Reviewed by Gerri Smith for Reader Views (1/06)

From beginning to end, Jane Marie Malcolm's historical romance novel, "The Goodbye Lie", (Greenlightwrite ISBN 0974918229) evokes so many different emotions. Many of which include: shouting, fussing, cussing, laughing, rejoicing and loving the characters.

Immaturity goes hand-in-hand with impulsiveness. If left unchecked you pay a price that is sometimes too high. Others are hurt because of it and once an impulsive act is done, your life is never the same.

Life is made up of storms, both internally and externally; both physically and emotionally. Storms are not only a natural occurrence, but there can be personal storms that are made by unthinking human beings. "The Goodbye Lie" tells of many storms caused by Breelan, the main female character.

She finds out the hard way that impulsiveness isn't always a wise choice. Once the deed is done, the clock can't be turned back. Breelan discovers that she must suffer dearly for her thoughtless impetuosity. Others are caught up in the lie she has to live and suffers for it, too.

Life has a way of playing a trick or two on those who act in haste. It can backfire, and undoubtedly cause a domino-effect on all that happens afterward. Breelan's headstrong act causes heartache and pain to the one who loves her. And the circumstances she's stuck with, leaves her life in one big mess.

Knowing that she has to deal with her life as she's made it, doesn't make her circumstances any easier to bear. As one unfortunate event after another keeps happening, Breelan buries her love for another and deeply suffers in an unhappy marriage because of it.

When life deals you the hand of your own making, you must make the best of it. It's your choice whether to live with it or make your circumstances better. Sometimes you are offered a chance to start anew. Sometimes life seem to get worse. But you go on.

In living with the lie, Breelan finds courage to cope from her friends and family. In times of necessity, this may be all that makes life worth living. You can ask for forgiveness from those you've hurt, and pray that your life and that of the one you love is worth saving.

"The Goodbye Lie" continues to its heartwarming conclusion. The characters both male and female continue on their way dispensing cruelty, humiliation, sorrow - and love. You are saddened, thrilled, surprised and angered. And finally, the unexpected ending makes a jaw dropping jolt to the senses.