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Making Arrangements
Her husband is perfect. Until he dies. Will her family survive his shocking secret? Surviving stage four cancer is a piece of cake compared surviving her beloved husband’s death. Grieving, introverted Lang is befuddled by the grammar-butchering fashion plate who befriends her, and she is finally forced to deal with her narcissistic, jet-setting mother who breezes in just in time for the funeral. Everyone has ideas on how she should manage her disastrous life, especially Teddy, her unemployed son. Insisting that he handle her family estate, and adamant that she not cavort about with a goofy yet kindly veterinarian, Teddy gives his mother an ultimatum, one that involves her beloved granddaughter, Katie D. Her once perfectly organized world in shambles, Lang is faced with a life-changing decision. A decision that could destroy her family. “”Making Arrangements is a debut novel that features “rich sassy writing with characters you’ll want to slap” and a surprising plot twist. If you like Robyn Carr and Liane Moriarty, you should read Ferris Robinson’s “beautifully written family drama sprinkled with scenes of hilarity” that will keep you turning pages way past your bedtime. Read it now!
- GenresFiction
342 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2016
34 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Ferris Robinson
13 books30 followersFerris Robinson is the author of Making Arrangements, her debut novel about funerals, flowers and forgiveness.
The Gorgeless Gourmet's Cookbook - practically fat-free recipes for super-busy people. Written after her husband's heart surgery at the age of 34, the healthy cookbook is unique in that all the recipes are simple. And good! She was on the cover of Women's World magazine in 2006 and will release a fourth printing of the Gorgeless Gourmet's Cookbook this spring.
A columnist at www.chattanoogan.com, Robinson writes about the wonderful world we all live in, but especially loves writing about the strong emotional connection we humans have with our dogs.
Dogs and Love, sixteen heart-warming dog stories, is available on Amazon Kindle.
She lives with her husband and dogs near Chattanooga, TN.
The Gorgeless Gourmet's Cookbook - practically fat-free recipes for super-busy people. Written after her husband's heart surgery at the age of 34, the healthy cookbook is unique in that all the recipes are simple. And good! She was on the cover of Women's World magazine in 2006 and will release a fourth printing of the Gorgeless Gourmet's Cookbook this spring.
A columnist at www.chattanoogan.com, Robinson writes about the wonderful world we all live in, but especially loves writing about the strong emotional connection we humans have with our dogs.
Dogs and Love, sixteen heart-warming dog stories, is available on Amazon Kindle.
She lives with her husband and dogs near Chattanooga, TN.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 3, 2016
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
It’s been one year since Lang thought that she was going to pass away from cancer. She had made all the necessary arrangements, made sure her husband was going to be taken care of, and left love notes to help him deal with everything once she was gone. But thanks to treatment she is still alive, though weak. She’s doing a bit of flower gardening when a friend comes by and tells her that her husband had a heart attack at the tennis court that he frequents. She rushes to the hospital but he’s already passed away by the time she gets there. She doesn’t want to believe it right away because he was such a healthy person, but once she starts going through paperwork about investments, things she didn’t even know about since she was sick in the hospital for so long, and taking care of some financial issues he seemed to be caught up in, she realizes the stress of it all must have caught up to him. She also discovers that he has kept a huge secret that could potentially tear her family apart.
I liked the idea of the story but I didn’t like a lot of the characters which is why I rated it low. Her son Teddy was so rude and a bit of a brat in my opinion because I understood that he wanted to help her understand her financial troubles, but never seemed to consider that she just seems overwhelmed with everything and he needed things done right away. He never seemed to be there for her when she needed him. Lang was just too wishy washy with everything. It seemed every decision was she didn’t want to try something, then she would, then she didn’t want to again. If it happened once or twice I’d understand but it seemed to be everything she was dealing with. There were a lot of moments where certain characters would act a certain way or say something off and it wouldn’t be explained right away. It wasn’t until 3/4th of the way through that most questions were finally answered. I would have just liked it to have spread out the answers better instead of having everything answered all at the end. It did have an interesting twist though that I did like. I was always curious about it and there were subtle hints relating to it but it’s still shocking. It’s still an interesting story, and I’m sure a lot of people would like it, but it just wasn’t a favorite for me.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
It’s been one year since Lang thought that she was going to pass away from cancer. She had made all the necessary arrangements, made sure her husband was going to be taken care of, and left love notes to help him deal with everything once she was gone. But thanks to treatment she is still alive, though weak. She’s doing a bit of flower gardening when a friend comes by and tells her that her husband had a heart attack at the tennis court that he frequents. She rushes to the hospital but he’s already passed away by the time she gets there. She doesn’t want to believe it right away because he was such a healthy person, but once she starts going through paperwork about investments, things she didn’t even know about since she was sick in the hospital for so long, and taking care of some financial issues he seemed to be caught up in, she realizes the stress of it all must have caught up to him. She also discovers that he has kept a huge secret that could potentially tear her family apart.
I liked the idea of the story but I didn’t like a lot of the characters which is why I rated it low. Her son Teddy was so rude and a bit of a brat in my opinion because I understood that he wanted to help her understand her financial troubles, but never seemed to consider that she just seems overwhelmed with everything and he needed things done right away. He never seemed to be there for her when she needed him. Lang was just too wishy washy with everything. It seemed every decision was she didn’t want to try something, then she would, then she didn’t want to again. If it happened once or twice I’d understand but it seemed to be everything she was dealing with. There were a lot of moments where certain characters would act a certain way or say something off and it wouldn’t be explained right away. It wasn’t until 3/4th of the way through that most questions were finally answered. I would have just liked it to have spread out the answers better instead of having everything answered all at the end. It did have an interesting twist though that I did like. I was always curious about it and there were subtle hints relating to it but it’s still shocking. It’s still an interesting story, and I’m sure a lot of people would like it, but it just wasn’t a favorite for me.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
August 3, 2016
My only real complaint with this story is the main character, Lang, is too weak. She comes from a prominent family in her little southern town (which is named for her ancestor) and even owns and lives in the 150-year old family home on valuable acreage. Yet she has allowed her husband Jack to manage her inheritance and all financial matters. It appears Jack never had a career of his own. Their son Teddy only had a career as a renowned tennis player and floundered at every other thing he tried. Teddy is spoiled, and Lang allows him to push her around, even to the point of thinking maybe she should move into a senior living facility like her son keeps saying. Lang is only 65!! She is too indecisiveness about whether or not to sell her family's homestead like her son continually insists on. Put your foot down, woman! Tell Teddy to grow up! I just wanted to smack some sense into her!! Granted, by the end of the book Lang does eventually develop a spine.
The book begins Jack's sudden death. The only person who comes around to help out is A.J., one of Lang's tennis partners - and a woman she clearly does not like or respect. As a former 2-term president of the Barrington Women's Club (which one of her ancestors organized), you would think Lang would have gobs of friends looking in on her. But none do, other than A.J.
Otherwise, this is an enjoyable read. I very much wanted to give it 5 stars (which is a rarity for me), particularly because the author is local to Chattanooga and her sister is a friend. It was fun that the names of a few local spots were used, such as Cafe on the Corner.
The book begins Jack's sudden death. The only person who comes around to help out is A.J., one of Lang's tennis partners - and a woman she clearly does not like or respect. As a former 2-term president of the Barrington Women's Club (which one of her ancestors organized), you would think Lang would have gobs of friends looking in on her. But none do, other than A.J.
Otherwise, this is an enjoyable read. I very much wanted to give it 5 stars (which is a rarity for me), particularly because the author is local to Chattanooga and her sister is a friend. It was fun that the names of a few local spots were used, such as Cafe on the Corner.
February 5, 2017
Ferris Robinson has written a book that you will find humor, a sense of family and heartbreak. You will find yourself falling in love with the characters in the book, as well as relating to them the trials and situations they are going through. This story is so heart felt that you will be sad when you find yourself at the end of the book. This book has many twists and turns which will keep you on your toes as you read it.
September 24, 2016
I loved loved this book!! I have not read a book like this, thinking that you are going to pass and that you have planed for it then for you husband to pass wow!! Great story line, with twist that I never saw coming!! Just when you think you know what is going to happen bam big twist! I loved the characters they where fabulous. Nothing I would have changed.
August 25, 2016
A wonderful new southern voice. I felt like I was right at home.
October 24, 2016
Wow. This book had me laughing one minute then crying the next. I loved this book
November 17, 2016
Love this book.
October 27, 2017
Making Arrangements is a touching story that shows that you don't have to stop living no matter the circumstances or your age. It also sends the message that family is not necessarily those with whom you are related by blood. The title has many meanings, and can refer to floral arrangements, funeral arrangements, and making other arrangements as well.
The cast of characters all have secrets. Teddy is by far the most annoying, in that he refuses to let his mother live the life she chooses to live. Put these characters together and you have plenty of drama and need for forgiveness. It's not a fast-moving tale, but one that touches the core of humanity.
The cast of characters all have secrets. Teddy is by far the most annoying, in that he refuses to let his mother live the life she chooses to live. Put these characters together and you have plenty of drama and need for forgiveness. It's not a fast-moving tale, but one that touches the core of humanity.
September 7, 2018
E-book ok
May 16, 2019
This book warmed my soul
Such a lovely story, enough drama and surprise to keep it real but lyrical and fancifull and so beautifully written.
Such a lovely story, enough drama and surprise to keep it real but lyrical and fancifull and so beautifully written.
June 11, 2017
Please note: The book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It wasn't my favorite and was probably longer than it should've been. Still, it proved to be a quick read. While the story itself is an important reminder to expect the unexpected, I found most of the characters to be quite unlikeable. Even Lang herself was weak and self-defeating for most of the novel, probably due to her son Teddy’s and late husband’s attempts to keep her in the dark and stifle any ounce of gumption she may have once had.
For further thoughts on the book and a delicious Caramel Cake recipe inspired by Lang herself, visit The Hungry Bookworm: https://hungry-bookworm.com/2016/12/2...
It wasn't my favorite and was probably longer than it should've been. Still, it proved to be a quick read. While the story itself is an important reminder to expect the unexpected, I found most of the characters to be quite unlikeable. Even Lang herself was weak and self-defeating for most of the novel, probably due to her son Teddy’s and late husband’s attempts to keep her in the dark and stifle any ounce of gumption she may have once had.
For further thoughts on the book and a delicious Caramel Cake recipe inspired by Lang herself, visit The Hungry Bookworm: https://hungry-bookworm.com/2016/12/2...
March 26, 2017
Life happens
The day after my husband's funeral, I discovered that I was not the beneficiary of the life insurance I had struggled to pay when he was unemployed. I could have used an A.J. and a Leland. Fortunately, I also got a wonderful dog and, unfortunately, I have a Teddy. The complex relationships, and conflicting emotions are well explored in this novel of unexpected revelations.
The day after my husband's funeral, I discovered that I was not the beneficiary of the life insurance I had struggled to pay when he was unemployed. I could have used an A.J. and a Leland. Fortunately, I also got a wonderful dog and, unfortunately, I have a Teddy. The complex relationships, and conflicting emotions are well explored in this novel of unexpected revelations.
April 28, 2017
I'm kind of an easy reviewer. If the book catches my interest and holds it, I give it a 5 star. If I really look forward to getting back to reading it when I'm away from the book, it gets a 5 star. This one did both.
The book was insightful-
The book was insightful-
May 3, 2017
I enjoyed the story line in this book, but at times found it difficult to follow mainly because there was not sufficient description of each setting (missed the atmosphere) and people seemed to pop up without their arrivals having been apparent. Those were passing annoyances in a book that was otherwise enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews