All They Need to Know

All They Need to Know is a comfort kind of read. It's an easy-going story with a strong sense of community, a cute canine, a resilient main character in Kyra and topics that will give readers much to ponder and discuss.

The story follows Kyra, a woman on the run from her abusive husband who finds community, solace and love in a small town. The setting is quaint but it's the secondary cast that truly shines. Themes of abuse and trauma discussed with a light hand and my favourite part was the growing bond between a group of strong, independent women who surround and support Kyra. These 'Tattooed Ladies' will (hopefully) make for interesting future storylines.

While the story slows a bit in a couple of spots when the dialogue becomes a bit heavy, this was an enjoyably predictable read about resilience and finding a new way in life when the one you have isn't working for you. It has a wholesome small-town feel with a sweet clean romance (with a swoony fella) and a tense scene or two that will have readers eagerly turning pages. 

With a feeling of home and new beginnings, readers will enjoy seeing Kyra find her own strength as well as friendship and love.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Eileen Goudge

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: Trade Paperback & ebook from author

Series: Cold Creek 1

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

First Published: September 24, 2024

Read: September 1 - 4, 2024

Book Description from GoodReads: A woman escaping a violent past finds new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary in an emotionally gripping novel by New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge.

On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a neglected dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women called the Tattooed Ladies Club. They’re there for Kyra—and for each other.

The maternal Frannie is a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter. Suzy is a self-described fashionista grandma bearing a painful estrangement from her son. Then there’s Jo, whose enviable marriage is coming undone. And bookstore owner Marisol. She longs for the kind of romance she only reads about. For them, and for Kyra, fortunes can change.

Just as Kyra parlays her artistic talents into a new career, and finally meets a man she can trust in and love, her ex tracks her down. He has a twisted plan to upend everything she now holds dear. Marshaling her renewed power and wisdom, Kyra will stop at nothing to put the past behind her. Once and for all. Whatever it takes.