty-fifth high school reunion, where he becomes reacquainted with former prom queen Jacqueline Williams. Back in the day, Jackie didn’t even know Jonathan existed. Now she is intrigued by the man he has become. But their budding relationship has problems, not the least of which is Jackie’s jealous and abusive husband. Jonathan is determined to learn from his mistakes, but is he capable of complete transformation? Or will a shocking temptation test his desire for redemption beyond anything he could have imagined?
Jonathan Caine is a true master of the universe—a currency wizard with a trophy wife, a penthouse condo with a view of the Statue of Liberty, and the desire for more—when his world comes crashing down, spiraling him into a relentless fall from grace. Devastated, Jonathan returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father and attend his twenty-fifth high school reunion, where he becomes reacquainted with former prom queen Jacqueline Williams. Back in the day, Jackie didn’t even know Jonathan existed. Now she is intrigued by the man he has become. But their budding relationship has problems, not the least of which is Jackie’s jealous and abusive husband. Jonathan is determined to learn from his mistakes, but is he capable of complete transformation? Or will a shocking temptation test his desire for redemption beyond anything he could have imagined?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2016
About the author
Adam Mitzner
14 books506 followersI grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, which is about an hour outside of New York City. I graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. and M.A. in politics, and from there went directly on to law school at the University of Virginia.
After law school, I joined the litigation department of a large New York City law firm, and after a few more stops, am currently the head of the litigation department of Pavia & Harcourt LLP, which is located in midtown Manhattan. Pavia & Harcourt.
I have written 8 novels -- A Conflict of Interest (2011); A Case of Redemption (2013); Losing Faith (2015); The Girl From Home (2016); Dead Certain (2017); Never Goodbye (2018); A Matter of Will (2019); and The Best Friend (2020).
Nothing pleases me more than hearing from readers, so please email me at adam@adammitzner.com
After law school, I joined the litigation department of a large New York City law firm, and after a few more stops, am currently the head of the litigation department of Pavia & Harcourt LLP, which is located in midtown Manhattan. Pavia & Harcourt.
I have written 8 novels -- A Conflict of Interest (2011); A Case of Redemption (2013); Losing Faith (2015); The Girl From Home (2016); Dead Certain (2017); Never Goodbye (2018); A Matter of Will (2019); and The Best Friend (2020).
Nothing pleases me more than hearing from readers, so please email me at adam@adammitzner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 27, 2016
Jonathan Caine works in trading on Wall Street and has made it his life's mission to always have the latest and best that one can obtain. Growing up Jonathan always thought his father was just average and weak which made him strive to obtain his millions, his trophy wife and possessions. But when a client wants to pull out his investment Jonathan makes some questionable moves that get him fired from his firm and at risk of jail time for illegal trading.
Having nowhere to go and losing everything he'd always thought made him what he was, including his wife, Jonathon heads back to his hometown to spend time with his ailing father and await word on his case. His twenty fifth high school reunion is the weekend he comes back to town so Jonathan decides to attend and runs into Jackie, the most popular girl in his class that everyone had a crush on including Jonathon. Jackie had married her high school boyfriend but the relationship became abusive with Rick often cheating on Jackie so when Jonathon asks her out to lunch Jackie is quick to take him up on his offer.
Well, my hats off to Adam Mitzner, starting off reading The Girl From Home I was quickly thinking I was going to end up hating this book. It sounded interesting when I chose to pick it up but I quickly found myself extremely disliking the characters but in the end it was well written enough to keep me entertained without loving the characters.
Jonathan is one that was just as easy to hate that some characters are to love, almost instantly. His life was all about what he owned, what he drove, how much money he had etc. Boasting he spends $400 on dinner quite often I'm thinking wow, to most that would be rent or a car payment. The summer vacation rental cost would've been enough for most normal people to retire on and the numbers just kept adding up which with his give me more attitude was just enough to think oh good, take the man to jail when normally you'd root for the main character.
Jackie really never grabbed my sympathy either but I think she might for some. The high school prom queen settled in her life and ended up with one of the world's worst husbands. But with her vanity over how she still has her looks early on in the story and the amount of free time she had to spend with Jonathan I can't help but have lost some sympathy thinking she could've been attending self defense instead of pilates, the I'm scared of my husband wasn't really coming across very well from her activities.
Overall, the story was well written and interesting enough that I found it still an OK read even with not liking the main couple.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Having nowhere to go and losing everything he'd always thought made him what he was, including his wife, Jonathon heads back to his hometown to spend time with his ailing father and await word on his case. His twenty fifth high school reunion is the weekend he comes back to town so Jonathan decides to attend and runs into Jackie, the most popular girl in his class that everyone had a crush on including Jonathon. Jackie had married her high school boyfriend but the relationship became abusive with Rick often cheating on Jackie so when Jonathon asks her out to lunch Jackie is quick to take him up on his offer.
Well, my hats off to Adam Mitzner, starting off reading The Girl From Home I was quickly thinking I was going to end up hating this book. It sounded interesting when I chose to pick it up but I quickly found myself extremely disliking the characters but in the end it was well written enough to keep me entertained without loving the characters.
Jonathan is one that was just as easy to hate that some characters are to love, almost instantly. His life was all about what he owned, what he drove, how much money he had etc. Boasting he spends $400 on dinner quite often I'm thinking wow, to most that would be rent or a car payment. The summer vacation rental cost would've been enough for most normal people to retire on and the numbers just kept adding up which with his give me more attitude was just enough to think oh good, take the man to jail when normally you'd root for the main character.
Jackie really never grabbed my sympathy either but I think she might for some. The high school prom queen settled in her life and ended up with one of the world's worst husbands. But with her vanity over how she still has her looks early on in the story and the amount of free time she had to spend with Jonathan I can't help but have lost some sympathy thinking she could've been attending self defense instead of pilates, the I'm scared of my husband wasn't really coming across very well from her activities.
Overall, the story was well written and interesting enough that I found it still an OK read even with not liking the main couple.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
February 14, 2016
Right off the bat, I'll admit that feeling sympathy for any kind of Bernie Madoff wannabe who, by his own admission, wants what he wants and will do anything to get it, just isn't in my emotional wheelhouse. Honestly, I never really "liked" Jonathan Caine right up to the end of this book (in fact, especially not at the end). But in the final analysis, that matters not a whit; I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written story that held my attention throughout.
As Jonathan's efforts to turn a few billion bucks in the market turns nasty, he leaves his trophy wife Natasha at their expensive penthouse condo to attend his 25th high school reunion. There, he spots Jacqueline Williams who (you guessed it) was well out of the reach of Johnny from the 'hood back then. She's still as gorgeous as ever, and the now filthy rich Jonathan decides to try for what he wants despite being married. As it turns out, she's married as well - to a high school football star with a penchant for spousal abuse.
That fact only increases Jonathan's intent to conquer, and he's delighted when he finds she's receptive to his attentions. Jackie is unaware, though, of Jonathan's pending financial crisis (which he's kept to himself in the fear that she'll dump his sorry butt), so that revelation looms over their affair. Jonathan does, however, share the fact that his father is on his deathbed - after all, that's just another speed bump in his as perfect as he can make it world. But as their relationship intensifies, Jonathan begins to contemplate what's really important and what he must do if he wants to turn his life around.
That, of course, brings up questions: Is he serious, or are his feelings simply another case of this, too, shall pass? If it's real, how can he and Jackie dump the spouses neither of them wants? Can Johnny avoid life-altering fallout from his financial plunders and blunders? Will he get the comeuppance I think he deserves?
To get those answers, you'll just have to read the book. As for me, I thank the author and publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for a review (it's scheduled for release on April 5, 2016). Now, I'm planning to take a look at the three other law-related books by the author, an attorney himself, BTW: A Conflict of Interest, A Case of Redemption and Losing Faith.
As Jonathan's efforts to turn a few billion bucks in the market turns nasty, he leaves his trophy wife Natasha at their expensive penthouse condo to attend his 25th high school reunion. There, he spots Jacqueline Williams who (you guessed it) was well out of the reach of Johnny from the 'hood back then. She's still as gorgeous as ever, and the now filthy rich Jonathan decides to try for what he wants despite being married. As it turns out, she's married as well - to a high school football star with a penchant for spousal abuse.
That fact only increases Jonathan's intent to conquer, and he's delighted when he finds she's receptive to his attentions. Jackie is unaware, though, of Jonathan's pending financial crisis (which he's kept to himself in the fear that she'll dump his sorry butt), so that revelation looms over their affair. Jonathan does, however, share the fact that his father is on his deathbed - after all, that's just another speed bump in his as perfect as he can make it world. But as their relationship intensifies, Jonathan begins to contemplate what's really important and what he must do if he wants to turn his life around.
That, of course, brings up questions: Is he serious, or are his feelings simply another case of this, too, shall pass? If it's real, how can he and Jackie dump the spouses neither of them wants? Can Johnny avoid life-altering fallout from his financial plunders and blunders? Will he get the comeuppance I think he deserves?
To get those answers, you'll just have to read the book. As for me, I thank the author and publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for a review (it's scheduled for release on April 5, 2016). Now, I'm planning to take a look at the three other law-related books by the author, an attorney himself, BTW: A Conflict of Interest, A Case of Redemption and Losing Faith.
April 3, 2016
When I read my first book by Mr. Mitzner I liked it and thought this is an author I need to keep an eye on as I want to read more by him. The next 2 books I read I did enjoy. Yet this time is the first time that I really could not get into the story or the characters. I read the first 16 chapters but there was nothing endearing about Jonathan or his situation. His clients were whiny and I felt indifferent to them. In addition, Jonathan and Jackie could have been any couple coming together. Sadly, I felt no need to read anymore of this book. I know Mr. Mitzner can do better so I am hoping that this was a one off time and that the next book will be back up to par showcasing what I know Mr. Mitzner can do.
February 19, 2016
Jonathan is a man who mostly has it all. Being an money manager means millions of dollars in bonuses. He has a beautiful trophy wife who is happy to live the life of the rich and famous.
But ... he loses it all. The job is lost because of securities fraud. The wife divorces him because, let's face it, there's other rich men to be found. He loses his home, the summer vacation home, the Bentley.
He returns to his hometown because his emotionally distant father is dying. While there, he attends his 25th school reunion and runs into the one girl who captured his interest all those years ago. She also comes with an abusive husband.
This is basically a story of losing it all and starting all over ... hopefully to get it right the next time around.
I did not particularly like this one. I did not connect with any of the characters .. they were strangers who remained strangers. I had no vested interest.
I feel like reading this was like slogging through quicksand. It seemed very slow and difficult to read. I more or less skipped through a lot of pages.
My thanks to the author / Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
But ... he loses it all. The job is lost because of securities fraud. The wife divorces him because, let's face it, there's other rich men to be found. He loses his home, the summer vacation home, the Bentley.
He returns to his hometown because his emotionally distant father is dying. While there, he attends his 25th school reunion and runs into the one girl who captured his interest all those years ago. She also comes with an abusive husband.
This is basically a story of losing it all and starting all over ... hopefully to get it right the next time around.
I did not particularly like this one. I did not connect with any of the characters .. they were strangers who remained strangers. I had no vested interest.
I feel like reading this was like slogging through quicksand. It seemed very slow and difficult to read. I more or less skipped through a lot of pages.
My thanks to the author / Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
February 13, 2016
Once a high powered financial whiz, Jonathan Caine's world has come crashing in around him. Accused of insider trading, his assets are frozen and his seemingly charmed life has evaporated around him. With no where else to turn, Jonathan decides to head back to his family in New Jersey to care for his ailing father, just in time for his twenty-fifth high school reunion.
Jacqueline Williams is the former prom queen who married the high school quarterback. But Jackie didn't get the happy ending she was hoping for -- her husband abuses her and has threatened to kill her and cut off access to their children should she ever bring up the word "divorce" to him again.
Back in the high school, Jonathan couldn't have thought of approaching Jackie. But now he's back and the two soon strike up a romance. If only they could find a way to get Jackie's husband out of the picture without creating more harm for Jackie or her kids.
Adam Mitzner's The Girl From Home starts off with a great hook and then slowly unravels the lives of Jonathan and Jackie. The first section of the novel moves from the past to the present, painting a solid picture of how and why Jonathan and Jackie have got themselves into their respective situations and then beginning their affair together. It's one the past and present merge that the novel hits a bit of bumpy spot and loses some of its early momentum.
To say too much would be to ruin some of the revelations of the last half of the novel. But I can honestly say that the second half doesn't entirely deliver on the promise of the first.
But I'll give Mitzner credit -- he makes both characters likeable enough anti-heroes that we can root for them -- even as they're lying and cheating. And the change in meaning to Jonathan's mantra of "I want what I want" over the course of the novel is extremely well done. (It starts out as Jonathan only wanting a beach front property in the Hamptons to slowly becoming about wanting to be a better man for Jackie and in the light of his father's illness).
As a thriller, I felt like I couldn't turn the pages fast enough during the first half of the novel, eager to find out what might happen next. It's once a certain event occurs that the novel loses a bit of its momentum and I found it not quite as engaging as the first half promised.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Jacqueline Williams is the former prom queen who married the high school quarterback. But Jackie didn't get the happy ending she was hoping for -- her husband abuses her and has threatened to kill her and cut off access to their children should she ever bring up the word "divorce" to him again.
Back in the high school, Jonathan couldn't have thought of approaching Jackie. But now he's back and the two soon strike up a romance. If only they could find a way to get Jackie's husband out of the picture without creating more harm for Jackie or her kids.
Adam Mitzner's The Girl From Home starts off with a great hook and then slowly unravels the lives of Jonathan and Jackie. The first section of the novel moves from the past to the present, painting a solid picture of how and why Jonathan and Jackie have got themselves into their respective situations and then beginning their affair together. It's one the past and present merge that the novel hits a bit of bumpy spot and loses some of its early momentum.
To say too much would be to ruin some of the revelations of the last half of the novel. But I can honestly say that the second half doesn't entirely deliver on the promise of the first.
But I'll give Mitzner credit -- he makes both characters likeable enough anti-heroes that we can root for them -- even as they're lying and cheating. And the change in meaning to Jonathan's mantra of "I want what I want" over the course of the novel is extremely well done. (It starts out as Jonathan only wanting a beach front property in the Hamptons to slowly becoming about wanting to be a better man for Jackie and in the light of his father's illness).
As a thriller, I felt like I couldn't turn the pages fast enough during the first half of the novel, eager to find out what might happen next. It's once a certain event occurs that the novel loses a bit of its momentum and I found it not quite as engaging as the first half promised.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Girl From Home, in exchange for an honest review.
Jonathan Caine has everything a man could ask for: a beautiful wife, a spectacular condo, and a fantastic job that has provided riches beyond belief, until one day when his world comes crashing down. Accused of insider trading, Jonathan decides to await word on any potential legal charges by attending his 25th high school reunion and caring for his ailing father. Spending time with an old classmate that he had admired from afar while in school, Jonathan realizes that his future happiness is right in front of him.
I am not sure that I see the point of The Girl From Home. Spoiled rich guy, with the world at his fingertips, gets greedy and loses it all. Jonathan eventually finds happiness, but has some hurdles to jump before moving forward. He is already has issues with the law, but cannot help but get mixed up in more trouble. I felt no connection to any of the characters and really had no interest in the outcome. The Girl From Home was a miss for me, which is disappointing considering that I usually like Adam Mitzner's novels. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future, with the hope that this book was just an anomaly.
Jonathan Caine has everything a man could ask for: a beautiful wife, a spectacular condo, and a fantastic job that has provided riches beyond belief, until one day when his world comes crashing down. Accused of insider trading, Jonathan decides to await word on any potential legal charges by attending his 25th high school reunion and caring for his ailing father. Spending time with an old classmate that he had admired from afar while in school, Jonathan realizes that his future happiness is right in front of him.
I am not sure that I see the point of The Girl From Home. Spoiled rich guy, with the world at his fingertips, gets greedy and loses it all. Jonathan eventually finds happiness, but has some hurdles to jump before moving forward. He is already has issues with the law, but cannot help but get mixed up in more trouble. I felt no connection to any of the characters and really had no interest in the outcome. The Girl From Home was a miss for me, which is disappointing considering that I usually like Adam Mitzner's novels. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future, with the hope that this book was just an anomaly.
June 8, 2020
Very disappointed, this was not a thriller, nothing of consequence happened in the first 223 pages!! When finally there was a bit of action it was just ridiculous. So many parts seemed like I was rereading “A Matter of Will.”
The NYSE, Wall St, trading, hedge funds etc were written about in excruciating detail - I didn’t understand the process of hedging before, nor do I now - still way too much information.
The characters were sappy and vapid - they deserved each other. The ending was absurd.
One question without spoiling the story - why didn’t the police check the emails to see who sent what to whom and when? The book could have ended much sooner with a better conclusion - which is a good idea!
That was Book #120 so far this year 100 more to go to reach my goal.
The NYSE, Wall St, trading, hedge funds etc were written about in excruciating detail - I didn’t understand the process of hedging before, nor do I now - still way too much information.
The characters were sappy and vapid - they deserved each other. The ending was absurd.
One question without spoiling the story - why didn’t the police check the emails to see who sent what to whom and when? The book could have ended much sooner with a better conclusion - which is a good idea!
That was Book #120 so far this year 100 more to go to reach my goal.
March 25, 2016
If you're not already reading Adam Mitzner then you should make a point of adding him to your reading list. His latest novel THE GIRL FROM HOME is a terrific thriller that blends elements of legal, financial securities and love-triangle-murder into a tightly wound pot-boiler of a read.
The first page of the novel, serving as a mysterious prologue, features lead character Jonathan Caine sitting in a prison cell in East Carlisle, New Jersey, contemplating a murder charge. No other information is given and this enticement will naturally have readers eager to move forward.
Our introduction to Jonathan Caine is that he is a quintessential 'Master of the Universe' working as a currency wizard for a top Wall Street firm and living in a penthouse condo with his beautiful trophy wife named Natasha. His firm is so impressed with the money Jonathan makes for them that they freely throw $15M bonuses at him like candy to a child. The most difficult decision he has to make is which part of the Hamptons they want to purchase their summer retreat in.
Things change quickly when a multi-million dollar client of Jonathan's seeks to back out of a deal by acting on a two-hundred-fifty million dollar redemption that could sink him. Jonathan gambles and uses all his skills to try to save the deal on his own without his firm noticing. Unfortunately, things go sour and he ends up not only getting fired but under possible prosecution for securities fraud.
This story alone would have made for an intriguing novel but Adam Mitzner has other ideas. He mixes in a secondary narrative that begins as flash-forward chapters. This story shows Jonathan caring for his near-death father in a New Jersey nursing home while he resides in the home he grew up in. Natasha has left him and filed for divorce and all his assets have been frozen. The only interesting thing going on in his life is attending his High School reunion. It is here where he meets Jackie.
Jackie Williams is married to Rick Williams, the star QB of the High School football team. Now, Rick is an abusive, alcoholic and philandering husband who regularly beats Jackie and terrorizes their two teen-aged children. The inevitable happens when Jonathan and Jackie hit it off and start up an illicit affair that allows each of them to briefly escape from their lousy lives. No matter how hard they try to conceal their affair it is just a matter of time before Rick finds them out.
When Rick is suddenly killed by a hit-and-run driver it seems all their worries are over. This opens up a dual-criminal investigation whereby Jonathan and Jackie are both suspected of colluding in Rick's murder. The only way out for either of them is to lawyer up and turn on each other. The question is, will they give up each other to save their own lives or is something else at play?
I'll leave things off there because to tell more would spoil things. Leave it said that the plot is brilliantly conceived and not all is as it may appear to be. I find it no coincidence that Mitzner chose the name Caine for his protagonist as a shout-out to author James M. Cain who penned DOUBLE INDEMNITY. This novel takes inspiration from that as well as the film "Body Heat" and mixes in a little John Grisham for good measure. THE GIRL FROM HOME is Mitzner's finest work to date and I won't be surprised to see it up for award consideration this year.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for New Mystery Reader
The first page of the novel, serving as a mysterious prologue, features lead character Jonathan Caine sitting in a prison cell in East Carlisle, New Jersey, contemplating a murder charge. No other information is given and this enticement will naturally have readers eager to move forward.
Our introduction to Jonathan Caine is that he is a quintessential 'Master of the Universe' working as a currency wizard for a top Wall Street firm and living in a penthouse condo with his beautiful trophy wife named Natasha. His firm is so impressed with the money Jonathan makes for them that they freely throw $15M bonuses at him like candy to a child. The most difficult decision he has to make is which part of the Hamptons they want to purchase their summer retreat in.
Things change quickly when a multi-million dollar client of Jonathan's seeks to back out of a deal by acting on a two-hundred-fifty million dollar redemption that could sink him. Jonathan gambles and uses all his skills to try to save the deal on his own without his firm noticing. Unfortunately, things go sour and he ends up not only getting fired but under possible prosecution for securities fraud.
This story alone would have made for an intriguing novel but Adam Mitzner has other ideas. He mixes in a secondary narrative that begins as flash-forward chapters. This story shows Jonathan caring for his near-death father in a New Jersey nursing home while he resides in the home he grew up in. Natasha has left him and filed for divorce and all his assets have been frozen. The only interesting thing going on in his life is attending his High School reunion. It is here where he meets Jackie.
Jackie Williams is married to Rick Williams, the star QB of the High School football team. Now, Rick is an abusive, alcoholic and philandering husband who regularly beats Jackie and terrorizes their two teen-aged children. The inevitable happens when Jonathan and Jackie hit it off and start up an illicit affair that allows each of them to briefly escape from their lousy lives. No matter how hard they try to conceal their affair it is just a matter of time before Rick finds them out.
When Rick is suddenly killed by a hit-and-run driver it seems all their worries are over. This opens up a dual-criminal investigation whereby Jonathan and Jackie are both suspected of colluding in Rick's murder. The only way out for either of them is to lawyer up and turn on each other. The question is, will they give up each other to save their own lives or is something else at play?
I'll leave things off there because to tell more would spoil things. Leave it said that the plot is brilliantly conceived and not all is as it may appear to be. I find it no coincidence that Mitzner chose the name Caine for his protagonist as a shout-out to author James M. Cain who penned DOUBLE INDEMNITY. This novel takes inspiration from that as well as the film "Body Heat" and mixes in a little John Grisham for good measure. THE GIRL FROM HOME is Mitzner's finest work to date and I won't be surprised to see it up for award consideration this year.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for New Mystery Reader
April 5, 2016
A special thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Adam Mitzer returns following Losing Faith, landing on my Top 50 Books of 2015 Best Legal Thriller meets psychological game of power with THE GIRL FROM HOME – a different twist, than the author's previous books; a man who loses it all, returning to his roots and the girl he fell for in high school.
Jonathan Caine has an entitled attitude— Manhattan hedge fund manager thinks he deserves nothing but the best. Very self-centered, a narcissistic personality disorder, with an inflated sense of their own importance-- a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.
Of course, behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism. Coming from a small town, he makes his way to Wall Street, now a millionaire with a trophy wife.
However, he falls from grace, and loses it all. A scandalous securities-fraud scheme and is faced with possible jail time and danger. He still is not humbled, and returns home to New Jersey, to care from his elderly father and stays at his childhood home while his dad is in a care facility. He decides to return to his twenty-fifth high school reunion to catch a glimpse of the girl he once loved. He was a nerd back then and she dated only high school jocks. (who goes to a high school reunion when they have lost everything)?
The Homecoming beauty queen, Jacqueline (Jackie) Williams married her football jock. She is not so happy, got pregnant—he is an alcoholic, abusive, and jealous. Jackie is miserable; however, stays in the marriage, trying to protect her two kids--she has no skills or money to leave him.
Now Jackie looks at Jonathan as successful, wealthy, and he shows her attention. A way out. However, he is not honest with her about losing his wealth and is homeless, plus a criminal. Can he change? Can he save his love, or himself? What can he offer her?
His wife has found someone new, and does not care about her hubby, now that he has lost his money—she has moved on with her real estate broker. While residing in his old childhood home, he gets to know his sister Amy and his dad--hiding from an angry husband. In between, he begins spending time with the girl of his dreams. He may look at his dad a little different than he did previously.
Unfortunately, there were no likable characters here and a simple, rather boring story done many times over. The depth, and suspense were missing; very disappointed, since all three of his previous books were strong legal crime thrillers (5 Stars)----this one fell flat for me. Hope the author returns to his legal thrillers, which seem to be his sweet spot. (and mine)
JDCMustReadBooks
Adam Mitzer returns following Losing Faith, landing on my Top 50 Books of 2015 Best Legal Thriller meets psychological game of power with THE GIRL FROM HOME – a different twist, than the author's previous books; a man who loses it all, returning to his roots and the girl he fell for in high school.
Jonathan Caine has an entitled attitude— Manhattan hedge fund manager thinks he deserves nothing but the best. Very self-centered, a narcissistic personality disorder, with an inflated sense of their own importance-- a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.
Of course, behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism. Coming from a small town, he makes his way to Wall Street, now a millionaire with a trophy wife.
However, he falls from grace, and loses it all. A scandalous securities-fraud scheme and is faced with possible jail time and danger. He still is not humbled, and returns home to New Jersey, to care from his elderly father and stays at his childhood home while his dad is in a care facility. He decides to return to his twenty-fifth high school reunion to catch a glimpse of the girl he once loved. He was a nerd back then and she dated only high school jocks. (who goes to a high school reunion when they have lost everything)?
The Homecoming beauty queen, Jacqueline (Jackie) Williams married her football jock. She is not so happy, got pregnant—he is an alcoholic, abusive, and jealous. Jackie is miserable; however, stays in the marriage, trying to protect her two kids--she has no skills or money to leave him.
Now Jackie looks at Jonathan as successful, wealthy, and he shows her attention. A way out. However, he is not honest with her about losing his wealth and is homeless, plus a criminal. Can he change? Can he save his love, or himself? What can he offer her?
His wife has found someone new, and does not care about her hubby, now that he has lost his money—she has moved on with her real estate broker. While residing in his old childhood home, he gets to know his sister Amy and his dad--hiding from an angry husband. In between, he begins spending time with the girl of his dreams. He may look at his dad a little different than he did previously.
Unfortunately, there were no likable characters here and a simple, rather boring story done many times over. The depth, and suspense were missing; very disappointed, since all three of his previous books were strong legal crime thrillers (5 Stars)----this one fell flat for me. Hope the author returns to his legal thrillers, which seem to be his sweet spot. (and mine)
JDCMustReadBooks
August 24, 2017
This was a very entertaining story. Jonathan has a saying that he lives by 'I want what I want' and he doesn't care what it takes to get it done. He's a hedge fund manager on Wall Street. He lives in a very expensive Manhattan apartment with his wife who only cares about status, drives a leased Bentley and is trying to get enough millions to buy a house on the ocean in East Hampton. But a client wants his $250 billion dollars back and wants it now so Jonathan does a few illegal moves to be able to pay the client back and not have anyone notice. The book goes back and forth between this issue and a few months later when he attends his 25th class reunion and meets Jacklyn Williams, the pretty girl from his class who married the quarterback. Slowly the book finds the two time differences merging. Or the background information catches up with what is currently happening with Jonathan. There are a few surprises, especially at the end. Very interesting and well worth the read.
I read an advanced copy through my Goodreads group.
I read an advanced copy through my Goodreads group.
May 25, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We've all read books that are not to our liking and this was one of those for me. The first few chapters did nothing to appeal to me and I did not like the protagonist Jonathan Caine. I felt as though the first half and second half of the book were two different stories. There is infidelity in this so you may want to pass if you find that offensive. The whole Wall Street scene wasn't for me but I'm sure other readers may enjoy that.
We've all read books that are not to our liking and this was one of those for me. The first few chapters did nothing to appeal to me and I did not like the protagonist Jonathan Caine. I felt as though the first half and second half of the book were two different stories. There is infidelity in this so you may want to pass if you find that offensive. The whole Wall Street scene wasn't for me but I'm sure other readers may enjoy that.
April 7, 2016
I'm not going to lie, I did struggle with this book a little. The layout of Part One was tricky to keep up with as it went from March, to December, then April to December, then May to December etc.
The stock/trading side of the first part was actually very interesting though. I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing about trading and I actually (somehow) learned and understood a few things. The same goes for the law side of Part Three.
Apart from these points, I did find it difficult to stay focused on the story up until the last part. Part Three is the part of the story that made this book, I personally think. It constantly kept you thinking about what was going to happen, switching from side to side with Jacqueline and Jonathan, right until the very end.
I thought Jacqueline and Jonathan were good characters. I hated Jonathan at the start, boasting about his expensive life and having the motto of 'I get what I want' just really pissed me off but I enjoyed his character development throughout the book. He turned into a lot less of a douche and I actually ended up liking him. Jacqueline managed to pull on my heartstrings a lot. She was the prom queen who married the jock from high school who ended up to be an abusive alcoholic asshole. She seemed like a genuinely nice woman who just wanted to be happy but unfortunately pulled the short straw when it came to her life.
I really liked the ending though, despite the beginning being a little slow.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The stock/trading side of the first part was actually very interesting though. I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing about trading and I actually (somehow) learned and understood a few things. The same goes for the law side of Part Three.
Apart from these points, I did find it difficult to stay focused on the story up until the last part. Part Three is the part of the story that made this book, I personally think. It constantly kept you thinking about what was going to happen, switching from side to side with Jacqueline and Jonathan, right until the very end.
I thought Jacqueline and Jonathan were good characters. I hated Jonathan at the start, boasting about his expensive life and having the motto of 'I get what I want' just really pissed me off but I enjoyed his character development throughout the book. He turned into a lot less of a douche and I actually ended up liking him. Jacqueline managed to pull on my heartstrings a lot. She was the prom queen who married the jock from high school who ended up to be an abusive alcoholic asshole. She seemed like a genuinely nice woman who just wanted to be happy but unfortunately pulled the short straw when it came to her life.
I really liked the ending though, despite the beginning being a little slow.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2016
I was given this book by Netgalley/Publisher for my honest review.
I was given this book for my honest review. I rated this book a 3 because i could just not connect with this book or the characters. But this does not mean other people won't love it. My honest opinion about this book was i found the beginning to be slow. I don't know if it was because of all the talk about stocks and how the money was being used. I felt lost in some places and like it was really drawn out. It wasn't till later that you actually got to see who Jonathan Caine was. By this time everything just moves fast. His Job ends, he is getting divorced, his dad is sick, high school reunion and wham old girl from school he was crushing on back in the day Jacqueline Williams. I just felt like the beginning was to drawn out and then the rest was left unanswered or told about. Other than that it wasn't a bad read. It just wasn't a read for me. Give the book a try it might be something you like. You never know until you try.
I was given this book for my honest review. I rated this book a 3 because i could just not connect with this book or the characters. But this does not mean other people won't love it. My honest opinion about this book was i found the beginning to be slow. I don't know if it was because of all the talk about stocks and how the money was being used. I felt lost in some places and like it was really drawn out. It wasn't till later that you actually got to see who Jonathan Caine was. By this time everything just moves fast. His Job ends, he is getting divorced, his dad is sick, high school reunion and wham old girl from school he was crushing on back in the day Jacqueline Williams. I just felt like the beginning was to drawn out and then the rest was left unanswered or told about. Other than that it wasn't a bad read. It just wasn't a read for me. Give the book a try it might be something you like. You never know until you try.
October 15, 2017
No thanks!
Mitzner dazzled the reader with in depth detailed mumbo jumbo about Wall St. trading, stocks, hedge funds, bonds whatever. All for what for? Then, he did a 180, where the thriller part came in but not so much. I will give credit for a bit of a surprise thrown in, but it was way too weakly done. After giving this read so much of my time, I had to see it through, but I am truly ready to move on! “I want what l want!
Mitzner dazzled the reader with in depth detailed mumbo jumbo about Wall St. trading, stocks, hedge funds, bonds whatever. All for what for? Then, he did a 180, where the thriller part came in but not so much. I will give credit for a bit of a surprise thrown in, but it was way too weakly done. After giving this read so much of my time, I had to see it through, but I am truly ready to move on! “I want what l want!
May 21, 2016
Meh. Long, drawn-out, with no suspense and awkward transitions.
July 29, 2016
potential was there for a great thriller, a Body Heat type of suspense, but it fell short.
August 6, 2016
The first 30 pages were spectacular and then the story line read like a 2nd rate soap opera. I'll try another of his books and hope this was a blip.
September 28, 2019
2.5 stars. I didn’t really care for any character. The second half of the book seemed a completely different story.
May 1, 2017
I'd call this a mix of psychological thriller with a large dose of soap opera and more hedge fund and securities education than I ever wanted to know. The last few chapters leading to the ending of the book were, for me, the most enjoyable of the entire book....a completely unexpected plot twist! So, I ended the book with better appreciation for the book than I had through most of the time spent listening to it.
April 28, 2020
I enjoyed this love story/mystery that centers around two people who become reacquainted at their high school reunion. He has been a high powered hedge fund trader and she has been a battered wife who would love to leave her husband. Their affair is further complicated by the fact that he is married and is currently under investigation for trading violations in his hedge fund.
April 6, 2016
This review can also be found on my blog at http://pattisbooknook.blogspot.com/20...
The timing of this review request was funny, because I'd been reading my first thriller in a long time, Killing Floor by Lee Child. This used to be my primary, go-to genre before Literary Fiction and Fantasy. It was great fun returning to an old favorite, especially since this is set in one of my favorites places to visit-New York City, as well as being a financial-based thriller.
The story centers on Jonathan Caine, a previously successful Hedge fund manager who wines and dines upper-echelon investors. We know he has landed in heaps of trouble, as the first page finds him musing in a prison cell. The story then details the months prior to his predicament, where we find out delightful details about his greedy lifestyle and "I want what I want" rich boy mentality. There is no pretense at innocence, which I appreciated. The immediate aftermath of the scandal finds him back home visiting his dad, where he reconnects with Jackie, the out-of-his-league Prom Queen at his 25th High School Reunion. She becomes the second conflict in the story, and the narrative goes forward from there.
Sidenote: The scene featuring the high school reunion was startling, awaiting me sooner than I'd like to admit. The uncomfortable realization that the middle-aged people present aren't teachers, but fellow classmates, isn't something I'm looking forward to. Also, losing contact with people except for the occasional Facebook like and annual obligatory Happy Birthday message is 100% my reality.
At it's core, this book is about ambition, the choices we make, and the repercussions of relationships (both good and bad). Oh, and major manipulation. Here's my conflict. I love strong characters. I don't mind unlikable characters if they're interesting and compelling enough for me to be invested. With Jackie and Jonathan, I was disappointed in lack of character development. They often had very stereotypical adulterous interactions, with her angry and dumb ex-husband thrown in occasionally. Jonathan is also supposedly seeking to reconnect with his family, visiting his father in a nursing home. I kept waiting for genuine heart to hearts that never materialized. Mitzner could have been making a social commentary that people don't change, but it felt more like he was trying to show improvement that simply fell short of the mark. Hmmm. So this will provoke thought, but I just wanted to care more about their problems.
I flew through the last seventy five pages, and loved the legal power plays and last minute twists. I would be interested in more from this author, especially to see how his characters compare in other stories. I recommend this for people who love fast-paced narratives with interesting financial components and courtroom drama.
The timing of this review request was funny, because I'd been reading my first thriller in a long time, Killing Floor by Lee Child. This used to be my primary, go-to genre before Literary Fiction and Fantasy. It was great fun returning to an old favorite, especially since this is set in one of my favorites places to visit-New York City, as well as being a financial-based thriller.
The story centers on Jonathan Caine, a previously successful Hedge fund manager who wines and dines upper-echelon investors. We know he has landed in heaps of trouble, as the first page finds him musing in a prison cell. The story then details the months prior to his predicament, where we find out delightful details about his greedy lifestyle and "I want what I want" rich boy mentality. There is no pretense at innocence, which I appreciated. The immediate aftermath of the scandal finds him back home visiting his dad, where he reconnects with Jackie, the out-of-his-league Prom Queen at his 25th High School Reunion. She becomes the second conflict in the story, and the narrative goes forward from there.
Sidenote: The scene featuring the high school reunion was startling, awaiting me sooner than I'd like to admit. The uncomfortable realization that the middle-aged people present aren't teachers, but fellow classmates, isn't something I'm looking forward to. Also, losing contact with people except for the occasional Facebook like and annual obligatory Happy Birthday message is 100% my reality.
At it's core, this book is about ambition, the choices we make, and the repercussions of relationships (both good and bad). Oh, and major manipulation. Here's my conflict. I love strong characters. I don't mind unlikable characters if they're interesting and compelling enough for me to be invested. With Jackie and Jonathan, I was disappointed in lack of character development. They often had very stereotypical adulterous interactions, with her angry and dumb ex-husband thrown in occasionally. Jonathan is also supposedly seeking to reconnect with his family, visiting his father in a nursing home. I kept waiting for genuine heart to hearts that never materialized. Mitzner could have been making a social commentary that people don't change, but it felt more like he was trying to show improvement that simply fell short of the mark. Hmmm. So this will provoke thought, but I just wanted to care more about their problems.
I flew through the last seventy five pages, and loved the legal power plays and last minute twists. I would be interested in more from this author, especially to see how his characters compare in other stories. I recommend this for people who love fast-paced narratives with interesting financial components and courtroom drama.
April 1, 2016
When I started reading The Girl From Home, I wasn't crazy about Jonathan. He was cold and calculating. He lived by a motto : "I want what I want". So exactly, when did I decide I want this guy to end up having a happy ending? Not sure. I just know that I wanted him to find his happy.
The beginning of the story was slow for me. Jonathan is a master in trading. He is rich and powerful and he's good with other people's money until things change for him. One bad investment could mean the end of his career and even worse, he could be looking at jail time. He could lose everything he has worked so hard to have.
The story moves forward to Jonathan visiting his father who has dementia and probably won't live for too long. Jonathan is staying at the family's home while visiting his father at the nursing home almost on a daily basis. While in town, Jonathan decides to attend his twenty-fifth high school reunion where he meets the girl he was crazy about in school but never talk to, Jacqueline Williams.
For her part, Jacqueline is living in hell. She married the quarterback who turned out to love to abuse her. She doesn't know how much she can tolerate before he kills her. Meeting Jonathan at the high school reunion is the one time she's able to feel happy. Starting a relationship with him can only lead to trouble. And trouble does come.
In the end, I gotta admit I was one hundred percent behind them getting together by any means necessary. I do believe that Jonathan changed. He let go of money, learned about sacrifice and in his mind, he did get what he wanted. In a twisted way, but he did.
Cliffhanger: No
4 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery in exchange for an honest review.
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May 31, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
“I want what I what” says Jonathan Caine several times throughout this book. He has a wife that he doesn’t love, but she looks good on his arm, and she is only there for the money. He has a giant penthouse and wants a house in the Hamptons right on the ocean and won’t settle for less. He has expensive clothes, expensive shoes, and eats at the elite restaurants. His mother has died, his father is sick, but he makes rare trips home. All he wants is more and more money and he takes too many risks to get it. It was just a matter of time before everything falls apart.
Jacqueline Williams was popular in high school. She married the top player on the football, had two children, a boy and a girl. Her life is perfect, NOT! Her husband is abusive and she is afraid he is going to kill her.
As Jonathan life is in a downward spiral, he goes home to check on his dad and try to escape what is happening in New York. He goes to his high school reunion and meets Jackie. He always admired her from afar in school but now they seem to have a real connection. A connection that could get them killed.
I will start off my saying Jonathan Caine is very unlikable character, his wife is no better. That being said they will draw you right into the story. A story of greed and the price you can pay. I felt so sorry for Jackie Williams and her kids. Her husband is drunk who was cheats on her but is super possessive of her. She better be at home and answer the phone when he calls. Treat him nice in front of his friends and cater to his every need. Because if she didn’t she met his wrath. When Jonathan and Jackie meet we see a different side and Jonathan’s wants change.
The prologue tells us where we will end up. Then the story starts in the past, but every other chapter jumps months into the future. Then in Part 2 we are in present time. Written this way we are given a chance to get to know the characters and I liked that.
The plot then takes a twist that I thought may be coming but it wasn’t playing out in the way I imagined. The twists continue until the final one that I thought was startling. I went back and read a few pages again to see if I read it correctly. Yes, I did! I love those kind of endings.
A very gripping read. This is a story that will keep you up late into the night reading until the very end.
“I want what I what” says Jonathan Caine several times throughout this book. He has a wife that he doesn’t love, but she looks good on his arm, and she is only there for the money. He has a giant penthouse and wants a house in the Hamptons right on the ocean and won’t settle for less. He has expensive clothes, expensive shoes, and eats at the elite restaurants. His mother has died, his father is sick, but he makes rare trips home. All he wants is more and more money and he takes too many risks to get it. It was just a matter of time before everything falls apart.
Jacqueline Williams was popular in high school. She married the top player on the football, had two children, a boy and a girl. Her life is perfect, NOT! Her husband is abusive and she is afraid he is going to kill her.
As Jonathan life is in a downward spiral, he goes home to check on his dad and try to escape what is happening in New York. He goes to his high school reunion and meets Jackie. He always admired her from afar in school but now they seem to have a real connection. A connection that could get them killed.
I will start off my saying Jonathan Caine is very unlikable character, his wife is no better. That being said they will draw you right into the story. A story of greed and the price you can pay. I felt so sorry for Jackie Williams and her kids. Her husband is drunk who was cheats on her but is super possessive of her. She better be at home and answer the phone when he calls. Treat him nice in front of his friends and cater to his every need. Because if she didn’t she met his wrath. When Jonathan and Jackie meet we see a different side and Jonathan’s wants change.
The prologue tells us where we will end up. Then the story starts in the past, but every other chapter jumps months into the future. Then in Part 2 we are in present time. Written this way we are given a chance to get to know the characters and I liked that.
The plot then takes a twist that I thought may be coming but it wasn’t playing out in the way I imagined. The twists continue until the final one that I thought was startling. I went back and read a few pages again to see if I read it correctly. Yes, I did! I love those kind of endings.
A very gripping read. This is a story that will keep you up late into the night reading until the very end.
May 26, 2016
What kind of life do you live when your life is lived by mantra I want what I want and you actually believe you are infallible?
Jonathan Caine a successful investor that has it all, the beautiful wife, the apartment in uptown New York, the career that is on its way up, until he lost it all in disgrace. When you lose it all, you come back home. What he finds at home is his dying father whom he lost all respect until his father gave him the best advise "do the right thing no matter what the cost".
Jonathan also found something else, his high school crush Jacqueline Williams who has her own story. Their stories collide where they have to trust each other to find redemption.
What I liked about this read was Jonathan's mantra of I want what I want is played out in two extremes. Because of his disrespect of his father which is explained, he places his worth on success but when he loses everything and comes back to care for his ailing father, he takes his father's advise to the other extreme. What does it cost when you live the mantra?
Jackie's cost of her insecurity and fear is taken to a level that it could cost her life. I think it is difficult for a writer to write on spousal abuse. You have the danger of your readers becoming irritated or impatient with your characters. Or worse yet, is the character believable? I am on the fence with that. However, the plot pulled me in and I am always a sucker for redemption.
A Special Thank you Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 15, 2016
"The Girl From Home" is the story of Jonathan, a man who always gets what he wants. He is incredibly driven and doesn't mind breaking the rules in order to get what he wants, which is at the center of this book. Back home, he connects with Jackie, the one-time high school prom queen who Jonathan is determined to have. Jonathan is married and Jackie is married to an abusive guy but that doesn't stand in Jonathan's way. Meanwhile, he is also under fire for some extremely questionable ways he handled money as a fund manager. This is a look at the lengths one man will go in order to demand what he believes to be his.
While Jonathan is not exactly likeable (like at all), his motivation was very clear throughout the book. It was interesting to step into someone's shoes like that. I felt sympathetic for Jackie mostly. She is so driven by the dream of getting away from her abusive husband that she will do anything, even if it means that she could possibly get into trouble. Much of this book seemed to be about what happens when you don't think of the consequences of your actions.
Overall, the book was nicely paced except for a few places where the narrative got very bogged down with detail. This is billed as a thriller but I wasn't really surprised by any of the twists and turns here and there. The conversations in the book were one of the things that I liked best about this book. The author has a good ear for writing how people actually talk and using the way people talk to create very distinctive characters.
While Jonathan is not exactly likeable (like at all), his motivation was very clear throughout the book. It was interesting to step into someone's shoes like that. I felt sympathetic for Jackie mostly. She is so driven by the dream of getting away from her abusive husband that she will do anything, even if it means that she could possibly get into trouble. Much of this book seemed to be about what happens when you don't think of the consequences of your actions.
Overall, the book was nicely paced except for a few places where the narrative got very bogged down with detail. This is billed as a thriller but I wasn't really surprised by any of the twists and turns here and there. The conversations in the book were one of the things that I liked best about this book. The author has a good ear for writing how people actually talk and using the way people talk to create very distinctive characters.
April 13, 2016
**I received this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books through NetGalley for an honest review.**
3.5 stars
Jonathan is a currency wizard, he takes others money and invests accordingly. It was impressive his will to win but all good things must come to an end. Jackie and Jonathan went to high school together, they reunite at their class reunion. While they didn’t talk in high school they didn’t need much time to connect 25 years later.
After I digested some of the big money, investment talk I was able to follow along quite nice. Was it necessary, yes to an extent. I could appreciate the background of it to get a better feel of what was to come.
This story is told in 3 parts. The first alternates between current and future. I found myself looking forward to the future a little more because he and his scheming was not a pretty sight. It took me forever to trust Jonathan and I can’t say I fully did even after everything was said and done. I didn’t feel connected to Jonathan and Jackie much but that wasn’t a big concern for me.
While a really good thriller, there were many occasions for me where it felt more of drama rather than anything else. I was 100% dialed in while everything was going down though.
“I want what I want.” That made me laugh every time, so arrogant he was.
3.5 stars
Jonathan is a currency wizard, he takes others money and invests accordingly. It was impressive his will to win but all good things must come to an end. Jackie and Jonathan went to high school together, they reunite at their class reunion. While they didn’t talk in high school they didn’t need much time to connect 25 years later.
After I digested some of the big money, investment talk I was able to follow along quite nice. Was it necessary, yes to an extent. I could appreciate the background of it to get a better feel of what was to come.
This story is told in 3 parts. The first alternates between current and future. I found myself looking forward to the future a little more because he and his scheming was not a pretty sight. It took me forever to trust Jonathan and I can’t say I fully did even after everything was said and done. I didn’t feel connected to Jonathan and Jackie much but that wasn’t a big concern for me.
While a really good thriller, there were many occasions for me where it felt more of drama rather than anything else. I was 100% dialed in while everything was going down though.
“I want what I want.” That made me laugh every time, so arrogant he was.
February 23, 2016
Jonathan’s world is falling apart. He’s being investigated by the SEC, he’s lost his job, his home, his wife and all his money has been seized. Having nowhere else to go he retreats to his childhood home where he attends his 20th high school reunion. At the reunion he passes the time with Jackie, the homecoming queen. During high school he admired her from afar but didn’t even know he existed. Now she’s in an abusive marriage and finds Jonathan irresistible. In the following days, they meet up secretly as Jonathan deals with his father’s death and Jackie desperately searches for a way out of her situation. When Jackie’s husband is killed by a hit-and-run driver outside his workplace, will Jackie and Jonathan finally be able to be together? For the answer, I highly recommend you read the book. This story is full of angles and delves into the limits of love, loyalty and devotion.
“The Girl from Home” is a great story. I couldn’t read it fast enough, because I was dying to know how it was all going to work out. This one definitely had me on the edge of my seat.
Alinefromabook’s recommendation: THUMBS-UP for a great story with strong, captivating characters. Definitely worth reading.
“The Girl from Home” is a great story. I couldn’t read it fast enough, because I was dying to know how it was all going to work out. This one definitely had me on the edge of my seat.
Alinefromabook’s recommendation: THUMBS-UP for a great story with strong, captivating characters. Definitely worth reading.
May 10, 2016
3.5 stars. Jonathan Caine is a man who wants what he wants. Motivated by events that occurred when he was a child he’s willing to do almost anything to get what he wants, what will bring him happiness. He charts his own course and eventually ends up on the wrong side of the law. And that’s just the start of his downturn.
Out of a job he goes home to New Jersey to look after his ill father. While there he connects with the girl (Jackie) of his dreams from high school at their 25th class reunion. This connection buoys him along as he tries to get his life back on track. Their connection also leads them down a path that will be life-changing for both. Because of their actions on different occasions I found myself equally liking and disliking Jackie and Jonathan. For me that’s always a good thing and adds to my enjoyment of a book.
The Girl From Home is an entertaining thriller. By choice I don’t read many in this genre but every once in a while I like to try one. Like I said, I was entertained but not in an “on the edge of my seat” way. I was satisfied with the way Mitzner wrapped things up and would definitely read more of his books. *I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Out of a job he goes home to New Jersey to look after his ill father. While there he connects with the girl (Jackie) of his dreams from high school at their 25th class reunion. This connection buoys him along as he tries to get his life back on track. Their connection also leads them down a path that will be life-changing for both. Because of their actions on different occasions I found myself equally liking and disliking Jackie and Jonathan. For me that’s always a good thing and adds to my enjoyment of a book.
The Girl From Home is an entertaining thriller. By choice I don’t read many in this genre but every once in a while I like to try one. Like I said, I was entertained but not in an “on the edge of my seat” way. I was satisfied with the way Mitzner wrapped things up and would definitely read more of his books. *I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 6, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The book wasn't a bad book, per se. But all the trading talk in the beginning slowed it down and was boring for me. I found it hard to connect with the characters, as Jonathan is a rich, entitled white man who always gets what he wants, and Jackie is an abused wife who doesn't really seem all that abused as she's written.
I also found that there were some huge gaps - things were done "off the page" during scenes that were on the page. I'm not a fan of putting us inside a character's head while withholding information about their actions and/or thoughts, and so that was a real turn-off for me in this book. I felt like the author wasn't being fair with the way the information was withheld.
I did like the way it ended, sort of. While I wasn't thrilled with the way it all turned out, I was impressed with the way that ending was brought about.
I'm not sure that this book would convince me to read more by this author, but it also wouldn't convince me not to. It was just...another forgettable book for me.
The book wasn't a bad book, per se. But all the trading talk in the beginning slowed it down and was boring for me. I found it hard to connect with the characters, as Jonathan is a rich, entitled white man who always gets what he wants, and Jackie is an abused wife who doesn't really seem all that abused as she's written.
I also found that there were some huge gaps - things were done "off the page" during scenes that were on the page. I'm not a fan of putting us inside a character's head while withholding information about their actions and/or thoughts, and so that was a real turn-off for me in this book. I felt like the author wasn't being fair with the way the information was withheld.
I did like the way it ended, sort of. While I wasn't thrilled with the way it all turned out, I was impressed with the way that ending was brought about.
I'm not sure that this book would convince me to read more by this author, but it also wouldn't convince me not to. It was just...another forgettable book for me.
January 31, 2016
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader's copy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's classified as a thriller and it does have those twists and turns in it, but to me it was a bit lighter fare, if murder can be considered light?
The book is divided into succinct parts - it begins with Jonathan. A self-made multi-millionaire in the hedge fund world. Has the Bentley, the trophy wife, the penthouse and wants an ocean-front summer home in the Hamptons. In his words...he wants what he wants. Then his world and job come crashing down.
Enter Jackie - the high school homecoming queen that he lusted after in high school when he was a nerd and she dated the quarterback. They meet up at their 25-year class reunion and sparks fly. However, Jackie is married to an abusive, horrid man.
Without giving away any of the fun, these worlds collide and end in murder.
Definitely a fun read and one that I read way too late into the night. I've never read any of this author's works before but am definitely going to go back and see what I've missed!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's classified as a thriller and it does have those twists and turns in it, but to me it was a bit lighter fare, if murder can be considered light?
The book is divided into succinct parts - it begins with Jonathan. A self-made multi-millionaire in the hedge fund world. Has the Bentley, the trophy wife, the penthouse and wants an ocean-front summer home in the Hamptons. In his words...he wants what he wants. Then his world and job come crashing down.
Enter Jackie - the high school homecoming queen that he lusted after in high school when he was a nerd and she dated the quarterback. They meet up at their 25-year class reunion and sparks fly. However, Jackie is married to an abusive, horrid man.
Without giving away any of the fun, these worlds collide and end in murder.
Definitely a fun read and one that I read way too late into the night. I've never read any of this author's works before but am definitely going to go back and see what I've missed!
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