You know the old line from Jerry Maguire: "You had me at hello?"
Well this book had me at the title. Three words all in a row that reflect themes in my life.
Here: Be here. Be present. Quit always focusing on what lies ahead. Rest in this present you've been given.
Home: This place I've both loved and hated, longed for and longed to get away from. For many years I felt that home was a prison to be escaped-- needs and demands and responsibilities waited for me there. But then I changed and now home is my favorite place to be. I love all things home-- put home in the title and you've got a sale. The story of my conversion from home hater to home lover is a blog post for another time, however.
Hope: That elusive word that I try to latch onto no matter how many times it slips from my grasp.
And that cover? The hydrangeas! The bare feet! The porch! Swoon. Here's a summary of what the book's about:
Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors' seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly's own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.
From page one, Kelly's witty reflections, self-deprecating humor, and clever tactics in executing that plan--she places Post-it notes all over her house and car--will have readers laughing out loud. The next instant, however, they might rant right along with Kelly as her commitment to a sullen, anorexic teenager left on her doorstep tries her patience or as she deflects the boozy advances of a divorced neighbor. Readers will need to keep the tissue box handy, too, as Kelly repairs the damage she inflicted on a high school friend; realizes how deeply her husband, Patrick, understands and loves her; and ultimately grows into a woman empowered by her own blend of home and career.
Here, Home, Hope will surely appeal to readers of chick lit and other women's fiction titles who are ready to transition into something new in their own life.
(Disclaimer: this book is not Christian fiction. If you're looking for Christian fiction, hop over to http://www.shereads.org/ for some great recommendations!)
Well this book had me at the title. Three words all in a row that reflect themes in my life.
Here: Be here. Be present. Quit always focusing on what lies ahead. Rest in this present you've been given.
Home: This place I've both loved and hated, longed for and longed to get away from. For many years I felt that home was a prison to be escaped-- needs and demands and responsibilities waited for me there. But then I changed and now home is my favorite place to be. I love all things home-- put home in the title and you've got a sale. The story of my conversion from home hater to home lover is a blog post for another time, however.
Hope: That elusive word that I try to latch onto no matter how many times it slips from my grasp.
And that cover? The hydrangeas! The bare feet! The porch! Swoon. Here's a summary of what the book's about:
Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her middling middle-American existence and her neighbors' seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding. But Kelly's own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.
From page one, Kelly's witty reflections, self-deprecating humor, and clever tactics in executing that plan--she places Post-it notes all over her house and car--will have readers laughing out loud. The next instant, however, they might rant right along with Kelly as her commitment to a sullen, anorexic teenager left on her doorstep tries her patience or as she deflects the boozy advances of a divorced neighbor. Readers will need to keep the tissue box handy, too, as Kelly repairs the damage she inflicted on a high school friend; realizes how deeply her husband, Patrick, understands and loves her; and ultimately grows into a woman empowered by her own blend of home and career.
Here, Home, Hope will surely appeal to readers of chick lit and other women's fiction titles who are ready to transition into something new in their own life.
(Disclaimer: this book is not Christian fiction. If you're looking for Christian fiction, hop over to http://www.shereads.org/ for some great recommendations!)
5 comments:
Love this review! I think I would like it, Marybeth. I have read several of your suggested reads and have been very blessed. Thank you for helping me to locate treasures.
Blessings,
Cheri
I hadn't ever heard of this book before, but it sounds really, really good! I bet it's something that I would love, and I thank you for sharing it with us!
I have a copy of this book, I look forward to reading it, and I like your review!!
marybeth,
sounds like a great summer read...i love it by the cover alone! hope you are doing well!
hugs, mariel
I agree, I'm captivated by the cover and the title! Looking forward to reading it. By the way, our MOPS group (MOPS of Crosspointe, Cary, NC) just announced that our first book club selection will be your new novel. Whoot! Can't wait, I enjoyed the Mailbox so much.
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