Book Review # 33 - The Girl She Used to Be


The Girl She Used To Be

By

David Cristofano

Release Date: March 19, 2009


Back Cover: "When Melody Grace McCartney was six years old, she and her parents witnessed an act of violence so brutal that is changed their lives forever. The federal government lured them into the Witness Protection Program with the promist of safety, and they went gratefully. But the program took Melody's name, her home, her innocence, and ultimately, her family. She's been May Adams, Karen Smith, Anne Johnson, and countless others -- everyone but the one person she longs to be: herself.

So When the feds spirit her off to begin yet another new life in another new town, she's stunned when a man confronts her and calls her by her real name. Jonathan Bovara, the Mafioso sent to hunt her down, knows her--the real her--and it's a dangerous thrill that Melody can't resist. He insists that she's just a pawn in the government's war against the Bovaro family. But can she trust her life and her identify to this vicious stranger whose acts of violence are legendary?"

I have to say this was an interesting story. Melody entered into Witsec when she was 6 years and is now 26. She's been in her current home and job as a math teacher at the local school for 18 months now. She is discontent and thinks it is time to move on. So she calls her witsec protector and tells him they have found her. They wisk her off immediately, but Melody finds out her marshall who has protected her for over 20 years is retiring and leaving her in the hands of another. Can he be trusted?

It is the beginning of an adventure when the Marshall moves her to a hotel and Jonathan Bovaro finds her. It seems he has been following her all this time. He offers a way out, freedom from Witsec, and his protection. He is the one sent to kill her, but just doesn't have it in him. He would rather protect her - from the feds, from his family, from everyone. It becomes a game of cat and mouse as witsec 'rescues' her, only to have Jonathan 'rescue her again.

I found her behavior odd, but fascinating. That she would put her trust in the one man who was sent to kill her. The story is well written and captures your interest as you wonder what Melody is going to do next. The story is written in 1st person POV from Melody's perspective. This is a first time I've read anything by David Cristofano and I'll be looking for more books by him in the future. Thank you to Mariam at Hachette Book Group for sending me this book.

5 comments:

  1. Sounds like this one could be exciting, but I'm not totally sure it's for me. Nice review.

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  2. Sounds like it's right up my alley. I MUST put this on my to-read list. Thank you for sharing! This is a great review. :)

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  3. I like the sounds of this one too. Great story idea. I think I'd like it better if I knew it was a romance and a happy ending.

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  4. Thanks ya'll.

    Margot - it depends on what your definition of a happy ending is. :) It is an odd romance story...that's all I can say without giving away any spoilers.

    Robin

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  5. I loved this book! Her behavior was odd but I can't imagine how it must have been growing up the way she did. Can't wait for another book from Cristofano.

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