3.0 out of 5 stars "There are only acts of grace, large and small, through which we reveal who we are."
This is a poignant and sentimental novel about a blended family and the unbreakable bonds that tie both biologically related and unrelated members together. What is the fragile harness that links us together in relationships that make us "family" and creates in us a deep and freely given love?
Eliot and her domestic partner, Grant, are raising three daughters in suburban Atlanta. Two of the girls are Grant's with his ex-wife, Beth, and the youngest is their daughter together. The biggest question or issue at the heart of this novel centers on the difference that is/might be felt when assessing the depth of love or care toward children who are not one's own vs stepchildren. And, if there is a different level of feeling, what to make of it.
Eliot is a partner to Grant, mother to Hailey, stepmother to Charlotte and Gail, sister to Sylvia and Maggie, and daughter of Dolores and Barney. In addition, there are some other characters to whom she devotes her energy -- trying to be the "good one" who gets everything right all the time. She tries to juggle all of her roles and does so valiantly UNTIL the reappearance of the long lost boyfriend who broke her heart when he moved to New York after college graduation. The events triggered by Finn's reappearance into Eliot's life have reverberations that will change them all.
I enjoyed this family drama because of the characters -- all of whom are well-developed into individuals who are interesting and have depth enough to keep this novel focused on the dynamic and ever changing nature of relationships. It was not wholly unpredictable, but it was ultimately a satisfying and comforting read.
This is a poignant and sentimental novel about a blended family and the unbreakable bonds that tie both biologically related and unrelated members together. What is the fragile harness that links us together in relationships that make us "family" and creates in us a deep and freely given love?
Eliot and her domestic partner, Grant, are raising three daughters in suburban Atlanta. Two of the girls are Grant's with his ex-wife, Beth, and the youngest is their daughter together. The biggest question or issue at the heart of this novel centers on the difference that is/might be felt when assessing the depth of love or care toward children who are not one's own vs stepchildren. And, if there is a different level of feeling, what to make of it.
Eliot is a partner to Grant, mother to Hailey, stepmother to Charlotte and Gail, sister to Sylvia and Maggie, and daughter of Dolores and Barney. In addition, there are some other characters to whom she devotes her energy -- trying to be the "good one" who gets everything right all the time. She tries to juggle all of her roles and does so valiantly UNTIL the reappearance of the long lost boyfriend who broke her heart when he moved to New York after college graduation. The events triggered by Finn's reappearance into Eliot's life have reverberations that will change them all.
I enjoyed this family drama because of the characters -- all of whom are well-developed into individuals who are interesting and have depth enough to keep this novel focused on the dynamic and ever changing nature of relationships. It was not wholly unpredictable, but it was ultimately a satisfying and comforting read.
Thirty-eight-year-old Eliot Gordon is a working mother who lives a conventional yet, for her, fulfilling life in suburban Atlanta. She would do absolutely anything for her family - her longtime partner, Grant Delaney, and their three lovely daughters: fourteen-year-old Charlotte, seven-year-old Gail, and four-year-old Hailey. In truth, while Hailey is Eliot's and Grant's daughter, Charlotte and Gail are Grant's daughters from a previous marriage. The distinction of 'stepdaughters' is one that Eliot is always reluctant to make with regard to Charlotte and Gail - as she loves both of the older girls just as much as the child that she gave birth to - and Eliot valiantly attempts to maintain a safe, happy home for them all.
By anyone else's estimations, Eliot is living the sort of life that may be considered unremarkable and quite tedious - yet by Eliot's own standards she is quite comfortable and very much content with her life and family. Then Finn Montgomery, Eliot's long-lost first love, appears. His sudden and unexpected return sets into motion a shocking chain of events that threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard for. How Eliot ultimately survives - and what she loses in the process - is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a child.
With hilarious honesty, heart-wrenching depth, and a knockout plot twist, Jillian Medoff creates a story that is poignant and eternal. I Couldn't Love You More illuminates the unbreakable bonds of family and reveals the lengths that we will go to to save each other, even as we can't save ourselves. Ultimately, I Couldn't Love You More: A Novel by Jillian Medoff is a true love story - both familial and romantic - as well as a story about loss, change and finding your own sense of normalcy - even when the life around you feels utterly abnormal.
I must say, that while it took me some time to get into this story, by several pages in I found myself utterly engrossed in the book. The story was poignant and well-written, and I immediately connected with the characters on a deeply emotional level. This was a remarkable story and I give it a definite A+! This may be the first book by Jillian Medoff that I have ever read, yet I made sure that I put this author's name at the very top of my Wish List. I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of two more of her books, and look forward to reading them as soon as I receive them.
By anyone else's estimations, Eliot is living the sort of life that may be considered unremarkable and quite tedious - yet by Eliot's own standards she is quite comfortable and very much content with her life and family. Then Finn Montgomery, Eliot's long-lost first love, appears. His sudden and unexpected return sets into motion a shocking chain of events that threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard for. How Eliot ultimately survives - and what she loses in the process - is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a child.
With hilarious honesty, heart-wrenching depth, and a knockout plot twist, Jillian Medoff creates a story that is poignant and eternal. I Couldn't Love You More illuminates the unbreakable bonds of family and reveals the lengths that we will go to to save each other, even as we can't save ourselves. Ultimately, I Couldn't Love You More: A Novel by Jillian Medoff is a true love story - both familial and romantic - as well as a story about loss, change and finding your own sense of normalcy - even when the life around you feels utterly abnormal.
I must say, that while it took me some time to get into this story, by several pages in I found myself utterly engrossed in the book. The story was poignant and well-written, and I immediately connected with the characters on a deeply emotional level. This was a remarkable story and I give it a definite A+! This may be the first book by Jillian Medoff that I have ever read, yet I made sure that I put this author's name at the very top of my Wish List. I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of two more of her books, and look forward to reading them as soon as I receive them.
