THE RESURRECTION OF TESS BLESSING, by author Lesley Kagen, recommended by author Sandra Kring

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

SK ~ Author, book lover.

Title of Fiction book and year published 

THE RESURRECTION OF TESS BLESSING (December, 2014)

A signed copy of this great book will be given away this weekend!  See information below!

Author name

Lesley Kagen

Type of book 

Contemporary women's fiction

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

SK ~ You know those people who have such soothing voices and gentle natures, that your whole being calms when they talk, and you wish you could listen to them speak forever?  Well, Grace, the enigmatic narrator of this book had that effect on me.  She drew me into the story and made me root for the floundering protagonist, Tess. Grace prompted me to care if Tess reconciled with her sister, rekindled her relationship with her husband, and resolved her lingering issues with her deceased mother. It was Grace who prompted me to root for Tess to find her strength to heal—and live!

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

SK ~ I was enthralled with the relationship between Tess and Grace.  While I can't say too much about their bond (it would be like telling you what you're getting for Christmas!), I will say that I couldn't wait for Grace's commentary to pop on the page. I found Grace's devotion to Tess, and Tess's dependence on Grace, very moving. Truly, this is one of the most unique, fascinating, and magical relationships in fiction. Everyone who reads this book will either long to be more like Grace, or to have a Grace of their own.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

SK ~ Considering that Grace's character brings a touch of magical realism to the story, I'd have to say that no, their relationship is not  "realistic." Yet the love they feel for each other, as well as the patience Grace shows as she guides and watches over Tess during her tumultuous time, feels completely genuine. 

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

SK ~ Readers often shy away from books they think might be too heavy, too sad.  Anyone who tends to skip these types of books should know that, while the issues Tess is dealing with are heavy, Kagen's skill with humor makes this book every bit as up-lifting as it is poignant. I consider this Lesley Kagen's best book to date.

If author or writer, your social media links:

http://www.sandrakring.com

https://www.facebook.com/kring.sandra

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Sandra, for taking the time to recommend Lesley's new book!  I can't wait to get my hands on a copy as I'm a big fan of Lesley's WHISPERING IN THE DARK, and GOOD GRACES!

***TO WIN A COPY OF THIS GREAT BOOK - Please leave a comment below (you can open the comments by clicking on the red 'comment' word below photo of the book), or comment on my Facebook page (under Jill Hannah Anderson). If you 'LIKE' my Facebook page (not the post itself) at https://www.facebook.com/jillhannah.anderson?ref=hl  you get an extra entry in the drawing!  Winner will be picked on Sunday, December 14th.

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, by authors Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows, recommended by writer, Joan Hasskamp

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?  

JH ~ I am all three.  

Title of book and year published 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, 2008.

Authors ~ Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.  Shaffer died shortly before the book was published.  Her niece, Barrows, completed work on the book.

Type of book: Historical Fiction  

It’s set in London and on the nearby island of Guernsey right after the end of World War II.

What is it about this book that pulled you in? 

JH ~ The book is told exclusively in letters written back and forth between a considerable number of characters.  It’s a very clever and effective storytelling technique.  The characters are quirky, funny, slightly eccentric yet always-likable—sounds like me—no wonder I like it!

The story built quickly, grabbing my attention immediately. The main character, Juliet Ashton, a clever, quick-witted writer (my hero!), leaves London for Guernsey to meet the members of the book club she has corresponded with. The book club never existed until the residents needed an alibi to protect themselves from punishment by the Germans.  The residents quickly captivate her, as they did me.

The book made me laugh and cry.  It’s truly about the enduring power of friendship and love.  I love “feel good” books and this is one of the best.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?  

JH ~ This book is all about relationships.  That’s what makes this book truly remarkable.  Even during the five-year occupation by Germany, the residents remained true to who they were.  I’d love to live next door to this wonderful group of people. 

It’s difficult to pick out only one relationship but the one between Elizabeth and everyone she touched in the story was the glue that held the story and the citizens together.  Her humanity and compassion never wavered even when her courageous actions meant she might have to pay the ultimate price of imprisonment or even death.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

JH ~ Yes.  Many characters revealed Elizabeth’s character over the course of the story.  Like an onion that is slowly peeled, we learned the enormous impact Elizabeth had on the islanders during the war and eventually on Juliet. 

I also loved the relationship between Juliet and her publisher, Sidney.  The humorous and touching banter back and forth between them elicited many smiles from me.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

JH ~ My favorite books seem to posses many of the same qualities—they are chock full of likable, funny, interesting characters who when faced with adversity, never lose their humanity. 

In fact, the authors cleverly made several references to one of my other favorite books, Pride and Prejudice.  Was it a coincidence that Juliet’s love interest was named Dawsey?  I think not!

Poignant, warm, life affirming—a real gem!

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Joan for recommending a book I've heard so much about but have yet to read.  It sounds very entertaining! 

If author or writer, your social media links:

I don’t have links yet but will in the near future.  I hope to have my humorous book titled: We Don’t Care Who Wins, as Long as Joan Loses published in the not too distant future.   

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, by AUTHOR, ANTHONY DOERR, recommended by AUTHOR, LAURA LANE MCNEAL

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

LLM ~ (Author of DOLLBABY) If you’re an author, being a writer and a book lover go hand in hand. The only way to become a better writer is to read, read, read. Not just for pleasure, although that is the joy of reading, but to learn from what they have read. I’m sure many authors have had those aha moments while reading, discovering a new style of writing, a new way to say the same old thing, a new perspective on an age old conundrum. Reading opens the door to new ideas, to greater knowledge and wisdom. It sharpens your craft. And it lets you discover new worlds. Does it get any better than that?  
***Laura will be giving away a signed copy of DOLLBABY(which is up for a 2014 Goodreads award!)  See below for how to enter.

Title and year published   ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE         May 2014

Author name         Anthony Doerr  

Type of book         Historical Fiction

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

LLM ~ I’m a sucker for historical fiction. The title pulled me in first, so intriguing, then the plot sold me – it’s about a young Austrian girl that becomes blind. We learn to see the world through her eyes, so to speak. There is a parallel story about a young orphaned German boy. We watch their lives evolve, knowing that one day in the future, their paths will collide in the midst of WWII.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

LLM ~ The relationship that resonated with me in the novel was the one between the young blind girl, Marie-Laure, and her great-uncle Etienne, whom she seeks shelter with in Saint-Malo, France after the Germans invade Austria. Etienne suffers his own demons, and it takes the strength of a blind girl to set him on the path of recovery as well as discovery. 

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

The relationship between Etienne and his great-niece is not perfect, confined to the constraints of war and German occupation, but is bittersweet in its conclusion. This would have been a realistic portrayal during wartime.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

LLM ~ Doerr uses extremely short chapters to tell the story, usually only about a page and a half long, always ending his chapters with either a question or a metaphorical image that keeps the reader turning the page. I’m not sure my editor would have let me get away with it, but for me it works in the scope of the novel.

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Laura, for recommending what sounds like a terrific book! The first we've featured by a male author, with more male authors to follow.  And, just a side-note, he must be a really terrific guy since I see Anthony and I share the same birth date (yes, he is way younger than me!)

If you'd like to connect with Laura, you can find her here:

Facebook: Laura Lane McNeal

https://www.facebook.com/LauraLaneMcNeal

Twitter: @llmcneal

https://twitter.com/llmcneal?lang=en

Website:

http://www.lauralanemcneal.com/

To leave a comment here, just click on the 'comment' word below the book photo. To follow this weekly book blog, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

***TO WIN A COPY OF LAURA'S BOOK, DOLLBABY ~ Please leave a comment below (if the comment box doesn't show, open the comments by clicking on the red 'comment' word below photo of the book), or comment on my Facebook page (under Jill Hannah Anderson). If you 'LIKE' my Facebook page, (not the post itself, but my page) you get an extra entry in the drawing!  Winner will be picked on Sunday, November 30TH.

THE KITCHEN HOUSE, by author, KATHLEEN GRISSOM ~ recommended by book lover, Jamie Leigh Anderson

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

JLA ~ Book Lover

Title of Fiction book

The Kitchen House             published in 2010

Author name                    Type of book

Kathleen Grissom              Historical Fiction

***A signed copy of this great book will be given away this weekend!  See information below!*** Also, Kathleen will be stopping in here to answer a few questions or comments!

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

JLA ~ The constant tragedy and that these things actually happened to people back then.

The book takes place in 1791. Lavinia arrives on a tobacco plantation after coming over on a ship with her family from Ireland. She becomes orphaned on the trip over and is sent to live with the slaves who work in the kitchen house. She becomes part of their family and doesn't understand the differences between her new family and the family who lives in the big house. Lavinia is taken under the wing of Belle, who is the master's illegitimate daughter and eventually is allowed into the big house, again not understanding the two different worlds. 
 
The relationships are realistic, the plantation workers all watch out for each other, while the master's son Marshall, along with the plantation overseer, make the plantation workers lives miserable. It is full of tragedy and holds your attention throughout the entire book.
 

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?  

JLA ~ Probably Belle’s relationships with everyone, that she doesn’t have a real family but feels like she is a part of her kitchen house family. The fact that Marshall and Martha hate her but have no idea who she really is.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

JLA ~ Yes, I’m sure that happened often where the master of the house had children with the slaves and those children weren’t allowed to be a part of the family.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

JLA ~ It is good from start to finish. You don’t have to take time to get into it, it is interesting and devastating right from the beginning and I absolutely loved it. It’s the best book I’ve ever read!

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Jamie, for taking the time to recommend a terrific book to us! 

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

To follow our weekly book recommendations by guests, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

***TO WIN A COPY OF THIS GREAT BOOK - Please leave a comment below (you can open the comments by clicking on the red 'comment' word below photo of the book), or comment on my Facebook page (under Jill Hannah Anderson). If you 'LIKE' my Facebook page (not the post itself) at https://www.facebook.com/jillhannah.anderson?ref=hl  you get an extra entry in the drawing!  Winner will be picked on Sunday, November 23rd.

LEFT NEGLECTED, by AUTHOR, LISA GENOVA recommended by writer, MARY AALGAARD

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

MA ~ I am all of the above. I have articles in local publications, including Her Voice and Lake Country Journal. I am also a playwright and teach theatre classes for kids where I help them write an original script. My play Coffee Shop Confessions was performed in the Brainerd lakes area in 2012.

  

Title of Fiction book and year published

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova, published 2011.

Type of book 

MA ~ Left Neglected is probably considered women’s fiction, but it is not a romance, or just about women’s issues. In fact, I believe anyone who is interested in the brain, what happens after a traumatic brain injury, and the complicated relationships that surround the main character would be interested in reading this book.

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

MA ~ Lisa Genova is the author of the bestseller Still Alice, about a woman who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, (coming soon to a movie theater near you). It is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. When I saw that she had written two more books, I quickly bought them. Lisa Genova has a PhD. in Neuroscience from Harvard University. She has studied the brain. She brings this knowledge to her books, and creates authentic, credible characters to tell their story. She writes in a way that the story seems more like a memoir than a novel.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

MA ~ Yes. The main character, Sarah, has to examine all her relationships after the accident that caused her Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I was especially curious how her mom found her way back into Sarah’s life after the accident.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

MA ~ Lisa Genova is a very realistic writer. All her characters and setting, including the relationships feel very real.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

MA ~ I truly cared about the characters in this book. I was rooting for Sarah, agonizing over her injuries and limitations, and praying for recovery of both her body and relationships. Before the accident, her life was like a whirling fan spinning out of control, always set on top speed. Her relationships weren’t good before the accident. And, after it, they all needed to gain some perspective. I was fascinated by Genova’s descriptions of what it is like to experience TBI and have one half of your world disappear. It was like Sarah didn’t realize she had a left arm or leg, or that the room extended past her mid-line.

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Mary, for sharing this great book (my favorite of Lisa Genova's!)

To Connect with Mary:

MA ~ My website is Play off the Page, where I write reviews for theatre, events, food, travel, and sometimes books, as well as whatever inspires me. You can also find me on facebook or twitter. Go. Create. Inspire!

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

***To leave a comment - Click the red 'comment' word below photo of book.

To follow this weekly book blog, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

Interested in being a contributor? Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend.

HUSH LITTLE BABY, by AUTHOR, SUZANNE REDFEARN, recommended by AUTHOR, MARY KUBICA

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

MK ~ All of the above!  My debut novel THE GOOD GIRL was published by Harlequin MIRA in July 2014.  I’m also an avid reader. 

(Side note by Jill here... our guest contributor's book, THE GOOD GIRL, is currently one of the nominees listed in the 2014 Goodreads debut author category!)

Title of Fiction book and year published

HUSH LITTLE BABY  ~ 2013

Author name                          Type of book 

Suzanne Redfearn                     Suspense

***This book will be given away to one lucky winner ~ see below***

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

MK ~ HUSH LITTLE BABY is the story of Jillian Kane, a successful mother and architect, trapped in an abusive marriage.  I loved the suspense element, as well as the family bonds that are explored during the novel.  It is a profound, edge-of-your-seat thriller that does not let up until you reach the very last page.  The most intensity lies in the relationship of Jillian and her abusive, controlling police officer husband, Gordon.  There is no way out of this marriage for Jillian other than to run – and even that, Jillian comes to discover quite quickly, is not so easy.  I can’t recall the last time a book sucked me in as suddenly and as vehemently as HUSH LITTLE BABY.  An excellent, thought-provoking, haunting read!    

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

MK ~ The relationship that resonated with me was that of Jillian and her children, Addie and Drew.  As a mother myself, I saw the ways that Jillian struggled in her role as mother, while simultaneously putting her children’s needs and safety before her own.  She grows as a mother throughout the novel.  I was also quite taken with Jillian’s relationship with her own parents, in particular her father.  Jillian and her father have a very close knit bond, though he is in a powerless position and unable to save her from Gordon.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

MK ~Yes, the relationships were portrayed realistically, which made the novel all the more terrifying - and poignant – for me to read.  Redfearn shows how the victims of abuse are found sometimes where we least expect them.  On the surface the Kane family is your typical family next door – she the successful architect, he the revered police officer – but under the surface there is much, much more. 

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

MK ~ HUSH LITTLE BABY is a fast paced, wild ride - and once you get on this ride, there’s no getting off.  I could not put the book down once I began to read.  I was touched and haunted and horrified by the turns of events all at the same time.  I don’t want to spoil any of the heart-pounding, heart-wrenching details, but this is one book you don’t want to miss.  Highly recommended! 

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Mary, for recommending what sounds like a fantastic book!  Definitely have to add it to my TBR stack!

If you'd like to connect with Mary, you can find her here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Kubica-Author/529093127112073

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryKubica

Website: http://www.marykubica.com/

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

***TO WIN A COPY OF THIS GREAT BOOK - Please leave a comment below (if the comment box doesn't show, open the comments by clicking on the red 'comment' word below photo of the book), or comment on my Facebook page (under Jill Hannah Anderson). If you 'LIKE' my Facebook page, you get an extra entry in the drawing!  Winner will be picked on Sunday, November 9th.

Thank you so much, Suzanne Redfearn for your generous donation!

To follow this weekly book blog, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

Interested in being a contributor? Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend.

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN, by author, Betty Smith, recommended by book lover, Susan Cebelinski

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

SC ~ I am a book lover who loves to write.  I have many novels written in my head. 

Title of Fiction book and year published ~  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,  published 1943, a classic. 

Author ~ Betty Smith     Type of book ~ Fictional novel. 

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

SC ~ I was pulled into this book first of all, because my mother had a copy of the book and recommended it to me when I was about 12 years old.  The main character is Neely, an 11 year old girl living in a tenement in New York.  I immediately connected with the character, even though our lives were very different, because we were close to the same age.  I think I also connected with Neely because of how she saw her living situation, and her view point on her parents and family from the eyes of an 11 year old.   However, I have read this book about 4-5 times at various ages and have connected with different characters as I have aged, such as Neely’s mother, Katie, when I was raising children.   So every time I read this book, I saw something new and different.  That is why I love the story so much.  It has such depth and meaning about the human condition, relationships, and reactions to situations they are powerless to change. 

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

SC ~ Yes, the relationship between Neely and her father, Johnny, who was an alcoholic, resonated with me deeply.   His behaviors were so destructive to the family, but Neely only saw the wonderful side of her father.  I have always had a very good relationship with my father, and put him on a pedestal.  As I have aged, I was able to see some of his humanness, but it never tainted how much I loved and respected my father.  I think this was similar to how Neely saw her father. 

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

SC ~ Yes I do think the relationship was realistic.  Alcoholism is a complex disease, if you subscribe to the philosophy that it is a disease.  I often think that people on the outside of  such situations  oversimplify the relationships and the deep connectedness of children  to their parents.  I used to work in child protection for a county and this book taught me not to overlook the parent/child relationship in alcoholic families.  It was never easy for me to remove children from homes or to make a permanent plan to keep children from alcoholic parents based on my awareness of the deep connectedness in those relationships.  Betty Smith did a wonderful job of demonstrating how much Neely loved her father Johnny yet showed how much his abuse of alcohol hurt other family members.  When I was 12 years old, I knew nothing of these things.  

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

SC ~ When I read the book, Orphan Train, I thought about this book, though the trains had stopped running before  this  book was written, it brings to life the poverty and struggles of living in tenements in New York.  This book touches on many more issues than the ones I have described.  The extended families and other characters are well developed and give depth to this story. 

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Susan, for taking the time to recommend a great classic to us! 

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

To follow our weekly book recommendations by guests, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

Interested in being a contributor? Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend!

THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND, by author, Jojo Moyes, recommended by writer, Christine Adler

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?   I admit I have many friends who are book lovers, even though they are not authors or writers--and thank goodness, or we wouldn’t have enough book clubs, right? But I have yet to meet an author or writer who didn’t read extensively, books especially. I have loved books since learning to read at age four. I’ve been a writer in various professional capacities for 15 years, and am working on my first novel. Hoping to claim the “author” tag soon!

Title of Fiction book and year  THE GIRL YOU LEFT BEHIND, published in 2012

Author name  ~   Jojo Moyes    

Type of book   ~ CA ~ One would think this would be a straightforward question, but in this case, it’s not. The book starts out historical, in France during WWI, then moves into contemporary London. I would classify it as “Women’s Fiction times two”, because it is about the emotional journey of two separate women, one in each of these time periods.

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

CA ~ A friend who knows I am writing a novel about the painter Renoir and his model recommended this book to me. Because it starts out historical (like mine) and involves a painter, his model/wife and a specific painting (like mine), it was immediately intriguing. But once I started it, the language, the characters and the setting all grabbed me from the first page. I lost a lot of sleep with this book because I couldn’t put it down at night.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?  
CA ~ The relationships in the book are drawn so beautifully that it’s hard to pinpoint just one. Husbands and wives, enemies and allies, siblings and neighbors all play vital roles in shaping the stories and lives of the characters. But I think the complicated relationship between Sophie Lefèvre and the German Kommandant who comes into her town, inn and life was the most vivid and stirring.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?  
CA ~ I do. It’s easy to think of the enemy as evil, foreign and inhuman when you consider what the German soldiers did to people in WWI. This is what Sophie feels for the Kommandant when he takes over her inn for his soldiers. But over time, he reveals himself to be intelligent, an art scholar, and familiar with her husband’s work and the work of other artists at the time. He has a wife and children, he is a gentleman. Sophie has great difficulty maintaining her hatred for him when he seems so human, so similar to her, almost respectable. Except, that is, for his uniform and what it represents. She struggles, and it is an evocative relationship that made me question my own feelings for both characters as a result.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

CA ~ I was upset when I was reading because I became very attached to and involved with the historical characters. Suddenly, in Part Two, I was in modern day London and didn’t know why! But when I complained to my friend, she told me, “Jojo Moyes is sneaky. She gets you to care about the characters, but the book is really about the painting.” I had to think on that for a day or so before I could pick it up again. But I’m very glad I did. It was a great book.

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Christine for taking the time to recommend a great book for everyone to read!  I absolutely loved this book and hope you, the reader, do too!

If you'd like to connect with Christine, you can find here here:

            Blog: www.feedalltheanimals.blogspot.com

            Twitter: @ChristineAdler

            Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/WriterCA

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

To follow this weekly book blog, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

Interested in being a contributor? Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend!

FIVE DAYS LEFT, by author, Julie Lawson Timmer, recommended by author, Lori Nelson Spielman

LNS ~ Thank you so much for hosting me today, Jill. Congratulations on this new and exciting blog!

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you? Author of The Life List (and a book lover!)

Title of Fiction book and year it was published ~ Five Days Left, 2104

Author name ~ Julie Lawson Timmer

Type of book ~  Contemporary fiction, Women’s fiction, Book Club Fiction.

What is it about this book that pulled you in? 

LNS ~ I fell in love with the characters and their heartbreaking dilemmas. Smart and courageous Mara suffers from Huntington’s Disease. Even though I’ve had no experience with this illness, I empathized with this loving mother and wife and felt her angst in making life choices. The dialogue was so believable and the storyline so poignant.  Without giving anything away, I was held rapt, wondering how this story would end. I knew there was no easy or “good” option.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

LNS ~ The book has two distinct stories—Mara, suffering from Huntington’s disease and contemplating ending her life in five days, and a second story of Scott, a man whose foster son will be returning to his mother in five days. Both storylines had wonderful, complex relationships intertwined. But my favorite relationship was the one between Mara and Harry, her taxi driver. Mara opens up to the driver, and the two share private pieces of their lives, resulting in an unlikely and very sweet friendship.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically? 

LNS ~ I do. Mara is initially reserved and guarded. Once an energetic mother, wife and attorney, she’s horrified at her physical state, the fact that her body is betraying her. She mourns the loss of her independence. Harry treats her with dignity, and slowly opens up about his own struggles with secrets and shame.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot? 

LNS ~ Make sure you have a box of tissues available when you read this one. It’s heartbreaking. But it’s also incredibly well-written, bittersweet, and very thought provoking—a perfect book club pick. As I read, I wondered what I would do, in Mara’s position. Would I have the strength and courage to spare those I love from my horrible fate?

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Lori for taking the time to recommend a great book for everyone to read!  I enjoyed this book and hope you, the reader, do too!

If you'd like to connect with Lori:  

http://www.LoriNelsonSpielman.com

Twitter: @lnelsonspielman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lori-Nelson-Spielman

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

To follow our weekly book recommendations by guests, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  Also, I've been having some "issues" (that word covers a lot, doesn't it?) with my comments area in my blogs.  If you have problems, please email me, or feel free to leave a message on my Facebook page.  Thanks!

Interested in being a contributor? Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend!

REDEEMING LOVE, by author, Francine Rivers ~ recommended by book lover, Abby Jorgensen

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

Abby Jorgensen ~ Book Lover!

Title of fiction book Abby recommends, year published and genre

REDEEMING LOVE   (2005)   Christian historical fiction

Author name

Author ~ Francine Rivers       

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

AJ ~ It’s worth noting how much I did not want to read this book. My mother gave it to me, told me it was fantastic, and it sat on my shelf for months. Once I finally exhausted all of my other options, I opened up Redeeming Love. I was hooked by Sarah’s story – her nightmare of a childhood and how it hardened her heart. My own heart broke for this woman, who was sold into prostitution as a child.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you? 

AJ ~ I think what I related to most was Sarah’s relationship with herself. She had such a difficult time with forgiving herself, feeling she was unworthy and incapable of real love. I think at some point in our lives, we all wrestle with questioning our worth. I could relate with wanting to make a change so badly, but having failed in the past, I wondered whether change was possible in me.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

AJ ~ I do. Despite being set in 1850 during the California gold rush, I could see Sarah’s story occurring anywhere at any time. It had moments of being corny, but the majority of the story was so raw that it made up for itself.  

Anything else you can tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

AJ ~ It is a Christian book. I appreciated the way Francine Rivers portrayed that sometimes it’s almost impossible to see God in the circumstances of this world, but that He is there… and He waits with unending patience as we grapple with whether or not we will choose to seek Him. 

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Abby, for taking the time to share a book you love with us!

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

To follow our weekly book recommendations by guests, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  Also, I've been having some "issues" (that word covers a lot, doesn't it?) with my comments area in my blogs.  If you have problems, please email me, or feel free to leave a message on my Facebook page.  Thanks!

Interested in being a contributor?  Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend!

BIG LITTLE LIES, written by Liane Moriarty, author ~ recommended by Sheila DeChantal, writer/blogger

Author/ Writer/ Book Lover – which are you?

SD ~ Definitely a book lover, and a want-to-be writer

Title of book ~ BIG LITTLE LIES, published 2014

Author name ~ Liane Moriarty

Type of book ~ Women’s Fiction

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

SD ~ I have been a big Liane Moriarty fan since I read THE HUSBAND’S SECRET, by Liane.  After listening (I did listen to it on audio), I was hooked with her quick wit, funny humor, three-dimensional characters, and awesome story lines.  Since then I have followed her writing and she does not disappoint!

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

SD ~ I love reading about strong independent women, and in this case, the one who really pulls me in is Jane; the struggling single mom who is trying hard to fit in and take care of her little boy.

Do you think her situation was portrayed realistically?

SD ~ I do.  The book is based on a pretty tight knit community in Australia.  Jane is new in town and wants the best for her little boy and is trying to fit in with the perky PTA-type moms.  It’s always hard to move and make a new beginning, but Jane is trying.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

SD ~ Yes!  The book starts out with a murder at Trivia Night, a school fundraiser.  It is a ridiculous way to start a women’s fiction novel, but it sure is captivating!  The book from there backtracks to months before Trivia Night, bringing three women in the community into the story chapter by chapter, leading up to the night of the murder.  You will find yourself guessing who was involved…

It is really a delight to read—and incredible for you to listen to on audio.

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Sheila, for being a guest contributor today, and taking the time to recommend this great book!

To connect with Sheila on social media:

Website:  http://bookjourney.net/

Twitter:  @bookjourney

If you’d like to read Sheila’s review of this book:

http://bookjourney.net/2014/08/07/big-little-lies-by-liane-moriarty/

Attention readers ~  Have YOU read this book?  If so, let us know what YOU thought of it!

Interested in being a contributor?  Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend!