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Friendship Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
A novel of women's friendship, loss, and recovery from the author of The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship.
TOP THREE REASONS TO VISIT
1. Explore foreign cultures
2. Sample outstanding food
3. Desperately flee impending personal crisis
Lenny left his wife, Monique, a bucket list of things they'd dreamed of doing together before cancer took his life. For four years, she ignored it, too busy raising their daughter to consider the painful task of resurrecting shattered dreams.
But when her next-door neighbor, Judy, starts a slow slide into a personal crisis, and another friend, Becky, receives shocking news about her future, Monique realizes that Lenny's legacy could be a gift to three women in desperate need of a new perspective.
Whisking her friends away on adventures from London to Paris, from Monaco to Milan, she is determined to follow the bucket list to the letter-until one eventful evening knocks the three friends off the beaten path. Caught up in adventures of their own making, they begin to Sometimes getting lost is the only way to find what you're really looking for.
TOP THREE REASONS TO VISIT
1. Explore foreign cultures
2. Sample outstanding food
3. Desperately flee impending personal crisis
Lenny left his wife, Monique, a bucket list of things they'd dreamed of doing together before cancer took his life. For four years, she ignored it, too busy raising their daughter to consider the painful task of resurrecting shattered dreams.
But when her next-door neighbor, Judy, starts a slow slide into a personal crisis, and another friend, Becky, receives shocking news about her future, Monique realizes that Lenny's legacy could be a gift to three women in desperate need of a new perspective.
Whisking her friends away on adventures from London to Paris, from Monaco to Milan, she is determined to follow the bucket list to the letter-until one eventful evening knocks the three friends off the beaten path. Caught up in adventures of their own making, they begin to Sometimes getting lost is the only way to find what you're really looking for.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
17 people are currently reading
1415 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Verge Higgins
6 books184 followersBefore she started writing novels, Lisa Verge Higgins worked toward her PhD in organic chemistry at Stanford University. She ditched all that for her true passion: Writing life-affirming, critically acclaimed women’s fiction, and, as Lisa Ann Verge, penning emotionally-intense romances about hot men and dangerous women. Published worldwide in eighteen languages, Lisa has earned a Bean Pot and a RITA nomination, and is the winner of three Golden Leaf trophies and five RT Book awards. When not writing, she hunts wild mushrooms, studies Turkish, hikes mountains, and keeps tabs on the antics of her three wild-and-talented daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 21, 2014
I finally got to read a pure chick-lit novel after a pretty long time, surely thanks to my uncle for gifting me the book called, Friendship Makes the Heart Grow Fonder by Lisa Verge Higgins. This is a very “Sex-and-the-City” style book, involving 3 women getting away from their daily lives to Europe. This is a no-nonsense book about everyday traumas faced by the 3 women and how their friendships made them overcome those traumas more easily.
P.C. Cast, a YA author, has once quote about friendship as:
“If you have good friends, no matter how much life is sucking, they can make you laugh.”
The words are pretty true and this book aptly justifies this quote. No matter how hard it was, but when they found each other, everything fell into their places with the help of each other.
Monique is a widowed-mother, who still cannot let go of her beloved husband, who died due to cancer. Becky, a step-mom and mother of 2 children, is suffering from drastic life-changing conditions, including marital problems. Judy's youngest child is going to be in college very soon making her lonelier all the way. Other than being neighbors, all three women are in their 30s, 40s and 50s and are facing some serious life-altering issues. Monique and her late husband, Lenny had made a "bucket-list" of so many cool things to do together, but after Lenny's death, the "bucket-list" unfortunately sits in an empty closet in Monique's life. But when her daughter is getting ready to leave for college, she decides to fulfill her husband's "bucket-list" along with her two neighbors, who too were facing some similar issues in their life. Hence they take-off to Europe for full-2-weeks. From romantic Paris to seductive Amsterdam to grand England, they all get a wider perspective to face their troubles in their life bravely and get to know themselves, thus bringing them closer as friends. From sharing dirty secrets to laughing off their heads, indeed their hearts grow more and more fonder.
Lisa's lyrical and eloquent words along with some vivid and narrative descriptions, makes the book very delectable and exciting. The tale is all about being neighbors to friends to being best friends and also how sometimes getting away from your own nest can make you see things and handle things more easily. The right amount of emotion was poured into the book, so I went from crying to laughing and sometimes even excitedly screaming with joy! Well no doubt the beauty of those places makes the book more interesting. Each place these 3 women visit, they grow more and more, in a way, after their whole trip, they got some deep insights about themselves as well as about their lives, thus making them handle things with care and love.
A cute, light and no doubt a "no-strings attached" type of book that you surely wanna read while lazing around the pool or the beach!
P.C. Cast, a YA author, has once quote about friendship as:
“If you have good friends, no matter how much life is sucking, they can make you laugh.”
The words are pretty true and this book aptly justifies this quote. No matter how hard it was, but when they found each other, everything fell into their places with the help of each other.
Monique is a widowed-mother, who still cannot let go of her beloved husband, who died due to cancer. Becky, a step-mom and mother of 2 children, is suffering from drastic life-changing conditions, including marital problems. Judy's youngest child is going to be in college very soon making her lonelier all the way. Other than being neighbors, all three women are in their 30s, 40s and 50s and are facing some serious life-altering issues. Monique and her late husband, Lenny had made a "bucket-list" of so many cool things to do together, but after Lenny's death, the "bucket-list" unfortunately sits in an empty closet in Monique's life. But when her daughter is getting ready to leave for college, she decides to fulfill her husband's "bucket-list" along with her two neighbors, who too were facing some similar issues in their life. Hence they take-off to Europe for full-2-weeks. From romantic Paris to seductive Amsterdam to grand England, they all get a wider perspective to face their troubles in their life bravely and get to know themselves, thus bringing them closer as friends. From sharing dirty secrets to laughing off their heads, indeed their hearts grow more and more fonder.
Lisa's lyrical and eloquent words along with some vivid and narrative descriptions, makes the book very delectable and exciting. The tale is all about being neighbors to friends to being best friends and also how sometimes getting away from your own nest can make you see things and handle things more easily. The right amount of emotion was poured into the book, so I went from crying to laughing and sometimes even excitedly screaming with joy! Well no doubt the beauty of those places makes the book more interesting. Each place these 3 women visit, they grow more and more, in a way, after their whole trip, they got some deep insights about themselves as well as about their lives, thus making them handle things with care and love.
A cute, light and no doubt a "no-strings attached" type of book that you surely wanna read while lazing around the pool or the beach!
November 28, 2012
Monique lost her husband Lenny to cancer four years ago, and she’s had his “bucket list” hanging over her head, so when she learns that a friend is suffering a loss of her own she proposes a preposterous idea.
Becky has just gotten news that’s making her already dimming eyes more cloudy, she’s got children to raise and a troubled marriage to figure out, she’s got no time for going blind. When her friend and neighbor who’s suffered a loss of her own suggests completing her dead husband’s bucket list she thinks it’s the craziest idea ever.
Judy is suffering a huge case of empty nest syndrome that’s left her at loose ends which makes her feel small when she learns of Becky’s situation and thinks of the loss that Monique has suffered, especially since her married life is in good working order. But when Monique invites her on this complete the bucket list trip, she’s all for it.
This journey will mean different things to these three friends who’ve all suffered loss, who’re all at a fork in their particular road. Will they be enlightened or will this trip just make their losses more real. Will Monique find closure, and resolve to live again? Will Becky come to terms with her diagnosis, can she face what ever waits for her at home? Will Judy find a new reason to get up in the morning when she’s got no to do list to complete?
Lisa Verge Higgins has delivered another masterpiece in fiction and what makes it especially memorable is how she really “gets” friendship, the unique relationships that defines kindred spirits. She takes reality to a new height and she delivers it not with the happy endings we find in romance and yet not with unhappy endings either, what she gives instead is a realistic recipe for life, served with a huge helping of hope. Her plot is not far fetched, it could happen to you or someone you know. Her narrative flows and her characters shine and no matter who you are or where you are in your particular life journey you will find a bit of you inside her pages.
Lisa you’ve taken me around the world more than once now and each time I find something new to love about what you lovingly have to say. So wherever in the world you plan on going next I’m in.
Becky has just gotten news that’s making her already dimming eyes more cloudy, she’s got children to raise and a troubled marriage to figure out, she’s got no time for going blind. When her friend and neighbor who’s suffered a loss of her own suggests completing her dead husband’s bucket list she thinks it’s the craziest idea ever.
Judy is suffering a huge case of empty nest syndrome that’s left her at loose ends which makes her feel small when she learns of Becky’s situation and thinks of the loss that Monique has suffered, especially since her married life is in good working order. But when Monique invites her on this complete the bucket list trip, she’s all for it.
This journey will mean different things to these three friends who’ve all suffered loss, who’re all at a fork in their particular road. Will they be enlightened or will this trip just make their losses more real. Will Monique find closure, and resolve to live again? Will Becky come to terms with her diagnosis, can she face what ever waits for her at home? Will Judy find a new reason to get up in the morning when she’s got no to do list to complete?
Lisa Verge Higgins has delivered another masterpiece in fiction and what makes it especially memorable is how she really “gets” friendship, the unique relationships that defines kindred spirits. She takes reality to a new height and she delivers it not with the happy endings we find in romance and yet not with unhappy endings either, what she gives instead is a realistic recipe for life, served with a huge helping of hope. Her plot is not far fetched, it could happen to you or someone you know. Her narrative flows and her characters shine and no matter who you are or where you are in your particular life journey you will find a bit of you inside her pages.
Lisa you’ve taken me around the world more than once now and each time I find something new to love about what you lovingly have to say. So wherever in the world you plan on going next I’m in.
December 4, 2014
I won this ARC in a Goodreads giveaway.
Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith. At other times, you have to be pushed off the edge.
This was a beautiful book of friendship, love and life. Monique's husband, Larry, died four years ago but she still mourns him. In a near-spur-of-the-moment decision, she takes her friends Judy and Becky on a two-week trip to Europe to complete a bucket list she and Larry designed years ago. The three mothers learn more of each other - issues, secrets, and younger lives - but even better, more about themselves. Bonds strengthen as time passes in their near-fantasy land away from their normal lives.
I am not their age nor am I a mother, but I felt a connection with this book. I want to take my best friend and do a mini vacation with her for a breather. I will definitely read this book in the future.
Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith. At other times, you have to be pushed off the edge.
This was a beautiful book of friendship, love and life. Monique's husband, Larry, died four years ago but she still mourns him. In a near-spur-of-the-moment decision, she takes her friends Judy and Becky on a two-week trip to Europe to complete a bucket list she and Larry designed years ago. The three mothers learn more of each other - issues, secrets, and younger lives - but even better, more about themselves. Bonds strengthen as time passes in their near-fantasy land away from their normal lives.
I am not their age nor am I a mother, but I felt a connection with this book. I want to take my best friend and do a mini vacation with her for a breather. I will definitely read this book in the future.
May 1, 2013
“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” Elbert Hubbard
Becky, Judy, and Monique are neighbors, friends, and every day morale boosters for one another. They worry over their children and while Becky is still handling school age catastrophes, both Judy and Monique are dealing with that awful empty nest. Each one has a unique set of circumstances to their lives but they have each other’s back.
For four years, Monique has mourned her husband’s death and lamented over the bucket list he had come up with for her. There were times Monique looked it over but more times when tears just hit the paper it was written on. When unexpected news hits one of the friends Monique decides it is time to transfer the bucket into a pitcher and start watering the flowers of adventure.
The friends take off on a trip through Europe following the directions on the list that seems to be at times odd if not downright location peculiar. Monique keeps coming back to question why did my late husband want me to see this. There is more than one bad decision when the veer off the itinerary and some frantic exchanges of where are we now. However, while the path they are taking is not completely clear, the destiny is a blazing neon sign that keeps saying move on.
Lisa Verge Higgins captures the essence of every woman, who they are, and how every change affects the beat of their heart.
Becky, Judy, and Monique are neighbors, friends, and every day morale boosters for one another. They worry over their children and while Becky is still handling school age catastrophes, both Judy and Monique are dealing with that awful empty nest. Each one has a unique set of circumstances to their lives but they have each other’s back.
For four years, Monique has mourned her husband’s death and lamented over the bucket list he had come up with for her. There were times Monique looked it over but more times when tears just hit the paper it was written on. When unexpected news hits one of the friends Monique decides it is time to transfer the bucket into a pitcher and start watering the flowers of adventure.
The friends take off on a trip through Europe following the directions on the list that seems to be at times odd if not downright location peculiar. Monique keeps coming back to question why did my late husband want me to see this. There is more than one bad decision when the veer off the itinerary and some frantic exchanges of where are we now. However, while the path they are taking is not completely clear, the destiny is a blazing neon sign that keeps saying move on.
Lisa Verge Higgins captures the essence of every woman, who they are, and how every change affects the beat of their heart.
July 7, 2013
This is not your typical mid-life crisis book. It focuses on three women (one a relatively young widow, one with growing debilitating illness, and the other in search for her own identity) as they forage through Europe in trying to fulfill the widow's late husband's bucket list. Lisa takes your hand through the continent as we follow the exploits of these women and their adventures. As soothing as a cup of hot cocoa in January, and refreshing as iced tea in July, this book melts your troubles away.
September 7, 2013
I loved this book. It was about three friends who were neighbors. One had her love of her life husband die 4 years earlier. She was still not ready to start living. The other was an empty nester who was trying decide what to do next. The third just learned that she had degenerative eye disorder that would eventually cause her to be blind. The widow had a bucket list of sorts that her husband created before he died. She decided to take and do the bucket list with her two neighbors. I loved all of their personalities and how they were so different but knew each other so well. Great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2013
Everyone hits bumps in their lives, and this book is not only all about that, but actually gives insight into what to do about it. A wonderful look at women's friendship and what it can do for you. I loved this book! The characters were wonderful and wonderfully developed. I was so drawn in by the story that I felt an intimate relationship with the characters. I laughed and cried so many times. I reccommend this to everyone! This would make a great book club title!
June 1, 2013
The idea behind this book was extremely relevant to me on a personal level, but it was disappointing in execution. I didn't really connect much to any of the characters, and their adventures seemed a little contrived. It's a shame because the idea was a good one, somewhat along the lines of P.S. I Love You meets the Bucket List, but it just left me wishing for a little something more.
October 30, 2014
I received a copy of this book as a First Reads winner. I really enjoyed the book and finished it in just a couple of days. It is a great story of friendship and was pretty comical at times when the three friends were in Europe. I especially enjoyed it since I just returned from a trip to London and Paris! I look forward to reading Lisa's other books!
January 17, 2015
I loved this book. A wonderful story of friendship and support.
It made me laugh as I envisioned some of the situations the girls experienced as they completed Lenny's bucket list.
It reinforced to me that we should do it today, take the plunge into life...you are not guaranteed any tomorrow's and life can throw you a curve ball in a moment.
It made me laugh as I envisioned some of the situations the girls experienced as they completed Lenny's bucket list.
It reinforced to me that we should do it today, take the plunge into life...you are not guaranteed any tomorrow's and life can throw you a curve ball in a moment.
June 17, 2013
Ugh, I ended up skimming a lot of this book. I just couldn't understand why the characters were so one-dimensional. I don't know why I ended up finishing it because it certainly didn't get any better throughout.
April 21, 2013
An uplifting story of three women fulfilling a bucket list in europe. A great story for all women going through life's passages.
June 16, 2013
This book makes me realize how precious friends are in our lives. Also, considering a bucket list of my own.
September 29, 2013
Travel and hilarity, sometimes tears . . . a feel-good book.
November 22, 2013
Loved it.
June 12, 2018
Almost a 3, for idea if nothing else. But the execution of this book didn't quite make it for me. Wasn't drawn in, didn't particularly relate to or like the characters.
Loved the travel and adventures, however. Didn't find the writing around it all that good, but my own imagination filled in just fine and kept me smiling.
***SPOILER***
I do think that part of my dislike was Becky's losing of eyesight - for which I give the author 5 stars. She did that exceptionally well. But it gives me the hebe geebies. Even just writing it now. Too awful to contemplate. I commend the author for tackling the subject and truly appreciate it. Very brave to do that in chick lit, so she has my respect. Just can't get past my own discomfort.
Loved the travel and adventures, however. Didn't find the writing around it all that good, but my own imagination filled in just fine and kept me smiling.
***SPOILER***
I do think that part of my dislike was Becky's losing of eyesight - for which I give the author 5 stars. She did that exceptionally well. But it gives me the hebe geebies. Even just writing it now. Too awful to contemplate. I commend the author for tackling the subject and truly appreciate it. Very brave to do that in chick lit, so she has my respect. Just can't get past my own discomfort.
October 16, 2018
I have 2 BFF's since middle school, and I can DO see the 3 of us going on an enlightening expedition like Judy, Beck and Monie's.
I have 2 BFF's since middle school. We are now 50, 50 and 49 in age. I can SO relate to this story, although circumstances are not exact, they could be. GREAT READ!!!
I have 2 BFF's since middle school. We are now 50, 50 and 49 in age. I can SO relate to this story, although circumstances are not exact, they could be. GREAT READ!!!
August 31, 2019
This was ok. I felt like the characters were shadow but the author didn't flesh them out all that much.
October 13, 2024
A trip to Europe with 3 friends. One lost her husband and 2 need to get away.
December 7, 2013
Monique's husband, Lenny, passed away 4 years ago and she is still grieving. Every now and then she gets out the bucket list that the two of them compiled while Lenny was undergoing chemo treatments. It kept them occupied and it was a way of hoping for the future. When Monique realizes that her two friends are going through their own life problems, she gets out the list and persuades them to take a trip first to London and then through Europe doing the things on that list--from eating at the Eiffel Tower, to visiting the catacombs in France, to blowing $1,000 in a Monaco casino, and 10 other equally unusual and, at times, frightening things to do.
I just didn't enjoy this book much at all. There was one chapter, on page 200, that had me laughing and that was the only time I felt as though I saw a real, fun friendship between the women. The pages before and after that chapter never gave me a sense of who these women really were and how they ever became friends in the first place. There was a lot of "sniping" at each other and a feeling of one or the other acting superior and diminishing each other.
I wasn't impressed with the bucket list and I became bored with the detailed description of the many places they visited that wouldn't have been my first choices if I were going abroad...but I guess that was the point. Lenny wanted Monique out of her comfort zone. It was just that one of the other three was always complaining and no one seemed to have any fun. I didn't have any fun reading about the lack of fun they were having.
Finally, I found it depressing that all three women were so depressed. I can't imagine three depressed women on a trip together and even though every now and then one of them would try to rally around the other two, it just seemed too contrived and too clinical. It would have been so much better for me if at least one of the three women was actually happy and wanted to boost her friends' morale. Reading about their experiences was painful. I'm so glad I wasn't on that trip with them!
I just didn't enjoy this book much at all. There was one chapter, on page 200, that had me laughing and that was the only time I felt as though I saw a real, fun friendship between the women. The pages before and after that chapter never gave me a sense of who these women really were and how they ever became friends in the first place. There was a lot of "sniping" at each other and a feeling of one or the other acting superior and diminishing each other.
I wasn't impressed with the bucket list and I became bored with the detailed description of the many places they visited that wouldn't have been my first choices if I were going abroad...but I guess that was the point. Lenny wanted Monique out of her comfort zone. It was just that one of the other three was always complaining and no one seemed to have any fun. I didn't have any fun reading about the lack of fun they were having.
Finally, I found it depressing that all three women were so depressed. I can't imagine three depressed women on a trip together and even though every now and then one of them would try to rally around the other two, it just seemed too contrived and too clinical. It would have been so much better for me if at least one of the three women was actually happy and wanted to boost her friends' morale. Reading about their experiences was painful. I'm so glad I wasn't on that trip with them!
May 29, 2013
This story is about three friends who are neighbors, they're between 30, 40, and 50.
Becky was just diagnosed with a life changing condition and is having marital problems. She's a step mom and mother of 2 young kids.
Monique is a widow with an only daughter planning to go to college thousands of miles away.
Judy the mother of 5, whose youngest is headed for college making her an empty nester, finds herself wanting to know what to do in this new stage of her life.
They're struggling with their own set of problems, but when Monique decides to pursue that bucket list she and her late husband made before he died of cancer, she invites them to come to Europe for 2 weeks and together they find some answers and realizations they've been needing to find to help them move on.
It's quite a trip, full of excitement and new discoveries, things they didn't know about each other, making their bond even stronger.
Situations are realistic, funny, touching and inspiring. Even though some situations are very serious and sad, the story doesn't leave you overwhelmed and depressed.
I normally read books in one sitting, but even though I couldn't, I was always eager to come back till the very end.
The author ends each chapter with intrigue, making you wonder and eager to see what happens next, I love that. I think you'll relate to something in this story like I did.
I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it if your looking for a book about friendships and overcoming obstacles.
Becky was just diagnosed with a life changing condition and is having marital problems. She's a step mom and mother of 2 young kids.
Monique is a widow with an only daughter planning to go to college thousands of miles away.
Judy the mother of 5, whose youngest is headed for college making her an empty nester, finds herself wanting to know what to do in this new stage of her life.
They're struggling with their own set of problems, but when Monique decides to pursue that bucket list she and her late husband made before he died of cancer, she invites them to come to Europe for 2 weeks and together they find some answers and realizations they've been needing to find to help them move on.
It's quite a trip, full of excitement and new discoveries, things they didn't know about each other, making their bond even stronger.
Situations are realistic, funny, touching and inspiring. Even though some situations are very serious and sad, the story doesn't leave you overwhelmed and depressed.
I normally read books in one sitting, but even though I couldn't, I was always eager to come back till the very end.
The author ends each chapter with intrigue, making you wonder and eager to see what happens next, I love that. I think you'll relate to something in this story like I did.
I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it if your looking for a book about friendships and overcoming obstacles.
May 5, 2013
Three women from the suburbs try to escape from their problems by taking a whirlwind trip to Europe, but find they can’t outrun themselves. So they have to face their biggest, most frightening issues. Monique can’t accept that her beloved husband is dead and refuses to participate fully in life. Judy, who has raised four children, suffers from severe empty nest syndrome. Becky, the mother of two small children, is going blind.
These women are neighbors first and then friends. On their trip, they visit fascinating places—a restaurant with no lights, the red light district in Amsterdam, the Paris catacombs—and do things that stretch them beyond their accustomed limits, all of which resonate with their particular problems. But the truly emotional moments are amongst the three of them, as they try to help each other find a way to confront and deal with their fears at the deepest level of their thoughts and hearts.
I laughed at dialogue that sparkled with wit. I savored the vivid descriptions of foreign locales, remembering the ones I’ve seen and vowing to visit those I haven’t. But most especially, I cried at the heartfelt emotions evoked as these women supported each other and fought through to resolutions they could live with.
For a read that explores the depths of friendship and the fears of the human heart, I highly recommend Friendship Makes the Heart Grow Fonder.
These women are neighbors first and then friends. On their trip, they visit fascinating places—a restaurant with no lights, the red light district in Amsterdam, the Paris catacombs—and do things that stretch them beyond their accustomed limits, all of which resonate with their particular problems. But the truly emotional moments are amongst the three of them, as they try to help each other find a way to confront and deal with their fears at the deepest level of their thoughts and hearts.
I laughed at dialogue that sparkled with wit. I savored the vivid descriptions of foreign locales, remembering the ones I’ve seen and vowing to visit those I haven’t. But most especially, I cried at the heartfelt emotions evoked as these women supported each other and fought through to resolutions they could live with.
For a read that explores the depths of friendship and the fears of the human heart, I highly recommend Friendship Makes the Heart Grow Fonder.
March 24, 2013
While Monique's husband Lenny is dying of cancer, the two of them compile a bucket list of things to do together. Unbeknownst to Monique, the items are things that Lenny would like her to experience after his death. Some are things that she left behind when they married, and some are things that she may need to do to move on. Four years later, while experiencing personal crises, Monique and her friends set off to Europe to fulfill Lenny's wishes. Each woman confronts her fears with the support of the others. A beautiful and realistic story of female friendship, this novel highlights the need for a loving support system. It is alternately sad, yet uplifting, with welcome shots of humor. The writing is lyrical and graceful, with wonderfully descriptive passages. I have long been a fan of this author, but I think that this novel is my favorite by far. A gorgeous and poignant read about love and loss, taking chances, and moving on. A novel to savor, and I highly recommend it.
July 29, 2013
When Monique decides to include her friends Becky and Judy in helping her to fulfill the bucket list her husband Lenny drew up before he died, she learns the real reason behind the bucket list. Wonderfully told with such vivid description of the women's travels through the heart of Europe, I felt a vicarious thrill as they took on each new challenge and adventure in scenic places of France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and England. It brought me both tears and laughter as the characters come to terms with their own personal crisis, grow, and learn how true friendship makes one's heart grow fonder. I've added this to my top reads from Lisa Verge Higgins which includes The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship and One Good Friend Deserves Another, all great stories in their own right.
May 22, 2013
Three friends, each with her own challenges, set out on a quest through Europe to check off all the items on the bucket list left by one of the character's husband before he died. Along the way, they discover deep insights about who they are and what they want from their lives when they return home.
I admit--I got a little teary in the best way possible during this read. But my favorite moment was when I was reading the "speeding on an autobahn" scene in the middle of the night, and it wasn't until after the scene was over that I realized I had been pushing down on the mattress hard with my right foot...hitting the breaks! If this isn't the sign of a writer whose book immerses you in the moment, I don't know what is.
A wonderful story that really drove home for me the idea of how simple and yet profoundly life-changing friendships can be.
I admit--I got a little teary in the best way possible during this read. But my favorite moment was when I was reading the "speeding on an autobahn" scene in the middle of the night, and it wasn't until after the scene was over that I realized I had been pushing down on the mattress hard with my right foot...hitting the breaks! If this isn't the sign of a writer whose book immerses you in the moment, I don't know what is.
A wonderful story that really drove home for me the idea of how simple and yet profoundly life-changing friendships can be.
September 16, 2020
This is the story of three women. Monique is widowed with a teenage daughter, Becky the mother of two young kids, and Judy the mother of five, all flown the coop. When Becky receives a life-changing diagnosis, the three women take a two-week trip around Europe to fulfill the "bucket list" left to Monique by her dying husband.
Each of these women has her own problems to work through, and the trip acts as a vehicle for self-discovery. Each of them is a beautifully sympathetic character and I rooted for them the whole way. This book is tender and real and mixes in just enough of that fantasy "what if I had the money to blow on a trip like this?" to make it really fun.
(Although having read the cool things you can do in Europe, I'm very grumpy about my prosaic, see-it-from-the-bus trip I took after high school.)
Each of these women has her own problems to work through, and the trip acts as a vehicle for self-discovery. Each of them is a beautifully sympathetic character and I rooted for them the whole way. This book is tender and real and mixes in just enough of that fantasy "what if I had the money to blow on a trip like this?" to make it really fun.
(Although having read the cool things you can do in Europe, I'm very grumpy about my prosaic, see-it-from-the-bus trip I took after high school.)
April 21, 2013
I won this in a First Reads giveaway and really enjoyed it. From the title, I was expecting saccharine sentimentality, but instead found that the friendships were depicted in a very realistic and relatable way, which I appreciated. I absolutely loved the travelogue aspect of the story, and often felt like I was right there with Monique, Judy and Becky, experiencing the same places and adventures. It made for a nice escape, yet tackled enough serious issues in the lives of the characters to stay firmly out of fluff territory. I would read other books by this author in the future.
April 4, 2013
This was a very interesting read. Monique is struggling with the loss of her husband. Judy is trying to find equal balance between her younger self and the 50-something yr. old she is now, while Becky is losing sight of what is really important in her marriage. As the three of them embark on an European vacation, they each discover a world about themselves.
I found the story to be sad at times and gave descriptive images that, to me, could have done away with, but outside of that, I found this story to be very engaging. I wouldn't be surprised to see this book on film one day.
I found the story to be sad at times and gave descriptive images that, to me, could have done away with, but outside of that, I found this story to be very engaging. I wouldn't be surprised to see this book on film one day.
March 14, 2013
I won this in an ARC giveaway on Goodreads :)
What an wondrous book of friendship! I love some of my friends that remind me of some of these very same ladies. It showed me how awesome and strong friendships can be, even when things get tough in life. I'm a military spouse and I can begin to explain how much my friendships mean to me and even to our husbands. This book was wonderfully written and the story line was great! It was very touching o me personally!
What an wondrous book of friendship! I love some of my friends that remind me of some of these very same ladies. It showed me how awesome and strong friendships can be, even when things get tough in life. I'm a military spouse and I can begin to explain how much my friendships mean to me and even to our husbands. This book was wonderfully written and the story line was great! It was very touching o me personally!
January 30, 2015
Pretty good book. Great read for the beach or a quick travel book. I loved the story of friendship between the three women in this book. They each stood by one another during a very significant part of each of their lives when they needed a friend with them the most. Great book about the wonderful power of friendship and what it means to be there for someone. Not one I would read again but still a good book that I am glad that I read at least once. :)
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