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Half Finished: A Novel
In bestselling author Lauraine Snelling's new novel, a group of women realize that life is full of half-finished relationships and projects. However, they discover that the outcome is not as important as the journey.
Recognizing how common it is for crafters to start many projects and finish few, a group of women join together to form a guild--Unfinished Projects Anonymous to keep each other on track and accountable. Three friends are tasked with the job of home visits for their guild. They are laughingly called the Cartel as they do visits to snoop around craft rooms and knitting baskets to report on progress for the members. The guild has even expanded to checking on half-trained dogs and half-weeded gardens.
Over the course of the story, this ensemble of women discover that much of life is half-finished--relationships, the raising of children, even our very relationship with the Lord. And that may be perfectly fine.
Recognizing how common it is for crafters to start many projects and finish few, a group of women join together to form a guild--Unfinished Projects Anonymous to keep each other on track and accountable. Three friends are tasked with the job of home visits for their guild. They are laughingly called the Cartel as they do visits to snoop around craft rooms and knitting baskets to report on progress for the members. The guild has even expanded to checking on half-trained dogs and half-weeded gardens.
Over the course of the story, this ensemble of women discover that much of life is half-finished--relationships, the raising of children, even our very relationship with the Lord. And that may be perfectly fine.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
292 people are currently reading
1766 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
160 books2,047 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
March 14, 2019
This felt a little bit different from Snelling's other books that I have read in the past. Slow, and over load of characters to keep up with. The friendships and the settings were real good but I had a hard time with this book for some reason. I like a bit of a faster paced read I guess. You read and see if you feel the same way.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
May 17, 2019
While I usually like this author’s books, this one was boring and page after page of dullness. Some women get together and start a group for people to finish projects, from knitting, sewing to half trained dogs. One of the group has a major life event and the woman find out that most of life is unfinished projects. -
October 1, 2019
This is a great read by Lauraine Smelling whoes books I just adore!! I try not to miss any if hers either!
Have you ever left anything unfinished? I know I have! I always start a project only to walk away from it and I usually dont go back for some unexplained reason. A perfect example putting ocean liner kits together. Most of the time it's the painting part of it that frustrated me.
I think that Lauraine has done a fine job with this book! She writes about what most us feel at times!
These women are awesome!! It's pretty cool to have an unfinished projects Club!! It's amazing how friendships start and in the most unusual ways as well.
Maybe the Lord had this planned all along!
The supporting characters are people that I could feel I cpuld make friends with as well.
Great job Lauraine!! Keep them coming please!
Kind of wished we had one here!! She has made me feel like a part of this group and I definitely could relate to them! I love the humor part of it! This book really made my day and it also touched my heart too!
My thanks to Netgalley for a review copy. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
Have you ever left anything unfinished? I know I have! I always start a project only to walk away from it and I usually dont go back for some unexplained reason. A perfect example putting ocean liner kits together. Most of the time it's the painting part of it that frustrated me.
I think that Lauraine has done a fine job with this book! She writes about what most us feel at times!
These women are awesome!! It's pretty cool to have an unfinished projects Club!! It's amazing how friendships start and in the most unusual ways as well.
Maybe the Lord had this planned all along!
The supporting characters are people that I could feel I cpuld make friends with as well.
Great job Lauraine!! Keep them coming please!
Kind of wished we had one here!! She has made me feel like a part of this group and I definitely could relate to them! I love the humor part of it! This book really made my day and it also touched my heart too!
My thanks to Netgalley for a review copy. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
March 29, 2019
To quote her Norwegian grandmother, “Don’t that put the sizzle in the meat!”
Something new and different from Lauraine Snelling! Modern, upbeat, fast moving story. Be prepared to be inspired! There are some sad moments, but the warmth and love between these friends is wonderful. At first there were so many new faces in this small town group, but it didn't really take long to keep everybody straight once I spent some time with them. Really nice people. People you'd like to know personally, and better than anything you see on tv these days.
The people in this story decide to start a group for people who have unfinished projects laying around. They gather together to inspire and help each other to finish them. It's an eye opener if you're like me and keep putting projects off. The closeness of the core people and the love they have for each other in their lives is inspiring too. You realize your life might be half finished as well. Full of great wisdom. Makes you want to cheer, hug and be part of the group. Christian fiction at it's best.
". . .life is not a contest to see how quickly we learn, which is an incredible gift from our God, who wants to help us grow. He never says, ‘Hurry up.'"
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Something new and different from Lauraine Snelling! Modern, upbeat, fast moving story. Be prepared to be inspired! There are some sad moments, but the warmth and love between these friends is wonderful. At first there were so many new faces in this small town group, but it didn't really take long to keep everybody straight once I spent some time with them. Really nice people. People you'd like to know personally, and better than anything you see on tv these days.
The people in this story decide to start a group for people who have unfinished projects laying around. They gather together to inspire and help each other to finish them. It's an eye opener if you're like me and keep putting projects off. The closeness of the core people and the love they have for each other in their lives is inspiring too. You realize your life might be half finished as well. Full of great wisdom. Makes you want to cheer, hug and be part of the group. Christian fiction at it's best.
". . .life is not a contest to see how quickly we learn, which is an incredible gift from our God, who wants to help us grow. He never says, ‘Hurry up.'"
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 27, 2024
I enjoyed Half Finished a lot more than I thought I would.
First of all, if the blurb had been more accurate to the story, I wouldn't have liked it as much. The blurb makes the group sound like a snobby, demanding group of crafters who need everything just so. The characters couldn't be further from that. Most of them are just people who are really passionate about whatever it is they do, and there's no unrealistic expectations. Instead, they form a heartwarming community of passionate people.
I enjoyed the unique stories of each character, and the way you think each of their stories is going to be about one thing, when it's actually about something else.
I liked that the reader was in the moment with the characters. Half Finished might have been the first slice of life story that I've truly enjoyed, although I haven't read many. Enough happens in the lives of the characters to make it realistic and in the moment, while not changing the genre from contemporary slice of life. I enjoyed this.
I enjoyed the romance here too. It felt realistic and not overdone, at least on the part of the main characters. I loved how Roxie's romance parallelled Ginny's loss. As two key points in the story, these juxtapositions were done really well.
The one thing I didn't get was the setting. Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin is not a small town of a few hundred people, but Half Finished made it seem like it was. This threw me a bit, because it was acting like a locale that it really wasn't.
Despite enjoying this book, it's not the type of genre I like to read, and I don't think I would reread Half Finished. It was a good book to read once.
First of all, if the blurb had been more accurate to the story, I wouldn't have liked it as much. The blurb makes the group sound like a snobby, demanding group of crafters who need everything just so. The characters couldn't be further from that. Most of them are just people who are really passionate about whatever it is they do, and there's no unrealistic expectations. Instead, they form a heartwarming community of passionate people.
I enjoyed the unique stories of each character, and the way you think each of their stories is going to be about one thing, when it's actually about something else.
I liked that the reader was in the moment with the characters. Half Finished might have been the first slice of life story that I've truly enjoyed, although I haven't read many. Enough happens in the lives of the characters to make it realistic and in the moment, while not changing the genre from contemporary slice of life. I enjoyed this.
I enjoyed the romance here too. It felt realistic and not overdone, at least on the part of the main characters. I loved how Roxie's romance parallelled Ginny's loss. As two key points in the story, these juxtapositions were done really well.
The one thing I didn't get was the setting. Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin is not a small town of a few hundred people, but Half Finished made it seem like it was. This threw me a bit, because it was acting like a locale that it really wasn't.
Despite enjoying this book, it's not the type of genre I like to read, and I don't think I would reread Half Finished. It was a good book to read once.
August 8, 2020
I got a different Lauraine Snelling book, started reading it, and then found that there were too many characters I didn't know right at the beginning. So, I looked it up, and what I'd thought was a stand-alone book was actually book 3 of a spin-off series of an original series, all by Lauraine Snelling, and it seemed like all the past characters from both series had brief, bit parts in that book, to the point that there were no main characters. Not only that, but the original series wasn't even in print anymore, so I had no hope of ever doing back-reading to figure out who was who.
So, I gave up on that book, and exchanged it for this one. But, it started the same way - with too many confusing characters that I didn't know, and meeting them all at once. This time, though, I determined to persist with this book thinking that eventually I'd catch on to the characters, and thinking that I'd enjoyed a Lauraine Snelling book before - so surely I'd enjoy this one if I just gave it a chance. Now, Goodreads tells me that I haven't entered a Lauraine Snelling book before, or at least not in the past decade, so I'm beginning to second-guess myself that maybe I have the author confused.
I had a hard time getting into this book, not just because of the vast array of characters, but also because of all the craft projects involved. I like doing craft projects myself, but I just didn't connect with all these people doing craft projects. In all honesty, I probably shouldn't have picked up a book with a crafting theme. I thought it would be a minor backdrop to a character plot, or some other dramatic plot, but nope, the majority of the time the characters either worked on crafting projects or else ate delicious food together.
One of my kids asked me how the book was, and quipped that maybe I should leave the book "'Half Finished' half finished" and give up on it. But I continued. I think she had a point, though, that the lack of motivation these characters initially had for their projects spread into a lack of motivation for me finishing the book.
So ... the characters did eventually solidify into individuals for me. The first spark of interest I had in the book had to do with Amelia and all her good deeds among the elderly. That was interesting, and was going somewhere. I wondered, though, why she was such a giving soul, and the book never discussed that. Was she trying to earn friendship? Or heaven? Or fulfill a ministry? Or feel useful? Was it a calling that enlivened her or an imposition? (I think with the cat, at least, it was an imposition, but she truly did seem to enjoy helping at the farm, so there was probably a mix.) I almost wanted someone to sit her down and tell her that although it was beautiful, and yes, beautiful things came of it, and yes, keep on doing it, that it really is OK to say 'no' every once in a while and to take a break. She is worth more than what she does for others. I thought that might become the plot, but it wasn't and we never really learn why.
But I didn't really get interested in the story until someone died. I thought the grieving was well told, and it made me wonder if we were supportive enough to my own mom when she lost her husband, my dad. We tried, and we tried to be around, but I don't know. Part of me felt like we'd been crowding them throughout his illness, and I wanted to give her some space without feeling like she had to take care of me (which is what she would've done while I tried to take care of her.) But this grieving character had a beautiful array of people helping her - Amelia, for one, as well as Addy.
Speaking of Addy, yes, there really are good, loving teens like that, who can be supportive beyond their years. I've known a few, both within and without our own family. They are priceless.
I didn't feel like Roxie should've pushed Loren into dating Nate. I kept waiting for some reason for Lauren's reluctance to surface - that she knew something negative about Nate, or just didn't want a relationship right then for whatever reason. There's a difference between shyness and not being happy when someone asks you out. Shy people might feel nervous about the date, but if they're interested in the person, they'll also feel happy to be asked, or hopeful that something will come of it. Not just reluctant, hesitant, uninterested. Anyway, I felt Roxie should've respected her grown daughter more. But again, no revelations were made as to motive, and ... well, maybe I shouldn't give away what came of it.
It didn't really bother me, but I can imagine a reviewer saying that there were too many characters for them all to get along so well like that. Surely someone was contentious. But, I did feel like Rich was too perfect. I kept waiting for him to have either some foibles or some deep, dark secret. I don't think that Roxie knew him well enough for ...
Favorite quotes:
"You promised to be here when I call, Lord Jesus, hold me close."
"I mean, after all, we are all UFO's [unfinished objects] when you think of it. God said He would do the finishing."
"Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made
Our times are in His hand
Who saith 'A whole I planned.
Youth shows but half;
Trust God: see all, nor be afraid!"
- Robert Browning
So, I gave up on that book, and exchanged it for this one. But, it started the same way - with too many confusing characters that I didn't know, and meeting them all at once. This time, though, I determined to persist with this book thinking that eventually I'd catch on to the characters, and thinking that I'd enjoyed a Lauraine Snelling book before - so surely I'd enjoy this one if I just gave it a chance. Now, Goodreads tells me that I haven't entered a Lauraine Snelling book before, or at least not in the past decade, so I'm beginning to second-guess myself that maybe I have the author confused.
I had a hard time getting into this book, not just because of the vast array of characters, but also because of all the craft projects involved. I like doing craft projects myself, but I just didn't connect with all these people doing craft projects. In all honesty, I probably shouldn't have picked up a book with a crafting theme. I thought it would be a minor backdrop to a character plot, or some other dramatic plot, but nope, the majority of the time the characters either worked on crafting projects or else ate delicious food together.
One of my kids asked me how the book was, and quipped that maybe I should leave the book "'Half Finished' half finished" and give up on it. But I continued. I think she had a point, though, that the lack of motivation these characters initially had for their projects spread into a lack of motivation for me finishing the book.
So ... the characters did eventually solidify into individuals for me. The first spark of interest I had in the book had to do with Amelia and all her good deeds among the elderly. That was interesting, and was going somewhere. I wondered, though, why she was such a giving soul, and the book never discussed that. Was she trying to earn friendship? Or heaven? Or fulfill a ministry? Or feel useful? Was it a calling that enlivened her or an imposition? (I think with the cat, at least, it was an imposition, but she truly did seem to enjoy helping at the farm, so there was probably a mix.) I almost wanted someone to sit her down and tell her that although it was beautiful, and yes, beautiful things came of it, and yes, keep on doing it, that it really is OK to say 'no' every once in a while and to take a break. She is worth more than what she does for others. I thought that might become the plot, but it wasn't and we never really learn why.
But I didn't really get interested in the story until someone died. I thought the grieving was well told, and it made me wonder if we were supportive enough to my own mom when she lost her husband, my dad. We tried, and we tried to be around, but I don't know. Part of me felt like we'd been crowding them throughout his illness, and I wanted to give her some space without feeling like she had to take care of me (which is what she would've done while I tried to take care of her.) But this grieving character had a beautiful array of people helping her - Amelia, for one, as well as Addy.
Speaking of Addy, yes, there really are good, loving teens like that, who can be supportive beyond their years. I've known a few, both within and without our own family. They are priceless.
I didn't feel like Roxie should've pushed Loren into dating Nate. I kept waiting for some reason for Lauren's reluctance to surface - that she knew something negative about Nate, or just didn't want a relationship right then for whatever reason. There's a difference between shyness and not being happy when someone asks you out. Shy people might feel nervous about the date, but if they're interested in the person, they'll also feel happy to be asked, or hopeful that something will come of it. Not just reluctant, hesitant, uninterested. Anyway, I felt Roxie should've respected her grown daughter more. But again, no revelations were made as to motive, and ... well, maybe I shouldn't give away what came of it.
It didn't really bother me, but I can imagine a reviewer saying that there were too many characters for them all to get along so well like that. Surely someone was contentious. But, I did feel like Rich was too perfect. I kept waiting for him to have either some foibles or some deep, dark secret. I don't think that Roxie knew him well enough for ...
Favorite quotes:
"You promised to be here when I call, Lord Jesus, hold me close."
"I mean, after all, we are all UFO's [unfinished objects] when you think of it. God said He would do the finishing."
"Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made
Our times are in His hand
Who saith 'A whole I planned.
Youth shows but half;
Trust God: see all, nor be afraid!"
- Robert Browning
October 28, 2022
Wowzers!! I’ve only started this new fond hobby of reading since September. I’ve read about ten books since then and this has been my favorite of them all! I loved the storyline and how it made you feel. I liked the characters and how their stories all wove together. I wish the book didn’t have to end and I can’t wait to try some more novels by Snelling!
April 30, 2019
Half-Finished by Lauraine Snelling will transport readers to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Mari Jean Bronson aka MJ is in her craft room trying to fit a bin with another unfinished project onto her already overflowing shelves. Roxie, her best friend, suggests that they start a UFO group and she is not referring to space ships. They invite people with a problem similar to MJ’s to get together so they can work on their unfinished projects. The attendees can help keep each other on task and provide positive feedback when a UFO is finished. MJ and Roxie are hoping that at least eight to ten people at their first meeting which is being held at Annie’s Fountain City Café. The pair are shocked by the response to their flyer. The room is overflowing with people who have unfinished projects which include crewel embroidery, quilts, afghans, and a pea pod (a small boat). The individuals soon become friends and help each complete daunting incomplete projects. MJ and Roxie are surprised at how their idea develops into so much more. When tragedy strikes one of the members, the group comes together to aid her in her time of need. Pick up Half Finished to find out what happens to the UFO group.
Half Finished is not quite what I expected from Lauraine Snelling. It is a sweet, heartwarming story geared toward a mature audience. It is a story about a group of people (women and men) who come together to help each other. It starts with an idea to get unfinished projects completed and develops into so much more. It is nicely written with a gentle pace, but there was a great deal of repetition. There are a variety of characters (too many) with MJ, Roxie, Ginny and Amalia being the featured ones. I wish the author had taken the time to establish the main characters. We are given scant information on them. Finding their last names was a challenge. There is conversation, eating, drinking coffee & tea, walking dogs, finishing projects, cooking, and friendship (day to day activities). It develops into friends helping friends through good times and bad. One of the members suffers a terrible loss and we see how the others rally to help her. God used the group to touch so many lives. Two of the most memorable phrases from Half Finished are “grab your moments, every moment you can and be thankful” because “life changes in an instant and we have no control over it”. Half Finished is a positive novel that features friendship, helping others, having faith and encouragement. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you have positive reinforcement and good friends. I liked that the author included an epilogue so we could see the changes wrought by this creation of the UFO group. Half Finished is a relaxing, upbeat novel.
Half Finished is not quite what I expected from Lauraine Snelling. It is a sweet, heartwarming story geared toward a mature audience. It is a story about a group of people (women and men) who come together to help each other. It starts with an idea to get unfinished projects completed and develops into so much more. It is nicely written with a gentle pace, but there was a great deal of repetition. There are a variety of characters (too many) with MJ, Roxie, Ginny and Amalia being the featured ones. I wish the author had taken the time to establish the main characters. We are given scant information on them. Finding their last names was a challenge. There is conversation, eating, drinking coffee & tea, walking dogs, finishing projects, cooking, and friendship (day to day activities). It develops into friends helping friends through good times and bad. One of the members suffers a terrible loss and we see how the others rally to help her. God used the group to touch so many lives. Two of the most memorable phrases from Half Finished are “grab your moments, every moment you can and be thankful” because “life changes in an instant and we have no control over it”. Half Finished is a positive novel that features friendship, helping others, having faith and encouragement. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you have positive reinforcement and good friends. I liked that the author included an epilogue so we could see the changes wrought by this creation of the UFO group. Half Finished is a relaxing, upbeat novel.
April 10, 2019
This novel is a good one for Christian women, say over fifty years old. It takes readers through the lives of several older women. We see the mundane events of life as well as the catastrophic life changing ones. We sometimes sit with them over coffee and rolls. We sometimes grieve with unexpected loss and rejoice with a second chance at love.
The theme of the novel revolves around unfinished projects (UnFinished Objects – UFOs). Parallel with the unfinished knitting, wood working, needle point, etc., is that we are unfinished people. God is continually working in us. He uses the Word, events and people. It was good to see how people helped each other in this novel, often just by their attentive presence.
There is no mystery in the plot, no suspense. There is no snappy dialogue nor memorable scenes. Snelling just gives readers a good, gentle look into the lives of older women and the friendships they share. A bonus is the illustration of the good that might happen when an idea of getting people together to help each other is pursued.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The theme of the novel revolves around unfinished projects (UnFinished Objects – UFOs). Parallel with the unfinished knitting, wood working, needle point, etc., is that we are unfinished people. God is continually working in us. He uses the Word, events and people. It was good to see how people helped each other in this novel, often just by their attentive presence.
There is no mystery in the plot, no suspense. There is no snappy dialogue nor memorable scenes. Snelling just gives readers a good, gentle look into the lives of older women and the friendships they share. A bonus is the illustration of the good that might happen when an idea of getting people together to help each other is pursued.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 17, 2022
Half way through this book, I gave up. As other reviewers have noted, there is an overload of characters and none of them but one are distinguishable from the others. She, we remember, only because she wears hats & rides a bicycle. The book jacket made me chuckle because who doesn't have unfinished projects they want to tackle? Starting a group to inspire you to get them done is a great idea. However, even at the half-way point, I still had no clue as to what the main focus of the book was supposed to be. One woman wanted her grown daughter to get married so she was complete? Another woman lost her husband, but her grief consisted of crying and burying herself in her bed. There were no real, complex conversations about what it is like to lose a spouse. The writing of the book is not what I look for in a story, although I understand there are readers who like "lighter" writing. There is nothing wrong in that--to each our own. I want a complex story with character I feel I've gotten to know so well that I wish the book would continue. This was simply not my cup of tea.
Disclaimer: I was given this book for free from Hatchette in order for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I was given this book for free from Hatchette in order for an honest review.
February 16, 2019
A charming contemporary story rich in the details of small town life, friendships, family, and love.
I enjoyed getting acquainted with the variety of people who come together to begin a group to work on their "UFO's" or unfinished objects from home. A real community sense flows out from the simple act of extending an invitation to join others and help support their efforts to complete projects. The ripple effect especially shows in how they support a friend when tragedy strikes. The grieving process felt quite realistic. I liked how the practical ways they helped each other were extensions of their love and friendships. A surprise romance blooms too, which was fun. The story was a good reminder that through faith, "...we are all unfinished objects and that God promised to finish us in His good time."
Recommend for readers who enjoy character driven stories with some faith and a little romance.
3.5 stars
(An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
I enjoyed getting acquainted with the variety of people who come together to begin a group to work on their "UFO's" or unfinished objects from home. A real community sense flows out from the simple act of extending an invitation to join others and help support their efforts to complete projects. The ripple effect especially shows in how they support a friend when tragedy strikes. The grieving process felt quite realistic. I liked how the practical ways they helped each other were extensions of their love and friendships. A surprise romance blooms too, which was fun. The story was a good reminder that through faith, "...we are all unfinished objects and that God promised to finish us in His good time."
Recommend for readers who enjoy character driven stories with some faith and a little romance.
3.5 stars
(An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
July 25, 2022
I have always enjoyed books by Lauraine Snelling but this one was very different for me. I gave up on finishing it about 1/4 of the way through the book. There were too many characters and too many unimportant details. I am not interested in knowing the name of every pet owned by the characters and if such a pet is wagging its tail or not.
I thought the premise sounded interesting. Two women set out to form a UFO group---a group for people with unfinished projects to meet together and work on those projects. However, I just couldn't continue wading through all the other 'stuff.'
However, I will continue to look for books by Lauraine Snelling. My dislike of this book is an aberration of my usual opinion of her books.
I thought the premise sounded interesting. Two women set out to form a UFO group---a group for people with unfinished projects to meet together and work on those projects. However, I just couldn't continue wading through all the other 'stuff.'
However, I will continue to look for books by Lauraine Snelling. My dislike of this book is an aberration of my usual opinion of her books.
July 27, 2019
3.5 Stars. First third of the novel was slow going and for that reason I dropped the rating a half star. The story itself was a sweet Christian romance.
May 12, 2023
Sweet Story of Friendship
While I appreciated the story, the book wasn’t a page turner. It was somewhat meandering. Lauraine Snelling is a favorite author, but this was probably my least favorite book of hers. Still I enjoyed the abiding friendships in the book and the way the community came together.
While I appreciated the story, the book wasn’t a page turner. It was somewhat meandering. Lauraine Snelling is a favorite author, but this was probably my least favorite book of hers. Still I enjoyed the abiding friendships in the book and the way the community came together.
March 15, 2019
A community is brought closer together by groups of people working on craft projects begun at some point in the past. Friendships and fellowship develop into support systems for many of the attendees. This is a sweet read about the everyday lives of friends and neighbors, and the events they share through finishing craft projects. The importance of sharing and caring are highlights in this light read. A variety of characters are depicted throughout this story, involving the young as well as the elderly. Descriptive and detailed but easy to read, this would be a great travel or vacation book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads contest. All expressed opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads contest. All expressed opinions are my own.
October 2, 2019
A splendid read - delightful plot -- mostly light, but also some serious issues were dealt with. Totally enjoyable, clean, christian fiction. This book came to my attention via a suggestion from hoopla -- I am glad I paid attention to it.
Read
May 21, 2019Prophetic title, because I half finished the book, and then quit.
January 30, 2022
3.5 stars (rating shown may vary depending on whether site allows half star ratings)--it wasn't on the high side of the 3.5 so on sites that don't allow half star ratings, it will show as a 3.
A friend sent me this book in a box of books she'd finished. I am a crafter, though I long ago went through most of my past crafting fads (cross stitch, ribbon embroidery, etc.) and donated or repurposed the items. (The tiny details of cross stitch became too difficult to follow with my eyesight at the time.) But still, I connected on some level with the two women at the beginning who had unfinished projects and created the UFO group. I liked the camaraderie that developed in the group(s). I'm not sure if the splitting off of groups would have happened so quickly in real life--definitely so for the morning/evening ones I think since I have seen that happen with other groups when women don't want to or can't drive at night. The book also ties in an idea that we humans are also unfinished projects that only God can complete.
The cover image on my copy seems to be a compilation of things from the book--or perhaps a future event after Roxie's marriage--rather than something that happened in the book. Also, one of the women has either a canvas (painting) or a framed something--I don't remember any of the main characters painting.
I sympathized with Addy who struggled with knitting and crocheting. I have a friend who can crochet beautiful items while I struggle with simple stitches and keeping the tension constant. I sometimes envy her the portability of her projects. Scrapbooking and card making doesn't lend itself to easy portability. Everyone has a skill set and will do well at certain things and not so well at others.
I think several of the characters were struggling with feeling "useful" after changes in their lives: MJ I think was recently retired and it sounded like she wanted/needed something in her life--and perhaps Amalia as well. Though perhaps the early-in-the-book characterization of Amalia was merely to set up that she would go to Ginny's as part of her nature.
I was a bit shocked by the death of one of the characters--though I suspected it long before he was found. It was a natural/medical death, not a murder or suspicious death. I thought the author did a good job showing the shock and grief that occur after something like that happens--not just for the spouse but for other members of the family as well.
I enjoyed the friendships that played out in this book. I didn't like the romances as much--seemed like we had at least 3 that got together, 2 sets that got married fairly quickly and another that was engaged after a year of dating (though they had known of each other during high school). As is my usual complaint with most romance books, I'm not sure that the compressed time to get to know each other before taking the step to marry is one to emulate in real life if you're planning to marry "'til death do us part"
A friend sent me this book in a box of books she'd finished. I am a crafter, though I long ago went through most of my past crafting fads (cross stitch, ribbon embroidery, etc.) and donated or repurposed the items. (The tiny details of cross stitch became too difficult to follow with my eyesight at the time.) But still, I connected on some level with the two women at the beginning who had unfinished projects and created the UFO group. I liked the camaraderie that developed in the group(s). I'm not sure if the splitting off of groups would have happened so quickly in real life--definitely so for the morning/evening ones I think since I have seen that happen with other groups when women don't want to or can't drive at night. The book also ties in an idea that we humans are also unfinished projects that only God can complete.
The cover image on my copy seems to be a compilation of things from the book--or perhaps a future event after Roxie's marriage--rather than something that happened in the book. Also, one of the women has either a canvas (painting) or a framed something--I don't remember any of the main characters painting.
I sympathized with Addy who struggled with knitting and crocheting. I have a friend who can crochet beautiful items while I struggle with simple stitches and keeping the tension constant. I sometimes envy her the portability of her projects. Scrapbooking and card making doesn't lend itself to easy portability. Everyone has a skill set and will do well at certain things and not so well at others.
I think several of the characters were struggling with feeling "useful" after changes in their lives: MJ I think was recently retired and it sounded like she wanted/needed something in her life--and perhaps Amalia as well. Though perhaps the early-in-the-book characterization of Amalia was merely to set up that she would go to Ginny's as part of her nature.
I was a bit shocked by the death of one of the characters--though I suspected it long before he was found. It was a natural/medical death, not a murder or suspicious death. I thought the author did a good job showing the shock and grief that occur after something like that happens--not just for the spouse but for other members of the family as well.
I enjoyed the friendships that played out in this book. I didn't like the romances as much--seemed like we had at least 3 that got together, 2 sets that got married fairly quickly and another that was engaged after a year of dating (though they had known of each other during high school). As is my usual complaint with most romance books, I'm not sure that the compressed time to get to know each other before taking the step to marry is one to emulate in real life if you're planning to marry "'til death do us part"
March 9, 2019
“That’s what friends are for. I mean, after all, we are all UFOs when you think of it. God said He would do the finishing,” Amalia tells Roxie in Lauraine Snelling’s novel, Half Finished.
~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page hardbound targets those who like simplistic tales about family, friendship, and relationships while living in a close-knit town. Containing words such as dang and darn, topics of divorce, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Set in current-day Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, three women decide to organize a group that promotes finishing unfinished craft projects. Whether knitting a decades-old afghan, crocheting a baby’s outfit for a now-grown child, or completing a boat, the participants, both male and female, enjoy the weekly get-togethers while some individuals learn how God is the one who completes them through life’s struggles, differences, and challenges.
~ Why ~
The contagious idea of having a UFO (unfinished objects) group is charming and unique as many may need camaraderie, prompting, and accountability to complete a project or task. I liked the tenderness between Ginny and Amalia as one helped the other through a difficult time. The mother-daughter and grandmother-granddaughter interweaved relationships were well-written.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ may not understand the importance of relying on God throughout our lives. Some who have no interest in small town living where everyone knows everyone else’s business may find the story tedious as it is painted with the minutia such as windshield bugs, acid reflux, and grocery lists.
~ Wish ~
While I appreciated the group’s artistic concept, I felt one of its three original creators was rarely mentioned, focusing mainly on only one creative leader and two different women. Due to the plethora of characters, including a list of them at the beginning of the book might be helpful for procrastinating readers. I prefer no slang words in Christian books.
~ Want ~
If you like an easy read about a small town’s somewhat flawless residents who are half-finished in life and crafts, this may engage you, but I struggled through it, wishing for more excitement and less of the mundane.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page hardbound targets those who like simplistic tales about family, friendship, and relationships while living in a close-knit town. Containing words such as dang and darn, topics of divorce, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Set in current-day Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, three women decide to organize a group that promotes finishing unfinished craft projects. Whether knitting a decades-old afghan, crocheting a baby’s outfit for a now-grown child, or completing a boat, the participants, both male and female, enjoy the weekly get-togethers while some individuals learn how God is the one who completes them through life’s struggles, differences, and challenges.
~ Why ~
The contagious idea of having a UFO (unfinished objects) group is charming and unique as many may need camaraderie, prompting, and accountability to complete a project or task. I liked the tenderness between Ginny and Amalia as one helped the other through a difficult time. The mother-daughter and grandmother-granddaughter interweaved relationships were well-written.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ may not understand the importance of relying on God throughout our lives. Some who have no interest in small town living where everyone knows everyone else’s business may find the story tedious as it is painted with the minutia such as windshield bugs, acid reflux, and grocery lists.
~ Wish ~
While I appreciated the group’s artistic concept, I felt one of its three original creators was rarely mentioned, focusing mainly on only one creative leader and two different women. Due to the plethora of characters, including a list of them at the beginning of the book might be helpful for procrastinating readers. I prefer no slang words in Christian books.
~ Want ~
If you like an easy read about a small town’s somewhat flawless residents who are half-finished in life and crafts, this may engage you, but I struggled through it, wishing for more excitement and less of the mundane.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
March 26, 2019
“That’s what friends are for. I mean, after all, we are all UFOs when you think of it. God said He would do the finishing,” Amalia tells Roxie in Lauraine Snelling’s novel, Half Finished.
~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page hardbound targets those who like simplistic tales about family, friendship, and relationships while living in a close-knit town. Containing words such as dang and darn, topics of divorce, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Set in current-day Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, three women decide to organize a group that promotes finishing unfinished craft projects. Whether knitting a decades-old afghan, crocheting a baby’s outfit for a now-grown child, or completing a boat, the participants, both male and female, enjoy the weekly get-togethers while some individuals learn how God is the one who completes them through life’s struggles, differences, and challenges.
~ Why ~
The contagious idea of having a UFO (unfinished objects) group is charming and unique as many may need camaraderie, prompting, and accountability to complete a project or task. I liked the tenderness between Ginny and Amalia as one helped the other through a difficult time. The mother-daughter and grandmother-granddaughter interweaved relationships were well-written.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ may not understand the importance of relying on God throughout our lives. Some who have no interest in small town living where everyone knows everyone else’s business may find the story tedious as it is painted with the minutia such as windshield bugs, acid reflux, and grocery lists.
~ Wish ~
While I appreciated the group’s artistic concept, I felt one of its three original creators was rarely mentioned, focusing mainly on only one creative leader and two different women. Due to the plethora of characters, including a list of them at the beginning of the book might be helpful for procrastinating readers. I prefer no slang words in Christian books.
~ Want ~
If you like an easy read about a small town’s somewhat flawless residents who are half-finished in life and crafts, this may engage you, but I struggled through it, wishing for more excitement and less of the mundane.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page hardbound targets those who like simplistic tales about family, friendship, and relationships while living in a close-knit town. Containing words such as dang and darn, topics of divorce, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Set in current-day Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, three women decide to organize a group that promotes finishing unfinished craft projects. Whether knitting a decades-old afghan, crocheting a baby’s outfit for a now-grown child, or completing a boat, the participants, both male and female, enjoy the weekly get-togethers while some individuals learn how God is the one who completes them through life’s struggles, differences, and challenges.
~ Why ~
The contagious idea of having a UFO (unfinished objects) group is charming and unique as many may need camaraderie, prompting, and accountability to complete a project or task. I liked the tenderness between Ginny and Amalia as one helped the other through a difficult time. The mother-daughter and grandmother-granddaughter interweaved relationships were well-written.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Christ may not understand the importance of relying on God throughout our lives. Some who have no interest in small town living where everyone knows everyone else’s business may find the story tedious as it is painted with the minutia such as windshield bugs, acid reflux, and grocery lists.
~ Wish ~
While I appreciated the group’s artistic concept, I felt one of its three original creators was rarely mentioned, focusing mainly on only one creative leader and two different women. Due to the plethora of characters, including a list of them at the beginning of the book might be helpful for procrastinating readers. I prefer no slang words in Christian books.
~ Want ~
If you like an easy read about a small town’s somewhat flawless residents who are half-finished in life and crafts, this may engage you, but I struggled through it, wishing for more excitement and less of the mundane.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
February 8, 2022
In Lauraine Snelling’s novel, Half Finished, two friends get fed up with all their half-done craft projects and decide to do something about it. One, Roxie, had heard about UFO clubs—not for discovering alien life, but for finishing UnFinished Objects, or projects in their case. They discuss the idea with a few other friends and decide on a time to meet together with each choosing one project to work on while they meet.
As word of the UFO club spreads, more people want in on it—because who doesn’t have unfinished projects of some kind. Soon there are morning and evening clubs at several different locations. Even some of the men get it on the meetings.
But the clubs grow beyond projects. Relationships form and people band together to help each other through the sorrows and joys they encounter.
The beginning of the book was hard to get into: it was very busy. There were so many characters, they and their families were hard to keep straight. Plus the pages seemed to be stuffed with unnecessary details.
But once the narrative settled down into a few of the main characters’ stories, the book became more enjoyable. There’s Roxie, a widowed real estate agent and a founding member of the UFO club. She has a grown daughter, Loren, who lives with her. Fred and Ginny own a farm and share their bounty with others. Their son and his family live nearby, and they enjoy getting together often. Their granddaughter, Addy, is an expert cookie baker. Amalia is one of my favorite characters: she is widowed and sold her own farm to live in senior apartments. But, even though she couldn’t keep up with the farm alone, she’s still able-bodied and mentally sound. She spends her days helping out some of the other seniors with physical needs or her friends.
One of the themes of the book is that we’re all half-finished projects. We’re all in a state of growth. So we need to be patient with ourselves and each other, but we also need to keep growing and learning.
As word of the UFO club spreads, more people want in on it—because who doesn’t have unfinished projects of some kind. Soon there are morning and evening clubs at several different locations. Even some of the men get it on the meetings.
But the clubs grow beyond projects. Relationships form and people band together to help each other through the sorrows and joys they encounter.
The beginning of the book was hard to get into: it was very busy. There were so many characters, they and their families were hard to keep straight. Plus the pages seemed to be stuffed with unnecessary details.
But once the narrative settled down into a few of the main characters’ stories, the book became more enjoyable. There’s Roxie, a widowed real estate agent and a founding member of the UFO club. She has a grown daughter, Loren, who lives with her. Fred and Ginny own a farm and share their bounty with others. Their son and his family live nearby, and they enjoy getting together often. Their granddaughter, Addy, is an expert cookie baker. Amalia is one of my favorite characters: she is widowed and sold her own farm to live in senior apartments. But, even though she couldn’t keep up with the farm alone, she’s still able-bodied and mentally sound. She spends her days helping out some of the other seniors with physical needs or her friends.
One of the themes of the book is that we’re all half-finished projects. We’re all in a state of growth. So we need to be patient with ourselves and each other, but we also need to keep growing and learning.
March 22, 2019
Are you a crafter? If so, you may have a UFO or two are your house. . .No, I don't mean a flying saucer for extraterrestrial beings. I mean unfinished objects, or UFOs as they are referred to in Half Finished. Lauraine Snelling writes about small town life and a group of people gathering to finish their unfinished craft projects. . .and how their lives intersect in other ways.
Half Finished was a little slow for me to start with as I got to know the characters in this book. Then it picked up speed and I truly enjoyed the people and became interested in their lives. There is one woman in this book who experiences grieving for her spouse. I thought that was well-written as Snelling seemed to truly understand the steps and the challenges the character was facing. Other characters face different life challenges that were happier and those were well portrayed too. They also balanced the sad parts in the book with a happy story.
Of course Half Finished would be of interest to crafters as there is a lot of talk about craft projects. Also, this book would be appealing to mid-life and older women as they face a different set of challenges in life--many of which were portrayed in this book. Half Finished also portrayed life in a small town in the Midwest accurately (as someone from a small town in the Midwest). Lastly, I thought Snelling did a good job of portraying spiritual issues in this book and I liked it from a Christian stand point. It wasn't preachy but there were spiritual insights to pass along--especially at the end. I would recommend Half Finished and encourage other Christian women to give it a try.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. #sponsoredbyfaithwords
Half Finished was a little slow for me to start with as I got to know the characters in this book. Then it picked up speed and I truly enjoyed the people and became interested in their lives. There is one woman in this book who experiences grieving for her spouse. I thought that was well-written as Snelling seemed to truly understand the steps and the challenges the character was facing. Other characters face different life challenges that were happier and those were well portrayed too. They also balanced the sad parts in the book with a happy story.
Of course Half Finished would be of interest to crafters as there is a lot of talk about craft projects. Also, this book would be appealing to mid-life and older women as they face a different set of challenges in life--many of which were portrayed in this book. Half Finished also portrayed life in a small town in the Midwest accurately (as someone from a small town in the Midwest). Lastly, I thought Snelling did a good job of portraying spiritual issues in this book and I liked it from a Christian stand point. It wasn't preachy but there were spiritual insights to pass along--especially at the end. I would recommend Half Finished and encourage other Christian women to give it a try.
I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. #sponsoredbyfaithwords
July 26, 2019
Lauraine Snelling's Half Finishedstarts on a nice premise of people gathering to complete their unfinished projects, which are called UFOs (objects) in the book. However, Snelling introduces far too many characters, including the name of someone who has announced her pregnancy to friends. There are six main female characters, which seem to be grouped by age/likeness: MJ and Roxie (who finds love at the age of 54); Amalia and Ginny (who becomes a recent widow); and Loren and Addy who are the younger females in search of their true calling. Then there are two main male characters in Rich and Nate Owens (the romantic interests of mother Roxie and daughter Loren). Ginny's husband Fred's life appears to be full of making others happy and spending time with his family, but when tragedy strikes him down, it makes the reader to question if s/he is permitted to finish life on earth or to question or prioritize what on earth is worth completing. With Snelling's host of additional neighborhood characters and then increase it with a few of Roxie's clients by name, the sheer number of characters presented throughout the text is overwhelming and makes the book's plot confusing and often hard to follow. Basically, I think Snelling was trying to accomplish too much in one book and as a result diluted some of its messaging. Regardless, it is a read that is thought-provoking.
February 12, 2020
Have you ever left anything unfinished? I know I have - especially projects -- I'll start them, walk away, and sometimes don't go back to them for quite some time for some uncertain reason. In Half Finished, a community of folks decides to start a group for people who have unfinished projects laying around. By gathering together, they inspire and help each other finish their projects.
". . .life is not a contest to see how quickly we learn, which is an incredible gift from our God, who wants to help us grow. He never says, ‘Hurry up.'"
I loved how close the main people were and the love they shared for each other was inspiring. This story is a sweet one sharing the everyday lives of friends and neighbors, and the events they share through finishing their projects. Half Finished does not contain a mystery in the plot and there's no suspense. What the author provides readers is a good look into the lives of older women and the friendships they share. Read this book; you may realize your life might be half finished as well.
I received a copy of this book from Faith Words in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review and this affected neither my opinion of the book, nor the content of my review!!
". . .life is not a contest to see how quickly we learn, which is an incredible gift from our God, who wants to help us grow. He never says, ‘Hurry up.'"
I loved how close the main people were and the love they shared for each other was inspiring. This story is a sweet one sharing the everyday lives of friends and neighbors, and the events they share through finishing their projects. Half Finished does not contain a mystery in the plot and there's no suspense. What the author provides readers is a good look into the lives of older women and the friendships they share. Read this book; you may realize your life might be half finished as well.
I received a copy of this book from Faith Words in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review and this affected neither my opinion of the book, nor the content of my review!!
May 17, 2019
Half-Finished is a Christian fiction novel by author Lauraine Snelling. This novel is written from the perspective that much of life is half-finished.
My favorite character was Ginny Clarkson who loved gardening and had several unfinished projects. Ginny was part of a group called UFO (Un-Finshed Objects group). Anyone who had unfinished projects could join.
This is an inspiring novel for the reader to begin their own UFO group. It was inspired by a group at the author’s own church. The characters felt real and some reminded me of my own mother.
Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more of her works. I recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
My favorite character was Ginny Clarkson who loved gardening and had several unfinished projects. Ginny was part of a group called UFO (Un-Finshed Objects group). Anyone who had unfinished projects could join.
This is an inspiring novel for the reader to begin their own UFO group. It was inspired by a group at the author’s own church. The characters felt real and some reminded me of my own mother.
Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more of her works. I recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
June 26, 2025
I had mixed feelings about this one. A group of older women decide to start a club where they get together and work on some of those many "half-finished" craft/hobby projects that they all seem to have. This seemed like a pretty relatable situation, as I also have boxes of projects I've started and not finished. The blurb also makes it sound like it's going to be focused on the romance of one the character's daughters, but that is actually a very minor subplot. Instead, we have way way too many characters, which made this book really difficult to get into. And just when I was getting people sorted out, the story veered off by having someone die, so suddenly this book was all about grief and dealing with the death of a spouse. While this was handled well, it just wasn't what I was expecting from this story.
I did end up liking this one for the most part, once the characters started to kind of get sorted out, but overall this one was just too choppy and a bit directionless for me to really love it.
I did end up liking this one for the most part, once the characters started to kind of get sorted out, but overall this one was just too choppy and a bit directionless for me to really love it.
July 21, 2019
HALF FINISHED is a book all crafters would be able to relate to. Stacks and stacks of material. Buttons galore. Yarn in every hue imaginable and knitting needles of all sizes. Pick your favorite creative outlet and there are probably some (or many) unfinished projects in your stash.
The premise behind HALF FINISHED is about a group of crafters (male and female) who join together in a gallant attempt to finish unfinished projects. As the blurb says, they have to come to terms with many other unfinished things (not just crafts) and that is part of life.
This is women's fiction. The writing is impeccable. But... There is a large group of characters and unfortunately I couldn't connect with or care about any of them. However, the theme and message is a good one that needs to be heard.
If you love women's fiction or family drama style novels, you will love HALF FINISHED. Check it out for yourself.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
The premise behind HALF FINISHED is about a group of crafters (male and female) who join together in a gallant attempt to finish unfinished projects. As the blurb says, they have to come to terms with many other unfinished things (not just crafts) and that is part of life.
This is women's fiction. The writing is impeccable. But... There is a large group of characters and unfortunately I couldn't connect with or care about any of them. However, the theme and message is a good one that needs to be heard.
If you love women's fiction or family drama style novels, you will love HALF FINISHED. Check it out for yourself.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2019
I am a crafter, sewer, and scrapbooker and totally understand that I have UFO's at my house. UFO's are not what you normally think of but unfinished objects in this wonderful book. This is a great Christian fiction book that is about a group of women that have an "Unfinished projects club". Oh how I want to be a part of this club or atleast start one of my own. The warmth and love between this group of friends was astounding. The character development was slow and steady and I felt like I was a part of the group and could relate. The bond and relationships that develop throughout this book are heartwarming and will make you laugh too. I love the idea that we all have unfinished projects and God wants to help us grow through our work.
This was my first book by Lauraine Snelling and I cannot wait to read some of her other work. I received this book for an honest review from NetGalley.
This was my first book by Lauraine Snelling and I cannot wait to read some of her other work. I received this book for an honest review from NetGalley.
September 10, 2019
Ironically, Half Finished by Lauraine Snelling, laid on my nightstand "half finished" for most of the summer. It was a light read and I thought it would be fun for summer, but it just never really grabbed me. I did read about 90% of it and then finally decided I was done when I realized I didn't care a whole lot about what happened in the last few pages. It is a sweet story about a group of friends and neighbors in a small town who decide to form a "UFO" (unfinished objects) club to finished up some of the half finished projects most of them have. It occurs to me that such a club is a really good idea! There are small town happenings and crises throughout the story, with heartwarming moments of friends being there for each other. And that's basically all there was to it. Not much of a plot. It reminded me very much of a Hallmark movie so I expect there are those who would really enjoy it.
April 15, 2020
When I give a book four stars it means I liked the book a lot.
RECAP: Half-Finished is the story of two women who decide to start a group for people with Unfinished Objects (projects). They call it an UFO group and more people than they expect from the little town of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin join the group. It’s also a story about friends who take care of each other through hard times and encourage each other to step out of their comfort zone. There’s even a little romance to keep things interesting.
BLUSH FACTOR/LANGUAGE: Nothing to see here, people.
THE WRITING: Had I left a review when I was 25% of the way through this book, I would have given in 3-stars. But I had to stick with it since it was a book club selection. I’ve heard great things about author Lauraine Snelling so I was surprised to be a bit bored in the early pages of the story. It did pick up in the last half of the book and was an enjoyable read.
STAND-ALONE OR CLIFFHANGER ENDING? Stand-alone
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Plenty of characters, all of whom I felt I understood but it took me a bit to keep track of who was who (which probably has more to do with me than the way the book was written.)
BOTTOM LINE: Enjoyable, light read.
RECAP: Half-Finished is the story of two women who decide to start a group for people with Unfinished Objects (projects). They call it an UFO group and more people than they expect from the little town of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin join the group. It’s also a story about friends who take care of each other through hard times and encourage each other to step out of their comfort zone. There’s even a little romance to keep things interesting.
BLUSH FACTOR/LANGUAGE: Nothing to see here, people.
THE WRITING: Had I left a review when I was 25% of the way through this book, I would have given in 3-stars. But I had to stick with it since it was a book club selection. I’ve heard great things about author Lauraine Snelling so I was surprised to be a bit bored in the early pages of the story. It did pick up in the last half of the book and was an enjoyable read.
STAND-ALONE OR CLIFFHANGER ENDING? Stand-alone
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Plenty of characters, all of whom I felt I understood but it took me a bit to keep track of who was who (which probably has more to do with me than the way the book was written.)
BOTTOM LINE: Enjoyable, light read.
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