I thought I would share a new book with you but be prepared as it touches on some hard subjects featuring a young lady who is only 15 years of age. The book is called WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MARYANNA by Joseph Lewis Tamone (Author) and I received a PDF Copy of the book from Voracious Readers and the Author in exchange for this review. Inside this post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the products you purchase.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MARYANNA is a YA romance featuring a 15-year old girl and the Author uses haiku in the story which sets it apart from other books. There is lots of dark moments in the story and things that could trigger people so its defiantly not a book for children of any age even though it is a YA.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO MARYANNA is the story of an alcoholic brooding control-freak of a father and the who mother seems to have the dad under control. Until the mom didn’t. The story takes a hairpin turn at 90 mph the night of the school dance. The story dives into spousal and child abuse, and worse. The police won’t help, social services won’t help, the school system won’t help. So Maryanna flees for her life. The Author shares Maryanna years on the streets as a runaway is related in grim detail.
Lolas the mom is a waitress and the father is unemployed for medical reasons. The mom is a great mom and her and Maryanna are close but the day Ethan is messed up in the head. Ethan calls Maryanna “Girl” not “Hey girl but girl”. The dad is abusive and paranoid. Maryanna, 15, falls in love with Faron, a boy at school. Their love story is a beautiful story of teenage love. Sadly, there love-story ends tragically. Then everything spirals out of control.
.There’s a lot of physical abuse at home, then tragedy strikes again. Then she’s on her own. Maryanna does technically have a support system, but she doesn’t know what to do, and she’s too scared to go home. The way the author tackles tough topics like trauma and abuse is both eye-opening and heart-wrenching. You can’t help but root for Maryanna as she navigates through the pain and tries to find her place in the world. This book will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page
Trigger warnings: There are depictions of abuse, being a runaway, and dangerous situations
About the Book:
In a world tainted by cruelty and betrayal, Maryanna Duncard’s life is shattered by a tragic event that thrusts her into a desperate struggle for survival.
Fifteen-year-old Maryanna Duncard’s life is a delicate balance of school and trying to steer clear of her abusive dad, Ethan. When she meets Faron, their connection quickly ignites her life, and they fall deeply in love.
Maryanna is over the moon, and things are going well. Her future looks bright. Until, that is, her father catches them in her room one fateful night and hunts Maryanna’s first love down in cold blood with his Winchester repeater.
Maryanna turns to the police who, for some strange reason, refuse to believe a word she says. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, they claim Faron’s murder was just a horrific accident.
On the run now and fearful for her life, Maryanna must learn how to survive on her own in a cruel world that has taught her to trust no one.
Can Maryanna learn to take control of the darkness she carries within, or will it devour her before she can claim her happy ending?
“Whatever Happened to Maryanna” is a gripping tale of survival, redemption, and the enduring power of love to triumph over despair.
Meet the Author: Joseph Lewis Tamone
Joseph Lewis Tamone lives in Delaware with his wife, Erica, and their house full of animals. Joseph published his first book, The Fusion World Project, in 2018.
Although beginning his writing career as a science fiction author, he has broken away from his genre in order to pursue more creative freedom.
Joseph lives life by one simple rule; never, under any circumstances, breath in volcanic ash.
Joseph became a bestselling author with the release of Whatever Happened to Maryanna in 2024.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
