PIECES
A young woman so overwhemed by a re-occurring nightmare she fears sleeping, finds her way to peace by uncovering the Pieces of her past. Ms. Rettstatt creates a fast-paced mystery as Claire works to find the truth about her past. The hero is both strong and gentle, the kind of man you want in your life even if you are afraid to draw him into your nightmare.

Rarely does a mystery have this depth of feeling. Pieces is an invitation to compassion and understanding. This book will enrich you as well as entertain you. Pieces by Linda Rettstatt found its way to my keeper shelf.

This book rates a five on the lipstick scale
Reviewed by A. Dee Carey             The Fox Lady  www.foxladycarey.com
Pieces by Linda Rettstatt is absolutely riveting - a real page turner. I was hooked from page one, and couldn't put it down. The book begins with Claire Vanderfelt Hutchings awakening from a recurring nightmare, and the race is on to get to the bottom of what it means. She connects with a wonderful, insightful counselor, Genevieve Headlee, who becomes her guide and mentor. In Pieces, the reader joins Claire as she travels along a journey of self discovery that spans from South Africa to Pennsylvania. You will laugh with Claire, cry with her, and be deeply moved by this beautiful story. You will also meet a cast of characters who will warm your heart as you cheer Claire on to find out the truth. Her shocking discovery which uncovers years of lies, the pain it causes and its resolution will have you reaching for the Kleenex box. 

Linda Rettstatt is a master at creating a beautiful, warm inspirational story filled with rich well-developed characters, intricate, exciting plot lines, and romance that will leave you sighing with happiness, along with a dash of humor that will have you laughing out loud. Don't miss out on reading this book - your heart will never be the same. 

Suzanne M. Hurley
www.suzannemhurley.com
Linda Rettstatt's heroines personify strength, love, humor, and hope. In her novel, Pieces, Claire Vanderfelt displays each of these traits as she searches for the pieces to the puzzle that has shaped her life. Because of this author's skillfully crafted story, the reader will experience Claire's heartache and longing, her joy and her triumph. 

Carol McPhee
http://www.geocities.com/carolmcphee2003
When Claire Vanderfelt's sleep is disrupted by repeated nightmares, she seeks help from therapist, Genevieve Headlee. As Claire probes her past, the nightmare becomes a reality. Nothing is as it seems. Slowly, but surely, the missing pieces are put together. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a remarkable journey which explores the psychological affect of trauma and misplaced love. The characters are well-drawn. This intriguing story will hold interest right to the end.

Pieces is a very readable novel which I am sure will keep readers awake till late into the night.

Reviewed by Olivia Winter
http://www.geocities.com/olivia_winter
   She looks to the past and finds her future.

   Claire Vanderfelt is hoping her newest therapist will free her from the nightmares that have plagued her since her divorce. Claire was born in South Africa, but remembers nothing from her days in the country before her family fled from the civil unrest. She's never felt part of her family. She looks nothing like her parents or her older sister. All her friends are finding partners and she is feeling even more isolated.

   Vivid nightmares haunt her. She is trapped inside a wishing well. Claire questions her sanity. Are these dreams merely a symbol of her deeply hidden emotions or an actual memory of past trauma? When her parents offer no help, Claire begins researching her past in South Africa. She makes several startling discoveries and begins to realize her questions will take her on a journey from which there's no turning back. But she must find the pieces of herself before she can move on with her future.

   Ms. Rettstatt has crafted a wonderful, poignant tale in PIECES. I felt Claire's emotions as she delved into the past. Each chapter is filled with suspense and well-kept secrets as Claire uncovers bits of the mystery of who she is, both literally and figuratively. PIECES engages the reader with suspenseful narration and graphic storytelling. This is an amazing, beautifully written novel. Don't miss it.

Mallary Mitchell         
www.mallarymitchell.us
Claire Vanderfelt Hutchings’ recurring nightmare convinces her that her parents must have something sinister to hide. But what? Neither is willing to talk about the time she was an infant in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her mother only admits that it was a terrible time. A time she refuses to talk about.

When Claire tries to understand her dream, even with the strong support of her close friends, coworkers, and a new psychologist, the puzzle pieces don’t add up. She has no idea that each piece of the puzzle will lead her into her historical past, and the traumatic memories of something not quite remembered.

At every turn, her determined search discloses hidden truths and deliberate deceptions. She can’t help but wonder what does her doctored birth certificate really hide? If her birth documentation is fake, then just who is she, really? Could she have an entire biological family somewhere wondering what has happened to her?
While her biological clock continues to tick away, Claire feels frustrated that she can’t give in to the need to start living the rest of her life when the handsome Leland Rowan unexpectantly falls in love with her. How can she responsibly begin a family of her own, when she doesn’t really know who she is?

This superbly complex suspense will keep you turning pages as Claire puts the pieces of the puzzle together to discover her true identity.

JoEllen Conger, Conger Books Reviews
www.congerbooks.com
Review: The Year I
Lost My Mind