Okay I did it again. I read this already but the cover was different so I didn’t realize it. I gave it another read.

I enjoy the author’s writing style. This was no exception. She writes characters you can relate with and put them in situations where people find themselves sometimes. You feel for them.

In this story there’s a wild fire, miscarriage, reinventing your life, it goes on. I am not giving details. Read and enjoy. I did.

My original read was in 2017, these are comments from that one.
Shreve has done it again. This story of a 1940s daily life of a family living in a small shore town. Then in a flash, everything changes. Small moments of triumph when the main character realizes she has power to determine the path her life will take. Suspenseful turns in plot keep you turning that page. What a wonderful read. Shreve fans will not be disappointed.

Sent to fill a wish of NancyNova in the wishlist tag game. I know you will enjoy it! Happy Reading and Happy BookCrossing!

wishlist tag arrived! thanks

rabck from dvg; set in the late 1940's in a Maine Coastal town, Grace is a housewife with 2 young children and a brute for a husband - but she thinks that's normal. A fire sweeps through the community, destroying hers and her mother's home. Grace manages to keep her children alive by retreating to the beach/surf but loses her baby. Her husband was with a group of men trying to build a firebreak and doesn't come back. At her wits end about what to do, they move in with some of her mother's friends, but when 2yo Clare becomes ill, Grace and Clare recuperate at a clinic - which provided Grace with a job. She also realizes that she can use Gene's deceased mother's home, as it's technically the family's & there becomes a lot more independent. Gene reappears toward the end of the book, returns to mistreating Grace and this time she has to strength to move out. I would have liked to know more about Gene's mother - there's a whole story there too. Why did she hide jewelry in her clothes' seams and hems? Why did she own such fancy dresses and furs? And the grand piano in the turret room -why was that there?

Heading out to another BC'r

Happy reading!

This book was waiting for me when I returned from vacation. Thanks for the RABCK.

It has been a few years since I read a book by this author. I have always enjoyed her books and this one did not disappoint. I had a hard time putting this book down.
Grace overcomes so many devastating events and becomes a stronger, independent person. She picked herself up by the bootstraps and did what needed to be done for herself and her children. I liked that she grew a backbone with Gene in the end.
Like a previous journaler, I would like to know more about Merle. Merle's story would make a great prequel to this book.

Wishlist tag sent to booboo123 in MI.

Received this book from dabercro yesterday. I love Anita Shreve's books