Finished 4-7-12, rating 4.5/5, fiction, 293 pages, pub. 2011
The moving story told in its pages, of love and loss and acceptance, of secret passions and the weight of private thoughts, forever changed the way I viewed my own writing. It may have been why I stopped writing. Joel had never read the book, and I was glad of it. It was too intimate to share. It read to me like the pages of my unwritten diary.
Chapter 1
Emily, author of one bestselling novel years ago, has just signed her divorce papers. Not able to write and not sure what to do about it her best friend convinces her that a change of scenery will help, so Emily contacts her Aunt Bee on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Once she’s back on the island where she spent the wonderful summers of her youth, she finds a hidden journal written by the mysterious Esther, and Emily wonders if she is somehow connected to her family. Totally immersed in Esther’s story and frustrated by her aunt’s refusal to talk about family secrets, Emily found the perfect way to forget about her divorce and the muse to start writing again.
The story in the journal parallels current day Bainbridge Island and as Emily pieced together who was who I tried to keep up. I admit I had some ideas, but did get a bit confused by the large cast. I didn’t really care though, I was just happy to be along for the ride. One of these days I hope I find my way to Bainbridge Island. The place felt magical.
I loved this book. The writing was beautiful, there was such depth and beauty on every page. The awesome writing coupled with the two addicting storylines make this one easy to recommend. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump (probably because I have so little time for it these days so I tend to choose shorter books) but this one had me reading well into my sleep time and that’s not something I give up lightly!
There are two things that kept this from being perfect for me. I wish there could have been another chapter to wrap things up a little more and I was surprised by how fast Emily recovered from her divorce. She did not waste any time jumping back into the dating pool and seemed to think very little of her old life. This felt a bit odd, but I’ve not gone through a divorce so maybe it is that easy to forget (and I mean forget a week later). Both of these are minor complaints.
This is my favorite book this year, so far, and it was from my personal library.
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Stacy's Books 
I have heard so much of this book. It is on my wishlist.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Stacy. I did too!
I’ve had my eye on this book for awhile, so glad to see you enjoyed it. Btw, love the new blog look!
Thanks. I haven’t decided if I’ll keep it. It seemed appropriate for Easter.
This one has been on my wish list for a long time. Glad you enjoyed it so much!
I loved this book. Read it on a vacation and it made me want to go to the Pacific Northwest immediately. I’ve not read THE BUNGELOW, the author’s next book, but it’s on my Kindle. Sarah Jio has such a way with words.
She really does. I”ll definitely be reading her next books.
Glad you enjoyed this book. I did too. I recently finished her second book, The Bungalow and enjoyed it as well. I hope you get to Bainbride Island, it is beautiful!
I’m jealous that you’ve been there!
I’m impressed by how much you liked this! But wait, when did you change your look? Or did I just not notice even yesterday? LOL
This is temporary. I like the theme for special occasions 🙂
I really enjoyed her second one, and I look forward to this one. Her writing captured me.
Me too!
I’ve heard this book and this author are wonderful. I really need to read the book soon.
Oh, I meant to say, I love the new look!
Thanks. I’m not sure if I’m completely sold but it’s a nice change.
Yay! I loved this one so much! We should all get together and go as a big blogging group to Bainbridge! After I finished the book the location immediately went on my MUST visit places before I die!
YES!!! That’s a great idea! Why not have BEA on Bainbridge Island?
I enjoyed this one so much! Jio is such a great author.
I’ve been eyeing this book since last year but haven’t had the time to pick it up! I’m glad that the writing lived up to the premise (and the cover, I admit!) And yes, I too would have trouble connecting with a character who moved way too fast after a divorce.
Isn’t the cover gorgeous? It’s what drew me in.
Hey, the new look is great! I like the title tag line too.
I enjoyed the novel as well.
Thanks for the feedback. It was only temporary but people seem to like it so we’ll see!
I’ve been wanting to read this book for quite awhile and everytime I see a great review like this I think I should get to it soon. so many books, so little time.
Ain’t that the truth!
I havent read this one – it sounds really good !
thanks for the review!
I think (no … I know!) it takes longer than one week to forget a divorce.
Yea, It was a problem in that I understood her less, but I was caught up in the story so I didn’t care.
Divorce is traumatic, you don’t get over it in a week lol. But I loved Sarah Jio’s The Bungalow so I’m looking forward to reading this one. Glad you enjoyed it despite the small issues 🙂
Perfect book to end the slump! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and yes some parts wrap up rather quickly, I’m afraid.
Sounds like one for me to put on my list!