The Second Sister

by Marie Bostwick

The inspiration for the Hallmark Hall of Fame film Christmas Everlasting, “a feel-good goldmine” from the New York Times bestselling author (USA Today).   Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey’s boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson’s Bay, her small, close-knit Wisconsin hometown.   An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson’s Bay. Lucy, meanwhile, got out and never looked back. But now, to meet the terms of Alice’s eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister’s cottage—and begins to see the town, and Alice’s life, anew. Alice’s diverse group of friends appears to have little in common besides an interest in quilting. Yet deep affection for Alice united them and soon Lucy, too, is brought into the fold as they share problems and stories. And as she finds warmth and support in this new circle, Lucy begins to understand this will be her sister’s enduring gift—a chance to move beyond her difficult past and find what she has long been missing . . .  Praise for Marie Bostwick   “Marie Bostwick is my go-to author . . . always powerful, inspiring, and uplifting.” —Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author   “Reading Marie Bostwick is like wrapping yourself up in a warm, hand-crafted quilt. Her books, rich in character and plot, are stitched together by a skilled wordsmith.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author   “A brilliant storyteller.” —Las Vegas Review-Journal

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Family, Book Club

431 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2015

About the author

Marie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction. She lives in the state of Washington and travels frequently to sign books, speak to reading groups, and meet her readers. Keep up with Marie, her travels, new releases and lifestyle blog, Fiercely Marie, at www.mariebostwick.com.

Reviews

[Melodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucy and Alice, sisters with secrets. One with a high powered job always on the move, the other living quietly in their home town. Sisters so diametrically opposed in values and priorities, one wonders how they could be related.Things are never really as they seem in families, we all know that. And no matter how you run or try to bury or forget your past, you never really succeed. No one is ever all wrong or right.
Growth, redemption and the strength of family are the themes in this story. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. The story line moved right along, no lagging.Overall it was an easy sweet read, predictable. Sometimes you just want a story you know will turn out okay.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. I would just love to curl up and read it once more.

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THE SECOND SISTER by Marie Bostwick is an emotional and powerful story of second chances, and with the author’s background she is quite at home with her storylines, as she brings all her characters together for an inspiring and uplifting story of family, hope and healing.

As the book opens, it is Nov, 2016 and Alice is calling Lucy, her sister asking her to come home for Christmas and Lucy explains they will go somewhere warm for Christmas like Disney World, which Alice loves, or of course Washington, since this is where Lucy may be with her political campaign as her boss gets closer to the White House- her life.

A near drowning accident at the age of eighteen had permanently altered Lucy’s sister Alice’s intellect, abilities, and personality. Alice of course wants to have Christmas in Nilson Bay and informed Lucy she has not been home in eight years, since her parents died in a freak single car accident --and when her boss lost his job, and she lost hers and they had returned to Colorado. Eighty hour work weeks and frequent flyer miles is what Lucy is accustomed to, and she could even spring for a trip around the world for Christmas with all the miles she had accumulated.

Lucy spent the first eighteen years of her life in Door County and she does not want to make the trip back to Wisconsin ever again. On the other hand, Alice loves Nilson Bay. At age thirty seven Alice is seventeen months older than herself; however, Alice still has the mind of a teenager and wishes her happy birthday. What was her sister thinking, if her boss won the election, she would need to go to Washington, and if he lost, she would need to start looking for a job! Maybe next year she could visit..

Things drastically change when her cousin calls from Wisconsin notifying her of an accident involving Lucy and pills? She has to go to her, Alice was frightened of hospitals. Now Lucy is feeling guilty as she left the phone off the hook the night before and wonders if Alice took the pills on purpose, as she had a tendency toward depression since her early twenties after a year at college.

However, through plane connections and winter storms, by the time she arrives in Wisconsin, she learns the horrible news, her sister did not make it. Barney was the last living relative, an apple farmer and lifelong bachelor, about twice her age was there and he was an emotional wreck. Now she has arrangements to make in the middle of a campaign election.

Soon thereafter she finds Alice's eccentric will stipulates that Lucy must take up temporary residence in the house before she can inherit it. Then Lucy meets her late sister's friends, a close knit lively group of women who meet regularly to quilt together.

Daphne, a single mother of four daughters. Rinda, a chain-smoking, Bible-touting African American woman and a recovering alcoholic. And finally there's Celia, a gay art teacher who's unlucky in love. Lucy is drawn into their lives and comes to find out how much they cared for her sister. She begins to confront her own past, as well as the guilt that kept her estranged from her sister for so long.

Lucy is accustomed to being independent and not sharing her world with a group of women. What about all the time she missed with her sister? Lucy soon learns we have no guarantees in life and has to forgive herself and the past in order to move on for a second chance. Lucy is driven in her passion for her job and for advancing Tom’s political career; and puts her own life on hold and she has only one friend, Joe.

On the other hand, Alice mentally challenged and childlike in many ways has friends and a life. And now Lucy goes from a busy career to being back in her home town away from work and all she has known, having to decide to sell her home and plan a different future. Then there is Peter, the lawyer.

My first book by Bostwick and am strongly reminded of fellow authors, Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, Emilie Richards, and Mariah Stewart with the warm-hearted stories, quilting, strong women circles, friendships, sisters, family, inspirational, and small town charm.

You come to feel you know the characters as friends and the author’s passion definitely shines through her vivid settings and characters. I enjoyed reading the author’s notes and hearing about the time she and her family spent in Wisconsin and weekend trips to Door County, making you want to visit and enjoy a stroll through the lovely quaint town.

An enjoyable read, THE SECOND SISTER, includes detailed discussion questions and personal reflection – making this an ideal read for book clubs and further discussions with different perspectives.

Judith D. Collins Must Read Books

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Toomey had poured all her energy and every waking moment into the presidential campaign. She has avoided her hometown in Door County, Wisconsin, using work as an excuse to not spend time with her sister, Alice. Alice was never the same after a drowning accident, yet she remained a talented artist, quilter and animal lover. While Lucy loved her sister, she viewed her more as an obligation than a relationship. When Alice is hospitalized, Lucy rushes home to be by her side, but she is too late. Alice had stipulated in her will that in order to inherit the family cottage, she must live there for 8 weeks. With the presidential inauguration weeks away, Lucy decides to stay through the holidays. What she discovers at the cottage are some beautiful drawings and quilts for a person no one can identify. She also rediscovers the beauty and peace of her hometown. Though not warmly welcomed initally, the 3 women, fondly referred to as "Friends of Alice", grow to embrace Lucy and bring her into their fold. Lucy also reconnects with her high school crush, Peter, and a few sparks ignite. Filled with warmth, humor and heartbreak, another wonderful novel by Marie Bostwick.

[Dionne Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVE this book!! This is one of those books you read that you automatically fall in love with the characters and setting of the story. "The Second Sister" is a very inspiring, powerful story of two sisters, one who is loving, caring, and a bit odd, the other a workaholic who lives life in the fast lane and just wants to forget the past and focus on the future. An unexpected tragedy occurs with Alice (the eldest) that forces her younger sister (Lucy) to come back to her roots and remember her past and the meaning it has for her future.
Definitely one of those stories that has you at the edge of your seat wondering what comes next as well as gives you a sense of hope and happiness.

[Sabrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was like reading a hallmark Christmas movie. The plot was obvious from the start, the main character had absolutely no redeeming qualities and none of it was realistic.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick is the story about living life, change, taking chances, and love. Lucy Toomy has been working with Tom Ryland for over thirteen years. Working to get him elected to various positions including governor. She is now working to get him elected President of the United States. Her parents of been deceased for several years, but she has her sister, Alice. Alice Toomey was hurt in an accident when she was eighteen and has been left mentally challenged. Alice still lives in her their hometown of Nilson’s Bay in Wisconsin. Lucy has not been home in years. Unfortunately, Lucy’s memories of Nilson’s Bay are not happy ones. On Election Day Lucy receives a call that her sister is in the hospital and she needs to come home immediately.

Lucy rushes to Nilson’s Bay, but she is too late. Alice is gone from an accidental overdose. Lucy is hoping to have the funeral, clean out Alice’s house, sell it, and get back to work. However, Alice has other plans for Lucy. Peter Swenson went to school with Lucy (who had a crush on him) and Alice. He is the newest member of Nilson’s Bay town council and Alice’s lawyer. Peter informs Lucy that in order to inherit the house, she must live in it for eight weeks (and part of that has to be over Christmas). Lucy received a further blow when Tom Ryland. President-elect Ryland offers Lucy a position in the West Wing of the White House, but wants her to take some time off before joining him in Washington.

Lucy is not sure how she is going to spend her time in Nilson’s Bay without work. She has not taken time off in thirteen years. Lucy discovers that she really did not know her sister very well. She learns about Alice from her friends (FOA—Friends of Alice), the house, her beautiful drawings, and Alice’s quilts. Lucy learns about herself and has to decide what she wants. Peter is glad that Lucy will be staying around for a little while. Romance is in the air!

I give The Second Sister 4 out of 5 stars. It is a good story but I found it a little rambling and did not find it as good her Marie Bostwick's Cobbled Court series. When I finish one of the Cobbled Court books I always want more, but I did not feel that way with The Second Sister. The Second Sister has a lot of twists and turns as Lucy learns about her sister’s life and discovers that there may be more to life than work. There is some quilting in the book (Alice’s stash sounds marvelous) as well as two cute cats.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet Friesner · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. Read it in one day.Will be buying more of her books. Sister books fascinate me. I guess because I grew up with two older sisters and all the different stages of our relationships with each other.
Good reading.

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 as I love this author.

I'm an ardent Bostwick fan. She can't write a bad book. I thought I had read all her novels, but recently discovered that I somehow missed this one. What brought my attention to it is that Hallmark is making a movie of it.

I enjoyed meeting Lucy, the younger sister of Alice, although it took awhile to like her. She was a campaign manager to the new President-elect when this opens. Her job has been her main priority. She is good at what she does, but doesn't have much of a life other than work in politics. Alice, her older sister still lives at home alone in Nilson’s Bay, Wisconsin where they were raised. Their parents had been killed in an accident years before. Alice suffered a brain injury at age 18 which left her mentally impaired (slow). She loves animals and works amongst them often finding them homes. She is on the phone with her sister Lucy constantly, wanting her to come home and visit her, especially for Christmas. Lucy spends Christmas's with Alice, but never goes home to Wisconsin to do so. I hated it when she referred to Alice as her crazy sister. Later on in the novel, we'll realize that Alice was smarter than given credit for.

Future events will have Lucy regretting that she didn't take the time to give her sister the love and attention she craved. Lucy is summoned home by her cousin for an emergency right after the Presidential candidate she was working for was elected. She had never wanted to return, but circumstances and fate had a different path for Lucy to follow, which includes an unexpected surprise about her sister.

Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the people of the fictional town of Nilson’s Bay, in Door County, which is real. Author Bostwick lays it out so invitingly based upon her experiences while living in that county and being familiar with these little nook and crannies of the peninsula. You'll love meeting its inhabitants and getting vested in all their stories, not just Lucy and Alice’s but those of her closest friends and neighbors as well. I’m happy to recommend it to fans of contemporary fiction, women’s fiction and romance.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher Kensington via Edelweiss in exchange fore an honest review. The expected publication date is March 31st 2015.



This is one of those stories that I have a hard time sharing my thoughts on because it did not excite nor bore me. It was simply a book that past the time for me but didn't really offer any stand out element to me.



If I had to describe this story in its most simplistic terms it is about coming home and discovering yourself. I enjoyed the close knit small town backdrop tot he story. Since it took place in the winter I could identify to the cold and snowy climate.



The highlight of this story is the "misfit" group of friends that Alice was a part of. Each somewhat odd yet truly endearing people.



Lucy on the other hand I had a hard time warming up to. I think it simply took too long to get to see the demons she was fighting and it made it difficult to be in her corner.



At the end of the day this story provided me with some entertainment that while predictable was enough to take me away from reality for just a little while

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed other books by Ms. Bostwick I was really looking forward to this one. Frankly, I feel a bit let down. While there isn't anything objectionable about this book (and thank you Ms. Bostwick for keeping it clean, I really try to support authors who do!) there isn't really anything remarkable, either.

The writing wasn't as lovely as I expected. The characters weren't quite a fully fleshed-out as I had expected. The whole thing was just "less" than I expected. There were even a few times things didn't seem logical, or like there'd been some leap through real time just to move things along. I know I'm not expressing this very well, there just seemed to be holes or gaps where things were just glossed over.

And while I don't regret reading this book (it did after all fill an afternoon while my husband was out of town), toward the end I found myself just wanting it to be done so I could find something more interesting to read. Not a good sign.

I should, probably, give extra points for keeping it clean without being preachy. But no, I'm sticking with 2 stars. It was ok.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by Netgalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

While this book is women’s contemporary fiction, The Second Sister, had a lot of depth to not only the storyline but also the characters who were multifaceted and kept me on my toes. There were many emotions running throughout – sadness, despair, anger, frustration, fighting for causes and second chances, finding oneself, happiness, friendship, peace and acceptance. Alice and Lucy, as sisters, had a rocky relationship during their childhood because of their parents treatment of them. Their father seemed to only love Alice for a multitude of reasons and was a very unhappy man living an unfulfilled life. Whatever blame could be placed at Lucy’s feet for anything that didn’t go the way he wanted, was. No wonder Lucy wanted to get as far away from Nilson’s Bay, Wisconsin, as she possibly could and never wanted to return or look back. Not that her adult life was great. She was a workaholic who was always on the go in Washington, working 24/7, without any friends or love in her life. Although she and Alice kept in touch after the death of their parents Lucy never gave Alice what she wanted – her to visit their hometown especially for Christmas, but Alice finally got her wish and that’s when the story for me really took off since initially it was a slow read even with all the political machinations going on.

Once I got immersed in their hometown and met the residents and Alice’s friends it was like a different book. I loved the descriptions of the businesses, the lake and the waterfront, the homes but especially the cottage with the cats, the food, the quilts and the quilting along with the landscape, the ice fishing and the shanty. Everything was so detailed and vivid that I felt I was there. The small town feel was welcoming and it was nice to see Lucy finally realize that there was a lot of good in Nilson’s Bay and not always how she remembered it. There were a lot of reminisces by Lucy, some told to others and some she just relived in her mind but when she finally could talk about her childhood and the eventful day that changed everything in her life, she finally found some peace. The three quirky women who were known by the townspeople as the Friends of Alice, or FOA, also eventually became Lucy’s friends. Watching her get closer to the people she knew growing up and the new friends she made was heartwarming. She and her childhood friend, Peter had a history but could they also have a future? There was chemistry but they also fought like cats and dogs and never knew how the other felt back in high school or even now. There were a lot of twists and turns to the story as well as many surprises along the way. There were many secrets revealed which just added another layer to the story. There was some closure with most of the loose ends tied up but there were more that needed to be addressed. Bostwick was able to intertwine many lives effortlessly even when they seemed to have nothing in common. When I turned the last page I was sorry to see the story end and an epilogue would have been a nice treat.

Marie Bostwick is an author that I’ve read many times before. Her Cobbled Court Quilts series is among my favorites even though I don’t quilt. I loved the way she brought quilting into this book as well although it was totally unexpected. Her books are always added to my always growing TBR pile as soon as I know she has a new one out.

Favorite Quote: It was breathtaking especially on such a crisply cold but bright and sunny day in an autumn that was lingering long. Every breath of wind raised sparking ripples on the endless blue-gray surface of the water and rattled the leaves of the trees, releasing showers of still brilliant yellow, gold, orange and red foliage that floated to the ground like little flags of welcome.

[Melissa Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable slice-of-life novel that tells the tale of two very different sisters from small-town Wisconsin, one who refused to leave and one who worked hard to get away. In the wake of a tragic death, they'll reconnect in ways that the surviving sister never thought possible. A great, relaxing read!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Sister was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be heavy on the romance and light on everything else, and I could not have been more wrong. While there is romance, it's just a small portion of the plot.

Mainly, this book is about Lucy figuring out who she really is and what she really wants, and that's largely done as she reacquaints herself with Nilson's Bay, gets to know Alice's friends, and comes to terms with the accident that caused Alice's mental impairment.

The Second Sister is a fairly slow read, but that's not something I'm taking issue with. Rather, it felt like a book to savor as I went along. I especially enjoyed the plot line involving Maeve, a mysterious woman important to Alice but unknown by Lucy. I also loved Alice's friends and how they (eventually) rallied around Lucy and helped her see a side of Alice that she didn't know.

A few plot threads are left up in the air at the end of the book, but that just lent to the feeling of authenticity. This is the first Marie Bostwick book I've read, but I'm now certainly interested in reading more.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Sister is about family and healing. Lucy Toomey is exhausted from a long days work but knows that her sister Alice will be calling sometime in the middle of the night. Her sister suffered a brain injury as a teen would call Lucy for support and comfort but then she dies unexpectedly.

Lucy has avoided going back to her hometown Nilson's Bay, Wisconsin due the unpleasant memories she has growing up there. Lucy left and never looked back.
The plan was to go back for just long enough to take care of the funeral arrangements and any business needed only Alice had a will and a stipulation that Lucy were to stay in Nilson's Bay for stated number of weeks and the cottage will be hers to what she will with it.
While abiding by the terms of Alice's will, Lucy begins to see the town from Alice's eyes and meets her various friends. When going through the house she finds multiple quilts made for someone named Mave. Lucy didn't even know Alice quilted.
Lucy is about to find a reason to not leave Nilson's Bay. She just may come home after all.

[Jackie Hinnen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Lucy through out The Second Sister. The setting of Nielsen’s Bay is every bit of a what Hallmark movies are made of. If you’re looking for an easy read that will leave you feeling good this is for you.

[Josette D’Amato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to it on audio books. Enjoyable, easy read!

[Tara Lynn Darr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Fabulous - enjoyed every minute of it and cannot wait to see the movie this fall on the Hallmark channel!

[L Y N N]

I won't complete a detailed blog review until our book club has discussed this one! Should be interesting! I really loved the theme of this book. The characters' actions were so "right on" for me! My one small teensy tiny 'comment' (not an actual complaint...) would be that it seemed to wrap up a bit too quickly into a nice and neat "happily ever after" within the last 20-30 pages. However, it still really really worked for me! Bostwick is an excellent writer in that I truly feel as if I know these characters through and through. As if they could be my own neighbors and friends in real life! :) Although I have never experienced having a sibling in my life, I did have a "cousin-in-law" with whom I was extremely close (for many years before I ever married into his family) and he would call me in the middle of the night at least 2 nights a week, awakening me, wanting to "talk." However, he was much different from Alice in that he would be drunk and loaded and would simply rant and rave, slurring and making little sense. I had small children (newborn to 5 years old) during this time and simply HAD to get a full night's rest! I eventually had to tell him not to call me any more unless he was sober. What I hadn't fully realized was the fact that he was virtually never sober. He ended up basically drinking himself to death before age 50. I could so relate to Lucy's situation with Alice and her phone calls, although the circumstances were somewhat different, I'm certain the guilty feelings were very similar. But such is life...and Lucy does get to move on, with Alice's help! I recommend this as a heartwarming poignant story, with a bit of romance, especially near the end! How wonderful that Lucy will have a new start with a new relative!! :) (No spoilers here!)

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick comes an emotionally rich, inspiring new novel about family, second chances--and the connections that bring women together in hope and healing. . .

Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown.

An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson's Bay. Lucy, meanwhile, got out and never looked back. But now, to meet the terms of Alice's eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister's cottage--and begins to see the town, and Alice's life, anew. Alice's diverse group of friends appears to have little in common besides an interest in quilting. Yet deep affection for Alice united them and soon Lucy, too, is brought into the fold as they share problems and stories. And as she finds warmth and support in this new circle, Lucy begins to understand this will be her sister's enduring gift--a chance to move beyond her difficult past, and find what she has long been missing. . .

--My thoughts. Alice drives Lucy crazy. But then it all changes when Alice dies and before Lucy can inherit her cabin, she has to take up residence in it. She learns more about her sister and herself. You will love this cast of characters! I was sad Alice was gone... This community of ladies are so endearing! You want to belong with them. Even Peter's kiss was -- well you read and find out!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick
Lucy is following her senator's campaign and path to the White House when she gets a call from her sister Alice.
Lucy hopes he will become president...Alice wants Lucy to spend Christmas in Nelson's Bay-their family hometown.
Election day and she gets a call, her sister has overdosed on sleeping pills and she must leave for WI. She dies and the president to be wants her to take time off work, for a few months.
Because she now has the time she steps into Alice's life and helps out with charity projects. Lawyer tells her of the stipulations to Alice's will....
Like how she tends to the animals and discovers her sisters quilts. She reads through the beginner books of quilting and dives into making one. She has no idea who all the quilts were for that her sister had made.
Recurring dreams keep her awake some nights. Like the tips about rotary cutters and other quilting issues.
Small town living and she's not used to everybody knowing everything about her. She finds herself at a neighbor's house for Thanksgiving and enjoying the time there.
Peter, the lawyer is helping her adjust and make sure she stays for 8 weeks. So many secrets and she finds the FOA!
Love the paying it forward and hearing about ice fishing. She does have a job at the White House in Jan and you wonder if she will stay or leave...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lucy's sister Alice dies on election day, Lucy abandons the presidential candidate she's working for and travels back home to Nilson's Bay. Her intention is to settle Alice's affairs and get back to work, for the newly elected president. She hates Nilson's Bay and everything about it, including the terrible memories it dredges up. What she doesn't count on is finding a stack of quilts in Alice's sewing room -- quilts nobody knows she has made and all labeled "for Maeve". As Lucy's holiday lengthens, she begins to remember all the good things about Nilson's Bay, including her very attractive old flame, Peter. I enjoyed this story, set in Wisconsin, very much. I especially liked the quilting part of the story, something the author does very well, having written many books about quilters. This story could easily be the first in a series, I would enjoy going back to Nilson's Bay again, perhaps learning more about each of the quilters in detail. Recommended.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Toomey is a highly placed political operative whose beloved disabled sister dies accidentally. Her death brings Lucy back to her hated home-town on the Upper Peninsula. While it strains credulity that someone with an office waiting for her in the West Wing, after years of working herself to the bone would bag it all, it's not unheard of. Some ends are left hanging (pushy reporter?) that I thought would play out, but don't. This basic plotline is, however, only what happens on the surface. What this book really is about is forgiveness - of oneself, each other, the community, and our own human capacity to embrace each other. Bostwick writes in a tight timeline, but the dialog rings true. I enjoyed the book, but wished for further insight into the changes she makes in her own life.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy and enjoyable read. It's a sweet story with a bit of intelligent depth (Lucy is a political campaigner), so it's not totally sappy.

Being a Wisconsinite and having spent many vacations in Door County, I found it fun that the story is set in a fictional Door County town. Sometimes authors overdo the mention of local tidbits, just to prove they know something about the area. Here, Marie Bostwick wrote a lot of the area but she didn't overkill it.

One thing that did irritate me was her portrayal of the character Clint's accent. Yes, Wisconsinites have an accent and it may be more pronounced in northern areas, but I felt her "das" "der" and "don'tcha know"s were rather Fargo-ishly (the movie) cliché.

The story concludes with everything succinctly wrapping up. Maybe it's a bit syrupy, but it's what we expect from this genre. Overall, a well-written, feel-good story.

[Jane Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story with richly developed characters, a surprise twist in the story and a strong feeling of community and place. I lived in this novel once I started it and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I highly recommend this book to my friends and family who care about their personal relationships.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a little different from other Bostwick books,all of which I have also enjoyed. The quilting theme was very minor...but the character development was excellent. I enjoy books about real people, with all their foibles. and this sister certainly came with a lot of baggage. Don't we all? Well done...hope there is a sequel.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A big disappointment to me. I have really enjoyed the other Marie Bostwick books I have read - the Cobbled Court quilt series, and The Promise Girls - but this one just never caught my interest. I could never connect with the characters, and the plot was very contrived, never really believable or compelling.

[Michelle's Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all need to take time follow-up we are or a boss who tells us to do this in order to help ourselves.


I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.

[Bonnie Eldridge-labaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love Marie Bostwick's books. She writes about small country living where people know each other and help each other. I live in a small town where helping each other is a way of life. I like how she incorporates quilting in each book. That is one of my bucket list items is to learn how to quilt.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow soon