caitlandrenee's review against another edition
3.0
While I really wanted to like this book and its southern charm, it was mediocre. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters, the plot was a giveaway from early on, and it left some unanswered questions. I felt like it was a soap opera in a book, but it was an easy read, and her writing was decent.
audiobook_addict's review against another edition
5.0
This book drewme from the very beginning. I normally don't get yanked in on something like this as deeply, but Karen White wrote an awesome book from the very first page and it didn't stop. I never would have predicted the twist she threw in, even though breadcrumb hints were scattered frequently through the book, it still took my breath away. In explaining to people what it reminded me of, I said Steel Magnolias met with a touch of Murder She Wrote maybe, or a touch of suspense, so you got it all wrapped up in one package. And, even an ending to make you smile too. Awesome book. It definitely deserves the 5 star rating and it also brought me out of my book slump I had found myself in. I'm glad to be awake again, as it were. It was sweet without being sickeningly so, and suspenseful enough, you actually kept your fingernails intact, instead of gnawing them off in the first 30 pages. Good job Karen White. I need to read the rest of your books, starting now. Enjoy yall, and watch out. The book nerd, is back. And with a vengeance. I hope yall enjoy this one and are as surprised by it as I was.
lianamathias's review against another edition
3.0
I usually like her books but this one was mediocre. It dragged at times but then definitely wrapped up too quickly.
amb0517's review against another edition
4.0
It was a good book. A little slow moving at times and there were a few things that didn't seem quite believable but over worth the read. I'll be trying others by this author.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White is a captivating novel of new beginnings and friendship.
Following her divorce from her husband of eleven years, Merilee Dunlap and her two children, ten old year Lily and eight year old Colin, move into a cottage behind a farmhouse in Sweet Apple, GA. Her ninety-three year old landlady Sugar Prescott is surprisingly spry, mentally sharp and somewhat outspoken. Sugar and Merilee strike up an unlikely friendship in spite of Sugar's reluctance to become involved with the divorcee and her kids. Despite not quite fitting in with the other wealthy suburban moms at her children's private school, Merilee is soon fast friends with Heather Blackford, wife to Dr. Daniel Blackburn and mother of two. Merilee has also caught the eye of Sugar's best friend's grandson Wade Kimball but she is not quite ready to reenter the dating scene. Sugar tries to warn Merilee that Heather might have an ulterior motive for befriending her but will Merilee heed her friend's advice to not be quite so trusting?
Merilee is still reeling from her unexpected divorce and she is rather vulnerable as she starts her life over. She is a little concerned about how recent events have affected Lily and she makes every effort to keep her daughter from worrying too much about the changes to their lives. On the other hand, Colin is quite resilient and he loves exploring his new surroundings. While their move has gone fairly smoothly, Merilee is a little overwhelmed by her responsibilities as a single mom. Despite her natural reticence to discuss about her past, Merilee is surprisingly trusting as her friendship with Heather deepens. Although the beginning of her relationship with Sugar is a little rocky due to her landlady's propensity to speak her mind, they quickly find common ground as Sugar opens up to Merilee about her long ago past.
Sugar has had more than her share of heartache over her lifetime so she tries to protect herself from getting close to anyone. She has never had any trouble keeping her distance from her previous tenants, so she is a little surprised when she finds herself drawn to Merilee and her children. Sugar recognizes herself in Merilee and she is soon confiding long held secrets to her young friend. She is also a little worried about Merilee's budding friendship with Heather but her warnings fall on deaf ears. While Merilee and Sugar do not see eye to eye on some things, their friendship easily withstands the occasional friction between them. Although Sugar refuses to admit it, Merilee, Lily and Colin have become quite important to her and she worries about them as if they were blood relatives.
There is also a hint of suspense to the storyline in addition to Merliee's new found friendships. Vague references to Merilee's past hint that her recent divorce is just one of the losses she has suffered. Her relationship with her parents is quite distant and they do not offer her help or support as she rebuilds her life. Astute readers will easily pick up on what is happening right under Merilee's nose well before events take a wrong turn and she finds herself in an increasingly precarious situation. It is also somewhat easy to guess the motive for the plan that has been set in motion. This does not lessen the overall enjoyment of the novel but is incredibly frustrating seeing someone who is vulnerable fall victim to another person's twisted manipulations.
The Night the Lights Went Out is an extremely heartwarming novel with a wonderful small town atmosphere. The storyline is well-developed and quite engaging. The characters are multi-dimensional and very personable despite a few flaws. A very charming story with plenty of Southern flair that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to old and new fans of Karen White.
The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White is a captivating novel of new beginnings and friendship.
Following her divorce from her husband of eleven years, Merilee Dunlap and her two children, ten old year Lily and eight year old Colin, move into a cottage behind a farmhouse in Sweet Apple, GA. Her ninety-three year old landlady Sugar Prescott is surprisingly spry, mentally sharp and somewhat outspoken. Sugar and Merilee strike up an unlikely friendship in spite of Sugar's reluctance to become involved with the divorcee and her kids. Despite not quite fitting in with the other wealthy suburban moms at her children's private school, Merilee is soon fast friends with Heather Blackford, wife to Dr. Daniel Blackburn and mother of two. Merilee has also caught the eye of Sugar's best friend's grandson Wade Kimball but she is not quite ready to reenter the dating scene. Sugar tries to warn Merilee that Heather might have an ulterior motive for befriending her but will Merilee heed her friend's advice to not be quite so trusting?
Merilee is still reeling from her unexpected divorce and she is rather vulnerable as she starts her life over. She is a little concerned about how recent events have affected Lily and she makes every effort to keep her daughter from worrying too much about the changes to their lives. On the other hand, Colin is quite resilient and he loves exploring his new surroundings. While their move has gone fairly smoothly, Merilee is a little overwhelmed by her responsibilities as a single mom. Despite her natural reticence to discuss about her past, Merilee is surprisingly trusting as her friendship with Heather deepens. Although the beginning of her relationship with Sugar is a little rocky due to her landlady's propensity to speak her mind, they quickly find common ground as Sugar opens up to Merilee about her long ago past.
Sugar has had more than her share of heartache over her lifetime so she tries to protect herself from getting close to anyone. She has never had any trouble keeping her distance from her previous tenants, so she is a little surprised when she finds herself drawn to Merilee and her children. Sugar recognizes herself in Merilee and she is soon confiding long held secrets to her young friend. She is also a little worried about Merilee's budding friendship with Heather but her warnings fall on deaf ears. While Merilee and Sugar do not see eye to eye on some things, their friendship easily withstands the occasional friction between them. Although Sugar refuses to admit it, Merilee, Lily and Colin have become quite important to her and she worries about them as if they were blood relatives.
There is also a hint of suspense to the storyline in addition to Merliee's new found friendships. Vague references to Merilee's past hint that her recent divorce is just one of the losses she has suffered. Her relationship with her parents is quite distant and they do not offer her help or support as she rebuilds her life. Astute readers will easily pick up on what is happening right under Merilee's nose well before events take a wrong turn and she finds herself in an increasingly precarious situation. It is also somewhat easy to guess the motive for the plan that has been set in motion. This does not lessen the overall enjoyment of the novel but is incredibly frustrating seeing someone who is vulnerable fall victim to another person's twisted manipulations.
The Night the Lights Went Out is an extremely heartwarming novel with a wonderful small town atmosphere. The storyline is well-developed and quite engaging. The characters are multi-dimensional and very personable despite a few flaws. A very charming story with plenty of Southern flair that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to old and new fans of Karen White.
jutdwaehugs's review against another edition
4.0
The book started out as a torn apart family but turned into a who dun it.
cavolk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
4.75
yshaheen's review against another edition
4.0
The Night the Lights Went Out was a fun, fresh read. It’s perfect for lying in lounge chair on the beach or when you’re snuggled up on the sofa on a cold rainy day. Merilee is a recent divorcee who cultivates a unique but unlikely friendship with the elderly Sugar, who happens to be her landlord and the town’s take-no-shit matriarch. I loved her! Merilee’s secret past comes back to haunt her when one of the town’s citizens is found dead. What is Merilee guilty of? How does her friendship with Sugar evolve? And how does Merilee navigate the sometimes ruthless social hierarchy of her new town?
The story is based near Atlanta so it’s got a southern flair, which I am always a fan of. It’s also reminiscent of Leanne Moriarty novels so that makes it a win for me.
The story is based near Atlanta so it’s got a southern flair, which I am always a fan of. It’s also reminiscent of Leanne Moriarty novels so that makes it a win for me.
acperkins67's review against another edition
2.0
I have enjoyed so many of Karen White's books but this one just didn't do it for me
tbsims's review against another edition
1.0
seemed right up my alley. But the whole grown-up mean girls thing? wasn't clear to me why the men thought she was great. the whole - if somehow our paths cross in 20 years I'll be ready for you and will risk everything to ruin your life...huh?