The Good Neighbor
by Amy Sue Nathan
A Great Summer Read (9/2/2015)
This is a great summer book. I have not yet read the author's first novel but will probably do so having enjoyed this one so much. Although I found the plot a bit predictable, all the characters were thoroughly enjoyable. Things start out simple enough for Izzy, a young, newly divorced mother, but soon escalate out of control when she tells one seemingly small lie on her blog. In addition to Izzy, all the supporting characters are richly portrayed, especially her dear, long-time neighbor, who loves, supports and cares for Izzy like a mother. This is an uplifting and warmly written story without becoming sappy in the process. Ultimately, Izzy learns a lot about trust, love, and the true meaning of "home."
The Sweetheart Deal
by Polly Dugan
Perfect for a snowy winter's weekend (2/9/2015)
This was a heartwarming love story. The story is told in chapters written from the perspectives of several of the main characters. The plot is heartfelt and the emotions of the characters are believable, each in their own way dealing with loss and love. This was an enjoyable book, perfect for a snowy winter weekend.
The Same Sky
by Amanda Eyre Ward
Beautifully written (11/28/2014)
I have not read anything else by Amanda Eyre Ward, but I will likely look for more of her work. This is a beautiful and evocatively written story, and deeply moving.
One of the means she uses for telling this story is to alternate chapters between the 2 main protagonists, following their parallel lives throughout. Because there is so much detail with the development of each character, they are believable, and to me, very likable. Scary to think that although the story is fiction, many of the events are very real for many immigrant families. It is certainly a very current topic at a national level.
As an adoptive mother myself, I could resonate with Alice's emotions and thoughts. As the story progressed, I thought I had figured out how the story would end. Surprise! The story does not end in quite the way I'd imagined, but in a much more satisfying manner.
I highly recommend this book.
Small Blessings
by Martha Woodroof
Small Blessings is a gift to the heart and soul (6/25/2014)
Martha Woodruff has written one of the most heartwarming and delightful novels I've come across in quite a while. "Small Blessings" centers on several characters and is told from each one's perspective at different points as it progresses. At times funny and at other times achingly poignant, I was pulled in from the start and was held entranced to the end, so very sorry to see it end. Be mindful, however, this is not a syrupy sweet story. Ms. Woodruff has written with such humanity – all the messiness of peoples' lives as well as the deep beauty - in creating the plot and the characters themselves. I grew to love each of the characters for their often peculiar, but endearing, character traits. My copy of the book is filled with numerous corners of pages turned down – sections that touched me and do not want to lose track of. I loved this book and would tell anyone to do him- or herself a favor and read it. Thank you, Martha Woodruff, for a deep, soul-satisfying read.
 (1).gif)
