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Heirloom #2
La soffitta sul lago
Immersa in un bosco di betulle bianche e inondata dal profumo di un cedro secolare, la vecchia casa di famiglia sul lago Michigan è da sempre il rifugio di Mattie. L’ampio focolare in soggiorno, la cucina dalle piastrelle azzurre, la soffitta in cui disegnava magnifici giardini: tutto risuona di voci e ricordi felici. Ma da tempo Mattie lotta contro un destino avverso, con il sostegno e l’amore di suo marito Don, accanto a lei da cinquant’anni. Finché all’improvviso nella loro vita irrompe Rose, una ragazza madre che per sbarcare il lunario accetta un posto da badante, insieme alla figlia Jeri, una bambina di sette anni dai ricci ramati e dall’incredibile vitalità. E in mezzo allo scompiglio portato dalle nuove arrivate, Mattie e Don capiscono che era proprio questo che avevano sempre desiderato: una grande, chiassosa famiglia. Qualcuno a cui affidare i ricordi più cari: una bambola di pezza, un ciondolo di vetro, un album di ritagli… Ogni oggetto una storia, un momento di allegria. E forse per Mattie, Don e Rose, una nuova chiave per guardare la vita in modo diverso.
Per tutte le fan di Nicholas Sparks, un libro incantevole e delicato, intriso di speranza e di amore.
Per tutte le fan di Nicholas Sparks, un libro incantevole e delicato, intriso di speranza e di amore.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2017
486 people are currently reading
4900 people want to read
About the author
Viola Shipman
21 books3,511 followersDear Reader:
My latest novel, The Page Turner, is a story about why we too often judge one another – and the books we read – by a glance at the collective cover without knowing what is inside. It is also a story about how reading and books not only change us but also save our lives. They did mine.
Growing up “different” in rural America in the 1970s – with no one like me and no one to talk to about what I was going through – I felt alone in this world. Books allowed me to escape, understand, heal, hope and realize there was a place for me in the world just as I was. My grandma – my pen name, Viola Shipman – sensed I was “different,” and she loved me unconditionally and made sure I cherished my uniqueness. Even though my grandma never finished high school, she was a voracious reader who pushed books into my hands from the earliest of ages and made it clear that reading and education would not only change my life but quite possibly save it.
Books allowed me to see a vast world beyond the small town in which I lived. They allowed me to not only escape from the cruelty I often experienced but also understand the reasons behind the hatred. They allowed me to see – as my grandma instilled in me – that being unique was a gift. Books aren’t just books. Books are family. Authors are friends. The stories we read are timestamps in our memories. They bookmark important chapters in our lives and growth. Books are a chance to right the wrong in the world, an opportunity to rewrite ourselves. We can reimagine and reinvent, see the world in an entirely new way simply by turning a page. Or, sometimes, we can just escape from our own lives.
As Carl Sagan wrote: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic."
That’s exactly how I feel when I read and write: Magical. Like a literary unicorn.
Authors tend to write about the same topics – love, death, hope, loss – and we use the same words, the same linguistic tool belt, but it’s how we bring those stories to life that sets us apart.
That is why The Page Turner is also about voice. Not only the voice Emma Page uses to bring her novel to life, but the voice she owns that makes her special and that she is unwilling to silence. We all have a voice. In fact, I bet yours is talking to you in your head right now. However, there’s a good chance that you’ve forgotten the power of your own voice, the beauty of your own uniqueness. As I address in this book, we tend to bury that out of fear: Fear of being different, as I was; fear of being unpopular; fear that our family or friends will disapprove; fear of, well, everything. And slowly that voice becomes so quiet, so distant, we don’t even hear it anymore, and we are no longer the unique souls we once were. We are far from being the people we once dreamed. This novel is about overcoming fear and rediscovering your voice. As I write: Every voice is important. Every story needs to be heard.
I was once consumed by fear. And then I found my voice again. In fact, when I first started writing and dreaming of being an author, I truly believed that there was a golden key that was passed around New York City. It was handed out — late at night, in a fancy restaurant under gilded lights and over expensive drinks — to “certain” authors. And I would never be one of them. I now know — and you certainly already do — that such a key does not exist. The only key you need you already own: The one that unlocks the door to o
My latest novel, The Page Turner, is a story about why we too often judge one another – and the books we read – by a glance at the collective cover without knowing what is inside. It is also a story about how reading and books not only change us but also save our lives. They did mine.
Growing up “different” in rural America in the 1970s – with no one like me and no one to talk to about what I was going through – I felt alone in this world. Books allowed me to escape, understand, heal, hope and realize there was a place for me in the world just as I was. My grandma – my pen name, Viola Shipman – sensed I was “different,” and she loved me unconditionally and made sure I cherished my uniqueness. Even though my grandma never finished high school, she was a voracious reader who pushed books into my hands from the earliest of ages and made it clear that reading and education would not only change my life but quite possibly save it.
Books allowed me to see a vast world beyond the small town in which I lived. They allowed me to not only escape from the cruelty I often experienced but also understand the reasons behind the hatred. They allowed me to see – as my grandma instilled in me – that being unique was a gift. Books aren’t just books. Books are family. Authors are friends. The stories we read are timestamps in our memories. They bookmark important chapters in our lives and growth. Books are a chance to right the wrong in the world, an opportunity to rewrite ourselves. We can reimagine and reinvent, see the world in an entirely new way simply by turning a page. Or, sometimes, we can just escape from our own lives.
As Carl Sagan wrote: “What an astonishing thing a book is. It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic."
That’s exactly how I feel when I read and write: Magical. Like a literary unicorn.
Authors tend to write about the same topics – love, death, hope, loss – and we use the same words, the same linguistic tool belt, but it’s how we bring those stories to life that sets us apart.
That is why The Page Turner is also about voice. Not only the voice Emma Page uses to bring her novel to life, but the voice she owns that makes her special and that she is unwilling to silence. We all have a voice. In fact, I bet yours is talking to you in your head right now. However, there’s a good chance that you’ve forgotten the power of your own voice, the beauty of your own uniqueness. As I address in this book, we tend to bury that out of fear: Fear of being different, as I was; fear of being unpopular; fear that our family or friends will disapprove; fear of, well, everything. And slowly that voice becomes so quiet, so distant, we don’t even hear it anymore, and we are no longer the unique souls we once were. We are far from being the people we once dreamed. This novel is about overcoming fear and rediscovering your voice. As I write: Every voice is important. Every story needs to be heard.
I was once consumed by fear. And then I found my voice again. In fact, when I first started writing and dreaming of being an author, I truly believed that there was a golden key that was passed around New York City. It was handed out — late at night, in a fancy restaurant under gilded lights and over expensive drinks — to “certain” authors. And I would never be one of them. I now know — and you certainly already do — that such a key does not exist. The only key you need you already own: The one that unlocks the door to o
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 655 reviews
February 7, 2017
Mattie has ALS and she has struggled to remain independent as she battles her disease just as she was independent in life. Her husband has been her caregiver but her ALS has reached the point he needs help. Enter Rose and her daughter Jeri who make all the difference in both Mattie and her husband's life. Rose is Mattie's caregiver and as she attempts to make Mattie's life easier the growing affection between the four of them is what all of them need. Rose and Jeri need Mattie and Mattie's husband as much as they need them and as their relationship grows stronger they all redefine what "family" is. Great read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
February 7, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley a massive thank you to St Martins Press and a humongous thank you to Viola Shipman who kindly contacted me and asked if I could read this book for an honest review. I was so excited to receive your email and when I read the bio I couldn't wait to start the book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. You can find it on Goodreads under Karen Whittard from today and on Amazon on publication date under k.e.whittard.
This book is breathtaking, it is beautiful and heartbreaking. It made my heartache and it made my heart sing. I was equal parts saddened and charmed by this book. Viola is an amazing craftswoman and I will be recommending this book to everyone that I know.
If you are looking for a romance story to knock you off your feet this year. Then you simply must read The Hope Chest. I implore you if you only read one book this year. Make sure it is this book you simply will not regret it. Just remember to grab lots and lots of tissues.
This book speaks of the love that everyone dreams of. The love that is once in a lifetime. That is so rare and precious that you simply must hold onto it and never let it go. It is a love that endures all things and sticks by you through it all. A love that is so heartbreaking and pure that it is beautiful.
I cannot describe how much I simply love this book. I just hope you all read it and you will all understand how special this book is.
I was so emotional all the way through this book. I found it heartbreaking and beautiful all in the same time. I became so invested in these characters. That it felt like I knew them personally. That is a rare and beautiful treat I devoured this book so quickly and my wonderful amazing husband had to keep making sure I was ok because I just kept blubbering. I gave him the biggest, massive cuddle that I could after reading this book.
I really really really want to say a huge massive thank you for letting me read this beautiful book. I haven't read a five star book in so long. Until this book came along I didn't think I would find one for a long time. So thank you for sharing this book with us all. I can't wait to see what you bring out next. You are on my authors to watch out for list now.
I have been having such a bad pain induced week. That this book helped me in so many ways.
Thank you
Happy reading everyone
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. You can find it on Goodreads under Karen Whittard from today and on Amazon on publication date under k.e.whittard.
This book is breathtaking, it is beautiful and heartbreaking. It made my heartache and it made my heart sing. I was equal parts saddened and charmed by this book. Viola is an amazing craftswoman and I will be recommending this book to everyone that I know.
If you are looking for a romance story to knock you off your feet this year. Then you simply must read The Hope Chest. I implore you if you only read one book this year. Make sure it is this book you simply will not regret it. Just remember to grab lots and lots of tissues.
This book speaks of the love that everyone dreams of. The love that is once in a lifetime. That is so rare and precious that you simply must hold onto it and never let it go. It is a love that endures all things and sticks by you through it all. A love that is so heartbreaking and pure that it is beautiful.
I cannot describe how much I simply love this book. I just hope you all read it and you will all understand how special this book is.
I was so emotional all the way through this book. I found it heartbreaking and beautiful all in the same time. I became so invested in these characters. That it felt like I knew them personally. That is a rare and beautiful treat I devoured this book so quickly and my wonderful amazing husband had to keep making sure I was ok because I just kept blubbering. I gave him the biggest, massive cuddle that I could after reading this book.
I really really really want to say a huge massive thank you for letting me read this beautiful book. I haven't read a five star book in so long. Until this book came along I didn't think I would find one for a long time. So thank you for sharing this book with us all. I can't wait to see what you bring out next. You are on my authors to watch out for list now.
I have been having such a bad pain induced week. That this book helped me in so many ways.
Thank you
Happy reading everyone
March 18, 2017
The Hope Chest
Viola Shipman
Received from Netgalley
I have never read anything before by Viola Shipman but she broke my heart over and over again and she owes me a box of tissues. THE HOPE CHEST had me tearing up and trying to breathe past the huge lump in my throat over and over again. Learning about Mattie and Don's lives is so moving and will make you fall in love with both of them as you are reading. They are getting ready to celebrate their fifty year wedding anniversary but at the same time Mattie is in the final stages of ALS. Rose is hired as Mattie's caretaker and quickly becomes more of a family member and friend.
As Mattie feels the end getting closer and closer she shares her stories with Rose and her young daughter, Jeri. THE HOPE CHEST brings the four of them closer and each one realizes they now have the family they were looking for. Mattie and Don never had children and Rose and Jeri have no family, since Rose's parents passed away. Their relationship grows stronger and stronger each day, even though they were breaking my heart the whole time while I was reading. I really loved learning about Mattie and Don from their stories, but I felt heartache like I never have before.
THE HOPE CHEST is a beautiful but heartbreaking story. I became so emotionally invested in all of the characters and felt like they were lifelong friends. When they were sad, I felt sad. When they were happy I found myself smiling. I love when an author can do that to me and Viola Shipman did it perfectly. THE HOPE CHEST is filled with love, life, hope, sadness, happiness, and learning to carry on when our loved ones pass on. Be prepared not to do anything else until you finish reading this beautiful story. Once I started I had a hard time putting it down, especially when Viola began to introduce all of the treasures inside of Mattie's neglected hope chest.
Viola Shipman
Received from Netgalley
I have never read anything before by Viola Shipman but she broke my heart over and over again and she owes me a box of tissues. THE HOPE CHEST had me tearing up and trying to breathe past the huge lump in my throat over and over again. Learning about Mattie and Don's lives is so moving and will make you fall in love with both of them as you are reading. They are getting ready to celebrate their fifty year wedding anniversary but at the same time Mattie is in the final stages of ALS. Rose is hired as Mattie's caretaker and quickly becomes more of a family member and friend.
As Mattie feels the end getting closer and closer she shares her stories with Rose and her young daughter, Jeri. THE HOPE CHEST brings the four of them closer and each one realizes they now have the family they were looking for. Mattie and Don never had children and Rose and Jeri have no family, since Rose's parents passed away. Their relationship grows stronger and stronger each day, even though they were breaking my heart the whole time while I was reading. I really loved learning about Mattie and Don from their stories, but I felt heartache like I never have before.
THE HOPE CHEST is a beautiful but heartbreaking story. I became so emotionally invested in all of the characters and felt like they were lifelong friends. When they were sad, I felt sad. When they were happy I found myself smiling. I love when an author can do that to me and Viola Shipman did it perfectly. THE HOPE CHEST is filled with love, life, hope, sadness, happiness, and learning to carry on when our loved ones pass on. Be prepared not to do anything else until you finish reading this beautiful story. Once I started I had a hard time putting it down, especially when Viola began to introduce all of the treasures inside of Mattie's neglected hope chest.
January 26, 2018
Master storyteller, Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse) returns following the heartwarming debut, The Charm Bracelet (2016) and nostalgic Christmas novella Christmas Angels with the latest love story— THE HOPE CHEST, poignant and beautifully crafted, a story of hope, faith, memories, second chances, life’s special moments and surprises.
Emotionally rich, heartbreaking, and yet inspiring and warm-spirited— Shipman once again demonstrates the impact of family, history, and friends. Life is precious. Life is a gift. Time. How do we choose to use it? A legacy to be continued through others. To be passed along. You can utilize what time you have, or lose it all in a blink of an eye.
Thought-provoking! One man may be losing his wife, but through her strength—he may discover a new family. From family heirlooms, nostalgia, grief, sadness, to inspiration and hope for the future.
“ . . . Hope is something you carry with you forever, not only in this chest but also in your heart. So look inside it and inside yourself when you need hope the most, and it will guide you, and remind you of what was and what is to be. . . “
Set in idyllic and charming small town of Michigan, Don and Mattie Tice have had a happy life. They have been in love since they first met many years earlier. They promised one another, till death do us part. They are approaching their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Don wishes more than anything he could freeze time. Just a little longer.
They had their cottage at Hope Dunes. Their history. However, the house was big and now Don needed help with Mattie. They now required a caregiver. Mattie has ALS— for five years, and now they are forced to move to a smaller place. Are they really ready to give up a big part of their past? What about the future?
Mattie is multi-talented. She was a successful landscape designer, with many famous clients over the years. She was also a painter. Don was an executive at Herman Miller furniture, and they both love the beauty and importance that objects and plants hold in people’s homes and lives.
Now they are left with no children and only a faithful dog, Mabel. What will he do when his loving faithful wife passes on. How will he go on? He is clinging to every moment.
Enter Rose Hoffs, and her charming, "larger- than- life" daughter, Jeri. Rose lost her parents to cancer and her husband left years ago. A divorced single mom, her parents had left her their family home; however, she is struggling to make ends meet.
She needs full-time hours versus part-time in order to survive without using all her savings and her inheritance, which was dwindling quickly. She needed to hang on to her family home. She was too young to have no help. She is excited to get an opportunity to work for this couple through the service, There’s No Place Like Home, the senior care group as a caregiver.
Little does she know how she and her daughter’s life will be enhanced by this beautiful caring couple, and the impact she and her daughter will have while based on this newfound relationship.
In the years following Mattie’s diagnosis, Don had been angry, with God and at every person so insinuated that his wife would one day be better off dead. However, Mattie made him aware his anger was misplaced. It was not all about him. She told him he was being selfish and wasting his strength and emotion over something he could not control. Time will march on. Life will continue.
. . . “We get one chance on this earth. One short little stop to get things right, and too few of us do. We focus on everything that is unimportant.”
Special keepsakes. A special hope chest for a special history. Everything has a story. Each of the heirlooms in the hope chest teaches something about one’s self. Past, present, future. Living lessons. A hope chest once filled with hope and now there is none.
From a cedar chest, scents, fragrances of the past. Filled with memories such as scrapbooks, heirlooms, family pictures, teddy bears, family bibles, special mementos, rag dolls, aprons, dishes, jewelry—precious items to be passed along to a family. Connecting the past with the future. Filled with love, hopes, and dreams.
Beautifully written, I bookmarked so many passages. Shipman has a way with words and vivid descriptions—predict he will be the next Nicholas Sparks! Loved everything about this charming story! Readers will fall in love with the characters, as well as the comforting words to those who have recently lost loved ones or those left behind trying to make sense of their loss. You will smile and cry at the same time. No chance encounters. An ideal book for book clubs and further discussions.
Another element which was nicely done— the way Shipman used the different timelines. Often an author will spend more time with the secondary story than the main one. I liked the fact, Don and Mattie's touching and the timeless story took center stage, as well as their background history. Rose’s life intersected perfectly, without taking away from the couple's journey.
For fans of Nicholas Sparks, Fredrik Backman, Debbie Macomber, Joanne Demaio, Sally Hepworth, Zoe Fishman, and Charles Martin.
Highly Recommend!
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
Emotionally rich, heartbreaking, and yet inspiring and warm-spirited— Shipman once again demonstrates the impact of family, history, and friends. Life is precious. Life is a gift. Time. How do we choose to use it? A legacy to be continued through others. To be passed along. You can utilize what time you have, or lose it all in a blink of an eye.
Thought-provoking! One man may be losing his wife, but through her strength—he may discover a new family. From family heirlooms, nostalgia, grief, sadness, to inspiration and hope for the future.
“ . . . Hope is something you carry with you forever, not only in this chest but also in your heart. So look inside it and inside yourself when you need hope the most, and it will guide you, and remind you of what was and what is to be. . . “
Set in idyllic and charming small town of Michigan, Don and Mattie Tice have had a happy life. They have been in love since they first met many years earlier. They promised one another, till death do us part. They are approaching their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Don wishes more than anything he could freeze time. Just a little longer.
They had their cottage at Hope Dunes. Their history. However, the house was big and now Don needed help with Mattie. They now required a caregiver. Mattie has ALS— for five years, and now they are forced to move to a smaller place. Are they really ready to give up a big part of their past? What about the future?
Mattie is multi-talented. She was a successful landscape designer, with many famous clients over the years. She was also a painter. Don was an executive at Herman Miller furniture, and they both love the beauty and importance that objects and plants hold in people’s homes and lives.
Now they are left with no children and only a faithful dog, Mabel. What will he do when his loving faithful wife passes on. How will he go on? He is clinging to every moment.
Enter Rose Hoffs, and her charming, "larger- than- life" daughter, Jeri. Rose lost her parents to cancer and her husband left years ago. A divorced single mom, her parents had left her their family home; however, she is struggling to make ends meet.
She needs full-time hours versus part-time in order to survive without using all her savings and her inheritance, which was dwindling quickly. She needed to hang on to her family home. She was too young to have no help. She is excited to get an opportunity to work for this couple through the service, There’s No Place Like Home, the senior care group as a caregiver.
Little does she know how she and her daughter’s life will be enhanced by this beautiful caring couple, and the impact she and her daughter will have while based on this newfound relationship.
In the years following Mattie’s diagnosis, Don had been angry, with God and at every person so insinuated that his wife would one day be better off dead. However, Mattie made him aware his anger was misplaced. It was not all about him. She told him he was being selfish and wasting his strength and emotion over something he could not control. Time will march on. Life will continue.
. . . “We get one chance on this earth. One short little stop to get things right, and too few of us do. We focus on everything that is unimportant.”
Special keepsakes. A special hope chest for a special history. Everything has a story. Each of the heirlooms in the hope chest teaches something about one’s self. Past, present, future. Living lessons. A hope chest once filled with hope and now there is none.
From a cedar chest, scents, fragrances of the past. Filled with memories such as scrapbooks, heirlooms, family pictures, teddy bears, family bibles, special mementos, rag dolls, aprons, dishes, jewelry—precious items to be passed along to a family. Connecting the past with the future. Filled with love, hopes, and dreams.
“Hope is only one short letter from home.
H is for Hope Now and for always.
O is for the Overwhelming love I have for you.
P is for the Practical items that will make your house a home.
E is for the Eternal memories this chest will provide every time you open it up.
You are my hope, and my home, in this world, My daughter, my love. . . ”
Beautifully written, I bookmarked so many passages. Shipman has a way with words and vivid descriptions—predict he will be the next Nicholas Sparks! Loved everything about this charming story! Readers will fall in love with the characters, as well as the comforting words to those who have recently lost loved ones or those left behind trying to make sense of their loss. You will smile and cry at the same time. No chance encounters. An ideal book for book clubs and further discussions.
Another element which was nicely done— the way Shipman used the different timelines. Often an author will spend more time with the secondary story than the main one. I liked the fact, Don and Mattie's touching and the timeless story took center stage, as well as their background history. Rose’s life intersected perfectly, without taking away from the couple's journey.
For fans of Nicholas Sparks, Fredrik Backman, Debbie Macomber, Joanne Demaio, Sally Hepworth, Zoe Fishman, and Charles Martin.
Highly Recommend!
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
April 2, 2017
Warning! Not for diabetics. How is it possible for so much hope and sweetness, bravery, pure saintly character, none of which are in the least real to exist in one novel? Even death from ALS and transition to an afterworld where all your loved ones are waiting didn't bring a tear to my eye. No more Viola Shipman for me.
June 22, 2022
4,5 Sterne
June 29, 2022
I had to stay up last night and read this novel through. This is something that I NEVER do, not ever. But the story came at the right time, and although I do not know someone ALS I can still relate to what was being told...with great happiness there will be great sadness, along with the memories there is always hope... And we are blessed to have this ...
This story is wonderfully and thoughtfully told and I truly recommend it.
This story is wonderfully and thoughtfully told and I truly recommend it.
March 22, 2017
This is a fantastic book that will bring you to tears but will leave you with a feeling of hope and love. The characters are well done, the plot is terrific and the setting is fantastic. Before I tell you a little about the book, I want to say that the book had me hooked with the setting in Michigan on the Lake. I spent all of my summers at Lake Michigan about 100 miles north of the setting of this book and I think Lake Michigan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The author described the area and Lake Michigan so well, that it brought back great memories of the time that I spent there (and still do).
Mattie and Don have been married almost 50 years when the book begins. Mattie is very independent and has been fighting her diagnosis of ALS but the disease is getting worse. Her husband is totally devoted to her and takes care of her by himself until her disease progresses and he needs help. They hire Rose, a young down on her luck mother with a 6 year old daughter Jeri to take care of Mattie. Rose (and Jeri) bring some joy into their lives as Mattie begins to share her memories that are stored in the hope chest that her parents gave her as a child. Each chapter is devoted to a different memory - a vase, an apron, a snow globe and others - and we learn not only the history of the item but also how it affects them present day.
I will warn you that this is a sad book, Mattie's impending death hangs over every page and as you come to know her better throughout the book, it gets sadder. The important thing is that you are not left with a feeling of sadness but a feeling of love and family and the fact that family is not made up of who you are related to but it's made up of the people who love you.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Mattie and Don have been married almost 50 years when the book begins. Mattie is very independent and has been fighting her diagnosis of ALS but the disease is getting worse. Her husband is totally devoted to her and takes care of her by himself until her disease progresses and he needs help. They hire Rose, a young down on her luck mother with a 6 year old daughter Jeri to take care of Mattie. Rose (and Jeri) bring some joy into their lives as Mattie begins to share her memories that are stored in the hope chest that her parents gave her as a child. Each chapter is devoted to a different memory - a vase, an apron, a snow globe and others - and we learn not only the history of the item but also how it affects them present day.
I will warn you that this is a sad book, Mattie's impending death hangs over every page and as you come to know her better throughout the book, it gets sadder. The important thing is that you are not left with a feeling of sadness but a feeling of love and family and the fact that family is not made up of who you are related to but it's made up of the people who love you.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2018
This is one of those cozy, warm, snuggly sad books that you read while laying in the grass! Or at least one of those books you connect with because it takes place in a small lake town and you know there is not a prettier sight than the cottages on the dunes of Lake Michigan! I'm only a 30 minute drive from the wonderful town of Saugatuck - and I yearned to take a drive out there while I read this...just because I could!!
The main character in this story suffers from ALS, something my own Father in law passed away from. It hurt and warmed my heart at the same time to read this story! Mattie was a wonderful characters along with her husband Don, care taker Rose and her daughter, Jeri! If you want to read a story of love and hope "just one letter away from home" pick this one up!!
The main character in this story suffers from ALS, something my own Father in law passed away from. It hurt and warmed my heart at the same time to read this story! Mattie was a wonderful characters along with her husband Don, care taker Rose and her daughter, Jeri! If you want to read a story of love and hope "just one letter away from home" pick this one up!!
January 22, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Viola Shipman and I absolutely loved it. I was emotional throughout and became extremely invested in the characters and the relationships they each had with one another.
The main character, Mattie, is slowly losing a battle to ALS. Her husband Don, hires a caretaker named Rose to help out as Mattie slowly starts to lose most of her independence.
Rose is a young, single mother struggling with her own battle of finances and the loss of her parents, while raising her daughter Jeri. The elderly couple, unable to have children of their own, form an instant bond with Rose and Jeri and they become a part of each other's lives in the most heartwarming way.
Each chapter is filled with memories from the Hope Chest that was given to Mattie as a gift from her parents when she was a child. She has kept everything memorable and dear to her throughout the years tucked away safely in the chest. Each part of the book is divided into sections about items in the chest, with a story attached to each item.
As the four bond over the items in the chest, they learn to help one another in the daily struggles of life. As Don and Mattie near their 50th wedding anniversary, Don begins to wonder what life will be like without Mattie in it. He isn't ready to tackle life without her, but Mattie always seems to be the voice of reason for the future. Mattie, Don, Rose & Jeri soon discover what family really is. They learn when to let go, when to hold on, and that one must always have hope.
This is the first book that I have read that has actually caused me to shed some tears. I feel like I know the characters personally and went through every high and low with them. It was such a beautiful story about life, happiness, hope, and how we must carry on and pick up the pieces when everything crumbles because life is beautiful and worth living.
The main character, Mattie, is slowly losing a battle to ALS. Her husband Don, hires a caretaker named Rose to help out as Mattie slowly starts to lose most of her independence.
Rose is a young, single mother struggling with her own battle of finances and the loss of her parents, while raising her daughter Jeri. The elderly couple, unable to have children of their own, form an instant bond with Rose and Jeri and they become a part of each other's lives in the most heartwarming way.
Each chapter is filled with memories from the Hope Chest that was given to Mattie as a gift from her parents when she was a child. She has kept everything memorable and dear to her throughout the years tucked away safely in the chest. Each part of the book is divided into sections about items in the chest, with a story attached to each item.
As the four bond over the items in the chest, they learn to help one another in the daily struggles of life. As Don and Mattie near their 50th wedding anniversary, Don begins to wonder what life will be like without Mattie in it. He isn't ready to tackle life without her, but Mattie always seems to be the voice of reason for the future. Mattie, Don, Rose & Jeri soon discover what family really is. They learn when to let go, when to hold on, and that one must always have hope.
This is the first book that I have read that has actually caused me to shed some tears. I feel like I know the characters personally and went through every high and low with them. It was such a beautiful story about life, happiness, hope, and how we must carry on and pick up the pieces when everything crumbles because life is beautiful and worth living.
November 24, 2017
Inkvotary
You've got to read this. So intense, full with hope, happiness, sadness and love. A beautiful book.
The Hope Chest is told by an invisible narrator who gives you an intense and very touching insight into the life of two families. During the novel you read about the years when Mattie grew up and later met Don as well as the present things that happen. Both are smoothly combined in a heartbreaking but beautiful written novel about love, hope and what it means to always believe. Not necessary in a religious way but in something you feel comfortable with.
Viola Shipman´s writing style is sensitive, full of emotions and a wonderful landscape. Like his first novel this one tells the story of the items that are contained in the hope chest and which Mattie wants to share with Rose and her daughter.
The author uses little things that give this novel the special something. The symbolism of colors, the meaning of each flower and plant and all the items that mean something to Mattie and Rose.There are not many figures in this novel, but those who are there are very well created. You won´t get huge figure descriptions but with their acting you get a fantastic picture of them. And Jeri is a girl you will love. How she talks and acts with Mattie, how she treats her and what she does to understand everything is so sweet and remarkable – I fell in love with her right away.
A novel filled with intensity, hope, happiness, sadness and love; and beyond that the answer to all the things that count in life: you.
You've got to read this. So intense, full with hope, happiness, sadness and love. A beautiful book.
The Hope Chest is told by an invisible narrator who gives you an intense and very touching insight into the life of two families. During the novel you read about the years when Mattie grew up and later met Don as well as the present things that happen. Both are smoothly combined in a heartbreaking but beautiful written novel about love, hope and what it means to always believe. Not necessary in a religious way but in something you feel comfortable with.
Viola Shipman´s writing style is sensitive, full of emotions and a wonderful landscape. Like his first novel this one tells the story of the items that are contained in the hope chest and which Mattie wants to share with Rose and her daughter.
The author uses little things that give this novel the special something. The symbolism of colors, the meaning of each flower and plant and all the items that mean something to Mattie and Rose.There are not many figures in this novel, but those who are there are very well created. You won´t get huge figure descriptions but with their acting you get a fantastic picture of them. And Jeri is a girl you will love. How she talks and acts with Mattie, how she treats her and what she does to understand everything is so sweet and remarkable – I fell in love with her right away.
A novel filled with intensity, hope, happiness, sadness and love; and beyond that the answer to all the things that count in life: you.
July 20, 2017
I went in with great expectations and was very disappointed. It was a saccharin laced story almost unbelievable how most things fell in place except for the death of Mattie.
My sister died from ALS and quite honestly this book did not even touch upon the daily struggles and incorporate into story. Yeah the choking, the lift, the wheelchair are all a part and I know the storyline is about the hope chest and not a dissertation of the disease, but please... and then I started counting how many times the little girl blurred out "pretty" as a reply to something. I think I got to 3 or 4 times in a short amount of pages and was irritated by that that the author could not come up with something better. I agree with other reviewer - she was cast as something of a brat. This was more of a hope chest fairy tale which fine some people loved the story and were driven to tears. I did not like it, will not read any other books by author and I was driven to tears that I wasted my time reading this book. Sorry for being blunt but that's my review.
My sister died from ALS and quite honestly this book did not even touch upon the daily struggles and incorporate into story. Yeah the choking, the lift, the wheelchair are all a part and I know the storyline is about the hope chest and not a dissertation of the disease, but please... and then I started counting how many times the little girl blurred out "pretty" as a reply to something. I think I got to 3 or 4 times in a short amount of pages and was irritated by that that the author could not come up with something better. I agree with other reviewer - she was cast as something of a brat. This was more of a hope chest fairy tale which fine some people loved the story and were driven to tears. I did not like it, will not read any other books by author and I was driven to tears that I wasted my time reading this book. Sorry for being blunt but that's my review.
March 22, 2017
After reading the pre-publication reviews I looked forward to reading this book....and now I cannot be more disappointed. The premise was good, but the author was so busy trying to be heartbreaking that he left improbable plot loopholes and (even more annoying) used poor writing techniques. For example, almost every time there was a line from Jeri (the young girl) she YELLED it. I realize her character was supposed to be young and full of life, but there are other ways of describing her voice (thesaurus please). This, along with poor character development, made what was to be a sweet little girl seem to be a brat. And the poor character development continued to the others, especially Mattie. I heard so many times how wonderful, beautiful, brave, etc., etc., she is. Yes, she handled her illness courageously, but why was she so fantastic before her illness? I never quite got a picture of that, even though extensive time was spent on stories that occurred throughout her life. My guess is that since this was the author's second book (under this pseudonym) his publisher rushed him to finish. Hopefully he will be given a bit more time for his next novel.
I'm sorry if I sound like a 'Debbie Downer', but rather than enjoying an interesting, well-written book, I had to struggle to finish it.
I'm sorry if I sound like a 'Debbie Downer', but rather than enjoying an interesting, well-written book, I had to struggle to finish it.
May 26, 2017
Rose, a divorced woman with a young daughter, gets a job as a caregiver for a couple in which the wife suffers from advancing ALS. This seems like a promising plot. However, it all falls apart for me as I have never read a more syrupy over sentimentalized book. All the characters portrayed are too sweet, too kind and too caring. Everything works out with a positive spin. No one would think to raise their voice in ire. I wanted to scream by the novel's end. If you have a fragile psyche that want to read an unrealistic portrayal of family life - this is for you.
July 13, 2018
This is a sweet love story with a hope chest at the center. Set in Michigan (which I just visited this summer) we meet Mattie and Don near the end of Mattie's life. She's in her final months of ALS, but throughout the book we learn about her and memorable parts of her life, many of them memorialized by items in her hope chest. The other main characters in the book are Mattie's caretaker and daughter. They come into Mattie and Don's life and become like family to them.
I must admit I was drawn to this one by the beautiful cover. This was a quick easy read, but I have another Viola Shipman book to read and I think I will enjoy it too! This book was very different from Lisa Genova's ALS tale "Every Note Played" as it didn't dwell so much on the medical/physical aspects of ALS. This one was much more character driven.
I must admit I was drawn to this one by the beautiful cover. This was a quick easy read, but I have another Viola Shipman book to read and I think I will enjoy it too! This book was very different from Lisa Genova's ALS tale "Every Note Played" as it didn't dwell so much on the medical/physical aspects of ALS. This one was much more character driven.
November 28, 2022
I'm going to be honest, until about 80% in, I was not enjoying this book at all and thought of abandoning it SEVERAL times. But i figured I should try to stick with it because i LOVED The Charm Bracelet, by this same author. Well, like i said, about 80% in, I start bawling like a nut! It was worth the read. The thing that was holding me back? THAT KID! SHE DROVE ME NUTS!
September 26, 2022
Lots of schmaltz and surface emotions. The women are written as saints who quietly perfect strength during struggle with no greater ambition than marriage and children with a career on the side. No depth in the characters or writing. I skimmed towards the end. Not one I would recommend. 2.5 stars
January 3, 2023
This one did seem like a bit too much of a Hallmark movie to me. The author, however, should print a book about life, love, hope and everything else he talks about because his quotes in the book are amazing. If all of his knowledge and insight came from his grandmother and mother than they were amazing women and I wish I would have known them. I also loved the history lesson about Singapore near Saugatuck, Michigan. I am going to try to read more about it. Once when I was on the crazy dune buggy ride the church steeple was pointed out to us. Fascinating!
March 6, 2017
Right from the beginning of the book, I could tell it was going to be an emotional read and it definitely was. It is a beautiful story, though, very well written but heartbreaking. It was touching how Mattie, who has ALS, and her husband Don, made Mattie's caregiver Rose and her young daughter, Jeri, a part of their family from day one of Rose becoming her caregiver. Mattie's sharing of the contents of her hope chest is what brings them together. The bond that developed between the four of them really moved me. Reading this book will make the reader realize how precious life is and that you just never know what life is going to throw at you. It certainly made me realize that. I really felt for Mattie as she was no longer able to care for herself and do the things she loved to do, mostly designing gardens as a landscape architect, or just caring for her own garden, something she really had a passion for. And I also felt great sadness for her devoted husband of 50 years. They had a such a beautiful relationship. I enjoyed the flashbacks to Mattie's years as a child, when she met Don, and the stories of how she acquired the precious items she had stored in her hope chest. I was not familiar with McCoy vases and now after reading this book and looking up McCoy vases online, I feel the need to own one. They are indeed beautiful, just like this story!
This is the second book by Viola Shipman that I have read and loved. It definitely won't be my last. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this truly amazing book.
This is the second book by Viola Shipman that I have read and loved. It definitely won't be my last. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this truly amazing book.
January 7, 2018
Molto molto triste e commovente anche se a tratti un po’ troppo sdolcinato. Tratta temi molto importanti quali la famiglia, l’amore, la malattia. Mi è piaciuta molto la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, Mattie, una donna coraggiosa, che cerca di convivere con la sua brutta malattia e dà forza agli altri; Jeri, una saggia bambina che dispensa consigli di vita agli adulti; Rose, una ragazza madre dolce, gentile ed in cerca dell’amore di una famiglia; infine Don, l’innamorato Don, che vive soltanto per la moglie, un amore lungo cinquant’anni ma che è vivo come i primi giorni.
Azzeccata l’idea dei capitoli corti che non appesantiscono la lettura piena di flashback.
Queste parole dell’autore riassumono perfettamente la morale del libro, sulla quale siamo invitati a riflettere:
“Una volta mia madre mi disse che la vita è breve come un battito delle ciglia di Dio e che tutti noi riceviamo dei doni per rendere questo fugace viaggio davvero miracoloso, ma solo pochi ci riescono o capiscono davvero questa verità prima che - zac! - il viaggio finisca.”
Consiglio per chi volesse leggere il libro: preparate i fazzoletti!!!!
Azzeccata l’idea dei capitoli corti che non appesantiscono la lettura piena di flashback.
Queste parole dell’autore riassumono perfettamente la morale del libro, sulla quale siamo invitati a riflettere:
“Una volta mia madre mi disse che la vita è breve come un battito delle ciglia di Dio e che tutti noi riceviamo dei doni per rendere questo fugace viaggio davvero miracoloso, ma solo pochi ci riescono o capiscono davvero questa verità prima che - zac! - il viaggio finisca.”
Consiglio per chi volesse leggere il libro: preparate i fazzoletti!!!!
January 8, 2017
A great book that is also about finding hope and a second chance. This is also about Matty and ALS. I love the writing of Viola Shipman and this is the second book of her that I have read. This was the first time that I have heard about a Hope Chest and I just loved the idea, it is a great tradition to start with your daughter something to save memories in.
You can not but love the characters and their love for each other. I also loved how Matty and Don opened their hearts and home to Rose and Jeri.
Great writing and highly recommended.
Thank you to St Martin's Press for the copy via Netgalley.
You can not but love the characters and their love for each other. I also loved how Matty and Don opened their hearts and home to Rose and Jeri.
Great writing and highly recommended.
Thank you to St Martin's Press for the copy via Netgalley.
February 6, 2017
A heartwarming, uplifting yet heartbreaking tale of Mattie who has ALS. This book has Viola's characteristic use of ordinary objects for powerful messages. I loved the different objects that she weaved through the tale interweaving today's story with episodes from both Mattie's and Rose's perspectives. The relationships with Rose, Mattie's carter, Mattie's husband Don, and Rose's daughter are all well-crafted, realistic and worthwhile. There's not one anecdote or episode that doesn't lend depth or colour to the story.
A beautiful story. Recommended, just not one for the thriller readers 4*
A beautiful story. Recommended, just not one for the thriller readers 4*
January 10, 2017
Review to come closer to pub date.
Quick thoughts:
This is a sweet book. At times too sweet, but i had expected that going in. It's a book that reminds you that hope and home are 2 important things and that you should always treasure the memories and people in your life.
A great book to give you the cuddly warm feeling of drinking a literary hot chocolate! And yes, Indid cry at couple of points in the book.
Quick thoughts:
This is a sweet book. At times too sweet, but i had expected that going in. It's a book that reminds you that hope and home are 2 important things and that you should always treasure the memories and people in your life.
A great book to give you the cuddly warm feeling of drinking a literary hot chocolate! And yes, Indid cry at couple of points in the book.
December 23, 2017
Romanzo ricco di buoni sentimenti. Lettura azzeccata per il periodo natalizio perché molto focalizzata sul tema del valore della famiglia e degli affetti.
Io l'ho trovato eccessivamente stucchevole, ma ammetto che qualche lacrimuccia me l'abbia strappata.
Io l'ho trovato eccessivamente stucchevole, ma ammetto che qualche lacrimuccia me l'abbia strappata.
September 25, 2018
Un libro intenso e straziante, eppure bellissimo, pieno di speranza e di quella strabiliante magia capace di far vorticare la storia fuori dalle pagine. Un libro che racconta la vita senza ipocrisie, capace di arrivare, con semplicità, al cuore dei lettori.
September 27, 2018
Salve amiche e amici del Confine. Il libro che vi propongo oggi non vi lascerà indifferenti, anzi sarà una di quelle letture che lasciano il segno. Vi parlo de “La soffitta sul lago” di Viola Shipman, edito Giunti editore.
Don e Mattie sono sposati da 50 anni e il loro amore è legato alla splendida casa sul lago che Mattie ha ricevuto in eredità dai genitori. Tutto lì dentro racchiude un ricordo e una storia, ma purtroppo sono costretti ad abbandonarla per trasferirsi in una casa che meglio si adatti alle esigenze presenti di Mattie, malata di SLA da diversi anni e arrivata ormai alla fase finale della malattia in cui ha bisogno di assistenza costante. Per un fortunato caso del destino, l’agenzia manda loro Rose, una giovane madre single con gravi problemi economici che ha bisogno di questo lavoro per mantenere Jeri, la figlia di 7 anni. Si crea subito un forte legame tra le ragazze e i due coniugi che, complice uno speciale baule ritrovato in soffitta, raccontano momenti della loro vita, lasciando a loro, e soprattutto a noi, importanti lezioni sul reale significato dell’amore.
Ogni buon lettore sa che ogni tanto s’incontra un libro speciale che ha in sé il potere di cambiarci la vita, o perlomeno di guidarci in un determinato momento della vita. Ecco, quando ho finito di leggere “La soffitta sul lago”, con le lacrime che mi rigavano il volto, ho percepito proprio questo.
È una storia che potrebbe essere definita drammatica dato che il tema della morte ci accompagna in ogni pagina, ma che alla fine diventa una storia di speranza e d’affetto. Si soffre, certo, soprattutto si percepisce il dolore di Don e la sua paura verso quel futuro prossimo in cui sa che si troverà presto solo senza la sua compagna e anima gemella, un dolore profondo e puro quanto puro è il loro amore.
L’autrice ci racconta di vari tipi d’amore, quello di Don e Mattie in primis, ma anche quello di Rose per la figlia, quello creatosi tra i due coniugi nei confronti di Rose e Jeri; ogni amore è diverso e ugualmente importante. Don e Mattie non hanno avuto la fortuna di avere figli, ma la donna sente che la loro splendida storia ha il diritto di essere tramandata prima della fine che si avvicina inevitabile per colpa della terribile malattia. Quale modo migliore quindi per raccontare il passato se non attraverso gli oggetti stessi contenuti nel baule che tanti anni prima Mattie ha ricevuto in dono dai suoi genitori?
Ogni oggetto raccoglie in sé una storia, non sono semplici utensili o stoffe che si possono acquistare, ma qualcosa di prezioso, fatto a mano con cura, con lo scopo di essere tramandati da madre in figlia. Il fatto stesso che questi oggetti siano stati inseriti nel baule ci dice quanto ogni storia sia stata fondamentale per la vita della dolce vecchietta. Le descrizioni particolareggiate ci permettono di percepire l’odore di legno di cedro di cui è fatto il baule, impregnato del profumo di pulito di tovaglie e grembiuli, riusciamo a vedere quasi l’incantevole dimora lacustre di Hope Dunes circondata dal verde e a sentire la pace che la circonda.
Passato e presente scorrono in un romanzo in cui il filo che lega tutto non è né il tempo né lo spazio, ma l’amore. Capitolo dopo capitolo leggiamo della vita di Mattie e Don, di come quegli oggetti li abbiano accompagnati nel corso della loro vita e di come sia facile dimenticare le gioie del passato quando si è preoccupati per il presente. Tra l’altro la titolatura dei capitoli è proprio l’elenco dei vari tesori, per cui anche l’indice risulta quasi un inventario per tenere traccia di ognuno di loro.
Penso sia chiaro che ho adorato leggere questo libro, così dolce e profondo che scoglie il cuore e ci lascia con una bella sensazione di pace. Come dicevo all’inizio, uno di quei libri che lasciano il segno.
Don e Mattie sono sposati da 50 anni e il loro amore è legato alla splendida casa sul lago che Mattie ha ricevuto in eredità dai genitori. Tutto lì dentro racchiude un ricordo e una storia, ma purtroppo sono costretti ad abbandonarla per trasferirsi in una casa che meglio si adatti alle esigenze presenti di Mattie, malata di SLA da diversi anni e arrivata ormai alla fase finale della malattia in cui ha bisogno di assistenza costante. Per un fortunato caso del destino, l’agenzia manda loro Rose, una giovane madre single con gravi problemi economici che ha bisogno di questo lavoro per mantenere Jeri, la figlia di 7 anni. Si crea subito un forte legame tra le ragazze e i due coniugi che, complice uno speciale baule ritrovato in soffitta, raccontano momenti della loro vita, lasciando a loro, e soprattutto a noi, importanti lezioni sul reale significato dell’amore.
Ogni buon lettore sa che ogni tanto s’incontra un libro speciale che ha in sé il potere di cambiarci la vita, o perlomeno di guidarci in un determinato momento della vita. Ecco, quando ho finito di leggere “La soffitta sul lago”, con le lacrime che mi rigavano il volto, ho percepito proprio questo.
È una storia che potrebbe essere definita drammatica dato che il tema della morte ci accompagna in ogni pagina, ma che alla fine diventa una storia di speranza e d’affetto. Si soffre, certo, soprattutto si percepisce il dolore di Don e la sua paura verso quel futuro prossimo in cui sa che si troverà presto solo senza la sua compagna e anima gemella, un dolore profondo e puro quanto puro è il loro amore.
L’autrice ci racconta di vari tipi d’amore, quello di Don e Mattie in primis, ma anche quello di Rose per la figlia, quello creatosi tra i due coniugi nei confronti di Rose e Jeri; ogni amore è diverso e ugualmente importante. Don e Mattie non hanno avuto la fortuna di avere figli, ma la donna sente che la loro splendida storia ha il diritto di essere tramandata prima della fine che si avvicina inevitabile per colpa della terribile malattia. Quale modo migliore quindi per raccontare il passato se non attraverso gli oggetti stessi contenuti nel baule che tanti anni prima Mattie ha ricevuto in dono dai suoi genitori?
Ogni oggetto raccoglie in sé una storia, non sono semplici utensili o stoffe che si possono acquistare, ma qualcosa di prezioso, fatto a mano con cura, con lo scopo di essere tramandati da madre in figlia. Il fatto stesso che questi oggetti siano stati inseriti nel baule ci dice quanto ogni storia sia stata fondamentale per la vita della dolce vecchietta. Le descrizioni particolareggiate ci permettono di percepire l’odore di legno di cedro di cui è fatto il baule, impregnato del profumo di pulito di tovaglie e grembiuli, riusciamo a vedere quasi l’incantevole dimora lacustre di Hope Dunes circondata dal verde e a sentire la pace che la circonda.
Passato e presente scorrono in un romanzo in cui il filo che lega tutto non è né il tempo né lo spazio, ma l’amore. Capitolo dopo capitolo leggiamo della vita di Mattie e Don, di come quegli oggetti li abbiano accompagnati nel corso della loro vita e di come sia facile dimenticare le gioie del passato quando si è preoccupati per il presente. Tra l’altro la titolatura dei capitoli è proprio l’elenco dei vari tesori, per cui anche l’indice risulta quasi un inventario per tenere traccia di ognuno di loro.
Penso sia chiaro che ho adorato leggere questo libro, così dolce e profondo che scoglie il cuore e ci lascia con una bella sensazione di pace. Come dicevo all’inizio, uno di quei libri che lasciano il segno.
March 16, 2018
I had entered a contest last month and was told that we're going to find out the results soon. I was telling my older son that I have no chance of winning. He then told me that I have to have hope and think about possibility. It makes me wonder if he was secretly listening to the audio book of The Hope Chest. The theme that runs through the entire story is that of hope.
Having recently listened to The Charm Bracelet, I was impressed with Viola Shipman's talented storytelling, narrated by Andi Arndt, and wanted to check out her sophomore novel in audio format, as well. I'm glad I did. Andi makes Viola's beautiful prose come alive. While I'm sure I would have been fine reading it in print, I'm now spoiled by listening to Viola's books. I will have to read Viola's third one this way, for sure!
I went through a variety of feelings while reading. Throughout the story, I smiled, laughed, got teary-eyed, felt worried, etc. I loved the descriptions and the way Viola made the seasons feel so distinct from one another. I could feel the cold in the winter the same way I could feel the summer heat. I could almost smell barbecued chicken and blueberry crisp. I especially loved how the holidays were played out. Even though Don and Mattie were going through a difficult time, the holidays still felt joyous. Jeri's presence enhanced the holidays. Her personality and enthusiasm is similar to that of my daughter's.
My favorite part of this novel was the story behind the ticket stub. I won't say why as to not spoil it, but it's epic!
My criticism is the same as for The Charm Bracelet; the same abundance of sappiness and clichés. This time around, I knew what to expect and took it for what it was. Don and Mattie's unconditional and devoted love for each other was the powering force of this novel and it made me hope (yes, I said it) for 50 plus years of marriage to my husband. Their relationship reminds me of ours.
Overall, this is a wonderful comfort read, perfect for curling up with on a weekend. I would love to read a sequel about Rose, or maybe one for Jeri when she is a teenager, and we can see Rose through her eyes at that time. I'd enjoy revisiting with both characters.
My [Hallmark] movie cast:
Don (present): James Fox
Don (1960s): William Moseley
Rose: Makenzie Leigh
Mattie (present): Jane Alexander
Mattie (1960s): Skyler Samuels
Jeri: Darby Camp
Having recently listened to The Charm Bracelet, I was impressed with Viola Shipman's talented storytelling, narrated by Andi Arndt, and wanted to check out her sophomore novel in audio format, as well. I'm glad I did. Andi makes Viola's beautiful prose come alive. While I'm sure I would have been fine reading it in print, I'm now spoiled by listening to Viola's books. I will have to read Viola's third one this way, for sure!
I went through a variety of feelings while reading. Throughout the story, I smiled, laughed, got teary-eyed, felt worried, etc. I loved the descriptions and the way Viola made the seasons feel so distinct from one another. I could feel the cold in the winter the same way I could feel the summer heat. I could almost smell barbecued chicken and blueberry crisp. I especially loved how the holidays were played out. Even though Don and Mattie were going through a difficult time, the holidays still felt joyous. Jeri's presence enhanced the holidays. Her personality and enthusiasm is similar to that of my daughter's.
My favorite part of this novel was the story behind the ticket stub. I won't say why as to not spoil it, but it's epic!
My criticism is the same as for The Charm Bracelet; the same abundance of sappiness and clichés. This time around, I knew what to expect and took it for what it was. Don and Mattie's unconditional and devoted love for each other was the powering force of this novel and it made me hope (yes, I said it) for 50 plus years of marriage to my husband. Their relationship reminds me of ours.
Overall, this is a wonderful comfort read, perfect for curling up with on a weekend. I would love to read a sequel about Rose, or maybe one for Jeri when she is a teenager, and we can see Rose through her eyes at that time. I'd enjoy revisiting with both characters.
My [Hallmark] movie cast:
Don (present): James Fox
Don (1960s): William Moseley
Rose: Makenzie Leigh
Mattie (present): Jane Alexander
Mattie (1960s): Skyler Samuels
Jeri: Darby Camp
March 3, 2017
I absolutely love Viola Shipman's books. After reading "The Charm Bracelet", I was hooked on this author. I was going on Net Galley like every other day plugging in "The Hope Chest" seeing if it was available after I found out that it was coming out. Every day, I was disappointed. Then one day, I got an e-mail telling me that since I had read the first book, would I like to read the second book. Hallelujah! Heck yeah! I hit that button so fast, my head was spinning. And just like the first, this one did not disappoint.
Like the first book, the charms on the bracelet brought out a story from the mother's past that she told her daughter. This one the items in Mattie's hope chest told a story that she relayed to her caregiver and her daughter. *TISSUES NEEDED* Mattie, once a world renown landscaper who had done so many world famous gardens for aristocrats, public gardens, presidents, movie stars, etc., has ALS. She has suffered from it for over 4 years. Don, her husband, can't really handle doing everything for anymore and has hired a caregiver, Rose. Rose has a young daughter, Jeri, who is seven years old and she is very mature and like an old soul for her age.
The story of how these come to meet, how the stories from the hope chest help them bond and how they become a family are so endearing. I just loved, loved, loved this book. And now, I wait to see what truly enchanting book the author has coming up next. I can't wait!
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for approving my request for this long awaited book and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Like the first book, the charms on the bracelet brought out a story from the mother's past that she told her daughter. This one the items in Mattie's hope chest told a story that she relayed to her caregiver and her daughter. *TISSUES NEEDED* Mattie, once a world renown landscaper who had done so many world famous gardens for aristocrats, public gardens, presidents, movie stars, etc., has ALS. She has suffered from it for over 4 years. Don, her husband, can't really handle doing everything for anymore and has hired a caregiver, Rose. Rose has a young daughter, Jeri, who is seven years old and she is very mature and like an old soul for her age.
The story of how these come to meet, how the stories from the hope chest help them bond and how they become a family are so endearing. I just loved, loved, loved this book. And now, I wait to see what truly enchanting book the author has coming up next. I can't wait!
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for approving my request for this long awaited book and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2017
This was a sweet and gentle story. We follow the lives of Mattie and Don Tice~ married for nearly fifty years. They come into this story nearing the end of Mattie's life~ she has been battling ALS for the last five years. There is no doubt that these two love each other more than anything else in the world. Don is struggling with the enormity of caring for his wife, and so they hire Rose, a young caregiver. As they get to know each other, along with Rose's seven year old daughter Jeri, they learn about hope, dreams and living life to the fullest. Through special mementoes that Mattie has Rose unearth from her hope chest, the reader is taken back in time to special memories from Mattie's point of view. Each item holds special meaning and Mattie tries to convey this to Rose. I did find that the book was almost a little too saccharine sweet at times. How many ways can the author explore the meaning of HOPE. I also didn't care for the way that seven year old Jeri was portrayed. Sometimes she said things I felt beyond a seven year old; other times she came across as too young.
The book was pleasant, but not on my highly recommend list. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Dunne Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
The book was pleasant, but not on my highly recommend list. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Dunne Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.
March 12, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. I have talked about the importance of "character driven" storylines and if you want to know what I am talking about than you need to pick up a copy of this book.
Everyone from Mattie to Jeri were great. This includes Don and Rose. Each voice was distinct and solid. Jeri is the breath of fresh air and joy. Mattie exhibited strength and hope. Hope is a strong focal point of this book. Rose brings new beginnings. Don brought love. Love for Mattie.
This book is broken out into sections. Each section had a different theme where past and the present combined. Through these stories I was brought closer to everyone. The ending was great. I have to warn you that this book is a tear jerker. The Hope Chest will have readers applauding this joyous book filled with hope and endearing characters that will have a special place in your heart and bookshelf! Viola Shipman is in the same category as Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult.
Everyone from Mattie to Jeri were great. This includes Don and Rose. Each voice was distinct and solid. Jeri is the breath of fresh air and joy. Mattie exhibited strength and hope. Hope is a strong focal point of this book. Rose brings new beginnings. Don brought love. Love for Mattie.
This book is broken out into sections. Each section had a different theme where past and the present combined. Through these stories I was brought closer to everyone. The ending was great. I have to warn you that this book is a tear jerker. The Hope Chest will have readers applauding this joyous book filled with hope and endearing characters that will have a special place in your heart and bookshelf! Viola Shipman is in the same category as Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult.
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