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Words Get In the Way
From the author of The Gin & Chowder Club comes an exquisitely heartfelt and uplifting novel that explores the infinite reach of a mother's love--and the gift of second chances. . .
The modest ranch house where Callie Wyeth grew up looks just as she remembers it--right down to the well-worn sheets in the linen closet. But in the years since Callie lived here, almost everything else has changed. Her father, once indomitable, is in poor health. And Callie is a single mother with a beautiful little boy, Henry, who has just been diagnosed with autism.
Returning to this quiet New Hampshire community seems the best thing to do, for both her father and her son's sake. Even if it means facing Linden Finch, the one she loved and left for reasons she's sure he'll never forgive. Linden is stunned that Callie is back--and that she has a son. Yet in the warm, funny relationship that develops between Henry and Linden's menagerie of rescued farm animals, Callie begins to find hope. Not just that her son might break through the wall of silence separating him from the world, but that she too can make a new start amid the places and people that have never left her heart. . .
Praise for The Gin and Chowder Club
"Eloquent and surprising. . . I love this story of faith, love, and the lasting bonds of family." --Ann Leary, author of Outtakes from a Marriage
"Nostalgic and tender. . .summons the passion of first love, the pain of first loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family that help us survive both." --Marie Bostwick, New York Times bestselling author
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
51 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Nan Rossiter
14 books326 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nan Rossiter loves to weave together stories about the complicated relationships to which all readers can relate -- motherhood, sisterhood, friendship, marriage and romance. She draws from her own life experiences to create authentic situations that mirror the trials and triumphs we all face. Compassionate, real, and funny, her books take readers on emotional journeys that often include heartbreak and joy, but also include threads of faith, a furry friend or two, and uplifting endings. Nan's books have been highly acclaimed by reviewers from Publisher's Weekly to Booklist. Her novel, SUMMER DANCE, was the 2018 winner of the Nancy Pearl Award.
Nan is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and began her writing career in the world of children's books. Along with her many contemporary fiction novels, Nan is also the author/illustrator of several books for children, including RUGBY & ROSIE, winner of Nebraska's Golden Sower Award, and THE FO'C'SLE: Henry Beston's Outermost House.
Nan lives on a quiet country road in Connecticut with her husband and a solemn black Lab named Finn, who diligently watches their every move and can be roused from a nap in a distant room by the sound of a banana being peeled or a cookie crumb hitting the floor. Nan and her husband are the parents of two handsome sons who have struck out on life journeys of their own and are pursuing careers in aviation.
For more information, visit
nanrossiter.com/
facebook.com/NanRossiter/
instagram.com/nanrossiter/
twitter.com/NanRossiter
bookbub.com/profile/nan-rossiter
Nan is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and began her writing career in the world of children's books. Along with her many contemporary fiction novels, Nan is also the author/illustrator of several books for children, including RUGBY & ROSIE, winner of Nebraska's Golden Sower Award, and THE FO'C'SLE: Henry Beston's Outermost House.
Nan lives on a quiet country road in Connecticut with her husband and a solemn black Lab named Finn, who diligently watches their every move and can be roused from a nap in a distant room by the sound of a banana being peeled or a cookie crumb hitting the floor. Nan and her husband are the parents of two handsome sons who have struck out on life journeys of their own and are pursuing careers in aviation.
For more information, visit
nanrossiter.com/
facebook.com/NanRossiter/
instagram.com/nanrossiter/
twitter.com/NanRossiter
bookbub.com/profile/nan-rossiter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 26, 2012
I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads.
In this love story where words NEVER get in the way, Rossiter shows us the life of struggling, single mother Callie and her young son Henry who she has just learned has autism. Faced with money problems and her father's poor health, Callie decides to move home. While she hopes to steer clear of Linden, the man she left a few years ago with a broken heart, Henry makes it impossible to do so. Callie's patience is pushed as she wonders, "Every child has tantrums, she thought, so how does the parent of a child with autism know if the trigger is some inner turmoil or plain, old- fashioned defiance?"
With Linden's help, Callie learns more about her son in a few short weeks then she has his entire life. She also learns the value of community and friendship, something she has done without for too long.
While there is no denying that Rossiter is a good writer, this book was boring and predictable in parts and I feel it just barely brushed the surface of autism and all who it affects. Focusing mostly on Callie and her problems, her thinking only of what Henry wouldn't do and how it would affect HER. She failed to realize the possibilities.
In my opinion, this was a subject that Rossiter should have either researched a bit more or skipped completely.
In this love story where words NEVER get in the way, Rossiter shows us the life of struggling, single mother Callie and her young son Henry who she has just learned has autism. Faced with money problems and her father's poor health, Callie decides to move home. While she hopes to steer clear of Linden, the man she left a few years ago with a broken heart, Henry makes it impossible to do so. Callie's patience is pushed as she wonders, "Every child has tantrums, she thought, so how does the parent of a child with autism know if the trigger is some inner turmoil or plain, old- fashioned defiance?"
With Linden's help, Callie learns more about her son in a few short weeks then she has his entire life. She also learns the value of community and friendship, something she has done without for too long.
While there is no denying that Rossiter is a good writer, this book was boring and predictable in parts and I feel it just barely brushed the surface of autism and all who it affects. Focusing mostly on Callie and her problems, her thinking only of what Henry wouldn't do and how it would affect HER. She failed to realize the possibilities.
In my opinion, this was a subject that Rossiter should have either researched a bit more or skipped completely.
November 20, 2017
Learned a bit about autism from this story. I especially liked the way the dogs and the boy interacted.
May 11, 2012
I received this book through GoodRead's First Reads giveaway.
This book about a struggling single mother, Callie, who returns to her hometown and rekindles her romance with her long-lost, high school sweetheart, Linden is reminiscient of the archive of Nicholas Sparks novels. The strong, independent mother hesitantly returns to the embrace of the man who never stopped loving her. Where this book differs, and shines, is the light Nan Rossiter sheds on autism as Callie struggles to understand her young son, Henry.
Rossiter's insight and compassion for a condition that so few people understand is what makes this such a beautiful story. Themes of faith, grace and forgiveness only serve to strengthen this love story.
This book about a struggling single mother, Callie, who returns to her hometown and rekindles her romance with her long-lost, high school sweetheart, Linden is reminiscient of the archive of Nicholas Sparks novels. The strong, independent mother hesitantly returns to the embrace of the man who never stopped loving her. Where this book differs, and shines, is the light Nan Rossiter sheds on autism as Callie struggles to understand her young son, Henry.
Rossiter's insight and compassion for a condition that so few people understand is what makes this such a beautiful story. Themes of faith, grace and forgiveness only serve to strengthen this love story.
May 1, 2012
A very sweet and touching book. Look for review on Night Owl Reviews.
October 27, 2016
Callie Wyeth and Linden Finch were “the couple” in high school. Even when they both went off to different colleges, they managed to see each other on breaks—until one day, Callie just called it off with no explanation and Linden was left to wonder why. He never stopped loving her. It was as if he was waiting for her to come back into his life in the same small New Hampshire town where they lived.
Callie does come back into his life. She is down and out on her luck and her father’s illness beckons her home, not only to care for him, but to put her life back together. She doesn’t come alone, though. Callie returns with her 3 year old autistic son. Desperation puts her back into Linden’s life.
The story was predictable and while the autistic son was a twist, the plot has been done before, with the same endings. It was an escape kind of reading for me. I didn’t get emotionally attached to any of the characters. I didn’t hold my breath to find out what would happen next. I didn’t have to struggle to stop reading. It was a predictable read, no surprises; but sometimes that is just what I need at the time. This one fit the bill in that respect.
Callie does come back into his life. She is down and out on her luck and her father’s illness beckons her home, not only to care for him, but to put her life back together. She doesn’t come alone, though. Callie returns with her 3 year old autistic son. Desperation puts her back into Linden’s life.
The story was predictable and while the autistic son was a twist, the plot has been done before, with the same endings. It was an escape kind of reading for me. I didn’t get emotionally attached to any of the characters. I didn’t hold my breath to find out what would happen next. I didn’t have to struggle to stop reading. It was a predictable read, no surprises; but sometimes that is just what I need at the time. This one fit the bill in that respect.
September 7, 2025
Sweet love story about high school sweethearts who meet up again when she comes home when her father suffers a stroke. Callie has a young son with autism that she is struggling to understand and who doesn’t talk. Linden builds stone walls and runs a rescue farm for animals. His animals make a big difference in Callie and her son’s life. Callie learns a lot about autism from several locals who have dealt with the condition in varying ways.
September 17, 2019
Outstanding
This book dealt with a sensitive subject most wonderfully. Henry a 3 year old boy has autisim. His single Mother returns to her old home in New Hampshire to cafe for her ill father. She has problems with Henry but her old old boy friend seems at ease with Henry. Wonderful book. I read it in one sitting and wished it would not end
This book dealt with a sensitive subject most wonderfully. Henry a 3 year old boy has autisim. His single Mother returns to her old home in New Hampshire to cafe for her ill father. She has problems with Henry but her old old boy friend seems at ease with Henry. Wonderful book. I read it in one sitting and wished it would not end
December 6, 2019
If you know anyone with an autistic child you will appreciate this book!
I liked Lindon because he could relate to Henry. A patient man and a story worth reading. A good combination.
I liked Lindon because he could relate to Henry. A patient man and a story worth reading. A good combination.
May 26, 2017
What a great book. I couldn't put it down. It has dogs, autism, romance, and family relationship drama. What else can a book need?
March 21, 2018
ok. but not much of a story. no depth.
July 6, 2019
Way too predictable.
September 11, 2019
Review
Good look at the struggles of a parent of a child with autism; but the ending is a little too happy ever after and not necessarily realistic.
Good look at the struggles of a parent of a child with autism; but the ending is a little too happy ever after and not necessarily realistic.
December 6, 2019
Good
You need tissues for this book as it brings in how this desease effects the child who has it and his mother.
You need tissues for this book as it brings in how this desease effects the child who has it and his mother.
August 27, 2020
A lovely, sweet story of learning forgiveness, especially for yourself, and accepting help finding your way through the tough parts of life.
June 23, 2021
A very sweet story - so glad I just randomly picked it off of the library display. I will read more by this author.
May 10, 2022
A simple easy going story with a couple of unexpected twists.
January 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much. It kept my interest had some great ups and low downs which kept it interesting.
August 10, 2022
I like how this book flip flopped between characters each chapter. I liked this storyline and the characters were very likeable, but I wish there was more character development. It felt too short.
December 2, 2024
Words Get In the Way is a story about love, forgiveness, and the challenges of raising a child with autism. Callie, a single mother, returns to her hometown with her autistic son, Henry, and reconnects with her high school love, Linden. Callie’s struggle to understand Henry feels authentic, although her denial and almost indifferent reactions left me wanting to see more emotional depth. On the other hand, Linden’s patience with Henry provided a nice contrast to Callie’s uncertainty.
I always enjoy a small-town New England setting, and although the plot is predictable, the alternating perspectives between Callie and Linden added a nice balance. The portrayal of animals as a calming presence for Henry, especially Linden’s dog Springer, was a highlight. A quick and enjoyable read for anyone interested in romance, autism, and dogs.
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I always enjoy a small-town New England setting, and although the plot is predictable, the alternating perspectives between Callie and Linden added a nice balance. The portrayal of animals as a calming presence for Henry, especially Linden’s dog Springer, was a highlight. A quick and enjoyable read for anyone interested in romance, autism, and dogs.
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June 21, 2012
The Short of It:
Words Get In the Way is a heartwarming tale of redemption and hope.
The Rest of It:
When Callie Wyeth’s father suffers a stroke, she finds herself in a difficult position. Wanting desperately to help, she knows she must return to her childhood home, but the memories of her life three years before rush back to her. Particularly, Linden…the man she left behind. The man whose heart she was forced to break, in order to keep him from the painful truth. A truth which she hasn’t fully come to terms with herself, even though the evidence of that slip of judgement stares up at her each, and every day.
Last June, I reviewed another book by Nan Rossiter, The Gin and Chowder Club, and at the time, I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It surprised me because it wasn’t a book I would have picked up on my own, and I assumed it would be a lighter read. That was not the case and after enjoying it so much, I jumped at the chance to review her next book.
As with her previous book, this one has likable, well-developed characters but this one adds a weightier element. When Callie returns home, she returns with her young son, Henry. Henry has just been diagnosed with autism. This provides an additional layer of complexity to the story since Callie is still learning about triggers and cues. Her frustration over her son’s condition, is what made her more genuine to me as a reader and Henry’s interactions with Linden is what gives her hope.
The connection between these characters and the simple story line is what made this book very appealing to me. I will say, there is more of a spiritual element to this novel than the first book I read. I do not practice religion, but do believe in a higher power so these brief moments of prayer or mentions of God did not take anything away from the reading. Personally, I found these passages to be rather comforting. As a mother, I can certainly see why Callie would pray for her child as well as the health of her father. I think it’s important to note that I never felt as if Rossiter was pushing religion for religion’s sake. Callie is not perfect and remorseful for the mistakes she’s made. It seemed appropriate that Callie would find comfort in religion.
That said, I wanted to spend more time with these characters. The novel spans a very brief moment in time and I would have liked it more (call me selfish) if I had gotten to see them a little further along in their development. I wanted to see where they’d end up. There is a glimpse of that since the story opens with Callie in the present day, reflecting back on her past, but I wanted more of the stuff in between. Mainly because I enjoyed the characters so much.
If you enjoy honest, simple stories then give Rossiter a try.
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
Words Get In the Way is a heartwarming tale of redemption and hope.
The Rest of It:
When Callie Wyeth’s father suffers a stroke, she finds herself in a difficult position. Wanting desperately to help, she knows she must return to her childhood home, but the memories of her life three years before rush back to her. Particularly, Linden…the man she left behind. The man whose heart she was forced to break, in order to keep him from the painful truth. A truth which she hasn’t fully come to terms with herself, even though the evidence of that slip of judgement stares up at her each, and every day.
Last June, I reviewed another book by Nan Rossiter, The Gin and Chowder Club, and at the time, I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It surprised me because it wasn’t a book I would have picked up on my own, and I assumed it would be a lighter read. That was not the case and after enjoying it so much, I jumped at the chance to review her next book.
As with her previous book, this one has likable, well-developed characters but this one adds a weightier element. When Callie returns home, she returns with her young son, Henry. Henry has just been diagnosed with autism. This provides an additional layer of complexity to the story since Callie is still learning about triggers and cues. Her frustration over her son’s condition, is what made her more genuine to me as a reader and Henry’s interactions with Linden is what gives her hope.
The connection between these characters and the simple story line is what made this book very appealing to me. I will say, there is more of a spiritual element to this novel than the first book I read. I do not practice religion, but do believe in a higher power so these brief moments of prayer or mentions of God did not take anything away from the reading. Personally, I found these passages to be rather comforting. As a mother, I can certainly see why Callie would pray for her child as well as the health of her father. I think it’s important to note that I never felt as if Rossiter was pushing religion for religion’s sake. Callie is not perfect and remorseful for the mistakes she’s made. It seemed appropriate that Callie would find comfort in religion.
That said, I wanted to spend more time with these characters. The novel spans a very brief moment in time and I would have liked it more (call me selfish) if I had gotten to see them a little further along in their development. I wanted to see where they’d end up. There is a glimpse of that since the story opens with Callie in the present day, reflecting back on her past, but I wanted more of the stuff in between. Mainly because I enjoyed the characters so much.
If you enjoy honest, simple stories then give Rossiter a try.
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
May 29, 2012
“Tears and Heart-Tugging Got In My Way”
Callie Wyeth feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She’s a single Mother whose beautiful three-year old, non-verbal son, Henry, the gift from a relationship with a married college instructor, has been diagnosed as Autistic. This news comes on top of Callie’s decision to return and to reside in her childhood home as her widowed Father has placed himself in a Nursing Home. Moving back to her quiet hometown in New Hampshire brings back many old memories every where she turns…especially in the old ranch house where thoughts of family celebrations and the wintry night that claimed her Mother’s life are coupled with feelings of fear and shame. There had been a long absence before she came home after Henry’s birth to see her Father, bringing Henry and the truth with her, hoping her Father would not reject them. As she unpacks her belongings, her mind drifts back to the heartbreak she caused and wonders if she will see Linden Finch. What will he think? Will he be repulsed by the whole situation? Will she have enough courage to tell him the truth? Will he forgive her? Whatever the outcome, her first priority is Henry. Not only was her life changed, but also his as he did not finish college as his parents had so hoped, and he coped with his heartache by leaving everything and everyone behind and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. During his adventure, Linden found ( or they found him) two neglected/abandoned yellow labs who would soon be his loyal friends and named them “Kat” (short for Katahdin) and “Springer “, both for mountains at the beginning and end of the trail. Upon returning to civilization, he rented a small farm and adopted all varieties of unwanted or neglected animals. It was on a trip to a local hardware store that Callie and Henry bump into Linden and he and Henry remarkably bond. With Callie going back and forth to the nursing home, and asking no questions about her life, Linden offers to watch Henry, This was a Godsend, especially during a stressful time with her Father experiencing a mild stroke and is transferred to the hospital. Will Callie’s life get settled? Will she calm down and understand Henry as much as Linden does? Are Maddie Coleman and Fairbanks special angels sent here to help and guide Henry? I truly loved this book. Parts of it brought me to tears and the majority tugged at my heart most ferociously. It also taught me things about autism I had not realized. Anyone who has been touched by autism should read this book and take hope in a brighter tomorrow.What a powerful story Ms. Rossiter has woven! She has also included the first four chapters of her first novel, “The Gin and Chowder Club” to wet your reading appetite—and I am looking forward to going back and reading the entire volume, hoping it won’t be long before another comes our way. Make sure you have enough room on your shelf--you don’t want to miss this one! Nancy Narma
Callie Wyeth feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She’s a single Mother whose beautiful three-year old, non-verbal son, Henry, the gift from a relationship with a married college instructor, has been diagnosed as Autistic. This news comes on top of Callie’s decision to return and to reside in her childhood home as her widowed Father has placed himself in a Nursing Home. Moving back to her quiet hometown in New Hampshire brings back many old memories every where she turns…especially in the old ranch house where thoughts of family celebrations and the wintry night that claimed her Mother’s life are coupled with feelings of fear and shame. There had been a long absence before she came home after Henry’s birth to see her Father, bringing Henry and the truth with her, hoping her Father would not reject them. As she unpacks her belongings, her mind drifts back to the heartbreak she caused and wonders if she will see Linden Finch. What will he think? Will he be repulsed by the whole situation? Will she have enough courage to tell him the truth? Will he forgive her? Whatever the outcome, her first priority is Henry. Not only was her life changed, but also his as he did not finish college as his parents had so hoped, and he coped with his heartache by leaving everything and everyone behind and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. During his adventure, Linden found ( or they found him) two neglected/abandoned yellow labs who would soon be his loyal friends and named them “Kat” (short for Katahdin) and “Springer “, both for mountains at the beginning and end of the trail. Upon returning to civilization, he rented a small farm and adopted all varieties of unwanted or neglected animals. It was on a trip to a local hardware store that Callie and Henry bump into Linden and he and Henry remarkably bond. With Callie going back and forth to the nursing home, and asking no questions about her life, Linden offers to watch Henry, This was a Godsend, especially during a stressful time with her Father experiencing a mild stroke and is transferred to the hospital. Will Callie’s life get settled? Will she calm down and understand Henry as much as Linden does? Are Maddie Coleman and Fairbanks special angels sent here to help and guide Henry? I truly loved this book. Parts of it brought me to tears and the majority tugged at my heart most ferociously. It also taught me things about autism I had not realized. Anyone who has been touched by autism should read this book and take hope in a brighter tomorrow.What a powerful story Ms. Rossiter has woven! She has also included the first four chapters of her first novel, “The Gin and Chowder Club” to wet your reading appetite—and I am looking forward to going back and reading the entire volume, hoping it won’t be long before another comes our way. Make sure you have enough room on your shelf--you don’t want to miss this one! Nancy Narma
July 3, 2013
Words Get in the Way by Nan Rossiter
After reading another book by this author I sought out her other works and was happy to find a few from the online library.
Loved hearing of the work Linden does with his hands, the art of building a stone wall. Loved the New England accents when he talks to others. Especially liked the tales of the AT, priceless!
This story is about Callie and her son Henry. She's back at her parents to live with hopes of taking care of her dad instead of the nursing home he's in. As the day care would no longer take care of Henry-he's autistic and they are not equipped to deal with him. So now she's unemployed and can take care of them both.
But her dad has a stroke. The house is across the street from where Linden lives and he has a houseful of animals, inside and outside pets.
He was still in love with her from high school and had never moved on...
Felt dreadful when he was running away and so happy when she read him Goodnight Moon as it's one of our youngest grandsons' favorite books to read.
Liked the alternating chapters from Callie to Linden. You learn about their past and the present.
Amazing what the animals do for Henry's illness to make him seem more human and normal...
Love learning all the tips that sometimes work to get an autistic child to be comfortable without speaking words. Such priceless information.
Callie relies on Linden more as the time comes for her to be with him while he's undergoing surgery....
Linden feels at ease with Henry and he points out how rewording sentences can help him...Love the family recipe secrets.
Loved learning all about cairns and stones and trails. Mostly liked the detailed descriptions of the countryside and things they would do over the years-traditions.
When Henry goes missing she blames herself for not being a good mom. She thinks God has dealt her this really bad hand as more things go wrong, til others talk to her and tell her how it really is...
She breaks off things with Linden as she knows she needs to concentrate on her son and her father and there's no time for Linden....
Discussion questions and an excerpt of Gin and Chowder Club is included.
I received this book from Ocean State Libraries.
After reading another book by this author I sought out her other works and was happy to find a few from the online library.
Loved hearing of the work Linden does with his hands, the art of building a stone wall. Loved the New England accents when he talks to others. Especially liked the tales of the AT, priceless!
This story is about Callie and her son Henry. She's back at her parents to live with hopes of taking care of her dad instead of the nursing home he's in. As the day care would no longer take care of Henry-he's autistic and they are not equipped to deal with him. So now she's unemployed and can take care of them both.
But her dad has a stroke. The house is across the street from where Linden lives and he has a houseful of animals, inside and outside pets.
He was still in love with her from high school and had never moved on...
Felt dreadful when he was running away and so happy when she read him Goodnight Moon as it's one of our youngest grandsons' favorite books to read.
Liked the alternating chapters from Callie to Linden. You learn about their past and the present.
Amazing what the animals do for Henry's illness to make him seem more human and normal...
Love learning all the tips that sometimes work to get an autistic child to be comfortable without speaking words. Such priceless information.
Callie relies on Linden more as the time comes for her to be with him while he's undergoing surgery....
Linden feels at ease with Henry and he points out how rewording sentences can help him...Love the family recipe secrets.
Loved learning all about cairns and stones and trails. Mostly liked the detailed descriptions of the countryside and things they would do over the years-traditions.
When Henry goes missing she blames herself for not being a good mom. She thinks God has dealt her this really bad hand as more things go wrong, til others talk to her and tell her how it really is...
She breaks off things with Linden as she knows she needs to concentrate on her son and her father and there's no time for Linden....
Discussion questions and an excerpt of Gin and Chowder Club is included.
I received this book from Ocean State Libraries.
September 11, 2012
I'd call this a "feel good" book, short easy to read. I read sstraight through it. A single mother with no money moves with her young autistic son to her father's country home. The father is temporarily hospitalized and will need her to care for him upon leaving. She became pregnant during her "to be everlasting" relationship but could not tell her real love truth out of shame and embarassment. They have been apart several years though he too has returned to his home area.
Many relationships ran throughout the story like daughter-father, past love interest, neighbor to neighbor, daughter to son, former boyfriend to son. However, the handling of the austistic son's difficulties were the main part of this book. It was a very realistic presentation of the bewildering, scary parts of the disease and the positive features as well.
The youngsters mental levels reached from not speaking to giftedness in art. The child was very bright in some ways but completely "lost" in other ways. It was a very enlightening presentation of autism. There was also an important adult man with autism in the book. Seeing the adult who had learned to deal with his autism was enlightening.
Lots of nice elements were featured throughout Ms. Rossiter's book. Misunderstandings were explored, renewing a friendship, romance, aspects of old age, how concealing the truth effects your life and others, what to do about a runaway child with autism, different methods to handle the autistic child, the importance of complete supervision, accepting help from others, learning that autistic people hear differently (anything loud is much worse to them), starting anew,and moving and many other themes told a simple, worthy story, mostly uplifting. It kept me entertained. I did not put the book down until completed. The autistic element was given to us by realistic occurences and life events, not at all boring though factual.
I really liked the book. I you are interested at all in autism, with suggestions to help am autistic person, or just want a worthy book to enjoy, try "Words Get in the Way".
November 27, 2015
"What do you say, after your heart has been broken, to the the one who broke it?"
I found this book in my nearest Dollar Tree and as soon as I skimmed the synopsis, I knew I had to get it. I am in love with stories where one of the characters goes back to the place they used to live and encounter an old love. I really enjoyed this book but it didn't knock me out of the park.
The main character,Callie, is a mom to a child who suffers from autism and this story follows her and her struggle as she tries to understand her child better. I loved her son, he had his own quirks and the fact that he's silent didn't take away from that. I also loved the male protagonist, Linden. I was excited when I found out that we would get both POV's: Callie's and Linden's.
The chapters were short which helped me read this in one sitting. Also, Nan had a way to add many little details that shape our day to day experiences and it helped me this of this as not a novel, but a realistic story that is actually happening as I read it.
This was a sweet and easy read and I enjoyed Nan's writing a lot. I would honestly keep reading more of Callie and Linden, they were just too adorable and definitely perfect for each other. I didn't give this more than 3 stars because like I said, I wasn't really wow'd and there were many unnecessary exclamation marks that threw me off. There were some unanswered questions as well and I felt cheated from that information. All in all, I really enjoyed this.
I found this book in my nearest Dollar Tree and as soon as I skimmed the synopsis, I knew I had to get it. I am in love with stories where one of the characters goes back to the place they used to live and encounter an old love. I really enjoyed this book but it didn't knock me out of the park.
The main character,Callie, is a mom to a child who suffers from autism and this story follows her and her struggle as she tries to understand her child better. I loved her son, he had his own quirks and the fact that he's silent didn't take away from that. I also loved the male protagonist, Linden. I was excited when I found out that we would get both POV's: Callie's and Linden's.
The chapters were short which helped me read this in one sitting. Also, Nan had a way to add many little details that shape our day to day experiences and it helped me this of this as not a novel, but a realistic story that is actually happening as I read it.
This was a sweet and easy read and I enjoyed Nan's writing a lot. I would honestly keep reading more of Callie and Linden, they were just too adorable and definitely perfect for each other. I didn't give this more than 3 stars because like I said, I wasn't really wow'd and there were many unnecessary exclamation marks that threw me off. There were some unanswered questions as well and I felt cheated from that information. All in all, I really enjoyed this.
January 2, 2013
This was a nice little read that danced around a few issues but managed to resolve most of them without delving too deep. Yes, there is autism, which is interesting, along with romance and death, but nothing is explored fully and things are tied up in a pretty bow fairly quickly. Betrayal is forgiven without much discussion or even much anguish. With the young boy, as soon as they try a method of dealing with his autism he improves dramatically. Everything is so neat and tidy that I found the book unrealistic and dissatisfying. I would still recommend it - while it wasn't War and Peace, it was still a story that moved along with effortless narration and a good voice.
* I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
* I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
October 7, 2012
A woman and her autistic son move home when her father gets sick. She runs into her old boyfriend and they renew their relationship.
What struck me most about this book is how differently the mom acted than the moms of autistic kids I know today. The book is set mostly in 1999, and I suppose awareness has changed things a bit. Most of the moms I know are ferociously concerned with helping their kids. This woman, even when given some help and pointers, didn't seem particularly interested. Seems to me, finding someone who could help and understand would be a godsend, but she just seemed so ho-hum about it all. Others noticed things about her son that she missed entirely. Maybe that's how it goes sometimes, but it just felt off.
What struck me most about this book is how differently the mom acted than the moms of autistic kids I know today. The book is set mostly in 1999, and I suppose awareness has changed things a bit. Most of the moms I know are ferociously concerned with helping their kids. This woman, even when given some help and pointers, didn't seem particularly interested. Seems to me, finding someone who could help and understand would be a godsend, but she just seemed so ho-hum about it all. Others noticed things about her son that she missed entirely. Maybe that's how it goes sometimes, but it just felt off.
February 15, 2017
I would classify this book at Christian romance/women's lit. Callie's struggle with her autistic son is the main focus of the book. The additional focus is with her high school boyfriend, who has never stopped loving her. The unrequited love was a little hard to believe, but it was less than four years so the time frame made it some what realistic. Callie really struggles, basically seems to live in denial of her son's autism. She's also dealing with her father, who is very ill. The epilogue closed out things nicely. I really enjoyed this book and have been thinking of it since I finished last night.
September 29, 2014
Callie Wyeth keeps punishing herself and her son, Henry, who has autism. She reveals that Callie went away for college and had an affair with a married man, and ended up pregnant. Her mom had died in an accident and only her father is left. Callie comes home because her father had a stroke. Linden Finch was Callie's high school boyfriend who she was unfaithful to. He still lives in the area and the guilt that Callie possess eats away at her after all these years.
It was a fast story and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Henry has autism, and Springer, a faithful lab of Linden helps Henry tremendously. Good read.
It was a fast story and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Henry has autism, and Springer, a faithful lab of Linden helps Henry tremendously. Good read.
March 28, 2014
This reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book I read recently where the single mum has a son who does not talk. Which story was that? I think it was 'A Bend in the Road' and the boy in that was the son of the main male character, not of the woman like this story (I think I've remembered that right?).
This is lighthearted romance between two high school sweethearts, one who has a son with autism. The son naturally charms the old sweetheart <3
Like a Sparks novel, the story made me cry (particularly in the last quarter).
This is lighthearted romance between two high school sweethearts, one who has a son with autism. The son naturally charms the old sweetheart <3
Like a Sparks novel, the story made me cry (particularly in the last quarter).
July 29, 2012
I got this book off Goodreads Giveaways.
It was a light and fluffy book that was easy to read. It took me a while to finish though, because there just wasn't enough to rope me in.
Certainly a few heartwarming moments, many that made me smile, and for that I give it 3 stars.
If I could pick one thing to change in the book, it would be to remove all the God references. I don't practice religion, and so I had a hard time relating to the characters in that sense.
It was a light and fluffy book that was easy to read. It took me a while to finish though, because there just wasn't enough to rope me in.
Certainly a few heartwarming moments, many that made me smile, and for that I give it 3 stars.
If I could pick one thing to change in the book, it would be to remove all the God references. I don't practice religion, and so I had a hard time relating to the characters in that sense.
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