Tuesday, September 2, 2014

BOOK REVIEW: Heartsong: Sisterhood of Shepherds by Nicola Furlong



BE PREPARED FOR HAPPY TEARS


This is a story about Faith, Hope, and Charly, three adult daughters of Barry and Eileen Shepherd. Eileen died shortly before the story begins, but her presence is felt. Charly, the sister who tells the story, was almost named Charity, but when her father first looked at her at the hospital, he thought she looked more like Charly.

I found myself tearing up throughout, but this is not a sad book. The emotions I felt were related to family love, something we don't read about as much as we used to. The author is quite good at writing about family in a powerful, but subtle way.

Besides the father and his three daughters, Charly, who is divorced and living with her father, has two children, nine and twelve, who play important parts in the story. There is also Faith's husband, Michael, a retired policeman, who adds to the happenings without taking over.

Charly and her father have a nursery in Silver Shores, Oregon, where they grow plants to sell to gardeners. The book begins with a hail storm and the destruction of the crop. To make things worse, the insurance check wasn't sent. I thought the book would be how they survived this disaster. And, I might say, I may not have finished the book if that was all there was to it. However, I soon learned the real problem and I was hooked.

I can't tell you much more without taking away some of the enjoyment you'll have reading the book. I can say that you'll think about cookies from time to time and you'll be pleased to know there is a recipe in the back of the book. I can also tell you that the three sisters work well together as detectives and I wouldn't be surprised if the trio shows up in a sequel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author knows a little something about gardening and cookies. Nicola Furlong lives in a small seaside town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. When she is not writing or teaching writing, she grows blossoms and bakes cookies. She writes mystery and inspirational novels, and teaches electronic publishing.


For more information, visit:

IN CANADA, BUY THE BOOK HERE
Heartsong: Sisterhood of Shepherds


2 comments:

  1. I love happy tears, great review!

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  2. Thank you, Librarian Lavender, for stopping by and commenting. I hope you'll check out my bookmobile books. A few happy tears there.

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