*A mini review contains a book description, buy links, and review.
BOOK DESCRIPTION (FROM AMAZON)
Joan Sample is not living the life she expected. Now a widow and an empty-nester, she has become by her own admission something of a recluse. But after another birthday spent alone, she is finally inclined to listen to her sister, who has been begging Joan to reengage with the world. With Emmie’s support, Joan gathers the courage to take some long-awaited steps: hiring someone to tame her overgrown garden, joining a grief support group, and even renting out a room to a local college student. Before long Joan is starting to feel a little like herself again.
Across town, Maggie Herbert works mornings as a barista, tending to impatient customers before rushing to afternoon nursing classes. She lives with her alcoholic father, ducking his temperamental outbursts and struggling to pay the household bills. But her circumstances brighten when she finds a room for rent in Joan’s home. In the unexpected warmth of her new situation, Maggie finds a glimmer of hope for a better life. But will Maggie’s budding attraction to one of her favorite customers ruin the harmony she’s only recently found with Joan? Meanwhile, what is Joan to make of the mysterious landscaper who’s been revitalizing her garden—a man who seems to harbor a past loss of his own?
As Maggie and Joan confront difficult life choices, they draw strength from this new friendship in surprising ways—discovering in the process that “found family” is often the very best kind.
BOOK REVIEW
This is a sweet, comforting story of second chances. There are two romances, but the strongest theme concerns two women helping each other in tough times. Joan is a widow of four years who just can’t seem to start over again. Maggie is a young woman trying to move forward in life, but she is constantly pulled down by an alcoholic father. When Joan offers to rent Maggie a room, things begin to look up for both of them. The themes of loss, starting over, and helping others shine through.
Debbie Macomber’s books are always comfort books to me. They wrap you in a warm hug and take you on a journey with friendly and likable characters who learn life lessons and experience a bit of romance along the way. This is a heartwarming story of finding family in unexpected places. Any fan of family fiction and romance will love this story.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
BUY LINKS
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google | Kobo
Great review, Bonnie. 🙂
This does sound like a warm hug of a story. I’ve never read anything by Macomber but I’ve seen her books around for a while. Excellent review!
[…] A novel about starting over, and about women helping each other through tough times. My review is here. […]