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De zomer dat alles anders werd
Vijf jaar geleden is Camilles echtgenoot door een ongeluk overleden. Sindsdien doet Camille haar uiterste best om op de been te blijven en hun dochter alleen op te voeden, en dat lukt best aardig. Maar dat is dan ook het enige wat ze doet, want Camille neemt geen enkel risico meer. Ze begint niet aan nieuwe relaties en reist niet meer. Zo houdt ze haar leven veilig en overzichtelijk.
Tot haar vader, van origine Frans, komt aanzetten met een kist vol oude spullen en foto's uit Frankrijk. De foto's roepen veel vragen op over het verleden, en hij wil niets liever dan in de zomer terugkeren naar zijn geboorteplaats - met Camille en haar dochter. Maar durft Camille haar veilige leventje wel los te laten?
Tot haar vader, van origine Frans, komt aanzetten met een kist vol oude spullen en foto's uit Frankrijk. De foto's roepen veel vragen op over het verleden, en hij wil niets liever dan in de zomer terugkeren naar zijn geboorteplaats - met Camille en haar dochter. Maar durft Camille haar veilige leventje wel los te laten?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2017
1334 people are currently reading
13608 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
169 books7,455 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,038 reviews
July 26, 2017
WOW! Just WOW!
Map of the Heart stole my heart and led me on a romantic journey of healing and love in both present day and war torn France in WWII. Susan Wiggs wrote an amazing story that was intriguing, capturing the beautiful and tragic moments of a family that (rather they realize it or not) is in search of healing.
While we are introduced to Camille Adams who is a widow raising her teenage daughter alone yet with a strong family presence supporting her, Camille is merely going through the motions and not living. Her daughter Julie is experiencing her own sort of withdraw from society as she finds herself on the outside of friendships and activities in school that she usually excelled in- leading to trouble both at home and school.
When Camille's father wants to return to his native France Camille doesn't want to leave the safety of Bethany Bay- the place she has been hiding since her husband's tragic death. Her father and her daughter- who needs the time away for her own healing and growth- finally convince Camille to go. Embarking on this journey brings the family to the place where it all began, where it all comes together, and where it reinvents and restores the entire family.
While Camille's father is on his journey he is reacquainted with someone from his past that heals a whole in his heart years empty. The story of Henry Palmer is unearthed and is one of beauty, love, loss, healing and discovery. The journey is beautiful tale of enduring love with a deserving ending.
Camille's journey leads her to seek assistance in France from a fellow American who is teaching and researching in France. Finn is taken aback by his attraction to Camille yet knows this attraction is something he can't ignore. His flirtation with Camille is sweet, adorable and romantic. Her heart is closed off after her husband's tragic death, her failed attempts at dating, and her turmoil with raising a teenager. Finn is on his own search for answers concerning his father and as well and their common bond over unearthing their family's path bring these two together in a slow, sweet and sexy romance that brings Camille out of her shell and convinces Finn he can have it all.
It would be terrible not to recognize the beauty of the story of Julie. As a teenager struggling with changes in your body, mind and spirit, Julie is struggling with handling the death of her father and dealing with other teens that are cruel and nasty. My heart broke for Julie. When her Papi relays his own past too Julie it gives her a strength to overcome as well as move forward- namely by going to France. While in France Julie experiences friendships that nurture her soul as well as changes that enhance the beauty of this strong and intelligent daughter.
I have read numerous Susan Wiggs books and this is my absolute favorite. Her words capture the beauty of present day as well as war torn France during WWII and made me as if I was there, experiencing all the joys and devastation of Lillie.
Map of the Heart stole my heart and led me on a romantic journey of healing and love in both present day and war torn France in WWII. Susan Wiggs wrote an amazing story that was intriguing, capturing the beautiful and tragic moments of a family that (rather they realize it or not) is in search of healing.
While we are introduced to Camille Adams who is a widow raising her teenage daughter alone yet with a strong family presence supporting her, Camille is merely going through the motions and not living. Her daughter Julie is experiencing her own sort of withdraw from society as she finds herself on the outside of friendships and activities in school that she usually excelled in- leading to trouble both at home and school.
When Camille's father wants to return to his native France Camille doesn't want to leave the safety of Bethany Bay- the place she has been hiding since her husband's tragic death. Her father and her daughter- who needs the time away for her own healing and growth- finally convince Camille to go. Embarking on this journey brings the family to the place where it all began, where it all comes together, and where it reinvents and restores the entire family.
While Camille's father is on his journey he is reacquainted with someone from his past that heals a whole in his heart years empty. The story of Henry Palmer is unearthed and is one of beauty, love, loss, healing and discovery. The journey is beautiful tale of enduring love with a deserving ending.
Camille's journey leads her to seek assistance in France from a fellow American who is teaching and researching in France. Finn is taken aback by his attraction to Camille yet knows this attraction is something he can't ignore. His flirtation with Camille is sweet, adorable and romantic. Her heart is closed off after her husband's tragic death, her failed attempts at dating, and her turmoil with raising a teenager. Finn is on his own search for answers concerning his father and as well and their common bond over unearthing their family's path bring these two together in a slow, sweet and sexy romance that brings Camille out of her shell and convinces Finn he can have it all.
It would be terrible not to recognize the beauty of the story of Julie. As a teenager struggling with changes in your body, mind and spirit, Julie is struggling with handling the death of her father and dealing with other teens that are cruel and nasty. My heart broke for Julie. When her Papi relays his own past too Julie it gives her a strength to overcome as well as move forward- namely by going to France. While in France Julie experiences friendships that nurture her soul as well as changes that enhance the beauty of this strong and intelligent daughter.
I have read numerous Susan Wiggs books and this is my absolute favorite. Her words capture the beauty of present day as well as war torn France during WWII and made me as if I was there, experiencing all the joys and devastation of Lillie.
August 16, 2021
4+stars
This is a well written novel with a compelling storyline and mysteries to solve. It moves between present day and WWII. Dual storylines can often be bothersome and confusing but the author, Susan Wiggs, is gifted by an ability to write them so they are easy to follow, interesting, and well organized. Another of her gifts is creating believable, true-to-life characters and their relationships with each other. Kudos to her for a captivating story and respectable romance without gratuitous sex scenes and foul language. Although I am really tired of finding requisite lgbtq+ characters in nearly every novel, film, or sitcom I've experienced in recent years, Wiggs handles this tastefully. This novel is what I'd call a good beach read.
This is a well written novel with a compelling storyline and mysteries to solve. It moves between present day and WWII. Dual storylines can often be bothersome and confusing but the author, Susan Wiggs, is gifted by an ability to write them so they are easy to follow, interesting, and well organized. Another of her gifts is creating believable, true-to-life characters and their relationships with each other. Kudos to her for a captivating story and respectable romance without gratuitous sex scenes and foul language. Although I am really tired of finding requisite lgbtq+ characters in nearly every novel, film, or sitcom I've experienced in recent years, Wiggs handles this tastefully. This novel is what I'd call a good beach read.
June 27, 2017
I have been a long time reader of Susan Wiggs and this is my favorite book by her. It's a wonderful story told in a dual time line with characters that readers can identify with. The settings in France are beautiful and the plot keeps the reader interested until the last page.
Camille and her teenage daughter, Julie, live by themselves in a small town and both are still mourning the loss of their husband/father five years after his death. Camille used to be brave and fearless but since her husband's death in a climbing accident, she wants to live safely in her own little bubble and (much to her daughter's dismay), she wants to keep Julie in the bubble with her. A mysterious package sent to her father from his family in France, starts the three of them on an adventure to find answers to all of their questions about her father's parents. The second story line is the story of Camille's grandparents in France during WWII. These story lines are told simultaneously and when they meld together at the end, the secrets are revealed.
This is so much more than a typical love story - it's a perfect blend of a love story and historical fiction and is a fantastic book to read. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Camille and her teenage daughter, Julie, live by themselves in a small town and both are still mourning the loss of their husband/father five years after his death. Camille used to be brave and fearless but since her husband's death in a climbing accident, she wants to live safely in her own little bubble and (much to her daughter's dismay), she wants to keep Julie in the bubble with her. A mysterious package sent to her father from his family in France, starts the three of them on an adventure to find answers to all of their questions about her father's parents. The second story line is the story of Camille's grandparents in France during WWII. These story lines are told simultaneously and when they meld together at the end, the secrets are revealed.
This is so much more than a typical love story - it's a perfect blend of a love story and historical fiction and is a fantastic book to read. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2021
Three and a half stars
An event from the past has left Camille Adams fearful not just for herself but also for her fourteen year old daughter Julie. Camille has abandoned her once promising photographic career to concentrate on recovering and developing other people’s old photos. This is how she ends up meeting Finn but that initial meeting leaves them both angry. When Camille’s father proposes a trip back to his native France, for him, his daughter and granddaughter, it seems the obvious answer to remove Julie from the spate of bullying she is experiencing. Camille is not convinced. Fear holds her powerless. But eventually family and events conspire to see them head to France. As well as this story there is the story of Lisette, Camille's grandmother, and her experiences during World War 2. What secrets will Camille and her family discover? And how will those secrets impact their future?
Throughout the book the reader knows some disastrous event has immobilised Camille, leaving her victim to fear, but it is not till towards the end that all the facts of that event emerge. It is easy to empathise with Camille but also with the teenage Julie and her chafing at the restrictions placed on her life. Despite their rough beginning an attraction is evident between Camille and Finn. The attraction between Camille and Finn simmers throughout the book. Can anything ever come of it?
Setting in Provence is beautiful and characters were engaging. An enjoyable read that never quite hit the heights but made for a pleasant way to spend some time. A couple of things seemed an unnecessary introduction to the plot, as though included purely for effect, but still a largely engaging read.
An event from the past has left Camille Adams fearful not just for herself but also for her fourteen year old daughter Julie. Camille has abandoned her once promising photographic career to concentrate on recovering and developing other people’s old photos. This is how she ends up meeting Finn but that initial meeting leaves them both angry. When Camille’s father proposes a trip back to his native France, for him, his daughter and granddaughter, it seems the obvious answer to remove Julie from the spate of bullying she is experiencing. Camille is not convinced. Fear holds her powerless. But eventually family and events conspire to see them head to France. As well as this story there is the story of Lisette, Camille's grandmother, and her experiences during World War 2. What secrets will Camille and her family discover? And how will those secrets impact their future?
Throughout the book the reader knows some disastrous event has immobilised Camille, leaving her victim to fear, but it is not till towards the end that all the facts of that event emerge. It is easy to empathise with Camille but also with the teenage Julie and her chafing at the restrictions placed on her life. Despite their rough beginning an attraction is evident between Camille and Finn. The attraction between Camille and Finn simmers throughout the book. Can anything ever come of it?
Setting in Provence is beautiful and characters were engaging. An enjoyable read that never quite hit the heights but made for a pleasant way to spend some time. A couple of things seemed an unnecessary introduction to the plot, as though included purely for effect, but still a largely engaging read.
November 27, 2017
This would have been a solid 3 stars; I just don’t feel it was one of her better books. But then....she had to go and make grandpa gay. Why? It served zero purpose nor added anything of value to the story. Like it was shoved in as an afterthought just to keep up with what the hot topic is right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2018
The plot of this sounded enticing. It’s difficult for me to resist WWII and the Resistance and so forth! However, having read fifty pages or so, I couldn’t get past the more than occasional crude references to bodily functions! They cast a pallor over the fairly unremarkable writing, from my perspective. What was the point? Reminded me boys in junior high.
August 7, 2017
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars - Top Pick!
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Heartbreakingly beautiful, Map of the Heart was another captivating piece of fiction from Susan Wiggs. A dual storyline set in WWII-era France and then in Bethany Bay, Delaware in the present time, we followed two couples who each faced serious challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds.
Susan Wiggs is one of my go-to authors for women’s fiction/chick lit. She always writes a heartfelt story and also frequently incorporates historical elements that add another layer to her character’s lives. In this case, we moved back and forth between the 1940s and modern day. Now I will say that the portions of the book set during WWII–Lisette’s journey–were tragic and rather bleak at times as you would expect, but they still had some wonderful moments of joy and hope as she fell in love and helped fight back against Germany in her own way. Read More
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Heartbreakingly beautiful, Map of the Heart was another captivating piece of fiction from Susan Wiggs. A dual storyline set in WWII-era France and then in Bethany Bay, Delaware in the present time, we followed two couples who each faced serious challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds.
Susan Wiggs is one of my go-to authors for women’s fiction/chick lit. She always writes a heartfelt story and also frequently incorporates historical elements that add another layer to her character’s lives. In this case, we moved back and forth between the 1940s and modern day. Now I will say that the portions of the book set during WWII–Lisette’s journey–were tragic and rather bleak at times as you would expect, but they still had some wonderful moments of joy and hope as she fell in love and helped fight back against Germany in her own way. Read More
September 5, 2017
Camille Adams has not fully recovered from the tragic accident that killed her husband. She projects her fear of risk onto her daughter Julie, keeping her close to home. Julie is struggling at school, but doesn't want to upset her mother in her grief. When a trunk is sent to Camille's father from his childhood home in France, the mysteries of their family's past are brought to light. It also opens up a chance to find new beginnings for Camille, her father and Julie.
The story is told alternating between today and the family dynamics that bring about deeper closeness and a chance at romance for Camille and the history of the grandmother, Lisette, and the challenges she faced in their small town in France in WWII. I loved the description of the beauty of the Provencal countryside and discovering Lisette's love story.
A wonderful book that is hard to put down.
The story is told alternating between today and the family dynamics that bring about deeper closeness and a chance at romance for Camille and the history of the grandmother, Lisette, and the challenges she faced in their small town in France in WWII. I loved the description of the beauty of the Provencal countryside and discovering Lisette's love story.
A wonderful book that is hard to put down.
January 13, 2018
My favorite genre—dual time line/WW II & contemporary—from a talented story teller and narrator combo. Once I started listening, I could not stop! Great listening experience. Really enjoyed it.
January 21, 2022
Este libro ha sido para mí como un soplo de aire fresco, ese libro que llega a ti en el momento justo, cuando no te sientes bien al 100% y te hace volar y desconectar de tal manera, que a veces no se encuentra palabras para ello. Concurren diversas situaciones que ocurren a día de hoy, y las trata con mucha naturalidad y delicadeza, y que para nada son fáciles sino todo lo contrario. Aceptar el hecho que nos ocurre, dejarlo ir y seguir adelante sin guardar os esos secretos años tras años, como al final acaba ocurriendo con los personajes de esta historia. Por ello al final la superación de esas dificultades los hace más fuertes y valientes, dispuestos a realmente buscar su felicidad. Quizás así expresado suena como castillos en el aire, pero realmente no quiero desvelar partes de la historia, que es mejor descubráis por vosotros mismos.
La pluma de la autora es tan fresca y liviana, y sus descripciones literalmente te trasladan al lugar, sentí como si realmente estuviera en la campiña francesa, en esos campos de lavanda y campos de vid y que decir del pueblo en el que viven Camille y su hija Julie, tan singular y esas playas que describen, te hacen añorar estar por unos días perdida allí.
La pluma de la autora es tan fresca y liviana, y sus descripciones literalmente te trasladan al lugar, sentí como si realmente estuviera en la campiña francesa, en esos campos de lavanda y campos de vid y que decir del pueblo en el que viven Camille y su hija Julie, tan singular y esas playas que describen, te hacen añorar estar por unos días perdida allí.
October 23, 2017
This book sounded like such a great story. I love novels about family mysteries and secrets, especially when they revolve around World War II. So much about this book annoyed me though, it made it extremely unpleasant to read. First, Camille. EVERYTHING freaked this woman out. Her father going to France, her teen daughter staying home while she went out to a festival, her daughter participating in a school surf training class. Anytime any other character would suggest something to her, her immediate response was no. No, no one could do anything for fear someone might get hurt. In small doses that's reasonable, but not about every single issue or topic that is raised! She was such an annoyingly, infuriating character. In a way it was somewhat understandable, she became worried about everything in life after her husband's death, but it was just excess and made the book really off putting. Second, a lot of the writing was so cliche, or just gross, or unnecessarily silly. The writing, during the modern era of the book was trying so hard to be current and modern that it just came off as ridiculous to me. The part of the story that took place during World War II was marginally better, but not by much. I did really like the characters of Julie and Finn. Julie was a level headed, smart girl going through some really bad times at school with bullying and self esteem issues. I related a lot to Julie's bad experiences, and her situation made me really sympathetic. Finn was an intriguing, spunky character he was extremely knowledgeable about France and it's history. He was also passionate, a very like able character. What this book really amounted to for me was nothing but annoyance and aggravation.
February 2, 2025
Loved it. Why?Susan Wiggs is a favourite author and I have liked and loved every contemporary fiction book she has written, so it was an auto-buy for me.
Plot?This is the story of so many, mainly that of Camille and her daughter Julie. But also Julie's father and his grandparents. Camille is an expert photographer but since the death of her husband five years ago she has not lifted a camera. Her daughter Julie a young teen is going through a tough time with some very overt bullying happening to her. Onto the scene comes Finn, who seeks out those who are lost - mainly soldiers and brings them home. He has a special mission to find his father.
What Appeals to Me?I loved the characters, yes Camille was a little prickly, but five years isn't that long in the scheme of things so its understandable she hasn't quite moved on. I liked her story and that of Julies as they let go and move on. I loved the small vignette WW11 story and the outcome from that. And of course it was delightfully set in both the east coast of the USA and Provence, France. Loved the writing too. Such an appealing read all round.
And so... the next Susan Wiggs book will of course be an auto-buy!
Plot?This is the story of so many, mainly that of Camille and her daughter Julie. But also Julie's father and his grandparents. Camille is an expert photographer but since the death of her husband five years ago she has not lifted a camera. Her daughter Julie a young teen is going through a tough time with some very overt bullying happening to her. Onto the scene comes Finn, who seeks out those who are lost - mainly soldiers and brings them home. He has a special mission to find his father.
What Appeals to Me?I loved the characters, yes Camille was a little prickly, but five years isn't that long in the scheme of things so its understandable she hasn't quite moved on. I liked her story and that of Julies as they let go and move on. I loved the small vignette WW11 story and the outcome from that. And of course it was delightfully set in both the east coast of the USA and Provence, France. Loved the writing too. Such an appealing read all round.
And so... the next Susan Wiggs book will of course be an auto-buy!
August 25, 2017
BEST BOOK OF 2017! Camille annoyed me a little bit but she was understandable and sympathetic. Besides that small quibble, I loved everything about this book. The characters were so well done. From the teenager and her story to the grandfather. I was so enthralled in the dual timeline . I really don't know which I loved more! The ending was SO PERFECT! The romance wasn't overstated. In the beginning I worried it would be "too much" but the distance was a nice way of them to get to know each other first and cool it down, lol. Any sex scenes were behind closed doors. I think maybe two were implied, that's it. I completely fell into this world and when the book ended I was crying happy tears and thinking it seems so long yet so short. So long because so much change and development happened but too short because it was so good I didn't want it to end. Get this book!
November 13, 2017
Not my favorite. A little too sappy and predictable. Couldn't really get invested in any of the characters...
November 6, 2018
אי אפשר לפול בספר על סודות משפחתיים.
קמיל, מומחית בשחזור סרטי צילום ישנים, וגם אלמנה ואם לבת, נוסעת עם אביה ובתה לכפר הולדתו של האב בדרום צרפת, כדי להתחקות אחר עברו של האב. בדרך לגילוי העבר, גם ההווה של קמיל ושל בתה מחלים.
ספר מושלם לקריאה מתחת לפוך או על חוף הים. בעצם ספר מושלם לכל מזג אוויר ומצב רוח. קריאה קלילה וזורמת, וקיטש בדיוק במידה הנכונה.
קמיל, מומחית בשחזור סרטי צילום ישנים, וגם אלמנה ואם לבת, נוסעת עם אביה ובתה לכפר הולדתו של האב בדרום צרפת, כדי להתחקות אחר עברו של האב. בדרך לגילוי העבר, גם ההווה של קמיל ושל בתה מחלים.
ספר מושלם לקריאה מתחת לפוך או על חוף הים. בעצם ספר מושלם לכל מזג אוויר ומצב רוח. קריאה קלילה וזורמת, וקיטש בדיוק במידה הנכונה.
March 18, 2017
I loved the two stories happening back and forth.
August 31, 2017
What an enjoyable read! So glad I decided to download this audio version. It's been years since I've read a book by Susan Wiggs; now I remember why I always loved her books. Great story, great charaters, lots of emotionally writing. Happy reading!
September 30, 2019
M-a atras coperta la aceasta carte, dar nici povestea in sine nu a fost mai prejos!
Camille locuieste cu fiica sa ,Julie ,o adolescenta compexata , intr-un orasel de pe litoral, sotul pierzandu-l intr-un accident. Incearca sa isi refaca viata ,dar mereu esueaza,din cauza ca nu lasa trecutul in urma ,nu mai face nimic din ce facea impreuna cu sotul ei si nu o lasa nici pe fiica ei sa participe la vreo activitate care pare mai periculoasa.Julie fiind adolescenta trece printr-o perioada de transformare specifica pubertatii si are parte de hartuiri din partea colegilor.De cele mai multe ori se destainuie bunicului, pe mama sa o evita mereu.
Cand bunicul ei primeste o cutie cu lucruri vechi de-a mamei lui,misterul ii invaluie pe toti trei. Camille apeleaza la un tanar profesor de istorie care o va ajuta sa dezlege misteriosul trecut al bunici ei.
Povestea e impartita in doua parti , prezentul si trecutul , mi-a placut mai mult povestea bunicii lui Camille, care traieste in perioada razboiului si lupta carea a dus-o pentru iubirea ei! . Nu mai dau nici un detaliu 🙈. Cartea e usoara ,se citeste repede. E o lectie de curaj, iubire,sacrificiu si pierdere. O recomand pentru un weekend relaxant!
Camille locuieste cu fiica sa ,Julie ,o adolescenta compexata , intr-un orasel de pe litoral, sotul pierzandu-l intr-un accident. Incearca sa isi refaca viata ,dar mereu esueaza,din cauza ca nu lasa trecutul in urma ,nu mai face nimic din ce facea impreuna cu sotul ei si nu o lasa nici pe fiica ei sa participe la vreo activitate care pare mai periculoasa.Julie fiind adolescenta trece printr-o perioada de transformare specifica pubertatii si are parte de hartuiri din partea colegilor.De cele mai multe ori se destainuie bunicului, pe mama sa o evita mereu.
Cand bunicul ei primeste o cutie cu lucruri vechi de-a mamei lui,misterul ii invaluie pe toti trei. Camille apeleaza la un tanar profesor de istorie care o va ajuta sa dezlege misteriosul trecut al bunici ei.
Povestea e impartita in doua parti , prezentul si trecutul , mi-a placut mai mult povestea bunicii lui Camille, care traieste in perioada razboiului si lupta carea a dus-o pentru iubirea ei! . Nu mai dau nici un detaliu 🙈. Cartea e usoara ,se citeste repede. E o lectie de curaj, iubire,sacrificiu si pierdere. O recomand pentru un weekend relaxant!
February 4, 2021
Susan Wiggs is my new favorite author. She takes ordinary people and make a excellent book out of it. The book starts with Camile who lost her husband and her daughter is having a tough time with life. As the story develops you see four generations deal with their own problems that later intertwine with each other to open their eyes to solutions. Well written book and very clever.
October 19, 2019
This story is a standalone with dual timelines, set in present day with flashbacks to WWII-era France. This is the story of a woman that is afraid to loosen up and live because she is crippled by fear and past hurts. It’s also a story of family.
Camille lives as a helicopter parent, doing her best to keep her daughter Julie safe, but mostly stifling Julie’s adventurous spirit (and her own). After the tragic death of Camille’s husband about five years ago, Camille is terrified of risk, afraid she will lose someone that she loves in another accident. When Camille’s father Henry decides that he wants to visit his homeland of France and that he wants Camille and Julie to accompany him, she initially refuses. Eventually she relents, and the trio have the summer of a lifetime.
Map of the Heart actually has several intertwining story lines involving Camille, her daughter Julie, Camille’s father Henry, and Finn – a college professor that works along with Camille’s family to find missing pieces of their family history by looking at historical photographs. Camille meets Finn innocently enough, but their story become entangled not only because of business, but because the two fall for one another while working hard to determine Henry’s family’s backstory.
I was so excited to start this one because I enjoy Susan Wiggs’ stories so much. When I started reading Map of the Heart, I felt like there were a ton of characters and I wondered if I would be able to keep them separate and follow the multiple little story lines. After just a few chapters, I fell into the story and found that as I neared the end, I couldn’t put the book down. The more the stories and histories of these characters connect, the better it becomes.
I particularly love Julie’s part in the story. At the beginning of the book, she is struggling with school and most of her peers are making her life miserable. Add to that the overprotective nature of Camille, and Julie just isn’t happy. I really felt for this young girl with all of the pressure she was under, but I was thrilled to see that she began to grow and change once she went to France for the summer. After the summer and the change of scenery, Julie is a much happier and healthier person. I adored her throughout the entire story, so seeing her do so well by the end of the book made me very happy.
I also love the theme of family that resonates so strongly throughout this story. I feel like Ms. Wiggs loves to write about family as much as she loves to write about love, because I tend to feel like her books (the ones that I’ve read, at least) feature relationships and family as much or more than romance. Camille’s story with her father and daughter is the one that I felt was the major story here, and the development of her relationship with Finn seemed to take a little bit of a backseat to that. Their relationship certainly had page time, but they only grew to be a couple while working on Camille’s family project.
The way things worked out in the end was wonderful. When I finished the book, I was really touched by how everything came together and how everyone fared.
The more books that I read by Ms. Wiggs, the more I want to spend time with her catalog. I’m currently working my way through the Lakeshore Chronicles series and absolutely loving it, and her next book Between You and Me is one of my most anticipated upcoming releases.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Avon Books!
Find this review and more like it on my blog, Into the Hall of Books!
Camille lives as a helicopter parent, doing her best to keep her daughter Julie safe, but mostly stifling Julie’s adventurous spirit (and her own). After the tragic death of Camille’s husband about five years ago, Camille is terrified of risk, afraid she will lose someone that she loves in another accident. When Camille’s father Henry decides that he wants to visit his homeland of France and that he wants Camille and Julie to accompany him, she initially refuses. Eventually she relents, and the trio have the summer of a lifetime.
Map of the Heart actually has several intertwining story lines involving Camille, her daughter Julie, Camille’s father Henry, and Finn – a college professor that works along with Camille’s family to find missing pieces of their family history by looking at historical photographs. Camille meets Finn innocently enough, but their story become entangled not only because of business, but because the two fall for one another while working hard to determine Henry’s family’s backstory.
I was so excited to start this one because I enjoy Susan Wiggs’ stories so much. When I started reading Map of the Heart, I felt like there were a ton of characters and I wondered if I would be able to keep them separate and follow the multiple little story lines. After just a few chapters, I fell into the story and found that as I neared the end, I couldn’t put the book down. The more the stories and histories of these characters connect, the better it becomes.
I particularly love Julie’s part in the story. At the beginning of the book, she is struggling with school and most of her peers are making her life miserable. Add to that the overprotective nature of Camille, and Julie just isn’t happy. I really felt for this young girl with all of the pressure she was under, but I was thrilled to see that she began to grow and change once she went to France for the summer. After the summer and the change of scenery, Julie is a much happier and healthier person. I adored her throughout the entire story, so seeing her do so well by the end of the book made me very happy.
I also love the theme of family that resonates so strongly throughout this story. I feel like Ms. Wiggs loves to write about family as much as she loves to write about love, because I tend to feel like her books (the ones that I’ve read, at least) feature relationships and family as much or more than romance. Camille’s story with her father and daughter is the one that I felt was the major story here, and the development of her relationship with Finn seemed to take a little bit of a backseat to that. Their relationship certainly had page time, but they only grew to be a couple while working on Camille’s family project.
The way things worked out in the end was wonderful. When I finished the book, I was really touched by how everything came together and how everyone fared.
The more books that I read by Ms. Wiggs, the more I want to spend time with her catalog. I’m currently working my way through the Lakeshore Chronicles series and absolutely loving it, and her next book Between You and Me is one of my most anticipated upcoming releases.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Avon Books!
Find this review and more like it on my blog, Into the Hall of Books!
July 17, 2020
O livro perfeito para o seu verão!! Este livro cheira a mar e dias de calor. Um dia ainda vou querer viver uma temporada numa destes aldeias pitorescas dos Estados Unidos, um sonho para realizar. Neste livro vivemos as histórias de várias personagens mas principalmente a história de Camille e da sua viagem para recuperar a alegria de viver depois da morte do marido. Faz me lembrar os livros de Nora Roberts! Adorei todas as histórias paralelas e a grande história de amor que a sua avó viveu durante a guerra. Aconselho vivamente a leitura deste livro 😉
October 29, 2017
Two storylines run parallel here (present day & WW2 eras), and eventually intertwine. So what happens when you adore one plot (or more accurately, one set of characters) and the other is simply, "meh"? A 3 star rating, I suppose.
October 1, 2017
While I gave this 4 stars, I rounded up because I wanted to keep reading, but felt that it tried to cover too much (bullying, nazis, underground allied supporter, homosexuality).
September 25, 2017
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‘The moments of life are ephemeral and unpredictable. We must capture the best ones and keep them safe in our hearts.’
I was eager to read a Susan Wiggs book and was pleasantly surprised by this dual time narrative with characters that a range of readers should identify with. With idyllic French Provencal settings and a plot to keep the reader engaged to the end, it proved a wonderful read. The insight into photography is a real bonus and I appreciated the section opening quotes:
‘Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.’
DOROTHEA LANGE, AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER
I am a big fan of dual narratives and this one was well done, although (and not surprisingly) I found one story to be stronger than the other. The modern day story of Camille and the mystery surrounding her husband’s death, was at times a little too drawn out and repetitive. Whilst on the one hand you empathised, Camille would then act in an immature and annoying way. The story of her grandmother, Lisette, and her tale of life and love in small town France during WWII was far more engaging. A French resistance heroine and downed American paratrooper was a classic tale. Overall, however, it is a good mix of the historical and contemporary stories.
At it’s heart it is a traditional wartime love story that unfolds into present day and the granddaughters second chance at love, whilst unfolding the mystery surrounding her father’s family. I like that there is more to it than just pure romance and the family mystery is noteworthy. You get a real feel for the lead characters and the journey of self discovery they are on - the trauma and anguish and how they deal with it. There are also a range of secondary characters that add real depth to the story - Henri, Hank, Julie - are well written and bring their own story to life and it all blends together very well.
The loss of one star rating had to do with Camille and Finn’s relationship - the way they met (his anger was so understandable and I could not comprehend his complete turnaround) and how they initially interacted, I found cringe worthy and, at times, the banter was silly - it just took credibility away from what is otherwise, a really good story. The stereotypical widow single mother, meeting handsome professor, initially resistant but flirting and circumstances working it’s magic in trying to bring that happy ending.
However, do not let this distract you from what is essentially a very engaging and satisfying story. There are enough unique aspects to this tale to rate it higher than your average women’s fiction story. More than just a romance, this is a story of family, love, loss, healing and the courage to take the second chance.
‘She used to take pictures, wandering for hours on her travels, a favorite camera thumping against her sternum. She used to disappear into the act of capturing an image, exposing its secrets, freezing a moment.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
‘The moments of life are ephemeral and unpredictable. We must capture the best ones and keep them safe in our hearts.’
I was eager to read a Susan Wiggs book and was pleasantly surprised by this dual time narrative with characters that a range of readers should identify with. With idyllic French Provencal settings and a plot to keep the reader engaged to the end, it proved a wonderful read. The insight into photography is a real bonus and I appreciated the section opening quotes:
‘Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.’
DOROTHEA LANGE, AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER
I am a big fan of dual narratives and this one was well done, although (and not surprisingly) I found one story to be stronger than the other. The modern day story of Camille and the mystery surrounding her husband’s death, was at times a little too drawn out and repetitive. Whilst on the one hand you empathised, Camille would then act in an immature and annoying way. The story of her grandmother, Lisette, and her tale of life and love in small town France during WWII was far more engaging. A French resistance heroine and downed American paratrooper was a classic tale. Overall, however, it is a good mix of the historical and contemporary stories.
At it’s heart it is a traditional wartime love story that unfolds into present day and the granddaughters second chance at love, whilst unfolding the mystery surrounding her father’s family. I like that there is more to it than just pure romance and the family mystery is noteworthy. You get a real feel for the lead characters and the journey of self discovery they are on - the trauma and anguish and how they deal with it. There are also a range of secondary characters that add real depth to the story - Henri, Hank, Julie - are well written and bring their own story to life and it all blends together very well.
The loss of one star rating had to do with Camille and Finn’s relationship - the way they met (his anger was so understandable and I could not comprehend his complete turnaround) and how they initially interacted, I found cringe worthy and, at times, the banter was silly - it just took credibility away from what is otherwise, a really good story. The stereotypical widow single mother, meeting handsome professor, initially resistant but flirting and circumstances working it’s magic in trying to bring that happy ending.
However, do not let this distract you from what is essentially a very engaging and satisfying story. There are enough unique aspects to this tale to rate it higher than your average women’s fiction story. More than just a romance, this is a story of family, love, loss, healing and the courage to take the second chance.
‘She used to take pictures, wandering for hours on her travels, a favorite camera thumping against her sternum. She used to disappear into the act of capturing an image, exposing its secrets, freezing a moment.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
August 11, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
I picked up Map of the Heart because I absolutely adored last year’s Family Tree. And while I did like Map of the Heart, it just didn’t suck me into reading it in a single non-stop day the way that Family Tree did.
I want to say that Map of the Heart is two stories blended into one. But that happens on more than one axis, making me wonder if I should describe it as two stories, or perhaps four.
First, it’s a time-slip story. While most of the action takes place in the 21st century present, there are significant chapters that occur in the mid-20th century past, in the midst of the Italian, and subsequently German, occupation of southeastern France during the dark days of World War II. And much of the 21st century action revolves around discovering the connections between that old history and today in the lives of the story’s protagonists, particularly Henry Palmer, nee Palomar, his daughter Camille and her daughter Julie.
But the story also has its 21st century “before and after”. The beginning of the story takes place in Camille’s tiny hometown of Bethany Bay, Maryland. And all is far from well. Five years previously, Camille’s husband Jace was killed in a tragic accident, and the formerly adventurous Camille retreated from the world into her safe space in her small town. Jace’s death left her afraid to risk, not just for herself, but also for her daughter Julie. Julie was 9 when her father died, and is now 14, ready to begin stretching her wings while still having a nest to fly back to. Instead, Julie’s life seems to be on hold while Camille retreats in fear from the universe. And in her continued self-absorption, Camille doesn’t recognize that Julie is suffering from the hell that is mean-girl high school bullying.
And as if her fears for Julie are not enough, Camille is still reeling after her beloved father’s year of cancer treatment. Henry’s cancer is currently in remission, but they all know that this is only a reprieve and not a cure.
In the midst of the mess she already has, two events burst the safe shell of Camille’s little world. Professor Malcolm Finnemore needs Camille, in her professional capacity as a restorer of found archival film, to process the photos retrieved from his father’s old camera – the last pictures that intrepid journalist Robert Finnemore took before he was captured by the North Vietnamese Army and never seen again.
And the tenants residing in the old farmhouse that Camille discovers her father still owns back in his native France send him a large trunk filled with mementos of the life that her father left behind – including old photographs of his beautiful but haunted mother and his despicable father, a Nazi collaborator. Henry Palmer wants to go home, to deal with the ghosts these mementos have brought to light.
Julie wants to escape her tormentors by any means available, and France sounds like a great place to go. Camille just wants to keep her little family safe at home, so that she doesn’t have to confront her fears, or anyone’s ghosts.
But the exposure of Julie’s suffering keeps reminding her that even home is not safe. And that her fears should not continue to cripple her daughter, or keep her father from closure of his own griefs.
And if she can heal just a bit of what’s holding her back, the handsome Professor Finnemore is also in France, just waiting to help her the rest of the way. If she can bear to let go.
Escape Rating B: So this story is split along two different axes. We see Camille and her family in the present, and also her grandmother Lisette in the past. A huge part of this story involves Camille’s search to make the two connect. Because at first they don’t. Lisette, just like Camille, was a photographer. And her photographs of herself and of her disgusting husband lead Camille to an inescapable conclusion – blond and blue-eyed Lisette and her equally blond and blue-eyed husband could not have been the parents of black-haired and brown-eyed Henry. Genetics don’t work that way. Since Lisette died giving birth to Henry, her part in his parentage is not in question, leaving her husband’s part in grave but oddly hopeful doubt. Finding out that one is not the son or the granddaughter of a despicable Nazi collaborator would, after all, come as a great relief.
Camille is hunting for the truth of her own heritage. Most of her hunt takes place after she bows to the inevitable and accompanies her father and her daughter to France. And it is at that point, when she finally, reluctantly boards that plane, that the story itself takes wing.
Unfortunately, that point is literally at the halfway point. The first half of the story, back in Bethany Bay, felt like a slog for this reader. Seeing the situation that Camille, and Julie, are escaping from is necessary, but for this reader it went on much too long. It’s not just that it is all depressing, although Julie’s situation certainly is depressing, it’s also the way that Camille drags her feet just drags down on the story. Her almost-pathological resistance slows the story to a crawl until she finally gets on that damn plane.
At first, the brief trip back to Lisette’s past, while interesting, doesn’t change the tone. Her part of the story is dark, because her history was dark. And while all of these issues are important to the story as a whole, they just didn’t move much. I didn’t need them to be happy, that wouldn’t have been appropriate, but I did need more of a sense that they were moving the story forward and not just wallowing. Your mileage may vary.
Once the action moves to France, the story kicks into gear. Camille’s hunt for her family’s history was fascinating, and the involvement with and explanation of the uses of “found film” was very interesting. There are quite a few projects and specialists who deal with these issues in the real world, and what they discover often brings to light first-person perspectives on events that were thought to be lost. (If this part of the story grabs you, check out The Rescued Film Project)
Reviewer’s note: One thing that this book does well is to convey the sheer and utter hopelessness that happens when one is the victim of bullying. Anything that you do, or that your family attempts to do, just makes it worse. It always happens away from adult supervision, and the packs of bullies are very good at protecting themselves. Because they are often led by the popular kids, and because other kids want to be part of that in group and not become victims themselves, the one being bullied is left with nowhere to turn. And the more isolated the victims become, the less likely anyone on the outside is to believe them. I am speaking from brutal experience, which made me both empathize deeply with Julie and desperately want that part of the story to move on – fast. That Henry was still scarred by his own experiences of bullying, even though those events were more than a half-century in the past, rang entirely too true.
I picked up Map of the Heart because I absolutely adored last year’s Family Tree. And while I did like Map of the Heart, it just didn’t suck me into reading it in a single non-stop day the way that Family Tree did.
I want to say that Map of the Heart is two stories blended into one. But that happens on more than one axis, making me wonder if I should describe it as two stories, or perhaps four.
First, it’s a time-slip story. While most of the action takes place in the 21st century present, there are significant chapters that occur in the mid-20th century past, in the midst of the Italian, and subsequently German, occupation of southeastern France during the dark days of World War II. And much of the 21st century action revolves around discovering the connections between that old history and today in the lives of the story’s protagonists, particularly Henry Palmer, nee Palomar, his daughter Camille and her daughter Julie.
But the story also has its 21st century “before and after”. The beginning of the story takes place in Camille’s tiny hometown of Bethany Bay, Maryland. And all is far from well. Five years previously, Camille’s husband Jace was killed in a tragic accident, and the formerly adventurous Camille retreated from the world into her safe space in her small town. Jace’s death left her afraid to risk, not just for herself, but also for her daughter Julie. Julie was 9 when her father died, and is now 14, ready to begin stretching her wings while still having a nest to fly back to. Instead, Julie’s life seems to be on hold while Camille retreats in fear from the universe. And in her continued self-absorption, Camille doesn’t recognize that Julie is suffering from the hell that is mean-girl high school bullying.
And as if her fears for Julie are not enough, Camille is still reeling after her beloved father’s year of cancer treatment. Henry’s cancer is currently in remission, but they all know that this is only a reprieve and not a cure.
In the midst of the mess she already has, two events burst the safe shell of Camille’s little world. Professor Malcolm Finnemore needs Camille, in her professional capacity as a restorer of found archival film, to process the photos retrieved from his father’s old camera – the last pictures that intrepid journalist Robert Finnemore took before he was captured by the North Vietnamese Army and never seen again.
And the tenants residing in the old farmhouse that Camille discovers her father still owns back in his native France send him a large trunk filled with mementos of the life that her father left behind – including old photographs of his beautiful but haunted mother and his despicable father, a Nazi collaborator. Henry Palmer wants to go home, to deal with the ghosts these mementos have brought to light.
Julie wants to escape her tormentors by any means available, and France sounds like a great place to go. Camille just wants to keep her little family safe at home, so that she doesn’t have to confront her fears, or anyone’s ghosts.
But the exposure of Julie’s suffering keeps reminding her that even home is not safe. And that her fears should not continue to cripple her daughter, or keep her father from closure of his own griefs.
And if she can heal just a bit of what’s holding her back, the handsome Professor Finnemore is also in France, just waiting to help her the rest of the way. If she can bear to let go.
Escape Rating B: So this story is split along two different axes. We see Camille and her family in the present, and also her grandmother Lisette in the past. A huge part of this story involves Camille’s search to make the two connect. Because at first they don’t. Lisette, just like Camille, was a photographer. And her photographs of herself and of her disgusting husband lead Camille to an inescapable conclusion – blond and blue-eyed Lisette and her equally blond and blue-eyed husband could not have been the parents of black-haired and brown-eyed Henry. Genetics don’t work that way. Since Lisette died giving birth to Henry, her part in his parentage is not in question, leaving her husband’s part in grave but oddly hopeful doubt. Finding out that one is not the son or the granddaughter of a despicable Nazi collaborator would, after all, come as a great relief.
Camille is hunting for the truth of her own heritage. Most of her hunt takes place after she bows to the inevitable and accompanies her father and her daughter to France. And it is at that point, when she finally, reluctantly boards that plane, that the story itself takes wing.
Unfortunately, that point is literally at the halfway point. The first half of the story, back in Bethany Bay, felt like a slog for this reader. Seeing the situation that Camille, and Julie, are escaping from is necessary, but for this reader it went on much too long. It’s not just that it is all depressing, although Julie’s situation certainly is depressing, it’s also the way that Camille drags her feet just drags down on the story. Her almost-pathological resistance slows the story to a crawl until she finally gets on that damn plane.
At first, the brief trip back to Lisette’s past, while interesting, doesn’t change the tone. Her part of the story is dark, because her history was dark. And while all of these issues are important to the story as a whole, they just didn’t move much. I didn’t need them to be happy, that wouldn’t have been appropriate, but I did need more of a sense that they were moving the story forward and not just wallowing. Your mileage may vary.
Once the action moves to France, the story kicks into gear. Camille’s hunt for her family’s history was fascinating, and the involvement with and explanation of the uses of “found film” was very interesting. There are quite a few projects and specialists who deal with these issues in the real world, and what they discover often brings to light first-person perspectives on events that were thought to be lost. (If this part of the story grabs you, check out The Rescued Film Project)
Reviewer’s note: One thing that this book does well is to convey the sheer and utter hopelessness that happens when one is the victim of bullying. Anything that you do, or that your family attempts to do, just makes it worse. It always happens away from adult supervision, and the packs of bullies are very good at protecting themselves. Because they are often led by the popular kids, and because other kids want to be part of that in group and not become victims themselves, the one being bullied is left with nowhere to turn. And the more isolated the victims become, the less likely anyone on the outside is to believe them. I am speaking from brutal experience, which made me both empathize deeply with Julie and desperately want that part of the story to move on – fast. That Henry was still scarred by his own experiences of bullying, even though those events were more than a half-century in the past, rang entirely too true.
March 2, 2020
This has been on my shelves for a long time and I wasn't sure about it - I don't generally go for anything historical. But Wiggs is going to be at a book festival and I want her to sign the book, so I figured I should read it before then. Boy am I glad I did. I stayed up all night finishing it.
This is true chick-lit, not the junk food romance that's like candy. This is richer, more satisfying. Although I wish the main character hadn't been quite so unreasonably stubborn, I didn't dislike her to the point of not liking the book at all. And Christina Traister's narration - wow! The only thing I don't like is the way she phrases questions sometimes. They sound like more of a statement, with her voice not going up at the end as a normal question would. I quickly got past that with her emotional performance. I didn't love her lower range for male characters, but that's also just personal preference.
I appreciated the way Wiggs closed the door on the bedroom. I didn't need a whole lot of detail to detract from the story. The story within the story, as well as the arc that centered on the main character's daughter, were wonderful in the way they deepened the plot. And the way it all ended was perfect.
I tend to steer around chick-lit for the most part. I think I need to read a few more things from this author. If the rest of her stuff is this good, she's not to be missed.
This is true chick-lit, not the junk food romance that's like candy. This is richer, more satisfying. Although I wish the main character hadn't been quite so unreasonably stubborn, I didn't dislike her to the point of not liking the book at all. And Christina Traister's narration - wow! The only thing I don't like is the way she phrases questions sometimes. They sound like more of a statement, with her voice not going up at the end as a normal question would. I quickly got past that with her emotional performance. I didn't love her lower range for male characters, but that's also just personal preference.
I appreciated the way Wiggs closed the door on the bedroom. I didn't need a whole lot of detail to detract from the story. The story within the story, as well as the arc that centered on the main character's daughter, were wonderful in the way they deepened the plot. And the way it all ended was perfect.
I tend to steer around chick-lit for the most part. I think I need to read a few more things from this author. If the rest of her stuff is this good, she's not to be missed.
October 30, 2017
Map of the Heart is an emotional family saga of secrets, betrayals, heartbreak , understanding and most of all a love that spans through time and finds it's way back in an extraordinary way. The journey that takes the reader across oceans to France and back to the lovely waterfront village in Bethany Bay in Delaware.
Camille and her father, along with her daughter Julie will take a summer in France to find the secrets about who her father really is. Helping her with this search is a Finn, who is a American historian working in France. Together they will find the lost loves of her father's family and she will find a passion she never thought to find again.
This is one of Susan Wiggs finest books and if you are a fan, you will love this book and if you are knew to her books, you will become a fan for life.
Camille and her father, along with her daughter Julie will take a summer in France to find the secrets about who her father really is. Helping her with this search is a Finn, who is a American historian working in France. Together they will find the lost loves of her father's family and she will find a passion she never thought to find again.
This is one of Susan Wiggs finest books and if you are a fan, you will love this book and if you are knew to her books, you will become a fan for life.
February 5, 2019
I absolutely love this beautifully written lyrical prose. The quality of her writing is impressive! I’m so glad I saw this hard cover book at B&N for a 2 for $5 purchase! So worth it!!
Camille Adams is the MC who is an overprotective parent for understandable reasons, but she suffocated her daughter Julie.
Camille experienced a very tragic event in her life, an event that changed her forever. After a very trumatic event people often are afraid to venture out anymore and she loses that ability to take risks in life that she normally would otherwise. At least until her father asks her to go with him to France.
I really connected with the characters and felt they were very realistic, especially Julie. I think that is because she is portrayed as being a teenager who is bullied in school and struggles with school probably as a result of that. So it was difficult to see how hard life was for her. Watching her grow and mature and learn some of life‘s difficult lessons was very rewarding.
Please read this one.
Camille Adams is the MC who is an overprotective parent for understandable reasons, but she suffocated her daughter Julie.
Camille experienced a very tragic event in her life, an event that changed her forever. After a very trumatic event people often are afraid to venture out anymore and she loses that ability to take risks in life that she normally would otherwise. At least until her father asks her to go with him to France.
I really connected with the characters and felt they were very realistic, especially Julie. I think that is because she is portrayed as being a teenager who is bullied in school and struggles with school probably as a result of that. So it was difficult to see how hard life was for her. Watching her grow and mature and learn some of life‘s difficult lessons was very rewarding.
Please read this one.
February 21, 2019
I always know reading a book by Susan Wiggs that I will run the gamut of emotions and will be left smiling in the end. Map of the Heart was no exception. Told in duel time lines, it is a beautifully written story about love, sacrifice and family.
I really loved this story. I'll admit in the beginning that I wasn't too keen on Camille. But as her story unfolded, I could understand her reluctance to let her heart feel again. As well as he over-protectiveness toward her doughier. Finn was my absolute favorite. He was funny and a breath of fresh air. My favorite part of the book was Lisette's storyline. It was bittersweet and gut wrenching at the same time. I don't want to give anything away. It's best to let the secrets within the book be discovered along with Camille and Finn. I highly recommend picking this book up.
I really loved this story. I'll admit in the beginning that I wasn't too keen on Camille. But as her story unfolded, I could understand her reluctance to let her heart feel again. As well as he over-protectiveness toward her doughier. Finn was my absolute favorite. He was funny and a breath of fresh air. My favorite part of the book was Lisette's storyline. It was bittersweet and gut wrenching at the same time. I don't want to give anything away. It's best to let the secrets within the book be discovered along with Camille and Finn. I highly recommend picking this book up.
February 23, 2018
Erwartet hatte ich mir von diesem Buch eigentlich nur eine leicht zu lesende Liebesgeschichte in schöner Kulisse. Aber ich bin gleich mehrfach überrascht worden.
Die Geschichte hat deutlich mehr Tiefgang als ich erwartet hatte. Jede der Hauptpersonen hat in irgendeiner Art und Weise sein Päckchen zu tragen. Camille kann nach dem Tod ihres Mannes nicht glauben, jemals wieder die Liebe zu finden, Julie kämpft mit der Pubertät und ihren Mitschülern und Camilles Vater Henry wird von seiner und der Vergangenheit seiner Familie eingeholt. Finn hingegen sucht seinen verschollenen Vater und ist nach seiner gescheiterten Ehe eigentlich nicht für eine neue Beziehung bereit.
Viel Stoff für ein Buch, aber es fügt sich alles wunderbar zusammen. Die Protagonisten sind alle glaubwürdig gezeichnet, selbst die Nebenfiguren sind liebevoll dargestellt. Die Nebengeschichte, die im besetzten Frankreich während der Kriegsjahre spielt, macht die Wirrnisse dieser Zeit sehr deutlich. Die Situation der Einwohner und deren Art und Weise mit der Besatzung umzugehen wird deutlich beleuchtet. Es geht um Kollaborateure, Unterstützer der Résistance und Menschen, die einfach versucht haben zu überleben.
Sowohl Bethany Bay als auch die Provence werden so toll beschrieben, dass man am liebsten gleich dorthin fahren möchte.
Liebhaber toller Liebesgeschichten werden hier voll auf ihre Kosten kommen und eine spannende Familiengeschichte gibt es noch obendrauf.
Von mir eine volle Leseempfehlung für dieses liebenswerte Buch, das das volle Sommerfeeling rüberbringt.
Die Geschichte hat deutlich mehr Tiefgang als ich erwartet hatte. Jede der Hauptpersonen hat in irgendeiner Art und Weise sein Päckchen zu tragen. Camille kann nach dem Tod ihres Mannes nicht glauben, jemals wieder die Liebe zu finden, Julie kämpft mit der Pubertät und ihren Mitschülern und Camilles Vater Henry wird von seiner und der Vergangenheit seiner Familie eingeholt. Finn hingegen sucht seinen verschollenen Vater und ist nach seiner gescheiterten Ehe eigentlich nicht für eine neue Beziehung bereit.
Viel Stoff für ein Buch, aber es fügt sich alles wunderbar zusammen. Die Protagonisten sind alle glaubwürdig gezeichnet, selbst die Nebenfiguren sind liebevoll dargestellt. Die Nebengeschichte, die im besetzten Frankreich während der Kriegsjahre spielt, macht die Wirrnisse dieser Zeit sehr deutlich. Die Situation der Einwohner und deren Art und Weise mit der Besatzung umzugehen wird deutlich beleuchtet. Es geht um Kollaborateure, Unterstützer der Résistance und Menschen, die einfach versucht haben zu überleben.
Sowohl Bethany Bay als auch die Provence werden so toll beschrieben, dass man am liebsten gleich dorthin fahren möchte.
Liebhaber toller Liebesgeschichten werden hier voll auf ihre Kosten kommen und eine spannende Familiengeschichte gibt es noch obendrauf.
Von mir eine volle Leseempfehlung für dieses liebenswerte Buch, das das volle Sommerfeeling rüberbringt.
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