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Three Good Things
Sisterhood, motherhood, marriage, baking, and books—these are a few of the things that make this delightful novel a recipe for getting through the tough stuff of life.
ELLEN M c CLARETY, a recent divorcée, has opened a new bake shop in her small Midwestern town, hoping to turn her life around by dedicating herself to the traditional Danish pastry called kringle. She is no longer saddled by her ne’er-do-well husband, but the past still haunts her—sometimes by showing up on her doorstep. Her younger sister, Lanie, is a successful divorce attorney with a baby at home. But Lanie is beginning to feel that her perfect life is not as perfect as it seems. Both women long for the guidance of their mother, who died years ago but left them with lasting memories of her love and a wonderful piece of advice: “At the end of every day, you can always think of three good things that happened.”
Ellen and Lanie are as close as two sisters can be, until one begins keeping a secret that could forever change both their lives. Wearing her big Midwestern heart proudly on her sleeve, Wendy Francis skillfully illuminates the emotional lives of two women with humor and compassion, weaving a story destined to be shared with a friend, a mother, or a sister.
ELLEN M c CLARETY, a recent divorcée, has opened a new bake shop in her small Midwestern town, hoping to turn her life around by dedicating herself to the traditional Danish pastry called kringle. She is no longer saddled by her ne’er-do-well husband, but the past still haunts her—sometimes by showing up on her doorstep. Her younger sister, Lanie, is a successful divorce attorney with a baby at home. But Lanie is beginning to feel that her perfect life is not as perfect as it seems. Both women long for the guidance of their mother, who died years ago but left them with lasting memories of her love and a wonderful piece of advice: “At the end of every day, you can always think of three good things that happened.”
Ellen and Lanie are as close as two sisters can be, until one begins keeping a secret that could forever change both their lives. Wearing her big Midwestern heart proudly on her sleeve, Wendy Francis skillfully illuminates the emotional lives of two women with humor and compassion, weaving a story destined to be shared with a friend, a mother, or a sister.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
191 people are currently reading
2157 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Francis
15 books339 followersWendy Francis is a former book editor (Houghton Mifflin Co.) and the author of Feels Like Summer, Summertime Guests, Best Behavior, The Summer Sail, The Summer of Good Intentions, and Three Good Things. Her new book, Betting on Good, will be out in May 2025. Her essays have appeared in Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, YahooParenting, The Huffington Post, and WBUR's Cognoscenti. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and 16-year-old son. For events and updates, check out her webpage at www.facebook.com/wendyfrancisauthor or follow her on Instagram @wendyfrancisauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 7, 2013
Wendy Francis’ Three Good Things grabs its title from advice handed down to the women decades before: no matter what’s happened that day, be sure to identify three good things. Even in the darkest of moments, some joy can be found — and that’s Francis’ message to us, too. Though Ellen and Lanie wade through murky waters, the narrative’s sweetness blends perfectly with its occasional tartness . . . and ends up creating something special. Um, kind of like a kringle. Ooh, I dig a good metaphor.
And before we go further, I’m going to offer some wisdom myself: don’t read this book on an empty stomach. I was Googling “kringle” before I knew what was good for me (and that wasn’t it). As I was only in week two of my healthy-eating-turnaround, grabbing this one when I really would have killed for a sugar-crusted Peep wasn’t my wisest move. Still, Francis’ novel is so quick and sweet that I was back on the straight and narrow in no time.
As far as the story goes, Three Good Things is an interesting and relatively simple tale. We have two sisters grappling with a myriad of issues and, in some ways? This was really a life-after-divorce novel. Does that mean I didn’t enjoy it? Absolutely not. I really felt for Ellen, the independent older sister, and was genuinely surprised by the story’s twists. Lanie and Rob’s story was less compelling to me, mostly because I didn’t bond with either, but I don’t need to be besties with every character in a book. Ellen’s plotline was enough to keep the momentum going, and I cared for Lanie because Ellen did.
At the end of the day, Three Good Things is more than enough to satisfy your craving for quality women’s fiction. It might have been pushed into “awesome!” territory if Francis included a freshly-baked kringle with every copy but, you know . . . logistics.
And before we go further, I’m going to offer some wisdom myself: don’t read this book on an empty stomach. I was Googling “kringle” before I knew what was good for me (and that wasn’t it). As I was only in week two of my healthy-eating-turnaround, grabbing this one when I really would have killed for a sugar-crusted Peep wasn’t my wisest move. Still, Francis’ novel is so quick and sweet that I was back on the straight and narrow in no time.
As far as the story goes, Three Good Things is an interesting and relatively simple tale. We have two sisters grappling with a myriad of issues and, in some ways? This was really a life-after-divorce novel. Does that mean I didn’t enjoy it? Absolutely not. I really felt for Ellen, the independent older sister, and was genuinely surprised by the story’s twists. Lanie and Rob’s story was less compelling to me, mostly because I didn’t bond with either, but I don’t need to be besties with every character in a book. Ellen’s plotline was enough to keep the momentum going, and I cared for Lanie because Ellen did.
At the end of the day, Three Good Things is more than enough to satisfy your craving for quality women’s fiction. It might have been pushed into “awesome!” territory if Francis included a freshly-baked kringle with every copy but, you know . . . logistics.
December 26, 2012
I received this book as a Good Reads giveaway. It is set to be published early in 2013.
The plot revolves around two sisters, Ellen and Lanie. Ellen buys a bakery after her divorce in an attempt to recreate herself and her life. Lanie, Ellen's little sister, who lives in the same town is a lawyer struggling with the demands of job, marriage and motherhood. The sisters share a special bond because their mother died early in their lives and Ellen assisted her father in raising Lanie to adulthood from the time she was six-years-old to the timeframe depicted in the story.
We are led to believe through the narrative that Ellen is a giving and caring person, but instead, seemed rather self-absorbed as she moved in between her ex-husband and her new love, Henry, trying to get her needs met. She, also, largely pawned the running of her bakery off on her two employees, so she could travel and date. Lanie, a bundle of anxiety, holds unrealistic expectations both for herself and her husband. She referred several times to memories of "things her mother always said." I found those "things" unbelievable due to the fact they represented some mature commentary about relationships and life I don't think a six-year-old (which was the age Lanie was when her mom died) would hold onto. A six-year-old will remember whether their parents loved them, their favorite toys, playmates, etc. -- not what philosophical position their parents held. By the way, the title refers to "the three good things" their mother told Ellen and Lanie they should remember and be grateful for everyday.
This book is 236 pages in length. In finishing it, I was left wondering what might have been left on the editing room floor. It felt like the characters could have used greater development. I, also, felt the way everything tied up at the end wasn't believable. The ending represented too much of a "Hallmark moment," for my tastes.
Ms. Francis' writing isn't bad. I just felt the characters and plot could use more work before publication. Just my opinion, for whatever it's worth...
The plot revolves around two sisters, Ellen and Lanie. Ellen buys a bakery after her divorce in an attempt to recreate herself and her life. Lanie, Ellen's little sister, who lives in the same town is a lawyer struggling with the demands of job, marriage and motherhood. The sisters share a special bond because their mother died early in their lives and Ellen assisted her father in raising Lanie to adulthood from the time she was six-years-old to the timeframe depicted in the story.
We are led to believe through the narrative that Ellen is a giving and caring person, but instead, seemed rather self-absorbed as she moved in between her ex-husband and her new love, Henry, trying to get her needs met. She, also, largely pawned the running of her bakery off on her two employees, so she could travel and date. Lanie, a bundle of anxiety, holds unrealistic expectations both for herself and her husband. She referred several times to memories of "things her mother always said." I found those "things" unbelievable due to the fact they represented some mature commentary about relationships and life I don't think a six-year-old (which was the age Lanie was when her mom died) would hold onto. A six-year-old will remember whether their parents loved them, their favorite toys, playmates, etc. -- not what philosophical position their parents held. By the way, the title refers to "the three good things" their mother told Ellen and Lanie they should remember and be grateful for everyday.
This book is 236 pages in length. In finishing it, I was left wondering what might have been left on the editing room floor. It felt like the characters could have used greater development. I, also, felt the way everything tied up at the end wasn't believable. The ending represented too much of a "Hallmark moment," for my tastes.
Ms. Francis' writing isn't bad. I just felt the characters and plot could use more work before publication. Just my opinion, for whatever it's worth...
January 3, 2013
A wonderful and heartwarming read! The characters and storylines are well developed and there were some great and unexpected twists. I really enjoyed the relationship between the two sisters, Lanie & Ellen, and seeing how the two weathered the ups and downs of life together. I am going to recommend this book for my book club--it is a fun and quick read, yet very relatable. The characters' struggles with motherhood, work/life balance, and love will give us lots to chat about. One warning to readers: the delicious descriptions of kringles will have your mouth watering. I'll have to make some extra goodies for book club!
December 31, 2012
Despite a few flaws, Three Good Things is an easy to read and heartwarming novel. There are some unexpected twists and turns that I did not see coming and Wendy Francis does an excellent job wrapping up all of the various story lines. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE.
October 29, 2013
I loved this book. It is a wonderful read and I plan to share it with my daughters. You really get to feel as if the characters are people you know and care about.
September 3, 2019
This was another random buy, from about a year and a half ago.
I like small businesses, like Ellen's pastry shop. Plus, the kringle isn't an often written about confection, so I enjoyed the variation with that as well.
The characters, though, felt flat and boring. Lanie and Ellen's relationship was sweet, but not as evolved as it could have been. And Ellen herself doesn't seem all that together, certainly not the mother type figure the plot makes her out to be after her own mother dies, when she is 16, and Lanie 6.
Their mother's death is mysterious, her only connection the bits of wisdom they recall, her kringle recipe book, and letters, she has written for Lanie, that Ellen doles out. I don't remember their being any mention of how their mother dies, which is a big plot hole, to me. Especially since Ellen later says their father dies of a heart attack.
Rob and Lanie are a typical couple, tired, and disinterested in each other and their relationship, because their son is young, and they are busy working. The only real tension in the book is between them, when Lanie suspects that Rob is having an affair with a colleague.
Ellen's semi-relationship with Henry just seems odd, especially given the "twist" toward the end of the book. The ending with them wraps up entirely too nicely, with no conflict or tension at all.
I did like the grammatical word play, and I would have liked the element of the riddle in the cookbook, if I had been more invested in the story and paid better attention to it.
Good for anyone looking for a fluffy read, but be prepared for some dullness.
I like small businesses, like Ellen's pastry shop. Plus, the kringle isn't an often written about confection, so I enjoyed the variation with that as well.
The characters, though, felt flat and boring. Lanie and Ellen's relationship was sweet, but not as evolved as it could have been. And Ellen herself doesn't seem all that together, certainly not the mother type figure the plot makes her out to be after her own mother dies, when she is 16, and Lanie 6.
Their mother's death is mysterious, her only connection the bits of wisdom they recall, her kringle recipe book, and letters, she has written for Lanie, that Ellen doles out. I don't remember their being any mention of how their mother dies, which is a big plot hole, to me. Especially since Ellen later says their father dies of a heart attack.
Rob and Lanie are a typical couple, tired, and disinterested in each other and their relationship, because their son is young, and they are busy working. The only real tension in the book is between them, when Lanie suspects that Rob is having an affair with a colleague.
Ellen's semi-relationship with Henry just seems odd, especially given the "twist" toward the end of the book. The ending with them wraps up entirely too nicely, with no conflict or tension at all.
I did like the grammatical word play, and I would have liked the element of the riddle in the cookbook, if I had been more invested in the story and paid better attention to it.
Good for anyone looking for a fluffy read, but be prepared for some dullness.
April 11, 2020
A sweet, quick read, feel good book about family and second chances. The setting is in my native Wisconsin, so I especially enjoyed the references to midwestern life.
August 12, 2022
Just a nice story but predictable.
May 7, 2020
Warm, fuzzy. Okay.
November 24, 2018
Wish I hadn't waited so long to pick this one up! A nice cozy read, not too long (so would be good for book club since we don't do well with longer books!). I don't want to give anything away so I won't get into plot but will say it was not obvious to me how things were going to unfold, which was refreshing. Highly recommend!
February 20, 2013
As posted on Mina's Bookshelf http://minadecaro.blogspot.com/2013/0...
Middle aged and recent divorcee Ellen McClarety decides to open a kringle bakery in Amelia, small town Wisconsin: the rhythmic routine of running a shop and the heartwarming smell of handmade goodness help Ellen to ease her mind and her worries. The simple repetition of the rituals involved in the craft of the delicious Danish pastry becomes for the former university secretary a creative outlet and a healing mantra to escape the bitterness of her failed marriage and divorce.
“Perhaps the divorce would be the catalyst she needed to begin the life she was meant to live.”
Ellen becomes romantically involved with one of her customers, shy widower Henry Moon. Maybe the intensity of her feelings for him doesn’t match the sweeping romance she experienced with her more adventurous and unreliable ex-husband, but she will find in the quite man an unsuspected connection and, in the serendipity of their relationship, the key to put the past behind her back once and for all.
Meanwhile her younger sister, Lanie Taylor, juggles motherhood and a demanding career as a divorce lawyer, not without doubts and concerns of her own: under the pressure of their jobs and parenthood, Lanie and her husband Rob encounter a rough patch in their marriage and they both start wondering when they will ever give themselves free license to live their lives fully. Both Ellen and Lanie long for their deceased mother’s guidance, but through twists of fate and the intervention of serendipity, they’ll find out that the biggest piece of life advice their mother left for them is locked in the very recipe to bake perfect kringles:
“It’s all about balance, […]. Just like in a good kringle, no one ingredient should overwhelm another.”
In this ‘slow burn’ novel by Wendy Francis, the traditional Danish pastry becomes the metaphor of a perfect life and, as it usually happens when the setting of a novel is a quainty little town, the small community with its charming environment is a character in itself. In Three Good Things events unfold at a very languid pace and now and then the narration shifts its focus between Lanie’s and Ellen’s story threads, offering a very placid portrait of two women at a turning point in their lives. I wouldn’t classify Francis’ debut novel as fluffy chick lit, for the saving grace of this slow-paced and sometimes contrived storyline is in the final plot twist. Over all, this delicate confection was a satisfactory read.
Middle aged and recent divorcee Ellen McClarety decides to open a kringle bakery in Amelia, small town Wisconsin: the rhythmic routine of running a shop and the heartwarming smell of handmade goodness help Ellen to ease her mind and her worries. The simple repetition of the rituals involved in the craft of the delicious Danish pastry becomes for the former university secretary a creative outlet and a healing mantra to escape the bitterness of her failed marriage and divorce.
“Perhaps the divorce would be the catalyst she needed to begin the life she was meant to live.”
Ellen becomes romantically involved with one of her customers, shy widower Henry Moon. Maybe the intensity of her feelings for him doesn’t match the sweeping romance she experienced with her more adventurous and unreliable ex-husband, but she will find in the quite man an unsuspected connection and, in the serendipity of their relationship, the key to put the past behind her back once and for all.
Meanwhile her younger sister, Lanie Taylor, juggles motherhood and a demanding career as a divorce lawyer, not without doubts and concerns of her own: under the pressure of their jobs and parenthood, Lanie and her husband Rob encounter a rough patch in their marriage and they both start wondering when they will ever give themselves free license to live their lives fully. Both Ellen and Lanie long for their deceased mother’s guidance, but through twists of fate and the intervention of serendipity, they’ll find out that the biggest piece of life advice their mother left for them is locked in the very recipe to bake perfect kringles:
“It’s all about balance, […]. Just like in a good kringle, no one ingredient should overwhelm another.”
In this ‘slow burn’ novel by Wendy Francis, the traditional Danish pastry becomes the metaphor of a perfect life and, as it usually happens when the setting of a novel is a quainty little town, the small community with its charming environment is a character in itself. In Three Good Things events unfold at a very languid pace and now and then the narration shifts its focus between Lanie’s and Ellen’s story threads, offering a very placid portrait of two women at a turning point in their lives. I wouldn’t classify Francis’ debut novel as fluffy chick lit, for the saving grace of this slow-paced and sometimes contrived storyline is in the final plot twist. Over all, this delicate confection was a satisfactory read.
February 9, 2013
3.5 Stars
**Audiobook Review**
At its core, this book was about two sisters and the ups and downs they experience over the course of a year. As you get into the story, however, you realize that it is also the story of how both Ellen and Lanie relate to the people in their lives, each other, and how they navigate the changes that take place within their worlds. While I could really, really relate to some of Lanie's feelings about being a working mom (that part was very well done and accurate) I think I felt more drawn to Ellen's character. She was a good person, a good sister, and until recently, a good wife. She started over and carved out a little something of her own in her kringle shop. Of the two, Ellen undergoes the most dramatic transformation. She loves her sister and is perhaps a little envious of her life, but life also ends up handing her some unexpected joy, as well. The way it hands her that joy is wrapped up in some pretty complicated feelings and circumstances, but that was the great part about her story. I loved the way that she decides to take control of her happiness and decides to take her late mother's advice by seeing the good in what has happened. Lanie, being younger and a little more tightly wound, has her own struggles. While they weren't the main focus of the book, they were still compelling and would be relevant to a lot of readers, I think. I enjoyed the change in perspectives between Ellen, Lanie and Rob (Lanie's husband). It was essential to my involvement in the story and it helped me feel like I really knew these people. This quiet book was a very satisfying story with relatable characters and an ending that was sweet and hopeful without being too saccharine.
The narrator's performance was generally good. There was good voice distinction between the female characters. The male characters were not as distinct to my ear, but it didn't take away from the story. I felt that she especially excelled in reading Ellen's voice. Since this story takes place in the Midwest, there was a certain Midwestern cadence to the characters that I felt the narrator was able to capture without overdoing it. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. It was an entertaining and thoughtful story that was read by someone who seemed to reflect the spirit of the characters very well.
**Audiobook Review**
At its core, this book was about two sisters and the ups and downs they experience over the course of a year. As you get into the story, however, you realize that it is also the story of how both Ellen and Lanie relate to the people in their lives, each other, and how they navigate the changes that take place within their worlds. While I could really, really relate to some of Lanie's feelings about being a working mom (that part was very well done and accurate) I think I felt more drawn to Ellen's character. She was a good person, a good sister, and until recently, a good wife. She started over and carved out a little something of her own in her kringle shop. Of the two, Ellen undergoes the most dramatic transformation. She loves her sister and is perhaps a little envious of her life, but life also ends up handing her some unexpected joy, as well. The way it hands her that joy is wrapped up in some pretty complicated feelings and circumstances, but that was the great part about her story. I loved the way that she decides to take control of her happiness and decides to take her late mother's advice by seeing the good in what has happened. Lanie, being younger and a little more tightly wound, has her own struggles. While they weren't the main focus of the book, they were still compelling and would be relevant to a lot of readers, I think. I enjoyed the change in perspectives between Ellen, Lanie and Rob (Lanie's husband). It was essential to my involvement in the story and it helped me feel like I really knew these people. This quiet book was a very satisfying story with relatable characters and an ending that was sweet and hopeful without being too saccharine.
The narrator's performance was generally good. There was good voice distinction between the female characters. The male characters were not as distinct to my ear, but it didn't take away from the story. I felt that she especially excelled in reading Ellen's voice. Since this story takes place in the Midwest, there was a certain Midwestern cadence to the characters that I felt the narrator was able to capture without overdoing it. Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. It was an entertaining and thoughtful story that was read by someone who seemed to reflect the spirit of the characters very well.
March 29, 2015
This book disappointed me on several levels. I thought I was going to be reading about Ellen, recently divorced who has started her own bake shop in Wisconsin. Instead, the lead character, or at least the one who was more fully developed, was her younger sister Lainie. Lainie is an overworked attorney who is totally in love with her 10 month old son. Yes, she loves her hardworking architect husband, but in a slightly tipsy state, she confesses that she loves her son more than anyone....including him. Well, some bumps in the road come along after that. In the meantime, Ellen develops a love-interest with Harry who has something to do with a greenhouse, but his actual line of work isn't clear. Neither is Harry's character. Constantly quoting poets and referring to his deceased wife, I never got a handle on just how old Harry was. He seemed quite a bit older than Ellen, but I don't think that was the case. In fact, Harry reminded me of the neighbor, "Wilson", in the Tim the Tool-Man sitcom from years ago. I just got a glimpse of him and his constant sayings and quotes outweighed any other idea of who he actually was.
Ok. Enough rambling. It was just an ok read and that's all I have to say about that.
Ok. Enough rambling. It was just an ok read and that's all I have to say about that.
October 27, 2014
Two sisters, now in their 30's and 40's, share random days and events through the spring, summer, and fall of one year in their small hometown outside Madison, Wisconsin. Although they lost their mother when they were young,her presence and absence effects them in ways they do not always realize. Finding new love, keeping existing love, and the experience of 1st time parenthood do not always look like you'd expect.
Another quick read, 232 pages, pulled me in right from the start. I must admit I read the book with anticipation, quickly turning each page to find out what the 'thing' would be that the book was really about - the main drama or trauma - but it never came. And yet I was not disappointed. The story included the many ups and downs of women in their 30's and 40's: home, family, career, and trying to keep it all together. The characters were real, I could easily plug familiar faces into each. I enjoyed reading a story with a realistic ending - calm, peace, and contentment is worth much more than high drama.
Another quick read, 232 pages, pulled me in right from the start. I must admit I read the book with anticipation, quickly turning each page to find out what the 'thing' would be that the book was really about - the main drama or trauma - but it never came. And yet I was not disappointed. The story included the many ups and downs of women in their 30's and 40's: home, family, career, and trying to keep it all together. The characters were real, I could easily plug familiar faces into each. I enjoyed reading a story with a realistic ending - calm, peace, and contentment is worth much more than high drama.
February 27, 2013
Ellen is recently divorced and proud owner of the Singular Kringle (kringle is a buttery pastry that contains fruit or nut filling). She has to decide if she should hold onto the past or take a chance on new opportunities. Lanie is an overachiever and she is trying to juggle work, marriage and motherhood. She’s finding it hard to strike a balance and is trying to find out what makes her happiest.
Their mother used to find three good things that happened very day. In honor of her memory, the sisters start to find their three good things. They have the opportunity to experience change and happiness if they listen to their hearts.
I really enjoyed Francis’ debut novel. There is a lot of warmth, engaging characters and some neat twists that made it hard to put Three Good Things down. I’m looking forward to Francis’ next novel. If you are looking for a story that features baking, hope and gratitude, you’ll want to put Three Good Things on your read list.
Their mother used to find three good things that happened very day. In honor of her memory, the sisters start to find their three good things. They have the opportunity to experience change and happiness if they listen to their hearts.
I really enjoyed Francis’ debut novel. There is a lot of warmth, engaging characters and some neat twists that made it hard to put Three Good Things down. I’m looking forward to Francis’ next novel. If you are looking for a story that features baking, hope and gratitude, you’ll want to put Three Good Things on your read list.
February 13, 2013
This review is from: Three Good Things: A Novel (Paperback)
This is a fast read, nothing too exciting or extraordinary. It is centered around two sisters, one owning a bakery that specializes in making kringles, and the other sister an attorney with a husband and child, living a rather boring life. Although the characters were likeable, the story fell flat on many levels. The plot seemed scattered in many directions, instead of keeping focus on a couple of ideas. The outcome was chopped, and the title left me still wondering about "three good things". . . considering the lack of reference, it didnot seem an appropriate title. I would suggest this as a read, for the sake of something fast and light. I could not, however, recommend this to my book, especially to my book club, as it is just too shallow and does not really warrant time for discussion.
January 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters and how they developed. Although the book wasn't a deep read, it was great for a relaxing winter weekend. I was always wondering what would happen next with Rob, Lanie, and Ellen, but I didn't feel turmoil over the characters and their growth/struggles. Samantha was a great addition, and I love that Lanie kept the necessary secrets to keep her family. Henry is a true hero. Never expected the excitement in Ellen's life at the end. I loved the story of the Kringle and how it "saved" Ellen, and motherhood for Lanie was just what it should be. The characters had the right perspective on life, and each was rewarded in the end. I would definitely read more books by Wendy Francis! Great novel.
March 9, 2013
“Think of 3 good things that happened today” is the life lesson passed on to Ellen and her sister Lanie by their mother. But it is hard, as Ellen is recently divorced and struggling to run a bakery featuring the Danish pastry known as kringle. Lanie is also struggling with the demands of her job as a divorce attorney and as a mother of a 10 month old as she tries to do it all. Like a good recipe, add in Henry, a bakery customer who falls in love with Ellen, her ex husband Max who never really leaves, some humor, jealousy, and a few good twists at the end, and the author produces a delightful story. I liked the way the chapters alternated between the sisters. The recipe for kringle is also included along with a reader's guide which will lead to a good book discussion for a group.
March 23, 2013
My review should probably be taken with a grain of salt, since it's not a book I would have picked up to read- it was sent to me to read as a possible Reader's Choice nominee. That said, meh.
I didn't really care about any of the characters, and there was absolutely no tension in the book. I kept waiting for Rob to have an affair (or Lanie) or someone to have something catastrophic happen, but nothing did. I kept wondering what the point of the story was. The blurb makes it sound like there's a big dark secret, which I was waiting for, but when I found out what it was I thought "that's it?".
Also, I kind of liked Max.
This book was not for me.
I didn't really care about any of the characters, and there was absolutely no tension in the book. I kept waiting for Rob to have an affair (or Lanie) or someone to have something catastrophic happen, but nothing did. I kept wondering what the point of the story was. The blurb makes it sound like there's a big dark secret, which I was waiting for, but when I found out what it was I thought "that's it?".
Also, I kind of liked Max.
This book was not for me.
February 16, 2013
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Two sisters that are 10 years apart, but at a young age they endured a tragedy together when their mother passed away. From an early age, Ellen had to become a semi-parent to her younger sister Lainie because of this they have a unique and very close relationship. This book is a glimpse into their lives for a year. It is about them both equally, which I loved. I didn't feel like one sister was more or less the main character than the other.
Two sisters that are 10 years apart, but at a young age they endured a tragedy together when their mother passed away. From an early age, Ellen had to become a semi-parent to her younger sister Lainie because of this they have a unique and very close relationship. This book is a glimpse into their lives for a year. It is about them both equally, which I loved. I didn't feel like one sister was more or less the main character than the other.
April 15, 2013
I usually read books in this genre and enjoy stories about sisters but this book didn't do it for me. I felt the characters weren't well developed. Henry was so boring! I understand he is the strong, silent type but Ellen didn't even seem to like him that much. These books usually wrap up nicely at the end but since this story wasn't told very well, I didn't like the way it quickly wrapped up with a perfect ending.
July 16, 2016
While there's nothing wrong with this book, I didn't find it particularly interesting either. I really enjoyed the characters, the conversational writing style, and the small-town Midwest vibe of the first half, but then the second half felt like a bit of a letdown when nothing actually happened. Not an unenjoyable read, but I also don't feel like I gained anything from it (except a craving for pastries).
December 25, 2012
A worth-while quick read. Growing up in the midwest myself, I appreciated the the "beautiful" way the author portrayed how certain morals and values are taught at such an early age. Such a wonderful insight into how "parenting" should be an enjoyed journey. Thank you, Wendy Francis, for allowing me the pleasure of reading your book. I will look forward to reading more of your books in the future!
March 27, 2013
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads. This is a touchingly rich tale of two sisters, a Kringle bakery owner and a lawyer, who support each other as they discover themselves through life....and life can be both perfect and imperfect. It can hold sorrow, secrets, surprises, joy and even a bonus Kringle recipe. I will read this one again.
February 27, 2013
Never read a book before where one of the main characters is a kringle baker - not even sure that I knew what a kringle was! Using an alternating 3 character POV, Francis follows their lives over a series of months. Really liked the quotes from "The Book of Kringle" that start off each chapter. The sister relationship was believable as was the husband/wife dynamic. Worth a read.
January 13, 2013
What a beautiful read. The story of two sisters,left motherless at an early age. I loved the baking of Kringle,the discussion of love and children,everything. 3.75-4 stars. A very upbeat read, makes me feel good.
March 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this giveaway. I have a sister I am close to & we lost our mother almost 15 years ago & I too long for her guidance and advice I have missed over the years. It really hit home, and I'm sure others will feel the same.
January 25, 2013
Wonderful story and very original. Immensly enjoyed this book. The reader is drawn to the characters from the beginning and this is a hard book to put down, not because of the excitement level but just because you feel you want to know more about the characters, Would highly recommend.
February 25, 2013
It was probably like 2.5 stars, but I just didn't really like this book. I wanted to, but I couldn't get into it - the characters felt flat, the story line was boring, the "food novel" tie-in that I usually loved just didn't work into the story line in a cohesive way.
May 28, 2013
This was very predictable. It was nice enough to read, but not a gripping, moving story. However, I do like this cover better than the one I have on my book. I didn't know what a kringle was and didn't care enough to Google it.
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