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2nd out of 32 books
—
10 voters
This Fine Life
It is the summer of 1959 and Mariette Puttnam has just graduated from boarding school. When she returns to her privileged life at home, she isn't sure where life will take her. More schooling? A job? Marriage? Nothing feels right. How could she know that she would find the answer waiting for her in the narrow stairwell of her father's apparel factory, exactly between the t...more
Paperback, 343 pages
Published
May 1st 2010
by Fleming H. Revell Company
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Free download for nook. I enjoyed this one, although the characters' lack of communication irritated me at times. Starting in 1959 when Mariette graduates from Catholic boarding school, it takes us through her whirlwind romance with an up-and-coming employee in her father's factory, their elopement, her husband's somewhat surprising decision to become a minister, and their difficult first year in a small town, striving to be accepted by their new congregation. Though Mariette was raised as a reg...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I really enjoyed this book. It was in a gruop of books that I'd bought a while back and I had picked it up because of the era in which it was set. I'm a sucker for mid-century (20th) stories. As I read I figured out it had a religious theme, yet it was not pushy at all and I quite enjoyed the plot and the characters.
I rarely read books written in first person, but this was one was perfectly suited for it. The book starts with a young graduate from high school from an affulent/upper middle class...more
I rarely read books written in first person, but this was one was perfectly suited for it. The book starts with a young graduate from high school from an affulent/upper middle class...more
I don’t think it’s giving away too much to tell you that Mariette, the very rich and upperclass protagonist, falls in love with a young man named Thayne who is beneath her social status. There are two love stories going on in this book: first, the love between Mariette and Thayne; second, the growing love between Thayne and God, a love which Mariette does not understand, which causes her to feel like outsider. Therein lies the real drama of the story.
I’ll be honest, it took me while to get into...more
I’ll be honest, it took me while to get into...more
Mariette Puttnam, 18 years old and newly graduated from boarding school, returns home to her pampered life in Meadow Grove, Georgia.
Mariette’s parents have high hopes for their daughter who they’ve pushed to be well bred and immaculately mannered. Mariette’s mother especially, hopes her daughter will climb the social ladder and land herself a wealthy husband.
Mariette isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life, but she isn’t thinking marriage. At least not until she meets Thayne Scott, her f...more
I’ll be honest. It took me a while to get into this novel. At first I was turned off by some of Mariette’s actions – especially with how she treated her parents at the start of the relationship – and eventual marriage to Thayne.
But as the pages (and years) fly by, and Mariette faces life as a young newlywed and then as a pastor’s wife, I found myself growing to like her as a character. I also found myself liking Thayne and the choices he makes throughout his life.
Overall, this story grew on me....more
But as the pages (and years) fly by, and Mariette faces life as a young newlywed and then as a pastor’s wife, I found myself growing to like her as a character. I also found myself liking Thayne and the choices he makes throughout his life.
Overall, this story grew on me....more
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I liked this book from the very beginning. It really gave me a sense of the late 50's early 60's - from the descriptions of the clothing that the characters wore, to the tables and chairs at the local hangout. A feeling of innocence pervaded the first section of the book. This innocence also carried over into the feelings that Thayne and Mariette shared for one another. Though her parents did not approve of their relationship - because they were of different social standings and because of a se...more
When Mariette Puttnam graduates from an exclusive boarding school and returns to her family, she faces a future full of unknown and exciting possibilities. But if her parents have any say in the matter, her future will be carefully channeled – her father wants her to continue her education and join him in the family business, while her mother wants to find her a very proper Southern husband so she can begin the very proper occupation of raising a family. However, a chance meeting with Thayne Sco...more
Title: THIS FINE LIFE
Author: Eva Marie Everson
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3276-5
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
Mariette Puttman graduated from boarding school in 1959 and headed home to—what? Her mother believes she should be married off to the first eligible bachelor, and her father says this is a different age. Mariette can go to college, or get a career, or do whatever she wants. But unfortunately, Mariette isn’t sure what she wants.
When her daddy invites her to join her for lunch...more
Author: Eva Marie Everson
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3276-5
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
Mariette Puttman graduated from boarding school in 1959 and headed home to—what? Her mother believes she should be married off to the first eligible bachelor, and her father says this is a different age. Mariette can go to college, or get a career, or do whatever she wants. But unfortunately, Mariette isn’t sure what she wants.
When her daddy invites her to join her for lunch...more
This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson is a great story that surrounds a journey of love, loyalty, and determination. Mariette, the main character and whose perspective tells the story, is a believable character. Struggles of obedience, purpose, emotion, submission all face this young woman at the beginning of the book. It started a little slow, but since the prologue was curious, I read on. It wasn’t long before I was caught up in the tale.
The book is divided into segments which mark different pha...more
The book is divided into segments which mark different pha...more
May 16, 2010
Molly
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone!!!!!!!!!
Recommended to Molly by:
Revell
Shelves:
book-review
Immediate capturing of my sould, my mind, my heart. That is the best way to say what I felt when I opened this book to read it. I very rarely find a book I absolutely hate (although it will happen from time to time!) and I assure you that this book absolutely, positively DOES NOT fall in to that category. I LOVED IT!!! While I admit that I am more partial to Amish and romantic Christian suspense, I do like these dramatic type novels thrown in.
Eva Marie Everson shows fine skills as she creates a...more
Eva Marie Everson shows fine skills as she creates a...more
The description on the back cover of this book is pretty vague, so I really had no idea what to expect or where this story would go. I really liked that about this book because watching this story unfold page by page was so much more enjoyable than knowing the whole story ahead of time. And what a wonderful story this is! I want to keep my review of This Fine Life vague just as the publisher did on the back cover because I think part of the joy of reading this story is not knowing where God will...more
This was another free Kindle book. I liked the author's writing style and use of description. However, even though the book was set in the 60s, it was almost easy to forget that altogether, if not for a few mentions of houses that still had outhouses and the assassination of Kennedy (which was mentioned briefly and then not brought up again). I felt as though the author used description of wardrobe choices to anchor the story in the past, but there really needed to be something beyond that.
I en...more
I en...more
Character development = 1
Story development = 0
The only reason I gave this book three stars is because I fell in love with Mariette. Even though this book is set in the 1960's and our protagonist is married, I still related to her situation so much. I can not say much for the writing style of this author or the long drawn out story that doesn't pick up until about the last 50 pages...but Mariette's story is definitely worth dredging through everything else.
There is much to be said about the unde...more
Story development = 0
The only reason I gave this book three stars is because I fell in love with Mariette. Even though this book is set in the 1960's and our protagonist is married, I still related to her situation so much. I can not say much for the writing style of this author or the long drawn out story that doesn't pick up until about the last 50 pages...but Mariette's story is definitely worth dredging through everything else.
There is much to be said about the unde...more
Reading this book was fun. I loved the writing style. I liked how Everson started from the end and then had Mariette live through everything and then literally brought the reader back the star of the book. I was engaged the whole time wondering what happened between Thayne and Mariette. This was a very good way to write a book that didn't have anything bad happen. It caused the reader to keep reading to see "what did happen" because the way the story started in the beginning, the reader assumes...more
Mariette's parents had conflicting aspirations for their only daughter. Her mother felt she should marry a man of "means" and take her place among the community as a dutiful housewife and philanthropist. Her father dreamed of her obtaining a college degree and eventually running the family business. Both dreams were dashed the summer that Mariette decided to run away with the love of her life, Thayne and get married. After coming to terms with the decision they've made, Thayne and Mariette sett...more
I really enjoyed This Fine Life by Eva Everson. She writes in such a way that I felt the emotions of Mariette. The angst, anxiety, passion, love and frustrations, they were very real.
Mariette graduates from boarding school, returns to her privileged life and meets a dashing young man who is "beneath her." Her parents totally disapprove leaving her to make some hard decisions.
My favorite part, the epiphany of the whole story, so to speak, is when the elderly gentleman in her life tells her some o...more
Mariette graduates from boarding school, returns to her privileged life and meets a dashing young man who is "beneath her." Her parents totally disapprove leaving her to make some hard decisions.
My favorite part, the epiphany of the whole story, so to speak, is when the elderly gentleman in her life tells her some o...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I was not sure how I was gonna feel about this book or how I was gonna enjoy it. Turns out it is a new favorite and I have another favorite author. I loved this book. I think this book can speak to a variety of people. It can speak to those who do not yet know God and are struggling with that. It can also speak to those who have known God for a while, it can help them to have compassion and understanding of those who do not yet know God, or to those who have become complacent with God. Through o...more
The plot of this book was interesting, but I thought it ended abruptly. Suddenly she goes through a crisis, her prayer is answered and it's all ok! I appreciated the portrayal of the main character's feelings of rejection and being overlooked. I love to read things like that I can empathize with.
It was a bit annoying how the book kept tying in to events of the time - Elvis, JFK, the invention of color TV.
Also, it really bothered me that Thayne was always making important decisions without even c...more
It was a bit annoying how the book kept tying in to events of the time - Elvis, JFK, the invention of color TV.
Also, it really bothered me that Thayne was always making important decisions without even c...more
THIS FINE LIFE gives a charming glimpse into the 1960’s lifestyle, but also depicting the turmoil that lies below the surface for one young couple.
The story is a passionate romance- never inappropriate- the love between Mariette and her husband Thayne is blood warming, but does have its pitfalls. Watching Mariette and Thayne mature and grow through the story kept me rooted to the pages and I liked seeing them progress from self centered, impulsive teenagers.
I had a deep empathy for Mariette as s...more
The story is a passionate romance- never inappropriate- the love between Mariette and her husband Thayne is blood warming, but does have its pitfalls. Watching Mariette and Thayne mature and grow through the story kept me rooted to the pages and I liked seeing them progress from self centered, impulsive teenagers.
I had a deep empathy for Mariette as s...more
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This was a very authentic look at everyday difficulties of life, as well as a couple very real and very traumatic incidents. Set in the 1960's, the historical aspects added interesting looks into life at that time. The theme of just wanting to fit in, to feel included, is very personal to many women, and it was handled well. Mariette was a very believable character, and one many can understand; however, the resolution felt a little fast, and there were times when Thayne's character and motivatio...more
For a novel, this book read like an autobiography. Not that that is a bad thing, if it is well written, but there was a lot to be desired in that aspect with this book, imo.
There wasn't a lot of character development. You get to know the main character a little- but what you know isn't encouraging. She is pretty brainless: not dealing with important issues or thinking ahead at all for years at a time. Issues that come up are not so much dealt with as mentioned and then dropped.
The ending seeme...more
There wasn't a lot of character development. You get to know the main character a little- but what you know isn't encouraging. She is pretty brainless: not dealing with important issues or thinking ahead at all for years at a time. Issues that come up are not so much dealt with as mentioned and then dropped.
The ending seeme...more
A light American romance set in the 1960s, featuring the young school-leaver Mariette, who falls in love with the handsome store clerk Thayne. They have something of a whirlwind romance, against the wishes of her parents... and gradually discover more and more problems.
The prologue to the story describes a period when Mariette is at her parents' home, pregnant.. and feeling regret over something to do with her husband. It's cleverly done, leaving me wondering what would happen to bring her to t...more
The prologue to the story describes a period when Mariette is at her parents' home, pregnant.. and feeling regret over something to do with her husband. It's cleverly done, leaving me wondering what would happen to bring her to t...more
This was a free download for the Kindle, so worth a punt. I thought it was no more than ok, though I did make it through to the end.
Beginning in the late 1950s it follows Mariette, a well-off young lady, from her graduation through a runaway marriage to one of her father's employees to her husband's new career as a man of the cloth, and the arrival of their children.
I found there to be too much emphasis on what everyone was wearing and on interior decoration and wasn't all that keen on the domin...more
Beginning in the late 1950s it follows Mariette, a well-off young lady, from her graduation through a runaway marriage to one of her father's employees to her husband's new career as a man of the cloth, and the arrival of their children.
I found there to be too much emphasis on what everyone was wearing and on interior decoration and wasn't all that keen on the domin...more
This was a well written book about one woman's life. She was born of money and found love in someone who had no money. He decides to become a pastor in the 60's and is sent to a church in the middle of no where. Her life is hard but she comes to love it as she tries to find God, like her husband knows him. One quote that stands out is from her father in law. He told her that for the most part life was really good, but when it was bad it was really bad. She has her ups and downs but overall, I re...more
I seem to be the only one that absoulutely hated the book. I found Thayne a pathetic excuse for a husband, unable to support his wife after he pressured her to marry him, failing to discuss important decisions with her, ect. I found Mariette very childish who tended to blindly follow Thayne.
The only character I liked was Mariette's father. If not for her father eating the costs of almost everything, from their car, their jobs, to their furniture, to eventually letting Thayne and Mariette live w...more
The only character I liked was Mariette's father. If not for her father eating the costs of almost everything, from their car, their jobs, to their furniture, to eventually letting Thayne and Mariette live w...more
In general, I did like this book. I liked the author's style of writing and enjoyed the storyline. I, however, thought it more than a little strange that the husband (who becomes a pastor in the book) did not try a little bit harder to lead his wife to the Lord. Here he was preparing to be a pastor and it didn't seem to concern him quite as much as it should have that his wife had no clear understanding of God, Who He really is, and what He had done for her. It just struck me as odd, I guess. Bu...more
First let me say this is not normally the type of book I read. I think it is a cristian novel because in some parts it would speak about God in a way that was sort of preachy ( not in a bad way because it was not often). So that being said I really enjoyed the book. The writing was great because I was so into the story I wanted to see what was going to happen to these characters lives, the way she described the scenes I could see it happening clearly in my head. But I just really wanted to find...more
This was a solid 3.5 stars for me. This book walks the line between historical and Christian fiction. Normally I'm not a fan of Christian fiction, but really, other than the fact that Mariette's husband Thayne decides he's going to be a preacher... and a few scenes toward then end where Mariette finally finds her faith, it's not that evident that this is Christian fiction.
The book is set in the sixties in Georgia. Mariette was sent away to an all girls boarding school for high school and returns...more
The book is set in the sixties in Georgia. Mariette was sent away to an all girls boarding school for high school and returns...more
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Eva Marie Everson is a successful speaker, a popular radio personality, and the award-winning author of Things Left Unspoken. She is coauthor of the Potluck Club series and the Potluck Catering Club series. She lives in Florida.
More about Eva Marie Everson...
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