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The Bricks and Sticks of Life
Ordinary Moments Create Extraordinary Memories
This inspiring novel based upon a true story will tug at your heartstrings and renew your faith in true love.
Handyman Mitch Conner personifies the meaning of mentor. Unlocking potential, he builds-up both people and structures. Using the proper tools for each job, Mitch shows how simple materials create exquisite results. Some lives become cottages, others estates, yet each is precious in its own way.
After losing his wife and home, Mitch is left haunted and longing. One moment of fate fulfills his dream to be part of a family. But when illness threatens to demolish it, Mitch relies on relationships—the concrete that fortifies our existence—in his battle to save himself once again. Bonds with loved ones deepen as they laugh, labor and learn the meaning of life.
Step into Mitch’s boots. Journey through seasons filled with joy, hardship and tests of will in this touching story about an everyday hero you will never forget.
This inspiring novel based upon a true story will tug at your heartstrings and renew your faith in true love.
Handyman Mitch Conner personifies the meaning of mentor. Unlocking potential, he builds-up both people and structures. Using the proper tools for each job, Mitch shows how simple materials create exquisite results. Some lives become cottages, others estates, yet each is precious in its own way.
After losing his wife and home, Mitch is left haunted and longing. One moment of fate fulfills his dream to be part of a family. But when illness threatens to demolish it, Mitch relies on relationships—the concrete that fortifies our existence—in his battle to save himself once again. Bonds with loved ones deepen as they laugh, labor and learn the meaning of life.
Step into Mitch’s boots. Journey through seasons filled with joy, hardship and tests of will in this touching story about an everyday hero you will never forget.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2016
8 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Lillian Corrigan
1 book7 followersA newly published author, Lillian has been writing her whole life. Journaling helps her find clarity and understanding through life’s challenges. She hopes her books will inspire readers to gain new perspective, deeper faith, greater hope and increased confidence, especially during difficult times.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” ignited her love of literature. She finds storytelling, especially by the older generation, fascinating. Her family, including the four legged members, is her greatest treasure. Simple things like gardens, sunshine, warm breezes, music, and ice cream bring a smile to her face. She enjoys cooking, especially while listening to a good book or watching the Hallmark channel. Things that motivate her include special people, puppies, and the small miracles found through and with others every day. A favorite Bricks and Sticks quote: “Hardships are gifts wrapped in ugly old newspaper. If you’re willing to look inside, you can find something good.”
Lillian’s aspirations include more writing: books, editorials, and self-help articles, as well as offering coaching and formatting services for other authors wishing to self-publish.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” ignited her love of literature. She finds storytelling, especially by the older generation, fascinating. Her family, including the four legged members, is her greatest treasure. Simple things like gardens, sunshine, warm breezes, music, and ice cream bring a smile to her face. She enjoys cooking, especially while listening to a good book or watching the Hallmark channel. Things that motivate her include special people, puppies, and the small miracles found through and with others every day. A favorite Bricks and Sticks quote: “Hardships are gifts wrapped in ugly old newspaper. If you’re willing to look inside, you can find something good.”
Lillian’s aspirations include more writing: books, editorials, and self-help articles, as well as offering coaching and formatting services for other authors wishing to self-publish.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 4, 2017
Lillian Corrigan grabs you right from the start with her catchy title, The Bricks and Sticks of Life. Building upon each character in this lovely story takes the reader through three phases of a family's emotional love and life for a period of time.
The Joyful Mysteries of Life introduces us to Mitch, a beloved father figure who has lost his loving wife whom he misses so deeply. Mitch, or teasingly called big "M", does his best to bring up his only son, affectionately called little "m" in a Godly manner. They are a well respected duo in their Church community.
The Sorrowful Mysteries of Life continues to build Lillian's characters in their growth of handling the unknown territory of a growing family that has flourished in love for one another, the respect of their relatives and church families while dealing with an uncertain future.
The Glorious Mysteries of Life explodes with emotions that will finally resolve in the acceptance of family issues that will only strengthen their faith in God.
A book that was hard to put down as the reader will most certainly get involved with the love and faithfulness of God and family that was shared. As the author puts it..."Every day we purchase, gather, find, or experience bricks and sticks that build our lives. Each is a gift. Perhaps we're reminded to cherish loved ones, have faith in our higher power, or believe in ourselves."
A special note from the author on the last page will only enhance the reader's involvement of the story.
The Joyful Mysteries of Life introduces us to Mitch, a beloved father figure who has lost his loving wife whom he misses so deeply. Mitch, or teasingly called big "M", does his best to bring up his only son, affectionately called little "m" in a Godly manner. They are a well respected duo in their Church community.
The Sorrowful Mysteries of Life continues to build Lillian's characters in their growth of handling the unknown territory of a growing family that has flourished in love for one another, the respect of their relatives and church families while dealing with an uncertain future.
The Glorious Mysteries of Life explodes with emotions that will finally resolve in the acceptance of family issues that will only strengthen their faith in God.
A book that was hard to put down as the reader will most certainly get involved with the love and faithfulness of God and family that was shared. As the author puts it..."Every day we purchase, gather, find, or experience bricks and sticks that build our lives. Each is a gift. Perhaps we're reminded to cherish loved ones, have faith in our higher power, or believe in ourselves."
A special note from the author on the last page will only enhance the reader's involvement of the story.
January 3, 2022
DNF
The style was very hard for me to get into (unnatural dialogue, a lot of telling), but it was other things that made me uncomfortable enough to put it down. I've read books from a Catholic perspective before and was able to overlook the differences, but all the emphasis on praying to saints--and on figuring out the right saints to pray to for a particular problem--really bugged me. More than that, though, the fact that Mitch could apparently see his deceased wife's face in the mirror? It started out as a "he's clearly imagining that, right?" kind of thing, but as it went on more and more like it was fact, it really started to bother me. There was also an off-hand reference to reading horoscopes that really jarred. Just not my style.
The style was very hard for me to get into (unnatural dialogue, a lot of telling), but it was other things that made me uncomfortable enough to put it down. I've read books from a Catholic perspective before and was able to overlook the differences, but all the emphasis on praying to saints--and on figuring out the right saints to pray to for a particular problem--really bugged me. More than that, though, the fact that Mitch could apparently see his deceased wife's face in the mirror? It started out as a "he's clearly imagining that, right?" kind of thing, but as it went on more and more like it was fact, it really started to bother me. There was also an off-hand reference to reading horoscopes that really jarred. Just not my style.
September 6, 2016
The Bricks and Sticks of Life, by Lillian Corrigan, is a touching story of family, faith, and wisdom gleaned from life in the toughest of times. The characters worm their way into your heart from the first page and they make you want to keep reading.
Corrigan’s debut novel is difficult to review. This story isn’t one that grabbed me from the first page and compelled me to read all night. It took me a couple of chapters to even get into the story and I read it off and on over the span of weeks. This book was more of a leisurely stroll through Mitch, Ti and Jen’s life – much like the laid back, carefree characters that grab your heart from the beginning.
While I wasn’t compelled to read it, I wasn’t displeased with the book either. I think the book’s saving grace is the characters, especially Mitch and Ti. The characters invite you into their life and you find yourself wanting to be there - praying with them, laughing with them, and crying with them.
I can’t give it full stars because I think the writing style could have been tightened more to capitalize on these lovable characters; however, it is an interesting read that I would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Corrigan’s debut novel is difficult to review. This story isn’t one that grabbed me from the first page and compelled me to read all night. It took me a couple of chapters to even get into the story and I read it off and on over the span of weeks. This book was more of a leisurely stroll through Mitch, Ti and Jen’s life – much like the laid back, carefree characters that grab your heart from the beginning.
While I wasn’t compelled to read it, I wasn’t displeased with the book either. I think the book’s saving grace is the characters, especially Mitch and Ti. The characters invite you into their life and you find yourself wanting to be there - praying with them, laughing with them, and crying with them.
I can’t give it full stars because I think the writing style could have been tightened more to capitalize on these lovable characters; however, it is an interesting read that I would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 28, 2016
This book surprised me! Delighted me, and inspired me! I was not expecting the universal messages which were woven throughout this personal tale. It spoke of love, resilience, new beginnings and strength of family bonds, in ways that I have never seem those themes explored previously. And it was done in such a beautiful style, that I literally enjoyed every page. I am an extremely busy person, who rarely finds time for reading, and I completed this wonderful book in a day and a half. It was a page-turner, as well as a heart-warming, and truly meaningful and delightful read! I encourage anyone with an interest in the human journey, to enjoy The Bricks and Sticks of Life, today!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews