Denise C. (dscrawford) reviewed on + 175 more book reviews
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.
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