The Lies We Told Paperback – May 25, 2010

I also had a big problem getting enough sleep while reading this book. In fact, I did very little for two days except to read "The Lies We Told". I truly was caught up in all the events of the flooding, the murder of the parents, the relationships of the sisters and the men in their lives and then the life of simplicity on the island. One can always tell that Diane's background is that of a social worker. That is what gives all her stories that extra special touch.This book is so easy to read and to begin to picture everything that unfolds, becoming part of the story. However, there were some surprises that I didn't see coming. So that made it even more exciting to turn the pages. But I must admit, I hated to see it end. I wanted to read more and more about these two dynamic and very different sisters and their lives.It's almost prophetic that Diane wrote about storms and flooding when our nation at the moment is so caught up in flooding in the southern part of the US. Watching the TV news last evening, it was like watching a bit of this story. Very relevant. I found myself wondering if there had been actually a helicopter crash today and rescue by some southern people. Kinda eerie with the timely connection.Diane is and has been one of my very favorite writers for a long time. Her writing is so deep--she builds the characters perfectly. And she keeps you guessing about conclusions---just giving you bits and pieces along the way to keep your interest and intrigue. The perfect example this time being the death of their parents. You know it happened but it takes a long time to learn the entire story with all the twists and turns. She keeps you reading and very interested.I recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about love, adventure, excitement and a bit of mystery with murder thrown into the mix. And also know that you will get to "know" the characters as if they are real people and that you have met them in your life.Thanks, Diane, for another outstanding read. From your friend and former co-worker in Seattle.

This is an emotionally gripping book that is beautifully written and perfectly paced. The setting for quite a bit of the book is North Carolina in the aftermath of a double hurricane. Diane Chamberlain adeptly conveys the chaotic state of makeshift hospitals and the extreme working conditions the doctors and other rescue team members are forced to work in. She pulls you in and presents detailed realistic circumstances, allowing a greater appreciation for the men and women who work with real life organization in disaster areas. Between the lines is a powerful message of compassion for our fellow human being. She also has very complex characters you can relate to and a plot that's multi-layered with twists and surprises, totally immersing you in the moment; it's hard to put the book down. The underlying theme coursing through the story is one of discovering peace and purpose in life. Like so many others, I did not like the book's ending, but don't let this deter you from an otherwise beautiful story. In summary, a great light read about family, sisters and helping others. Great for anyone who enjoys a good story with strong emotional pull, suspense and intrigue.

I finished this book quickly because I enjoyed it so much. The characters were great and the story exciting. Great read.

I only finished the book last night and was so grateful it had an ending I could deal with. I have just moved from a city to a coastal resort and changing my life tremendously. This book saw me through, probably, the worst of it. Why? I can't really say except that Diane Chamberlain deals with the human side of life. The ugly situations are there but in acceptable tones. Although we journey, with the characters, to disaster areas to assist victims, medically, under very difficult circumstances,to me the book was about "change" and choices that have to be made to be who you really are, and not how people want you to be. Be true to yourself and everything else falls neatly into place, well almost. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. My apologies to all of you who look for every detail of the book in a review, I'm afraid I'm not fond of taking away the mystery you need to find in a book for yourselves. Thank you Diane for yet another 'can't put down' book.  The Lies We Told

Rebecca and Maya are sisters and physicians. They have survived a traumatic childhood ~their parents were murdered in their driveway. Rebecca refused to allow Maya to go to a foster home and gave up a lot to raise Maya. While Rebecca works for a disaster aid company and seems to have trouble settling down, Maya is a paediatrician with a speciality in orthopaedics and works in a safe, hospital environment with a loving husband and wants to start a family. Maya and Rebecca both have secrets; from each other and the significant others in their lives. While the sisters are close, each is afraid that their lies and secrets could tear them apart.When Rebecca and Adam, Maya's husband, fly to a disaster area to help with relief, Maya goes outside of her comfort zone and flies there to be with them. After a horrific accident that Maya is involved in, everyone suspects that she has died, including Rebecca and Adam. Meanwhile Maya is living her days in fear and desperation after being rescued by a seemingly nice couple.The story continues on from both Maya and Rebecca's perspective. I enjoyed both sides of their journeys but it was towards the end of the book that I found myself wishing the author had chosen another route. The ending did not ring true for me. It was only two weeks that had passed since Maya's disappearance and fateful return, yet Rebecca and Adam were having their own love story, with looks and feelings that seem to have come out of nowhere. I didn't buy it and it was completely unrealistic. Maya's own reaction told in the epilogue was also ringing false to me. I just didn't think the ending fit the story.

The characters were relatable and could be real the story believable and kept my attention x wellWorth the time spent x

This book was not what I expected at all! However, I couldn't stop reading and the book kept twisting and turning in directions that I wasn't expecting - a great read, to be sure!

I really enjoyed this novel. An engaging story but unfortunately ends a little abruptly. There could have been several more chapters or possibly even another book with details that were summed up in the epilogue.

I have read many of Diane Chamberlain books, and really enjoyed every one of them and most I would give 5/5. Unfortunately I would have to give "The lies we told" 4/5. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed this book, I liked the character of Maya and at times felt her pain, but found the characters Adam and Rebecca less likable. The story flows well until the last couple of chapters, when it feels like the author rushed to finish the story. I found what happened to Adam and Rebecca in a 2 week period, unbelievable, (I won't go into too much detail, as it would ruin the story). I feel the ending let a well written book down, as so much could have been done with the characters as they tried to put their lives back together. I would still recommend this book as an enjoyable read, but you may be disappointed by the ending, as I was.

A great book