Intriguing story of family, business and life's ups and downs.

The Ice House revolves round the lives of one couple; his son and their business, neither of which are running smoothly. Laura Lee Smith introduces the reader to the main character, Johnny Mackinnon and the problems he and his wife face. Johnny moved to Florida after the breakdown of his first marriage leaving behind not only his ex-wife but a young son who has had an addiction to heroin but is now clean, according to his ex-wife. In addition Johnny has an ice-making business with his wife which once belonged to her father. There was an accident at the factory that is under investigation plus the machinery is all old and in need of constant repair. If the investigators impose a large fine the business will struggle to survive. Closure would have a huge impact on the surrounding area as the factory provides work, and an income, for many local people. In addition Johnny is clearly unwell. The author covers all these topics in the first 30 pages leaving the reader eager to read on and discover how life progresses for all these characters. Does Johnny reconnect with his son from whom he's estranged, does the business flourish, does Johnny recover his health and can he and his wife maintain their relationship under all the pressure?