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| GIVEAWAY |
FINKBEINER, SUSIE
STORIES THAT BIND US
Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.
In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.
Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.
My Review:
Well, now, that was just...unexpected. I honestly didn't know what I was getting into when I began reading (er, listening.) This book hadn't even been on my radar until it was mentioned during a Reader's Choice Week and my hearty thanks to those of you who brought it to my attention! Because...wow!
What a sweet, gentle, moving story! Deeply layered in love of both the heavenly and earthly kind and all the complications and joys that brings. I deeply grieved for Betty's husband thanks to the power of Finkbeiner's words. And though this is a story about grief (and so much more besides!), it wasn't cloying or depressing, I felt sorrow but I also felt joy and took solace in Betty's stories -- both the ones she made up and the ones she remembered.
That title -- Stories That Bind Us -- exactly sums up the heart of this novel. We are all bound by the stories we live and the people we live them with.
Tavia Gilbert's exceptional narration enriched this 'read' for me. A perfect match for Susie Finkbeiner's evocative prose. Tears and laughter and a warm feeling of belonging about sums up my feelings.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Stories That Bind Us, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 22 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!
I would love to read this book. Great review, Kav!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Thanks, Melanie. It's an incredible read. Good luck!
DeleteSusie is a new author for me. Kav, Thank you for the excellent review.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
This is the first book I've read by her. She has a lovely writing style. Good luck, Caryl!
DeleteI love the cover and title! I look forward to reading this. Sounds like a lot of love in the story.
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
It's such an amazing story -- and so emotional. Good luck, rubynreba!
DeleteYes. Heard about this book. teshawATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteAll great stuff, I hope. :-) Good luck, Tammie!
DeleteSounds like I'll need to have my tissues at the ready.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422 at gmail dot com
There definitely are some teary moments. Good luck, Jana Leah!
DeleteVery Interesting
ReplyDeleteSounds like an Awesome Story
Thank You 💖 For the Chance to Win a Copy of this book 📚
iamabho AT gmail DOT com ☺💗☺
It's different from my usual read but lovely all the same. Good luck, Linda!
DeleteSounds like it ☺ Thank You
DeleteSounds good. Nice review. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Kim!
DeleteThat does sound like a good book to read. rrwalter34ATGMAILdotCOM
ReplyDeleteI love stumbling upon bookish surprises like this one. Good luck, Becky!
DeleteWould love to read this one. Thank you for sharing your wonderful review. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteDefinite a must-read, book twin. Good luck!
DeleteA new-to-me author last year, but very good!
ReplyDeleteeclitton at gmail dot com
I'm definitely impressed. Will be looking for more of her books. Good luck, Elizabeth.
DeleteStories That Bind Us was one of my favorite books from last year. Susie Finkbeiner's books are always quite good. I have a copy so no need to add me in for the book giveaway.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
It was such a surprise! What amazing storytelling skill. Thanks for adding your two cents worth, Pam.
DeleteA new to me author that I'd love to get to know better through her books. Sounds like a great read and one I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun when the cover doesn't reveal the story and after reading you can look at the simple design and smile.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I sure enjoyed discovering this new author. Good luck, Kay.
DeleteI'm someone who really enjoys "gently moving" stories, as you put it. Ones that simply make me feel deeply, but not necessarily in an angst-filled way. Loved your review, Kav. It sounds wonderful. I loved the simply cover, too.
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
OOoohhh -- then this is the book for you, Terrill. And yes, that cover is subtly beckoning readers. Good luck, Terrill!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteladysnowangelphotos(at)gmail(dot)com
You're welcome, LSA! Good luck!
DeleteI feel sad already - not sure if I could handle the grief part. Are there happy moments, too?
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely some joyous moments -- it's a beautiful journey through grief and relationships, all the ups and downs. It's not heavy -- more poignant and thoughtful with bursts of lightness that increases as the story progresses. Good luck, SIS!
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