Helpful Score: 1
It has been a decade since Nicole Hunter left her troubles behind her. Ten years since she made the decision to leave her dysfunctional family and troubled home, and search for contentment elsewhere. She loves her family deeply, yet also finds herself unable to cope with the demands of living a life with her severely disabled sister, Jenny. While she has always felt somewhat guilty for leaving, Nicole tells herself that at the time she was doing the right thing.
Although her continuing search for happiness - both in her career and in love - has fallen somewhat short of her dreams, Nicole still pretends to everyone that all is well. Then an earth-shattering phone call sends her rushing back home to be with her family. As Nicole's world is turned upside down, she soon finds herself back in her hometown, caring for her pregnant sister and attempting to heal her contentious relationship with her mother. While it may be difficult for her to do, Nicole views her return to her hometown as a chance to reconnect with her family.
Reunited with her family and forced to confront the guilt that still haunts her, Nicole recognizes that she finally has the chance to be the sister she always wanted to be. A second chance to be the sister she always wished she had been when she was younger. She soon comes to the realization that her feelings of guilt are almost entirely subjective. And when she is faced with the most difficult choice of her life, Nicole rediscovers the beauty of sisterhood - and receives a special gift that will change her life forever.
First of all, let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story was well-written and sharply developed. I found myself connecting with the characters and really feeling for them and what they were all going through. In my opinion, Ms. Hatvany's writing style is both compassionate and extremely poignant. Having said that, I also must admit that the story seemed just the slightest bit predictable. I would still give this book a very strong A!
Although her continuing search for happiness - both in her career and in love - has fallen somewhat short of her dreams, Nicole still pretends to everyone that all is well. Then an earth-shattering phone call sends her rushing back home to be with her family. As Nicole's world is turned upside down, she soon finds herself back in her hometown, caring for her pregnant sister and attempting to heal her contentious relationship with her mother. While it may be difficult for her to do, Nicole views her return to her hometown as a chance to reconnect with her family.
Reunited with her family and forced to confront the guilt that still haunts her, Nicole recognizes that she finally has the chance to be the sister she always wanted to be. A second chance to be the sister she always wished she had been when she was younger. She soon comes to the realization that her feelings of guilt are almost entirely subjective. And when she is faced with the most difficult choice of her life, Nicole rediscovers the beauty of sisterhood - and receives a special gift that will change her life forever.
First of all, let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story was well-written and sharply developed. I found myself connecting with the characters and really feeling for them and what they were all going through. In my opinion, Ms. Hatvany's writing style is both compassionate and extremely poignant. Having said that, I also must admit that the story seemed just the slightest bit predictable. I would still give this book a very strong A!
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A heartwrenching story about sisters who come from the same home, but are completely different. Nicole is a normal child and her life is very normal until her younger sister is born with disabilities that are never diagnosed. She must live a life where the world revolves around her sister's care. A tragic event takes her back home to confront everything that she ran away from 10 years ago.
A heartwrenching story about sisters who come from the same home, but are completely different. Nicole is a normal child and her life is very normal until her younger sister is born with disabilities that are never diagnosed. She must live a life where the world revolves around her sister's care. A tragic event takes her back home to confront everything that she ran away from 10 years ago.
This was the 1st book I've read by Amy Hatvany. While I enjoyed the book, I had trouble getting interested in the story. It was a wonderful tale of learning what growing up is all about. It was somewhat predictable. The language was crude at times. I'm more into clean language & more complex stories.
Excellent story about the relationship between a young woman and her sister, with special needs, and her family. Very moving and poignant and I highly recommend it.
