You Were Always Mine = 3.5 stars! This was an intriguing, slow building family drama centered around a unique and engaging mystery that will appeal to many readers

Jessica and Evan Chamberlain separated after 15 years of marriage. Still, when she receives an unexpected phone call about an accident involving her husband her world begins to spin off its axis. Evan was a workaholic, more committed to his practice than his family. Recently he had become even more distracted, secretive and obsessed with his work. The book chronicles Jessica's quest to uncover the truth regarding her husband's death and the secrets it unearthed.

I have to admit that I am not generally a fan of slow building plots. I am admittedly a very impatient reader much of the time. While You Were Always Mine definitely captured and kept my attention, the opening scene and last 15% of the book was by far the most action packed and therefore the best parts of the book for me. The rest of the book dragged a bit for me but as I said, I like a faster pace. I also had most of the book figured out in regards to who the "villain" was, early on.

I did appreciate the backstory about adoption and how it highlighted both the darker aspects of it and the complex and varied emotions involved by all parties. I would have liked some more time spent on these darker elements but I guess that would have made it more of a mystery-thriller versus a family drama which was not the author's intent.

All in all, You Were Always Mine was an emotionally charged, character driven novel sure to appeal to readers who enjoy family dramas.