The Poison We Drink 

Paperback, ebook

December 13, 2016

by Carol McClain

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Incorporated 
• ISBN-13: 978-1682949108

Twenty-four-year-old hairdresser Torie Sullivan has given up on life. When her boyfriend betrays her, she careens her car into a ditch in a drunken fury. 

After paramedic Adam Benedict rescues Torie from her mangled car, he learns she's the middle school bully who brutalized him. A week later, he discovers she lives in a lean-to in Hookskill Nature Preserve. Despite his hatred, his innate compassion won't allow him to leave Torie in the wilds. He offers her a room in his miniscule cabin. 

After Torie's first night at Adam's, tragedy strikes his life, and he can no longer house her. His girlfriend, Maya Vitale takes Torie in. Though first-grade teacher Maya's past isn't as sinister as Torie's, she, too, hides a shameful secret. 

The lives of three disparate friends collide and reveal the toxic pasts that threaten to poison their lives. Only by forgiving the unpardonable can they be set free.

My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free unedited copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, THE POISON WE DRINK is not my usual reading genre of choice, but once I got over the fact that it isn't romance and is contemporary women's fiction I was able to stop trying to put Adam and Torie together in my mind and getting frustrated because on paper they weren't working! 

Ms. McClain is not afraid of tackling tough issues and THE POISON WE DRINK has issues! An alcoholic, a grieving widower, embittered and angry relatives, abuse, homelessness, and more are addressed in the pages of this book along with a healthy serving of God's love, mercy, and grace. 

If you like contemporary women's fiction then  this is a book that you will adore. I like Ms. McClain's style of writing and voice and highly recommend this book. It may change the way you look at some things.