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Close Quarters
Kelly, Lindsay, Mia, and Harper grew up not only as cousins but as best friends. Kelly has always been the dreamer and Lindsay the one with all her ducks in a row. Mia claimed the role of wild child the day she was born, and Harper will forever be the baby. Separately they are flawed, but together, the Ames cousins are convinced they can do anything.Then, without warning, their grandmother, the infamous Midwestern literary critic, Ingrid Ame,s dies. Suddenly, they each find themselves unsure of how to move forward without her guiding presence in their lives. As they attempt to pick up the pieces after the funeral, the cousins come together to open a bookstore in her honor. Unfortunately, their vision of tribute seems to be jeopardized at every turn. A surprising pregnancy, mysterious deliveries to the store, a deployment, and — most unexpected — time with each other, threaten to collapse the entire operation.This new novella from Amanda Zieba, explores the tribulations of being a woman in today’s high expectation world, the complexities of close-knit families and the power of friendship.
309 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 15, 2021
Light, quick read but I just loved reading a book from my hometown. I have friends that own some of the business mentioned and now I have to read all her books!
November 27, 2020
An engaging story about four cousins who are more like sisters and best friends. All are at different stages in their lives. When three of the cousins come together to support the fouth in her time of crisis and change, all make decisions that help each one clarify her life and her goals and desires. At the same time, during this stressful time, they come to understand and accept each other in a deeper way.
The strength of the story was the characters. Each woman was completely believable and reminded me of someone I know or have heard about through my wife's contacts. Their relationships were the right combination of casual familiarity, understanding, and friction when their distinct personalities clashed over an issue. Zieba did a skillful job of highlighting the challenges modern women face balancing work, family, and personal time without resorting to stereotypes or over-the-top portrayals.
The pace was well maintained and there was a touching scene near the end that tied the narrative together nicely. "Chick Lit" (if this fits in that genre) isn't my thing but I can seem women enjoying this much more than men because I'm sure most women can at least partially identify with one or more of the four cousins.
The strength of the story was the characters. Each woman was completely believable and reminded me of someone I know or have heard about through my wife's contacts. Their relationships were the right combination of casual familiarity, understanding, and friction when their distinct personalities clashed over an issue. Zieba did a skillful job of highlighting the challenges modern women face balancing work, family, and personal time without resorting to stereotypes or over-the-top portrayals.
The pace was well maintained and there was a touching scene near the end that tied the narrative together nicely. "Chick Lit" (if this fits in that genre) isn't my thing but I can seem women enjoying this much more than men because I'm sure most women can at least partially identify with one or more of the four cousins.
December 3, 2019
This book explores the relationships between women who are not just cousins but also friends. The underlying love and support is always there but challenges threaten the stability of their interactions. Set in one of my favorite towns, it was awesome to recognize business and settings. The clever twist of the books added an element of suspense and mystery. If you are looking for an engaging, entertaining read, this is it!
February 11, 2020
For me, the fun part about this book was the way the author wove in so many actual local La Crosse businesses, venues, and even people such as the current mayor of La Crosse who is invited to read at the newly opened bookstore. This book celebrates family and friendship and pitching in to help . It was a little too carefully crafted so that each character had an obstacle or two or three to overcome.
February 1, 2020
Feel good book - read it in one day
Zieba has again written a book I couldn't put down. I loved the large family dynamic in the book, the book titles interwoven into the chapters and the highlight on how it is hard being a working mother and a mother of young kids.
That being said, I sure do love a book I can read in one day. Can't wait for the next book Amanda!
Zieba has again written a book I couldn't put down. I loved the large family dynamic in the book, the book titles interwoven into the chapters and the highlight on how it is hard being a working mother and a mother of young kids.
That being said, I sure do love a book I can read in one day. Can't wait for the next book Amanda!
December 7, 2020
The central character, Kelly, is pregnant, starting her own bookstore, and married to a deployed soldier. She and her three cousins are very close, talking every day in person or by text. Each of the cousins has challenges of her own. The situations are realistic and believable, the characters likable, and the family dynamic of love unmistakeable. Well written and well-paced.
April 15, 2022
“As she listened, Kelly felt eyes on her. She held very still and tried to look happy and proud. Despite her best efforts, her cheeks flushed. If it was the WXOW camera crew, she wanted to silently portray a confident and hopeful store owner, one who was sure her entrepreneurial efforts would succeed.”
June 19, 2020
A super sweet story about 4 cousins working together to open a bookstore in their grandmother’s memory.
This wonderful hallmark-like book was such a joy to read. I loved reading a book that is set in an area that I am from! My heart felt so full after reading this.
This wonderful hallmark-like book was such a joy to read. I loved reading a book that is set in an area that I am from! My heart felt so full after reading this.
August 14, 2022
The first pages of the book were trite…a beloved grandma dies. But I always enjoy a story of family or friends who support each other and enjoyed the references to many places in La Crosse. One of the characters lives on my same street!
December 2, 2019
Fun , quick, feel good read - all happening in my home town!
December 6, 2019
Heartfelt and enjoyable. A fun, feel-good read.
February 12, 2020
I am not a reader but the book club am in, chose to read this. I really enjoyed this book and it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next! You will not be disappointed.
April 15, 2020
A nice light read. The character development was good and the author leaves you in suspense at the end.
September 27, 2020
Such a fun story with local ties. Can’t wait for a sequel!
July 21, 2022
It's a cute story and a fun read since I'm from La Crosse and recognize the people and places she mentions. I think it's a great book for tweens/teens. The prose is basic.
May 25, 2023
Fun story that’s told well enough, but the editing is exceedingly bad. Misspellings, poor punctuation, wonky layout, and some overall errors make this a book I can’t recommend.
December 2, 2019
This is a delightful story of cousins who come together after their grandmother’s death to start a bookstore. The setting is LaCrosse, Wisconsin—so if you’re from that area you will recognize the supporting role of many locations in that city. Now, any story about a real or fictional family working together wouldn’t be complete without some conflict. Zieba navigates family drama, writing with expertise as she weaves together the four cousins’ hopes, dreams, worries, and arguments. But all that is set aside when there’s a major crisis for one of the cousins along with a decades old mystery that threatens the success of their new business venture. This is an entertaining, imaginative, funny, and warm story with a surprising twist or two you won’t see coming.
November 22, 2019
Score another one for the cousins! I love the way Amanda fills the book with teachable moments in a way that anyone can learn from and she does it without being preachy or didactic. I want to hang out with this gang at the Garden of Readin’ (and a cappuccino, of course) and discuss life.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews