The Good Nearby

by Nancy Moser

Sometimes good things are nearer than expected. Margery has a nothing job, a nothing marriage, and zero self-esteem. Angie has everything she could ever want, except a life of her own making. Talia is overwhelmed by her pregnancy, by handling her career, and by caring for her toddler and a home-bound husband who needs a new heart. Gennifer has a high-powered career and a family that's learned to fend without her. Gladys has never been married and approaches her golden years alone with failing eyesight. For the patrons of Neighbor's Drugstore, the key to a rich, fulfilled life is closer than they think, if only they can open their hearts to the good nearby.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Ebooks

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Nancy Moser is the author of 47 books. Her award-winning stories will inspire you to discover your unique God-given purpose. Her genres include fantasy, contemporary, and historical books, inspirational humor, and children's picture books.

A recent release, "A Slice of Sky" is the first book in the Last Call series, and is a finalist for a Christy Award. It begins to showcase five societies that know nothing about each other. They are different in all ways yet share a common destiny. The second book in the series, "A Count of Courage" is a finalist for the Imadjinn Awards.

A popular historical series is the Pattern Artist series about a group of women designing fashion in 1911-19 New York City. The first book ,"The Pattern Artist", was a finalist for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award.

Other historical titles include the time-travel stories "Where Time Will Take Me" and "Where Life Will Lead Me", and the Downton Abbey-inspired Manor House Series beginning with "Love of the Summerfields."

Her historical bio-novels allow real women-of-history to share their life stories: "Just Jane" (Jane Austen), "Mozart's Sister" (Nannerl Mozart),"Washington's Lady" (Martha Washington) and "How Do I Love Thee?" (Elizabeth Barrett Browning.)

Nancy’s contemporary books are known for their big-casts and intricate plotting. Some titles are "If Not for This, "An Undiscovered Life", "Senior Sisters", The Invitation", "The Sister Circle", "The Seat Beside Me", and "The Good Nearby".

Awards . . . "An Unlikely Suitor" was named to Booklist's Top 100 Romance Novels of the last decade. "The Pattern Artist" was a finalist in the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, "Time Lottery" won a Christy Award and "Washington's Lady" and "A Slice of Sky" were finalists. "Eyes of Our Heart" was a finalist in the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader's Choice Award.

Nancy and her husband live in the Midwest. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She is a fan of anything antique--humans included.

Website: www.nancymoser.com

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the author and have enjoyed reading some of her other books, but not this one. I don't know how many times I almost put it down, but forced myself to finish. There are about 9 main characters and each chapter is about a different character or characters as she introduces them. These people don't know each other and their lives aren't linked - at least not till toward the end. This makes the book hard to follow. Worse, one is introduced as a small child. It's not until the book is more than half over that you find out another character, an adult, under a different name is this child. The worst thing about this book to me is the false message it sends about God. Apparently, the only purpose for one of the main characters entire life was for them to die. In other words we're told that God created them, and gave them life in order for them to grow to adulthood and die so their organs could be donated to the other characters. No, that is not how our God works. I cannot recommend this book to anyone.

[Grace Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the most part, I thought this book was okay...

I probably wouldn't read again. I found it slightly confusing at times. I think if I would have read it all in one sitting, it might have made more sense to me. However, it did not capture my attention very consistently. It took me an incredibly long time to read because I would get bored with the plot and I would set the book aside for a couple of weeks.

[Mindie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was merely tolerating this book until I reached the end, at which time my apathy turned to irritation and disgust. It felt like the author couldn't figure out how to end the book, so she came up with the first thing she thought of, which was so 'cheesy' I almost chucked the book at the wall. I can't believe I wasted my time with this book.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Organ transplants and interconnected people in a small town. A few too many coincidences.

[Mary Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed aspects of the book, but found the Christian/religious overtone off-putting.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars to me. too religious for me.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lives of several women are woven together, who are all dealing with problems ranging from an abusive boyfriend, to failing eyesight, to an ill husband, to a secret illness that is pulling a family apart. In between their stories we hear the story of GiGi as a little girl growing up without much hope but who latches on to her Grandmother's comments about death, about being "the good nearby", about how she will one day have babies, and who for some reason in fixated with the number 96. Eventually the women form interrelationships and the way GiGi's past ties into the present becomes clear.[return]This was a sweet little story with characters that could be the people right next door. It was neat to see the way God was working behind the scenes. This would be a good story for someone who likes books about relationships, particularly among women, and how God can help us with everyday problems.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice story. The problem I had with it was that there were so many characters that I kept getting them mixed up. The confusion was intensified by the fact that two middle-aged women with key roles were named Gladys and and Gennifer. The lives of several women are woven together, who are all dealing with problems ranging from an abusive boyfriend, to failing eyesight, to an ill husband, to a secret illness that is pulling a family apart. In between their stories we hear the story of GiGi as a little girl growing up without much hope but who latches on to her Grandmother's comments about death, about being "the good nearby", about how she will one day have babies, and who for some reason in fixated with the number 96. The ending was a surprise but it tied the book together.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with another reader who said she enjoyed the book very much except for the ending. For a Christian fiction book, I found this one exceptionally well-written with layered characters and realistic conflicts. I always enjoy the messages in Christian fiction books, but sometimes the writing style is not as inspiring as the message. This one is an exception, and I am going to read another of Moser's books with the hope that I will find the same blend of good style with a Christian message.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by the author, Nancy Moser and I will be checking out her other books as this one was an excellent read.

She was able to bring depth to the characters and weave all their lives into one very compelling story. She shows the trials and triumphs of life with honesty and compassion, and has a way of making the reader care about these characters.

The last lines in the book summed up the thread of the book: "A life of self is death, the death of self is life."

[Beth Given · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of this book, but the execution wasn't so great. There were too many characters (many of them stereotyped to an extreme); I didn't feel any real connection to them. And given all the drama, it was all wrapped up just a little too neatly at the ending. A very quick read, though, and a Christian message.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iloved this book except fpr the ending. The characters were all flawed women who I could I dentify with in one or another. They all discoverd their strengths through their connection with the main character. The ending was too pat and predictable so I was let down at the end.

[Kristen]

This is very good book about 4 different types of people who have different situations happening in their lives. They all come together to find the answers to fulfill their dreams at a small town drug store.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly one of the best books I've ever read. People enter your life and leave your life for a reason. What a heart-warming story about a group of unrelated, kind people in a small town. Highly recommend.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a bit confusing at first, once I caught on to the way it was written, I absolutely couldn't put it down. I stayed up til 5 am to finish reading this book. With tears and then laughter through tears, this is one of the best, most hopeful books I have read in some time.

[Marsha Bernabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

YLove it!

I just read it again. I Will read it again. This story of a girl and God's plan for her life that includes the number 96 and her being the Good Nearby.

This book touches me deeply every time I read it.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational fiction

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot to say about how one person's life is so intertwined with those around her--excellent read!

[Danica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this cute book - uplifting and simple, with interesting (and simple) characters and a great message. I didn't even see the end coming til the end. Christian writer and a fast read.

[Kat Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book - I know the author personally! :)

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically a Hallmark movie in book form.

[Sarah Honkanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good Christian fiction, I found myself giving this to all of my friends, and had a nice surprise ending.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great Christian book that really surprised me at the end. Very encouraging about God's BIG plans for us and His largeness.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LIKED THIS. AFTER BEING INTRODUCED TO ALL THE CHARACTERS I COULD SEE WHERE IT WAS GOING TO GO AND I GOT SAD. EVENTHOUGH IT WAS SAD IT STILL HAD A GOOD ENDING. IT SHOWED GOD AT WORK.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but I felt like it was very predictable. I was sure Gigi was going to die and her organs would be used somehow and even more sure after it was revealed it was Margery.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy how Nancy Moser is able to weave the lives of several characters together.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! It had me hooked. Enjoyable.

[Karen Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read, inspiring. It wasn't exactly an unexpected ending, but powerful nonetheless.

[Lori Zitzelberger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't remember much about it which tells me it was only OK.

[Tamara Jones]

have kleenex on hand.