If you've never been around a manic person going through their highs and lows in the span of a few minutes, then consider yourself fortunate. That type of person can zap all your strength and energy in the matter of seconds if you're not careful.
Marianne Stokes is one of these manic people. She's learned to manage her day-to-day life as best as possible but a car accident brings up some bad memories causing Marianne to go full-blown mental. The only way she can even begin to deal is by running away from her husband and home in North Carolina and going back to where she was born: England.
Gabriel was going about the business of taking care of his parish when his world gets turned upside down. Like a hurricane, Marianne re-enters Gabriel's life with no warning. Mixed emotions of spiritual duty along with a feeling of duty to an old friend, Gabriel offers help to Marianne. What ensues is more than Gabriel feels like he can handle. Thank goodness for Jade ... and even Darius ... old pros at dealing with manic Marianne. They leave North Carolina in search for Marianne and to help her get back on an even keel. The only problem is that Jade has to deal with feelings she's been avoiding her entire lifetime and Darius is pushed to his limits as a dutiful husband.
Echoes of Family is an emotional roller coaster designed to make you feel the highs and lows of Marianne's personality - and, boy, does it ever. There were some sections/chapters I had to take a breath afterwards just to get myself grounded again. Intensely written with moments of levity, I would recommend taking your time to read this particular work of fiction.
*A physical copy was provided by the publicist in exchange for an honest review.