Review: 142 Ostriches

142 Ostriches

April Dávila

Tallulah Jones wants nothing more than to get away from the family ranch in the Mojave desert. She's got a job lined up in Montana, and she's looking forward to striking out on her own. But, before that happens, her grandmother Helen dies, leaving the ranch and 142 ostriches to her. Tallulah is convinced the only thing she can do is sell to a despised neighbor and move on. Only, before she can do that, she needs to find out why the ostriches have stopped laying eggs. And if that weren't enough, she still has to tell the rest of the family she's planning to sell. This might not be as easy as she thought since Aunt Christine and her girls might need her help, and Uncle Steve, a recovering drug addict, isn't pleased that Tallulah has inherited the ranch in the first place. He's turned up to make a world of trouble for her. With all the chaos that ensures Tallulah has to decide what she wants out of life. Will it be the place she's called home since she was thirteen, or will she turn away from all she's known, in the search for something else?

142 Ostriches is an intriguing story full of terrific characters, a stark desert setting, and a fast pace that will keep discerning readers turning the pages to see just what Tallulah will do next. I love the way the author captures the stress and anxiety felt by her and how her past keeps her searching for something elusive. The dysfunctional family was not only well portrayed but made this book more vivid and engaging. I can't wait to see what the author writes next.

Thanks to Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.