"Corrine Ardoin's writing holds an evocative appeal that captures moods, psychological backdrops, and not just events and motivations, but wide-ranging connections between characters. This skill serves her well in Fathers of Edenville because it successfully paints the portrait of a woman who has a lifetime of struggle that stems from her father's estrangement.
"As Ardoin explores these connections, missed opportunities, family and love patterns, and the evolution of forgiveness, readers are treated to a story that winds through many lives, offering a compassionate look at characters who each face both their inner demons and lives which turn out quite differently than they'd dreamed.
"Each character must confront their fears. In doing so, each discovers the opportunity for not just redemption, but rebirth. The philosophical touches and observations peppered throughout this story lend it a depth and compelling touch that tugs at the reader's heart.
"Their struggles to be better people against all odds, the dilemmas posed by parental and love decisions that go awry to create long-term crises, and a murder investigation that rocks the heart of small town relationships creates a story that is multifaceted, gripping, and hard to put down. -D. Donovan"
“ . . . one can appreciate the beauty of Ms. Ardoin’s words as she breathes life into this fictional small town.” -InD’tale Magazine
“. . . explores the subverted connection between two men who grew up together, and unwittingly became each other’s nemesis. Ardoin’s novel examines the dark obsessions that lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary people. With unerring psychological insight, the novel moves characters cross the precarious line separating fantasy and reality. The human issues that affect relationships are the foundation for Ardoin’s story, she builds mystery and intrigue around the matter of what makes men men, and women women . . . As you read Fathers of Edenville, you will find yourself drawn deeper and deeper into this dark story of deceit, jealousy, and redemption.” -Authors Reading
“The author clearly has a sharp insight into the not-so-secret tragedies and dramas that infuse small town life as well as the thin veneer of everything being more ok than it is, that exists. A palpable sense of time and place comes through in the story, including what was lost as a result of the impact of serving in a war.” -Carla Sameth, author of One Day on the Gold Line
“Corrine Ardoin deftly weaves a tale of the lives of families in a small town that have been shaped by old scores unsettled and old mistakes corrected. Intertwined by family secrets, Sylvia Sumner and Tucker Stewart each wish for a future in which old hurts are healed and love may yet be found. But the path can be dark and twisted, and redemption hard to come by.” -Dr. Shari Tarbet, retired English professor
What people are saying about Fathers of Edenville...
"The lyrical language is an actual joy to read . . . by page 47 I was hooked. Read this book!" -Becky Steinkuehler, history teacher
"This story really highlights how tough life can be and was sad at times . . . this is a great read!!" -Jackie Anders, author of Phoenix: Field of Mars
"Set in a small mountain community, circa 1960s, this story examines the dark obsessions of some of the community inhabitants. Told through a third person perspective, and nebulously flowing between characters and time, there is a dreamlike quality to the story. At its heart, this story is an examination of relationships, repressed childhood memories and the impact of physically and/or emotionally absent fathers. Ardoin's descriptive prose makes it easy to visualize the story. While parts of the story did not work all that well for me, I really like how the author conveys the interconnected nature of the community and the impact that misinformation, and lack of action, can have on people and events. It is always tricky to communicate character development when using the third person perspective, but the author pulls this off rather well. The story, for me anyways, is just as much about how the characters view themselves and are viewed by others. While I admit to not being all that taken with the story at first, by the time I got to the end, I was rather surprised to discover just how much the story had drawn me in. One of those sleeper stories that slowly ensnares the reader as the story develops. Overall, a darkly poignant story of the destructive nature of obsessions.” -Library Thing Early Reviewers
"Fathers of Edenville is a work of fiction written in the literary style by author Corrine Ardoin. A darkly dramatic tale penned for mature reading audiences, this slice of life explores powerful themes of jealousy and unfaithfulness in relationships. The central figures in this intrigue are Sylvia Sumner and her husband Forty, Sylvia’s lover Jim Hart, and Tucker Stewart, who has always adored Sylvia since their high school days. When one of them is suddenly found dead, questions arise and the past is examined with a painfully raw process of psychological unraveling to find the truth. Seeking redemption and salvation are high on the list for this complex set of emotions and situations.
"Author Corrine Ardoin has crafted a beautifully complex tale of affairs, secrets, family dramas, losses, and lies, and one which any fan of contemporary drama will be sure to adore from cover to cover. The literary style of the work gives it a more sedate pace, but with this comes a much deeper exploration of the psyche and emotional state of the characters which is really intense and rewarding to read. Tucker and Forty were favorites of mine and I was very interested in their dynamic as the tale progressed, but every central character has a chance to shine. The plot handles time jumps and the complexities between past and present really well, and overall Fathers of Edenville is a highly accomplished work. I would certainly recommend it and the author to literary fiction fans everywhere.” -K.C. Finn, Reader’s Favorite
