Three Tickets to Peoria

The Company of Good Women #2

by Nancy Anderson, Lael Littke, Carroll Hofeling Morris

In this engrossing sequel to Almost Sisters, Juneau, Willadene, and Erin continue their mutual association as they each weather unexpected trials. As the years go by, old friends pass away, new people enter thier lives, and grueling challenges test their faith. Juneau finds her relationships with her friends and family evolving, especially when she becomes the guardian of a baby boy. Willadene finds herself coping with postpartum psychosis and struggling to keep her older children from going astray. And Erin must adapt in order to hold her young family together after her husband makes a startling revelation. The innocent friendship that began at a BYU Women's Conference matures as the three women find support in one another, and continue their mission to become Crusty Old Broads.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Fiction, Lds, Christian Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2007

Reviews

[Vicki Wight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Company of Good Women: Three Tickets to Peoria

By Vicki Wight

Another refreshingly real read written by a trio of women who somehow made all their stories share simultaneously the events of three great characters and their extensive families!

In this book, the second in a series of three novels, Juneau, Erin and Willadene “Deenie” are completely exposed to all of the turmoil that seems could possibly happen. Tragedy, triumph, and tickets for each of them to their situational Peoria’s abound as Nancy Anderson, Lael Littke, and Carroll Hofeling Morris spin an enchanting and haunting tale published by Deseret Book.

In the first novel, Almost Sisters, Juneau lost a baby, and gained a lot more family in a very heartbreaking and loving way as she is advancing in her writing career. In Three Tickets to Peoria, her husband, Greg steps out into a different world as he starts his own business. Yet, there is still Clyde in the shadows. What will happen there? She has been warned by Gabby, Deenie, and her conscience that this is a bad idea, but their weekly chat sessions continue. Her family experiences several highs and lows as one that is loved is lost, another has a terrible case of wanderlust, and another spreads her wings to fly a little farther from the nest and heads to BYU.

Erin has her own battles to fight and troubles at home as her husband, Cory, explores and divulges the thing that is bothering him. Kayla reaches for the stars with her ice skates, and Mark receives honors for his talents on the piano. Ultimately, Erin and Cory define their relationship and changes are eminent as new additions to their family arrive.

Dennie faces unimaginable fears and gives in to the GRIF shortly after the birth of her baby, Evvy. This event in itself opens many more doors and experiences for Deenie. She discovers another side of herself as she becomes Dead Eye Deenie in a more literal sense as a vandal terrorizes the towns Wellsville. Roger, her husband is searching for the right job to finish out his working years and they end up someplace warmer! Beth becomes Liz as she reaches her final years in high school, the mission calls come and each boy serves in different climes.

There are losses and gains all across the character sprawl. Irony abides in every chapter as the women each face their fears head on. Gabby finally faces the skeleton in her closet, as the women and Gabby’s family watch in awe as she gives in to her need to “face the truth before she meets her maker”. She gives the three inseparable women an incredible parting gift as we say goodbye to the COB herself.

This second book in the series is has an incredible way of gathering you in as you turn each page. Each struggle and triumph approach with anticipation that you can taste. Don’t miss the surprising end to this series of good books. Surprise Packages is due out in August. You can get your copy at Deseret Book or most any store where good books are sold.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a series of books told from the points of view of three LDS women from different parts of the US who met at BYU Education Week and keep in touch through mail (and later email) and through occasional reunions.

Their stories continue from the first book, ALMOST SISTERS, and follow their attempts to make lemonade with the lemons life hands them. The title refers to the idea that life is like buying a ticket to Hawaii and ending up in Peoria. They actually do end up in Hawaii at the close of this book, and while some things in their lives have resolved, new challenges have presented themselves, and the next book beckons.

By the way, they have found out, in the course of the book, that getting to Peoria isn't all that bad. There are joys to be had no matter where they go, but there are also sorrows.

[Rayni · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEFORE: I bought this book because it is part of a trilogy. I really liked the first book, but after reading the cover of this book, I'm afraid to start reading it - afraid I won't like it.

AFTER: I don't know why it took me so long to read this book. It is very hard to read ahead in these books, but I tend to do that. I want to find out how it ends. It's like real-life though, it twists & turns through not only the three main characters lives, but shows how lives are intertwined & how no man is an island, complete of himself.

I could so identify with the title of the book. I think any parent with a special needs child knows the experience - packing for Italy & ending up in Holland or Peoria.

I also marked this as mental-health & other-cultures because of the realistic way these topics were handled. In the acknowledgements the authors, yes, authors (Lael Littke, who is not Deenie, is a native of Cache Valley), thank those who shared knowledge & experience that helped them make their characters & story come to life.

Deenie, a native of Cache Valley, wonders, "How much of me is Cache Valley?" I, too, have wondered that very thing. The warmth & security I feel within the walls of this valley make me scurry back to it every chance I get. I didn't even last 20 years outside of it's protective arms. I was here every chance I could make. Juneau tells Deenie that her geography is her history. How true that is for me.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, after reading the first in this series, and not exactly feeling compelled to want to read the rest of the series, one day I happened to be at the Deseret Book Outlet and found this book for 99 cents. I thought, "What the heck, you can't beat that price!" So I bought it, and it laid around the house for several weeks before I finally had the time and inclination to pick it up. Well, suffice it to say, I liked it much better than the first book. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down, and immediately put the third book in the trilogy on hold at the library! I really like the character development in this book. These women are faced with some really difficult situations, and the authors don't try to feed us any easy, pat answers.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this second book a whole lot better. It was faster paced and the trials were alot bigger and therefore you wanted to see what would happen next. Janey's continued struggles with her daughter, Erin's marital problems, gabby's death and deannie is just becoming a whole new person through her emotional illness and the aftermath. great read.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is book 2 of the series about three women whom meet at education week at BYU Provo. their lives have meshed through true sisterhood. I could relate to each of these characters.their laughter, sorrows, situations bring the stories to life.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first. It deals with a lot of familial issues and was hard to get through in places. I hope the 3rd one is smoother.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that the authors didn't shy away from some pretty difficult topics for LDS women. I liked the way they worked through the issues and suppoerted each other.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Shocker in this one. Definately better than the first. Makes you think about what you would do in Erin's position...

[Gerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book (it is the 2nd of 3 - and this post is the same for all 3). It would definitely have a different feeling for people who aren’t members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It’s not just that there are many references to the church and it’s habits, guidelines and teachings ....
It’s actually written with the leading ladies relationships to the church in mind.
I found myself comparing my life and my life choices to those of our ‘heroines’. It made me think of how I can make better decisions. It’s a great book. And I highly recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think 3 1/2 stars would be the best rating for this one.

This book picks up where Almost Sisters left off. Definitely don't start with this one. You would be completely lost. I was pretty lost and I *did* read the first one. I think a little chart telling who is who at the beginning of the book would make it MUCH easier to read.

The three friends wind up in some serious situations, Erin with marital trouble, Juneau unhappy because of a daughter's teen pregnancy, Deenie with a surprise pregnancy and illness of her own. I did sympathize with the women, but I have to agree with another reviewer who pointed out that these seem to be a little too many crises thrown in here. It seems like everything that could be a problem, was a problem. I know life is complicated, and I certainly have my share of trouble, but it was a bit too much for me. It read more like a soap opera than realistic fiction.

I admit though that I stayed up until 1:30 to see what happened. I will definitely read the third in the series, and hope that it is a little more realistic.

[Linnae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erin, Deenie, and Juneau are back, supporting each other as they each struggle through their day-to-day trials.

I found this one more engaging than the first. The problems the women faced seemed more real, and I actually became interested in spite of myself to see how they would handle the various situations that life had handed them. There was also a better use of the letters between characters--this time they were used more to fill-in gaps rather than holding up the entire plot. I may make it to volume 3 yet!

[Kedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2nd book in the series Almost Sisters. I am finding myself anxious to find out what happens in the 3 characters lives. Fun read.

I was a little bugged by a few things in this book. I won't say because I don't want to ruin the result of the book. It definitely left you hanging and I don't know when the 3rd book will be done. I still enjoyed it and am anxious to find out what happens to the 3 sisters.

[Michelle Ratliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Kind of dark and depressing at times but it was good. I know some things seem far fetched but it is nice to see what could happen and how people would handle it. I don't know how much of the stories are true. I do know the three authors did really meet at a BYU education week of some kind. It is an easy read. I enjoyed it but I am different. I don't get to technicle or to in depth. If you don't like far fetched stories this is not for you.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. I don't find the story gripping or fast paced, but I am growing to care about the characters. I guess that's what happens when you read a book that covers so many years. Even though the three main characters are so different, it is easy to relate to them. Minor note: I think the transition between the women writing each other letters then discovering email is really funny. I also like how every once in a while a historical event works its way into the story.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strange book. There are SO MANY names they talk about, it is impossible to keep everybody straight. Plus, everybody has SERIOUS problems - unrealistically so. It is a little too dysfunctional for me - but I'm still reading it, so I guess it can't be too bad. There are a few interesting thoughts.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reading this book after reading the first book called Almost Sisters. This book covers many issues that the women and their families deal with. Sometimes I felt like the authors were trying too hard to include every possible trial, but I am enjoying it. Always something new going on in their live.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first. Still cheesy at parts, but not nearly as bad as the first. As the women got older, however, more and more serious subjects arose so that could be a reason. I liked it. It's not one that I could read over and over again, but parts were "food for thought" and a chance to see that though things may seem perfect on the outside there could be real struggle within.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in this trilogy spins out of control, raising major conflicts in each of the women's lives. If you read this one, you really need to finish the set with book three. Same format - Willadene, Juneau and Erin each voice their own stories (each written by a different author) and tell it through narrative and letters.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and would read again. Very intriguing books about the lives of three women over the span of their lifetime. I did not think that I would like this book at first. It drew me in and I became a part of their lives. My daughters have all read them and they have enjoyed them too. Go COBS!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found it to be very realistic as the problems of these women become more exposed in this volume. It is nice to see the comfort and support they give to each other through the problems. It would be nice if everyone had that kind of suppport through their problems. I found this book a very enjoyable read...

[Sandii · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brings up some good questions/discussions. Flirting with danger on so many sides, unfaithful husband? You'll understand when you read it. I recommend it. When's the 3rd one coming out? It kinda leaves you hanging.

[April Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again a continuation and good story. This book had an extremely disturbing issue. It broke my heart. It ends with the beginning of another hard one! I think each of the characters can be easily related to with their struggles.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot better than the first one because the characters begin to be more complex which keeps it interesting. I enjoyed how this book makes you feel like you know these women's lives (their triumps and struggles) so well through their emails and friendships.

[Maggie]

Old friends pass away, new people enter their lives, and the friendship that began in Almost Sisters matures as these remarkable women seek support from one another and continue their quest to become Crusty Old Broads.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well...I liked it because I like the characters but it seemed like anything that could go wrong did to these women. It was an ongoing soap opera to me. Yes, I will read the next book because there is some interest there, but I will be willing to wait to borrow it.

[Britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit frustrating to read. There were turns in it that really disappointed me and the ending left me so depressed I haven't wanted to read the third book. However, this book continues to pull at the emotions of the reader through the realistic feelings through out the story.

[Susan Phelan]

I like that hard topics were covered without pat answers.

There are tons of names and relationships talked about, and having not read the first one, I found it hard to keep track of everyone. That was annoying.

Will I go back and read the first one?...maybe

[Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of "The Company of Good Women" Series. I enjoyed this book more than the 1st book in the series. The ladies problems became more serious and realistic. I like that the ladies are always there to support each other without giving pat answers or platitudes. Can't wait to read Book 3.

[Danni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book it left me feeling awful.