Lost and Found

Carolyn Parkhurst
Little, Brown and Company (2006)
ISBN 0316156388
Reviewed by Lynn Downs for Reader's View (11/06)


Laura and Cassie have the same relationship most mothers have with their teenage daughters. Most of the time, they barely say two words to each other. But one night, all that changes when Cassie calls her mother upstairs to show her the newborn baby girl she has just delivered in secret.

Cassie and Laura's tale is only one of many stories that blend together to form the plot of the book “Lost and Found.”  The newest craze sweeping American television is reality game shows and Carolyn Parkhurst uses this as the backdrop for her latest novel. Six couples are competing for a million dollars while traveling around the world solving puzzles, and secret's like the one Cassie and Laura share are just what the producers are looking for to spice up the show.

The contestants are as varied as the American population can get. Wendy and Jillian are flight attendants out to prove that just because you're beautiful doesn't mean you are dumb. There are the brothers, Carl and Jeff, who try to hide their pain behind a sense of humor. Justin and Abby are a married couple who are hoping to bring their Christian message to the world. They work hard to show American that their marriage isn't a farce, that two "reformed homosexuals" can be saved and have a loving marriage. But are they trying too hard to make something out of nothing? Juliet and Dallas are former child stars who would do just about anything to be on top again and see their names in the tabloids. Last of all, there is Betsy and Jason, childhood sweethearts who have recently found each other again and hope to find happiness together.

Add to this mix a has-been hostess who has her own agenda for being part of “Lost and Found,” and you have a fast-paced novel that keeps you hanging on to the edge of your seat. Carolyn Parkhurst has woven a tale that may just have you asking yourself how far would you go to win a million dollars.

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