Le bleu de l'été

Goddesses Anonymous #1

by Emilie Richards

This is a fictional novel.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Womens Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

507 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

I'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.

I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.

I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.

Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.

Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a bitter family dispute Charlotte was estranged from her family. Now after many years apart she finds herself faced with her own mortality and starts to look back on her life. As she remembers the things that made her what she is, she starts to take steps to make amends for the mistakes she has made.

With her eyes open she looks for both small and large ways she can make a difference in the lives of the people around her. Her heart's desire is to be reconciled with her daughter and grand-daughter, but her daughter is the one person who refuses to have anything to do with her.


I bought this book on a whim. It's not really something I would normally read but I liked that the main character was a 50 something woman and honestly the cover appealed to me. I'm glad I did. It's a bit of an emotional roller-coaster but such a sweet book and ultimately life affirming.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect read for today. I needed a book like this. I haven't read this author before, and saw this available on Overdrive, and downloaded it for today, as well as the second one in this series.

I loved how this started. I was hooked by the descriptive detail. While it wasn't sustained throughout, it was okay because I was really into the story and I loved Charlotte. Even at the end, for not being a crier, I cried like a little girl....at work....and in public. I couldn't help it. I started the second one right away, and I'm not liking it near as much, but I'm trying not to be too hasty.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read For Every Woman!

I have read all Emilie Richards' books so had pre-ordered on Nook and could not wait to read it. I finished it one day as could not put it down! It is one of the most powerful stories about life, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, fathers, forgiveness; Life is too short to hold grudges, and how people come into our lives with great meaning and purpose.

I loved the characters and how 3 different women find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy and how each was handled. I also loved the Asheville, NC setting as I am a native of NC and have lived in the southeast all my life and now live in West Palm Beach, FL; however, last fall returned to Asheville, NC to do some consulting work for the Grove Park Inn (fantastic place – make sure to get a rocking chair view and try the underground spa!) mentioned in the book, as well as spending time in Highlands, NC, which is where I visit each Fall. The mountains hold a special place for me as you feel close to God and there is peacefulness there, so the setting was fitting for a book of this nature.

I highly recommend as one of the top books and I read over a 100 books a year. One of Emilie’s best (and they are all good), but this one was special. I would love to see a sequel and continuation of Harmony as she was a character you fell in love with, as she grew from the scared insecure woman to finding her place, due to Charlotte’s warm and open heart. A Winner! (PS I think I went thru a box of Kleenex)

[Dorine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Read ~ For women's fiction at its best, Charlotte's journey through her past and present is inspirational as well as a deeply emotional look at life. With a good dose of faith mixed in, you can't help but be affected by the diverse characters in this thought-provoking first book in the contemporary GODDESSES ANONYMOUS series.

Charlotte Hale is a savvy, very successful, business woman with a quirky instability ‒ the inability to park a car within an allotted space, no matter how hard she tries. She's bossy and brass, as well as used to getting her own way. She has built an empire from very modest beginnings and no one knows more than her family what she's sacrificed to be at the top of her field. For all her self-confidence, how can she feel so small waiting on her minister at this very moment? Could it be that she's not as self-assured or as perfect as she believes?

Reverend Analiese "Ana" Wagner pulls into the parking lot at Asheville's Church of the Covenant and discovers that someone has parked partially in her designated parking place. Once she recognizes whose car it is, she finds another spot and prays for patience amongst other things. Charlotte Hale and Reverend Ana don't usually see eye-to-eye on most subjects and since Ana needs to prepare for a memorial service beginning within an hour, patience isn't the only virtue she'll need. Reverend Ana is nothing but honest, and the big question will be ‒ is Charlotte ready to hear her?

Ethan Martin does his best to help his daughter care for her ten-year-old child who has epilepsy. As a single mom, Taylor works two jobs to help support herself and Maddie. She receives financial support from Maddie's father, but raising her daughter in a safe environment takes every moment that she's not working. Luckily, she has her best friend, Samantha, and her daughter, Edna, to help make life seem as normal as possible. Can life really always be normal, or is a bit of a shake-up just what this single mom needs?

Ethan finds his mind wandering, thinking about his ex-wife, Charlotte, because he's sure he saw her watching Maddie at the park today. For ten years, since the day Maddie was born, Ethan and his daughter have successfully avoided Charlotte. Now he's not sure why his ex-wife has surfaced and how he's going to tell his daughter about it. Taylor still holds a great deal of anger toward her mother and Ethan doesn't blame her. Has Charlotte always been lurking unseen around the corner, and if not, why would she start now?

Harmony Stoddard works at the coffee shop that Charlotte frequents. After a bad night dealing with rude customers, Harmony just needs some rest. Charlotte had witnessed the situation and hopes to assure Harmony that the incidents weren't her fault. What she doesn't expect is to find the young woman sleeping in her car and decidedly offering her own home as a refuge. Is this unexpected gift to a stranger really a wise thing to do?

These are just a few of the intriguing characters you'll meet in book one of the GODDESSES ANONYMOUS series by author Emilie Richards. Charlotte has taken up journaling, so while the characters weave in and out of Charlotte's life, so do the memories of her past, much of which she needs to atone for. What I loved best about this novel is the interaction between the characters scattered amongst Charlotte's spiritual growth. Most of the women are quick-witted and sometimes smart-mouthed to the extent of being very funny at the most unexpected moments. I'm especially fond of Harmony and hope to find her in future novels. Reverend Ana is a hoot and so perfect for Charlotte at this time of her life. And Ethan. What an amazing man.

I need to mention that ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY may not meet the expectations of those who read mostly romance, even though it has a beautiful love story within it. It's women's fiction and definitely follows a different drummer, which is why I love it. I highly recommend this novel as an inspirational journey well worth the box of tissue you'll go through while reading, and even though there's a great deal of love within this novel, it's more about women's relationships and their personal growth. ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY is filled with sorrow, optimism, forgiveness, faith and a deep love that transcends a lifetime.

Emile Richards' talent for characterization makes this novel a pure joy to read. Every moment spent with each of the characters seems completely in-tune with how you'd imagine they'd act or sound if you could meet them. They're a diverse lot, from young to old, and then divided up as wise to cranky to quirky or hilarious.

ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY by Emilie Richards is mesmeric, lulling you into the lives of its characters so thoroughly that your heart will break and mend, then mull over in amazement for hours afterward. Emilie Richards' flair is how she can reveal human frailties mixed with hope that is inspirational without feeling as though you've been taught a lesson ‒ even though you have. This novel will take your breath away in sorrow and joy. The end is thought-provoking and I wished Reverend Ana was real and sitting next to me at that moment. There's so much I can't wait to find out in the next book in the GODDESSES ANONYMOUS series. In truth, I was hoping one of the characters would give me a tidbit but none of them have been forthcoming ‒ yet. ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY by Emilie Richards earns a recommended read status for its divergence, for how it inspires and hopefully, for how it empowers women to be who they're meant to be ‒ for themselves and for each other.

5 Blue Ribbons and Recommended Read, review courtesy of Romance Junkies.

[Allysia K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this book.

On the one hand, it was really sweet and full of goodness. Despite the main character facing a leukemia diagnosis, the tone of the book is very heartfelt and optimistic.

On the other hand, I didn't consider this a page-turner. It took me a couple weeks to finish, which is usually a gauge of how much I'm invested in a book. It wasn't blowing my mind. It was nice, but just okay.

You can tell how much the author loves her characters, and I think the book suffers a little for it. The characters are just so good and wholesome. Charlotte is practically a saint (as is Analeise and Harmony). You're supposed to root against Charlotte in the beginning, I suppose, since she alienated her family 10 years prior to the start of the story, but there's never a moment where I felt like Charlotte was anything close to a despicable character. It would have been nice to see a little more character development with her, than to simply have her be this unflinchingly courageous and good woman. For someone with a leukemia diagnosis, she never has a despairing thought, which felt a little unrealistic.

The book's antagonist ended up being the daughter, Taylor - and if Charlotte was this wonderful, no-flaws woman, Taylor was the opposite. She's petty and block-headed, and I found myself wishing she had a few more shades of gray as well.

The ending also gets a little preachy, as the tone shifts to "let's have a main character plainly lay out the moral of the story". I like the morals of a story to take a little bit more work to dig up - they end up resonating more when I do.

Despite all this criticism, I still cried big ugly tears, mainly during some Ethan and Charlotte moments. So that's worth something.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve upgraded this from four and a half to five stars as I’ve been thinking about it a lot of the time since I read it. While from my own experience I found the mother and daughter relationship between Charlotte and Taylor, almost incomprehensible, somehow the author’s skill makes it believable.
Charlotte Hale has pulled herself up from a very difficult beginning to be a well to do real estate developer. But it has come at a price. That of her husband and daughter Taylor, and basically any friends she might have had. The trouble is Charlotte and Taylor are both strong women, very much alike. Too much alike it would seem and that was where the problems started. They both like to think they are in control.
But when Charlotte is diagnosed with leukaemia, she realises there are some things she simply can’t control or manage on her own.
There are some interesting female characters in this, not only Charlotte and Taylor, but Harmony the pregnant unmarried woman Charlotte meets, Analiese, the minister of Covenant church, Stephanie, Taylor’s friend. who is not above telling a few home truths when needed. One of my favourites was Analiese, otherwise known as Reverend Ana, despite some of her unconventional ideas and teaching methods.
‘The hard part of being a mother is knowing when to let go and when to hang on.’ This is a story of relationships, parent and child relationships as well as friendships. I loved this book. The characters hooked me right in and tugged at my emotions. Yes there were more than a few tears in the process too.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilie Richards has always given me a sense of completion when I’ve finished one of her novels, she has a unique way of telling a story and this story is her 70th published novel, and a debut in a brand new series. What a grand accomplishment. Maybe it’s her perspective from being a minister’s wife, maybe it’s she was born with that storytelling spoon in her mouth, whatever it is this story is special, unique and very emotional. As I recall her past novels I remember laughter and I remember a certain way she gave me life lessons, I’ve seen her mature as a writer as she’s matured as a woman and all of those things culminate in this most amazing read. The story is one any of us women of a “certain age” can empathize with, with all of our accomplishments but especially our regrets, it’s what Emilie did with the regrets part that will always stay with me. Her characters are as in depth as if they were my neighbors or friends, even enemies and she takes time to establish each one in her or his own part of her tale. Her narrative is what I’ve come to expect from her, her quiet and calming words that tell of explosive situations that’s easy to read and understand, she brought me the sights, smells and sounds of her story and I saw each scene with only her dialogue needed for my guide. This is much more than a love story although there is certainly that as well, but it’s a lesson to us all that it’s never too late to change and to remember that memories are sometimes flawed by emotions.
If you like the writing of Karen White or Patti Callahan Henry you'll love Emilie Richards.
Ms. Richards I'm so looking forward to where you take this series from here and thank you for always taking me on a trip worth remembering.

I'm also proud to announce that Emilie has graciously agreed to be my featured author for the Barnes & Noble General Fiction forum's September group read, so please pre-order the book now below and join us when we read and discuss this wonderful piece of literature together. Check the link for future details http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...

Charlotte Hale has always had to be in control, little does anyone know it stems from uncontrollable fear in her past. She’s done everything to get to where she is today, but she’s suddenly reminded of the costs she paid to get here. Now at a painful crossroads in her life she’s vowed to make amends, the trouble will be to convince those she needs that a leopard change her spots and the hope that she’ll have the time she needs to accomplish these difficult but important things.
Taylor has always relied on her father’s support ever since her mother’s words cut her heart out, but now at a crossroads of her own Taylor learns of her mother’s attempt to be a part of her and her daughter Maddie’s lives.
Ethan Martin is about to have a revelation when he sees his first ex-wife watching their grand-daughter from a bench in the park where she’s playing, is his heart willing to listen or has it become hardened to her voice.
Harmony Stoddard has escaped a hopeless situation at home only to find herself in the middle of another one, she’s about to meet a woman who will change her life. The question is will she recognize it for the miracle it is or will she let her past relationships rule her future ones too.
Reverend Analiese Wagner is going to be given an opportunity to practice what she preaches when she sees Charlotte sitting in an empty pew waiting for her.
With Devine intervention and human tenacity this unlikely group will have the possibility to make a change for the better in not only their own lives but also their community, the question is will they recognize it as a gift or will they let what came before predict their futures as well.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvellous story, loved it. Tissues needed in part, such a thought provoking read. Highly recommend. 2022: a reread via audio. Totally wonderful, so full of love, hope, forgiveness and wisdom.

I loved this one, as indeed I do generally for the books I read written by Emilie Richards. The first chapter is a great hook in. There is a woman writing in a journal, while watching some children on the playground - she is merely an observer, not the carer. I ended the chapter thinking; who is she? Who is the child Maddie that she is watching? My interest was whetted.

This is a book about very strong women and the journeys in life that they take. There is Charlotte who has reassessed her life and is now trying to put right the wrongs she perpetrated in her life when she was younger. She has had some time to reflect and a life crisis to speed this up. I really liked Charlotte, as she is revealed to us we see a complex woman but a very loveable woman. Her childhood has had far reaching effects on her, as indeed it has on other characters in the book and no doubt on readers lives as well.

Other characters that warmed my heart were Harmony, the young pregnant woman - I really wanted the best for her, and my heart was in my mouth, was she going to make the best choice for herself and her baby. There was a sigh of relief when I finally felt all was well for now for her. Another character I liked was the minister - Analiese. She is a wonderful listener and supportive person. I would love a book that focuses on her life. Taylor, Charlotte's daughter was a very interesting character and as the story progresses, she too is revealed as a very complex person. Would Charlotte and Taylor find there way back to each other? This was my question as I read through the book. They were so alike, mother and daughter - which is actually no great surprise.

This book brought smiles and tears. The relationships of the characters as they took many different turns in the road kept my heart involved. Emilie Richards has been a counsellor and she brings a rich understanding of the human heart and a person's motives and reasons for being as they are.

I came across Emilie Richards accidentally when I picked up one of her books at a Book Fair and read the story. While it was not her most engaging one, it was enough to make me seek more. I never regret reading one of her books.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very bittersweet story that dealt with regrets, making amends, and forgiveness. Many of the characters were flawed, but even so, they were sympathetic and likeable. Some of the relationships were enjoyable to read about, and others were sad. I liked the way that love and friendship come through in the book. Emilie Richards is a must read author for me, and this book is a good example of why I enjoy her work so much.

Charlotte Hale has many regrets in her life, none more than the severing of her relationships with her daughter and her ex-husband. When Charlotte finds herself facing a terrible health crisis, she wants to make her life count. She realizes that mending fences with her family may be futile, so she looks to see what she can accomplish to impact and make real differences in the lives of others. Along the way, unexpected things happen and she is able to find some peace in her own life.

I enjoyed seeing Charlotte change in this book from a fairly selfish woman to one who cared deeply for others. There were some wonderful secondary characters in the book. I especially liked Ethan and Harmony.
This book told a good story, and it drew both smiles and tears. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley.

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm drawn to stories of complex family relationships and One Mountain Away is certainly that but there was something special about this book. Something that touched me to the core ... Emilie's insight, the lyrical writing, the life lessons, Charlotte's character. It all came together so beautifully and had me smiling, sighing and crying a bucket load at the sheer goodness.

This was my first Emilie Richards novel and I seriously cannot wait to read more. Her characterisation rings clear and true. Charlotte, Harmony, Reverend Anna, Taylor and Ethan could be people next door, friends ... frailties, flaws, eccentricities and kindnesses, I was pulled in to their lives.

It wasn't difficult to empathise with Charlotte, this woman who'd lost so much in her quest for 'everything', I was rooting for her as she acknowledged her mistakes and made changes in her life.

One Mountain Away is about living life, appreciating the little things, learning from mistakes, making the most of second chances and not quitting ... five minutes before your miracle.

Hope, forgiveness, empowerment, sadness and an absolute joy to read!!

[Kathleen Basi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving story of redemption, although it's not couched in those terms. Charlotte is someone rethinking her life following a devastating medical diagnosis. Throughout the book people talk about how horrible a person she has been, but we see none of that in the book; she's a broken woman trying to make herself whole again. We don't really see her growth, because it takes place all at once before the book begins. But I think it couldn't be any other way, because she wouldn't be a likeable character if we had to watch her behave as people say she has in the past.

I think the hardest thing about this book was tolerating Taylor, the main character's daughter, who was one of the most unpleasant characters I've ever encountered. She, too, was "redeemed" at the end, but for me it was too little too late.

[Sandy Forman-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

started off slow but as each character was developed it was hard to put he book down. very well written

[Irene Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially had reservations about this book, but I ended up loving it and ordering the rest of the series.

[Daphne Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly cared about the characters and was rooting for the ending that I predicted would come. It's definitely enjoyable and certainly brought some tears along with satisfaction.

[Sharon]

This was SUCH a FANTASTIC book.... a whole box of Kleenex and then some!!! Great characters, great storylines, wonderful and realistic interactions!!! I have never read any Emilie Richards before but you can bet I'm going to read all of hers I can get my hands on from now on!!! This was the first of a series called Anonymous Goddesses and it was GREAT!! The women in the book are far from goddesses but they make you believe in mankind again or to be more specific, womankind. The male characters are also well written and believable and authentic also. Emilie Richards is my new favorite author of contemporary fiction!! Recommend to anyone who wants to get lost in a wonderful story !!!

[Theresa LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christian Pastor should preach & teach Biblical truth, not teach their congregation to practice & believe in other religions. Telling a congregant that the woman, or perhaps angel, who she saw in the hospital was a Buddhist goddess is just WRONG. She’s teaching her & others to worship idols.

Had the author not had a Christian Pastor teach other religions, and called the woman an angel, I’d have given it 5 stars.

[Sonia189 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great theme, very interesting characters and some realistic feelings being discussed.
However, I don't know where I got the idea but I thought there would be a bigger focus on romance and some parts were a little boring. I like characters who think, who make decisions, who have development as the story goes by but in this case some of this happened in a slightly boring manner....
I still feel curious about the next story, though, and I will read it at some point.

[Vicki Mohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I wanted to read this once I started, but I am glad I did. The story about a lady dying from cancer and how she fixes some of the things she regrets in the past. It was sad but a good story.

[Cynthia Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm probably not going to start another book right away. This book was so thought provoking regarding family relationships and what a waste of time mis-communication is I need to digest it for several days before moving on.

[Catherine Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first began this book, I wondered where it was going, and then I found out, straight to my heart. An unforgettable story.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up til after Midnight to finish it

[Thuan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very touching and emotional story of redemption and forgiveness.  And overall, it is a very good read.

However, I have one criticism: the story feels scripted. A woman who feels the need to correct her mistakes with her daughter? Then let's go add in "taking care of a pregnant stranger" to show that. At the end of her life? Then let's add in a compassionate preacher to show her the path to God. Missing love life at the end? Well, let's have her husband love her again because she's become a nice person. Everything just seems to fall in too neatly, especially given that this book feels like it only took place in a span of a month or two.

Perhaps, I just didn't connect with the characters or how everything wraps up so neatly. But, if you don't mind my criticisms and you're in a mood for redemption, this book is a very good read. 

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Mountain Away is such a moving, thought-provoking book. Charlotte is a stong, successful, and yes, controlling, woman in her 50s who has sacrificed many relationships throughout her life while trying to run from her roots. She is staring mortality in the eye and is working to repair complex relationships and right many wrongs.
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I have read by Emilie Richards and it won't be the last. Ms. Richards' writing style draws the reader in and seems so effortless. While certain aspects of ghe plot were a bit hard for me to fathom, it did not take away from the overall quality of the novel.
Highly recommended. This one is going to stay with me for quite awhile.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) This is the first book in the Goddesses Anonymous series. Charlotte has been a successful real estate developer. When she finds out some bad news about her health, she takes stock of her life and realizes that it is lacking. She begins to take steps to make meaningful changes, starting out by helping out a waitress that takes verbal abuse from a customer, first by talking to her manager, and then helping the young woman by giving her a place to stay. As Charlotte opens up, she has the wish to resolve her greatest mistake which was the rift with her daughter over her granddaughter who has a serious seizure disorder. Her choices and efforts begin to evolve into growing goodness and as she develops true friends, she works to leave a lasting legacy for those in need.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlotte Hall has many regrets in her life and now needs to make things right with the daughter she is estranged from. Charlotte had a hard life when she was growing up but made a success of her life. Charlotte is divorced and has never met her granddaughter but watches her in a playground. Charlotte is dying and is trying everything she can to right the wrongs in her life. Charlottes ex husband Ethan sees her in the park and wonders what and why she is doing. Charlotte meets a young woman who is dire straits and offers her a place to stay - this turns out to be great on both accounts.
Ethan meets with Charlotte again and agrees to give a letter to their daughter Taylor. Taylor is angry when she finds out Ethan is communicating again with Charlotte but things turn around.

[AudReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my interest. As the story developed, the people became more and more interesting and real. I was extremely frustrated with Taylor, but I know real people that feel the way she does and that have the same issues in their lives. It was a lot like real life because there were no easy answers, and not everything turned in predictable directions, but that’s the way it really goes in life. You will almost certainly need a box of kleenex as some of the raw feelings and emotions of the people are revealed, and the story and the people in it will stay with you after the story is complete. I’m still thinking about it as I go through my day, and I will be reading more of Emilie Richards’ books in the future.

[Dawn Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. What a totally awesome book - A story that will make you laugh, cause anger, and bring tears to your eyes.
So many emotions you experience as a daughter, mother, and grandmother.
Charlotte, came from nothing and chooses a career as a real estate developer. She has a daughter, marries. As life goes on she realizes all the mistakes she has made in life and tries to rectify them.
Read along to live thru the many emotions of a life well lived and loved.
I had to order more books by this author. I highly recommend her.

[Sharon Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance for a new life

The book explains why Charlotte wants a new life. She's been diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia and she realizes she has lived a selfish lifestyle that has hurt others. She's estranged from her daughter and granddaughter that is a major loss for her. She sets out to make amends while she still has time.
The book describes well the people and situations she was able to make a difference in. I enjoyed reading this story. I rated it with 4 stars because it was a sweet romantic story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it to be beautifully written, with an interesting plot, well developed main characters, and many nuggets of wisdom. This book could be characterized as "chick lit" since it is a book I suspect would appeal more to women than men, it made me stop and think about the people in my life, the relationships I cherish. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about the book and the situations, about the way we handle adversity and how we deal with those with whom we do not see eye-to-eye.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even tho I read these books out of order, I have really enjoyed all of them.
This one tells the story of Charlotte, who is trying to make up for all the awful things she did in her life before she dies of Leukemia. All in all, a very nice story of a hard life lived and the hurt and redemption that goes along with that. A bit of a tear-jerker in the end.
I really enjoy this author's writing and easy reading style. These are good summer/beach books.