Finally Free

Women of Fossil Ridge #2

by Lynne Gentry

Sometimes the only way forward is to forget the past. Out of a sense of duty, I’ve returned to the river that cuts through the Texas hill country. Moving home was the right thing to do. But putting my life on hold to care for my aging mother, a woman I hardly recognize anymore, requires the patience of a saint. Which I’ve have never been, according to my mother’s increasingly sharp tongue. Leaving my daughter with her philandering father was out of the question so I brought her to Texas with me. I hope I’ve not made another mistake by allowing Aria to experience her grandmother’s mental decline. Music has bonded those two like it used to bind me and my mother. It’s amazing how Momma can’t remember where she put her shoes, but she can still play musical scores from memory. The doctor says nothing can stop the thick fog that will eventually hijack my mother’s mind. But I can’t abandon the hope that Momma will forgive me before she completely forgets me. Brimming with wit, authenticity, and southern charm, FINALLY FREE is the inspirational and emotional journey of a family whose only way forward is to forget the past. You’ll have to laugh with these women to keep from crying. Get all the books in the Women of Fossil Ridge #1 Flying Fossils #2 Finally Free #3 First Frost

245 pages, ebook

Published November 22, 2018

About the author

This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a storyteller. Her mother called it "Selling wind in a bag." Lynne started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in print. The Carthage Chronicles are her time travel/sci-fi series. The Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series starting with WALKING SHOES and The Women of Fossil Ridge series starting with FLYING FOSSILS are her contemporary romantic comedy series. And GHOST HEART and PORT OF ORIGIN are part of her Agents of Mercy Medical Thriller series.

Lynne can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you.

She loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Reviews

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I am wondering if there might be another book in this series?? I would love to know more about Charlotte Ann and Aria. I liked the fact that the author did not shy away from a very difficult subject - Alzheimer's Disease. Oh, how I wish they would find a cure for this devastating sickness!

I like multi-generational books. The influence that a grandparent and parent has on it is very profound. Thank you, Lynne Gentry for a very enjoyable read.

[Janet Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK * Dysfunctional Family * Angst
This book is the second in a trilogy. The overall story is the generational dysfunction in a family dealing with unresolved grief. Lots of secrets, lies for self-preservation, and misplaced pride. The first book was mostly boring and I thought it was because of scene setting as the last quarter of that book was good, This second book takes up right where the first one left off. The book is true to life in that no one learns life lessons until they go through the drama ad nauseum. Add to that plenty of poor editing mistakes. It felt like I was reading an ARC with characters being called the wrong names and sentences being repeated. I quit reading halfway through this book and have no plans on even opening book three.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that deals beautifully with difficult topics that many families must face

This is book two of a three book series. It tells the story of a family of strong, talented women as they learn to deal with long ago tragedies, family secrets and the progressing dementia of the matriarch. In the process they share much love and humor and develop a new definition of family. There was no sugar-coating of the pain of losing a loved one to Alzheimer, but the
wit that would pop out at some of the most difficult times should provide lessons for every one of us.

[Jan C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Lynne Gentry writes a tale of heart-breaking tragedy, and still sprinkle in moments of light and laughter. And such is the world of watching a beloved relative suffer from Alzheimer's.
Gentry even manages to put the reader behind the eyes of Sara, the matriarch who is as terrified of her failing memory as her daughter and granddaughter are.
If you have walked the road of losing a parent to dementia, I predict you will get a good cry from this story.

[Sherrinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Story

This book was a powerful story of complicated mother-daughter relationships spanning 2 generations. I loved how Charlotte grew in her ability to give of herself out of love instead of obligation. I loved the extra characters that added such depth and support. I thought this story was a masterpiece of authentic caregiving for aging parents and one that will stay with me a long time.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He breaks every wall”

Anyone caring for someone suffering from dementia will find healing in this book. Losing someone by slow degrees because their mind is going is such a painful experience. This book can mitigate some this pain. Loving someone is so much better than obligation is a quote from this book. Family is so complicated and hard but in the end the only thing that matters is love.

[Doreen Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Good story about families, mothers , daughters ,friends. Coming home to Texas to care for her ill Mom ,has turned Charlottes world upside down . Can she heal old hurts , and make a new life. herself and her daughter ?
Good story about trying to meet the needs of our parents, our children and ourselves.

[Pat]

I once helped with an Alzheimer's woman. The first couple of years it was easy but into the third year, it became increasingly more difficult. It was nothing like Charlotte experienced in this well-written story. Course, I did not live with the woman so that always makes a difference. I highly recommend this book for everyone to read.

[Margaret A Register · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

This author is comparable to Francine Rivers. The author pulls you in and never lets go! The characters become part of your family, and you don't want the story to end. Well-edited and well-written.

[Marta Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family heart breaks and joys

Loved this story of the Slocum women! Their sass and tenacity help them navigate life's bumpy road with humor and tears. One can only hope to do as well.

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. The love that is growing between these women and friends is beautiful. My heart breaks as I read the story, but it is so beautiful. I must finish the series but I suspect there will be some tears.

[Cwooz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too close

I found this story a bit difficult to read. It strikes a bit too close to home. Aging is not fun. This story made me wonder how it will be for me.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I find all the typos to be very annoying.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I found myself totally drawn into the lives of the Slocum women and was sad when I reached the end. So very well written!

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 3 out of 5]

And the story continues. I did not find this 2nd installment of the series to be quite as good as Book 1. Still a decent read though, and I am very interested in wrapping everything up in Book 3.

[Susan Schnackenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all-around great read

This series, thus far is everything a story can be. Informative and entertaining. Hope I can find a source for book number three.OkI

[velma lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet sweet story

Oh my gosh I didn’t know a book could make me laugh out loud so hard or cry this much. Made me miss my little momma so much it hurt

[Julia Mccombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of book one, Flying Fossils, does not disappoint. Good story of three generations of women and the struggles each face. Just started book three!

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this Saga

As this saga continues we learn more about these strong women. Get a tissue or two as it grips your heart strings. Keep reading!

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

In depth accounting of Alzheimer's course to death.

[Claire Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional but Lovely

Alzheimers has taken many of our loved ones from this world, and yet, when written like this book, it soothes us to believe there is a good life after all.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but sad 😢