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The Good Luck Stone
Her desperate decision during World War II changed everything. Now, 70 years later, her secret is unraveling.
At ninety years old, Audrey Thorpe still lives in a historic mansion on palm-tree-lined Victory Drive, determined to retain her independence. But when her health begins to fade, her family hires a part-time caretaker, Laurel. The two women seem to bond—until Audrey disappears. Unbeknownst to Laurel, Audrey has harbored a secret for 70 years, since her time as a nurse in the South Pacific during World War II.
As the story moves between the verdant jungles of the war-torn Philippines and the glitter of modern-day Savannah, friendships new and old are tested. Along the way, Audrey grapples with one of life’s heart-wrenching truths: You can only outrun your secrets for so long.
At ninety years old, Audrey Thorpe still lives in a historic mansion on palm-tree-lined Victory Drive, determined to retain her independence. But when her health begins to fade, her family hires a part-time caretaker, Laurel. The two women seem to bond—until Audrey disappears. Unbeknownst to Laurel, Audrey has harbored a secret for 70 years, since her time as a nurse in the South Pacific during World War II.
As the story moves between the verdant jungles of the war-torn Philippines and the glitter of modern-day Savannah, friendships new and old are tested. Along the way, Audrey grapples with one of life’s heart-wrenching truths: You can only outrun your secrets for so long.
296 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 8, 2020
Heather Bell Adams is a North Carolina author, and I’ve had her first book, Maranatha Road, on my shelf to read since it released, and I definitely have to go back and read it now. The Good Luck Stone is a book I was completely lost in.
Audrey Thorpe is ninety years old and living in a historic mansion on her own, though it’s not easy. Her health is declining, and her family thinks she needs help. They hire Laurel. One day Audrey disappears. She has had a secret for over seventy years, since she was nurse during WWII. Set between the Philippines during the war and modern Savannah, the narrative weaves through Audrey’s life.
The Good Luck Stone is a heartrending story of friendship and sacrifice. I adored both settings and timelines. I’m not sure if I’ve read another book set in the Phillipines, and especially not during WWII. What I loved most of all was Audrey’s character. She was life-like, fallible, had a huge heart, and reminded me so much of my own stoic, formidable grandmother. My friends drawn to powerful historical fiction narratives should not miss this book. It’s a treasure.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instragram.com/tarheelreader
Audrey Thorpe is ninety years old and living in a historic mansion on her own, though it’s not easy. Her health is declining, and her family thinks she needs help. They hire Laurel. One day Audrey disappears. She has had a secret for over seventy years, since she was nurse during WWII. Set between the Philippines during the war and modern Savannah, the narrative weaves through Audrey’s life.
The Good Luck Stone is a heartrending story of friendship and sacrifice. I adored both settings and timelines. I’m not sure if I’ve read another book set in the Phillipines, and especially not during WWII. What I loved most of all was Audrey’s character. She was life-like, fallible, had a huge heart, and reminded me so much of my own stoic, formidable grandmother. My friends drawn to powerful historical fiction narratives should not miss this book. It’s a treasure.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instragram.com/tarheelreader
March 7, 2020
I just finished reading an early digital copy of Heather Bell Adams second book, THE GOOD LUCK STONE. The main character, Audrey Thorpe, is a wealthy widower with many secrets she's been harboring for over seventy years. Well respected as a philanthropist, she has moved on from those secrets, until an old friend sends her a message.
Told skillfully via a duel timeline, modern day Savannah, and WWII, Audrey Thorpe appears to have lived a life of comfort and ease. Not many know, not even her social status driven granddaughter, Deanna, that she spent several years as a nurse in the South Pacific. They don't know the decisions she's had to make. The sacrifices.
I found the story settings in each timeline filled with rich details. The modern day backdrop of Savannah came to life as did the South Pacific locations of Bataan and Corrigedor. Adams deftly reveals to readers what these nurses endured while caring for wounded and dying soldiers, the suffering everyone experienced.
Additionally, Adams expertly portrays Audrey Thorpe's decline due to age, her difficulties in simple day to day tasks, her confusion over basic instructions, and her feelings of loss as she worries over losing her independence. When Deanna brings in a caregiver, Audrey is at first dismayed, but Laurel proves to be an ally, and one who will become key in bringing about the truth of Audrey's past.
This is a highly creative tale of friendship, loyalty, and honor among family and friends.
THE GOOD LUCK STONE will publish on July 7th 2020, and if you love historical fiction, this is one to add to your Goodreads WTR shelves!
Told skillfully via a duel timeline, modern day Savannah, and WWII, Audrey Thorpe appears to have lived a life of comfort and ease. Not many know, not even her social status driven granddaughter, Deanna, that she spent several years as a nurse in the South Pacific. They don't know the decisions she's had to make. The sacrifices.
I found the story settings in each timeline filled with rich details. The modern day backdrop of Savannah came to life as did the South Pacific locations of Bataan and Corrigedor. Adams deftly reveals to readers what these nurses endured while caring for wounded and dying soldiers, the suffering everyone experienced.
Additionally, Adams expertly portrays Audrey Thorpe's decline due to age, her difficulties in simple day to day tasks, her confusion over basic instructions, and her feelings of loss as she worries over losing her independence. When Deanna brings in a caregiver, Audrey is at first dismayed, but Laurel proves to be an ally, and one who will become key in bringing about the truth of Audrey's past.
This is a highly creative tale of friendship, loyalty, and honor among family and friends.
THE GOOD LUCK STONE will publish on July 7th 2020, and if you love historical fiction, this is one to add to your Goodreads WTR shelves!
August 1, 2020
[This book was a gift from the author....all opinions are my own.]
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Hey Heather Bell Adams....where have you been all my life gurl? I had zero knowledge that this amazing Historical Fiction was just sitting out there waiting for me to read it. I adored it. Let's talk about it shall we?
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I am drawn to North Carolina authors. My state is filled with amazing authors and I am not only proud to support them, I am in awe of the sheer talent my state holds.
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Historical fiction has to hit me just right. The Good Luck Stone did just that. I loved the idea of a story based in the Philippines during WWII. I had no knowledge of this space in history. Although the novel was filled with lots of information and historical points....the story itself was lovely. It had a compulsive feel to me. I wanted to finish the story to find out what in the world had happened. The writing was exceptional. Heather drew a picture of Audrey and Laurel in such a stunning light. Not to say they could do no wrong. They could. I could truly say I felt like they were absolutely real, life people. I felt like this is the perfect example of what Fiction should be. I feel in deep with the characters and the story. I would look up from reading and find myself surprised I was not in Charleston, or Wilmington or even the Philippines. I was immersed.
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The novel follows two story lines. Two voices. That is a hard style to write well....Heather did it flawlessly. Am I gushing...yes, I am. In case you can't tell The Good Luck Stone holds my heart.
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I think when it is all said and done I will go on to say this is one of the most underrated novels of 2020. If you are a Historical Fiction fan....put this on your TBR. Sincerely. You can thank me later.
.
Hey Heather Bell Adams....where have you been all my life gurl? I had zero knowledge that this amazing Historical Fiction was just sitting out there waiting for me to read it. I adored it. Let's talk about it shall we?
.
I am drawn to North Carolina authors. My state is filled with amazing authors and I am not only proud to support them, I am in awe of the sheer talent my state holds.
.
Historical fiction has to hit me just right. The Good Luck Stone did just that. I loved the idea of a story based in the Philippines during WWII. I had no knowledge of this space in history. Although the novel was filled with lots of information and historical points....the story itself was lovely. It had a compulsive feel to me. I wanted to finish the story to find out what in the world had happened. The writing was exceptional. Heather drew a picture of Audrey and Laurel in such a stunning light. Not to say they could do no wrong. They could. I could truly say I felt like they were absolutely real, life people. I felt like this is the perfect example of what Fiction should be. I feel in deep with the characters and the story. I would look up from reading and find myself surprised I was not in Charleston, or Wilmington or even the Philippines. I was immersed.
.
The novel follows two story lines. Two voices. That is a hard style to write well....Heather did it flawlessly. Am I gushing...yes, I am. In case you can't tell The Good Luck Stone holds my heart.
.
I think when it is all said and done I will go on to say this is one of the most underrated novels of 2020. If you are a Historical Fiction fan....put this on your TBR. Sincerely. You can thank me later.
February 23, 2020
This is the second novel by Heather Bell Adams. I loved her first book, Maranatha Road, so I had high hopes for her new book. I was thrilled to read it and find out that it was another fantastic novel by this wonderful new North Carolina author.
The Good Luck Stone is told in two time periods by Audrey Thorpe. In the present day, Audrey is 90 years old and living on her own in a grand old house in Savannah Georgia. Her heath and memory are beginning to fade so her granddaughter hires a caregiver to stay with her. Laurel and Audrey get along very well and Laurel becomes more like a friend than a caregiver.
Seventy years earlier, Audrey was a nurse in the Philippines as the Japanese Army started taking over the Pacific Islands. She made two good friends on her first day there as a nurse and they helped each other through the long days of treating soldiers and their fear about the war. The friendship between Kat, Penny and Audrey was important that they all bought jade brooches that they wore when they were out of uniform. They choose jade because 'it promotes healing and surrounds the wearer with a shield of protection."
Even though her time in the Philippines was such an important part of her life, she's never shared it with anyone in her family. She had been keeping a secret from her time as a nurse that she had never shared in her 70 years. Her secret still bothered her and she thought of it often until one morning she disappeared from her home without telling anyone to see someone that she needed forgiveness from. She found out late in her life that you can only outrun your secrets for so long.
I loved the character of Audrey - both as a young nurse being brave and caring during a terrible time and as an older woman who needs help to accomplish every day duties but who is too proud to admit that she needs help. Laurel is also an important person in the novel who offers Audrey friendship and is a very caring person.
This is one of those few books that I wanted to get to the end to find out the secret that Audrey had kept for 70 years but I also wanted to read slowly to enjoy the writing and the character development. This is a book about war and survival, family and love and most importantly about the importance of friendship This is another fantastic book from Heather Bell Adams and I can't wait to read her future books.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
The Good Luck Stone is told in two time periods by Audrey Thorpe. In the present day, Audrey is 90 years old and living on her own in a grand old house in Savannah Georgia. Her heath and memory are beginning to fade so her granddaughter hires a caregiver to stay with her. Laurel and Audrey get along very well and Laurel becomes more like a friend than a caregiver.
Seventy years earlier, Audrey was a nurse in the Philippines as the Japanese Army started taking over the Pacific Islands. She made two good friends on her first day there as a nurse and they helped each other through the long days of treating soldiers and their fear about the war. The friendship between Kat, Penny and Audrey was important that they all bought jade brooches that they wore when they were out of uniform. They choose jade because 'it promotes healing and surrounds the wearer with a shield of protection."
Even though her time in the Philippines was such an important part of her life, she's never shared it with anyone in her family. She had been keeping a secret from her time as a nurse that she had never shared in her 70 years. Her secret still bothered her and she thought of it often until one morning she disappeared from her home without telling anyone to see someone that she needed forgiveness from. She found out late in her life that you can only outrun your secrets for so long.
I loved the character of Audrey - both as a young nurse being brave and caring during a terrible time and as an older woman who needs help to accomplish every day duties but who is too proud to admit that she needs help. Laurel is also an important person in the novel who offers Audrey friendship and is a very caring person.
This is one of those few books that I wanted to get to the end to find out the secret that Audrey had kept for 70 years but I also wanted to read slowly to enjoy the writing and the character development. This is a book about war and survival, family and love and most importantly about the importance of friendship This is another fantastic book from Heather Bell Adams and I can't wait to read her future books.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2020
The Good Luck Stone is an extremely touching story of friendship and the sacrifices we make for the people we love. When we meet Audrey, she is 90 years old, at a point in her life when mentally and physically she is weakening, and the author does a wonderful job portraying this. As we get to know Audrey better, we learn that behind the facade that she shows her family and society, she is harboring big secrets and painful memories. I especially loved watching the friendship between Audrey and Lauren, the young woman hired to be her care-giver, grow and deepen. This compelling book is told in dual timelines, with present-day taking place on Savannah, while the historic timeline takes us to 1941 in the Philippines. Both settings are brought to life with intimate detail, from the beauty and stateliness of Savannah, to war-ravaged Manila, Bataan, and Corregidor.
May 12, 2020
What an absolutely lovely journey this story takes you on.
Audrey was such a beautiful person. So selfless, caring and an unassuming character both before and now. She had such a lovely way about her and the Author did such a great job in describing Audrey and her life throughout this story.
Laurel and her family were a great addition and to see how they all evolved was also a pleasure to read. Little Oliver was a delight and it was nice to see Clay come into his own towards the end.
Deanna was an interesting character to read throughout this story. Ford was another highlight and a pleasure to read.
The ending was a great way to finish this book. So very pleased for Audrey.
For an Author to weave a story that garners emotions throughout the reading of their novel is a very talented Author and for me, this is what I got from reading this beautiful story.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Audrey was such a beautiful person. So selfless, caring and an unassuming character both before and now. She had such a lovely way about her and the Author did such a great job in describing Audrey and her life throughout this story.
Laurel and her family were a great addition and to see how they all evolved was also a pleasure to read. Little Oliver was a delight and it was nice to see Clay come into his own towards the end.
Deanna was an interesting character to read throughout this story. Ford was another highlight and a pleasure to read.
The ending was a great way to finish this book. So very pleased for Audrey.
For an Author to weave a story that garners emotions throughout the reading of their novel is a very talented Author and for me, this is what I got from reading this beautiful story.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
May 8, 2020
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about friendships made during times of stress that even though you might not still be in touch with the friends, you would do anything for them. This book spans one women’s journey through life starting during WW II through modern days. It is an enjoyable read that has just enough historical detail to keep your interest. I totally recommend this book.
The book is about friendships made during times of stress that even though you might not still be in touch with the friends, you would do anything for them. This book spans one women’s journey through life starting during WW II through modern days. It is an enjoyable read that has just enough historical detail to keep your interest. I totally recommend this book.
August 26, 2020
This books transported me, which makes it a great book for right now since a lot of us feel we need to be transported. The characters were interesting and real, the writing was lovely and the plotting magnificent—I never felt I had it “figured out.” A great read from start to finish.
May 12, 2020
This is the kind of book that I could sit and read straight through, if it weren’t for jobs and things getting in the way. I’m not usually big on historical fact based books however Heather Bell Adams took me on a journey that I could picture so vividly. I found myself mentally crouching down against the vibrations of the bombs next to Kat, curling my toes in the sand watching Penny swim, and sit listening to Audrey in her lavender scented room as she recalled the gift of the brooch. Laurel was the character that brought it home for me. She starts as a not-so-confident mother who’s grieving her inability to have more children. I loved seeing her grow and become closer to her husband Clay and son Oliver. By the end she’s stopped being a shell of her former self, grown confidence and stood up for herself and Audrey.
So many great aspects of the characters and history. Thank you Heather for bringing WWII to life for me and for a great novel. Thank you Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy.
So many great aspects of the characters and history. Thank you Heather for bringing WWII to life for me and for a great novel. Thank you Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2020
A moving story of friendship and forgiveness. I especially enjoyed the scenes from Laurel's perspective, as the reader quickly sympathizes with this young mother whose family struggles to make ends meet. Laurel's story contrasts sharply with the seemingly shallow high society circles of Savannah. Ultimately, she gains a better understanding of Audrey and her past, and forges an authentic friendship and common ground with this intriguing lady.
August 25, 2021
“The human heart’s capacity for devotion, for sacrifice and forgiveness. That as much luck as a stone can bring, goodness might often be born from decisions, large and small made every day. How the ties binding us to those we love are at once gossamer thin and iron strong.”
I read a review that this was “one of the most under-rated books of 2020” and I would wholeheartedly agree.
This book captures friendships in the World War 2 in the South Pacific. An area that I am not all that familiar with so this added a unique dynamic.
This takes place in two timelines which are tricky but in this book it really did work.
Audrey was a WW2 nurse and is presently a 90 year old lady dealing with a world that is moving too fast. Her granddaughter is worried about her health and so she hires a caretaker, Laurel, who quickly helps but also befriends Audrey.
Audrey has secrets that she needs to address with a longtime friend, Penelope, from the war. The friend is on her deathbed. The story moves on from there….
I think the underlying theme in all this is deep friendship. What would you do for you best friends? What would you sacrifice? Friendships can be formed no matter the age difference or the background. Friendships can make you a better person.
I really loved this book. A hidden treasure. A book that I will pass on to specific friends who love historical fiction.
A resounding 4.5 stars!
I read a review that this was “one of the most under-rated books of 2020” and I would wholeheartedly agree.
This book captures friendships in the World War 2 in the South Pacific. An area that I am not all that familiar with so this added a unique dynamic.
This takes place in two timelines which are tricky but in this book it really did work.
Audrey was a WW2 nurse and is presently a 90 year old lady dealing with a world that is moving too fast. Her granddaughter is worried about her health and so she hires a caretaker, Laurel, who quickly helps but also befriends Audrey.
Audrey has secrets that she needs to address with a longtime friend, Penelope, from the war. The friend is on her deathbed. The story moves on from there….
I think the underlying theme in all this is deep friendship. What would you do for you best friends? What would you sacrifice? Friendships can be formed no matter the age difference or the background. Friendships can make you a better person.
I really loved this book. A hidden treasure. A book that I will pass on to specific friends who love historical fiction.
A resounding 4.5 stars!
October 18, 2020
Thank you to Reading Group Choices, The Team at Gold Leaf Literay and Heather Bell Adams for the copy of her new novel, The Good Luck Stone.
WOW! I LOVED this book! Kat, Penelope and Audrey are nurses working during the war in the South Pacific. The book goes back and forth between then and current day with Audrey as a 90 year old woman burdened with her secrets.
Through it all, this book teaches us of sacrifices, love and what we would do for a friend.
WOW! I LOVED this book! Kat, Penelope and Audrey are nurses working during the war in the South Pacific. The book goes back and forth between then and current day with Audrey as a 90 year old woman burdened with her secrets.
Through it all, this book teaches us of sacrifices, love and what we would do for a friend.
September 5, 2020
I plan to read more about the capture of nurses during WW2 because of this book. The story is of Audrey and her two friends during WW2 in the Pacific theater. She is now an old woman living w/regrets and secrets. The actual story was just ok.
July 18, 2020
Heather Bell Adams writes and absolute winner. The story follows two time lines and each is as engaging and compelling as the other. The quote on the back of the book says it all: "A plot perfect page turner...Adams has hit the sweet spot, mastering a literary tone with commercial pacing...a screen-worthy winner and a book club bullseye." I mean, I can't say it any better. This is so true. I loved this book! A book about friendship, sacrifice, regrets, and redemption. Perfect!
July 22, 2020
A gripping, dual-timeline tale of heartbreak, courage, long-kept secrets, and friendships that transcend both age and time. Heather Adams has created memorable characters, and, with vibrant, detailed descriptions, transports the reader to both the Philippines and Savannah. A compelling and beautifully written story that will draw you in.
July 13, 2020
A beautiful story of love, loss, secrets, family, etc.etc. I would recommend this book to any fan of women’s fiction. You will not regret it!
June 29, 2020
Vivid settings in Savannah and Manila during WWII. Moving story of loyalty, secrets, and redemption. Tender look at the ways in which growing old is not for sissies. Interesting to see the war and combat from a woman’s POV.
June 8, 2020
Excellent book. The author did a great job in telling the friendships made during war. The book is about Audrey & her friendship with Kat & Penny while they were nurses in the war & everything they did to help each other. Audrey is now 90 years old & she has secrets that need to be told & forgiveness to be given & accepted.
May 24, 2020
The Good Luck Stone is the first book that I have read by Heather Bell Adams and I enjoyed the story. This is well-written and covers two time periods. In the present time, Audrey Thorpe is 90 and due to some health issues, a caregiver is hired to help her out. We also learn about when Audrey was a nurse 70 years earlier during World War II.
I will be looking for mroe books by this author.
I received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only.
I will be looking for mroe books by this author.
I received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only.
April 19, 2020
Loved the story
Especially the relationship between Audrey and Laurel
Dual timeline
Nurses in WW II promise to stay together
Audrey looks back over her past and tried to come to terms with it
Especially the relationship between Audrey and Laurel
Dual timeline
Nurses in WW II promise to stay together
Audrey looks back over her past and tried to come to terms with it
May 12, 2020
This was such an enjoyable read! It ticked all the boxes I was in the mood for Friendship, Love, Family. This is definitely a book I will go back and read again!
August 10, 2020
Emotional journey of friendship, sacrifice, guilt and goodness
I love novels by Heather Bell Adams. They draw me in and never let go until the final page, when I finally breathe. Her latest, The Good Luck Stone, is entirely different from her debut novel, Maranatha Road, but each grips my heart in its own way. What’s consistent between the two novels is the way her characters come alive so vividly that I think about them during the day when I’m going about the business of life, and they keep talking to me after the story ends.
The Good Luck Stone is a multi-layered novel with gorgeous imagery and a plot that keeps the pages turning. Each unforgettable character is distinctly different, with relationships both complicated and beautiful. I love the two timelines and settings--contemporary Savannah and World War II Philippines. I'd known very little about either, so appreciate learning about the rich history and dedication of the wartime nurses.
The growing friendship between ninety-year old Audrey, a wealthy art appreciator, and the devoted young helper she reluctantly allows into her life, is a beautiful example of how different generations can learn important truths from each other. I would recommend this novel to women and gentlemen from all walks of life who appreciate a well-plotted story with strong emotional tension and a satisfying resolution.
In my humble opinion, The Good Luck Stone deserves to win some awards!
I love novels by Heather Bell Adams. They draw me in and never let go until the final page, when I finally breathe. Her latest, The Good Luck Stone, is entirely different from her debut novel, Maranatha Road, but each grips my heart in its own way. What’s consistent between the two novels is the way her characters come alive so vividly that I think about them during the day when I’m going about the business of life, and they keep talking to me after the story ends.
The Good Luck Stone is a multi-layered novel with gorgeous imagery and a plot that keeps the pages turning. Each unforgettable character is distinctly different, with relationships both complicated and beautiful. I love the two timelines and settings--contemporary Savannah and World War II Philippines. I'd known very little about either, so appreciate learning about the rich history and dedication of the wartime nurses.
The growing friendship between ninety-year old Audrey, a wealthy art appreciator, and the devoted young helper she reluctantly allows into her life, is a beautiful example of how different generations can learn important truths from each other. I would recommend this novel to women and gentlemen from all walks of life who appreciate a well-plotted story with strong emotional tension and a satisfying resolution.
In my humble opinion, The Good Luck Stone deserves to win some awards!
January 3, 2021
Audrey Thorpe, ninety years old, is well known in her Savannah community as an art lover and philanthropist, and she spends her days enjoying visits from her great-grandson and tolerating the family-name-dropping habits of her granddaughter, Deanna. Despite evidence to the contrary, Deanna is determined to prove that Audrey isn’t fit to live alone, and as a first step, she hires a woman named Laurel to provide in-house care. Audrey and Laurel form a friendship, but then Audrey--spurred on by a mysterious letter--disappears, leaving Laurel no choice but to try to find her. What no one knows is that Audrey has been hiding an explosive secret for seven decades--and the past has come back to haunt her. Old shame, intransigent regret, and long-buried heartache are hurtling into the present, and there’s nothing Audrey can do but try to make what amends she can.
Told in multiple points of view and skipping back and forth in time and place, The Good Luck Stone is a war story and a love story, a story of family lore and mystery, and most of all a tale of a woman’s surprising chance to make peace with the past--opening a door for a reckoning that will change the rest of her life. This is a beautifully written novel full of soul.
Told in multiple points of view and skipping back and forth in time and place, The Good Luck Stone is a war story and a love story, a story of family lore and mystery, and most of all a tale of a woman’s surprising chance to make peace with the past--opening a door for a reckoning that will change the rest of her life. This is a beautifully written novel full of soul.
October 10, 2020
Heather Bell Adams’ new novel The Good Luck Stone is a marvel. One of the most seamless novels you’ll ever read, the story moves easily and clearly back and forth in time from present-day to WWII in the Philippines. The novel’s unforgettable protagonist is former Army nurse, now wealthy socialite Audrey Thorpe, who has a stunning secret she has kept hidden from everyone for the last 70 years.
I can’t remember when I’ve been gripped harder by a story, reading until 2 in the morning to finally find out this secret!
Adams is such a sure and steady hand at novel crafting that you can see every scene, and more importantly, know and care about every character. The real truth about everyone in the story, especially Miz Aubrey, will amaze you, not only because you never saw it coming, but also because you are humbled by the amazing selflessness, sacrifice, and compassion, the full humanity on display in these amazing characters, reminding us all what we are capable of. I highly recommend you add this one to your reading list.
I can’t remember when I’ve been gripped harder by a story, reading until 2 in the morning to finally find out this secret!
Adams is such a sure and steady hand at novel crafting that you can see every scene, and more importantly, know and care about every character. The real truth about everyone in the story, especially Miz Aubrey, will amaze you, not only because you never saw it coming, but also because you are humbled by the amazing selflessness, sacrifice, and compassion, the full humanity on display in these amazing characters, reminding us all what we are capable of. I highly recommend you add this one to your reading list.
October 30, 2020
Subic Bay, Leyte, Luzon, Bataan, Corregidor Island, ....these are just a few of the places my father would mention when talking about his years on a minesweeper in the navy during WW2. Its not often I find a WW2 historical fiction set in the South Pacific, much less one set in the Philippines.
Audrey Thorpe seems to live the charmed life of an elderly socialite in Savannah. She lives in a beautiful old mansion and serves on the board of a museum. At ninety, she is fiercely independent, but when she starts to show some memory problems, her granddaughter hires a part time caretaker, Laurel. When Audrey disappears for an unexpected day trip on her own, Laurel can't help but worry, especially when Audrey doesn't return. But Audrey's trip is a mission to resolve a burden, a secret, she has carried since her years serving as a nurse in the Philippines during WW2.
The author effectively uses a dual timeline, moving between the gritty war years in the jungles of the Philippines and Audrey's journey in the present day, which is fraught with dangers for an elderly woman travelling alone. I really enjoyed the look at the challenges nurses like Audrey, would have faced serving in the South Pacific. It certainly was not an assignment for the faint of heart. Audrey's friendship with 2 fellow nurses is central to the plot. The girls bond like sisters and when circumstances require making split second decisions, it wreaks havoc on their friendship.
Laurel's bond with Audrey is endearing; she shows genuine concern for Audrey, whereas her family views her as a problem needing solved. I enjoyed the themes of friendship and forgiveness. The book also reminds us of the weight of promises made, and that sometimes friends become closer than family. A very satisfying read.
Audrey Thorpe seems to live the charmed life of an elderly socialite in Savannah. She lives in a beautiful old mansion and serves on the board of a museum. At ninety, she is fiercely independent, but when she starts to show some memory problems, her granddaughter hires a part time caretaker, Laurel. When Audrey disappears for an unexpected day trip on her own, Laurel can't help but worry, especially when Audrey doesn't return. But Audrey's trip is a mission to resolve a burden, a secret, she has carried since her years serving as a nurse in the Philippines during WW2.
The author effectively uses a dual timeline, moving between the gritty war years in the jungles of the Philippines and Audrey's journey in the present day, which is fraught with dangers for an elderly woman travelling alone. I really enjoyed the look at the challenges nurses like Audrey, would have faced serving in the South Pacific. It certainly was not an assignment for the faint of heart. Audrey's friendship with 2 fellow nurses is central to the plot. The girls bond like sisters and when circumstances require making split second decisions, it wreaks havoc on their friendship.
Laurel's bond with Audrey is endearing; she shows genuine concern for Audrey, whereas her family views her as a problem needing solved. I enjoyed the themes of friendship and forgiveness. The book also reminds us of the weight of promises made, and that sometimes friends become closer than family. A very satisfying read.
June 15, 2021
Independence. This is the key theme running through his enchanting story of Audrey Thorpe who now at ninety, is threatened with losing just that. There is more to Audrey than being the matriarch of one of Savannah's rich old families, spending her time hosting art exhibits and garden club socials. Audrey has a secret that haunts her from the days when she was a WWII nurse in the Philippines. With her health failing, she fears she won't be able to right the wrong she did years ago, but when her family hires Laurel to take care of Audrey, a bond forms between Audrey and Laurel and Laurel helps her friend find the woman from her past. Once there were three young nurses bound by friendship, each having an identical jade broach. Seventy years later, Audrey puts on her broach and begins her journey to find her lost friends.
With beautiful descriptions and real-to-life characters, this time-slip novel is a joy to read.
With beautiful descriptions and real-to-life characters, this time-slip novel is a joy to read.
May 26, 2024
At 90, Audrey Thorpe thinks she can manage on her own, but her family doesn't agree. After an incident at an art exhibit, her granddaughter hires Laurel as a caregiver. Laurel and Audrey begin to bond as Audrey opens up about her past as a WWII nurse. But when Audrey disappears suddenly, Laurel has to decide how far she'll go to take care of her.
Told in alternating chapters between the past and present, Audrey and Laurel's stories explore the limits and bonds of friendship. Audrey relives the close friendship she'd formed with two other nurses, Penny and Kat, and tries to make peace with a decision she made years ago, that she's never revealed.
Overall, the book was interesting, if slightly depressing due to its depiction of aging and death. The main reason I didn't give it 4 stars is that, after a long buildup, the reveal of the secret felt rushed, and Audrey's feelings over it and her decision-making process got less attention than descriptions of her garden.
Told in alternating chapters between the past and present, Audrey and Laurel's stories explore the limits and bonds of friendship. Audrey relives the close friendship she'd formed with two other nurses, Penny and Kat, and tries to make peace with a decision she made years ago, that she's never revealed.
Overall, the book was interesting, if slightly depressing due to its depiction of aging and death. The main reason I didn't give it 4 stars is that, after a long buildup, the reveal of the secret felt rushed, and Audrey's feelings over it and her decision-making process got less attention than descriptions of her garden.
August 18, 2020
The Good Luck Stone is a totally captivating story which goes back and forth between the Philippines during World War II and present day Savannah, Georgia. It is the story of Audrey Thorpe, a remarkable woman you will never forget and the secrets she has harbored for 70 years. Aubrey was once a young nurse stationed in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded and is now a 90 year old wealthy widow and a prominent figure in Savannah society. When her granddaughter insists she needs help in her daily life she finally relents to having an ‘assistant’ come and help. Laurel turns out to be her lifesaver in more ways than one and for the first time in 70 years Aubrey feels she has finally found a friend again. The Good Luck Stone is an amazing story of love, sacrifice, and friendship with enough suspense to keep you turning pages long past your bedtime.
November 6, 2020
I hate books in which most confusion and problems could have been solved simply by the characters speaking to each other. Our main character (Audrey) is haunted by guilt and fear for no apparent reason whatsoever--it's all in her head. And if she was feeling so much guilt, why didn't she contact her beloved friend any time in the last 70 years? The plot has glaring holes of unrealistic situations and illogical actions. The ending of this book is so drawn out that it seems to go on forever. Some reviewers liked the depiction of Savannah and WWII Phillipines, but I found even this to be sparse and presented far better in other novels. I see no reason at all to read this lightweight piece of drivel. I actually had to buy the book because my library does not carry it--good decision by the library.
January 16, 2024
I was in a major reading slump when I came across THE GOOD LUCK STONE by Heather Bell Adams. Within a few paragraphs my slump was over!
Heather deftly weaves two time lines and locations (a challenging task) in her story of World War II Philippines and modern-day Savannah.
The story line of Audrey’s journey is so touching, and the author’s character development is beautifully executed. I especially loved the relationship she created between her characters, elderly Audrey and her much-younger assistant, Laurel. It was loving, compassionate, and so very believable.
What a delight…a page turner full of action and suspense, tenderness and kindness, with characters we’d all love to know.
Heather Bell Adams, thank you for breaking my reading slump. I’m so grateful I discovered your writing, and I’m anxious to read more of your work.
Heather deftly weaves two time lines and locations (a challenging task) in her story of World War II Philippines and modern-day Savannah.
The story line of Audrey’s journey is so touching, and the author’s character development is beautifully executed. I especially loved the relationship she created between her characters, elderly Audrey and her much-younger assistant, Laurel. It was loving, compassionate, and so very believable.
What a delight…a page turner full of action and suspense, tenderness and kindness, with characters we’d all love to know.
Heather Bell Adams, thank you for breaking my reading slump. I’m so grateful I discovered your writing, and I’m anxious to read more of your work.
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