"Stories That Bind Us" by Susie Finkbeiner
Synopsis:
"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:
Having been struggling with COVID-19 symptoms, "Stories That Bind Us" was a welcome escape and helped me get out of a reading slump.
I love the character development seen in this book, and the way things unfold primarily through the voice of Betty Sweet, a kind and loving soul who has a wonderful outlook on life, despite her hardships. I really enjoyed getting to know this main character and found her to be quite inspirational. I also loved reading about Betty's relationships with her in-laws and her nephew, Hugo.
An emotional and heartfelt tale, "Stories That Bind Us" made me smile, laugh, and shed tears of sadness and joy. This book carries a strong message of finding strength, hope, and faith amid life's most difficult moments.
This is a book I would like to revisit with my book club some time soon, at which time I will add more thoughts to this review.
My ⭐ Rating: 5 stars
I love the character development seen in this book, and the way things unfold primarily through the voice of Betty Sweet, a kind and loving soul who has a wonderful outlook on life, despite her hardships. I really enjoyed getting to know this main character and found her to be quite inspirational. I also loved reading about Betty's relationships with her in-laws and her nephew, Hugo.
An emotional and heartfelt tale, "Stories That Bind Us" made me smile, laugh, and shed tears of sadness and joy. This book carries a strong message of finding strength, hope, and faith amid life's most difficult moments.
This is a book I would like to revisit with my book club some time soon, at which time I will add more thoughts to this review.
My ⭐ Rating: 5 stars
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing/Revell in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful!