Debbie Macomber
Published: Random House:Ballantine
Date: 23rd February 2016
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 400
Genre: Romance
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating:
Debbie Macomber has succeeded in this novel - A Girl's Guide to Moving On, of renewing my interest in her novels. It explores the lives of two women who have or are in the process of divorcing their husbands. What makes it somewhat unique is that that Leanne and Nichole are mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
Leanne put up for too long with her husband Sean's infidelity, and finally upon reaching the 'enough' stage she is devastated to see how her accepting Sean's behaviour has rubbed off on her son Josh. He has engaged in the same behaviour in his marriage. However his wife Nichole called enough first time she finds out.
Both women have written for themselves a short guide to moving on, full of wisdom and practicality. They act on it and big changes begin to happen for them. Leanne takes up volunteer teaching at a community college, teaching English as a second language. She finds it very fulfilling and begins out on an adventure with one of her students, Nikolai, that is both wondrous and who knows where it may lead. She also helps care for Owen her 3 year old grandchild who is the son of Josh and Nichole, when Nichole is working.
Leeanne has a flair for dress and helps out at the local Dress for Success shop. When her car becomes stuck in a ditch she is towed out of it by a big tatooed guy by the name of Rocco. Rocco later returns and asks her to help out with finding a dress that he can approve of for a school dance. All their lives are about to change.
The two men Sean and Josh are on the whole very unlikeable and self-centred. Sean makes use of Leanne and Josh makes it hard right through the divorce for Nichole. However as events and hearts change there is hope for something better, and love proves it can endure all things.
The friendship between Leanne and Nichole is what I loved about this book, also the way they go about starting new lives, which sets in place new doors opening and a door closing. Forgiveness and love, new beginnings and healing are strong themes in the book. An enjoyable read.
I always love her books. Can't wait to read this one day! Glad that you liked it.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to read a Macomber book, but I kind of want to start with this one!
ReplyDeleteI hope to start reading this one soon...I am definitely looking forward to it after your great review. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI like her books
ReplyDeleteI love starting new lives books and books about friendship! I've only read a few Macomber books but I love the friendships she sets up and this one really appeals to me. I like the different generations. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this around Kathryn, I've never been much of a Macomber fan but this one looks pretty good I may pick it up. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an enjoyable and inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a realistic portrayal of life. I need to give her another go.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that they were mother-in-law and daughter-in-law! I think I'd enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteWhat cool twist that they are MIL and DIL. Wonderful review :)
ReplyDelete