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Borrowed Things
Borrowed Things takes place in North Carolina, alternating between Durham and Pearl, a fading town on the Lockwood Folly River. It traces a year in the separate yet symbiotic lives of five characters whose paths cross and ultimately connect.
Wishing to reinvent herself, Anne Gray sells her Durham home and the care of a Great Blue Heron to Noah Levinson, who also negotiates for the temporary use of her things and their stories in the desperate hope they will infuse some of Anne’s spirit and resilience into his ailing wife, Elizabeth.
Anne finds a new home in the forgotten town of Pearl where she releases the memories of two failed marriages as she sails the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway with a haunted Latino priest and an elderly woman who rides a bicycle and wears No Fear t-shirts. Through Anne’s not-so-divine intervention, Father Paul and old Marjorie unveil their long held secrets, and come face to face with the embodiment of their abandoned hope.
Anne is finally forced to come to terms with her past and find the courage to accept or reject the opportunity for a last and lasting love.
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"Borrowed Things is Southern women's fiction at its best, capturing your heart within the first few pages. Anne Gray is a rare character, equal parts strength and compassion. Readers will identify with her struggles and lingering questions as they enjoy her exploits and journey toward friendship and love. But most of all, they will find themselves transported into a town rich in memorable characters, intriguing history, and many secrets."
Tia Silverthorne Bach, author of Chasing Memories and co-author of the award-winning Depression Cookies.
Wishing to reinvent herself, Anne Gray sells her Durham home and the care of a Great Blue Heron to Noah Levinson, who also negotiates for the temporary use of her things and their stories in the desperate hope they will infuse some of Anne’s spirit and resilience into his ailing wife, Elizabeth.
Anne finds a new home in the forgotten town of Pearl where she releases the memories of two failed marriages as she sails the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway with a haunted Latino priest and an elderly woman who rides a bicycle and wears No Fear t-shirts. Through Anne’s not-so-divine intervention, Father Paul and old Marjorie unveil their long held secrets, and come face to face with the embodiment of their abandoned hope.
Anne is finally forced to come to terms with her past and find the courage to accept or reject the opportunity for a last and lasting love.
______________________________________________
"Borrowed Things is Southern women's fiction at its best, capturing your heart within the first few pages. Anne Gray is a rare character, equal parts strength and compassion. Readers will identify with her struggles and lingering questions as they enjoy her exploits and journey toward friendship and love. But most of all, they will find themselves transported into a town rich in memorable characters, intriguing history, and many secrets."
Tia Silverthorne Bach, author of Chasing Memories and co-author of the award-winning Depression Cookies.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 5, 2019
A Treasure for North Carolinians and All Others
As a native of North Carolina and an educator, I was drawn to the summary of this book from the first sentence. It did not let me down. The characters, relationships, and plots will leave you unable to put the book down, or rest until you reach the conclusion. Like me, you will jump to assumptions that don't turn out as you expected, but surprisingly different. As much as you need to reach the end of the book, you still want it to continue. I highly recommend this book and will eat my hat if you're not as satisfied as I was in reading it. Enjoy!
As a native of North Carolina and an educator, I was drawn to the summary of this book from the first sentence. It did not let me down. The characters, relationships, and plots will leave you unable to put the book down, or rest until you reach the conclusion. Like me, you will jump to assumptions that don't turn out as you expected, but surprisingly different. As much as you need to reach the end of the book, you still want it to continue. I highly recommend this book and will eat my hat if you're not as satisfied as I was in reading it. Enjoy!
January 31, 2014
Anne Gray is struggling to redefine her life. She's the single mom of two girls who have their own lives. When Noah Levinson offers Anne the chance to move on and help him and his dying wife, Anne takes the opportunity to examine her past and consider a new future.
Fate brings a new home and new families into her life. Anne is determined to follow her heart down the path of self-discovery as she ponders past loves and failed relationships. Along the way, she meets some amazing people with their own secrets and pain.
Borrowed Things is Southern women's fiction at its best, capturing your heart within the first few pages. Anne Gray is a rare character, equal parts strength and compassion. Readers will identify with her struggles and lingering questions as they enjoy her exploits and journey toward friendship and love. But most of all, they will find themselves transported into a town rich in memorable characters, intriguing history, and many secrets.
Note: I was the editor on this book, but a positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
Fate brings a new home and new families into her life. Anne is determined to follow her heart down the path of self-discovery as she ponders past loves and failed relationships. Along the way, she meets some amazing people with their own secrets and pain.
Borrowed Things is Southern women's fiction at its best, capturing your heart within the first few pages. Anne Gray is a rare character, equal parts strength and compassion. Readers will identify with her struggles and lingering questions as they enjoy her exploits and journey toward friendship and love. But most of all, they will find themselves transported into a town rich in memorable characters, intriguing history, and many secrets.
Note: I was the editor on this book, but a positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
July 19, 2014
Enjoyed this book even more for having had the author visit our Oriental bookclub. She was generous with her time and insights-come be with us again, Doris!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews