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Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite
Lies That Bind: Emma’s Story by Leigh Michaels presents the friendship between Emma and Kendall, and a tragic event that threatens to rip the pair apart. Emma and Kendall are inseparable, ever since they met in the third grade. Kendall appoints herself a sort of protector to Emma and makes sure she is safe. Emma is a very smart, albeit a bit introverted, person. Together, they have faced many challenges, but Emma still keeps some secrets from Kendall, especially ones involving Kendall's new fiancé, Aaron. When the unthinkable happens at Kendall’s Christmas party, Emma turns to alcohol to cope with her trauma. Will Kendall be able to help Emma, while at the same time coming to terms with this horrible event?
Miss Michaels tells the story of Emma and Kendall by using alternating chapters in the first person perspective. I typically enjoy this sort of dynamic, but I struggled at certain points when the same events were repeated. I liked the premise of the novel though, and found it to be a good read. I believe there should probably be a warning to anyone who may have experienced a traumatic event at the beginning of the novel as certain parts might be a trigger. I wanted to know more about Emma and Kendall’s relationship, especially growing up together and how Kendall protected Emma from bullying. Overall, Lies That Bind: Emma’s Story by Leigh Michaels is an emotional journey through how people deal with traumatic things, and the impact they have on the friends and family surrounding them.
