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Kristin Hannah Collection: Distant Shores / Between Sisters / Magic Hour
The Kristin Hannah Collection (Reader's Digest Condensed Books Premium Editions)
Three Novels of Family, Friends and What Really Matters Kristin Hannah is one of today’s bestselling authors. Her books plumb the depths of friendship, the loyalty of sisters, the secrets mothers keep—the whole complex, meaningful world of important relationships. Here are three of her best, selected and edited by the Reader’s Digest.
Distant Shores A married couple is drifting apart, and a terrifying decision is made in an attempt to find a second chance at happiness. An exquisite reminder of the most precious gifts in life: friends and family, children and lovers, the strength to change, and the courage to forgive.
Between Sisters Two women who have been separated for more than two decades come together over the course of a Pacific Northwest summer, to try to become what they never were—a family.
Magic Hour A six-year old girl appears out of nowhere, speechless and alone. A child psychiatrist who has been shaken by a horrible public scandal is determined to reach her, risking everything to discover the truth.
Three Novels of Family, Friends and What Really Matters Kristin Hannah is one of today’s bestselling authors. Her books plumb the depths of friendship, the loyalty of sisters, the secrets mothers keep—the whole complex, meaningful world of important relationships. Here are three of her best, selected and edited by the Reader’s Digest.
Distant Shores A married couple is drifting apart, and a terrifying decision is made in an attempt to find a second chance at happiness. An exquisite reminder of the most precious gifts in life: friends and family, children and lovers, the strength to change, and the courage to forgive.
Between Sisters Two women who have been separated for more than two decades come together over the course of a Pacific Northwest summer, to try to become what they never were—a family.
Magic Hour A six-year old girl appears out of nowhere, speechless and alone. A child psychiatrist who has been shaken by a horrible public scandal is determined to reach her, risking everything to discover the truth.
- GenresFiction
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2012
21 people are currently reading
3551 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Hannah
145 books296k followersKristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, The Nightingale, which was named Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People's Choice award for best fiction in the same year. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week. In 2018,
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads.
The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstore's bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and The Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021.
Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023.
Her new novel, The Women, about a young woman coming of age during the turbulent 1960's in America, who joins the Army Nurse Corps and serves in Vietnam will be published February 6th, 2024.
A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 23, 2018
3 Great stories by a Great Author. "Distant Shores"- Elizabeth & Jack become estranged in their marriage & end up on opposite coasts before they come to realize the importance of their marriage. "Between Sisters"- Claire & Meg hadn't realized how much they needed each other until a brain tumor scares them back together. "Magic Hour"- it occurs in a rainy, deep woods town in Northern California, in September when the leaves are in full color-before they fall-@ that perfect time of setting sun when they blaze with their full color. A young child- traumatized by an unknown thing or event, emerges from those woods & it's up to a child psychologist & this small community to bring her 'back' & make a home. Donated to Book Store 2018.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2015
The Kristen Hannah collection is a collection of three short stories all dealing with change, growth, and healing and how to reach deep within one’s self to accept the challenges of these changes to move forward and grow. Kristen creates enjoyable characters with interesting plots to keep you engaged and the pages moving forward to the conclusion. It was nice summer read.
June 8, 2019
This book contains three condensed stories from Kristin Hannah.
Distant Shores tells the story of Elizabeth Shore, an empty-nester who has devoted her life to doing what is best for her husband and children and along the way has lost herself and who she is.
Between Sisters tells the story of two sisters who have spent two decades apart, but are back together for a wedding. Although they believed they had nothing in common, what they will learn is that family is family.
Magic Hour tells the story of a young girl who appears out of nowhere and a child psychiatrist, Julia Cates, having just been through the biggest ordeal of her life. Julia will try to help the child as best she can and in the process gain confidence in her abilities along the way.
I really enjoyed the first 2 stories, not that the third wasn't enjoyable, it just wasn't as good to me. I also liked how the first two stories were somewhat related, while the third seemed completed random. A decent read nonetheless.
Distant Shores tells the story of Elizabeth Shore, an empty-nester who has devoted her life to doing what is best for her husband and children and along the way has lost herself and who she is.
Between Sisters tells the story of two sisters who have spent two decades apart, but are back together for a wedding. Although they believed they had nothing in common, what they will learn is that family is family.
Magic Hour tells the story of a young girl who appears out of nowhere and a child psychiatrist, Julia Cates, having just been through the biggest ordeal of her life. Julia will try to help the child as best she can and in the process gain confidence in her abilities along the way.
I really enjoyed the first 2 stories, not that the third wasn't enjoyable, it just wasn't as good to me. I also liked how the first two stories were somewhat related, while the third seemed completed random. A decent read nonetheless.
July 24, 2022
Distant Shores - 3/5
A married couple grows apart after the husband decides his job as a sports broadcaster is more important than his life with his wife. The wife rediscovers her passion for painting.
Between Sisters - 3/5
2 sisters who don’t talk much until one of them decides to get married to a man she just met. They go back to their hometown and find out one of them has brain cancer.
Magic Hour - 5/5
Magic Hour was about a therapist who takes a job helping a girl who was found in the woods and acts like an animal. They grow a bond, and at the same time, she grows a relationship with a doctor who was helping with the girl.
A married couple grows apart after the husband decides his job as a sports broadcaster is more important than his life with his wife. The wife rediscovers her passion for painting.
Between Sisters - 3/5
2 sisters who don’t talk much until one of them decides to get married to a man she just met. They go back to their hometown and find out one of them has brain cancer.
Magic Hour - 5/5
Magic Hour was about a therapist who takes a job helping a girl who was found in the woods and acts like an animal. They grow a bond, and at the same time, she grows a relationship with a doctor who was helping with the girl.
July 11, 2019
It was hard starting with Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale and moving backward into her other novels when this first one I read made such an impact. Each new story of hers that I start reading, I have doubts that it will be any good, let alone anywhere close to that first bar set so high. Yet, every time I read the last page and close the book, I have a smile etched on my face from that “feel good” feeling I can help but express after finishing one of her books. This set of three shorter stories was a quick and easy read for anyone looking for laughter, tears and happy (enough) endings.
August 1, 2025
I am writing this review on Kristin Hannah's book 'Magic Hour.' I loved this book. From page 1, I could not put the book down. This story grabs hold of you and won't let go until the last page. Be prepared, this is an emotional story that tugs at your heart string. You feel like you've been pulled into the story and are experiencing the emotions of each character. It is a griping story, one I would highly recommend reading. Kristin Hannah is amazing!
June 20, 2021
An interesting type of story that captures your interest very early. Nicely written with very developed characters the sisters, the child., etc. I was very intrigued with the technique used by the sister Julia in getting the girl to talk. To add more interest to the store were the sub plots and the very surprising ending. Very good author. Very different story. A must read.
May 12, 2018
Amazed at how this author can write such great books with such different characters in different types of lives and even eras and make the reader identify with both major and minor characters. I plan on reading many more by her in the near future.
August 18, 2018
This collection is very good. Three stories of family, friends, and romance. Kristin is one of my favorite authors. She does a superb job on her characters by building their lives so one can know them. Thanks Kristin and Goodreads.
July 31, 2025
The first story took me a long time to get into as it’s just not a romance I am interested in or can connect with. The second story was good but still not all that interesting, did pull at heart some. The last story was my favorite as it was interesting and still ended happy.
May 16, 2018
okay so I started reading this book backwards I picked Magic Hour for the book club l'm in and it completely blew my mind-it was awesome! I can't wait to read the next two stories
June 3, 2019
3 short stories with very different plots.
June 29, 2020
Amazing- uplifting stories!! Loved it!!
May 11, 2022
Was a little disappointed....same old story.
July 28, 2022
Love Kristin Hannah's novels but felt like this one ended abruptly and was too predictable. The ending needed so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2023
I read the Magic Hour which I loved about a feral child coming out of the woods and how a famous psychologist saves her. I also read Firefly Lane, which was well done.
August 8, 2024
Hannah is a great writer. I love her characters and how they develop. These four books, however, were too much alike in their resolutions. Got tired of reading them.
January 28, 2025
Loved this series.
June 12, 2025
This is a magnificent book and illuminates how trauma and hurt can stop you from having a fulfilling and happy life. It opens your eyes about relationships and assumptions.
September 30, 2025
I live Kristin Hannah, but this book was depressing and hard to get through.
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed reading Magic hour. This was the first book I read by this author and I'd definitely read another one.
February 6, 2016
3 books in one -- what a novel (pun not intended)!!
Distant Shores -- husband and wife marry early in life. Their children are all grown and have lives of their own. The couple decide that they want different things in their lives. Will this marriage survive?
Between Sisters: 2 sisters who follow different career paths in their lives. They need each other in their darkest moments.
What Matters: Families are not always conventional. Some follow a different a path but end up being a family.
Distant Shores -- husband and wife marry early in life. Their children are all grown and have lives of their own. The couple decide that they want different things in their lives. Will this marriage survive?
Between Sisters: 2 sisters who follow different career paths in their lives. They need each other in their darkest moments.
What Matters: Families are not always conventional. Some follow a different a path but end up being a family.
May 23, 2015
This is a compilation of 3 novellas or stories by Kristin Hannah. Just like in her longer novels, she does not disappoint in terms of memorable characters and plots to keep the reader turning the pages. This makes great vacation reading.
May 23, 2015
Pretty formulaic, and yet this tale of a marriage in trouble is still a pleasure to read. Ex-football star and former painter and housewife for almost 20 years, empty nesters, find themselves growing ever further apart. Can this marriage be saved? It's a fun read finding out.
April 4, 2016
An enjoyable collection of three short stories that tug at the heartstrings: a married couple growing apart, sisters trying to rekindle their relationship, and a feral child whom stumbles into a small town. It's an easy read that was perfect for the beach.
July 16, 2014
Nicely written story about people trying to find their way
December 27, 2014
3 wonderful stories and as usual, Kristin surprises and delights. I have not read any of her books that did not leave wanting for more. I am a fan for life.
June 24, 2015
I didn't have the collection, I only had Distant Shores but it didn't come up separately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews