Releasing Janet, the second novel from Alex Banwell in the Benny series, does not disappoint. In fact, I found following Janet’s journey from over-fussing, helicopter mother – whom I didn’t like much in the first book – to her own person, totally engrossing.
Janet has lived under the shadow of a family tragedy for most of her life. Far from bringing her family closer, the events of that time threw up barriers which have estranged her parents and her brothers from each other and her. When Janet breaks down and tells her husband and children of this tragedy, she begins a journey of discovery which threatens to casts doubt on the truth she has always known. And which will also bring to light the emotional damage which half-truths and outright lies inflict.
Along the way, Janet’s relationships with Ola, her husband, and daughter Emma are also brought under scrutiny. I see opportunities for further tales here! And of course, Benny himself continues to grow as his love for Nettie deepens and matures.
Alex Banwell has a gift for invoking emotion without sentiment. Her characters are often deeply flawed, but we want them to succeed and to be happy. Simple narrative and realistic dialogue are the author’s strong points, and telling stories about ordinary people dealing with the challenges of their past and learning to be strong in the present.
Find Releasing Janet here