What do you think?
Rate this book
Our Fragile Hearts
‘a very well written story which will tug at your heartstrings.’ - Fiona Wilson
Three lives. Three broken hearts…Piper loved her mummy. So when she loses her, her world is confused and sad. But she has Rachel now. She won’t leave her as well, will she?
Rachel finds out she has a 5-year-old sister on the same day that she is told her mother has died. Having been in foster care for years, she never really knew her mum, but she knows for sure she doesn’t want the same thing for Piper. She knows she has to take care of her – but how?
Mary never even got to see her baby. They took it away as soon as she gave birth. And the hole in her heart has never healed. So when she meets Rachel and Piper, two lost girls looking for a family, her broken heart skips a beat…
What readers are saying about Our Fragile Hearts‘a lovely, heartwarming story about second chances’ – For the Love of Books
‘Buffy Andrews has hit a homerun with Our Fragile Hearts and I just loved it!!’ – Sharon Kirchoff (Goodreads)
‘This story is full of hope and love, and eventual peace. It is one to remember for a long time to come.’ – Jennifer (Goodreads)
- GenresContemporary
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2016
193 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Buffy Andrews
26 books99 followersBuffy Andrews is an Amazon best-selling author. She is president of Author and Friends LLC and Andrews Creative Concepts.
She lives in southcentral Pennsylvania with her husband, Tom.
Author website: www.authorbuffyandrews.com
Shop at her online literary gift stores:
Author and Friends on Cafepress: www.cafepress.com/authorandfriends
Author and Friends on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/AuthorAndFriends
Author and Friends on Teepublic: http://tee.pub/lic/authorandfriends
She lives in southcentral Pennsylvania with her husband, Tom.
Author website: www.authorbuffyandrews.com
Shop at her online literary gift stores:
Author and Friends on Cafepress: www.cafepress.com/authorandfriends
Author and Friends on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/AuthorAndFriends
Author and Friends on Teepublic: http://tee.pub/lic/authorandfriends
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 16, 2016
I thought I had put this review up, just found my copy of it in my email.
Opps.
This is a really emotional read and you will need some tissue.
Its either a 'lump in your throat' type of read or a full on 'tears down your cheeks snotty nose' the lot!
We have Rachel
She's just found out she had a 5 year old sister....what?!
And not only that, her Mother has just died.
Piper is the 5 year old sister. She is so immersed in grief over the loss of her Mother she doesn't appreciate hearing she has a long lost sister, but then, she realizes this could be a good thing.
Rachel didn't have the same upbringing, she was brought up in a foster home.
Now Rachel finds she will need to look after Piper to stop her from having the same experiences she had when going into a foster home.
This is about family
Loyalty
Promises
Grief
And long lost times
Because the two sisters had different upbringings you can see this and understand this as you read along.
The author really did get to the heart of things whilst writing this book.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
My thanks to Carina UK via Net galley for my copy
April 27, 2016
Having read quite a number of this author's books, and enjoyed them, I couldn't wait to read this one. I was not disappointed.
The story itself is set around several different timelines. The first is that featuring the life of Mary, an older woman who has a past she hasn't told anyone about. We learn a lot more about that past, as well as what she has done in the years since an event which changed her life forever.
The second timeline is that featuring Rachel, a young woman who has become guardian to a younger sister she knew nothing about until the death of their mother. Rachel's upbringing wasn't a good one as she found herself being brought up by foster parents. She envies the apparent good life her young sister had when growing up, and struggles to comprehend that sisters born to the same mum could have such different upbringings.
These two storylines don't appear to have much in common. But when circumstances throw Mary and Rachel together, the lives of all three characters are thrown into turmoil.
This is a very well written story which will tug at your heartstrings. The characters are all well written and likeable, the story itself is believable and true to the characters throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I can't wait to see what comes next from an author I am happy to have found.
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself is set around several different timelines. The first is that featuring the life of Mary, an older woman who has a past she hasn't told anyone about. We learn a lot more about that past, as well as what she has done in the years since an event which changed her life forever.
The second timeline is that featuring Rachel, a young woman who has become guardian to a younger sister she knew nothing about until the death of their mother. Rachel's upbringing wasn't a good one as she found herself being brought up by foster parents. She envies the apparent good life her young sister had when growing up, and struggles to comprehend that sisters born to the same mum could have such different upbringings.
These two storylines don't appear to have much in common. But when circumstances throw Mary and Rachel together, the lives of all three characters are thrown into turmoil.
This is a very well written story which will tug at your heartstrings. The characters are all well written and likeable, the story itself is believable and true to the characters throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and I can't wait to see what comes next from an author I am happy to have found.
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2019
Mary Godmother
Rachel is on her way to making it, after surviving a drunk Mother and nightmare foster homes. But then, her estranged Mother dies and she finds out she has a 5 year-old sister who needs her. Mary was forced to give up her dream of being a Mother because her abusive adoptive father couldn't face an out of wedlock birth in his family. Fate allows them to find each other and life begins. Family is created by the love you give, not the blood line that you share. Enjoy with a couple of tissues.
Rachel is on her way to making it, after surviving a drunk Mother and nightmare foster homes. But then, her estranged Mother dies and she finds out she has a 5 year-old sister who needs her. Mary was forced to give up her dream of being a Mother because her abusive adoptive father couldn't face an out of wedlock birth in his family. Fate allows them to find each other and life begins. Family is created by the love you give, not the blood line that you share. Enjoy with a couple of tissues.
April 17, 2020
Beautiful
Beautiful, Poignant and Lovely. I found myself crying tears of joy. I stayed up late reading and anxious to get back to it, when interrupted. The ending was satisfying and left me with a big, goofy smile and tears running down my face. Something we all need from time to time.
Beautiful, Poignant and Lovely. I found myself crying tears of joy. I stayed up late reading and anxious to get back to it, when interrupted. The ending was satisfying and left me with a big, goofy smile and tears running down my face. Something we all need from time to time.
May 22, 2016
Our Fragile Hearts, written by Buffy Andrews, is truly a beautifully written story. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and trust me, this book exceeded my expectations and then some! This story will tug at your heartstrings and it will take you on an emotional roller-coaster, so I suggest having a box of Kleenex nearby if you are an emotional person. This is a story that will touch your heart and stay with you long after reading it!
The story is centered around three female characters...Rachel, Piper and Mary. Rachel has just found out that she has a five-year-old sister, Piper, and that their mother has just died. Piper is completely lost in her grief, however, things begin to look a bit brighter once she finds out that she has Rachel in her life. Rachel grew up in foster care, and knows that she will have to find a way to take care of Piper, especially if she doesn't want her to spend the next thirteen years in foster care. The only problem is she has no idea how she will care for her. Mary is an older woman also grieving in her own way. Mary is still grieving over the baby she gave birth to, but never had the chance to be with. She feels completely empty inside, and never recovered from losing her baby so many years ago. However, once she meets Rachel and Piper, things begin to look up and she finds comfort in being able to help them.
I could write so much more, but I don't want to ruin the story. This is a well-written, beautiful story about loss, love, family, and second chances. I literally could not put this book down until I read it from beginning to end...I was completely captivated throughout the entire story. I felt the characters were complex, but realistic and definitely believable. The story literally is heartbreaking at times, but also uplifting at the same time. The struggles Rachel has in trying to understand how her and Piper could have the same mother, but yet have such totally different upbringings, is true to life. Poor little Piper is so afraid of losing Rachel, too, that it broke my heart. She is so young, and is struggling to deal with her grief. The author does an amazing job in portraying the emotions each character feels, and her writing style brings this story to life as you read it. I honestly can't stress enough just how wonderful and amazing this book truly is! I definitely recommend reading this book. I will be looking forward to reading more books written by Buffy Andrews.
I was given a digital copy of this book from Carina UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is centered around three female characters...Rachel, Piper and Mary. Rachel has just found out that she has a five-year-old sister, Piper, and that their mother has just died. Piper is completely lost in her grief, however, things begin to look a bit brighter once she finds out that she has Rachel in her life. Rachel grew up in foster care, and knows that she will have to find a way to take care of Piper, especially if she doesn't want her to spend the next thirteen years in foster care. The only problem is she has no idea how she will care for her. Mary is an older woman also grieving in her own way. Mary is still grieving over the baby she gave birth to, but never had the chance to be with. She feels completely empty inside, and never recovered from losing her baby so many years ago. However, once she meets Rachel and Piper, things begin to look up and she finds comfort in being able to help them.
I could write so much more, but I don't want to ruin the story. This is a well-written, beautiful story about loss, love, family, and second chances. I literally could not put this book down until I read it from beginning to end...I was completely captivated throughout the entire story. I felt the characters were complex, but realistic and definitely believable. The story literally is heartbreaking at times, but also uplifting at the same time. The struggles Rachel has in trying to understand how her and Piper could have the same mother, but yet have such totally different upbringings, is true to life. Poor little Piper is so afraid of losing Rachel, too, that it broke my heart. She is so young, and is struggling to deal with her grief. The author does an amazing job in portraying the emotions each character feels, and her writing style brings this story to life as you read it. I honestly can't stress enough just how wonderful and amazing this book truly is! I definitely recommend reading this book. I will be looking forward to reading more books written by Buffy Andrews.
I was given a digital copy of this book from Carina UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2016
Whenever I pick up a book by Buffy Andrews, I have come to expect a reading experience that will draw me into a funny, exciting, and/or emotional story filled with life-like characters that I grow to care about. Our Fragile Hearts, Andrews’ latest release, does not disappoint. This poignant tale of a five-year-old girl, a young adult single woman, and a wealthy, childless widow met all my expectations beautifully.
Our Fragile Hearts tells the story of love lost and love found, but not in the typical boy-meets-girl scenario. Five-year-old Piper, newly orphaned and insecure, meets Mary, a lonely woman who longs to make her huge house into a loving home. The love at first sight between the two is mutual. Rachel, whose life plans have been turned upside down by the introduction of a younger sister, holds herself aloof for fear of one more in a long string of disappointments.
Andrews weaves the lives of these three characters into a lovely narrative that will make you want to hurry on to see what happens next but also to linger in the parlor where Piper, Rachel, and Mary are sharing a cup of tea. For a memorable reading experience, I highly recommend Our Fragile Hearts by Buffy Andrews.
Our Fragile Hearts tells the story of love lost and love found, but not in the typical boy-meets-girl scenario. Five-year-old Piper, newly orphaned and insecure, meets Mary, a lonely woman who longs to make her huge house into a loving home. The love at first sight between the two is mutual. Rachel, whose life plans have been turned upside down by the introduction of a younger sister, holds herself aloof for fear of one more in a long string of disappointments.
Andrews weaves the lives of these three characters into a lovely narrative that will make you want to hurry on to see what happens next but also to linger in the parlor where Piper, Rachel, and Mary are sharing a cup of tea. For a memorable reading experience, I highly recommend Our Fragile Hearts by Buffy Andrews.
May 17, 2016
What a wonderful story that will have you on the edge of your seat on an emotional roller coaster. Rachel discovers she has a 5 year old sister when they let her know her mother has died. Piper has had a perfect childhood, so different from her sister Rachel who went into foster care as a young girl. As the sisters get to know each other and build their life together they meet Mary, a lonely woman who has had a difficult early life and is now happy to share her time and money with these two sisters. With the threats of illness, a drug dealing father who wants custody of Piper and other realities of life this book is so well written and holds your interest on every page. I've never read Buffy Andrews before but this story has me curious about her other books. Have your hankie handy but you'll also smile as these three love, laugh, and live.
May 2, 2016
Once again, Buffy Andrews has hit a homerun with Our Fragile Hearts and I just loved it!! It touched my heart in so many ways. The three main characters each have their own personal struggles but collectively they give in ways that help each other through. It is beautifully written and is one that I could not put down until I had read every single word! There is a realization that sometimes in our brokenness we are overpowered by the comfort and strength we find by helping others. And, there are a few “OMG” moments that were total shockers, which is the epitome of a well written book!! I highly recommend this novel, as well as all of Buffy's other books, as each and every one are wonderful and memorable experiences! - Sharon Weed
May 2, 2016
I absolutely fell in love with Mary and Rachel, and especially little Piper. Mary and Rachel both have survived so much adversity, and kept their heads held high. As a mother, I immediately felt my heart clench when I read Mary's story. Rachel has been through even more, in some ways, because she was raised not knowing who she could depend on. Growing up in foster care is no picnic. Yet, Rachel survived. When she was told that she must raise her sister lest Piper end up in foster care as well, Rachel rises up to the challenge. This story is full of hope and love, and eventual peace. It is one to remember for a long time to come.
November 29, 2020
New author
This was a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. It was a good feel good book. Easy reading and a wonderful ending.
This was a new author for me and I enjoyed this book. It was a good feel good book. Easy reading and a wonderful ending.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews