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Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite
Ember Days: A Novel by Mary F Burns is a detailed story of the events in the lives of a handful of people in Mendocino, California. All but one have known each other for many years and they all have secrets that haunt them. Alice Fitzpatrick and her daughter, Ellen, are at the forefront and their secrets seem to be intertwined with others. Ellen has returned from college and runs the local library. Father James, now a priest, has also returned home and is pastor at the local church. A newcomer to town, Howard Cain runs the cafe and becomes involved with the Fitzpatricks on both a personal and professional level. While some are returning home or trying to find their peace in Mendocino, others can't wait to leave this small town. Father James' brother, Mickey, has already left and can never return. The lives of this select group reveal dark secrets, some of which can be overcome, some just lived with. Some secrets will eventually be revealed and some will be taken to the grave.
Ember Days is an intricate and somewhat complicated tale that leans to the darker side of life. It is a well written tale of woes with rays of sunshine, but with more darkness than light. Mary F Burns is a skilled writer and has given us well developed and detailed characters. The story is interesting and holds your attention, but while you watch for that glimmer of hope to surface, you encounter more dark and disturbing facts about Mary F Burns' characters. This book held my attention.
