White Picket Fences
By Susan Meissner
Summary: Amanda Janvier’s idyllic home seems the perfect place for her niece Tally to stay while her vagabond brother is in Europe, but the white picket fence life Amanda wants to provide is a mere illusion. Amanda’s husband Neil refuses to admit their teenage son Chase, is haunted by the horrific fire he survived when he was four, and their marriage is crumbling while each looks the other way. Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away. Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?
Ok, so let me just say that this wasn't my favorite book. It isn't that is wasn't good, but I just had issues with how the author finished up the book. She took her time to build the characters and the story line. She intertwined them in great ways. I'm not going to give away anything from the ending, but I will say that it felt like the ending was rushed. That being said, I did like the rest of the book. The main characters are Tally and Chase, who are cousins who are thrown together due to unusual circumstances. They come from completely different backgrounds, and are practically strangers. Tally comes to live with Chase and his family when her Father disappears in Europe. Chase is dealing with memories of a house fire from years ago and Tally helps him through when he feels like his family can't or won't. At the same time, his parents are drifting apart because of the refusal to deal with issues surrounding the fire. There are secrets all around in this family and they are all destructive. It isn't until they all start to let go of the secrets that they find what they are looking for. I do recommend this book, just don't be surprised at the rushed ending.
I have one copy available to give away. Please leave a comment if you want to enter to win. I will be using Random.org to pick a winner on Sunday.
If you would like to learn more about this book or to purchase the book, go HERE.
Thank you Waterbrook Press for both copies of White Picket Fences. If you are a blogger who loves to read, click HERE.
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18 comments:
Hello. I found your blog through SITS. It sounds like an interesting read.
I'd love to read this book! Posted about it at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/11/white-picket-fences_12.html
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
I would LOVE to read this book....have read other books by Susan Meissner and have enjoyed them immensely. thanks for the opportunity to read this one.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com
I'd like to give this book a chance (and thank you for your honesty!)
derekannette at gmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway; I'd love to read the book!
phdserts at gmail dot com
look at you and the book reviews! fancy pants! thanks for visiting over at the crib for my black friday post. that's where i am at right now and slowly catching up :)
Good job on the book review and I'm glad you got it read in time to write your review.
I would like to try this book out. I have been wanting to try out her writing. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
HI, I'd love a chance at winning. Thanks!
Please enter me~This book sounds great!
deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com
I'd love a chance to win this book.
It looks like a good read.
:o)
pippirose59 at gmail dot com
Awe, bummer. I hate when books are rushed at the end, especially when they've been good books through out! Bummer!
This is one book I would love to read. Please enter my name in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
Disappointed about this book! I need a good read!
This looks like a great book. I would love to win Thanks for the chance :)
plb8156@aol.com
I know that feeling when a book wraps up too neatly and quickly. I always feel that the author couldn't figure out the ending and the publisher was on their ass to get it done, so they took the easy way out. After investing my time reading the book, I get very pissed off when I see this.
Well-done review!
I would love this book. I hope its open to Canadians. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
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