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Pieces of the Heart
In lyrical and evocative prose, the New York Times bestselling author of the Tradd Street novels takes the scattered pieces of a life and weaves them into a tale of hope... Caroline Collier is a woman bogged down in the harsh realities of a life barely lived. Stress from her all-consuming job as an accountant has given her panic attacks, forcing her to take a leave of absence from work. And though her chances of relaxing in the presence of her overbearing, perfect mother are slim, she joins her at the family’s vacation home in the mountains of North Carolina. Though Caroline loves the serene beauty of Lake Ophelia, peace of mind is not to be found. Memories of her beloved younger brother, who died when she was seventeen, continue to haunt her, while the tension between her mother and her still simmers. Only their neighbors, the husband and daughter of one of Caroline’s childhood friends, seem able to penetrate her cool reserve, giving Caroline the courage to face her biggest fears—and dive headfirst into life...
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
204 people are currently reading
3518 people want to read
About the author
Karen White
42 books7,551 followersWith more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
February 8, 2015
Perception.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, two of the main characters are already dead when the novel begins, the other characters are all dealing with their current life events as well as the deaths of the other two. I'm not sure, but I think the book is supposed to be about love and coming to accept and live with traumatic circumstances in life, while going forth with your life using that horrific event to make your life better.
My take on the book is that perception of circumstances in an event is what really makes the difference in our lives.
One event in life, perceived by a sister, a mother, a father,a child, a friend, or a lover is different for each person. That perception doesn't change the facts of what or how the event happened. The living with the perception throughout the person's life is what makes the event negative, positive, life altering, or deadly. When a person involved in the event holds onto their own thoughts without sharing those thoughts and feelings with the others involved in the event, that perception can become the only truth and possibly deadly for that person. However, when the people share and talk about their feelings, their perceptions of said event can allow the hearts to open and see, not only with their mind's eye but with the heart's eye.
So, in "Pieces of the Heart", Caroline has been stuck for 13 years in her trauma, never speaking of it, not allowing herself to move forward, living in this painful past. During 3 months in NC mountains, when she's supposed to be taking it easy due to some panic attacks, she learns to open and see with her heart's eye with the help of others whom she grows to love.
Karen White is a good writer, I enjoyed her style. She brought forth quite a few emotions in me, not an easy thing for a writer to achieve. I have one big negative to throw out to her and her editor, USC and UNC are NOT the same school. That was mixed up within a couple of chapters and they were used as the same university. Some people may not notice it, but if you are from SC or NC, you WILL notice and it will annoy you to no end.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, two of the main characters are already dead when the novel begins, the other characters are all dealing with their current life events as well as the deaths of the other two. I'm not sure, but I think the book is supposed to be about love and coming to accept and live with traumatic circumstances in life, while going forth with your life using that horrific event to make your life better.
My take on the book is that perception of circumstances in an event is what really makes the difference in our lives.
One event in life, perceived by a sister, a mother, a father,a child, a friend, or a lover is different for each person. That perception doesn't change the facts of what or how the event happened. The living with the perception throughout the person's life is what makes the event negative, positive, life altering, or deadly. When a person involved in the event holds onto their own thoughts without sharing those thoughts and feelings with the others involved in the event, that perception can become the only truth and possibly deadly for that person. However, when the people share and talk about their feelings, their perceptions of said event can allow the hearts to open and see, not only with their mind's eye but with the heart's eye.
So, in "Pieces of the Heart", Caroline has been stuck for 13 years in her trauma, never speaking of it, not allowing herself to move forward, living in this painful past. During 3 months in NC mountains, when she's supposed to be taking it easy due to some panic attacks, she learns to open and see with her heart's eye with the help of others whom she grows to love.
Karen White is a good writer, I enjoyed her style. She brought forth quite a few emotions in me, not an easy thing for a writer to achieve. I have one big negative to throw out to her and her editor, USC and UNC are NOT the same school. That was mixed up within a couple of chapters and they were used as the same university. Some people may not notice it, but if you are from SC or NC, you WILL notice and it will annoy you to no end.
November 2, 2009
Easily the best book I've read in some time.
Thanks to the bargain bin at Borders, this book came home with me for a mere $4.00--but I'd buy it at full price :).
White's writing is descriptive and flowing. Her characters are realistic and I could see the action as I was reading. The plot moved throughout the book, never lagging, and kept me turning the pages.
It's sad at times, light-hearted at others. And I closed the book and was happy with the outcome--wasn't too sappy, wasn't too forced. It's a nice fall read when you're curled up in bed or in front of a fire.
Thanks to the bargain bin at Borders, this book came home with me for a mere $4.00--but I'd buy it at full price :).
White's writing is descriptive and flowing. Her characters are realistic and I could see the action as I was reading. The plot moved throughout the book, never lagging, and kept me turning the pages.
It's sad at times, light-hearted at others. And I closed the book and was happy with the outcome--wasn't too sappy, wasn't too forced. It's a nice fall read when you're curled up in bed or in front of a fire.
June 17, 2009
A good story about relationships--parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends, but the book has several glaring errors, which made it less than enjoyable. For instance, USC and UNC (the universities of South Carolina and North Carolina) are used interchangeably, as if the author couldn't decide which she preferred. As a graduate of UNC, I happen to know the difference, and they're not even in the same state!
And, by the way, mountain laurel blooms are NEVER purple.
And, by the way, mountain laurel blooms are NEVER purple.
September 8, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. It is the 3rd book that I have read by this author and I think this story had more depth than the other two. The unraveling of the plot using the journal from the deceased mother of the 13 year old was a great way of tying the stray ends of the story together. Reading this book was kind of like peeling an onion - layer by layer the story unfolds healing old wounds and cementing fragile relationships. Good read.
April 10, 2018
Beautifully written - masterfully created blending of individuals and each of their unique lives into a story of incredible passion, pain, loss and utmost gain.
I have read several of Karen White's books and this is by far my favorite! A must read!
I have read several of Karen White's books and this is by far my favorite! A must read!
February 23, 2020
At first I was certain that it would be a three star book. The story was about relationships, but it took a while to develop and to uncover secrets. The ending was wonderful! I read a couple of reviews which complained about minor editing errors, but, in my opinion, they did not detract from the quality of the story.
March 22, 2015
I hate giving on books (even bad ones) but I had to give up on this one after struggling to get to the halfway point. The characters in this book are the most one-dimensional ones I have come across in a long time: an emotionally scarred man and women who meet and immediately dislike each other, but for some reason persist in seeing each other (and we know where that's going); and eccentric elderly shop owner, tough as nails; a teenage girl, wise beyond her years, who astonishes everyone with her insights. Part of me wanted to persist with the book in the hopes that the author was going to surprise me by doing something different with these characters, but with so many other books waiting for me, I had to give up.
December 7, 2010
I've read other Karen White books, so this one was no surprise. She's my fix when I need a heart-jerker story about the intensity of healing. She gets that life can give us lemons, but she writes a great recipe for lemonade. I love wallowing in the character's angst, then watching as the story unfolds in thoughtful complexity. I write a similar style, and I appreciate how hard it is to write evocative emotion and have it come out strong and not sappy. It's hard to find authors who delve into this level of complexity over painful issues. It would be much easier to treat the issues with blithe humor or to diminish the pain. She would probably get more awards and readers. But she's my gal because she sticks to the path less taken.
January 12, 2024
iLove this author! She portrays the hurts and scars of her characters, and the wounds to their lives so insightfully. I don't understand how she can represent the harm that the different hurts cause people so poignantly and accurately. The part of the story that I love though is that the supporting characters know how to love and encourage to bring healing to the wounded. She always ends her stories with the hurt being healed. We can each make a positive difference just by taking the time to understand and offer kindness. This story captures the ups and downs of a parent child relationship in two different families. Sometimes love is not understood because actions abd words are misinterpreted. Communication is so important for true understanding. Truths from the author that are worth considering; "find the one thing thst scares you the most, and do it"; " it is important to pay attention to the things in life that offer light and hope, and not to worry about the things you can't see" ; "so many people spend so much of their energy wishing for something they can't have that they ignore what they do have"; "only your heart can tell you you're doing something right".
November 30, 2020
Beautiful written and an incredible story. Kept me turning the pages until the end.
March 18, 2024
Audio Book but no Goodreads option
August 2, 2024
3.5. Sweet family story. I really like Karen whites books this one isn’t top of my list
September 4, 2025
I just love Karen White’s books. No shame. Amazing author that is able to put so much detail into so few pages. It’s never overwhelming but always well-done.
October 10, 2010
What an incredible story!!! I found this at the Bookworm and am glad it called to me.
The premise of losing your brother at an early age was what caught my eye. It didn't take me long to read and was predictable in some places but her take on grief and 'crying over the moon' were spot on for me. I'm well acquainted with grief and being the surving sibling of which Karen portrayed pretty realistically. Having misconceptions as to a parent's love for their children was also one that I related to. I'll be reading this one again soon to think more about the underlying issues as some of them were so emotionally charged for me that all I could do was wipe my tears and move on.
Although the ending was what I expected, there were many twists and interesting character developments that surprised me which made it very entertaining without making it cheesy. Somewhere in the story, I felt strength return to my own heart. Letting go of the past, learning to not pine over it so that your future is clouded was the largest piece for me. It took me 20 years to find my way out of the fog of guilt and remorse over what happened to my family. These topics are extremely deep wells and Karen did a wonderful job exploring the emotions and stumbling blocks with those of us left behind.
In the end, I felt that my heart had mended in some places and some of the missing pieces were not only found but put back to gether. I'll be snagging more novels by this author. She is one to consider for moving and compelling family issues.
Thank you Karen for helping me find a piece of myself that I had burried and giving me hope for a brighter future...come what may!
The premise of losing your brother at an early age was what caught my eye. It didn't take me long to read and was predictable in some places but her take on grief and 'crying over the moon' were spot on for me. I'm well acquainted with grief and being the surving sibling of which Karen portrayed pretty realistically. Having misconceptions as to a parent's love for their children was also one that I related to. I'll be reading this one again soon to think more about the underlying issues as some of them were so emotionally charged for me that all I could do was wipe my tears and move on.
Although the ending was what I expected, there were many twists and interesting character developments that surprised me which made it very entertaining without making it cheesy. Somewhere in the story, I felt strength return to my own heart. Letting go of the past, learning to not pine over it so that your future is clouded was the largest piece for me. It took me 20 years to find my way out of the fog of guilt and remorse over what happened to my family. These topics are extremely deep wells and Karen did a wonderful job exploring the emotions and stumbling blocks with those of us left behind.
In the end, I felt that my heart had mended in some places and some of the missing pieces were not only found but put back to gether. I'll be snagging more novels by this author. She is one to consider for moving and compelling family issues.
Thank you Karen for helping me find a piece of myself that I had burried and giving me hope for a brighter future...come what may!
September 22, 2012
I love Karen White's books, this book I had a hard time getting though. I did not like Caroline. The story itself was good, it had everything I liked. Mother, daughter drama, death and illness learning how to live again. If I had to give a reason it would be I did not like how Caroline was with her gift, she should have felt grateful a lot sooner instead of being so out of the living for so long. It was like feeling sorry for herself for all those years. I'm looking forward to reading another book of hers.
February 6, 2016
I initially gave this book 4 stars, as I found it really enjoyable. However, I find I am still thinking about it a few days after I finished it, and realized how much I liked it, and changed my rating to 5 stars. Karen White rarely disappoints me and I always start her books in a flurry of anticipation. This story of relationships, and feelings left unsaid, really reasonated with me. The characters were well written and believable. I laughed and I cried. There is no higher praise than that from me! Would highly recommend.
June 27, 2009
Chick-lit, written intelligently for intelligent women. A very good book for summer reading. Rarely do I care about all of the characters. But in this one I actually cared for each of them. None of them were completely perfect or completely flawed. The characters were well developed and used to their advantage. It was a bit predictable, but, non the less, very engaging.
March 4, 2014
A Piece of the Heart - Missed the Beat
I have always loved Karen White's books. However, I found this one much too predictable and I had the entire plot figured out during the first chapter. I was hoping for more and walked away with less. I can't say that I didn't like it, but it did not captivate me and draw me in like her normal stories
I have always loved Karen White's books. However, I found this one much too predictable and I had the entire plot figured out during the first chapter. I was hoping for more and walked away with less. I can't say that I didn't like it, but it did not captivate me and draw me in like her normal stories
September 1, 2007
This book is killing me to read. The author wastes a ton of words with her super-heavy foreshadowing...I'm so sick of reading about how "the past haunts her" and "she can never forget the past..." just tell me already what happened in the past and get the book over with!
January 21, 2015
I am a Karen White fan so I looked forward to reading this one. I wasn't disappointed. While it was an simple read without much complexity, the plot tugged at my heart. The characters were alive and will stay connected to me for quite some time.
October 25, 2018
I lost interest and stopped reading. The characters and story seemed to be going in obvious directions, and were getting there too slowly. I see why some people might like this author, but her writing is not for me.
October 1, 2011
Not that great and very predictable. Not one of White's best.
January 27, 2015
The pace was too slow for me, and the plot was predictable. Don't get me wrong - I have enjoyed most of Karen White's books, but this felt like a short story s t r e t c h e d into a novel.
December 28, 2017
I love Karen White. LOVE HER. But her description of quilting needs help! It irritated me through the entire book. This one is good, but not my favorite by her.
May 1, 2022
3.5 stars. This book was good but honestly the bulk of the intrigue was the last 100 pages and I wanted more reveals a little earlier on so I could connect with the characters a little more. This is about a woman named Caroline who goes home to her mom's beach house to relax after a forced sabbatical. She has a health condition that we find out about as the book unfolds, but again we get most of the details pretty late. She's staying with her overprotective mother. She had a brother, Jude, who was a golden child but he died at 17. He had a serious girlfriend at the time who has died as an adult, and Caroline meets her husband, Drew, and his daughter, Jewel. Caroline is a former swimmer who never swims, as is Jewel. Together they bond and work through their issues by swimming. Theres also the friendship between Caroline's mom and the dead woman's mom. Her name is Rainy and she's a cancer survivor and a quirky character. The first 200 pages of this book are just all the relationships getting established and the daily lives and then the last 100 is when all the secrets and drama come to a head. This was a good book but a little slow in the beginning. There are also bits that are pretty far fetched.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Caroline and Jude were in a car accident. He died and her chest was injured. She needed a heart transplant so she got Jude's heart. She feels guilty about the crash because he wasn't supposed to drive after multiple speeding tickets but she let him anyway. This guilt feels unfounded and a little dumb. Shelby, the dead woman, kept a diary and we see that Jewel is actually Jude's kid but she met Drew and married him right away so he and everyone else could think the baby was his. They have a very sweet relationship and Jewel is the one that finds out first and she's very reassuring to Drew that he's the only dad she needs. Shelby died of an aneurism and in the end Jewel has one too but its caught in time. Caroline learns to move on from the guilt and start living her life. Of course she and Drew end up together as well.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Caroline and Jude were in a car accident. He died and her chest was injured. She needed a heart transplant so she got Jude's heart. She feels guilty about the crash because he wasn't supposed to drive after multiple speeding tickets but she let him anyway. This guilt feels unfounded and a little dumb. Shelby, the dead woman, kept a diary and we see that Jewel is actually Jude's kid but she met Drew and married him right away so he and everyone else could think the baby was his. They have a very sweet relationship and Jewel is the one that finds out first and she's very reassuring to Drew that he's the only dad she needs. Shelby died of an aneurism and in the end Jewel has one too but its caught in time. Caroline learns to move on from the guilt and start living her life. Of course she and Drew end up together as well.
July 29, 2018
I'm giving this one 4.5 stars! This is my second Karen White novel, and I will be taking out more from the library for sure. She is so gifted at giving the reader a strong sense of setting; I loved the lake and the community surrounding it. And so enjoyed getting to know these complex and big-hearted and wounded women. White also knows how to use motifs and extended metaphors to deepen your understanding of the relationships and struggles and triumphs of her characters: and the loon, which is a motif in this book, is one of my favorite birds as well, attached to good childhood memories. Her characters develop and come into themselves slowly and realistically. Her writing is beautiful and poetic at times. So thankful for my friend Diane who introduced me to this amazing Southern author!
June 30, 2022
Like Ripples
No spoilers from this review…White writes in ripples. Each life flowing into another. Margaret into her daughter Caroline, Drew into his daughter Jewel. However, blockades negate strength and life from flowing. Not so with Rainy and Shelby(Jewel’s mother). Every character welcomes the ripples from those two lives. Misconceptions cloud Caroline past; choices haunt Drew but on a lake in the shadow of a mountain, barriers fade. Like threads in quilting squares each one links to another to forge relationships and futures. Of note:White’s humor in dialogue is a winner.
I felt medical details were stretched to fit a storyline but did not take away from the essence of an enjoyable, satisfying read.
No spoilers from this review…White writes in ripples. Each life flowing into another. Margaret into her daughter Caroline, Drew into his daughter Jewel. However, blockades negate strength and life from flowing. Not so with Rainy and Shelby(Jewel’s mother). Every character welcomes the ripples from those two lives. Misconceptions cloud Caroline past; choices haunt Drew but on a lake in the shadow of a mountain, barriers fade. Like threads in quilting squares each one links to another to forge relationships and futures. Of note:White’s humor in dialogue is a winner.
I felt medical details were stretched to fit a storyline but did not take away from the essence of an enjoyable, satisfying read.
August 18, 2025
I am an avid fan of Karen White, She never fails to deliver a great big hug with wisdom. Until now. I almost stopped reading this book, but plowed thru it with the hopes Karen could salvage the story. It didnt happen, in my opinion.
I could not stand the main character. She is so nasty and mean. And why? Imagine being so mad over a linen napkin verses a paper towel that you have to count to ten and do lamaze breathing! The most insignificant things would make her have a 2 year old temper tantrum. The maturity level of the character is a -50. There is enough anger in the world today and what I dont want is to read it in a book that is supposed to uplift the reader and hug the heart.
The storyline was very choppy as if Karen was in a rush to get any kind of story out there to make her fans happy and it shows. IF I didnt know any better I'd say Karen didnt write this book at all.
Sorry Karen, I was generous in giving you 2 stars.
I could not stand the main character. She is so nasty and mean. And why? Imagine being so mad over a linen napkin verses a paper towel that you have to count to ten and do lamaze breathing! The most insignificant things would make her have a 2 year old temper tantrum. The maturity level of the character is a -50. There is enough anger in the world today and what I dont want is to read it in a book that is supposed to uplift the reader and hug the heart.
The storyline was very choppy as if Karen was in a rush to get any kind of story out there to make her fans happy and it shows. IF I didnt know any better I'd say Karen didnt write this book at all.
Sorry Karen, I was generous in giving you 2 stars.
October 6, 2025
Just finished reading this Karen White book. It was dated 2006, so it was an older one. I have read quite a few of hers that I enjoyed more. It was a good story, it had all the things I like/ mother/daughter/generational relationships, takes place on a lake, heart wrenching problems...
I felt it moved a bit slow. I had figured out most of it about half way through. But it kept my interest until the end.Overacheiver woman moves to the lake with her mother so she can learn to slow her life down Overacheiver man moves to the lake with his daughter so he can slow his life down. Takes them most of the book to appreciate the small stuff!
I felt it moved a bit slow. I had figured out most of it about half way through. But it kept my interest until the end.Overacheiver woman moves to the lake with her mother so she can learn to slow her life down Overacheiver man moves to the lake with his daughter so he can slow his life down. Takes them most of the book to appreciate the small stuff!
August 17, 2020
Caroline Collier is a young professional suffering from crippling stress-related medical issues. When she takes some time off to heal, she returns to her family's North Carolina home to be with her mother who is... overbearing, but clearly kindhearted. The two have a fraught relationship since Caroline has always believed her brother, Jude, was their mother's favorite child. Jude died when the two were in their late teens, and it is a loss that Caroline has never quite recovered from. Caroline buried herself in work, her father bolted, and her mother has been just skimming along alone ever since.
Upon her return to town, Caroline meets the very charming Drew, who immediately rubs her the wrong way. Drew was married to Caroline and Jude's high school friend, Shelby, who has since died, leaving Drew to raise his teenage daughter, Jewel, on his own. While Drew knows a thing or two about loss, Caroline fuses to open up to him. However, Jewel and Caroline hit it off quickly once Jewel - an aspiring swim team member - learns that Caroline was somewhat of a child swimming prodigy. Unfortunately for Jewel, Caroline is harboring a painful secret which has prevented her from getting in the water for years. Jewel - a typical teenager - won't take no for answer when she asks Caroline to help her make the swim team, and Caroline finds herself surprised at how much she can learn from this young motherless daughter.
Caroline and Drew slowly begin to spend time together, share stories, enjoy nature, and break down each others' barriers. Caroline is a very tough character to like; she has the toughest exterior you could dream up, and she is honestly kind of nasty to those around her. It takes a long time for her to warm up to anyone, and as a reader, I'm not sure I ever warmed up to her! She treats those close to her with little respect, prioritizing the loss of her brother over anything in her life, refusing to be open to the possibility of happiness, and she has a history of making no time for anything but her work. Here in North Carolina, though, things move a little slower, secrets come out of the woodwork, and hearts just might be mended as a result.
Personally, Jewel and her grandmother are the two best characters in the entire book, and they bring a touch of humor to an otherwise serious, heartfelt tale of loss, redemption, healing, bravery, forgiveness, and love. This is a very raw, honest story that reminds us no matter what we are grappling with, we're never alone - all we have to do is let those in who love us.
Upon her return to town, Caroline meets the very charming Drew, who immediately rubs her the wrong way. Drew was married to Caroline and Jude's high school friend, Shelby, who has since died, leaving Drew to raise his teenage daughter, Jewel, on his own. While Drew knows a thing or two about loss, Caroline fuses to open up to him. However, Jewel and Caroline hit it off quickly once Jewel - an aspiring swim team member - learns that Caroline was somewhat of a child swimming prodigy. Unfortunately for Jewel, Caroline is harboring a painful secret which has prevented her from getting in the water for years. Jewel - a typical teenager - won't take no for answer when she asks Caroline to help her make the swim team, and Caroline finds herself surprised at how much she can learn from this young motherless daughter.
Caroline and Drew slowly begin to spend time together, share stories, enjoy nature, and break down each others' barriers. Caroline is a very tough character to like; she has the toughest exterior you could dream up, and she is honestly kind of nasty to those around her. It takes a long time for her to warm up to anyone, and as a reader, I'm not sure I ever warmed up to her! She treats those close to her with little respect, prioritizing the loss of her brother over anything in her life, refusing to be open to the possibility of happiness, and she has a history of making no time for anything but her work. Here in North Carolina, though, things move a little slower, secrets come out of the woodwork, and hearts just might be mended as a result.
Personally, Jewel and her grandmother are the two best characters in the entire book, and they bring a touch of humor to an otherwise serious, heartfelt tale of loss, redemption, healing, bravery, forgiveness, and love. This is a very raw, honest story that reminds us no matter what we are grappling with, we're never alone - all we have to do is let those in who love us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews