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Midwest Book Review
Incidental Daughter is a humanistic novel with a touch of the paranormal, about a woman's deepest inner yearnings for the bond of family. Liz Michaels' mother is dead, and she has willfully chosen to have nothing to do with her father and his relatives - who are unaware of her existence. Her marriage ended in divorce, and she has given up on having children. Yet as she pours herself into her work, forces beyond her understanding are at play. She becomes a suspect in her ex-husband's death, and mysterious events conspire to make her rethink her lonely path. Can any woman truly be an island? Incidental Daughter encourages the reader to ponder its themes at length, up to the emotional end. -- Michael Dunford, Reviewer
__________
Here's what makes a book a good read for me:compelling and believable characters;some solid action; some touching romance; a solid sense of place; professional prose that includes sparks of originality that illuminate the story.
Here's what Incidental Daughter offers: All of the above.
Solidly grounded in the real Pittsburgh,the action follows Liz and Shannon after they meet when Liz's ex-husband falls to his death off her balcony. Liz is incidental since she has no family of origin and has succeeded only by her own resources and the help of people she has impressed with her intelligence and grit. The plot is full of interesting, and often unexpected, twists that enrich the story and engage the reader fully.
Incidental Daughter is a Good Read in every sense of the word. Don't miss it. -- Anita Eckburg "Nita" Washington, DC
__________
I really enjoyed this book. There were several twists and turns keeping you reading to see what would happen next. At times, all I could think is...wow I didn't see that coming. -- Barbara Quinn, Harrisburg, PA
__________
“The romance, mystery, intrigue and comforting supernatural elements all kept me turning the pages for more! This debut novel uses rich language, an interesting plot and good storytelling to provide an interesting read.” -- Reverie de Escobedo, award-winning author of Spanish-language radio scripts and magazine article writer, Santa Fe, NM.
__________
“At the beginning of this novel . . . I was anticipating the usual formulaic detective novel. Then to my surprise . . . I realized that the potential victim was now under suspicion of murder and this was no ordinary detective novel. Instead I found a wonderful story of a woman connecting to her past. This is a great read.” -- Bethany Baxter, author of Two Sons, Bonita Springs, FL.
__________
I loved this book first because of it's scholarly presentation. The well-developed plot, the characterization and the vocabulary let the reader know that the author is unusually talented. It has a timely theme particularly of interest to young women. Ghostly visits from her mother and grandmother enliven Liz Michaels' journey from a single parent home, to orphan, to a powerful professional position in a publishing company. Finally, readers get involved in that journey hoping she reaches her goal of finding a family. Despite the setbacks, the story is never depressing and is satisfying to lovers of romance and mystery stories. -- Maxine N. Davenport, author of Saturday Matinee, Santa Fe, NM.
__________
Incidental Daughter is the debut novel by Val Stasik. For readers who appreciate the well written word, this is the book. If that were its only strength it would still be a good read. Fortunately for us, Incidental Daughter is much more than the quality of its writing. The structure, character development and pace keep one coming back for more. This novel incorporates all the elements of mystery, romance and, most importantly, family and relationships. This is an intriguing novel that all readers will enjoy and the new writer can learn much from Incidental Daughter, so make it a must on your book list. -- Carol F., Santa Fe, NM.
__________
Val Stasik's premier novel Incidental Daughter is a satisfying read on many levels. It is, first and foremost, an intriguing murder mystery, but it is also a poignant reminder of the importance of family. The main character, Liz Michaels, was born out of wedlock. In spite of having achieved success, she is haunted by the rejection she feels from her father and his family; a sense of rejection reinforced by her own failed marriage. Building around her main character's strengths and weaknesses, Ms.Stasik weaves a murder mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns and unforgettable characters who draw the reader deeper into the story.
Incidental Daughter also has a rich "sense of place." The author's obvious affection for the city of her birth, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is apparent in the manner in which she has made this city a character in her highy readable mystery. I look forward to seeing more from this talented new novelist.-- Sunny Fader, author of The Cat Who Loved Dogs, St. Petersburg, FL.
__________
Intriguing characters, a well-driven plot, and excellent pacing make Incidental Daughter an enjoyable read. It's a very moving story that leaves the reader feeling good. I look forward to reading more from this author. -- BK, Peterborough, NH.
__________
What a wonderful story. The book includes several genres--mystery, romance, and the supernatural. If you're from Pittsburgh, you'll enjoy reading about the area, its people, and points of interest throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs. This book could become a first in a series. How about "Incidental Wife," "Incidental Son," or "Incidental Cousin," etc.? -- Angie, Pittsburgh, PA.
__________
Incidental Daughter is a humanistic novel with a touch of the paranormal, about a woman's deepest inner yearnings for the bond of family. Liz Michaels' mother is dead, and she has willfully chosen to have nothing to do with her father and his relatives - who are unaware of her existence. Her marriage ended in divorce, and she has given up on having children. Yet as she pours herself into her work, forces beyond her understanding are at play. She becomes a suspect in her ex-husband's death, and mysterious events conspire to make her rethink her lonely path. Can any woman truly be an island? Incidental Daughter encourages the reader to ponder its themes at length, up to the emotional end. -- Michael Dunford, Reviewer
__________
Here's what makes a book a good read for me:compelling and believable characters;some solid action; some touching romance; a solid sense of place; professional prose that includes sparks of originality that illuminate the story.
Here's what Incidental Daughter offers: All of the above.
Solidly grounded in the real Pittsburgh,the action follows Liz and Shannon after they meet when Liz's ex-husband falls to his death off her balcony. Liz is incidental since she has no family of origin and has succeeded only by her own resources and the help of people she has impressed with her intelligence and grit. The plot is full of interesting, and often unexpected, twists that enrich the story and engage the reader fully.
Incidental Daughter is a Good Read in every sense of the word. Don't miss it. -- Anita Eckburg "Nita" Washington, DC
__________
I really enjoyed this book. There were several twists and turns keeping you reading to see what would happen next. At times, all I could think is...wow I didn't see that coming. -- Barbara Quinn, Harrisburg, PA
__________
“The romance, mystery, intrigue and comforting supernatural elements all kept me turning the pages for more! This debut novel uses rich language, an interesting plot and good storytelling to provide an interesting read.” -- Reverie de Escobedo, award-winning author of Spanish-language radio scripts and magazine article writer, Santa Fe, NM.
__________
“At the beginning of this novel . . . I was anticipating the usual formulaic detective novel. Then to my surprise . . . I realized that the potential victim was now under suspicion of murder and this was no ordinary detective novel. Instead I found a wonderful story of a woman connecting to her past. This is a great read.” -- Bethany Baxter, author of Two Sons, Bonita Springs, FL.
__________
I loved this book first because of it's scholarly presentation. The well-developed plot, the characterization and the vocabulary let the reader know that the author is unusually talented. It has a timely theme particularly of interest to young women. Ghostly visits from her mother and grandmother enliven Liz Michaels' journey from a single parent home, to orphan, to a powerful professional position in a publishing company. Finally, readers get involved in that journey hoping she reaches her goal of finding a family. Despite the setbacks, the story is never depressing and is satisfying to lovers of romance and mystery stories. -- Maxine N. Davenport, author of Saturday Matinee, Santa Fe, NM.
__________
Incidental Daughter is the debut novel by Val Stasik. For readers who appreciate the well written word, this is the book. If that were its only strength it would still be a good read. Fortunately for us, Incidental Daughter is much more than the quality of its writing. The structure, character development and pace keep one coming back for more. This novel incorporates all the elements of mystery, romance and, most importantly, family and relationships. This is an intriguing novel that all readers will enjoy and the new writer can learn much from Incidental Daughter, so make it a must on your book list. -- Carol F., Santa Fe, NM.
__________
Val Stasik's premier novel Incidental Daughter is a satisfying read on many levels. It is, first and foremost, an intriguing murder mystery, but it is also a poignant reminder of the importance of family. The main character, Liz Michaels, was born out of wedlock. In spite of having achieved success, she is haunted by the rejection she feels from her father and his family; a sense of rejection reinforced by her own failed marriage. Building around her main character's strengths and weaknesses, Ms.Stasik weaves a murder mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns and unforgettable characters who draw the reader deeper into the story.
Incidental Daughter also has a rich "sense of place." The author's obvious affection for the city of her birth, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is apparent in the manner in which she has made this city a character in her highy readable mystery. I look forward to seeing more from this talented new novelist.-- Sunny Fader, author of The Cat Who Loved Dogs, St. Petersburg, FL.
__________
Intriguing characters, a well-driven plot, and excellent pacing make Incidental Daughter an enjoyable read. It's a very moving story that leaves the reader feeling good. I look forward to reading more from this author. -- BK, Peterborough, NH.
__________
What a wonderful story. The book includes several genres--mystery, romance, and the supernatural. If you're from Pittsburgh, you'll enjoy reading about the area, its people, and points of interest throughout the city and the surrounding suburbs. This book could become a first in a series. How about "Incidental Wife," "Incidental Son," or "Incidental Cousin," etc.? -- Angie, Pittsburgh, PA.
__________