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Bernice Runs Away
Have you ever dreamed of running away?
Life hasn’t always been easy for Bernice, but she is reasonably content at the ripe age of eighty-one. She has raised two children, buried both her husband and son, and is doing okay despite a few minor health issues. When Bernice’s daughter, Sarah, insists the time has come for Bernice to forfeit her independence and move into her backyard carriage house, Bernice refuses.
“I have a perfectly good house in Arkansas. Why on earth would I move to Atlanta?”
Despite Bernice’s protestations, Sarah moves forward with death cleaning and estate sale planning as though Bernice has no say in the matter.
Bernice has plenty to say about a variety of things.
With Miss Fiona packed stem to stern with only those things that spark joy (thank you, Marie Kondo) and inspired by an old black-and-white photograph of her first true love, Bernice leaves her cozy home in Savage Crossing without a glance in the rearview mirror. And without a word to her family.
Once Bernice decides to run away, there is no telling what might happen next.
A charming story of second chances and the transcendent power of love, Bernice Runs Away clears away life’s clutter and gets to the truth of what is essential in life.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Bernice, but she is reasonably content at the ripe age of eighty-one. She has raised two children, buried both her husband and son, and is doing okay despite a few minor health issues. When Bernice’s daughter, Sarah, insists the time has come for Bernice to forfeit her independence and move into her backyard carriage house, Bernice refuses.
“I have a perfectly good house in Arkansas. Why on earth would I move to Atlanta?”
Despite Bernice’s protestations, Sarah moves forward with death cleaning and estate sale planning as though Bernice has no say in the matter.
Bernice has plenty to say about a variety of things.
With Miss Fiona packed stem to stern with only those things that spark joy (thank you, Marie Kondo) and inspired by an old black-and-white photograph of her first true love, Bernice leaves her cozy home in Savage Crossing without a glance in the rearview mirror. And without a word to her family.
Once Bernice decides to run away, there is no telling what might happen next.
A charming story of second chances and the transcendent power of love, Bernice Runs Away clears away life’s clutter and gets to the truth of what is essential in life.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2022
38 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read
About the author
Talya Tate Boerner
11 books179 followersTalya Tate Boerner spent twenty-five years as a Dallas banker before following her literary dreams back home to Arkansas. When she isn't writing, you can find her gardening, reading, or raising butterflies on her back porch. She lives with her husband and two miniature schnauzers in the stunning Ozark Mountains of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Third Act of Theo Gruene is her fourth novel.
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October 25, 2022
Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner
Eighty-one year old Bernice is being pressured by her daughter and son-in-law to throw her things away and move into a their backyard carriage house they are building for her. If she's going to have to ditch everything that is dear to her, why not do it her own way? Bernice runs away, taking her car, Fiona, and her cat, Dolly Parton. The past has been on her mind and in her dreams constantly and she's going to run towards the past.
So off Bernice and Dolly Parton go to the location of her long ago first love and to the location of her greatest loss. The first part of the book had me feeling so anxious, both because Bernice seems to have memory and disorientation problems and because I worried that Bernice was in over her head by taking off in such a hurried manner. But once Bernice gets to her chosen destination, I was able to settle in with her and the lovely people who become part of this new life. Plus, the past meets the present and that is handled in a very satisfying way. This is a lovely story and I liked that even the pushy daughter is written in such a way that I felt for her from the very beginning. She truly loves her mother and but is in over her head in her own life.
Pub October 1, 2022
Thank you to One Mississippi Press LLC and NetGalley for this ARC.
Eighty-one year old Bernice is being pressured by her daughter and son-in-law to throw her things away and move into a their backyard carriage house they are building for her. If she's going to have to ditch everything that is dear to her, why not do it her own way? Bernice runs away, taking her car, Fiona, and her cat, Dolly Parton. The past has been on her mind and in her dreams constantly and she's going to run towards the past.
So off Bernice and Dolly Parton go to the location of her long ago first love and to the location of her greatest loss. The first part of the book had me feeling so anxious, both because Bernice seems to have memory and disorientation problems and because I worried that Bernice was in over her head by taking off in such a hurried manner. But once Bernice gets to her chosen destination, I was able to settle in with her and the lovely people who become part of this new life. Plus, the past meets the present and that is handled in a very satisfying way. This is a lovely story and I liked that even the pushy daughter is written in such a way that I felt for her from the very beginning. She truly loves her mother and but is in over her head in her own life.
Pub October 1, 2022
Thank you to One Mississippi Press LLC and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 27, 2022
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No way does 81-year-old Bernice want to move from her house in Arkansas to live in her daughter's guest cottage in Atlanta so she "runs away". This story was so engaging and Bernice was such a charismatic character. She has lived through a lot and her spunky personality lets it show.
I was cheering Bernice on the entire time I was reading this book. I wanted her to have a good relationship with her family but I also wanted her to claim her independence and make up her own mind. Would you want to be forced to leave your home of 50+ years?
This is a character-driven novel and Bernice is a character who is a force to be reckoned with. At times heartbreakingly sad with snippets of laugh-out-loud moments, this book ticked all the boxes for me. I won't soon forget Bernice, spending time with her was pure joy.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Talya Tate Boerner, and One Mississippi Press, LLC for the giving of the ARC.
#BerniceRunsAway #NetGalley
No way does 81-year-old Bernice want to move from her house in Arkansas to live in her daughter's guest cottage in Atlanta so she "runs away". This story was so engaging and Bernice was such a charismatic character. She has lived through a lot and her spunky personality lets it show.
I was cheering Bernice on the entire time I was reading this book. I wanted her to have a good relationship with her family but I also wanted her to claim her independence and make up her own mind. Would you want to be forced to leave your home of 50+ years?
This is a character-driven novel and Bernice is a character who is a force to be reckoned with. At times heartbreakingly sad with snippets of laugh-out-loud moments, this book ticked all the boxes for me. I won't soon forget Bernice, spending time with her was pure joy.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Talya Tate Boerner, and One Mississippi Press, LLC for the giving of the ARC.
#BerniceRunsAway #NetGalley
October 1, 2022
“Johnny Cash, Tiger-Sam, Holly Golightly, Miss Tabby, Dolly Parton…”
Breathe in…Breathe out!
Whenever 81 year old, Bernice Hart is feeling a bit stressed, she recites the names of her beloved cats, past and present, until she finds some serenity.
But that may not be enough to do the trick if her well meaning daughter, Sarah has her way!!
You see, Sarah has given Bernice a book called “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo and suggested that Bernice begin to “death clean” in preparation for a move to Atlanta to live in the carriage house being built for her in her daughter’s backyard.
But Bernice isn’t ready to die, or to move away from her home in Savage Crossing, her community, her Church or her memories.
So, what does she do? She packs up her car, (“Miss Fiona”) with the few things she cannot live without, and her latest cat companion, “Dolly Parton” and sets out towards Cooper’s Bluff. (Check out the cute cover!)
She has rented a lake view cabin there, and she hopes to find both a new community to live in on her own terms, and maybe also a sense of closure in the place where she once experienced both great joy and great sorrow…in addition to her first love.
Perhaps she could also find out whatever happened to John Marvel, who always held a tiny piece of her heart…??
Although the road trip almost ends in a CATastrophe..she makes it there safe and sound and proves to everyone that she still has a lot of life left to live!!
Some of her choices made me downright nervous, as I feared that people would take advantage of her…but this is an UPLIFTING book, so no need to worry!!
Although I do think that readers of a “certain age” who have experienced some of the same challenges as Bernice might relate to this more than a younger reader-readers of ALL ages should find the story to be both delightful and charming!
I hated to say goodbye to Bernice by the end, as I really did enjoy the time I got to spend with her!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to One Mississippi Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Breathe in…Breathe out!
Whenever 81 year old, Bernice Hart is feeling a bit stressed, she recites the names of her beloved cats, past and present, until she finds some serenity.
But that may not be enough to do the trick if her well meaning daughter, Sarah has her way!!
You see, Sarah has given Bernice a book called “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo and suggested that Bernice begin to “death clean” in preparation for a move to Atlanta to live in the carriage house being built for her in her daughter’s backyard.
But Bernice isn’t ready to die, or to move away from her home in Savage Crossing, her community, her Church or her memories.
So, what does she do? She packs up her car, (“Miss Fiona”) with the few things she cannot live without, and her latest cat companion, “Dolly Parton” and sets out towards Cooper’s Bluff. (Check out the cute cover!)
She has rented a lake view cabin there, and she hopes to find both a new community to live in on her own terms, and maybe also a sense of closure in the place where she once experienced both great joy and great sorrow…in addition to her first love.
Perhaps she could also find out whatever happened to John Marvel, who always held a tiny piece of her heart…??
Although the road trip almost ends in a CATastrophe..she makes it there safe and sound and proves to everyone that she still has a lot of life left to live!!
Some of her choices made me downright nervous, as I feared that people would take advantage of her…but this is an UPLIFTING book, so no need to worry!!
Although I do think that readers of a “certain age” who have experienced some of the same challenges as Bernice might relate to this more than a younger reader-readers of ALL ages should find the story to be both delightful and charming!
I hated to say goodbye to Bernice by the end, as I really did enjoy the time I got to spend with her!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to One Mississippi Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
October 1, 2022
3.5⭐
“She wanted to live out the remainder of her life on her own terms.”
At the beginning of the novel, we meet eighty-one-year-old Bernice Byrd Hart, a retired librarian, in her home in Savage Crossing, Arkansas. Widowed for over two decades, she lives alone and her daughter, Sarah, married and settled in Atlanta, insists on her mother moving to Atlanta to be closer to her, even building a home adjacent to her own for the same purpose. Bernice is troubled by the idea of having to move to Atlanta even though she is in the process of decluttering her home (with a book by Marie Kondo as a guide on how–to) before her impending move. Despite her advanced age, Bernice is active and keeps busy in her community and church –group and despite her loneliness, she enjoys her independence.
“Sometimes you won’t know where you’re going until you get there.”
She packs her bags, withdraws her savings, and with her car “Miss Fiona” and her cat Dolly Parton proceeds to “run away” to a cabin on Lake Norfork, a destination that holds a special place in her heart. Over the next five weeks of Bernice’s life, we follow her adventures and misadventures, her experiences of meeting new people, deciding on what she wants her life to be like and how she exacts change to make it happen. At different points in her journey and the duration of her stay at Lake Norfork, Bernice’s memories of her youth, her first love, her marriage and the losses she has suffered are triggered and we get to know more about the ups and downs she has weathered over the years. We meet a cast of interesting characters, past and present who play an important role in Bernice’s life. Not only does this trip turn out to be cathartic for Bernice but also enables her to gain perspective on her present and future.
“Old friends possessed the unique ability to look into the past and see each other as they had once existed, fresh and young, unstained and mostly unaffected by life.”
Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner is a wonderful, heartwarming read. With humor, wisdom and insight, the story is told from Bernice’s perspective. Bernice comes across as real, relatable and lovable. It is easy to relate to her in her loneliness, her need for independence, and her need to deal with her past regrets and grief in her own way. The characterizations are spot-on and the author touches upon themes of loss and grief, aging, elder care, family and community with wisdom and compassion. Though the first half of the novel is a tad slow-paced, the story does pick up after the 50% mark. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I loved how the author chose to end the story on a positive and hopeful note
Many thanks to the author, One Mississippi Press LLC and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“She wanted to live out the remainder of her life on her own terms.”
At the beginning of the novel, we meet eighty-one-year-old Bernice Byrd Hart, a retired librarian, in her home in Savage Crossing, Arkansas. Widowed for over two decades, she lives alone and her daughter, Sarah, married and settled in Atlanta, insists on her mother moving to Atlanta to be closer to her, even building a home adjacent to her own for the same purpose. Bernice is troubled by the idea of having to move to Atlanta even though she is in the process of decluttering her home (with a book by Marie Kondo as a guide on how–to) before her impending move. Despite her advanced age, Bernice is active and keeps busy in her community and church –group and despite her loneliness, she enjoys her independence.
“Sometimes you won’t know where you’re going until you get there.”
She packs her bags, withdraws her savings, and with her car “Miss Fiona” and her cat Dolly Parton proceeds to “run away” to a cabin on Lake Norfork, a destination that holds a special place in her heart. Over the next five weeks of Bernice’s life, we follow her adventures and misadventures, her experiences of meeting new people, deciding on what she wants her life to be like and how she exacts change to make it happen. At different points in her journey and the duration of her stay at Lake Norfork, Bernice’s memories of her youth, her first love, her marriage and the losses she has suffered are triggered and we get to know more about the ups and downs she has weathered over the years. We meet a cast of interesting characters, past and present who play an important role in Bernice’s life. Not only does this trip turn out to be cathartic for Bernice but also enables her to gain perspective on her present and future.
“Old friends possessed the unique ability to look into the past and see each other as they had once existed, fresh and young, unstained and mostly unaffected by life.”
Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner is a wonderful, heartwarming read. With humor, wisdom and insight, the story is told from Bernice’s perspective. Bernice comes across as real, relatable and lovable. It is easy to relate to her in her loneliness, her need for independence, and her need to deal with her past regrets and grief in her own way. The characterizations are spot-on and the author touches upon themes of loss and grief, aging, elder care, family and community with wisdom and compassion. Though the first half of the novel is a tad slow-paced, the story does pick up after the 50% mark. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I loved how the author chose to end the story on a positive and hopeful note
Many thanks to the author, One Mississippi Press LLC and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 27, 2023
In
Bernice Runs Away
by Talya Tate Boerner, readers meet Bernice Bryd Hart, an 81-year-old widow living on her own in Savage Crossing, Arkansas. She’s been a widow for 20 years and lost a son when he was 18 in a car accident. Her daughter, Sarah and her husband Stewart live in Atlanta. They want Bernice to move into a carriage house they’re building on their property for her.
However, Bernice isn’t willing to lose her independence yet. However, she is using the decluttering book that Sarah gave her. With help from a friend, Marlene, Bernice makes good progress on organizing, donating, and trashing things that have accumulated. Bernice finds a picture of her first love, John Robert Marvel. They met at Lake Norfork in Mountain Home, Arkansas one summer. This is also the vacation spot she, Max, and their children visited for many years.
Bernice decides to run away and rents a cottage at the lake. She packs up her car, Miss Fiona, with things that bring her joy, including her cat, Dolly. What follows is a heartwarming and delightful story of Bernice as she thinks about and experiences love, family, friendship, second chances, forgiveness, change, and much more. Readers experience Bernice’s adventure with her. With some humor, unsteadiness, and determination, Bernice works through what she wants to do with her life and how she wants to live it. Will it be what you expected?
Overall, this engaging and heart-felt novel kept me entertained.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 1, 2022.
-----------------------------------------
My 3.81 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
However, Bernice isn’t willing to lose her independence yet. However, she is using the decluttering book that Sarah gave her. With help from a friend, Marlene, Bernice makes good progress on organizing, donating, and trashing things that have accumulated. Bernice finds a picture of her first love, John Robert Marvel. They met at Lake Norfork in Mountain Home, Arkansas one summer. This is also the vacation spot she, Max, and their children visited for many years.
Bernice decides to run away and rents a cottage at the lake. She packs up her car, Miss Fiona, with things that bring her joy, including her cat, Dolly. What follows is a heartwarming and delightful story of Bernice as she thinks about and experiences love, family, friendship, second chances, forgiveness, change, and much more. Readers experience Bernice’s adventure with her. With some humor, unsteadiness, and determination, Bernice works through what she wants to do with her life and how she wants to live it. Will it be what you expected?
Overall, this engaging and heart-felt novel kept me entertained.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 1, 2022.
-----------------------------------------
My 3.81 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
October 12, 2022
I downloaded this title expecting a bit of a madcap road trip with adventure and humor. What I got was actually better. Although Bernice is just a year older than my mother, I found that there were so many ways I connected with Bernice: 1) She is a former librarian. 2) She's downsizing. 3) She loves her cat (hers is named Dolly Parton -- extra points for that) 4) She has a rural, small-town backstory 5) Her church friends 6) Her family focus 7) She enjoys yummy treats like Possum Pie 8) She is willing to jump through hoops to get a library card.
While I read this I was also away from home -- very far away. My husband and I were visiting our missionary son and family in Latvia. We had some travel issues getting there, but it was worth the struggle to be with them. Like Bernice, I brought books with me (but not our cat). One book Bernice mentions often is Marie Kondo's. Although I have not read it personally, I learned some helpful things just by reading Bernice's story. It was a genuine delight to spend time with Bernice and watch her rediscover the things that were precious to her heart.
A big thank you to One Mississippi Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
While I read this I was also away from home -- very far away. My husband and I were visiting our missionary son and family in Latvia. We had some travel issues getting there, but it was worth the struggle to be with them. Like Bernice, I brought books with me (but not our cat). One book Bernice mentions often is Marie Kondo's. Although I have not read it personally, I learned some helpful things just by reading Bernice's story. It was a genuine delight to spend time with Bernice and watch her rediscover the things that were precious to her heart.
A big thank you to One Mississippi Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2022
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
Looking for a great story, with a character that I could root for, I certainly found it in Bernice!!
Bernice is a widow, still living in the house in Arkansas that she and her husband shared for 50 years. Her life is o.k. She has a great friend, Marlene, and also church friends that she talks to every week. She finds great companionship in her cat Dolly, but lately she has been feeling a bit tired of everything!
Her daughter, Sarah, who only wants the best for her mother, wants her to come and live in Atlanta where they are turning the carriage house into a home for Bernice.
NOT SO FAST – Bernice has no desire to move to Atlanta. She loves her daughter but is irritated that she seems convinced to talk Bernice into moving. She gifts her with a Marie Kondo book and, grudgingly, Bernice does start to do some clearing of closets, which is long overdue.
While cleaning she comes across a photo of her first love, John Marvel. She was just 17 when they had been young and in love while vacationing at Lake Norfolk. While John broke her heart, she has many fond memories of her summers at the lake.
Berice decides to run away – or perhaps forward – and decides to spend some time at Lake Norfolk. She is delighted when she contacts the owner of some quaint cabins right on the lake.
There is a lot more to this book than just the feeling of an older person being tired of their rather stagnant life.
While at the lake she finds a great shop and decides to upgrade her wardrobe and gets a new haircut in the process. She meets some new friends and connects with an old love.
What’s really happening is a kind of metamorphosis from “Old Bernice to New Bernice”. I will leave you to enjoy the novel and all of it’s surprises!
What I loved about this novel is that none of the things that Bernice does are out of character for an intelligent, fiercely independent 80 something woman. She has her aches and pains and has learned to live with them. She does learn more about herself, her past loves and how deeply she will forever feel the grief at the loss of her husband and son.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this great character and I hope that I will be as strong willed when I’m at that age as she is. With four adult daughters who often “caringly” suggest we no longer need such a large house, or maybe a vegan diet would be healthier for me – I know the feeling of wanting to continue to be my own person.
I can recommend this book for as a well crafted novel about moving on and moving ahead. Some changes are good and Bernice carries these changes back to Savage Crossing, Arkansas.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
#BerniceRunsAway
#NetGalley
Looking for a great story, with a character that I could root for, I certainly found it in Bernice!!
Bernice is a widow, still living in the house in Arkansas that she and her husband shared for 50 years. Her life is o.k. She has a great friend, Marlene, and also church friends that she talks to every week. She finds great companionship in her cat Dolly, but lately she has been feeling a bit tired of everything!
Her daughter, Sarah, who only wants the best for her mother, wants her to come and live in Atlanta where they are turning the carriage house into a home for Bernice.
NOT SO FAST – Bernice has no desire to move to Atlanta. She loves her daughter but is irritated that she seems convinced to talk Bernice into moving. She gifts her with a Marie Kondo book and, grudgingly, Bernice does start to do some clearing of closets, which is long overdue.
While cleaning she comes across a photo of her first love, John Marvel. She was just 17 when they had been young and in love while vacationing at Lake Norfolk. While John broke her heart, she has many fond memories of her summers at the lake.
Berice decides to run away – or perhaps forward – and decides to spend some time at Lake Norfolk. She is delighted when she contacts the owner of some quaint cabins right on the lake.
There is a lot more to this book than just the feeling of an older person being tired of their rather stagnant life.
While at the lake she finds a great shop and decides to upgrade her wardrobe and gets a new haircut in the process. She meets some new friends and connects with an old love.
What’s really happening is a kind of metamorphosis from “Old Bernice to New Bernice”. I will leave you to enjoy the novel and all of it’s surprises!
What I loved about this novel is that none of the things that Bernice does are out of character for an intelligent, fiercely independent 80 something woman. She has her aches and pains and has learned to live with them. She does learn more about herself, her past loves and how deeply she will forever feel the grief at the loss of her husband and son.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this great character and I hope that I will be as strong willed when I’m at that age as she is. With four adult daughters who often “caringly” suggest we no longer need such a large house, or maybe a vegan diet would be healthier for me – I know the feeling of wanting to continue to be my own person.
I can recommend this book for as a well crafted novel about moving on and moving ahead. Some changes are good and Bernice carries these changes back to Savage Crossing, Arkansas.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
#BerniceRunsAway
#NetGalley
December 8, 2022
"Bernice Runs Away" by Talya Tate Boerner is Women's Fiction story with a spunky main character!
Eighty-one-year-old widow, Bernice Hart, is planning to run away!
She's going through the motions of "death cleaning" her home to placate her daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Stewart, who want Bernice to move from her home in Savage Crossing, Arkansas to Atlanta, Georgia, where they're building a small home for her on their property.
While going through old photos, Bernice finds one of her first love, John Marvel, taken during a summer spent at Lake Norfolk when she was seventeen years old. She wonders why John broke her heart by never answering her letters sent all those years ago.
Bernice is determined not to go to Atlanta and without telling anyone but her closest friend, Marlene, she packs her car to the brim with her most cherished items, all her cash, her cat, Dolly Parton, and drives to a small resort cabin at Lake Norfolk.
Bernice wonders if John Marvel is still there...
I love Bernice and her little octogenarian self. She has such determination and dedication to her "runaway" project. It feels a bit wobbly, though, during her car ride with Dolly to Lake Norfolk, but mostly she's a pretty sharp cookie with incredible spunk!
While I did enjoy Bernice's story, the author takes a heck of a long time getting her to Lake Norfolk and allocates too many words for what's in her head. Her thoughts wander to superfluous verbiage that could easily be edited down to focus on the heart of the story.
Be warned, the pace is slow, most chapters are long, there's repetition about Bernice's past and present life, which adds up to a story I struggled to remain focused on each time I picked it up.
This story has great bones and I get a strong sense of the author's love for this character. I do recommend this charming book to readers who love Women's Fiction, with an interesting, mature main character and a story with a much slower pace.
3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, One Mississippi Press LLC, and Talya Tate Boerner for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Eighty-one-year-old widow, Bernice Hart, is planning to run away!
She's going through the motions of "death cleaning" her home to placate her daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Stewart, who want Bernice to move from her home in Savage Crossing, Arkansas to Atlanta, Georgia, where they're building a small home for her on their property.
While going through old photos, Bernice finds one of her first love, John Marvel, taken during a summer spent at Lake Norfolk when she was seventeen years old. She wonders why John broke her heart by never answering her letters sent all those years ago.
Bernice is determined not to go to Atlanta and without telling anyone but her closest friend, Marlene, she packs her car to the brim with her most cherished items, all her cash, her cat, Dolly Parton, and drives to a small resort cabin at Lake Norfolk.
Bernice wonders if John Marvel is still there...
I love Bernice and her little octogenarian self. She has such determination and dedication to her "runaway" project. It feels a bit wobbly, though, during her car ride with Dolly to Lake Norfolk, but mostly she's a pretty sharp cookie with incredible spunk!
While I did enjoy Bernice's story, the author takes a heck of a long time getting her to Lake Norfolk and allocates too many words for what's in her head. Her thoughts wander to superfluous verbiage that could easily be edited down to focus on the heart of the story.
Be warned, the pace is slow, most chapters are long, there's repetition about Bernice's past and present life, which adds up to a story I struggled to remain focused on each time I picked it up.
This story has great bones and I get a strong sense of the author's love for this character. I do recommend this charming book to readers who love Women's Fiction, with an interesting, mature main character and a story with a much slower pace.
3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, One Mississippi Press LLC, and Talya Tate Boerner for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
October 19, 2022
EXCERPT: Just before sunrise on a Friday like any other, Bernice Hart decided to run away from home. She’d started mulling over the notion shortly after the occasion of her eighty-first birthday. Now, as she opened her eyes to another day, Bernice discovered the idea had fully taken root in her mind. She would slip away undetected, not in search of one last great adventure, nor as an attention-seeking antic sure to upset her family. Bernice had only one goal: she wanted to live out the remainder of her life on her own terms.
ABOUT 'BERNICE RUNS AWAY': Life hasn’t always been easy for Bernice, but she is reasonably content at the ripe age of eighty-one. She has raised two children, buried both her husband and son, and is doing okay despite a few minor health issues. When Bernice’s daughter, Sarah, insists the time has come for Bernice to forfeit her independence and move into her backyard carriage house, Bernice refuses.
“I have a perfectly good house in Arkansas. Why on earth would I move to Atlanta?”
Despite Bernice’s protestations, Sarah moves forward with death cleaning and estate sale planning as though Bernice has no say in the matter.
Bernice has plenty to say about a variety of things.
With Miss Fiona packed stem to stern with only those things that spark joy (thank you, Marie Kondo) and inspired by an old black-and-white photograph of her first true love, Bernice leaves her cozy home in Savage Crossing without a glance in the rearview mirror. And without a word to her family.
Once Bernice decides to run away, there is no telling what might happen next.
MY THOUGHTS: This sounds like a hilarious jaunt. It's not. It's a quiet exploration of an elderly woman 'finding herself'; discovering what is important to her. There are some humorous moments along the way, but that's not what the book is about.
At the outset, Bernice seems like a pretty dull character. She has fallen into a rut and thinks she is perfectly happy there. But, determined not to be railroaded by her daughter into moving to Atlanta to live with her, she decides to run away - from everyone and everything.
At times I was worried about Bernice, particularly when she loses her cat, Dolly Parton, at a roadside stop. She doesn't exactly have a lot of life skills and undergoes a steep learning curve.
I really liked Jason's character. He owns the lakeside cabins where Bernice stays. He's reeling from a broken engagement - the woman even took his dog when she left! He's kind and thoughtful and keeps a close eye on Bernice, and helps her in her search for her first love, who had unceremoniously dumped her with no explanation!
I found it easy to empathise with Bernice in many situations. When she needs it, she has spunk and determination.
If you want a story with lots of action and romance, Bernice Runs Away isn't for you. If you want a delightfully quiet read about an elderly woman looking for a second chance at life - you've found it.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#BerniceRunsAway #NetGalley
I: @gracegrits @onemisspress
T: @GraceGrits @OneMissPress
THE AUTHOR: Talya Tate Boerner is a delta girl who grew up making mudpies on her family’s cotton farm in Northeast Arkansas. After thirty years as a commercial banker in Dallas, she returned to the state she loves and now lives in Fayetteville with her husband, John, and two miniature schnauzers, Gracie and Annabelle. She loves to cook and believes most any dish can be improved with a side of collard greens.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to One Mississippi Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'BERNICE RUNS AWAY': Life hasn’t always been easy for Bernice, but she is reasonably content at the ripe age of eighty-one. She has raised two children, buried both her husband and son, and is doing okay despite a few minor health issues. When Bernice’s daughter, Sarah, insists the time has come for Bernice to forfeit her independence and move into her backyard carriage house, Bernice refuses.
“I have a perfectly good house in Arkansas. Why on earth would I move to Atlanta?”
Despite Bernice’s protestations, Sarah moves forward with death cleaning and estate sale planning as though Bernice has no say in the matter.
Bernice has plenty to say about a variety of things.
With Miss Fiona packed stem to stern with only those things that spark joy (thank you, Marie Kondo) and inspired by an old black-and-white photograph of her first true love, Bernice leaves her cozy home in Savage Crossing without a glance in the rearview mirror. And without a word to her family.
Once Bernice decides to run away, there is no telling what might happen next.
MY THOUGHTS: This sounds like a hilarious jaunt. It's not. It's a quiet exploration of an elderly woman 'finding herself'; discovering what is important to her. There are some humorous moments along the way, but that's not what the book is about.
At the outset, Bernice seems like a pretty dull character. She has fallen into a rut and thinks she is perfectly happy there. But, determined not to be railroaded by her daughter into moving to Atlanta to live with her, she decides to run away - from everyone and everything.
At times I was worried about Bernice, particularly when she loses her cat, Dolly Parton, at a roadside stop. She doesn't exactly have a lot of life skills and undergoes a steep learning curve.
I really liked Jason's character. He owns the lakeside cabins where Bernice stays. He's reeling from a broken engagement - the woman even took his dog when she left! He's kind and thoughtful and keeps a close eye on Bernice, and helps her in her search for her first love, who had unceremoniously dumped her with no explanation!
I found it easy to empathise with Bernice in many situations. When she needs it, she has spunk and determination.
If you want a story with lots of action and romance, Bernice Runs Away isn't for you. If you want a delightfully quiet read about an elderly woman looking for a second chance at life - you've found it.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#BerniceRunsAway #NetGalley
I: @gracegrits @onemisspress
T: @GraceGrits @OneMissPress
THE AUTHOR: Talya Tate Boerner is a delta girl who grew up making mudpies on her family’s cotton farm in Northeast Arkansas. After thirty years as a commercial banker in Dallas, she returned to the state she loves and now lives in Fayetteville with her husband, John, and two miniature schnauzers, Gracie and Annabelle. She loves to cook and believes most any dish can be improved with a side of collard greens.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to One Mississippi Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Bernice Runs Away by Talya Tate Boerner for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 25, 2022
DNF @ 40%
In the beginning I was really enjoying this. Bernice is a doll of a character which makes not finishing this a very difficult choice but nothing is happening except Bernice reminiscing over her 81 years of life. Initially I found it charming but now I'm just bored to tears. My kindle says I still have over 4 hours to go so I've decided that I'm going to runaway from this book while I still have the chance. 🏃♀️
Thank you to NetGalley and One Mississippi Press LLC for my complimentary copy.
In the beginning I was really enjoying this. Bernice is a doll of a character which makes not finishing this a very difficult choice but nothing is happening except Bernice reminiscing over her 81 years of life. Initially I found it charming but now I'm just bored to tears. My kindle says I still have over 4 hours to go so I've decided that I'm going to runaway from this book while I still have the chance. 🏃♀️
Thank you to NetGalley and One Mississippi Press LLC for my complimentary copy.
August 12, 2022
In late October 2019, 81-year-old Bernice Hart decides she wants to live her life on her own terms partly brought on by her daughter Sarah’s insistence that she leave her home in Savage Crossing, Arkansas to live with her in Atlanta. Sarah also wants her to declutter the house she has lived in for over 50 years and has gifted her a Marie Kondo book. Yes Bernice, I’d want to run away too! Her memories lead her to the exact place she’ll run away to, Lake Norfolk, which holds a very special place in her heart. She books a cottage and packs her car, affectionately known as Miss Fiona, with things that bring her pleasure which of course includes her cat, Dolly Parton. She leaves her home with scarcely a backward glance to discover… Well, that would be telling!
This is a really charming book, you cheer Bernice on from the sidelines and revel in the experiences she has in and around Lake Norfolk. She is a fabulous character to spend time with and she’s a person you’d be proud to call a friend and share a drink or two with! It’s funny at times, the storytelling ranges from amusing, lively and joyous to on a couple of occasions the raw pain of grief. However, after a few hiccups along the way it’s a story of survival as a brand-new Bernice emerges complete with a new haircut and a capsule wardrobe. The pace isn’t fast, it meanders gently like Old Man River but as it’s a character study it perfectly suits the storyline. The ending is really good as Bernice goes in search of something which she uncovers and addresses things that need dealing with and she find the peace she craves.
I have to mention the fantastic setting in the Arkansas Delta, it’s so atmospheric and I really enjoy the journey though will pass on the pie! Lake Norfolk sounds wonderful and the author makes me feel as if I have visited it in person.
Overall, this has a bit of everything as it’s amusing, perceptive and emotional but also a happy book. I won’t forget Bernice is in a hurry.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to One Mississippi Press for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is a really charming book, you cheer Bernice on from the sidelines and revel in the experiences she has in and around Lake Norfolk. She is a fabulous character to spend time with and she’s a person you’d be proud to call a friend and share a drink or two with! It’s funny at times, the storytelling ranges from amusing, lively and joyous to on a couple of occasions the raw pain of grief. However, after a few hiccups along the way it’s a story of survival as a brand-new Bernice emerges complete with a new haircut and a capsule wardrobe. The pace isn’t fast, it meanders gently like Old Man River but as it’s a character study it perfectly suits the storyline. The ending is really good as Bernice goes in search of something which she uncovers and addresses things that need dealing with and she find the peace she craves.
I have to mention the fantastic setting in the Arkansas Delta, it’s so atmospheric and I really enjoy the journey though will pass on the pie! Lake Norfolk sounds wonderful and the author makes me feel as if I have visited it in person.
Overall, this has a bit of everything as it’s amusing, perceptive and emotional but also a happy book. I won’t forget Bernice is in a hurry.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to One Mississippi Press for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2022
81 year old Bernice Hart wants to run away from home & lead her last years as she wants to live her remaining years on her own terms.
She takes a few things with her that she has fond memories of including her beloved companion Dolly Parton. To keep her memory on check she memorises the names of her previous cats 🐈⬛ Johnny Cash, Tiger_ Sam, Go Lightly Miss Tabby & Dolly Parton great names I must admit.
Bernices daughter Sarah & husband Stewart have other plans for Bernice, they want her to downsize & move closer to them they are in the process of building her a carriage that is right behind their home… well you could imagine her response an out right no. Bernice wants to do her own thing she is not ready to die or to move away from her home in Savage Crossing just yet. Sarah gives her a book by Marie Kondo called The Life Changing Magic oOf Tidying up. this is to get ready for her move to her daughters place to live in their back yard.
So she gets her photos & whatever else she can put in her car ( Miss Fiona) and goes on her merry way she gets there without any problems but I think some of her choices are a bit scary luckily Dolly Parton keeps her amused.
She may even meet up with a long lost love John Marvel who she knew when she was young a lost love maybe.
I loved this book it was about long lasting friendships lost lives & was heartwarming .
She takes a few things with her that she has fond memories of including her beloved companion Dolly Parton. To keep her memory on check she memorises the names of her previous cats 🐈⬛ Johnny Cash, Tiger_ Sam, Go Lightly Miss Tabby & Dolly Parton great names I must admit.
Bernices daughter Sarah & husband Stewart have other plans for Bernice, they want her to downsize & move closer to them they are in the process of building her a carriage that is right behind their home… well you could imagine her response an out right no. Bernice wants to do her own thing she is not ready to die or to move away from her home in Savage Crossing just yet. Sarah gives her a book by Marie Kondo called The Life Changing Magic oOf Tidying up. this is to get ready for her move to her daughters place to live in their back yard.
So she gets her photos & whatever else she can put in her car ( Miss Fiona) and goes on her merry way she gets there without any problems but I think some of her choices are a bit scary luckily Dolly Parton keeps her amused.
She may even meet up with a long lost love John Marvel who she knew when she was young a lost love maybe.
I loved this book it was about long lasting friendships lost lives & was heartwarming .
September 25, 2022
I picked this book on a whim and while I enjoyed it, I didn’t love it.
Eighty-one year old Bernice is reasonably happy with her life in the town of Savage Crossing, Arkansas. Despite burying her son when he was only 18 and her husband, Max, quite some time later she has her friends, her church group, her current cat, Dolly Parton and her comfortable home. But when her daughter Sarah gives her a Marie Kondo book about death cleaning and tells her she and her husband are building a carriage house in their back garden for Bernice to move into - in Atlanta, Georgia, Bernice is horrified!
She has no intention of moving to Atlanta. But she does think de-cluttering her house is a good idea before she runs away! So she tidies up her affairs, packs her car, Miss Fiona, to the gills with things she absolutely cannot part with, and Dolly Parton of course and heads off to Cooper’s Bluff where she spent some wonderful summer holidays with her parents and where she met her first love, John Marvel. She has rented a Lakeview cabin and in the back of her mind she wonders if John Marvel is still around, he had abruptly stopped writing to her after they swore undying love and planned to get married!
After a trip with a few unplanned detours she finally arrives and is charmed all over again by the lake, the cabins and the very friendly caretaker, Jason.
So how does it go? Does she reclaim her lost love? Does she manage to smooth things over with her daughter? You will have to read the book. It was very heartwarming and an honest look at many of the issues surrounding ageing and family. It was a little on the pedestrian side and I do think it would appeal more to older readers. Nevertheless Bernice and her family, friends and Dolly Parton were engaging characters and the book had a positive slant towards life. Many thanks to Netgalley and One Mississippi Press for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Eighty-one year old Bernice is reasonably happy with her life in the town of Savage Crossing, Arkansas. Despite burying her son when he was only 18 and her husband, Max, quite some time later she has her friends, her church group, her current cat, Dolly Parton and her comfortable home. But when her daughter Sarah gives her a Marie Kondo book about death cleaning and tells her she and her husband are building a carriage house in their back garden for Bernice to move into - in Atlanta, Georgia, Bernice is horrified!
She has no intention of moving to Atlanta. But she does think de-cluttering her house is a good idea before she runs away! So she tidies up her affairs, packs her car, Miss Fiona, to the gills with things she absolutely cannot part with, and Dolly Parton of course and heads off to Cooper’s Bluff where she spent some wonderful summer holidays with her parents and where she met her first love, John Marvel. She has rented a Lakeview cabin and in the back of her mind she wonders if John Marvel is still around, he had abruptly stopped writing to her after they swore undying love and planned to get married!
After a trip with a few unplanned detours she finally arrives and is charmed all over again by the lake, the cabins and the very friendly caretaker, Jason.
So how does it go? Does she reclaim her lost love? Does she manage to smooth things over with her daughter? You will have to read the book. It was very heartwarming and an honest look at many of the issues surrounding ageing and family. It was a little on the pedestrian side and I do think it would appeal more to older readers. Nevertheless Bernice and her family, friends and Dolly Parton were engaging characters and the book had a positive slant towards life. Many thanks to Netgalley and One Mississippi Press for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
October 10, 2022
3.5 stars. Enjoyed the second half but the first was a slog. I really disliked what happened to Bernie when she was driving and felt some of it was unnecessary. Still had enough to keep my interest and finished it.
October 12, 2022
I can't wait for everyone to run away with Bernice!!!
June 6, 2023
This was a cute read of an octogenarian who is caught between wanting to live on her own, find her first love and what went wrong, and facing the move to live with her daughter in a new city and state. Bernice decides she is going to take matters in her own hands, she is running away! Back to the lake of her youth, to find the boy that broke her heart, and face the death of her son. But along the way Bernice finds more than what she was seeking, she find herself, she finds that the future and now is where she wants to be. New clothes, a new hairstyle, new friends, and a new look on life is how Bernice finds that her old life is just where she wants to be.
Thank you for the advanced copy from Netgalley and One Mississippi Press, LLC.
Thank you for the advanced copy from Netgalley and One Mississippi Press, LLC.
September 13, 2022
Bernice turned out to be one of the most endearing fictional characters that I have ever met.
Bernice is 81 years old. Her daughter is bound and determined that Bernice should move to a granny flat in their backyard, a few states away. And, Bernice is just as determined that she does not want to do that. So as the title says, she runs away!
The book is definitely character driven. The reader is privy to all of Bernice's thoughts. There is a lot of introspection on her part as she reminisces about her past and thinks about the present and future. Bernice is outspoken, she knows her mind. But she carries some baggage in her heart from years gone by.
I worry about Bernice, as I worried about my aging mother. She has memory problems. And, sometimes she doesn't make wise choices. We follow along with her adventure, sometimes a little meandering leading to misadventure. Bernice evokes emotions: pathos, admiration, concern, hope. But, such a sweet lady. In some aspects, she's trying to make peace with her past and herself. And, she does find peace.
The story sort of ambles along…..not for someone who is looking for thrills or lots of action. The pace picks up in the second half. I think I would describe it as a cozy read. It would be great to indulge in a Seven-Up with gin while reading.
The ending was almost satisfying. The thing that dissatisfied me was that I wanted to continue with Bernice so I could find out what became of her.
Bernice is 81 years old. Her daughter is bound and determined that Bernice should move to a granny flat in their backyard, a few states away. And, Bernice is just as determined that she does not want to do that. So as the title says, she runs away!
The book is definitely character driven. The reader is privy to all of Bernice's thoughts. There is a lot of introspection on her part as she reminisces about her past and thinks about the present and future. Bernice is outspoken, she knows her mind. But she carries some baggage in her heart from years gone by.
I worry about Bernice, as I worried about my aging mother. She has memory problems. And, sometimes she doesn't make wise choices. We follow along with her adventure, sometimes a little meandering leading to misadventure. Bernice evokes emotions: pathos, admiration, concern, hope. But, such a sweet lady. In some aspects, she's trying to make peace with her past and herself. And, she does find peace.
The story sort of ambles along…..not for someone who is looking for thrills or lots of action. The pace picks up in the second half. I think I would describe it as a cozy read. It would be great to indulge in a Seven-Up with gin while reading.
The ending was almost satisfying. The thing that dissatisfied me was that I wanted to continue with Bernice so I could find out what became of her.
January 29, 2023
Bernice is one of my favourite characters that I have read about! She is funny and quirky. This was a fun feel good read and I loved going on this journey with Bernice!
November 4, 2022
Lana Parker worked as the relationship/dating writer for a Los Angeles lifestyle website, Always Take Fountain (ATF). She had wanted to change over to writing about television, movies, and books, but her boss liked Lana right where she was. She recently broke up with her boyfriend of two years and she didn't have much positive to say about dating and relationships. One day her boss called a meeting to let the staff know that they had been bought by the LA Chronicle and a new writer was coming on board for a while. Seth Carson recently moved to LA to possibly work for the Chronicle, but first the paper wanted him to spend some time at ATF. The problem for Lana was that Seth was her first love. She dated him all through high school and when they broke up after leaving for college, her heart was shattered. She saw him again at their 10 year reunion. It was a disaster and she was still nursing hurt over that encounter. Having to see Seth at work was not going to work for her. Natasha, their boss, posed a dating competition between Lana and Seth for the job opening at the Chronicle. Lana was seen by her co-workers as a "serial monogamist" and Lana told them that Seth had become a "serial dater". Lana and Seth were to create a list of 10 tasks for the other to complete. Lana was to learn to be happy outside of a relationship and Seth was to find someone to settle down with. Natasha saw this competition as an excellent way to bring traffic to their site and boost ATF's reputation with the Chronicle.
I adored this story. Lana and Seth's history affected them years later and colored choices they currently made. The challenges set for each other were fun to follow. Natasha had them complete some of the challenges together and the time they spent together reminded them of their past friendship and love. The side characters were great as well. They added to the story and I loved the challenge banter in their Slack channel. I love a second chance romance and this one was excellent. This was my first book by Falon Ballard and I will be looking to read her other book, A Lease on Love, as well.
I received an ARC for Just My Type and want to thank Falon Ballard, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and give an honest review of this book.
I adored this story. Lana and Seth's history affected them years later and colored choices they currently made. The challenges set for each other were fun to follow. Natasha had them complete some of the challenges together and the time they spent together reminded them of their past friendship and love. The side characters were great as well. They added to the story and I loved the challenge banter in their Slack channel. I love a second chance romance and this one was excellent. This was my first book by Falon Ballard and I will be looking to read her other book, A Lease on Love, as well.
I received an ARC for Just My Type and want to thank Falon Ballard, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and give an honest review of this book.
September 21, 2022
Bernice has had a steady life, living for sixty years in the same house, in the same small town. Now her daughter is urging her to “downsize” and prepare to move to Atlanta to live in her backyard carriage house.. Bernice may be 81, with a new hip and some age related problems, but, oh no, she is not ready to give up! So she packs up Miss Fiona, her car, puts her cat Dolly in car carrier and leaves her home filled with its detritus of memories. She heads for the lake where she spent her childhood vacations and her years as a young wife and mother. She rents a cottage for the Fall and settles in, becoming friends with her young landlord and several other residents. And she changes herself, both her physical appearance and her emotional outlook.
How much did I love this beautifully written story? So, so much and you will too. It’s a transcending tale of change, of regrets and forgiveness. Bernice shows us that it is never too late to find happiness. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, One Mississippi Press LLC and Talya Tate Boerner for this ARC.
How much did I love this beautifully written story? So, so much and you will too. It’s a transcending tale of change, of regrets and forgiveness. Bernice shows us that it is never too late to find happiness. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, One Mississippi Press LLC and Talya Tate Boerner for this ARC.
August 16, 2022
An enjoyable, good wholesome book. So many books follow a prescribed format and this one is just perfect and not following a script.
Bernice's daughter wants Bernice to move from her home in Arkansas to a carriage house they are building for her behind the daughter's house (in a different state).
I started rotating between some books and this one finished ahead of some others (so it is a plus that it carried my attention to completion).
Once again, many thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to Talya Tate Boerner, an author that I had not previously read. I would definitely be interested in reading additional books from this author. Thank you to Talya Tate Boerner and her publisher One Mississippi Press LLC for approving my NetGalley request for the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. An enjoyable, good wholesome book. So many books follow a prescribed format and this one is just perfect and not following a script.
Bernice's daughter wants Bernice to move from her home in Arkansas to a carriage house they are building for her behind the daughter's house (in a different state).
I started rotating between some books and this one finished ahead of some others (so it is a plus that it carried my attention to completion).
Once again, many thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to Talya Tate Boerner, an author that I had not previously read. I would definitely be interested in reading additional books from this author. Thank you to Talya Tate Boerner and her publisher One Mississippi Press LLC for approving my NetGalley request for the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is Oct 1, 2022.
Bernice's daughter wants Bernice to move from her home in Arkansas to a carriage house they are building for her behind the daughter's house (in a different state).
I started rotating between some books and this one finished ahead of some others (so it is a plus that it carried my attention to completion).
Once again, many thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to Talya Tate Boerner, an author that I had not previously read. I would definitely be interested in reading additional books from this author. Thank you to Talya Tate Boerner and her publisher One Mississippi Press LLC for approving my NetGalley request for the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. An enjoyable, good wholesome book. So many books follow a prescribed format and this one is just perfect and not following a script.
Bernice's daughter wants Bernice to move from her home in Arkansas to a carriage house they are building for her behind the daughter's house (in a different state).
I started rotating between some books and this one finished ahead of some others (so it is a plus that it carried my attention to completion).
Once again, many thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to Talya Tate Boerner, an author that I had not previously read. I would definitely be interested in reading additional books from this author. Thank you to Talya Tate Boerner and her publisher One Mississippi Press LLC for approving my NetGalley request for the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is Oct 1, 2022.
August 12, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much, I didn’t want it to end! Seriously, when I was about 3/4 of the way through it, I set it down for a day or two because I couldn’t bear to finish it even though parts of me wanted to rush through to find out the ending.
From the cover, this looks like a cute little story about an elderly woman who gets in a car and goes on a fun adventure, but it was so much more than that.
Yes, Bernice a.k.a. Bernie is 81 years old and feeling her age. And yes, she packs up beloved belongings and “runs away” to the lake where she experienced love for the first time. There are whimsical people in her life, lighthearted references to popular tv shows like Ozark, and many cultural references to decluttering with Marie Kondo. Bernice even has a spunky cat named Dolly Parton!
While I found myself smiling often at the thoughts going round in Bernice’s mind, this book turned out to be much more than mere entertainment. It was and will continue to be a treasure trove of wisdom. The author invites us right beside Bernice on her journey, and along the way we learn right along with Bernice about carrying loss, speaking up for what one wants, family, true friends, and what it means to really belong to a place, to be part of a family and a community.
When this book is published, I am going to buy a paperback copy and read it again, making notes and highlighting certain passages. This is one of those books that will hold a treasured place on my shelf always.
I am 66 years old now and would like to announce to the world that when I’m 81, I hope that I am just like Bernice—-savoring life in all its wonder, heartache and glory, and continuing to let go of the past as best I can.
From the cover, this looks like a cute little story about an elderly woman who gets in a car and goes on a fun adventure, but it was so much more than that.
Yes, Bernice a.k.a. Bernie is 81 years old and feeling her age. And yes, she packs up beloved belongings and “runs away” to the lake where she experienced love for the first time. There are whimsical people in her life, lighthearted references to popular tv shows like Ozark, and many cultural references to decluttering with Marie Kondo. Bernice even has a spunky cat named Dolly Parton!
While I found myself smiling often at the thoughts going round in Bernice’s mind, this book turned out to be much more than mere entertainment. It was and will continue to be a treasure trove of wisdom. The author invites us right beside Bernice on her journey, and along the way we learn right along with Bernice about carrying loss, speaking up for what one wants, family, true friends, and what it means to really belong to a place, to be part of a family and a community.
When this book is published, I am going to buy a paperback copy and read it again, making notes and highlighting certain passages. This is one of those books that will hold a treasured place on my shelf always.
I am 66 years old now and would like to announce to the world that when I’m 81, I hope that I am just like Bernice—-savoring life in all its wonder, heartache and glory, and continuing to let go of the past as best I can.
December 1, 2022
A charming and delightful book! I throughly enjoyed this character driven book full of heartwarming moments.
Bernice is a fantastic character. I was fully engrossed in her tale both in the present and the past. As Bernice tells her story of running away she shares many flashbacks about her 81 years of life to give the reader a wonderful glimpse into this strong characters life. She is a lovable character that I enjoyed getting to know and I genuinely cared about her story.
The supporting characters give Bernice's story many moments of pleasure but there are a few that bring pain to her life. They help to bring Bernice's story to life and are people I also enjoyed getting to know.
This heartwarming book is easily one of my favorites that I have read this year. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and was sad to say goodbye to Bernice when the story came to an end. I highly recommend reading this book!
I am extremely grateful to the publisher One Mississippi Press LLC and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.
Bernice is a fantastic character. I was fully engrossed in her tale both in the present and the past. As Bernice tells her story of running away she shares many flashbacks about her 81 years of life to give the reader a wonderful glimpse into this strong characters life. She is a lovable character that I enjoyed getting to know and I genuinely cared about her story.
The supporting characters give Bernice's story many moments of pleasure but there are a few that bring pain to her life. They help to bring Bernice's story to life and are people I also enjoyed getting to know.
This heartwarming book is easily one of my favorites that I have read this year. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and was sad to say goodbye to Bernice when the story came to an end. I highly recommend reading this book!
I am extremely grateful to the publisher One Mississippi Press LLC and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for a honest review.
July 26, 2022
Bernice Hart, 81 years old, wakes up one fine Friday morning and decides to run away. Her predictable life in the Arkansas delta has become nearly melancholy, and as she looks around the house she shared with her late husband for decades, she sees how aging has affected its foundation as much as it has hers.
Then there’s her daughter, Sarah, pushing Bernice to move to Atlanta so that Sarah can keep an eye on her mother. Bernice has no desire to go, but getting that across to her headstrong daughter isn’t an easy task.
In the days that follow, Bernice, who’s been heeding the advice of the organizational guru, Marie Kondo, sorts through her closets and cupboards, unearthing boxes filled with decades of memories, including those of her first love, John Marvel. At the same time, she plans her escape.
What happens next is an adventure that takes Bernice away from her home, with her cat Dolly Parton in tow. Bernice faces challenges on the mountain highways, in the unfamiliar woods as night falls, and in a cottage by Lake Norfork, where she gave her heart and more to the marvelous John Marvel all those years ago.
The things Bernice learns about herself, her past, and even the secret her daughter Sarah holds allow her to see her future in a whole new way.
For anyone who’s dreading growing older, Bernice Runs Away will set you straight. At 81 years of age, Bernice makes new friends, tracks down her first love, and finds her life opening up in ways she hadn’t considered in years. And for anyone who’s ever wanted to run away, Bernice gives you plenty reasons why you should.
Boerner’s ability in describing the Arkansas delta and life in the south is pitch-perfect. Her keen eye for elevating the lives of octogenarians to the mountaintop where they belong is nothing less than stunning. I cheered for Bernice Hart, who decided that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. She broke my heart and then put it back together again.
This is the book we’ve needed for so long. It’s a celebration of aging, a reminder of the undying benefits of love and forgiveness, written by a writer whose knowledge of Bernice Hart, right down to her cat named Dolly Parton and her nightly 7Up and gin, seems almost magical. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start over, Boerner lets us know. It never, ever, ever is.
Marla Cantrell
Author of Early Morning in the Land of Dreams, winner of the Arkansiana Award for Adult Fiction
Then there’s her daughter, Sarah, pushing Bernice to move to Atlanta so that Sarah can keep an eye on her mother. Bernice has no desire to go, but getting that across to her headstrong daughter isn’t an easy task.
In the days that follow, Bernice, who’s been heeding the advice of the organizational guru, Marie Kondo, sorts through her closets and cupboards, unearthing boxes filled with decades of memories, including those of her first love, John Marvel. At the same time, she plans her escape.
What happens next is an adventure that takes Bernice away from her home, with her cat Dolly Parton in tow. Bernice faces challenges on the mountain highways, in the unfamiliar woods as night falls, and in a cottage by Lake Norfork, where she gave her heart and more to the marvelous John Marvel all those years ago.
The things Bernice learns about herself, her past, and even the secret her daughter Sarah holds allow her to see her future in a whole new way.
For anyone who’s dreading growing older, Bernice Runs Away will set you straight. At 81 years of age, Bernice makes new friends, tracks down her first love, and finds her life opening up in ways she hadn’t considered in years. And for anyone who’s ever wanted to run away, Bernice gives you plenty reasons why you should.
Boerner’s ability in describing the Arkansas delta and life in the south is pitch-perfect. Her keen eye for elevating the lives of octogenarians to the mountaintop where they belong is nothing less than stunning. I cheered for Bernice Hart, who decided that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. She broke my heart and then put it back together again.
This is the book we’ve needed for so long. It’s a celebration of aging, a reminder of the undying benefits of love and forgiveness, written by a writer whose knowledge of Bernice Hart, right down to her cat named Dolly Parton and her nightly 7Up and gin, seems almost magical. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to start over, Boerner lets us know. It never, ever, ever is.
Marla Cantrell
Author of Early Morning in the Land of Dreams, winner of the Arkansiana Award for Adult Fiction
August 19, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much!
This book has all the ingredients for a perfect runaway life laugh out loud!
Bernice steals the show full speed ahead as we are learning to know her quirks, life and just all around general personality. She absolutely tickled me pink!
Makes me admire Bernice all that much more!
I didn't want this book to end! It was way too good to put down!
This new to me author has me wanting more of her stories! I was sad to see this end.
I highly recommend! 5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks fir a copy of this sweet book. I was NOT required to write a positive review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book has all the ingredients for a perfect runaway life laugh out loud!
Bernice steals the show full speed ahead as we are learning to know her quirks, life and just all around general personality. She absolutely tickled me pink!
Makes me admire Bernice all that much more!
I didn't want this book to end! It was way too good to put down!
This new to me author has me wanting more of her stories! I was sad to see this end.
I highly recommend! 5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks fir a copy of this sweet book. I was NOT required to write a positive review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 8, 2022
This is a truly delightful book! I could not have loved it more. Bernice may be forgetting a few things, but she is the most level headed of characters. Her observations of the world around her and how it is changing are spot on. She is like your favorite auntie, or the lady who lived next door to you when. you were a child. You want to share a cup of tea, or maybe a gin and 7-UP with her. She shows that there is hope for no matter how old, and possibly senile, you may become. I received an ARC from Free Mississippi Press through NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to read this fun book. This did not influence my opinion of this book.
July 18, 2022
This is one of those rare gems that you can't put down, but take your time reading because you don't want it to end! The theme of aging and the struggle for independence is universal, but this story is so much more complex. One might be tempted to describe it as the coming of age tale of an octogenarian. It also deals with grief, forgiveness and loneliness in a way that is both human and relatable. Boerne is a master storyteller who uses humor and genuine Southern pluck to develop the characters and plot in a way that pulls you into the adventure right alongside Bernice. The desire for fullness of life, regardless of age, is dealt with poignantly, leading to fresh inspiration for grabbing hold of today while being mindful of our yesterdays. Hats off to Bernice, a brave - though at times reluctant - champion for an overlooked generation in today's fiction! And kudos to the author for creating a lovely read that simultaneously entertains and makes a lasting impression on the heart!
August 13, 2022
If you're a woman "of a certain age," you will definitely want to read this newest offering from Talya Boerner. Or, even if you're younger, Bernice Runs Away will certainly become a favorite read. At 81, Bernice faces the real possibility of continuing to live on her own in Arkansas or moving to Atlanta to live with her daughter, Sarah, she makes the choice to "run away" to Lake Norfolk to bring back some of those memorable moments she has shared. in summers past. It's a way of preserving her independence and allows her to grow in ways she didn't know she needed. We can learn so much from the way Bernice proves not only to her family but to herself as well, that she's fully capable of making the decisions that will direct her life. I want to run away with Bernice myself. It would be a grand adventure.
July 31, 2022
As the title suggestions, Bernice decides to run away from home-but Bernice is not a child, but a delightful and quirky 80 something year old with a family, a home and friends that love her. Why would a senior citizen decide to leave everything and everyone she knows to go on an adventure?
Bernice is a widow and lives alone with her cat in the house she and her husband first moved into when they were married. She has the support of her church friends and her good friend Marlene. Her daughter wants her to move to Atlanta and live in a carriage house she is building on her property so she won't be alone. But, of course, Sarah, her daughter, never thought to ask Bernice if moving in with her was something she wanted to do. And it isn't.
Bernice is tired of her old life. She reminisces about her summers as a teenager spent at Lake Norfork and her first love, John Marvel, who broke her heart. She decides she will move to the Lake and try to change her life.
She uses the techniques set out in Marie Kondo's organizational books (which I personally don't care for) but in a humorous way so it was not preachy like Marie can be, to decide what is important for her to keep and take with her to the Lake. She uses these techniques throughout the book.
Once at the Lake she makes new friends and discovers more about herself and what has been bothering her deep down over the years. She gets a new haircut, gets some answers about her teenage love, and sorts her family issues out. The author does a great job by making the story realistic, not magically giving Bernice all the answers she wanted but having her grow as a person and basically, tidy up her past and present life.
I truly enjoyed this book and read it in a day. It is not a thriller or a mystery book. It is purely a sweet family story starring a plucky 81 year old who reminds me of my own mother. I highly recommend this book. I give it 5/5 stars.
Thank you to One Mississippi Press and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this ARC.
Bernice is a widow and lives alone with her cat in the house she and her husband first moved into when they were married. She has the support of her church friends and her good friend Marlene. Her daughter wants her to move to Atlanta and live in a carriage house she is building on her property so she won't be alone. But, of course, Sarah, her daughter, never thought to ask Bernice if moving in with her was something she wanted to do. And it isn't.
Bernice is tired of her old life. She reminisces about her summers as a teenager spent at Lake Norfork and her first love, John Marvel, who broke her heart. She decides she will move to the Lake and try to change her life.
She uses the techniques set out in Marie Kondo's organizational books (which I personally don't care for) but in a humorous way so it was not preachy like Marie can be, to decide what is important for her to keep and take with her to the Lake. She uses these techniques throughout the book.
Once at the Lake she makes new friends and discovers more about herself and what has been bothering her deep down over the years. She gets a new haircut, gets some answers about her teenage love, and sorts her family issues out. The author does a great job by making the story realistic, not magically giving Bernice all the answers she wanted but having her grow as a person and basically, tidy up her past and present life.
I truly enjoyed this book and read it in a day. It is not a thriller or a mystery book. It is purely a sweet family story starring a plucky 81 year old who reminds me of my own mother. I highly recommend this book. I give it 5/5 stars.
Thank you to One Mississippi Press and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this ARC.
September 2, 2022
Coming October 1, 2022!
We’ve all had moments of wanting to run away. At age 81, Bernice actually does it. Bernice has had her fair share of struggles in life, but overall, has been fairly content with her life in small-town Arkansas, where she was born, raised, and plans to someday die.
She receives a rude-awakening when her daughter Sarah decides for Bernice that it’s time to sell everything and move into Sarah’s backyard bungalow in Atlanta. Suddenly Bernice feels trapped in her home, confident she’ll never get to make her own choices again.
Bernice realizes she is not ready to give up. So, she packs her car to the brim with her cat Dolly Parton, essential books, and heads out without a word to Sarah or friends, except her faithful bestie housekeeper, Marlene.
Next thing you know Dolly really runs away, Bernice begins “not-really-stalking” her first true love, throwing back a beer with the boys, creating a “capsule wardrobe,” and taking command of her life for the first time in decades.
Bernice Runs Away is an easy read about a quirky woman that teaches us we’re never too old to choose our own future and explore past “what if’s”. At first, I felt sorry for Bernice and wondered if I could finish a book with a heroine I pitied, but I soon realized that’s because Bernice felt sorry for herself.
She initially views herself as old, weary, taking up space. She slowly grows in confidence throughout the book. She begins to realize it’s never too late to start over and experience new things. And I begin to love her, even identify with her, throughout the book.
Talya Tate Boerner uses Bernice’s story as a reminder that insecurities are always present; whether or not we entertain them is entirely up to us. Our life is our own to live. She skillfully takes Bernice from living a life full of doubts and questions to a life of depth and adventure.
I appreciate the excellent job the author did painting visual images of Bernice’s world so I felt as if I were a fly on the wall. I could visualize myself smack dab in the middle of the diner or feel the cool breeze while overlooking the lake. The plot may not be attention-grabbing, yet Tayla keeps the reader engagingly immersed into Bernice’s world from beginning to end.
Overall, Bernice Runs Away is a fun, charming read that can be enjoyed by adults of all ages. It will keep you giggling through her routine life into her growth as a confident, stylish sojourner. Age doesn’t change anything. Get a pre-order now so you can curl up with it and a glass of 7Up and gin when it publishes in October.
We’ve all had moments of wanting to run away. At age 81, Bernice actually does it. Bernice has had her fair share of struggles in life, but overall, has been fairly content with her life in small-town Arkansas, where she was born, raised, and plans to someday die.
She receives a rude-awakening when her daughter Sarah decides for Bernice that it’s time to sell everything and move into Sarah’s backyard bungalow in Atlanta. Suddenly Bernice feels trapped in her home, confident she’ll never get to make her own choices again.
Bernice realizes she is not ready to give up. So, she packs her car to the brim with her cat Dolly Parton, essential books, and heads out without a word to Sarah or friends, except her faithful bestie housekeeper, Marlene.
Next thing you know Dolly really runs away, Bernice begins “not-really-stalking” her first true love, throwing back a beer with the boys, creating a “capsule wardrobe,” and taking command of her life for the first time in decades.
Bernice Runs Away is an easy read about a quirky woman that teaches us we’re never too old to choose our own future and explore past “what if’s”. At first, I felt sorry for Bernice and wondered if I could finish a book with a heroine I pitied, but I soon realized that’s because Bernice felt sorry for herself.
She initially views herself as old, weary, taking up space. She slowly grows in confidence throughout the book. She begins to realize it’s never too late to start over and experience new things. And I begin to love her, even identify with her, throughout the book.
Talya Tate Boerner uses Bernice’s story as a reminder that insecurities are always present; whether or not we entertain them is entirely up to us. Our life is our own to live. She skillfully takes Bernice from living a life full of doubts and questions to a life of depth and adventure.
I appreciate the excellent job the author did painting visual images of Bernice’s world so I felt as if I were a fly on the wall. I could visualize myself smack dab in the middle of the diner or feel the cool breeze while overlooking the lake. The plot may not be attention-grabbing, yet Tayla keeps the reader engagingly immersed into Bernice’s world from beginning to end.
Overall, Bernice Runs Away is a fun, charming read that can be enjoyed by adults of all ages. It will keep you giggling through her routine life into her growth as a confident, stylish sojourner. Age doesn’t change anything. Get a pre-order now so you can curl up with it and a glass of 7Up and gin when it publishes in October.
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