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More Than
Peggy Moriarty’s life has been focused on being a single mom to her twins, Grace and Greg. But now that they’re teenagers doing their own things, she’s at a loss. Her only hobby is watching Messages from Beyond, a show about a medium who connects the grieving with their deceased loved ones.
When the twins leave for college, they give Peggy a gift certificate for an exercise class. At first, Peggy is insulted. But once the sting wears off, she realizes if she gets in shape, she might gain the confidence she needs to go on her favorite TV show and talk to her late husband one last time.
With help from her new friends at the gym and Carmen Tavarez, the mother of Grace’s boyfriend, Peggy begins to emerge from her shell and spread her wings. She may soon discover that her sum is more than a mother, a widow, and her body.
When the twins leave for college, they give Peggy a gift certificate for an exercise class. At first, Peggy is insulted. But once the sting wears off, she realizes if she gets in shape, she might gain the confidence she needs to go on her favorite TV show and talk to her late husband one last time.
With help from her new friends at the gym and Carmen Tavarez, the mother of Grace’s boyfriend, Peggy begins to emerge from her shell and spread her wings. She may soon discover that her sum is more than a mother, a widow, and her body.
Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
About the author
Diane Barnes
5 books276 followersDiane Barnes is the author of The Mulligan Curse (February 2025), All We Could Still Have, More Than, Waiting for Ethan, and Mixed Signals. She is also a marketing and corporate communication writer in the health care industry. When she’s not writing, she’s at the gym, running, or playing tennis, trying to burn off the ridiculous amounts of chocolate and ice cream she eats. She and her husband, Steven, live in New England with Oakley, their handsome golden retriever. She hopes you enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.
She can be found at www.dianembarnes.com or on Twitter and Instagram @DianeBarnes777.
She can be found at www.dianembarnes.com or on Twitter and Instagram @DianeBarnes777.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 31, 2020
Peggy’s husband passed away years ago, leaving her to raise their twins on her own. Her favorite pastime, and maybe her only one, is watching the TV show Messages from Beyond, about a medium who connects loved ones with those they have lost.
Peggy’s doctor tells her she’s obese. On top of that, her children give her a gift card to an exercise class, and she’s bewildered. Peggy finds the silver lining, though. If she can get herself back in shape, maybe she can appear on her favorite show and talk to her husband.
And with that goal in mind, she’s off.
Peggy’s difficulties with weight were so relatable. There were moments when I laughed and definitely teary ones, too. More Than is a quick and uplifting read. It brings all the heart and inspiration, too.
I received a complimentary copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Peggy’s doctor tells her she’s obese. On top of that, her children give her a gift card to an exercise class, and she’s bewildered. Peggy finds the silver lining, though. If she can get herself back in shape, maybe she can appear on her favorite show and talk to her husband.
And with that goal in mind, she’s off.
Peggy’s difficulties with weight were so relatable. There were moments when I laughed and definitely teary ones, too. More Than is a quick and uplifting read. It brings all the heart and inspiration, too.
I received a complimentary copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
January 22, 2020
A caterpillar and a butterfly on the cover of this book are perfect. The metamorphosis that took place in the characters was very prominent in every chapter. You are going to fall in love with them and you will find them very easy to relate to.
This is a book to add to your to be read pile. I was hooked right away.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
This is a book to add to your to be read pile. I was hooked right away.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
November 2, 2019
She has been consumed with grief since the death of her husband fourteen years before. Left with four-year-old twins, she was alone and turned to self-destructive actions and the fantasy of connecting her husband through a television medium. What would it take for Peggy to live in the present and create a positive life for herself?
Overweight, unhealthy, with friction growing between herself and her daughter, Peggy is quick to blame everyone but herself. Will she be able to see the gift from her children as something positive? Can she become the complete human she was meant to be, one that reaches out to others with the hand of friendship?
MORE THAN by Diane Barnes is a fabulously written tale of self-pity, self-indulgence and denial. It also is a story of one woman who must learn strength before she alienates those she holds dearest.
I think I may be in the minority with this one and it certainly doesn’t mean that Diane Barnes cannot write. It actually means she CAN write and she created a character that was so realistic and believable that I could NOT stand her selfishness and failure to pull herself together for herself. Peggy wallowed in her own distress until it became the only way she could see life, all about her, what was done to her, what she had to endure. What about her children? What about honoring her husband’s death by living the best she can? Instead, she saw a crying woman at her husband’s funeral, became suspicious, was jealous of her daughter’s boyfriend’s mother for being thin, beautiful, in touch with her children and quite frankly, extremely kind-hearted.
Diane Barnes has created a tale that few can really relate to, but if you can, you will be sickened by Peggy’s attitude. Believe it or not, that is one sign of a good author, being able to evoke extreme reactions from readers.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Red Adept Publishing. This review is honest and voluntary.
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (October 29, 2019)
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 273 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Overweight, unhealthy, with friction growing between herself and her daughter, Peggy is quick to blame everyone but herself. Will she be able to see the gift from her children as something positive? Can she become the complete human she was meant to be, one that reaches out to others with the hand of friendship?
MORE THAN by Diane Barnes is a fabulously written tale of self-pity, self-indulgence and denial. It also is a story of one woman who must learn strength before she alienates those she holds dearest.
I think I may be in the minority with this one and it certainly doesn’t mean that Diane Barnes cannot write. It actually means she CAN write and she created a character that was so realistic and believable that I could NOT stand her selfishness and failure to pull herself together for herself. Peggy wallowed in her own distress until it became the only way she could see life, all about her, what was done to her, what she had to endure. What about her children? What about honoring her husband’s death by living the best she can? Instead, she saw a crying woman at her husband’s funeral, became suspicious, was jealous of her daughter’s boyfriend’s mother for being thin, beautiful, in touch with her children and quite frankly, extremely kind-hearted.
Diane Barnes has created a tale that few can really relate to, but if you can, you will be sickened by Peggy’s attitude. Believe it or not, that is one sign of a good author, being able to evoke extreme reactions from readers.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Red Adept Publishing. This review is honest and voluntary.
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (October 29, 2019)
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Genre: Women's Fiction
Print Length: 273 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 4, 2019
TItle: More Than
Author: DIane Barnes
Pub Date: Oct. 29, 2019
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
5/5 *
Happy hump day, friends, and welcome to my stop on the book tour for More Than by Diane Barnes. The third book of Diane's career, More Than is the story of Peggy, a grieving widow and mother of twins, who are preparing to leave the nest for college.
Peggy lost her husband, Patrick, years ago in a plane crash, but with the advent of that tragedy, she also lost herself. A stay-at-home mom whose life has revolved around her children for the last 18 years, Peggy finds comfort in food and a paranormal reality show that seeks to connect audience members with loved ones who have died. At 220 pounds, her doctor has declared her obese, and as both she and her kids, Greg and Grace, brace themselves for the next chapter, it seems critical that she makes a change. Gifting her a membership to a 12-week fitness bootcamp, Greg and Grace hope the gift and change of routine will remind Peggy she is "more than" just a mom, widow or a number on a scale; she is a woman deserving of happiness, love, and a wonderful life.
Full of both tear-jerking and laugh-out-loud moments, this book was an absolute joy. Following Peggy's fitness journey was so inspiring, and I couldn't help but root for not only her, but also her friends, Roni, Henry, and Carmen, as they put in the hard work and experienced both highs and lows throughout the book. Watching Peggy transform not only physically but also emotionally and mentally was so heartwarming, and the extra touch of romance was an added treat. All of the characters, from Peggy and her children, to her friends, were so authentic and easy to relate to, and as a stay-at-home mom myself, this book helped remind me how important it is for moms to have friendships, hobbies, interests, and moments of self-care outside of their husbands and families.
I absolutely adored this book and devoured it in less than 24 hours, so I would wholeheartedly recommend it. Thank you to @dianebarnes @katerockbooktours @netgalley and @redadeptpublishing for the opportunity to read and review this heartwarming, feel-good story. This book was published Oct. 29, so don't wait - request it from your library or purchase a copy ASAP!
Author: DIane Barnes
Pub Date: Oct. 29, 2019
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
5/5 *
Happy hump day, friends, and welcome to my stop on the book tour for More Than by Diane Barnes. The third book of Diane's career, More Than is the story of Peggy, a grieving widow and mother of twins, who are preparing to leave the nest for college.
Peggy lost her husband, Patrick, years ago in a plane crash, but with the advent of that tragedy, she also lost herself. A stay-at-home mom whose life has revolved around her children for the last 18 years, Peggy finds comfort in food and a paranormal reality show that seeks to connect audience members with loved ones who have died. At 220 pounds, her doctor has declared her obese, and as both she and her kids, Greg and Grace, brace themselves for the next chapter, it seems critical that she makes a change. Gifting her a membership to a 12-week fitness bootcamp, Greg and Grace hope the gift and change of routine will remind Peggy she is "more than" just a mom, widow or a number on a scale; she is a woman deserving of happiness, love, and a wonderful life.
Full of both tear-jerking and laugh-out-loud moments, this book was an absolute joy. Following Peggy's fitness journey was so inspiring, and I couldn't help but root for not only her, but also her friends, Roni, Henry, and Carmen, as they put in the hard work and experienced both highs and lows throughout the book. Watching Peggy transform not only physically but also emotionally and mentally was so heartwarming, and the extra touch of romance was an added treat. All of the characters, from Peggy and her children, to her friends, were so authentic and easy to relate to, and as a stay-at-home mom myself, this book helped remind me how important it is for moms to have friendships, hobbies, interests, and moments of self-care outside of their husbands and families.
I absolutely adored this book and devoured it in less than 24 hours, so I would wholeheartedly recommend it. Thank you to @dianebarnes @katerockbooktours @netgalley and @redadeptpublishing for the opportunity to read and review this heartwarming, feel-good story. This book was published Oct. 29, so don't wait - request it from your library or purchase a copy ASAP!
February 6, 2020
I am not embarrassed to say I devoured this book-pun intended. It went down like one of Peggy’s homemade chocolate shakes. I mean come on, who doesn’t relate to someone that eats a bag of popcorn for supper, or puts away a whole bag of trick-or-treat Milky Ways in one night?
Overweight, alone, and a helicopter mom of twins who have just left for college, Peggy really doesn’t think she’s severely obese. When her kids give her a gift certificate for an exercise class she decides it may be her ticket to get shape up and gain a chance to get on her favorite TV show. Peggy just doesn’t realize just how much work a 12 week book camp can be, especially when she gets short of breath getting out of bed. With a little help from her new gym friends, Peggy discovers she may be more than just her shape.
Diane Barnes nailed it with this book. This is one of those women’s fiction books that clearly was written from someone who “gets it.” Her main character Peggy has a little bit of each of us inside of her (literally). No, seriously, Peggy is every single woman out there wrapped into one. When she hits the gym and starts to experience all the pain that goes with it, I swear I was reading about my own experience. I knew I loved her when she farted on her exercise partner while struggling to do sit-ups at the gym. There were many laugh-out loud moments throughout this book, and I powered through it in one sitting. It truly is unputdownable. The fact that Peggy is doing all this work to get in shape to go on a TV show is one thing. The fact that the Peggy is getting in shape to talk to her dead husband on said TV show- Messages from Beyond - now that is just an added benefit to the whole story.
I loved this book. I did not expect to love it as much as I did. This gets a 5 star rating from me. Diane Barnes’ ability to write a book with characters so realistic is amazing. I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next. This is a MUST READ.
Overweight, alone, and a helicopter mom of twins who have just left for college, Peggy really doesn’t think she’s severely obese. When her kids give her a gift certificate for an exercise class she decides it may be her ticket to get shape up and gain a chance to get on her favorite TV show. Peggy just doesn’t realize just how much work a 12 week book camp can be, especially when she gets short of breath getting out of bed. With a little help from her new gym friends, Peggy discovers she may be more than just her shape.
Diane Barnes nailed it with this book. This is one of those women’s fiction books that clearly was written from someone who “gets it.” Her main character Peggy has a little bit of each of us inside of her (literally). No, seriously, Peggy is every single woman out there wrapped into one. When she hits the gym and starts to experience all the pain that goes with it, I swear I was reading about my own experience. I knew I loved her when she farted on her exercise partner while struggling to do sit-ups at the gym. There were many laugh-out loud moments throughout this book, and I powered through it in one sitting. It truly is unputdownable. The fact that Peggy is doing all this work to get in shape to go on a TV show is one thing. The fact that the Peggy is getting in shape to talk to her dead husband on said TV show- Messages from Beyond - now that is just an added benefit to the whole story.
I loved this book. I did not expect to love it as much as I did. This gets a 5 star rating from me. Diane Barnes’ ability to write a book with characters so realistic is amazing. I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next. This is a MUST READ.
December 9, 2019
Peggy Moriarty didn't allow herself to grieve when her husband died 14 years ago. Instead, she funneled all her energy into caring for her twins, Grace and Greg. Now that the twins are headed to college, Peggy has found herself middle aged and alone, with only a TV psychic to keep her company. Peggy desperately wants to go to a taping of the psychic's show to connect with her dead husband, but she's concerned he won't recognize her after all these years. So starts Peggy's journey into bootcamp, friendship, and possibly even self-forgiveness.
You'll be rooting for Peggy as she undergoes a transformation from someone who lives only for her kids and eats her feelings to a woman who finally starts to open herself to the friendships and world around her. Her curmudgeonly attitude and acerbic sense of humor will remind you of A Man Called Ove (if Ove went to bootcamp). This is a perfect book for anyone whose children are leaving the nest or who has suffered a loss or likes to read about women's friendships.
Really fast read. Great for book clubs.
You'll be rooting for Peggy as she undergoes a transformation from someone who lives only for her kids and eats her feelings to a woman who finally starts to open herself to the friendships and world around her. Her curmudgeonly attitude and acerbic sense of humor will remind you of A Man Called Ove (if Ove went to bootcamp). This is a perfect book for anyone whose children are leaving the nest or who has suffered a loss or likes to read about women's friendships.
Really fast read. Great for book clubs.
November 11, 2019
Diane Barnes has a winner with her “More Than” novel. Consistently well-written and warm, the story is often funny, sometimes poignant, and always charming. This is a gem of a book about Peggy, a brave but struggling widow raising her twin children, who transforms herself slowly and with great effort after the kids go off to college. Barnes knows how to nail a scene, capture a personality, and put the readers right smack in the story with her evocative prose.
Peggy, widowed for fourteen years, is obese, though she was once slim. But when her husband was killed in a plane crash, food became her solace. Her husband left her sufficiently well off that she does not need to work, but that compounds her situation when the twins—Greg and Grace—leave home for college. Peggy has no job, no close friends, and only TV and food to comfort her. She has an antagonistic relationship with Carmen, the mother of her daughter’s boyfriend, because Peggy suspects her daughter would rather be with slim, pretty, fun Carmen than with her own mother.
As they leave, however, her children give Peggy a gift membership in a boot camp class at a gym. Peggy resists. But fear of shaming her children, and a perhaps misguided desire to be on a TV show that features a medium who speaks with the dead, leads Peggy to finally join the boot camp group. Increasing her concerns with the group, Carmen—her nemesis at least in Peggy’s mind—is part of the group. So is a hunky guy who inspires fantasies, a smart-mouth woman who cheats on her exercise, and a sweet, chubby widower with a big, sloppy dog.
As boot camp becomes Peggy’s routine, friendships develop and romance slowly blooms. The supportive relationship that develops between Carmen and Peggy is a refreshing and genuine look at women’s friendship and is as heartwarming as Peggy’s new romance.
Through it all, Peggy struggles—physically and emotionally. This is not a miraculous transformation from obese to movie-star, but rather an honest, delightful story about growth, transformation, friendship and love. Exercise and diet might fuel the plot line, but the true heart of the story is Peggy’s willingness to open herself to change and new opportunities.
Barnes has a sharp eye for the telling details that make a book worth reading, and she doesn’t ignore the realities. Her vivid description of the boot camp classes and the jogging scenes are so vivid that one can almost smell the sweat and feel the burn.
A sweet surprising twist at the end is very satisfying. All in all, a charming, stirring, and fulfilling book.
Peggy, widowed for fourteen years, is obese, though she was once slim. But when her husband was killed in a plane crash, food became her solace. Her husband left her sufficiently well off that she does not need to work, but that compounds her situation when the twins—Greg and Grace—leave home for college. Peggy has no job, no close friends, and only TV and food to comfort her. She has an antagonistic relationship with Carmen, the mother of her daughter’s boyfriend, because Peggy suspects her daughter would rather be with slim, pretty, fun Carmen than with her own mother.
As they leave, however, her children give Peggy a gift membership in a boot camp class at a gym. Peggy resists. But fear of shaming her children, and a perhaps misguided desire to be on a TV show that features a medium who speaks with the dead, leads Peggy to finally join the boot camp group. Increasing her concerns with the group, Carmen—her nemesis at least in Peggy’s mind—is part of the group. So is a hunky guy who inspires fantasies, a smart-mouth woman who cheats on her exercise, and a sweet, chubby widower with a big, sloppy dog.
As boot camp becomes Peggy’s routine, friendships develop and romance slowly blooms. The supportive relationship that develops between Carmen and Peggy is a refreshing and genuine look at women’s friendship and is as heartwarming as Peggy’s new romance.
Through it all, Peggy struggles—physically and emotionally. This is not a miraculous transformation from obese to movie-star, but rather an honest, delightful story about growth, transformation, friendship and love. Exercise and diet might fuel the plot line, but the true heart of the story is Peggy’s willingness to open herself to change and new opportunities.
Barnes has a sharp eye for the telling details that make a book worth reading, and she doesn’t ignore the realities. Her vivid description of the boot camp classes and the jogging scenes are so vivid that one can almost smell the sweat and feel the burn.
A sweet surprising twist at the end is very satisfying. All in all, a charming, stirring, and fulfilling book.
October 31, 2019
An exceptional read!!
Peggy Moriarty has lost her husband Patrick 14 years ago on a business trip to San Francisco, leaving her to raise their twins Grace and Greg on her own. Her whole life is devoted to the twins that she let herself go a bit. In a recent Doctors’ visit, Peggy is now faced with High Blood Pressure and Obesity, weighing 219 lbs, size 16, and too winded to even climb the stairs of her own home.
Now the twins are off to college, and have gifted Peggy with a 12 week boot camp class to get Peggy to start caring for herself once again. Though hesitant, she used appearing in a psychic television show, in hopes to meet Patrick again, as a motivation. With help from her new friends at the gym, she slowly peels off not just her weight, but also her sorrow for the guilt she felt fighting with her husband the day of the plane crash, her unforgiving nature, her moody and negative disposition, and her unrealistic perception of people.
I completely related with Peggy’s character. Barnes did an amazing job on portraying the characters’ growth and metamorphosis - Peggy with her narrow and unrealistic expectations of the world as a response to her inability to grieve and mourn her loss, to the Peggy who has learned to love herself, and became a more open, positive and a happier person.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of the ebook. I voluntarily reviewed this book and my opinions are mine.
Peggy Moriarty has lost her husband Patrick 14 years ago on a business trip to San Francisco, leaving her to raise their twins Grace and Greg on her own. Her whole life is devoted to the twins that she let herself go a bit. In a recent Doctors’ visit, Peggy is now faced with High Blood Pressure and Obesity, weighing 219 lbs, size 16, and too winded to even climb the stairs of her own home.
Now the twins are off to college, and have gifted Peggy with a 12 week boot camp class to get Peggy to start caring for herself once again. Though hesitant, she used appearing in a psychic television show, in hopes to meet Patrick again, as a motivation. With help from her new friends at the gym, she slowly peels off not just her weight, but also her sorrow for the guilt she felt fighting with her husband the day of the plane crash, her unforgiving nature, her moody and negative disposition, and her unrealistic perception of people.
I completely related with Peggy’s character. Barnes did an amazing job on portraying the characters’ growth and metamorphosis - Peggy with her narrow and unrealistic expectations of the world as a response to her inability to grieve and mourn her loss, to the Peggy who has learned to love herself, and became a more open, positive and a happier person.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of the ebook. I voluntarily reviewed this book and my opinions are mine.
January 19, 2020
This was a laugh out loud at times story about Peggy, a widow and the mother of teenage twins. When the doctor tells Peggy she is obese she is seriously insulted. All Peggy wants to do is go on her favorite show and have the medium allow her to talk to her husband one last time. When the twins head off to college Peggy joins a gym. Not that she really wants to. What Peggy really discovers is herself, her worth and the ability to move forward from widow and mother. I can't tell you just how much I felt this story being a widow myself. I could totally relate to Peggy. And yes, I too wanted to talk to a medium to see if there was anything my husband wanted to tell me one last time. This was witty and the prose was so lyrical I couldn't put it down. A wonderful story of finding ones self and moving on from grief and the things life throws your way. I enjoyed this Immensely.
Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for my copy.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for my copy.
Dawnny-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
October 31, 2019
I loved it! This book made me stay up past my bedtime and read on my lunch hour. The main character, Peggy, is so relatable. She is SO real, and so human. I laughed, I cried and I truly felt for her as she came to terms with grief and loss, and that turning point that so many of us women have experienced, when our children leave the nest and we suddenly are left to focus on ourselves for maybe the first time in years, and we don’t always like what we see. Diane writes about real life, and doesn’t turn away from or sugar coat the hard parts about the struggle with middle age and weight issues. Every character rang true. I highly recommend! I hope there’s more in the future about our friend Peggy, and/or her friends!
January 29, 2020
In "More Than" we meet Peggy who is a widow and mother of twins.
Peggy is beyond insulted when her physician tells her she is obese.
Peggy is so relatable in her journey and her struggles. All she wants is to go on a TV show to talk to speak with a medium that can connect her one last time to her husband.
This is "more than" a story about weight and how one sees oneself.
This story is about finding yourself, finding your support system and the hope that brings
us all together.
This story is so well written with well fleshed out characters that will make you cry equally as much as you will laugh.
You do not want to miss this story, it has stayed with me long after I have finished it.
Peggy is beyond insulted when her physician tells her she is obese.
Peggy is so relatable in her journey and her struggles. All she wants is to go on a TV show to talk to speak with a medium that can connect her one last time to her husband.
This is "more than" a story about weight and how one sees oneself.
This story is about finding yourself, finding your support system and the hope that brings
us all together.
This story is so well written with well fleshed out characters that will make you cry equally as much as you will laugh.
You do not want to miss this story, it has stayed with me long after I have finished it.
May 21, 2022
Book review
Very refreshing. The book is heartfelt and very real. No swearing. No sex. You can feel the emotions and frustrations of Peggy as she tries to change her life and herself. I cheered her on the whole way. She was an inspiration to anyone wanting to make changes in themselves and their lives.
Very refreshing. The book is heartfelt and very real. No swearing. No sex. You can feel the emotions and frustrations of Peggy as she tries to change her life and herself. I cheered her on the whole way. She was an inspiration to anyone wanting to make changes in themselves and their lives.
November 27, 2019
I wish I could give this book ten stars! It is that rare book that you just want to keep reading and at the same time hope it never ends. Peggy is a widow who has raised her twin son and daughter by herself since they were four years old. Now they are eighteen and leaving home for college. Peggy is beyond grief stricken and scared to death to be alone and to not be able to protect her children with her watchful eye. Many parents, like myself, can relate to these very real honest feelings.
Peggy has never put herself first especially since her husband was killed in a plane crash fourteen years ago. Now with the kids gone the only thing getting her through the day is a TV show about a woman who claims to talk to the dead and has an audience of grieving people desperate to hear from their lost loved ones. Peggy would do anything to hear from her deceased husband and for him to acknowledge that she has been a good mom and that the kids are going to be okay.
Now this book is not all about death. Far from it. It is about reclaiming your life. It's about believing in your own worth. From the very first page I knew Peggy and I were meant to be friends. When her new doctor calls her obese because she is a little over two hundred pounds her response is to go home and find a new doctor. I laughed out loud after just reading these first two pages. I have done this too after having a doctor tell me if I didn't lose weight I would be in the hospital soon. I told everyone he had a poor bedside manner (on a happier note I have lost eighty three pounds so far on Weight Watchers in a little less than a year).
Peggy's journey to realizing she is more than a widow, a mom, or an overweight middle age woman is filled with self deprecating humor, honest insight and new friends from an unlikely place.
The author has masterfully created characters whose different personalities are so representative of real people we all have in our lives. The funny friend who can easily convince you that blueberry pancakes instead of an egg white omelette is okay just this once when you are trying to stick to your diet. The younger, skinnier, prettier friend who you want to hate but damn her she keeps being so nice to you.
There is so much I related to in this book. From the empty next sadness to the realization that rewarding my bad day with pizza and ice cream was only self sabotaging my health. I felt like the author had been spying on me and just changed the names to avoid a lawsuit. Trust me that if you ever thought someone was lazy because they were overweight or they didn't have a care in the world just because they were pretty this book will open your eyes to the fact that we are all more than our appearances. Also, the ending will put a smile on your face and bring tears to your eyes all at the same time. This writer, in my humble opinion, could not have written a better last page.
I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Peggy has never put herself first especially since her husband was killed in a plane crash fourteen years ago. Now with the kids gone the only thing getting her through the day is a TV show about a woman who claims to talk to the dead and has an audience of grieving people desperate to hear from their lost loved ones. Peggy would do anything to hear from her deceased husband and for him to acknowledge that she has been a good mom and that the kids are going to be okay.
Now this book is not all about death. Far from it. It is about reclaiming your life. It's about believing in your own worth. From the very first page I knew Peggy and I were meant to be friends. When her new doctor calls her obese because she is a little over two hundred pounds her response is to go home and find a new doctor. I laughed out loud after just reading these first two pages. I have done this too after having a doctor tell me if I didn't lose weight I would be in the hospital soon. I told everyone he had a poor bedside manner (on a happier note I have lost eighty three pounds so far on Weight Watchers in a little less than a year).
Peggy's journey to realizing she is more than a widow, a mom, or an overweight middle age woman is filled with self deprecating humor, honest insight and new friends from an unlikely place.
The author has masterfully created characters whose different personalities are so representative of real people we all have in our lives. The funny friend who can easily convince you that blueberry pancakes instead of an egg white omelette is okay just this once when you are trying to stick to your diet. The younger, skinnier, prettier friend who you want to hate but damn her she keeps being so nice to you.
There is so much I related to in this book. From the empty next sadness to the realization that rewarding my bad day with pizza and ice cream was only self sabotaging my health. I felt like the author had been spying on me and just changed the names to avoid a lawsuit. Trust me that if you ever thought someone was lazy because they were overweight or they didn't have a care in the world just because they were pretty this book will open your eyes to the fact that we are all more than our appearances. Also, the ending will put a smile on your face and bring tears to your eyes all at the same time. This writer, in my humble opinion, could not have written a better last page.
I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2020
I have been wanting to read this book since it first came out. After having issues with my original order and then getting caught up in the vicious cycle of life, I wasn't able to pick it up until last night.
Needless to say my timing was right as I finished it this morning!
Rather than recap its summary--already outlined by previous reviewers--suffice to say Diane Barnes is an expert in character development and eliciting empathy from her readers. Although the bulk of the story evolves around Peggy's image of herself--not just physically but in terms of her being a good wife and mother--I found the underlying issues involving pre-judgement, jealousy, regret, loneliness and the meaning of friendship to be at the heart of this novel. I was in awe of Diane's ability to tug at my heartstrings and bring tears to my eyes as she described Peggy's memories of her children's milestones.
As a mother of three who's ultimate goal in life was to be a good mother, I truly identified with Peggy being "lost" without being able to mother her children. Being part of her metamorphosis and rooting for her throughout her journey made me wish every college-age child could read this and understand what it is to be a parent.
All of Diane's characters are real and flawed, other than Henry, who is a true gem. At times I loved them and at times I thought they were insensitive and cruel. There were moments when I cringed when one of them threw a banana peel out the window into a parking lot, or when all three of them laughed at what they perceived to be an "ugly" baby. At that moment I was outraged and didn't want to like them anymore. But that's when I realized being judgmental comes in many forms. We are all capable of taking the high road and dismissing people for one reason or another. I was doing it myself.
This book is full of everyday emotional conflict and reflection--it's full of inspiration and hope and sadness all at once. And it's beautifully written in a way only Diane Barnes can convey. What's also nice is the fact that the chapters are short so there's always time to read one more. Before you know it, you've read the entire book. It's hard to put down. Thanks, Diane. I think this is your best book yet! I can't wait to read your next one.
Needless to say my timing was right as I finished it this morning!
Rather than recap its summary--already outlined by previous reviewers--suffice to say Diane Barnes is an expert in character development and eliciting empathy from her readers. Although the bulk of the story evolves around Peggy's image of herself--not just physically but in terms of her being a good wife and mother--I found the underlying issues involving pre-judgement, jealousy, regret, loneliness and the meaning of friendship to be at the heart of this novel. I was in awe of Diane's ability to tug at my heartstrings and bring tears to my eyes as she described Peggy's memories of her children's milestones.
As a mother of three who's ultimate goal in life was to be a good mother, I truly identified with Peggy being "lost" without being able to mother her children. Being part of her metamorphosis and rooting for her throughout her journey made me wish every college-age child could read this and understand what it is to be a parent.
All of Diane's characters are real and flawed, other than Henry, who is a true gem. At times I loved them and at times I thought they were insensitive and cruel. There were moments when I cringed when one of them threw a banana peel out the window into a parking lot, or when all three of them laughed at what they perceived to be an "ugly" baby. At that moment I was outraged and didn't want to like them anymore. But that's when I realized being judgmental comes in many forms. We are all capable of taking the high road and dismissing people for one reason or another. I was doing it myself.
This book is full of everyday emotional conflict and reflection--it's full of inspiration and hope and sadness all at once. And it's beautifully written in a way only Diane Barnes can convey. What's also nice is the fact that the chapters are short so there's always time to read one more. Before you know it, you've read the entire book. It's hard to put down. Thanks, Diane. I think this is your best book yet! I can't wait to read your next one.
February 6, 2020
Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "More Than by Diane Barnes, Red Adept Publishing, January 2020
Diane Barnes, Author of "More Than" has written a refreshing, intriguing, heartfelt, and emotional novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction and Romance. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her characters as flawed, and mostly likable.
Peggy Moriarity, a widow with twins ready to enter college, is enraged and shocked when her new doctor informs her that she is obese, and must lose weight. Peggy realized that she has gained "some weight" over the years, but is in denial. At this point, when I first read this, as a person who has a great deal of weight to lose, I was ready to read the story expecting the usual books that talk about heavy people in a negative way. I pleasantly was surprised that this was relatable, entertaining and positive.
Peggy's daughter and son gift her a membership to a gym. At first, Peggy is ambivalent. Peggy decides she will go one time and see what she will do. Peggy does meet some people that become friends.
One of Peggy's goals is to visit her favorite TV Show, "Messages from Beyond" where a medium connects people to their deceased loved ones. Peggy feels if she can lose weight, she will be more confident to go on the show, so she can connect with her husband.
I love that the author discussed the importance of family, friends, support, and setting reasonable goals to be happy. I would highly recommend this entertaining, and at times, a witty book to readers who enjoy a thought-provoking story.
Diane Barnes, Author of "More Than" has written a refreshing, intriguing, heartfelt, and emotional novel. The Genres for this novel are Fiction and Romance. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her characters as flawed, and mostly likable.
Peggy Moriarity, a widow with twins ready to enter college, is enraged and shocked when her new doctor informs her that she is obese, and must lose weight. Peggy realized that she has gained "some weight" over the years, but is in denial. At this point, when I first read this, as a person who has a great deal of weight to lose, I was ready to read the story expecting the usual books that talk about heavy people in a negative way. I pleasantly was surprised that this was relatable, entertaining and positive.
Peggy's daughter and son gift her a membership to a gym. At first, Peggy is ambivalent. Peggy decides she will go one time and see what she will do. Peggy does meet some people that become friends.
One of Peggy's goals is to visit her favorite TV Show, "Messages from Beyond" where a medium connects people to their deceased loved ones. Peggy feels if she can lose weight, she will be more confident to go on the show, so she can connect with her husband.
I love that the author discussed the importance of family, friends, support, and setting reasonable goals to be happy. I would highly recommend this entertaining, and at times, a witty book to readers who enjoy a thought-provoking story.
September 25, 2020
What a brilliantly funny read - yet packed with honesty! I just loved everything about it!
Peggy Moriarty was widowed young and left with four year old twins to bring up on her own so it's understandable that they became the whole focus of her life. Now they will head to college in less than a year and Peggy's self-neglect has caught up with her when she hears the dreaded words 'You are obese, Mrs Moriarty' from her doctor. But Peggy is in denial; the odd treat can't hurt, surely? But circumstances - and people - conspire against her and before she knows it she finds herself joining a gym for boot camp. Who'd have believed it? Certainly not Peggy!
Like a lot of us, I've been overweight (losing the pounds at present) and if you are sick to death of people who infer that you are overweight, then this is the novel for you! It's not a preachy diet and exercise book - far from it! This is a very honest and extremely amusing account of one woman's life as she heads towards being a sole empty-nester dealing with high blood pressure. Peggy isn't an icon for the perfect, super-fit woman; rather she is just herself and it's an absolute pleasure to get to know her throughout this story. With a lightness of hand, Diane Barnes slips the reader into Peggy's life so easily making this is such an enjoyable, entertaining read. I couldn't find fault with it, and it left me with a fabulous feeling of light-hearted happiness. Such a feel good read, beautifully written and so well crafted that it definitely totally earns all five shining stars!
Peggy Moriarty was widowed young and left with four year old twins to bring up on her own so it's understandable that they became the whole focus of her life. Now they will head to college in less than a year and Peggy's self-neglect has caught up with her when she hears the dreaded words 'You are obese, Mrs Moriarty' from her doctor. But Peggy is in denial; the odd treat can't hurt, surely? But circumstances - and people - conspire against her and before she knows it she finds herself joining a gym for boot camp. Who'd have believed it? Certainly not Peggy!
Like a lot of us, I've been overweight (losing the pounds at present) and if you are sick to death of people who infer that you are overweight, then this is the novel for you! It's not a preachy diet and exercise book - far from it! This is a very honest and extremely amusing account of one woman's life as she heads towards being a sole empty-nester dealing with high blood pressure. Peggy isn't an icon for the perfect, super-fit woman; rather she is just herself and it's an absolute pleasure to get to know her throughout this story. With a lightness of hand, Diane Barnes slips the reader into Peggy's life so easily making this is such an enjoyable, entertaining read. I couldn't find fault with it, and it left me with a fabulous feeling of light-hearted happiness. Such a feel good read, beautifully written and so well crafted that it definitely totally earns all five shining stars!
January 21, 2020
“You are obese.”
Peggy Moriarty was stunned to hear her doctor say that at her last physical. Since her husband’s tragic passing fourteen years ago, Peggy has made her entire life about her two children and has let herself go. Now she’s facing life as a widow AND an empty nester because her two kids are headed off to college. When her kids give her a gift certificate for a boot camp class as a going away present, she’s pretty insulted... until she realizes that she could get back in shape and then go on her favorite show, Messages From Beyond.
The show is hosted by a so-called medium that corresponds with ghosts for a living and Peggy is sure that this medium can contact her late husband... however, she doesn’t want her late husband to see how much weight she has gained.
This one was a quick read and the character development was what kept me turning the pages. The first 80 pages were a little tough because Peggy is the most annoying kind of character at first. Before her kids left for college, I couldn’t stand her! Then, she made some major changes and it became impossible not to root for her!
Thank you @suzyapprovedbookreviews for the free review copy! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read or anyone that’s looking to make some healthy changes in your life - Peggy might inspire you!
Peggy Moriarty was stunned to hear her doctor say that at her last physical. Since her husband’s tragic passing fourteen years ago, Peggy has made her entire life about her two children and has let herself go. Now she’s facing life as a widow AND an empty nester because her two kids are headed off to college. When her kids give her a gift certificate for a boot camp class as a going away present, she’s pretty insulted... until she realizes that she could get back in shape and then go on her favorite show, Messages From Beyond.
The show is hosted by a so-called medium that corresponds with ghosts for a living and Peggy is sure that this medium can contact her late husband... however, she doesn’t want her late husband to see how much weight she has gained.
This one was a quick read and the character development was what kept me turning the pages. The first 80 pages were a little tough because Peggy is the most annoying kind of character at first. Before her kids left for college, I couldn’t stand her! Then, she made some major changes and it became impossible not to root for her!
Thank you @suzyapprovedbookreviews for the free review copy! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read or anyone that’s looking to make some healthy changes in your life - Peggy might inspire you!
November 6, 2019
Happy Monday Friends! I have another exciting feature coming to you today. More Than by Diane Barnes is a great story about finding yourself again. Thanks to @dianebarnes777 @katerockbooktours for this copy! .
Peggy has forgotten that besides being a mother she can be still be Peggy. So when her doctor calls her obese, she is shocked! She knows she’s let herself go a bit, but she thinks the young, skinny physician is exaggerating. Her husband’s death fourteen years ago left her to raise their twins, Grace and Greg, alone. But now that they’re teenagers, doing their own things, her only hobby is watching Messages from Beyond, a show about a medium who connects the grieving with their deceased loved ones. .
When the twins leave for college, they give Peggy a gift certificate for an exercise class. At first, Peggy is insulted. But once the sting wears off, she realizes if she gets in shape, she might gain the confidence she needs to go on her favorite TV show and talk to her husband one last time. .
With help from her new friends at the gym and Carmen Tavarez, the mother of Grace’s boyfriend, Peggy begins to emerge from her prolonged grief and spread her wings. She may soon discover that her sum is more than a mother, a widow, and her body.
Peggy has forgotten that besides being a mother she can be still be Peggy. So when her doctor calls her obese, she is shocked! She knows she’s let herself go a bit, but she thinks the young, skinny physician is exaggerating. Her husband’s death fourteen years ago left her to raise their twins, Grace and Greg, alone. But now that they’re teenagers, doing their own things, her only hobby is watching Messages from Beyond, a show about a medium who connects the grieving with their deceased loved ones. .
When the twins leave for college, they give Peggy a gift certificate for an exercise class. At first, Peggy is insulted. But once the sting wears off, she realizes if she gets in shape, she might gain the confidence she needs to go on her favorite TV show and talk to her husband one last time. .
With help from her new friends at the gym and Carmen Tavarez, the mother of Grace’s boyfriend, Peggy begins to emerge from her prolonged grief and spread her wings. She may soon discover that her sum is more than a mother, a widow, and her body.
February 13, 2020
Meet Peggy. She lost her husband 14 years ago. She’s a mom to twins. She defines herself by those two things. Three things, if she dares to look in the mirror.
“You are obese, Mrs. Moriarty.”
Stunned. Sure she’s gained a few since her husband died, but when her kids gift her with a boot camp membership she’s insanely insulted. But she wants to make contact with Patrick on her favorite psychic “Message From Beyond” TV show - and he wouldn’t recognize her this heavy, so she decides to give it go.
I’ll admit, I didn’t like Peggy in the beginning - I wanted to shake all the sense into her - but as I read on I soon came to adore her! And her friends are a hoot... Roni is the kind of friend that helps you hide the cheat foods and when you don’t get caught, she takes you out to celebrate with wine and cake!
It’s fun story that’s full of self-discovery, and some laugh out loud moments. It was inspiring and sweet and made me want to hang out with my best friends.
And it almost made me get up and work out for the first time in months. But then I remembered I am MORE THAN my body and ate some Cheetos.
“You are obese, Mrs. Moriarty.”
Stunned. Sure she’s gained a few since her husband died, but when her kids gift her with a boot camp membership she’s insanely insulted. But she wants to make contact with Patrick on her favorite psychic “Message From Beyond” TV show - and he wouldn’t recognize her this heavy, so she decides to give it go.
I’ll admit, I didn’t like Peggy in the beginning - I wanted to shake all the sense into her - but as I read on I soon came to adore her! And her friends are a hoot... Roni is the kind of friend that helps you hide the cheat foods and when you don’t get caught, she takes you out to celebrate with wine and cake!
It’s fun story that’s full of self-discovery, and some laugh out loud moments. It was inspiring and sweet and made me want to hang out with my best friends.
And it almost made me get up and work out for the first time in months. But then I remembered I am MORE THAN my body and ate some Cheetos.
December 24, 2019
Repulsed by Stereotype
I so wanted to like this book. I am a big fan of chick lit, and I love a story where a woman is able to lift herself up from her past and become a better, truer version of herself. I found myself massively annoyed at the author's use of cliches about overweight women. Honestly, I was thoroughly disgusted. Not every overweight woman crams her mouth with every unhealthful thing she can put her hands on, guzzling milkshakes and eating Pop-Tart after Pop-Tart. Seriously, is that what the author thinks an overweight woman does? Perpetuating the stereotype like this is harmful to overweight women, even if this is chick lit and read only by other women. Those who have read this book and have given it beaucoup stars will perhaps look scornfully at an overweight woman, thinking that she has not a thimbleful of restraint and only gorges herself. That couldn't be further from the truth. Seriously, shaking my head in disgust.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I so wanted to like this book. I am a big fan of chick lit, and I love a story where a woman is able to lift herself up from her past and become a better, truer version of herself. I found myself massively annoyed at the author's use of cliches about overweight women. Honestly, I was thoroughly disgusted. Not every overweight woman crams her mouth with every unhealthful thing she can put her hands on, guzzling milkshakes and eating Pop-Tart after Pop-Tart. Seriously, is that what the author thinks an overweight woman does? Perpetuating the stereotype like this is harmful to overweight women, even if this is chick lit and read only by other women. Those who have read this book and have given it beaucoup stars will perhaps look scornfully at an overweight woman, thinking that she has not a thimbleful of restraint and only gorges herself. That couldn't be further from the truth. Seriously, shaking my head in disgust.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
March 5, 2020
My favorite thing about Diane Barnes' novels is her dialogue – both the inner dialogue of the characters and the spoken dialogue between them. Barnes creates real, fully-fleshed-out characters, and the story flows easily and naturally from their (often humorous, sometimes maddening!) actions and interactions. Peggy, the main character in More Than, is very accessible -- but the supporting cast is also fun and three-dimensional. Even the boot camp instructor and the young man Peggy’s daughter is dating have surprising –- and welcome –- depth.
More Than starts slowly, and it is sometimes uncomfortable to watch Peggy struggle with emotional eating, but I'm glad Barnes took the time to create such a believable world. The payoff is all the better for the investment we make to get there -- so clever and tender! I could feel Barnes’ affection for Peggy and her friends -- and their challenges -- throughout this book, and I was sad to see them go when I reached the end, because I had grown fond of them, too. Henry deserves his own novel!
More Than starts slowly, and it is sometimes uncomfortable to watch Peggy struggle with emotional eating, but I'm glad Barnes took the time to create such a believable world. The payoff is all the better for the investment we make to get there -- so clever and tender! I could feel Barnes’ affection for Peggy and her friends -- and their challenges -- throughout this book, and I was sad to see them go when I reached the end, because I had grown fond of them, too. Henry deserves his own novel!
September 29, 2020
Diane has delivered another excellent book with a great character that becomes a friend to cheer on as she evolves through the story. Peg is dealing with the upcoming empty nest syndrome, as well as her weight problems, and continues to miss the love of her life, her late husband. She encounters several wonderful people who are there to help her along, including her children. Her transformation into a happy, thriving adult, who eventually enjoys exercise, is a great and uplifting story. The story includes some unexpected surprises that made me smile through to the ending. Thanks for another uplifting and hopeful book, Diane. Peg seemed like a believable and likeable friend and I would highly recommend this book to brighten your day.
November 16, 2019
As a fellow 5:45 boot camper, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. On the surface, it's about a widow who is determined to lose weight once her twins enter college. But it is so much "More Than" that. Diane masterfully conveys the various stages of grief, the turmoil parents face when their children leave home, and most importantly, how unexpected friendships can make such a profound impact. This is Diane’s third book she has published, and it is my favorite. I highly recommend this book!
November 16, 2019
More Than is such a thoughtful read with engaging characters! Just a few pages in and you'll be gripped with the need to know what happens to widow Peggy. After a chapter or two, you're on Team Peggy and rooting her on all the way. Diane Barnes has perfectly captured the diet battle and the mindset women of a certain age face, as well as the toll un-dealt-with grief takes and the lies we're willing to tell ourselves. It's a great read and a insightful journey.
November 1, 2019
Loved this!
November 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book a lot, but as a dog lover and a former owner of a Pit Bull, I cannot in good conscience not say something. I respect that all people are not dog people but to single out a breed as the author did is just not right. The main character Peggy does not really care for dogs and that's okay. In the story, there is a man who lets his Labrador off the leash where there are other people around (something I would never let my dogs do) and the Lab jumps on her and she gets upset and she has every right to. The part I did not like is when Peggy and Roni are out exercising and they come across a man walking his dog on a leash who happens to be a Pit Bull and the author writes "They catch up to a man with a pit bull. As they pass. the dog growls and lunges at them". A little bit later when Peggy is running back toward the man, his dog and Roni who had stopped to pet the dog the author wrote "Giving them a wide berth, Peggy waves as she passes them, thinking Roni's crazy. That dog could bite her face off.". There was no need to write that. There is no such thing as a bad dog only bad owners. Pit Bulls are really sweet dogs and when people choose to single them out like this it just upsets me.
The story is wonderful with how Peggy deals with her twins getting ready to leave for college. They buy her a gym membership for a boot camp course. As Peggy goes through "boot camp" she struggles with the 12-week program, learns how food affects her body and that it's a long hard process to lose weight. During the course, she becomes friends with Carmen (the mother of her daughter's boyfriend) who encourages her every step of the way. Carmens' life seems perfect to Peggy. As their friendship grows Peggy learns that nobody's life is perfect even though that is the persona that they want to portray to the world and not to be so judgemental and hard on herself She also is hooked on a show called Messages from Beyond and really wants to go to a taping of the show so she can hopefully have her deceased husband speak to her through the star of the show medium Lynda McGarry. This book made me laugh and cry and it made me want to go sign up for the boot camp class with Peggy, Carmen, Roni and the rest. I received an ARC for my honest review.
The story is wonderful with how Peggy deals with her twins getting ready to leave for college. They buy her a gym membership for a boot camp course. As Peggy goes through "boot camp" she struggles with the 12-week program, learns how food affects her body and that it's a long hard process to lose weight. During the course, she becomes friends with Carmen (the mother of her daughter's boyfriend) who encourages her every step of the way. Carmens' life seems perfect to Peggy. As their friendship grows Peggy learns that nobody's life is perfect even though that is the persona that they want to portray to the world and not to be so judgemental and hard on herself She also is hooked on a show called Messages from Beyond and really wants to go to a taping of the show so she can hopefully have her deceased husband speak to her through the star of the show medium Lynda McGarry. This book made me laugh and cry and it made me want to go sign up for the boot camp class with Peggy, Carmen, Roni and the rest. I received an ARC for my honest review.
February 24, 2020
Okay. First, this is my first Diane Barnes read and it certainly will not be my last. Second, this cover. This cover is life! It's a perfect depiction of the entire story. The caterpillar, the butterfly.......it was Peggy to a "T". This book was phenomenal and kept me hooked til the end!
I loved Peggy. I saw so much of myself in her. I sort of feel like that overbearing, overprotective mom of my two teenage sons. I'm also not ashamed to admit that my stomach is flat with a silent L. What can I say? I'm overweight. So, I totally related to Peggy. I loved watching her after she joined the gym. She "blossomed" from a lowly caterpillar into a beautiful, strong, independent butterfly.
This women's fiction novel is one that should not be missed by anyone. Peggy's story had me laughing out loud on many occasion while reading this and left me not only looking in the mirror, motivating me to get healthier, but to also know that I am more than. I am more than just overweight. I am more than just a mere existence. I am a beautiful butterfly. I think you should grab a copy of this amazing novel of self discovery and see for yourself while I'm now a fan of Barnes!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved Peggy. I saw so much of myself in her. I sort of feel like that overbearing, overprotective mom of my two teenage sons. I'm also not ashamed to admit that my stomach is flat with a silent L. What can I say? I'm overweight. So, I totally related to Peggy. I loved watching her after she joined the gym. She "blossomed" from a lowly caterpillar into a beautiful, strong, independent butterfly.
This women's fiction novel is one that should not be missed by anyone. Peggy's story had me laughing out loud on many occasion while reading this and left me not only looking in the mirror, motivating me to get healthier, but to also know that I am more than. I am more than just overweight. I am more than just a mere existence. I am a beautiful butterfly. I think you should grab a copy of this amazing novel of self discovery and see for yourself while I'm now a fan of Barnes!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
January 2, 2020
Exquisite. That’s the word that came to mind as I read More Than by Diane Barnes. I found myself rooting for Peggy, the novel’s protagonist, as she worked to transform her life, surprising herself perhaps more than anyone with the small and big wins experienced along the way. Through beautifully written prose and a cast of genuine and lovably flawed supporting characters, Barnes delicately peels away the layers of this middle-aged single mom’s struggle with compulsive eating to reveal unresolved loss and Peggy’s search to find herself.
As Peggy’s twins head to college, she faces some of life’s biggest questions: Have I been a good parent? Who am I now that my children are grown? Am I worthy of friendship? Love? Can I break the habits that are holding me back from the life I want? Barnes reminds us that the search for these answers is full of stops and starts, as Peggy often takes one step forward and two steps back - familiar territory for many of us. Still, Peggy persists, gaining confidence and strength as she opens herself up and moves through the struggle, which is especially inspiring as we embark on a new year and decade full of potential and possibilities.
As Peggy’s twins head to college, she faces some of life’s biggest questions: Have I been a good parent? Who am I now that my children are grown? Am I worthy of friendship? Love? Can I break the habits that are holding me back from the life I want? Barnes reminds us that the search for these answers is full of stops and starts, as Peggy often takes one step forward and two steps back - familiar territory for many of us. Still, Peggy persists, gaining confidence and strength as she opens herself up and moves through the struggle, which is especially inspiring as we embark on a new year and decade full of potential and possibilities.
February 11, 2020
Hands up if you’re an emotional eater.
Peggy Moriarty has been stuck in a bad cycle of emotional eating ever since her husband’s death more than a decade and a half ago. When her children leave for college, their gift certificate for an exercise class changes Peggy’s life.
I’ll be honest I really didn’t like Peggy when I started this book. She was obsessed with food and filled with hate and I was worried that this was going to be a body shaming book. But what I found, as I dug deeper, was a very relatable woman who had put her own life on hold and lost herself to motherhood and grief.
I loved that while this was a story of someone blossoming and finding themselves, it wasn’t the story of a fat, ugly duckling becoming a skinny, pretty swan. Peggy dealt with her issues, built relationships, and found herself again. As an emotional eater, mother and wife who has put myself last many times, I found a lot I could relate to in this book.
I recommend this one to emotional eaters, to those who have lost themselves, and to caretakers who give so much but don’t recharge.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Peggy Moriarty has been stuck in a bad cycle of emotional eating ever since her husband’s death more than a decade and a half ago. When her children leave for college, their gift certificate for an exercise class changes Peggy’s life.
I’ll be honest I really didn’t like Peggy when I started this book. She was obsessed with food and filled with hate and I was worried that this was going to be a body shaming book. But what I found, as I dug deeper, was a very relatable woman who had put her own life on hold and lost herself to motherhood and grief.
I loved that while this was a story of someone blossoming and finding themselves, it wasn’t the story of a fat, ugly duckling becoming a skinny, pretty swan. Peggy dealt with her issues, built relationships, and found herself again. As an emotional eater, mother and wife who has put myself last many times, I found a lot I could relate to in this book.
I recommend this one to emotional eaters, to those who have lost themselves, and to caretakers who give so much but don’t recharge.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2020
Thank you to High Society Book Club (FB) and to the author for this book.
Rounding this up to 3.5 stars. Also, loved the cover.
I loved this book about Peggy, an obese woman whose husband died 14 years ago in a airplane crash and is left with her 18 year old twins who are about to go to their late father's college in VT. She's still angry after all these years that she never said a proper goodbye. She wants to go on the show Messages From Beyond (like Long Island Medium) but feels too fat to do so. Her kids give her a gift certificate to a boot camp. She reluctantly goes but ends up going and meeting great women and men who she becomes friendly with, one of who is her daughter's boyfriends mother. One of the guys has a crush on her and she says she's not ready for dating after 14 years.
I laughed and then wanted to cry in others of her love for Patrick. All she wants to know is that she's doing a good job with her kids. She finally gets on the show and feels like the woman is a fraud. She's frustrated because the medium mentions things that has nothing to do with her husband but in the end it does.
Rounding this up to 3.5 stars. Also, loved the cover.
I loved this book about Peggy, an obese woman whose husband died 14 years ago in a airplane crash and is left with her 18 year old twins who are about to go to their late father's college in VT. She's still angry after all these years that she never said a proper goodbye. She wants to go on the show Messages From Beyond (like Long Island Medium) but feels too fat to do so. Her kids give her a gift certificate to a boot camp. She reluctantly goes but ends up going and meeting great women and men who she becomes friendly with, one of who is her daughter's boyfriends mother. One of the guys has a crush on her and she says she's not ready for dating after 14 years.
I laughed and then wanted to cry in others of her love for Patrick. All she wants to know is that she's doing a good job with her kids. She finally gets on the show and feels like the woman is a fraud. She's frustrated because the medium mentions things that has nothing to do with her husband but in the end it does.
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