The Nest

Originally published May 2016

Money makes people crazy.

Money that’s expected in the form of an inheritance makes siblings even crazier.

That’s the story behind author Cynthia D. Sweeney’s first novel—the story of the Plumb siblings, and their human, sad, conflicted souls as they navigate the last few weary months toward an expected influx of cash when the youngest, Melody, turns 40. Pity that a big chunk of it was already spent when the oldest, Leo, crashes his car and severely injures his passenger, the sweet 19-year-old waitress Matilda who was kind enough at the time to have been jerking him off. Oops. Even worse he had just left a party where he snuck out on his wife. Oops oops.

With Jack, Bea and Melody all at odds with Leo over the cash spent as hush money and on rehab, Sweeney opens the door to all these characters’ family lives and in the end, without turning up the sap factor to 11, has readers feeling endeared to all of them—even Leo. For even with all their flaws, it’s clear they each know love or are in search of it. They each require redemption, and find it. They all need each other, and make their way back. Even Leo.

Anyone in a relationship can relate to Leo and Stephanie’s storyline. Anyone looking for true love can get behind Bea and Paul. Anxiety-ridden mothers can appreciate Melody’s drive to protect her twin daughters, husband and home. And anyone with a secret destined to destroy what they think they love most can empathize with Jack and Walker. There’s something for just about everyone.

“The Nest” is a great weekend read that you’ll be able to finish quickly and pass on to a friend—you don’t have to devote full on attention to each word and after some of the door stop books of recent months, it’s nice to read something immensely engaging, with great character development and fleshed out storylines without having to pull out a dictionary or think too hard about intricate details. Perfect for the beach or cabin this summer!