Ripples in the Generations is a saga of family dramas, deceptions and intense dark secrets, penned by author Joyce K. Gatschenberger. Connecting to the author’s other books around the Henry family and their continuing ancestral drama, this instalment proves to be more exciting than ever when secrets and genetic revelations are uncovered. Many themes are covered including secret adoptions, lies, deceit, deaths, hidden sums of money and the emotional heartache of two families as their combined lineage awaits like a time bomb waiting to explode. Featuring a wide cast of characters old and new, the saga continues to haunt the new blood of the Henry family, making us wonder if they will ever be free of their secrets.

Having come to the series at this point, I feel that this novel has plenty of drama and intrigue of its own before you even consider the varied multi-generational past of the story and the secrets that they have held back from the newer additions. There were plenty of people to feel for as their own secrets were revealed, or their identities changed entirely by what they discovered from the people of their past, and the two central families had many shocking revelations that will keep drama fans reading on and turning pages. Author Joyce K. Gatschenberger writes with deep emotional clarity in a very character-led tale which never holds back on the shocking truth of what some people will do to keep their secrets buried. Overall, Ripples in the Generations is a shocking and intriguing read.

Ripples in the Generations: A Generational Saga that Continues Down the Ages by Joyce K. Gatschenberger is a compelling novel filled with intrigue and drama, featuring sophisticated characters and strong historical hints. It is a narrative that uncovers deceit and betrayal, a family with dark secrets and skeletons in the closet. It is a historical narrative that explores the next generation of the Henry family and asks the question: Can lies triumph over the truth?

While this story exposes the drama in a royal family and the kind of intrigue that is mind-blowing, it is the author’s ability to make it engaging and enjoyable that caught my attention. The prose is just awesome, filled with powerful descriptions, focused scenes, and dialogues. From the very start of the narrative, the reader is greeted with the beauty of the language, with images that immediately excite the imagination. The gorgeous writing combines with the well-crafted, highly sophisticated characters to make for an enjoyable ride. The characters evolve in subtle ways as the conflict develops.

Joyce K. Gatschenberger is a master storyteller who keeps it balanced, introducing just enough elements in the plot to generate interest, raise the level of suspense, and keep the reader wanting to find out what happens next to the characters. The plot is deftly written and takes readers to unexpected places and it is this unpredictability that makes the novel an exceptional read.

In Ripples in the Generations by Joyce K. Gatschenberger, a school science project on DNA has opened up a huge emotional wound that risks tearing generations of two families apart. As Dale Menedez arranges a meeting with the school counsellor and a mother and daughter, the secrets of past actions will not only devastate those involved, but cause a ripple effect throughout the next generation. Now each member of the family has to come to terms with the lies and betrayal in their own way, questioning everything they once held dear about their lives, childhood and those close to them. There are battles internally and also with one another as they all try to survive the shocking truth of their ancestors. Will they survive and come together as one new family unit or will the haunting memories of the past be too painful to forget?

This enthralling novel gripped me almost immediately. There are a lot of characters but the author cleverly introduces them gradually with a little backstory so there is no information overload. There are several different sub-plots which merge together perfectly. There are some dramatic scenes, especially when Kaye and Pamela meet. The statement by Kaye, 'these feelings occupy so much of my mind and thoughts that there seems to be no space for even listening', summed up the meeting so well. What I loved most about this novel was the study of human behaviour when faced with lies and tragedy, and how each member of the family processes the same information internally, so differently. It is an amazing example of family dynamics, human psychology and how even the most confident person can be brought to their knees emotionally when their status quo is rocked. This has every ingredient for a gripping and thought-provoking novel, with family dynamics, secrets, lies, betrayal and forbidden love. Add to that the amazing three-dimensional characters and a plot with twists and turns and this book is a must-read.

Ripples in the Generations: A Generational Saga that Continues Down the Ages by Joyce K. Gatschenberger is a great fit for fans of novels with strong historical references and compelling characters. The reader is immersed in the drama taking place in the next generation of the Henry family, a tale of dark secrets, lies, and betrayal. A tale that features a secret adoption and that is filled with strong plot points. It is character driven and it is interesting how the author allows the characters to evolve within the dynamics of the conflict. They are complex and multilayered, but most importantly, they are real in their passions, in their humanity, and in the pursuit of their hidden desires.

I love stories that are well written and Ripples in the Generations: A Generational Saga that Continues Down the Ages is one such story. The setting reflects a historical moment that historians can easily identify and a culture that reflects life in a royal family. The novel is intelligently plotted and I enjoyed the way the conflict is developed. It happens at different levels and the author uses the conflict to build the drama. The author explores the hearts of the characters with unusual deftness and portrays with great skill the darkness that can inhabit it. The prose is great, featuring wonderful descriptions, insightful passages, and images that will excite the reader’s mind. Apart from the great writing and the sophisticated plot, Joyce K. Gatschenberger infuses the narrative with realism. A powerful novel with outstanding characters and a strong conflict. Readers will definitely be captivated by the drama.

Very realistic content.