Kristy Woodson Harvey
Published: Berkley
Date: May 2015
Format: Paperback
Pages: 308
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Local library
I first noticed this book when I read a review by Kristin at Always With a Book, I made a note of it to read sometime in the future. When I was browsing our local library shelves there sitting facing me was a pristine copy of the book, so I felt the time had come to read it. The library rose a few more degrees in my esteem, for already having it on its shelves here in New Zealand!
Jodi Thomas says on the cover - "Characters with rich, complicated lives.... Beautifully shows how a family comes to be". As Jodi Thomas is a favourite author of mine, I needed no further incentive to read.
Each chapter is alternately spoken by two women. It is addressed to baby Carolina, and while that sounds a little odd it works perfectly. Frances Mason - Khaki to those closest to her, is a very successful interior designer, mother of Alex and wife of Graham. They live mostly on a farm in Nth Carolina, but they also have an apartment in New York. Khaki has it all and is very happy, but the one thing she would love is another child to add to their family.
Jodi is a cousin of Geoffrey and while he has had a well adjusted life, Jodi has not been so lucky with an alcoholic mother and a father who died. Jodi also reaches for the bottle when things become stressful. So when she is pregnant at nineteen, she fears that her baby is going to end up having the same kind of life as she has had, and she doesn't want that. With an aching heart Jodi comes to a decision that she hopes will give Carolina the love and sense of family she wants for her.
Khaki has a huge loving heart, and as the story progresses she makes decisions that are right for her and her family, so by the end she is very grounded. Jodi - so young, has a wonderful sense of planting and growing and is an expert in canning and jam making. She knows if she can keep busy she may have a chance of overcoming the need to drink. She too has a big heart and I enjoyed her evolution during the span of the novel.
I really enjoyed this book, I think anyone who enjoys women's fiction, and the exploration of parenthood, love, trust and strength and growth will find it right down their alley. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel, it's so accomplished, totally agree with Jodi Thomas!
I think I could enjoy this one too :) I like womens fiction
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful! Thanks for your great review. I'm going to add this to my 'To Read' list.
ReplyDeleteKathryn this sounds amazing and woot for your New Zealand library to stock it!!
ReplyDeleteShe's new to me too and I'm now making a note of her, see how one little splash does become an ocean :)
It's great how that happens! As it's a debut book I just found it amazing that someone was aware of it. I guess publishers do a lot of PR.
DeleteThis may be a read I might enjoy. I love it when the library hooks one up with a great book.
ReplyDeleteThis one does sound like my kind of book, too, and I have yet to read this author. So thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes think you would like it Laurel-Rain.
DeleteThis does sounds really good, and I like the alternating perspectives. So happy you found a copy at your library. Libraries are cool.
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOSH! I can't believe DEAR CAROLINA was in your New Zealand library! That is too, too cool. Thank you so much for taking the time to read it and for your gorgeous review. I am so, so flattered that you took the time to read. Thanks from the bottom of my heart! xo Kristy
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds different and the premise pulls me in. The alternate voice style sometimes works for me and here it seems that it did for you, so I think I'll check my library for it :) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd love this one, women's fiction is one of my favourite genres. Off to see if I can get it ...
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