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Druhá šance klenotníka Benedikta
Román o rodině, odpuštění a nových nadějích
Staré vrbě v zahradě svěřují Nerostovi svá přání a tajemství už po několik generací. Právě teď k tomu mají obzvlášť dobrý důvod…
Benedikt s Estelle věřili, že v poklidném anglickém městečku s poetickým názvem Polední slunce naleznou štěstí na celý život. Nenaplněná touha po dětech ale vystavila jejich vztah příliš těžké zkoušce a Estelle se stěhuje pryč. Zdrcený klenotník Benedikt je odhodlaný si manželku znovu získat – jen vědět, jak.
Když mu uprostřed noci zaklepe na dveře šestnáctiletá neteř, lehkomyslná a paličatá Gemma, obrátí se mu zaběhaný životní pořádek naruby. Přesně to ale Benedikt zřejmě potřebuje, aby začal znovu žít. Na světlo vychází dlouho skrývané tajemství a Benedikt s Estelle zjišťují, že nejsou jediní, kdo potřebuje druhou šanci. A že rodinu, kterou si tolik přáli, možná dávno mají.
Staré vrbě v zahradě svěřují Nerostovi svá přání a tajemství už po několik generací. Právě teď k tomu mají obzvlášť dobrý důvod…
Benedikt s Estelle věřili, že v poklidném anglickém městečku s poetickým názvem Polední slunce naleznou štěstí na celý život. Nenaplněná touha po dětech ale vystavila jejich vztah příliš těžké zkoušce a Estelle se stěhuje pryč. Zdrcený klenotník Benedikt je odhodlaný si manželku znovu získat – jen vědět, jak.
Když mu uprostřed noci zaklepe na dveře šestnáctiletá neteř, lehkomyslná a paličatá Gemma, obrátí se mu zaběhaný životní pořádek naruby. Přesně to ale Benedikt zřejmě potřebuje, aby začal znovu žít. Na světlo vychází dlouho skrývané tajemství a Benedikt s Estelle zjišťují, že nejsou jediní, kdo potřebuje druhou šanci. A že rodinu, kterou si tolik přáli, možná dávno mají.
332 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2017
942 people are currently reading
5255 people want to read
About the author
Phaedra Patrick
15 books3,085 followersPhaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full time in Saddleworth where she lives with her family.
Her debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was translated into over twenty languages worldwide and has been optioned by a major Hollywood film studio.
Her second novel, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone (named Wishes Under the Willow Tree in the UK), has been made into a Hallmark Movie and will premiere on TV in Autumn 2021.
Her third novel is The Library of Lost and Found, and the fourth one is titled The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (The Secrets of Sunshine in the UK).
You can find out more about Phaedra and her books at www.phaedra-patrick.com including writing tips
Please follow her on:
www.facebook.com/phaedrapatrick
Twitter @phaedrapatrick
Instagram @PhaedraPatrick
Her debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was translated into over twenty languages worldwide and has been optioned by a major Hollywood film studio.
Her second novel, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone (named Wishes Under the Willow Tree in the UK), has been made into a Hallmark Movie and will premiere on TV in Autumn 2021.
Her third novel is The Library of Lost and Found, and the fourth one is titled The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (The Secrets of Sunshine in the UK).
You can find out more about Phaedra and her books at www.phaedra-patrick.com including writing tips
Please follow her on:
www.facebook.com/phaedrapatrick
Twitter @phaedrapatrick
Instagram @PhaedraPatrick
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December 26, 2017I like to write books that warm the heart and soothe the soul and which examine the intricacies of relationships between family and friends (no serial killers or brooding thrillers from me!) I've always been fascinated by gemstones and the idea for Benedict Stone and his journey came to me from my own Peridot engagement ring. I too live in a small village and I liked the idea of someone coming along and shaking up Benedict's staid life, to help him to discover what 'family' really means. I hope you enjoy reading the story.
If you liked this book, why not try my first novel The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, too x
If you liked this book, why not try my first novel The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, too x
February 2, 2019
I've now read two of Phaedra Patrick's books and I can confidently put them in the category of heartwarming palate cleansers. They aren't life changing or pull at your heartstrings, but they are a nice story to read in between more daunting books.
Benedict Stone is on the periphery of a life crisis. His wife, Estelle has left him and his jewelry store partner heads to the hospital. He takes a long nap and wakes to a knock at his door, it's his niece! The daughter of his estranged brother. She's interested in gemstones and the meaning behind them. She becomes a conneisseur of sorts and really helps Benedict put things right in his life.
A nice, middle of the road novel with a lean on gemstones. I enjoyed this one, but most likely won't remember it by the end of the year.
Benedict Stone is on the periphery of a life crisis. His wife, Estelle has left him and his jewelry store partner heads to the hospital. He takes a long nap and wakes to a knock at his door, it's his niece! The daughter of his estranged brother. She's interested in gemstones and the meaning behind them. She becomes a conneisseur of sorts and really helps Benedict put things right in his life.
A nice, middle of the road novel with a lean on gemstones. I enjoyed this one, but most likely won't remember it by the end of the year.
October 17, 2017
Benedict Stone owns a jewellery shop. He is estranged from his wife Estelle. Alone in the house one night Benedict hears someone knocking at the door. Hoping that Estelle has returned, he answers it to find a young stranger on his doorstep. The girl is his 16 year old niece, Gemma. She tells him she's just arrived from America and she is here to spend the summer with him. Gemma and Benedict come to an arrangement, she can stay if she helps him with operation WEB - Win Estelle Back.
What a heart warming story this is. I have read the authors previous book, The Curious Charms Of Arthur Pepper and I enjoyed it so much that I could not wait to see what she had in store for us next and I have to say I was not disappointed. The chapters all have gem stones for names and a brief description of what the stone represents. The book is full of likeable characters and it's set in a quaint little village. This book is called Wishes Under The Willow Tree in the UK but it was previously published this year as Rise And Shine Benedict Stone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Phaedra Patrick for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a heart warming story this is. I have read the authors previous book, The Curious Charms Of Arthur Pepper and I enjoyed it so much that I could not wait to see what she had in store for us next and I have to say I was not disappointed. The chapters all have gem stones for names and a brief description of what the stone represents. The book is full of likeable characters and it's set in a quaint little village. This book is called Wishes Under The Willow Tree in the UK but it was previously published this year as Rise And Shine Benedict Stone.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Phaedra Patrick for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2020
This one started off super strong. I loved it on audio and I was hooked from pretty quickly on. However, at about 60 percent or so I started to get a little bored, but it picked back up. So far I've really enjoyed Phaedra Patrick's other books (particularly The Library of Lost & Found) and I cannot wait until her new one comes out. They are just sweet, simple stories. Nothing too deep and something I often find myself needing the most!
May 10, 2017
A knock on the door in the middle of the night could only mean one thing, right? Bad news.
If it were Estelle, though, it would be good news so Benedict decided to answer the knock.
Much to his surprise, it wasn't Estelle, but Gemma who announced that she was his niece from America and she had lost her purse, her passport, and her phone. She wanted to stay with Uncle Ben. What else could he say but yes?
Gemma was a bit on the troublesome side, but she also was good for Benedict since the house was pretty lonely after Estelle left.
Gemma was the one who was helping Benedict change even though Gemma was pretty closed mouth about why she appeared on his doorstep and didn't want to call her father to let him know where she was.
Benedict was sweet but naive and had a heart of gold. He and Gemma grew together, and Gemma helped Benedict in his jewelry shop - a shop Gemma said needed some new ideas and changes just like Benedict did.
Gemma also was playing matchmaker as she helped her Uncle Ben get his wife back.
I thoroughly enjoyed Benedict and felt sorry for him as he worked through living without his wife. His jewelry shop and their love just hadn't been enough for them after they were unable to have children after eight years.
RISE & SHINE, BENEDICT STONE was a heartwarming read about family, about trying new things, and about trying to get what you need in life.
If you need an uplifting read for any reason, RISE & SHINE, BENEDICT STONE fits the bill. It brings back memories and thoughts of the precious things we all have in our lives and truly need to focus on.
ENJOY!! 5/5
This book was give to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
August 29, 2023
I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Falling in love with Patrick’s debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I was ready for more.
A story of family, forgiveness and one man’s second chance at happiness.
We come to learn that Benedict Stone has reached a crisis point in his life and must venture on a personal journey to recover something that has been lost. He has been a caregiver and a provider all his life. He knows nothing else. He had always wanted to have children and a family to carry on traditions. Because his parents died when he was young, he was responsible for the care of his brother and their business of running the family jewelry making shop.
Now years later he is alone, overweight, pining for the wife that left him because of the pressure from the infertility. He is also yearning for the brother that left him, who also doesn’t want to see Benedict – what happened between these two? He is discontented from his work.
How did things get so bad? How can he make things right?
And then Gemma, his precocious teenage niece shows up.
And life returns for Benedict Stone.
The gemstones play a major role in this recovery, as well – literally and symbolically.
Can we as readers love a flawed hero in Benedict?
There is much to appreciate in this character-driven story.
Falling in love with Patrick’s debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I was ready for more.
A story of family, forgiveness and one man’s second chance at happiness.
We come to learn that Benedict Stone has reached a crisis point in his life and must venture on a personal journey to recover something that has been lost. He has been a caregiver and a provider all his life. He knows nothing else. He had always wanted to have children and a family to carry on traditions. Because his parents died when he was young, he was responsible for the care of his brother and their business of running the family jewelry making shop.
Now years later he is alone, overweight, pining for the wife that left him because of the pressure from the infertility. He is also yearning for the brother that left him, who also doesn’t want to see Benedict – what happened between these two? He is discontented from his work.
How did things get so bad? How can he make things right?
And then Gemma, his precocious teenage niece shows up.
And life returns for Benedict Stone.
The gemstones play a major role in this recovery, as well – literally and symbolically.
Can we as readers love a flawed hero in Benedict?
There is much to appreciate in this character-driven story.
April 8, 2021
While quaint and charming, the story lacks spark as do the characters. It plods along with predictable elements putting the reader to sleep. I read most it but knew early on how it would play out. If you have interest in how precious stones can influence personality or events, you might find it interesting. Unfortunately I have neither. Rating is 2.5 stars.
November 2, 2018
This is a charming tale of an elderly jeweler in England whose predictable life is turned upside down by the arrival of his audacious niece, the daughter of his estranged brother. An unpredictable story of second chances and friendship in the least likely of places.
July 25, 2017
This book disappointed. I'd seen a lot of talk about it, know it's a hot "take-out" at our county library system, but not sure why. Reads more like a debut novel rather than a second book, the story hews more closely to "romance novel" ethos than general fiction, and although the characters and their actions have moments of intensity, much of the story is telegraphed before it's stated and some activities are repetitious and/or over-flogged. Might check another work by this author to see her progress, but there's no urgency...
June 16, 2017
Not at all up to the standards of Arthur Pepper!!
You can only push 'willing suspension of disbelief' so far, and the initial premise that any responsible adult could have an unknown 16 year-old female stranger land on their doorstep one night claiming to have lost purse, phone and passport, and not immediately call parents, police and passport office was trying to push it about a mile too far for me.
Arthur Pepper was about love and loss and an important journey. This was just sappy. This book is what happens when an author or musician has a hit and then their agents push them for a repeat way too fast. Books and music - or good ones at least, take their time to percolate and be ready to appear. No agent can make this so any earlier by pushing or by contract.
You can only push 'willing suspension of disbelief' so far, and the initial premise that any responsible adult could have an unknown 16 year-old female stranger land on their doorstep one night claiming to have lost purse, phone and passport, and not immediately call parents, police and passport office was trying to push it about a mile too far for me.
Arthur Pepper was about love and loss and an important journey. This was just sappy. This book is what happens when an author or musician has a hit and then their agents push them for a repeat way too fast. Books and music - or good ones at least, take their time to percolate and be ready to appear. No agent can make this so any earlier by pushing or by contract.
April 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this 2nd book by Phaedra Patrick. Her book prior to this was The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. I loved that one and i loved this one as well. A feel-good story which is a nice change of pace from all the thrillers I’ve been reading lately. A cute story overall.
June 27, 2020
Digital audiobook performed by James Langton.
3.5***
Benedict Stone is a middle-aged man with problems. His jewelry shop in the village of Noon Sun is barely operational, his wife has left him, he hardly cleans his house, and in his rather depressed state he’s resorted to baked goods which have added on pounds. He’s stuck. And then a teen-aged niece he’s never met – the daughter of his estranged brother who lives in America – arrives unannounced at his door on a rainy night. Gemma says she’s on a visit and that she’s lost her phone and passport, so they can’t call her Dad, but “it’s Okay, he knows I’m here.”
Thus, begins this delightful novel of one man’s awakening. Benedict is a good man, but consumed by his desire to have children, and by guilt for a long-past dispute that resulted in the break with his brother. Gemma, who wants details of her family lore, pushes him to recall and reconcile. She’s also the catalyst for Benedict’s change – improving his diet, insisting he exercise, suggesting new options for the shop, and providing some “romantic” advice on how to win back his wife.
There are some wonderfully endearing hilarious scenes that result from Gemma’s romantic advice. But there’s quite a bit of serious drama as well. It seems that Benedict isn’t the only Stone family member who is good at running away from problems rather than facing them. And sprinkled throughout is a bit of the mythology and meaning of gemstones.
Patrick has crafted a sort of modern-day fairy tale, with a cast of eccentric characters (and the village is practically a character in itself), and a happy ending. It was a charming, heart-warming read.
The audiobook is performed by James Langton, who did a marvelous job. I really like the way he interpreted Benedict and Gemma.
3.5***
Benedict Stone is a middle-aged man with problems. His jewelry shop in the village of Noon Sun is barely operational, his wife has left him, he hardly cleans his house, and in his rather depressed state he’s resorted to baked goods which have added on pounds. He’s stuck. And then a teen-aged niece he’s never met – the daughter of his estranged brother who lives in America – arrives unannounced at his door on a rainy night. Gemma says she’s on a visit and that she’s lost her phone and passport, so they can’t call her Dad, but “it’s Okay, he knows I’m here.”
Thus, begins this delightful novel of one man’s awakening. Benedict is a good man, but consumed by his desire to have children, and by guilt for a long-past dispute that resulted in the break with his brother. Gemma, who wants details of her family lore, pushes him to recall and reconcile. She’s also the catalyst for Benedict’s change – improving his diet, insisting he exercise, suggesting new options for the shop, and providing some “romantic” advice on how to win back his wife.
There are some wonderfully endearing hilarious scenes that result from Gemma’s romantic advice. But there’s quite a bit of serious drama as well. It seems that Benedict isn’t the only Stone family member who is good at running away from problems rather than facing them. And sprinkled throughout is a bit of the mythology and meaning of gemstones.
Patrick has crafted a sort of modern-day fairy tale, with a cast of eccentric characters (and the village is practically a character in itself), and a happy ending. It was a charming, heart-warming read.
The audiobook is performed by James Langton, who did a marvelous job. I really like the way he interpreted Benedict and Gemma.
September 18, 2017
ETA - 9/18/17 - Just saw that this is also published as Wishes Under The Willow Tree. Bummed because for a second I thought it was a second book :(
It's a good thing I had no plans today. Once I turned the first page. I was hooked. Just like her first novel, Patrick has such an honest and uncompromising way of creating characters. They draw you in and you immediately care for them, feeling invested in their success.
The story follows Benedict, a jeweler in England, whose niece arrives suddenly on his doorstep. The daughter of his estranged brother, the pair had never met, and yet suddenly, he finds her changing him in unexpected ways.
Beautiful, poignant and down to earth. The only thing I disliked was I reached the end.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
It's a good thing I had no plans today. Once I turned the first page. I was hooked. Just like her first novel, Patrick has such an honest and uncompromising way of creating characters. They draw you in and you immediately care for them, feeling invested in their success.
The story follows Benedict, a jeweler in England, whose niece arrives suddenly on his doorstep. The daughter of his estranged brother, the pair had never met, and yet suddenly, he finds her changing him in unexpected ways.
Beautiful, poignant and down to earth. The only thing I disliked was I reached the end.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 15, 2018
I was utterly delighted by the author's debut book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper so when I saw that the author released another book and retained the same wonderful narrator, I had to get it without even looking at the blurb.
As with the first story, a man has reached a crisis point in his life and must now go on a personal journey to recover something that has been lost. Benedict Stone is a caregiver and a provider. He knows no other way and his biggest dream is to have his own children so as a family they can carry on tradition. His parents died hunting their precious gemstones when he was a very young man and he took on the care of his brother and the running of the family jewelry making shop.
Years later, he is slovenly, overweight, pining for the wife who moved out because she feels pressured by their infertility, yearning for the brother who left never wanting to see him again, discontent with his work, and ripe for it all somehow to be made right.
Into this dreary life of Benedict's comes his precocious teenage niece, Gemma. Slowly this odd pair grow close of their shared loved of the gem stones and the family traditions. Gemma's vitality and the secret pain he sees in her awakens Benedict and he is ready to make drastic changes and fight for what he really needs.
This was a slow-paced and subtle piece set in a small Yorkshire village. The author allows the reader to see and feel the effort that Benedict puts in. He has set backs, painful mistakes, and some triumphs as he works at changing things. It was sweet to see that while Gemma was wonderful for Benedict that he was also what she needed. The reader catches on to things before Benedict about Gemma's secrets and even what must happen for Benedict to freely live his life.
The gem stones are a major part of the story, literally and symbolically, as they help catalogue Benedict and Gemma's journeys. Each chapter is introduced by a different gem from Benedict's dad's journal with its properties and the significance attached to the gems. I spent a great deal of time curious about what was really going on with Gemma and what dreadful thing Benedict did to cause his brother to leave and cut him off. I suspected on both counts and I was mostly right. The author was not afraid to present a flawed hero, but I loved her Benedict and I was rooting hard for him to succeed on all counts.
James Langton was a supreme success once again. He voices the range of characters, including most of the village, and their quirks so well. His sense of timing and emotion were spot on.
All in all, this was another fabulous book and I look forward to more from the author.
As with the first story, a man has reached a crisis point in his life and must now go on a personal journey to recover something that has been lost. Benedict Stone is a caregiver and a provider. He knows no other way and his biggest dream is to have his own children so as a family they can carry on tradition. His parents died hunting their precious gemstones when he was a very young man and he took on the care of his brother and the running of the family jewelry making shop.
Years later, he is slovenly, overweight, pining for the wife who moved out because she feels pressured by their infertility, yearning for the brother who left never wanting to see him again, discontent with his work, and ripe for it all somehow to be made right.
Into this dreary life of Benedict's comes his precocious teenage niece, Gemma. Slowly this odd pair grow close of their shared loved of the gem stones and the family traditions. Gemma's vitality and the secret pain he sees in her awakens Benedict and he is ready to make drastic changes and fight for what he really needs.
This was a slow-paced and subtle piece set in a small Yorkshire village. The author allows the reader to see and feel the effort that Benedict puts in. He has set backs, painful mistakes, and some triumphs as he works at changing things. It was sweet to see that while Gemma was wonderful for Benedict that he was also what she needed. The reader catches on to things before Benedict about Gemma's secrets and even what must happen for Benedict to freely live his life.
The gem stones are a major part of the story, literally and symbolically, as they help catalogue Benedict and Gemma's journeys. Each chapter is introduced by a different gem from Benedict's dad's journal with its properties and the significance attached to the gems. I spent a great deal of time curious about what was really going on with Gemma and what dreadful thing Benedict did to cause his brother to leave and cut him off. I suspected on both counts and I was mostly right. The author was not afraid to present a flawed hero, but I loved her Benedict and I was rooting hard for him to succeed on all counts.
James Langton was a supreme success once again. He voices the range of characters, including most of the village, and their quirks so well. His sense of timing and emotion were spot on.
All in all, this was another fabulous book and I look forward to more from the author.
March 12, 2017
Another good one by Phaedra Patrick. Loved Arthur Pepper and now have a big crush for Benedict Stone. Think Language of Flowers meets Man Called Ove meets Harold Fry. This will be the next big book club read.
July 28, 2017
Really heartwarming story and it centers on the various meanings of gemstones and how they effect people. Sweet and interesting, it's a quick read that is delightful!
May 20, 2017
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Park Row Books and Phaedra Patrick for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I loved The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper and her latest book is another winner. The author has the ability to write about relationships in a heartwarming way that just pulls you into the story and the lives of these characters.
Benedict is a jeweler in a little England town. His wife has just left him for some time to think about the state of their marriage, his business has dwindled to almost nothing, and he eats to escape his problems. Enter Gemma, with a knock on the door in the middle of the night. His 16-year-old niece who he had never met, the daughter of his estranged brother, suddenly appears at his door with a story of wanting an adventure but losing her cellphone and passport along the way. Benedict is wary of her story and tries to contact his brother, but meanwhile Gemma starts making big changes in his life.
This story is just charming and sweet while it explores relationships, childlessness, family and passion for life in such wonderful ways. You will fall in love with these characters and be cheering them on until the end! In the vein of The Language of Flowers, each chapter is titled with the name of a gemstone along with the meaning behind the power of the stone which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommended!
I loved The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper and her latest book is another winner. The author has the ability to write about relationships in a heartwarming way that just pulls you into the story and the lives of these characters.
Benedict is a jeweler in a little England town. His wife has just left him for some time to think about the state of their marriage, his business has dwindled to almost nothing, and he eats to escape his problems. Enter Gemma, with a knock on the door in the middle of the night. His 16-year-old niece who he had never met, the daughter of his estranged brother, suddenly appears at his door with a story of wanting an adventure but losing her cellphone and passport along the way. Benedict is wary of her story and tries to contact his brother, but meanwhile Gemma starts making big changes in his life.
This story is just charming and sweet while it explores relationships, childlessness, family and passion for life in such wonderful ways. You will fall in love with these characters and be cheering them on until the end! In the vein of The Language of Flowers, each chapter is titled with the name of a gemstone along with the meaning behind the power of the stone which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommended!
June 28, 2017
Another hit for the author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper! In this one, the titular Benedict, a clueless Brit, is trying to win his wife back. Estelle has left him because their marriage is in a rut and she wants to continue evolving as a person and as an artist. Benedict's life becomes more complicated when his niece Gemma, daughter of his estranged brother Charlie, shows up at his doorstep unannounced.
It is clear that Gemma is hiding something, but Benedict is blind to her faults because she is a ray of sunshine in their dreary town by the York moors. As the novel progresses we learn the events that caused the brothers to stop speaking, see what Benedict does to win Estelle back, and witness how the Stone family's love for gems rejuvenates an entire town.
It is clear that Gemma is hiding something, but Benedict is blind to her faults because she is a ray of sunshine in their dreary town by the York moors. As the novel progresses we learn the events that caused the brothers to stop speaking, see what Benedict does to win Estelle back, and witness how the Stone family's love for gems rejuvenates an entire town.
November 8, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was a wonderful story with a real feel good factor to it.
I just could not put it down.
This was a wonderful story with a real feel good factor to it.
I just could not put it down.
September 19, 2018
Benedict Stone is middle aged and struggling with emotional eating because of a recent separation with his wife. The couple suffers from fertility challenges that are never quite medically explained, and Benedict is pushing to adopt while Estelle thinks they just need to accept they will never have children. (Her initial resistance to adoption she claims is because she wants to have children the natural way and that's the only way for her, or at least that Benedict's interpretation of her stance, though this evolves over the course of the book to a more nuanced acceptance and more symbolic reflection of their relationship. It seemed a very harsh way of thinking originally and I found it hard to relate to Estelle or route for Benedict to get back together with her initially.)
Benedict owns a jewelry shop and turns out the same hum drum pieces despite there being virtually no demand and very few customers. Estelle is a painter with an upcoming exhibit of her artworks, which feature vibrant vistas of the local moors. Benedict, by contrast, is a study in grays when we first meet him, from his wardrobe to the walls of the shop to the metals he works with.
In the middle of storm one night a stranger appears on his doorstep, who turns out to be the niece of his estranged brother Charlie in America. Charlie and Benedict haven't spoken in 18 years. His niece Gemma claims she lost her passport and phone in the airport, and has explanations for every one of Benedict's questions, and though none are very believable, Benedict falls for them all the same.
Still, he gradually lets Gemma into his life, and she begins to transform him and bring color back into his world, starting with the discovery of her grandfather's notebook on the meaning of gemstones. She gets Benedict to start eating healthy again, they go on long walks together, she pushes him to innovate his jewelry designs, and she builds a community by interacting with the colorful characters in the neighborhood - doling out gem stones to each person like a pharmacist curing spiritual ailments.
It's a sweet story, but it's a bit boring because there's so much unrealized potential. The characters never seem quite like real people, just characters on the page, a blurry watercolor in pastels at that. It also takes a big suspension of disbelief. Could Benedict really be that gullible? In this day and age? He supposedly raised his brother Charlie for nearly 10 years when his parents died tragically on a gem stone expedition, and yet he doesn't connect with Charlie by phone or email to immediately let him know that Gemma is safe and sound? Benedict would have known firsthand the worry that a parent feels, there is no way he would have let that alone. He could have contacted and even fought with his brother much earlier in the novel and it would have made for a more interesting story.
The word play with names and Gemma Stone and the Stone family was overkill as well, and the ultimate resolution with Benedict and Estelle and even with Benedict and Charlie felt half-hearted because it was glossed over.
Benedict owns a jewelry shop and turns out the same hum drum pieces despite there being virtually no demand and very few customers. Estelle is a painter with an upcoming exhibit of her artworks, which feature vibrant vistas of the local moors. Benedict, by contrast, is a study in grays when we first meet him, from his wardrobe to the walls of the shop to the metals he works with.
In the middle of storm one night a stranger appears on his doorstep, who turns out to be the niece of his estranged brother Charlie in America. Charlie and Benedict haven't spoken in 18 years. His niece Gemma claims she lost her passport and phone in the airport, and has explanations for every one of Benedict's questions, and though none are very believable, Benedict falls for them all the same.
Still, he gradually lets Gemma into his life, and she begins to transform him and bring color back into his world, starting with the discovery of her grandfather's notebook on the meaning of gemstones. She gets Benedict to start eating healthy again, they go on long walks together, she pushes him to innovate his jewelry designs, and she builds a community by interacting with the colorful characters in the neighborhood - doling out gem stones to each person like a pharmacist curing spiritual ailments.
It's a sweet story, but it's a bit boring because there's so much unrealized potential. The characters never seem quite like real people, just characters on the page, a blurry watercolor in pastels at that. It also takes a big suspension of disbelief. Could Benedict really be that gullible? In this day and age? He supposedly raised his brother Charlie for nearly 10 years when his parents died tragically on a gem stone expedition, and yet he doesn't connect with Charlie by phone or email to immediately let him know that Gemma is safe and sound? Benedict would have known firsthand the worry that a parent feels, there is no way he would have let that alone. He could have contacted and even fought with his brother much earlier in the novel and it would have made for a more interesting story.
The word play with names and Gemma Stone and the Stone family was overkill as well, and the ultimate resolution with Benedict and Estelle and even with Benedict and Charlie felt half-hearted because it was glossed over.
May 27, 2017
This poor, sad character, Benedict Stone. All he really cares about is his wife, Estelle, and having a family which even more sadly, is not going to happen. So Benedict eats and eats and eats. His life is mundane and sad, very sad. Then Estelle leaves him. Then he becomes really sad. Benedict is so sad that I almost did not want to continue reading this book. He is such a loser, but there is something about him that makes you want to read on.
Then Gemma comes into his life. The daughter of his brother, the only living family members he has left. And, things begin to change.
The story then took a new twist with Gemma learning and teaching about the meaning of gemstones and handing them out to people with hopes to better their lives. Gemma is hiding a huge secret, but then so is Benedict. Even Estelle doesn't know Benedict's secret and she knows everything about him.
When this story was all said and done, I was so sorry that I thought of Benedict as a loser. He's not a loser. He just needed a push, something to get him out of his misery and his sadness of not being able to have a family.
A beautiful, entertaining and enjoyable read! Thanks to Harlequin and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Then Gemma comes into his life. The daughter of his brother, the only living family members he has left. And, things begin to change.
The story then took a new twist with Gemma learning and teaching about the meaning of gemstones and handing them out to people with hopes to better their lives. Gemma is hiding a huge secret, but then so is Benedict. Even Estelle doesn't know Benedict's secret and she knows everything about him.
When this story was all said and done, I was so sorry that I thought of Benedict as a loser. He's not a loser. He just needed a push, something to get him out of his misery and his sadness of not being able to have a family.
A beautiful, entertaining and enjoyable read! Thanks to Harlequin and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 28, 2020
Mixed feelings about this one. If the reader can suspend belief and just go with it, that's the best way to enjoy it.
It's a feel-good story about family relationships. Benedict wants to reconcile with his wife and find a way to move forward in his mundane life. His niece from America helps him in his quest by showing him how to update his gemstone shop as well as his way of thinking. Gemma has a gift for helping him as well as the townspeople come out of their comfort zones and grow, while using the mysterious properties of various gemstones to do so. Okay, so it's also a mystical kind of story, which I usually enjoy.
My biggest problem with the book: Benedict is irritatingly naïve. His teenage niece from America, Gemma, shows up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, claims her parents know she's halfway across the world, and commandeers the guest room without much explanation. Benedict buys into Gemma's idea that writing his brother a LETTER is a good way to contact him to assure him that his daughter is safe and sound. Nope, can't buy that. So perhaps the reader is just meant to be patient as Gemma's lies pile up - I just got frustrated. It takes way too long for the truth about Gemma to be told. Then there's a rapid paced, predictable conclusion.
It's a feel-good story about family relationships. Benedict wants to reconcile with his wife and find a way to move forward in his mundane life. His niece from America helps him in his quest by showing him how to update his gemstone shop as well as his way of thinking. Gemma has a gift for helping him as well as the townspeople come out of their comfort zones and grow, while using the mysterious properties of various gemstones to do so. Okay, so it's also a mystical kind of story, which I usually enjoy.
My biggest problem with the book: Benedict is irritatingly naïve. His teenage niece from America, Gemma, shows up on his doorstep in the middle of the night, claims her parents know she's halfway across the world, and commandeers the guest room without much explanation. Benedict buys into Gemma's idea that writing his brother a LETTER is a good way to contact him to assure him that his daughter is safe and sound. Nope, can't buy that. So perhaps the reader is just meant to be patient as Gemma's lies pile up - I just got frustrated. It takes way too long for the truth about Gemma to be told. Then there's a rapid paced, predictable conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
Excellent book
This is just a feel good story. It's full of loveable characters and set in a quaint English village. It's a really good, relatable story and you really feel like you know the characters. Between this book and the Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, I am now a big fan of Ms. Patrick's!
This is just a feel good story. It's full of loveable characters and set in a quaint English village. It's a really good, relatable story and you really feel like you know the characters. Between this book and the Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, I am now a big fan of Ms. Patrick's!
January 10, 2018
Very nice sweet read. I loved the cool info about all of the different gemstones and their meanings. I liked the story as well as it was quite heartwarming but it was more forgettable than Arthur Pepper, which I gave 4 stars.
June 11, 2017
This book was light, fun, funny, heartwarming and had the added little history behind different gems. This is a perfect summer read.
January 4, 2018
This book was sweet and endearing; I miss the characters already! I think both it and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper would make for precious movies, haha.
September 30, 2017
Such a wonderful and happy book. I love that this book dealt with infertility, there simply isn't enough of it out there and it is a very real thing many people deal with. Love love love!
April 4, 2023
4.0
Orderly, estranged, inspire…
Benedict and Estelle have been married for ten years, but are currently separated. Benedict owns a jewelry store in a small village. Benedict and his brother Charlie, who lives in the USA, have been estranged for eighteen years. One night Benedict’s sixteen-year-old niece Gemma appears on his front doorstep. She will be a breath of fresh air in Benedict’s predictable, humble, orderly way of life.
Is it possible for a sixteen-year-old teen to inspire others? Especially adults? You will see the influence of this teen and her interest in gemstones on others in the village.
* Colorful cast of characters.
* A book about second chances; and how people can change.
* I liked the chapter titles of gemstones and their meanings. Clever! Very informative!
* I read The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by this author. It’s still my favorite. I plan to read her other books before her latest comes out.
* Turquoise is my favorite gemstone. I’ve seen various meanings for it. Some include healing, friendship, tranquility, and protection.
* What is your favorite gemstone?
* I seem to favor Zuni jewelry - love the inlays! But I also have Navajo pieces.
Orderly, estranged, inspire…
Benedict and Estelle have been married for ten years, but are currently separated. Benedict owns a jewelry store in a small village. Benedict and his brother Charlie, who lives in the USA, have been estranged for eighteen years. One night Benedict’s sixteen-year-old niece Gemma appears on his front doorstep. She will be a breath of fresh air in Benedict’s predictable, humble, orderly way of life.
Is it possible for a sixteen-year-old teen to inspire others? Especially adults? You will see the influence of this teen and her interest in gemstones on others in the village.
* Colorful cast of characters.
* A book about second chances; and how people can change.
* I liked the chapter titles of gemstones and their meanings. Clever! Very informative!
* I read The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by this author. It’s still my favorite. I plan to read her other books before her latest comes out.
* Turquoise is my favorite gemstone. I’ve seen various meanings for it. Some include healing, friendship, tranquility, and protection.
* What is your favorite gemstone?
* I seem to favor Zuni jewelry - love the inlays! But I also have Navajo pieces.
May 27, 2017
I adored Arthur Pepper and imagined coming across him in my travels. Now I feel the same way about Benedict Stone! When Gemma, the teenaged daughter of his estranged brother, arrives unannounced from America and shows up on the doorstep of Benedict's home in a quiet English village, she shakes up his mundane life. He and his wife are separated, his jewelry shop business has declined, and Gemma provides the spark to get things moving again.
The author deals with the serious, heartbreaking issue of childlessness in a deft, understanding manner, communicating the frustration, stress, and range of emotions experienced by couples dealing with it.
Patrick also writes so well about family relationships: the separated husband and wife, the estranged brothers, Gemma's relationship with her father and his new wife, who are expecting a child, and how Gemma's transatlantic journey affects all of those relationships. Her lovely style reminds me of Maeve Binchy's work.
The information about various gemstones was fascinating.
My thanks to Park Row Books and Harper Collins for the ARC. The book will be available on May 16, 2017.
The author deals with the serious, heartbreaking issue of childlessness in a deft, understanding manner, communicating the frustration, stress, and range of emotions experienced by couples dealing with it.
Patrick also writes so well about family relationships: the separated husband and wife, the estranged brothers, Gemma's relationship with her father and his new wife, who are expecting a child, and how Gemma's transatlantic journey affects all of those relationships. Her lovely style reminds me of Maeve Binchy's work.
The information about various gemstones was fascinating.
My thanks to Park Row Books and Harper Collins for the ARC. The book will be available on May 16, 2017.
May 31, 2017
When I first saw this book, I had mixed emotions -- excited because I had been waiting for another book by this wonderful author who has become one of my favorite authors. On the other hand, I was a little apprehensive because I was not sure she would meet or exceed the level she had set in her debut novel, "The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper." So it was with bated breath that I started reading "Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone."
Have no fear, Phaedra Patrick has once again treated us to a delightful story of the value of family relationships and how old wounds can be healed and new paths created. She helps us realize that sometimes it takes someone outside looking in to see the whole picture.
This is really a good book that went by way too quickly for this reader!! The characters are very likeable and you can almost taste the food from the descriptions. You will learn the meaning of many stones and which ones to use to cure your ills.
Now I am doing the waiting game again . . . .
Have no fear, Phaedra Patrick has once again treated us to a delightful story of the value of family relationships and how old wounds can be healed and new paths created. She helps us realize that sometimes it takes someone outside looking in to see the whole picture.
This is really a good book that went by way too quickly for this reader!! The characters are very likeable and you can almost taste the food from the descriptions. You will learn the meaning of many stones and which ones to use to cure your ills.
Now I am doing the waiting game again . . . .
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