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The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go
Listening Length: 8 hours and 12 minutes
1. Get through to your daughter. 2. Buy more cheese. 3. Don't forget to call your mother.
Grilled G's Gourmet Food Truck is where chef, owner, obsessive list-maker, and recent widow Gina Zoberski finds the order and comfort she needs to struggle through each day, especially when confronted with her critical mother Lorraine and sullen daughter May.
Image-conscious Lorraine always knows best and expects her family to live up to her high expectations, no matter what. May just wants to be left alone to mourn her father in her own way. Gina always aims to please, but finds that her relentlessly sunny disposition annoys both her mother and her daughter, no matter how hard she tries.
But when Lorraine suffers a sudden stroke, Gina stumbles upon a family secret Lorraine's kept hidden for forty years. In the face of her mother's failing health and her daughter's rebellion, this optimist might find that piecing together the truth is the push she needs to let go...
1. Get through to your daughter. 2. Buy more cheese. 3. Don't forget to call your mother.
Grilled G's Gourmet Food Truck is where chef, owner, obsessive list-maker, and recent widow Gina Zoberski finds the order and comfort she needs to struggle through each day, especially when confronted with her critical mother Lorraine and sullen daughter May.
Image-conscious Lorraine always knows best and expects her family to live up to her high expectations, no matter what. May just wants to be left alone to mourn her father in her own way. Gina always aims to please, but finds that her relentlessly sunny disposition annoys both her mother and her daughter, no matter how hard she tries.
But when Lorraine suffers a sudden stroke, Gina stumbles upon a family secret Lorraine's kept hidden for forty years. In the face of her mother's failing health and her daughter's rebellion, this optimist might find that piecing together the truth is the push she needs to let go...
Audiobook
First published May 15, 2018
273 people are currently reading
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About the author
Amy E. Reichert
7 books1,908 followersAmy Reichert honed her writing and editing skills as a technical writer (which is exactly as exciting as it sounds). As a member of the local library board, she loves helping readers find new books to love. She’s a life-long Wisconsin resident with (allegedly) a very noticeable accent, a patient husband, and two too-smart-for-their-own-good kids. When time allows, she loves to read, collect more cookbooks than she could possibly use.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 611 reviews
May 14, 2018
4 positively optimistic and heartwarming stars to The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go is a special, endearing book. I finished this on Mother’s Day, and I think it would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift because it’s all about mothers and daughters.
Gina’s mother, Lorraine, is harsh and at any given time can offer a laundry list of Gina’s faults. She also has a teenage daughter, May, who is sullen and struggling with her father’s (Gina’s husband’s) death. Nonetheless, Gina has a positive, cheery outlook that annoys Lorraine and May to no end. I love that Gina owns a grilled cheese food truck business, and all the yummy references to one of the most perfect foods on the planet kept my tummy growling!
Tragedy strikes when Lorraine has a sudden stroke, and in the aftermath, a giant family secret is uncovered by Gina, shaking up all she thought was true.
Grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter; all feeling misunderstood.
What do they have in common? A deep love for one another, an unbreakable bond, and the yearning to heal. I love strong female characters! This story was moving, hopeful, honest, and in the end, left me feeling optimistic, too!
Thank you to Amy Reichert, Gallery Books, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go will be released on May 15, 2018!
My reviews can also be found on my shiny new blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go is a special, endearing book. I finished this on Mother’s Day, and I think it would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift because it’s all about mothers and daughters.
Gina’s mother, Lorraine, is harsh and at any given time can offer a laundry list of Gina’s faults. She also has a teenage daughter, May, who is sullen and struggling with her father’s (Gina’s husband’s) death. Nonetheless, Gina has a positive, cheery outlook that annoys Lorraine and May to no end. I love that Gina owns a grilled cheese food truck business, and all the yummy references to one of the most perfect foods on the planet kept my tummy growling!
Tragedy strikes when Lorraine has a sudden stroke, and in the aftermath, a giant family secret is uncovered by Gina, shaking up all she thought was true.
Grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter; all feeling misunderstood.
What do they have in common? A deep love for one another, an unbreakable bond, and the yearning to heal. I love strong female characters! This story was moving, hopeful, honest, and in the end, left me feeling optimistic, too!
Thank you to Amy Reichert, Gallery Books, and Netgalley for the ARC. The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go will be released on May 15, 2018!
My reviews can also be found on my shiny new blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
May 15, 2018
*3.5 stars rounded up.
Regina is a young widow caught between her feisty, rebellious teenage daughter and her aging hyper-critical mother but she keeps her sanity by making lists. When her mother suffers a debilitating stroke, Gina and her sister need to go through her papers and are shocked to learn their mother has been keeping a huge secret. What impact will the truth have on their own lives at this point?
Amy Reichert deftly handles the family dynamics between mothers, daughters and sisters. Can Gina keep her optimism in the face of so many problems? As always in Reichert books, food also plays a big role. In this story, Gina runs a food wagon specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches while her daughter May creates drool-inducing brownies. When times get tough, get cooking!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting access to an arc of this book for an honest review.
Regina is a young widow caught between her feisty, rebellious teenage daughter and her aging hyper-critical mother but she keeps her sanity by making lists. When her mother suffers a debilitating stroke, Gina and her sister need to go through her papers and are shocked to learn their mother has been keeping a huge secret. What impact will the truth have on their own lives at this point?
Amy Reichert deftly handles the family dynamics between mothers, daughters and sisters. Can Gina keep her optimism in the face of so many problems? As always in Reichert books, food also plays a big role. In this story, Gina runs a food wagon specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches while her daughter May creates drool-inducing brownies. When times get tough, get cooking!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for granting access to an arc of this book for an honest review.
June 13, 2019
This is an intergenerational story following Lorraine, her two daughters, Vicky and Gina, and Gina’s teen daughter May. Their relationships are fraught and characterized by discord and silence. But when Lorraine suffers a stroke, things begin to change.
I really liked this book and the way Reichert wrote these women. Gina is a young widow who uses her chef talents to run a gourmet grilled-cheese food truck. She’s hard working and afraid she’s repeating her mother’s mistakes with her own daughter, May. Gina’s always felt that her mother disapproved of her. She never wanted to spend time with the children of other members of the country club; and chaffed at her mother’s focus on hair, makeup, clothes and manners. Vicky’s always been the “favorite.” She has the perfect husband, three great kids, a beautiful house in a Chicago suburb, and Lorraine’s sense of style and attention to appearance.
Despite the troubles in her life, Gina maintains a sunny outlook, which just seems to further annoy both her mother and her daughter. Vicky and Gina, despite their differences, are close sisters. They clearly love and support one another. They share the memories of their late father’s aloof manner, the way he ran the household with an iron fist, and the way their mother acquiesced without complaint. And they share a love of Roza, their childhood nanny, who has helped Lorraine keep her own secret for over forty years. She becomes the pivotal character in revealing those skeletons in the closet and helping them all forge ahead.
It’s a delightful and heartfelt story. I find it interesting that once Lorraine loses her speech the communication between her and her daughters becomes clearer. She is forced to acknowledge the love her daughters have for her, the care they’ve provided and continue to provide, and the mistakes she’s made by keeping her secret and blindly following her husband’s wishes even after he died.
The book is divided into ten sections, each with three chapters, one each from Lorraine, Gina and May’s point of view. The ten section titles came from a list the author found in an article on “What to Ask Your Mother Before She Dies.” At a book club discussion meeting where Reichert was present, she encouraged us to ask our own parents and grandparents these questions. One attendee remarked that she is already writing her new grandchild a letter answering the questions. Great idea.
I also have to give a “warning” about the food descriptions here. Reichert’s books always have this element in them, and readers should be aware that they will find themselves craving all sorts of delicacies. Alas, this book did not contain any recipes.
I really liked this book and the way Reichert wrote these women. Gina is a young widow who uses her chef talents to run a gourmet grilled-cheese food truck. She’s hard working and afraid she’s repeating her mother’s mistakes with her own daughter, May. Gina’s always felt that her mother disapproved of her. She never wanted to spend time with the children of other members of the country club; and chaffed at her mother’s focus on hair, makeup, clothes and manners. Vicky’s always been the “favorite.” She has the perfect husband, three great kids, a beautiful house in a Chicago suburb, and Lorraine’s sense of style and attention to appearance.
Despite the troubles in her life, Gina maintains a sunny outlook, which just seems to further annoy both her mother and her daughter. Vicky and Gina, despite their differences, are close sisters. They clearly love and support one another. They share the memories of their late father’s aloof manner, the way he ran the household with an iron fist, and the way their mother acquiesced without complaint. And they share a love of Roza, their childhood nanny, who has helped Lorraine keep her own secret for over forty years. She becomes the pivotal character in revealing those skeletons in the closet and helping them all forge ahead.
It’s a delightful and heartfelt story. I find it interesting that once Lorraine loses her speech the communication between her and her daughters becomes clearer. She is forced to acknowledge the love her daughters have for her, the care they’ve provided and continue to provide, and the mistakes she’s made by keeping her secret and blindly following her husband’s wishes even after he died.
The book is divided into ten sections, each with three chapters, one each from Lorraine, Gina and May’s point of view. The ten section titles came from a list the author found in an article on “What to Ask Your Mother Before She Dies.” At a book club discussion meeting where Reichert was present, she encouraged us to ask our own parents and grandparents these questions. One attendee remarked that she is already writing her new grandchild a letter answering the questions. Great idea.
I also have to give a “warning” about the food descriptions here. Reichert’s books always have this element in them, and readers should be aware that they will find themselves craving all sorts of delicacies. Alas, this book did not contain any recipes.
October 2, 2022
4.25/5
Ever since reading The Kindred Spirits Supper Club last year, I have really wanted to read more of Amy E. Reichert's backlist, and I'm not mad that I started with The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go. While this was not a funny story like the other book, it was touching, heartbreaking, and hopeful, and did still offer me plenty of moments that put a smile on my face. There is a lot of loss in this story and so there were also many times I had tears in my eyes, but it also left me with such a sense of love and in a way, was an inspirational story as well. I loved watching the relationships between Gina and May as well as Gina and her mom Lorraine grow and change, and this was a really great generational story with a dash of secrets thrown in. Reichert digs into how keeping a large secret can change lives and the different ways we deal with grief and loss.
The audiobook is narrated by Teri Schnaubelt, and she did a superb job of getting all the emotion of the story across, as well as all the awkward moments as well. Due to the jumps between characters and time periods, I do think the audio would have benefited from having 3 narrators instead of 1 (a different person for Gina, May, & Lorraine). I did get a little confused at times as to whose point of view I was in and what the time period was, so in that sense reading The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go might be the better option. However, I still genuinely enjoyed the audiobook, and Schnaubelt is a very talented narrator, so I would still recommend checking it out. Also, the food in this book!! Grilled cheese especially, but there are so many mouthwatering descriptions of food that you might not want to go into this one hungry. I felt very invested in the characters, and they all felt so real and relatable which is just 1 of the many reasons I enjoyed this book and why I love this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Ever since reading The Kindred Spirits Supper Club last year, I have really wanted to read more of Amy E. Reichert's backlist, and I'm not mad that I started with The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go. While this was not a funny story like the other book, it was touching, heartbreaking, and hopeful, and did still offer me plenty of moments that put a smile on my face. There is a lot of loss in this story and so there were also many times I had tears in my eyes, but it also left me with such a sense of love and in a way, was an inspirational story as well. I loved watching the relationships between Gina and May as well as Gina and her mom Lorraine grow and change, and this was a really great generational story with a dash of secrets thrown in. Reichert digs into how keeping a large secret can change lives and the different ways we deal with grief and loss.
The audiobook is narrated by Teri Schnaubelt, and she did a superb job of getting all the emotion of the story across, as well as all the awkward moments as well. Due to the jumps between characters and time periods, I do think the audio would have benefited from having 3 narrators instead of 1 (a different person for Gina, May, & Lorraine). I did get a little confused at times as to whose point of view I was in and what the time period was, so in that sense reading The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go might be the better option. However, I still genuinely enjoyed the audiobook, and Schnaubelt is a very talented narrator, so I would still recommend checking it out. Also, the food in this book!! Grilled cheese especially, but there are so many mouthwatering descriptions of food that you might not want to go into this one hungry. I felt very invested in the characters, and they all felt so real and relatable which is just 1 of the many reasons I enjoyed this book and why I love this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 7, 2018
I love reading ALL books by Amy E. Reichert so I was so happy when I saw this one come out in print!! I’ve been waiting Amy!!! All of her books are just a joy to read and it’s great to take a break from the psychological thrillers I’ve been reading. Lots of love, heart ache, loss and friendship between 3 generations of women. This was a fast read to me and I didn’t want it to end. Now I want a grilled cheese sandwich! (and a delicious brownie)
May 24, 2018
Three and a half stars: An emotional and touching book about family, grief and new beginnings.
Gina clings to her to do lists. The lists are the way she manages to get through each day since the crushing death of her husband two years ago. Gina’s days involve plenty of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that she serves up in her food truck. However, the bills are piling up, her teenage daughter, May, refuses to speak to her, and her mother is impossible as usual. Then disaster strikes when Gina’s mother, Lorraine, falls ill unexpectedly. While her mother recovers, Gina sorts through her papers and uncovers a big family secret. What happened to Lorraine in the past?
What I Liked:
*Amy Reichert is an author I keep trying in hopes to recapture the magic that I loved in her first book, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. While this latest book is not quite what I hoped, it was still an emotional and moving story about a family in crisis who finally bond when the truth comes out. It is a story of love, forgiveness, grief, coping with loss and new beginnings. I enjoyed the journey with these women.
*I have to admit, I struggled early on with this book because Lorraine, Gina’s mother, and May, Gina’s daughter, were both miserable and unlikeable. Lorraine is all about appearances, and she tends to be snippy. May is trying to learn to live without her dad. She is a belligerent teenager who is nasty to her mother. She makes some stupid mistakes. Both of these characters were troublesome. However, as I kept reading, the secrets came out, and I understood why they behaved the way they did. Thankfully, a lot of love and forgiveness brings the characters to a new and better place. I was pleased with the evolution of both women, and happy with the way things turned out. Patience pays off.
*Gina is the character that makes this book bearable early on. She is drowning in her own grief, but she is doing the best she can. I loved her optimism, her lists and how she kept it together through all the turmoil. She is strong, brave and she has a big, kind heart. I loved how she gave to others even when she struggled. Loved her. I also adored Roza, the kindhearted Polish neighbor who was the backbone for all the women.
*It was interesting uncovering the backstories of all the women. I enjoyed seeing Lorraine fall in love and give up everything for love, even if it caused her great pain later. Gina also had the same experience, I loved that the women chose love over everything else. Then when the secrets came out, it was interesting to see how similar their stories were.
*I liked that this book focused on family and all the imperfections. No one has the perfect family, and *I appreciated that the author kept it real. The story lines and struggles felt genuine, and it was easy to get swept away in the story.
*The ending was solid. Perhaps things didn’t quite turn out the way I hoped, but I was still satisfied with how things progressed. The characters ended up in a much better place, and they were happier.
And The Not So Much:
*I was bothered by a couple of errors I found in the Advanced Reader’s Copy. I am hoping that these problems will get ironed out in the final copy. One big glaring mistake occurs when Roza visits Gina and Vicky and shares with them the truth about their mom’s past, including what happened with Joe. *A few chapters later, Gina questions her mother and she is wondering about Joe and his fate, she already knew all of this as Roza told her. It was confusing.
*I was enjoying Lorraine’s metamorphosis, and I was disappointed when it was cut short, I wanted to see it play out a little further. I wished that she could have talked openly with the girls, especially with Gina and share her similar experiences in love.
The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go isn’t the light and fluffy read I was hoping for, but I still enjoyed this heartfelt tale. This is a book that encompasses grief, loss, family relationships, secrets, forgiveness and new beginnings. There is a lot of love packed in this as well as some decadent grilled cheese sandwiches. This is a great book for those who are coping with loss. It may not have been perfect, but it was still an enjoyable book overall.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Gina clings to her to do lists. The lists are the way she manages to get through each day since the crushing death of her husband two years ago. Gina’s days involve plenty of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that she serves up in her food truck. However, the bills are piling up, her teenage daughter, May, refuses to speak to her, and her mother is impossible as usual. Then disaster strikes when Gina’s mother, Lorraine, falls ill unexpectedly. While her mother recovers, Gina sorts through her papers and uncovers a big family secret. What happened to Lorraine in the past?
What I Liked:
*Amy Reichert is an author I keep trying in hopes to recapture the magic that I loved in her first book, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. While this latest book is not quite what I hoped, it was still an emotional and moving story about a family in crisis who finally bond when the truth comes out. It is a story of love, forgiveness, grief, coping with loss and new beginnings. I enjoyed the journey with these women.
*I have to admit, I struggled early on with this book because Lorraine, Gina’s mother, and May, Gina’s daughter, were both miserable and unlikeable. Lorraine is all about appearances, and she tends to be snippy. May is trying to learn to live without her dad. She is a belligerent teenager who is nasty to her mother. She makes some stupid mistakes. Both of these characters were troublesome. However, as I kept reading, the secrets came out, and I understood why they behaved the way they did. Thankfully, a lot of love and forgiveness brings the characters to a new and better place. I was pleased with the evolution of both women, and happy with the way things turned out. Patience pays off.
*Gina is the character that makes this book bearable early on. She is drowning in her own grief, but she is doing the best she can. I loved her optimism, her lists and how she kept it together through all the turmoil. She is strong, brave and she has a big, kind heart. I loved how she gave to others even when she struggled. Loved her. I also adored Roza, the kindhearted Polish neighbor who was the backbone for all the women.
*It was interesting uncovering the backstories of all the women. I enjoyed seeing Lorraine fall in love and give up everything for love, even if it caused her great pain later. Gina also had the same experience, I loved that the women chose love over everything else. Then when the secrets came out, it was interesting to see how similar their stories were.
*I liked that this book focused on family and all the imperfections. No one has the perfect family, and *I appreciated that the author kept it real. The story lines and struggles felt genuine, and it was easy to get swept away in the story.
*The ending was solid. Perhaps things didn’t quite turn out the way I hoped, but I was still satisfied with how things progressed. The characters ended up in a much better place, and they were happier.
And The Not So Much:
*I was bothered by a couple of errors I found in the Advanced Reader’s Copy. I am hoping that these problems will get ironed out in the final copy. One big glaring mistake occurs when Roza visits Gina and Vicky and shares with them the truth about their mom’s past, including what happened with Joe. *A few chapters later, Gina questions her mother and she is wondering about Joe and his fate, she already knew all of this as Roza told her. It was confusing.
*I was enjoying Lorraine’s metamorphosis, and I was disappointed when it was cut short, I wanted to see it play out a little further. I wished that she could have talked openly with the girls, especially with Gina and share her similar experiences in love.
The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go isn’t the light and fluffy read I was hoping for, but I still enjoyed this heartfelt tale. This is a book that encompasses grief, loss, family relationships, secrets, forgiveness and new beginnings. There is a lot of love packed in this as well as some decadent grilled cheese sandwiches. This is a great book for those who are coping with loss. It may not have been perfect, but it was still an enjoyable book overall.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
April 30, 2018
I have now officially read 75% off all of Amy E. Reichert books now (I'm looking at you, Luck, Love & Lemon Pie!)...and I have loved and enjoyed them all, but this one really takes the cake as the most special one I've read yet.
I am always drawn to "food fiction" since I first read Delicious! by Ruth Reichl, which is how I first came to find Reichert's The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. However, in Optimist, we also get an important multi-generational story of women and family that settled into my heart and will remain there for time to come, the food aspect is just "the cheese on the grilled cheese"!
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
I am always drawn to "food fiction" since I first read Delicious! by Ruth Reichl, which is how I first came to find Reichert's The Coincidence of Coconut Cake. However, in Optimist, we also get an important multi-generational story of women and family that settled into my heart and will remain there for time to come, the food aspect is just "the cheese on the grilled cheese"!
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
June 15, 2018
This was my first novel by Amy E. Reichert and it won't be my last. This story had everything I love in a book: strong emotional connections to the characters, a past and present storyline, delicious food descriptions and an ending that left me satisfied with the story. I dare you to read this book and not crave grilled cheese and brownies. I made it past the first 100 pages before I broke out the panini maker for dinner. 😂 I still need to come up with a brownie recipe that would make May proud. I'd give this one a solid 4.5/5🌟 and I'm looking forward to reading more by her.
May 14, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for this review copy!
Oh, how I adore Amy E. Reichert's books - ADORE. I am a born and bred Wisconsin resident and can't get enough of her domestic (and foodie!) fiction set on the eastern side of my home state. While each story is completely different, they all have her signature style and sense of home that I have come to depend on in her novels. This newest title is one of my favorites of hers - mothers and daughters and a town I know well and a little historical family intrigue thrown in as well. Oh, and LOTS of grilled cheese talk and yummy food truck action. If you like family fiction, move this one to the top of your summer TBR pile!
Oh, how I adore Amy E. Reichert's books - ADORE. I am a born and bred Wisconsin resident and can't get enough of her domestic (and foodie!) fiction set on the eastern side of my home state. While each story is completely different, they all have her signature style and sense of home that I have come to depend on in her novels. This newest title is one of my favorites of hers - mothers and daughters and a town I know well and a little historical family intrigue thrown in as well. Oh, and LOTS of grilled cheese talk and yummy food truck action. If you like family fiction, move this one to the top of your summer TBR pile!
May 22, 2018
Zowza!!! (I saw this word in a book I read this week, sorry I can't remember which to give credit to, but I love it!!
I loved this book!!!
It was filled with so many great characters. There were so many times that I just wanted to haul off and slap a couple of them. They grated my nerves so much, especially Lorraine. That was, of course, before I started shedding tears for those very same people.
The story was amazing, the writing was amazing and I'm still crying over it. Even after I took a break before writing this review. A story that was fraught with emotions and surprises that I never saw coming.
An excellent read that I thought was this author's best one yet! I will always say "yes, please" to Amy Reichert's books.
Thanks to Gallery, Threshold and Pocket Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I loved this book!!!
It was filled with so many great characters. There were so many times that I just wanted to haul off and slap a couple of them. They grated my nerves so much, especially Lorraine. That was, of course, before I started shedding tears for those very same people.
The story was amazing, the writing was amazing and I'm still crying over it. Even after I took a break before writing this review. A story that was fraught with emotions and surprises that I never saw coming.
An excellent read that I thought was this author's best one yet! I will always say "yes, please" to Amy Reichert's books.
Thanks to Gallery, Threshold and Pocket Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 4, 2018
I LOVE a well-done family saga and Reichert's newest novel does not disappoint! I read this book—a story about mothers and their complicated relationships with their daughters and the family secrets that affect them all—the same month I welcomed my own daughter into the world, which made it more special. While it may have been the hormones, I'm going to attribute it more to Amy's wonderful writing that I found myself tearing up multiple times, but especially at its bittersweet ending.
Cannot wait to recommend this one to friends when it comes out. It would make a special read for women to buy their own moms for Mother's Day especially!
Cannot wait to recommend this one to friends when it comes out. It would make a special read for women to buy their own moms for Mother's Day especially!
January 7, 2019
I thought about abandoning this book at about the 20% mark. It was not what I expected which was contemporary fiction. The scenes with the teenage daughter made me stop and look on line to see if this was a young adult romance. Pretty cheesy. In addition to that frustration, I listened on Audible and did not like the way the narrator performed the male voices. Then there was an interesting nugget thrown in that caught my attention so I stuck with the book. The story had some value but I wouldn't highly recommend it. There are too many other great books out there so leave this one behind.
January 8, 2018
I'm a huge Amy Reichert fan and I think this is her best yet! Emotional, relatable, and chocked with her now-signature side of delicious food descriptions. Put this on the top of your TBR!
June 22, 2018
I so enjoyed reading Reichert’s The Coincidence of Coconut Cake and was thrilled to see that Amy had written a new book. Couldn't wait to get my hands on it! Well, it pulled me in from the start. I am impressed at the author's skill in capturing family dynamics in a heartfelt way. I loved that food again shares the spotlight which was one of my favorite things about Coconut Cake - this time gourmet grilled cheese is on my plate - yum! A very enjoyable story and a vibrant cast of characters.
May 3, 2018
Three generations of women in one family have struggled to connect. Until now. An older woman's stroke brings out a long-held secret and is the catalyst for healing to begin with her daughters and her granddaughter. It was heartwarming, bittersweet, and a family story that left me wanting to call my own mom and hug her.
Gina is a widowed woman of two years running her fantastic Grilled G's food cart business (seriously, her versions of grilled cheese kept me salivating) and figure out how to get through her daughter May's teen hormones and angry grief.
Lorraine is a starched up well preserved woman who is driven and drives her daughters especially Gina until she has a stroke and the family secrets are discovered. Now, when she has no way to verbalize, this is when real communication happens in her family and the healing and understanding can start.
Lastly, there is young May. She grieves for her dad and takes all her loss and anger out on her mom thinking her mom has moved on and seems to want to forget May's dad. May isolated herself and now is slowly coming out of that and seeing her mother very differently.
I should also mention- mostly because she was my favorite character and made me smile often, giving some of the heavier moments more balance - Lorraine's second daughter Vicky doesn't have as large a role, but she is right in the middle of all the new-found family healing and togetherness.
Like many Chick Lits and Women's Fictions, this one is easy-paced and takes it's time. The story is told in flashbacks and the present. There are emotional moments and slice of life scattered through the story. Food is an elemental theme around which these women can and do connect. The ending was a little heavy, but still very satisfying.
In summary, this was my first book by the author and now I can see why folks rave about her writing. It talks about every day women, family, and food with a dash of humor and sadness. I will definitely be going back for more and recommend this one to those who enjoy stories that focus on multi-generational women's stories tied together by family.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Gina is a widowed woman of two years running her fantastic Grilled G's food cart business (seriously, her versions of grilled cheese kept me salivating) and figure out how to get through her daughter May's teen hormones and angry grief.
Lorraine is a starched up well preserved woman who is driven and drives her daughters especially Gina until she has a stroke and the family secrets are discovered. Now, when she has no way to verbalize, this is when real communication happens in her family and the healing and understanding can start.
Lastly, there is young May. She grieves for her dad and takes all her loss and anger out on her mom thinking her mom has moved on and seems to want to forget May's dad. May isolated herself and now is slowly coming out of that and seeing her mother very differently.
I should also mention- mostly because she was my favorite character and made me smile often, giving some of the heavier moments more balance - Lorraine's second daughter Vicky doesn't have as large a role, but she is right in the middle of all the new-found family healing and togetherness.
Like many Chick Lits and Women's Fictions, this one is easy-paced and takes it's time. The story is told in flashbacks and the present. There are emotional moments and slice of life scattered through the story. Food is an elemental theme around which these women can and do connect. The ending was a little heavy, but still very satisfying.
In summary, this was my first book by the author and now I can see why folks rave about her writing. It talks about every day women, family, and food with a dash of humor and sadness. I will definitely be going back for more and recommend this one to those who enjoy stories that focus on multi-generational women's stories tied together by family.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2024
After losing her husband (Drew) two years ago, woman (Gina) grieves while also caring for her sick mother (Lorraine). Occurring in just one week, this story tackled grief, a secret revealed, and the very complicated relationship between a mother, her daughter, and her granddaughter.
Gina, grieving the loss of her amazing husband, Drew, is now a single parent to their daughter, May. At 14 years old, May was a typical, sulky, self-centered teenager, missing her dad fiercely, yet pushing her mom away when she should have been leaning on her for support. Gina spent her days making to do lists and running her gourmet food truck, Grilled G's (because it sounds like grilled cheese hehe), Drew's last gift to her before he died.
As if that weren't enough to deal with, when Gina's overbearing, perfectionist mother, Lorraine, suffered a stroke, Gina discovered a secret her mom had been hiding from her and her sister, Vicky, for over 40 years. How will they react when they find out the truth? Was her mom ready for them to know, or would she have kept it buried forever?
Having lost my mom in December, the theme of this book was especially poignant for me. Oh, how I wish I could have sent her a Once Upon a Book Club: Mother's Day 2018 box as well so that we could have read it together! She would have loved the story, and I know that because, luckily, she shared some of her own personal secrets with me. I wasn't able to ask her the questions sprinkled throughout the book, but since my youngest son asked me the ones included in the box, it created a special moment for us.
"The more a daughter knows about the details of her mother's life--without flinching or whining--the stronger the daughter." - Anita Diamont, The Red Tent
This was my first book by this author, and since I've already purchased the rest of her books, it's obvious that I'd totally recommend this one!
"Just saying it's okay to not always be happy. Life might be like a box of chocolates, but sometimes all the chocolates are filled with that crappy orange cream filling." - Vicky to Gina
"A person can't keep secrets for so long without them leaving deep scars." - Lorraine
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Gina, grieving the loss of her amazing husband, Drew, is now a single parent to their daughter, May. At 14 years old, May was a typical, sulky, self-centered teenager, missing her dad fiercely, yet pushing her mom away when she should have been leaning on her for support. Gina spent her days making to do lists and running her gourmet food truck, Grilled G's (because it sounds like grilled cheese hehe), Drew's last gift to her before he died.
As if that weren't enough to deal with, when Gina's overbearing, perfectionist mother, Lorraine, suffered a stroke, Gina discovered a secret her mom had been hiding from her and her sister, Vicky, for over 40 years. How will they react when they find out the truth? Was her mom ready for them to know, or would she have kept it buried forever?
Having lost my mom in December, the theme of this book was especially poignant for me. Oh, how I wish I could have sent her a Once Upon a Book Club: Mother's Day 2018 box as well so that we could have read it together! She would have loved the story, and I know that because, luckily, she shared some of her own personal secrets with me. I wasn't able to ask her the questions sprinkled throughout the book, but since my youngest son asked me the ones included in the box, it created a special moment for us.
"The more a daughter knows about the details of her mother's life--without flinching or whining--the stronger the daughter." - Anita Diamont, The Red Tent
This was my first book by this author, and since I've already purchased the rest of her books, it's obvious that I'd totally recommend this one!
"Just saying it's okay to not always be happy. Life might be like a box of chocolates, but sometimes all the chocolates are filled with that crappy orange cream filling." - Vicky to Gina
"A person can't keep secrets for so long without them leaving deep scars." - Lorraine
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
July 3, 2018
Review to come!!!
Update:
This was a fun book to read. There wasn't too much drama or pointless scenes. The book is written in three perspectives Gina, Gina's daughter May, and Gina's mother Lorraine. Gina is a widow who is trying to live each day "normal" as possible. Things don't work out in Gina's favor by having a judgmental mother and attention seeking daughter.
One of the best thing about this book is the diversity in it. Most times when the main character is White, they are often times Italian, Greek, or Britain background, but in this book the characters were Polish background Also there were other ethnically diverse characters. However I love how the author didn't make that a main focus points in the book, it was subtle. Its refreshing to read about other cultures in a book that isn't trying to shove it to the readers face.
Overall this was a relaxing book to read. There was just enough drama and suspension in this book without it becoming boring. I enjoyed reading about all the characters and their stories.
Update:
This was a fun book to read. There wasn't too much drama or pointless scenes. The book is written in three perspectives Gina, Gina's daughter May, and Gina's mother Lorraine. Gina is a widow who is trying to live each day "normal" as possible. Things don't work out in Gina's favor by having a judgmental mother and attention seeking daughter.
One of the best thing about this book is the diversity in it. Most times when the main character is White, they are often times Italian, Greek, or Britain background, but in this book the characters were Polish background Also there were other ethnically diverse characters. However I love how the author didn't make that a main focus points in the book, it was subtle. Its refreshing to read about other cultures in a book that isn't trying to shove it to the readers face.
Overall this was a relaxing book to read. There was just enough drama and suspension in this book without it becoming boring. I enjoyed reading about all the characters and their stories.
February 8, 2018
Fans of Amy Reichert will not be disappointed with this book! Three generations of women, all with their own stories of trials and tribulations, but it's the love that binds them when a decades old secret is uncovered. Gina is relatable, and shows her strength as a woman when tragedy strikes her family. Plus, all the grilled cheese creations she makes will have you wanting to make your own! Her mother, Lorraine, is that elderly woman we all know, sassy and stubborn, but throughout the book we learn to understand her. And May, Gina's daughter, is in midst of teenage angst, while dealing with the death of her father. The three of them together shows there is no greater bond than that between mothers and daughters.
I adore everything Amy writes, but this is my new favorite, hands down. I read almost the entire thing in one weekend and gave the book a big hug when I finished. It was just delightful.
I adore everything Amy writes, but this is my new favorite, hands down. I read almost the entire thing in one weekend and gave the book a big hug when I finished. It was just delightful.
November 7, 2018
This is a wonderful intergenerational tale of Gina, widowed owner of a grilled cheese food truck (Grilled G's, I can't even...!) while feeling caught between her nitpicking mother and sullen teenage daughter. When her mother suffers a stroke, Gina discovers a long-buried family secret and realizes that finding the truth might be the only way home. Every woman who is part of the sandwich generation (pun intended) will find herself in this hilarious and heartwarming book.
May 20, 2018
Amy Reichert is a terrific author. Her stories examine issues that affect all of us. Grief is one of those feelings that we all will experience and yet no one experiences it or expresses it the same way. And, somehow, we give permission to others to tell us how to do it. Gina has a lot of troubles come her way. The way she copes is her way. This book is powerful and lovely.
October 21, 2020
I’d sincerely enjoyed two of Reichert’s earlier novels, and anticipated that I’d appreciate her knack for mixing a delicious foodie repertoire amidst human foibles again. My optimism was a tad too great for this recipe, with a few too many ingredients- many, many backstories peppered about many, many characters, all carrying significant angst- and much less of the deft touch and lightness of her previously food inspired stories.
The subjects were more serious. Widowhood x2, alienation of adult children, an aged and critical mother... on and on... I won’t give anything else away because of spoilers. Ginny, the main character, hardly had a chance to become fully developed - dare I say, she was “half-baked”? But it was an “OKAY” novel- simply not as charming or refreshing as I’d hoped.
So, three stars.
The subjects were more serious. Widowhood x2, alienation of adult children, an aged and critical mother... on and on... I won’t give anything else away because of spoilers. Ginny, the main character, hardly had a chance to become fully developed - dare I say, she was “half-baked”? But it was an “OKAY” novel- simply not as charming or refreshing as I’d hoped.
So, three stars.
May 23, 2018
Multi-generational family stories are my favorites. When 3 generations of women get together there is usually fun, guilt and surprises. Gina's husband has died and her teen daughter May isn't handling it well. Gina is keeping their household afloat by running her food truck, the Grilled G's that her husband built. From the story you can tell Gina and her sister didn't have a happy childhood and visits to her mother are a chore, not a happy time. When Gina discovers her mother on the floor suffering from a stroke all their lives change in a hurry. This is a great story of love and discovery. I loved that May grew up and became a loving daughter and important part of the family business. I enjoyed Gina and her sister's quest to find out about their past. I always smile when I see a new title by Amy Reichert and I'm never disappointed.
July 6, 2018
My problem is the subject matter - GRIEF.
Most of the book has way too much time with three females grieving deaths of husbands/fathers/first-loves. Most of the story is flashback memories of nice times together before the person died: how they met, their relationship, how they died. Even at the end of the book there are more tear jerking grief scenes. This book is sooo different from the author’s first book “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake.” I loved that book. It was a contemporary romance story but drawn out like womens fiction. It was an enjoyable escape. This new book “The Optimists...” is a totally different type of book. No fun. A downer.
The characters: Lorraine was cold and distant to her two daughters Gina and Vicki now around age 40. Gina’s teenage daughter May is cold and distant to Gina. The men in Lorraine’s life are dead. Gina’s husband died two years ago.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Teri Schnaubelt did a great job. I would listen to her again.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 352 pages. Swearing language: the f-word 2 or 3 times. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day plus flashbacks Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Book copyright: 2018. Genre: grief fiction.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve read two other books by this author.
5 stars. The Coincidence of Coconut Cake.
3 ½ stars. The Simplicity of Cider. (Lack of justice for crimes done.)
Most of the book has way too much time with three females grieving deaths of husbands/fathers/first-loves. Most of the story is flashback memories of nice times together before the person died: how they met, their relationship, how they died. Even at the end of the book there are more tear jerking grief scenes. This book is sooo different from the author’s first book “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake.” I loved that book. It was a contemporary romance story but drawn out like womens fiction. It was an enjoyable escape. This new book “The Optimists...” is a totally different type of book. No fun. A downer.
The characters: Lorraine was cold and distant to her two daughters Gina and Vicki now around age 40. Gina’s teenage daughter May is cold and distant to Gina. The men in Lorraine’s life are dead. Gina’s husband died two years ago.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Teri Schnaubelt did a great job. I would listen to her again.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Story length: 352 pages. Swearing language: the f-word 2 or 3 times. Sexual content: none. Setting: current day plus flashbacks Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Book copyright: 2018. Genre: grief fiction.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve read two other books by this author.
5 stars. The Coincidence of Coconut Cake.
3 ½ stars. The Simplicity of Cider. (Lack of justice for crimes done.)
March 16, 2021
This was my first Amy E. Reichert experience, and now I want to get my hands on all her other novels. Her characters are so personable and genuine. I loved going back and forth in time to learn more about Gina and Lorraine's pasts and how similar they truly were. It was interesting to see Lorraine's secret unfold and see the impact it had on her daughters. I loved the teen perspective from May, as well. I wish Vicky would get her own book at some point, as I want to see what's next in her story. The grilled cheese truck made me want a grilled cheese sandwich (which I made for dinner while reading this novel).
Overall, this was a great story. Even though there was some romance in it (mainly through flashbacks), it focused on family for the most part. If you are a newbie to Amy's books, I would recommend checking this one out first, although I heard her others are great too.
Movie casting suggestions:
Overall, this was a great story. Even though there was some romance in it (mainly through flashbacks), it focused on family for the most part. If you are a newbie to Amy's books, I would recommend checking this one out first, although I heard her others are great too.
Movie casting suggestions:
Gina: Lake Bell
Vicky: Joanna Douglas
Lorraine (present): Jane Seymour
Lorraine (past): Victoria Pedretti
May: Sterling Jerins
Roza (present): Grace Zabriskie
Roza (past): Lauren Lapkus
Drew: Michael Cassidy
Floyd: Cameron Monaghan
May 15, 2018
4.5 stars rounded
There’s something so comfortable about a Reichert novel – like those fuzzy warm socks, and stretched out just the way you like it sweater, that simply engulfs you and demands you settle in and enjoy the ride. This novel is no different, even if the characters in this have more issues and struggles to work through than any of her previous stories. Told from the main character Gina’s point of view, with bits from her mother Lorraine and her fourteen year old daughter May, this is a story of expectations, grief, moving on and eventually finding a way to move forward as secrets are revealed and the past weighs on the future.
Now to my impressions of the book – it’s my favorite of Reichert’s to date: full of moments past and present, memories and struggles as the women try to reframe their lives in the now, after the griefs, secrets, resentments and struggles from their past. There are secrets galore, big secrets held closely in fear (from Lorraine) that made her a very judgmental, rigid and cold appearing woman. Secrets from Roza, Lorraine’s friend and nanny / auntie to Gina, Vicky and now May. Vicky’s marriage that ‘appears’ wonderful from the outside in: plenty of money, a nice house two hours from her mother, four kids with plenty of activities that leave Vicky alone, unable to communicate with her husband. Gina’s worry that Drew’s death have left May without her favorite parent, and her without her heart. Feeling the ‘push’ to move on from her neighbors and mother, yet unable to find the ‘right’ way to be, as she struggles with her own mother’s voice telling her to be ‘more like’ her sister, and seeming smug in the knowledge that she’d chosen the wrong man to marry. May’s own resentment of her mother for seeming to not care about her, her father’s death or even about anything she does – against the rules or not. All wrapped in their own griefs and questions, every issue has a root in the first big secret- Lorraine’s, and by extension, Roza’s complicity with that silence.
With Lorraine’s stroke, the story starts to become one of discovery. A birth certificate and photograph of a man unknown to Gina and Vicky, Lorraine’s admission (to herself as her speech was affected greatly) that her daughters are strong and wonderful women, far more complete and successful than she was. Gina’s penchant for lists: the satisfaction of ticking off an item to be accomplished, the organization, the reliance on them as a sort of talisman to ‘get things done right’. And the food. OH the food – from Gina’s lovely grilled cheese and butter-drenched garlic bread (her junk food of choice) to May’s bacon-caramel brownies, coconut vegan brownies and her journal with thirty three new creations. Vicky’s discovery that her husband hasn’t time to listen, let alone interest, in what’s happening two hours north – and perhaps he never really did.
It’s a book that is meant to be experienced. Do it this way.
1> Buy this book
2> Pick the comfy chair
3> Get snacks (you’ll want them) a drink and tissues handy.
4> Put up the do not disturb sign
5> Prepare to escape for a few hours (depending on how fast you read)
6> Come back and thank me – trust me, you’ll want to.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
There’s something so comfortable about a Reichert novel – like those fuzzy warm socks, and stretched out just the way you like it sweater, that simply engulfs you and demands you settle in and enjoy the ride. This novel is no different, even if the characters in this have more issues and struggles to work through than any of her previous stories. Told from the main character Gina’s point of view, with bits from her mother Lorraine and her fourteen year old daughter May, this is a story of expectations, grief, moving on and eventually finding a way to move forward as secrets are revealed and the past weighs on the future.
Now to my impressions of the book – it’s my favorite of Reichert’s to date: full of moments past and present, memories and struggles as the women try to reframe their lives in the now, after the griefs, secrets, resentments and struggles from their past. There are secrets galore, big secrets held closely in fear (from Lorraine) that made her a very judgmental, rigid and cold appearing woman. Secrets from Roza, Lorraine’s friend and nanny / auntie to Gina, Vicky and now May. Vicky’s marriage that ‘appears’ wonderful from the outside in: plenty of money, a nice house two hours from her mother, four kids with plenty of activities that leave Vicky alone, unable to communicate with her husband. Gina’s worry that Drew’s death have left May without her favorite parent, and her without her heart. Feeling the ‘push’ to move on from her neighbors and mother, yet unable to find the ‘right’ way to be, as she struggles with her own mother’s voice telling her to be ‘more like’ her sister, and seeming smug in the knowledge that she’d chosen the wrong man to marry. May’s own resentment of her mother for seeming to not care about her, her father’s death or even about anything she does – against the rules or not. All wrapped in their own griefs and questions, every issue has a root in the first big secret- Lorraine’s, and by extension, Roza’s complicity with that silence.
With Lorraine’s stroke, the story starts to become one of discovery. A birth certificate and photograph of a man unknown to Gina and Vicky, Lorraine’s admission (to herself as her speech was affected greatly) that her daughters are strong and wonderful women, far more complete and successful than she was. Gina’s penchant for lists: the satisfaction of ticking off an item to be accomplished, the organization, the reliance on them as a sort of talisman to ‘get things done right’. And the food. OH the food – from Gina’s lovely grilled cheese and butter-drenched garlic bread (her junk food of choice) to May’s bacon-caramel brownies, coconut vegan brownies and her journal with thirty three new creations. Vicky’s discovery that her husband hasn’t time to listen, let alone interest, in what’s happening two hours north – and perhaps he never really did.
It’s a book that is meant to be experienced. Do it this way.
1> Buy this book
2> Pick the comfy chair
3> Get snacks (you’ll want them) a drink and tissues handy.
4> Put up the do not disturb sign
5> Prepare to escape for a few hours (depending on how fast you read)
6> Come back and thank me – trust me, you’ll want to.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
June 6, 2018
It's always a special experience to read a story set in a familiar location. The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go takes place in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa and features mentions of well-known spots, including Kopp's and Polish Fest. It also smiled at the brief mention of cider from Door County--a slight nod to another story from Amy E. Reichert.
The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go did not immediately sweep me away. Rather, I found the story to be quietly insistent, wrapping me up with each detail and luring me to read further and unravel the secrets in each woman's story line. I liked the way Amy Reichert wove together the lives and experiences of three generations of women. There is a lot of love between those women and the reader can feel that love on every page. A moving and memorable read.
The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go did not immediately sweep me away. Rather, I found the story to be quietly insistent, wrapping me up with each detail and luring me to read further and unravel the secrets in each woman's story line. I liked the way Amy Reichert wove together the lives and experiences of three generations of women. There is a lot of love between those women and the reader can feel that love on every page. A moving and memorable read.
June 25, 2018
I absolutely love Amy Reichert's books!!! This one didn't disappoint. Such a heartwarming story of a family and family secrets. And of course the food!!! Never wanted a grilled cheese sandwich so much in my life while reading about Regina's family and her food truck. A definite must read.
August 6, 2018
When you find yourself craving the reading equivalent of comfort food, this is it: A multigenerational story of mothers and daughters, sisters, first love, and coming of age—all on the menu of a delicious gourmet grilled cheese food truck.
May 1, 2018
I really enjoyed The Simplicity Of Cider so I was hoping for another delightful read in The Optimist's Guide To Letting Go. Unfortunately, I had a really hard time getting into it and the story never really picked up.
The characters were messes in their own way, which could have led to some great redemption arcs but I never felt connected to them. Part of this may be due to the reliance on flashbacks. I wanted present day action, not lingering in the past. I didn't need to comb their memories to understand them better. In fact, many of the flashbacks only made me more confused about their behavior. While this is supposed to give us insight into the grandmother-mother-daughter dynamic, it might have been a stronger story had we gotten the perspective of only two characters, instead of all three. We never went quite deep enough with any of them.
Even though this one wasn't for me, I continue to enjoy Reichert as a writer. There were some really great lines and I even laughed out loud a couple of times. I'll certainly give her next book a try.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were messes in their own way, which could have led to some great redemption arcs but I never felt connected to them. Part of this may be due to the reliance on flashbacks. I wanted present day action, not lingering in the past. I didn't need to comb their memories to understand them better. In fact, many of the flashbacks only made me more confused about their behavior. While this is supposed to give us insight into the grandmother-mother-daughter dynamic, it might have been a stronger story had we gotten the perspective of only two characters, instead of all three. We never went quite deep enough with any of them.
Even though this one wasn't for me, I continue to enjoy Reichert as a writer. There were some really great lines and I even laughed out loud a couple of times. I'll certainly give her next book a try.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2019
The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go was not what I was expecting. After reading Reichert's other novels, I was expecting a romantic comedy with quirky characters and a lot of depth. Instead, Reichert delivers an emotional, heart-wrenching story about five women, told from the perspectives of three, Gina, Lorraine, and May. Gina lost her beloved husband, Drew, two years ago. Lorraine is Gina (and Vicky's) distant mother, who has never approved of Gina's choices. May is Gina's daughter, an emotional 14-year-old who feels like she lost her mother as well when her father died. As the book unfolds, secrets are revealed and relationships are changed forever. Vicky and Gina must figure out why their mother made certain choices, especially hard now that their mother is incapable of speaking due to a massive stroke. Roza, Lorraine's oldest friend and her daughters' former nanny, steps in to try to help.
I cried through half of this book and loved every minute of it. Reichert weaves a story that rings true and illustrates that we don't always know everyone's story, even those closest to us.
I received an advanced reader copy of this title from the publisher.
I cried through half of this book and loved every minute of it. Reichert weaves a story that rings true and illustrates that we don't always know everyone's story, even those closest to us.
I received an advanced reader copy of this title from the publisher.
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