I've not had the chance to read the first two books in the Hanover Falls series. And while I think that it would have given me a better understanding of the emotions that were associated with some of the parts of the story I don't feel like I had missed out from not reading them. The book was well written and it gave all the major background information so that I didn't feel lost in what was going on.
I liked the main character Susan. She was a bit naive though. I'm not sure if her naivety comes from the fact that she was so busy with her own life that she didn't have a chance to see what was going on around her or if she was just a naive person. Because she did seem to have things together. 18 months after the death of her husband she's running a homeless shelter by herself. And despite the town's objections to the shelter she seems to be doing at least an ok job with it. I know if I lost my husband it seems like it would take more strength than I have to be almost solely responsible for the lives of so many people. But I also think that her ability to throw herself into the homeless shelter comes from needing something to keep herself occupied so that she's not dwelling on the loss of her husband. As in the few times that she is alone with nothing going on her mind does seem to wander to her husband.
The story had quite a bit going on. There was a budding love story, some mystery, and tons of emotions. I didn't get a good sense of who most of the other characters really were, and I would have liked to have a bit more insight into Peter and even Susan's son Davie. But overall the story was good and it kept me hooked. I finished it in one day as I was just so drawn into everything that was going on.
I liked the main character Susan. She was a bit naive though. I'm not sure if her naivety comes from the fact that she was so busy with her own life that she didn't have a chance to see what was going on around her or if she was just a naive person. Because she did seem to have things together. 18 months after the death of her husband she's running a homeless shelter by herself. And despite the town's objections to the shelter she seems to be doing at least an ok job with it. I know if I lost my husband it seems like it would take more strength than I have to be almost solely responsible for the lives of so many people. But I also think that her ability to throw herself into the homeless shelter comes from needing something to keep herself occupied so that she's not dwelling on the loss of her husband. As in the few times that she is alone with nothing going on her mind does seem to wander to her husband.
The story had quite a bit going on. There was a budding love story, some mystery, and tons of emotions. I didn't get a good sense of who most of the other characters really were, and I would have liked to have a bit more insight into Peter and even Susan's son Davie. But overall the story was good and it kept me hooked. I finished it in one day as I was just so drawn into everything that was going on.
In the conclusion to the Hanover Falls series, I found a story riddled with the human condition. A sweet and tender love story that must test the odds. And a cast of characters, I couldnt help but care for. Its like stepping into real life, with a divine purpose to entertain.
I have to chuckle *just* a bit since a great deal of the scenes were centered around a meal of some sort with the characters; what is it about food and socialization? (wink) But its one thing that gives the novel its charm, because it carries a rich undertone of real life, while giving the reader characters they can cheer for, situations that keep us worried and wondering how they will outsmart their problems.
Having read all three books in the series in the order they were released, I have to say After All has been my favorite. It ties up some loose ends from books one and two, gives us snapshots of past characters lives and moves on with the third widow of the Hanover Falls Homeless shelters fire.
A quick read, but a fulfilling one, as it tangles and weaves life and family situations in Susan and Pete. Wonderful little subplots that keep the story focused.
A great way to end a good series. Now, this reader wants to knowwhats next?
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy to review.
I have to chuckle *just* a bit since a great deal of the scenes were centered around a meal of some sort with the characters; what is it about food and socialization? (wink) But its one thing that gives the novel its charm, because it carries a rich undertone of real life, while giving the reader characters they can cheer for, situations that keep us worried and wondering how they will outsmart their problems.
Having read all three books in the series in the order they were released, I have to say After All has been my favorite. It ties up some loose ends from books one and two, gives us snapshots of past characters lives and moves on with the third widow of the Hanover Falls Homeless shelters fire.
A quick read, but a fulfilling one, as it tangles and weaves life and family situations in Susan and Pete. Wonderful little subplots that keep the story focused.
A great way to end a good series. Now, this reader wants to knowwhats next?
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy to review.
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
I have long been a fan of Deborah Raney's books. She writes about subjects that other authors would shy away from and this makes her books one of my favorite reads! This novel is the last book in the Hanover Falls Series and was a perfect ending. It makes me wish there were other books to this series to show more of these peoples lives:)
Susan is quite a strong woman and I found myself liking her, even when she would get on my nerves. I guess this is kind of how Peter Brennan felt, huh? I kind of picked up that Andrea Morley was not a nice lady and I wanted to slap Peter when he kept asking her out or thinking of her. I felt bad for Davy for all he was going through and his troubled life. Even though at times he was definitely wrong I kind of felt for him. There is mystery in this book along with some romance. There are several characters who show up from the previous books which made it all better for me. I enjoy when a series has previous characters and you see more into their life.
Overall this is an excellent ending and wraps up some loose ends that you will have after reading the other books in this series. This deals with a delicate subject but is done in a good way. It opens up some ideas you might want to hold back your position of until after you are done with the book. Check out the reading group questions at the back of the book. Loved this and can't wait for the next series from Deborah!!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Susan is quite a strong woman and I found myself liking her, even when she would get on my nerves. I guess this is kind of how Peter Brennan felt, huh? I kind of picked up that Andrea Morley was not a nice lady and I wanted to slap Peter when he kept asking her out or thinking of her. I felt bad for Davy for all he was going through and his troubled life. Even though at times he was definitely wrong I kind of felt for him. There is mystery in this book along with some romance. There are several characters who show up from the previous books which made it all better for me. I enjoy when a series has previous characters and you see more into their life.
Overall this is an excellent ending and wraps up some loose ends that you will have after reading the other books in this series. This deals with a delicate subject but is done in a good way. It opens up some ideas you might want to hold back your position of until after you are done with the book. Check out the reading group questions at the back of the book. Loved this and can't wait for the next series from Deborah!!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
The first thing that I have to say about this book is this: I did not see that coming! This was a really good story about three people who have been deeply affected by the death of some heroic firefighters. They must move on from their grief and struggle with how to do that in the midst of changing perspectives about the deceased. I was glad to have a good ending to the series.
