December 3rd, 2024
Home | Log in!

On Top Shelf
FIRST AND TENFIRST AND TEN
Fresh Pick
NO RULES TONIGHT
NO RULES TONIGHT

New Books This Week

Reader Games

Video Book Club

Holiday Giveaways


December's delights are here! Thrilling tales, romance, and magic await you.

Slideshow image


Since your web browser does not support JavaScript, here is a non-JavaScript version of the image slideshow:

slideshow image
Family secrets aren't just dangerous, they are deadly.


slideshow image
A headstrong heiress and a noble gambler: wagers, intrigue, and irresistible romance.


slideshow image
An immortal vampire, a relentless agent, and a past that refuses to stay buried.


slideshow image
A PI protecting a determined daughter, a killer ready to strike again.


slideshow image
Three homeless puppies, two lonely hearts, and a massive snowstorm.


slideshow image
Two restless souls, one wild Christmas on the ranch�where sparks fly, and dreams ride free.


The You I Never Knew by Susan Wiggs

Purchase

Add to Wish List


Also by Susan Wiggs:

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, October 2024
Paperback / e-Book
A Summer Affair, May 2024
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book
Starlight on Willow Lake, February 2024
Trade Paperback / e-Book
Sugar and Salt, December 2023
Paperback / e-Book
The Twelve Dogs of Christmas, October 2023
Hardcover / e-Book
Sugar and Salt, June 2023
Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
Welcome to Beach Town, June 2023
Hardcover / e-Book / audiobook
Enchanted Afternoon, April 2023
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book
Halfway to Heaven, February 2023
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book
The Firebrand, December 2022
e-Book
The Mistress, November 2022
e-Book
Sugar and Salt, July 2022
Hardcover / e-Book / audiobook
Summer by the Sea, April 2022
Trade Size / e-Book (reprint)
Fireside, November 2021
e-Book (reprint)
Snowfall at Willow Lake, September 2021
e-Book (reprint)
The Charm School, August 2021
Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
The Lost and Found Bookshop, June 2021
Paperback / e-Book
The Lost and Found Bookshop, January 2021
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
The Winter Lodge, October 2020
e-Book
The Lost and Found Bookshop, July 2020
Hardcover / e-Book
The Oysterville Sewing Circle, June 2020
Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
The Apple Orchard, May 2020
Trade Size / e-Book (reprint)
Between You and Me, February 2020
Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
The Oysterville Sewing Circle, February 2020
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
The Oysterville Sewing Circle, August 2019
Hardcover / e-Book
The Summer It Begins, July 2019
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book
Starlight on Willow Lake, June 2019
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
Texas Wildflower, May 2019
Mass Market Paperback (reprint)
Between You and Me, March 2019
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
The Summer Hideaway, September 2018
Trade Size
Between You and Me, July 2018
Hardcover / e-Book
The You I Never Knew, June 2018
Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
Passing Through Paradise, June 2018
Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
Map of the Heart, May 2018
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
Fireside, February 2018
Trade Size / e-Book (reprint)
Map of the Heart, August 2017
Hardcover / e-Book
Dockside, June 2017
Trade Size
Family Tree, May 2017
Mass Market Paperback
The Winter Lodge, January 2017
Trade Size / e-Book (reprint)
Summer at Willow Lake, October 2016
Trade Size / e-Book (reprint)
Family Tree, August 2016
Hardcover / e-Book
The Beekeeper's Ball, June 2016
Paperback / e-Book
The Beekeeper's Ball, June 2016
Trade Size / e-Book (reprint)
Starlight on Willow Lake, March 2016
Mass Market Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
Starlight on Willow Lake, September 2015
Paperback / e-Book
The Maiden of Ireland, September 2014
Paperback / e-Book
The Beekeeper's Ball, July 2014
Hardcover / e-Book
The Apple Orchard, May 2014
Paperback / e-Book
Candlelight Christmas, November 2013
Paperback / e-Book
The Apple Orchard, May 2013
Hardcover / e-Book
Return To Willow Lake, March 2013
Paperback / e-Book (reprint)
Return To Willow Lake, September 2012
Hardcover / e-Book
Fireside, July 2012
Paperback / e-Book
Home Before Dark, September 2011
Paperback
Lakeside Cottage, August 2011
Paperback (reprint)
The Goodbye Quilt, April 2011
Hardcover
How I Planned Your Wedding, February 2011
Hardcover
Marrying Daisy Bellamy, February 2011
Paperback
The Ocean Between Us, May 2010
Paperback
Summer By The Sea, May 2010
Paperback (reprint)
The Summer Hideaway, March 2010
Mass Market Paperback
At The Queen's Summons, October 2009
Mass Market Paperback (reprint)
Lakeshore Christmas, October 2009
Hardcover
At The King's Command, August 2009
Mass Market Paperback (reprint)
Just Breathe, May 2009
Mass Market Paperback (reprint)
Because I Love Her, April 2009
Trade Size
Fireside, February 2009
Mass Market Paperback
Just Breathe, September 2008
Hardcover
Summer By The Sea, August 2008
Mass Market Paperback
That Summer Place, July 2008
Paperback
The You I Never Knew, July 2008
Mass Market Paperback (reprint)
Passing Through Paradise, July 2008
Mass Market Paperback (reprint)
The Horsemaster's Daughter, June 2008
Paperback
The Charm School, May 2008
Paperback
More Than Words, March 2008
Paperback
Snowfall At Willow Lake, February 2008
Paperback
Dockside, August 2007
Mass Market Paperback
The Winter Lodge, February 2007
Paperback
More Than Words, October 2006
Trade Size
Summer At Willow Lake, August 2006
Paperback
Table for Five, April 2006
Paperback
Lakeside Cottage, August 2005
Paperback
That Summer Place, July 2005
Trade Size
Table for Five, April 2005
Hardcover
Summer By The Sea, July 2004
Paperback
The Ocean Between Us, April 2004
Hardcover
Home Before Dark, March 2004
Paperback
That Summer Place, August 1998
Paperback

The You I Never Knew
Susan Wiggs

Grand Central Publishing
July 2008
On Sale: July 1, 2008
Featuring: Michelle Turner; Sam McPhee
528 pages
ISBN: 0446508829
EAN: 9780446508827
Mass Market Paperback (reprint)
Add to Wish List

Romance Contemporary

Michelle thought she had lost everything at 17. Her father, a Hollywood legend, had summoned her to his Montana ranch. When he had learned of his daughter's affair with a hired hand, he had fired him and destroyed his family. Michelle, pregnant, had fled to Seattle. Years have passed. Her son is lost to her. Her father needs her.

Wiggs's sensitive portrayal of parents and lovers trying to bond despite a less-than-perfect past exemplifies the richness and realism this theme can lend a love story."
--- Publishers Weekly

"Realistic, appealing protagonists, secondary characters who are much more than caricatures, and a plot compelling in its simplicity are pluses for this well-written, engrossing novel, which may surprise but not disappoint Wiggs's historical fans."
--- Library Journal

Comments

57 comments posted.

Re: The You I Never Knew

I definitely would rather laugh than cry when reading a book. Some authors are so good at providing funny moments.

I am a big baby, though, when it comes to movies and even commercials. My daughter and husband just look at me and say, "Mom's crying again!"
(Deb H. 9:51am March 14, 2010)

I would prefer to laugh than cry while reading but believe, that does not always happen.

I read Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane last month and I still tear up a bit whenever I think of it!
(
Tracey Dent 9:59am March 14, 2010)

I do not usually read a book that I know has a sad or bad ending because I know I will cry and I read for the pleasure, the fun the entertainment not to cry.
(
Diane Sadler 9:59am March 14, 2010)

Diane, I recently read Moonlight Road by Robyn Carr, and I wouldn't say that it was a sad ending, but it made me tear up!
So while I understand your theory it doesn't always work!

Deb, I'm a huge cry baby at movies! My husband was watching Mr. Holland's Opus yesterday, and while I love that movie
I told him I couldn't watch because it always makes me cry.

Tracy, I'm off to check out the title you recommended. Thanks!
(
Sandi Shilhanek 10:29am March 14, 2010)

For me, I want a book that is both and neither. I don't mind crying in fact, it's okay if I'm crying because of the story, but it rarely happens. (I did during one of my fantasy series when one of the characters dies, but not that much.)

As long as I'm laughing and crying because the story/characters warrant it, then we're good. However, I don't want to constantly be doing either one, or made to feel like I should be.

If a story is so bad (cheesy, unbelievable, etc.) that I'm laughing at the ridiculousness of it, chance are I'm not going to finish the book or, if I do, not rate it highly.

But I don't want just two different emotions, I like it when a book can make me run the gambit of feelings.
(
Carrie Hinkel-Gill 10:58am March 14, 2010)

I like to read both. When I need a good laugh anything by Janet Evanovich will do it for me. And for any mood Diane Mott Davidson is good.
(
Leni Kaye 11:03am March 14, 2010)

I'd prefer to laugh. I just finished reading Crusie's "Bet Me," one of the books you mentioned, and it just sparkles with wit ahd humor. It's a great read.
(
G S Moch 11:19am March 14, 2010)

I think it depends on my mood, I like books that have a good combination of both as well
(
Elizabeth Weiss 11:30am March 14, 2010)

It really depends on my mood. I have enjoyed books that have one or the other or both.
(
Shawn Andree 11:50am March 14, 2010)

I do like a good emotional book, but not to the point that I"m crying. I don't want what I am reading to depress me, I can watch the daily news for that or read an Oprah book (LOL). Now I don't mind if I cry over something that is emotionally beautiful, does that make sense? I do like to laugh when I read also, but not a book that is nonstop over the top cartoonish. I don't know if I am making sense, need more coffee!
(
Shauna George 12:01pm March 14, 2010)

Definitely laughter although I
don't mind an emotional scene
that brings tears either.
(
Lisa Richards 12:21pm March 14, 2010)

I don't set out to read a book that will make me laugh or cry, I just want to read a good book and of course not all books hit people the same way.

The hardest I think I've ever laughed was reading a book called The Bachelorette Party by Karen McCullah Lutz. I picked this up off a sale table at B&N and it was a winner for me.

Books that I remember sobbing like a baby over were The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman and Hey Good Looking by Fern Michaels.

The laughter or tears tells me I'm really into the book.
(
Jill Hayden 12:58pm March 14, 2010)

I like both kinds of books. It seems to be a lot harder for me to find a great tear jerker than the happy books.
(
Merri Crawford 1:02pm March 14, 2010)

I love a book that can bring out my emotions... if a book can make me cry or laugh then I know I have a great story in hand!
(
Colleen Conklin 1:18pm March 14, 2010)

I truely HATE crying.But, I LOVE a book that can make me smile, chuckle, or laugh out loud.
(
Patsy Hagen 1:42pm March 14, 2010)

I love to cry with a good book. Most of my tearjerkers are Nicholas Sparks' books..especially The Notebook. Also, Three Wishes by Barbara Delinsky made me cry.
(
Kara Tulanko 1:48pm March 14, 2010)

It completely depends on my mood. I love a book that can make me laugh out loud, but those are pretty hard to come by. I also like the emotional escape of a book that can make me cry. Really, any book that draws out intense emotion is a good read for me.
(
Melissa Maringer 2:12pm March 14, 2010)

My preference is a great novel with wit over a tear jerker. I want to feel good while reading the story and if I cry I have to stop and come back to the story later (when the tears are gone). A little sadness is OK, but I love a happy ending and want to finish the book with a smile on my face.
(
Mitzi Hinkey 2:31pm March 14, 2010)

I like reading books that make me cry and laugh in the same book.I like books that can reach down deep and release emtions.
(
Kellie Demarsh 2:51pm March 14, 2010)

I too cry during commercials, songs, television shows, movies, etc., and I prefer wit over tearjerker books. I loved, loved, loved Sandra Hyatt's THE MAGNATE'S PREGNANCY PROPOSAL. I cried on occasion and liked the surprises throughout, not being able to put the book down until I was done. I also wrote that Leanne Banks' THE PLAYBOY'S PROPOSITION was quite enjoyable, and that I cried a bunch with happy tears because the book touched me. Hope this helps!
(
Elaine Seymour 2:52pm March 14, 2010)

Laughing feels a whole lot better than crying, but sometimes it so hard that my eyes water as my belly rolls.
(
Alyson Widen 3:17pm March 14, 2010)

I'd rather laugh while reading a book, usually at a wisecrack by character or a situation she gets involved in. I've read books that are heart-rending too like "The Bridges of Madison County" but don't do that much anymore. My life is serious enough; I want the escape! Besides, I haven't cried in years.
(
Trudy Miner 3:23pm March 14, 2010)

I'd rather laugh than cry....but at long as it is a HEA I don't really care how I get there!
(
Shannon Madsen 3:44pm March 14, 2010)

It really depends on my mood. Some days are for laughing & some days are just made for crying.
(
Betty Cryder 3:52pm March 14, 2010)

Both! I prefer to laugh, but sometimes crying is necessary to the storyline!
(
JoAnn White 3:56pm March 14, 2010)

I like both. They put me in a mood. I don't have to be in a mood for happy or sad before I start. One terrific book is Jenna Leigh's BRALESS IN THE BUICK (2006) now available on Kindle for those who use that format. I have a trade paperback version from the original printing. It is about a woman who can't be normal because her mother and friends are a riot. In the beginning of the story she climbs out of her car, trips and falls right in front of her male neighbor. When she gets up she has fallen out of her top. I couldn't stop laughing from the time I read that scene until I finished reading the story.

Ray
(
Ray Getzinger 4:09pm March 14, 2010)

I would have to say it depends on my mood. There are books and times when I love the cry and others when I want to laugh. Same goes between romance, mystery, etc.
(
MaryAnn Frerichs 4:24pm March 14, 2010)

I like both!! Depending on my mood tho, which one I'll read. I love to have a good laugh in a book. I'm also the kind to cry at movies, commercials, etc. I don't mind a tearjerker as long as it has a happy ending!!
(
Martha Lawson 4:27pm March 14, 2010)

It usually depends on my mood. Some authors I know are going to make me laugh. Then there are authors who totally surpise me by making me cry. It's usually a left field move that makes me cry and then I'm satisfied with the HEA. I totally with you on Rachel Gibson. She has absolutely some of the funniest lines I've ever read.
(
Maude Allen 4:46pm March 14, 2010)

I guess like a lot of others it depends on my mood. Hang in there Sandi, keeping my thoughts and prayers with you.
(
Joy Hoormann 4:54pm March 14, 2010)

Absolutely prefer to laugh. A good laugh sets me up for the day.
(
Mary Preston 5:14pm March 14, 2010)

I prefer a good laugh. But every once in awhile a good cry is good. I cry at the Hallmark Commercials.

Anything by Nicholas Sparks makes me cry, Three Wishes by Barbara Delinsky, Home Again by Kristin Hannah, and Sarah's Child by Linda Howard - all wonderful hanky books.

As for funny books anything by Erin Mccarthy, particularly The Pregnancy Test, SEP's Nobody's Baby But Mine, Aint She Sweet, Kate Angell's baseball series, Deirdre Martin's Hockey series, Rachel Gibson - all these wonderful authors make me laugh.

I am sorry for whatever you are going thru and hope everything turns out better.
(
Pat Lieberman 5:15pm March 14, 2010)

Laugh, of course! It's why I'm such a cheer leader of Dakota's, as few authors can make me laugh as she can. Life depresses me enough without sad stories, and too often I want to cry as it is. There are many books I have lost myself in, a brief balm of not being myself. But with Dakota's books, I truly laugh. It's not just escapism, it is pleasure. And with my boyfriend away, it's the best alternative for pleasure I have lol.
(
Victoria DeMinico 5:20pm March 14, 2010)

I prefer to laugh but occasionally I need a good cry so it is good to have a book that will help release that. A book that gave me a good cry today was Gone by Lisa Mcmann which is the final book in the Wake trilogy. It was so poignant that I just had to shed some tears.
(
Cherie Japp 5:49pm March 14, 2010)

I like both, there are times i am just in the mood for a good cry and other times I want a laugh! So give me both!
(
Gail Hurt 5:59pm March 14, 2010)

Hi Sandi,
A good book makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me sigh! If the author can tap into all the emotions she/he has done a good job in my humble opinion. Jill Shalivs is an author you can count on for something funny to laugh about. I never understand why people are so proud they never cry. I am a firm believer that it does us no good to keep feelings all bottled up and if you don't cry because you are not feeling, how sad. We are human we are suppose to "feel".
A great subject matter for the day.
(
Donna McClure 5:59pm March 14, 2010)

Hi Sandi (((hugs)))--Ditto what Donna McClure wrote. She said it so well! I love to have a good cry over a book. I don't mind the humor but I want emotion! I just finished a real tear-jerker--Her Lone Cowboy by Donna Alward.
(
Mary Perry 7:01pm March 14, 2010)

I cry at happy movies, commercials, etc. I prefer to laugh when reading!
(
Karin Tillotson 8:37pm March 14, 2010)

I prefer to laugh when reading! Thanks!
(
Brenda Rupp 9:04pm March 14, 2010)

I much prefer reading books that have humor in them, but they don't necessarily have to be all funny. The ones with a good blend of serious and humor are great. I don't care for a book that make me cry if the crying is caused by a beloved character dies, but crying over the emotional battle the characters fight and win is allowed(and sometimes a great stress relief).
For a great ROTFLMAO read, the best I've found so far is Shelly Laurenston's Magnus/Pride books.
(
Carol Cobun 9:14pm March 14, 2010)

I like an emotional read, so if it makes
me cry then I've really connected with the
characters. I like light humor in a book,
but I prefer to get my laughs out
watching TV.
(
Jung Ja Ahn 10:18pm March 14, 2010)

To laugh or to cry? Depends on my mood. But nowadays books that aim for the former are numerous and easy to find. Those that aim for the latter are rare and hard to find.
(
Mary Anne Landers 10:20pm March 14, 2010)

It really depends on my mood. With my hormones I can laugh and cry at the same time. I enjoy books which allow me to do both!
(
Lisa Glidewell 10:27pm March 14, 2010)

I don't ever cry over books, no matter how emotional. I've come close a few times but not quite. I prefer to laugh than cry.
(
Debbie Beverley 11:03pm March 14, 2010)

It really depends on my mood whether I want to laugh or cry or both when I pick out a book to read. I always have books in my TBR stack but if I'm in a certain mood I choose Lynsay Sands Vampire Series, Katie MacAlister, Dakota Cassidy's Accidentals or Michelle Bardsley for laughs. I don't purposly pick a book to cry, but sometimes I need comfort so I read Julie Garwood's Midevil or Highlanders books or Nalini Singh's psy/changling series or Christine Feehan. No matter the conflict in the books, I know it will end well. Life doesn't always have a happily ever after so I need my books that do have a HEA. I don't have a problem crying when I read but I don't seek it out. I like a book to take me where it will, not matter the emotions.
(
Jill Merriott 11:22pm March 14, 2010)

One of the best books I ever read was
"Cry No More" by Linda Howard. I bawled
my eyes out more than once during that
book!
(
Molly Wilsbacher 12:06pm March 15, 2010)

I prefer to laugh. I like serious books,
but tear jerkers give me a headache. If
you want to cry, try Karen Kingsbury's
OCEANS APART. Susan Elizabeth
Phillips' WHAT I DID FOR LOVE has
many smiles, but is in the end a
serious book in its own way.
(
Patricia Barraclough 2:28am March 15, 2010)

I would perfer to Laugh mostly and a good author for thais Sandra Hill and Lynsay sands.but i do read the other type some times
(
Stacey Smith 3:14am March 15, 2010)

I would perfer to Laugh mostly and a good author for this is Sandra Hill and Lynsay sands.but i do read the other type some times
(
Stacey Smith 3:15am March 15, 2010)

I perfer to Laugh and love Janet Evanovich and Sandra Hill. I very seldom cry but some books will bring a tear to my eye. Of course I love happy endings but a few sniffles do occur when reading an emotional book.
(
Brenda Hill 9:10am March 15, 2010)

Love a book where I can unwind and just read, relax and laugh. I love the cover of your books. susan L.
(
Susan Leech 11:06am March 15, 2010)

Laughing and crying both when
reading are fine with me. I Laugh when
I read Katie MacAlister books and I cry
when I read Nora Roberts, Diana
Gabaldon and Sydney Croft books!
Books are good stress relievers either
way.

jackie b central texas
(
Jackie Burris 11:38am March 15, 2010)

I would rather laugh, but a good cry is sometimes cathartic.
(
Marlene Breakfield 1:11pm March 15, 2010)

I am definitely in the "rather laugh" category. But have to agree w/Molly on LH's Cry No More. A total tearjerker. I made the mistake of listening to it at work. Should have read/listened to it at home.
I cry to easily, so I normally avoid those books, but occasionally will pick one up. I don't mind the tears w/an HEA though.

I see there are already suggestions for who I'd recommend for a laugh - S. Hill, R. Gibson, J. Cruise, J. Evanovich. I would add Stephanie Bond to the list.

Let us know what you end up picking up!
(
Amanda Reeder-erdly 3:13pm March 15, 2010)

I very seldom actually break down and cry, but do get emotional at times, tears in the eyes, throat clogged up. . . I'd much rather laugh, though, as the world is tough enough.

If a book is going to make me cry, it had better do it in the middle somewhere, as if I cry at the ending, it won't get a high mark from me. I want my HEA, like most everyone else.
(
Donna Breitkreuz 12:58pm March 16, 2010)

I would rather laugh, but I have been known to break down in tears and cry. I love books that make me feel.
(
Tonya Atchley 11:58am March 16, 2010)

I'm joining on the bandwagon: prefer to laugh, have been known to cry, and enjoy all the emotions a good book can evoke.
(
Elaine Seymour 11:53am March 20, 2010)

Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!

© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net  all rights reserved Privacy Policy