by Anne Montgomery
Publication Date September 13, 2021
Published by TouchPoint Press
Purchase Here Buy on Amazon US - Buy on Kobo
Goodreads
Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Fiction / General, Fiction / Women
Pages: 208
Format: ARC
Maggie, a National Park Ranger, is back at the Castle – an ancient Native American pueblo carved into the face of a limestone cliff in Arizona. Maggie, who suffers from depression, has been through several traumas: the gang rape she suffered while in the Coast Guard, the sudden death of her ten-year-old son, and a suicide attempt. As part of her therapy, Maggie volunteers at the local rape crisis clinic.
Maggie has several men in her life. The baker, newcomer Jim Casey, always greets her with a warm smile and fills pink boxes with sweet delicacies. Brett Collins, a scuba diver, is doing scientific studies in Montezuma Well, a dangerous cylindrical depression that houses a deep spring filled with strange creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Then there’s Dave, with whom she’s had a one-night stand, and her new boss, Glen.
One of these men is a serial rapist, and Maggie is his next target.
My Review:
The Castle by Anne Montgomery is a contemporary book about a National Park Ranger who has a traumatic past and is learning to deal with her past. The Castle is emotional, descriptive, and hopeful all in one.
Maggie is a National Park Ranger working at Montezuma Castle National Monument in central Arizona. She’s had a very difficult and traumatic past and is finally back at work after taking some time off. She sees a young native boy climb the cliff dwelling in his native garb, and this vision has her questioning her sanity.
The Castle is an emotionally difficult book to read but has so much hope and inspiration that I couldn’t put it down. You can tell Anne Montgomery has a background in journalism as her research of the Park, and the park rangers are excellent. The descriptions of Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well were excellent and I felt like I was there when reading the book. I’ve visited both places many times, and the author’s descriptions are spot on. Also, her depiction of a Park Ranger’s life is very realistic, especially with her descriptions of Maggie’s everyday life.
The Castle also deals with some very emotional and traumatic situations. However, the author deals with these situations in a very realistic and caring way. Part of the book is written in the POV of a rapist, and again, the authors’ research of how a rapist thinks and justifies his actions is extraordinary and a testament to her journalistic background.
The Castle is emotional and has triggers, but it’s also so hopeful and inspirational it is an excellent book that I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Very helpful review, though I think it was be too triggering for me right now.
Have a good rest of the week, Wendy!
Wonderful review Wendy. It sounds very emotional and not one for me right now.
Thank you Carla. I understand, this book isn’t for everyone.
this book sounds good! i’m glad you enjoyed it
Thank you Chelsea
Wow! This sounds like such a good book.
Thank you Pam, I really liked it, and enjoyed it more because I’ve been to the Castle many times.
I love the green and heading on your site. Great review. Thanks
Thank you Debbie!