A poignant breakout novel, for fans of J. Courtney Sullivan and Elin Hilderbrand, about a single mother who inherits a beautiful beach house with a caveat—she must take care of the ornery elderly woman who lives in it.For years, Maggie Sheets has been an invisible hand in the glittering homes of wealthy New York City clients, scrubbing, dusting, mopping, and doing all she can to keep her head … scrubbing, dusting, mopping, and doing all she can to keep her head above water as a single mother. Everything changes when a former employer dies leaving Maggie a staggering inheritance. A house in Sag Harbor. The catch? It comes with an inhabitant: The deceased’s eighty-two-year old mother Edith.
Edith has Alzheimer’s—or so the doctors tell her—but she remembers exactly how her daughter Liza could light up a room, or bring dark clouds in her wake. And now Liza’s gone, by her own hand, and Edith has been left—like a chaise or strand of pearls—to a poorly dressed young woman with a toddler in tow.
Maggie and Edith are both certain this arrangement will be an utter disaster. But as summer days wane, a tenuous bond forms, and Edith, who feels the urgency of her diagnosis, shares a secret that she’s held close for five decades, launching Maggie on a mission that might just lead them each to what they are looking for.
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A very well written quick read that is entertaining and enjoyable.
Great characters, and true to life. This could happen to anyone. Heartwarming. Loved the honesty of it.
This was a great book. I loved all the characters. I didn’t want it to end!
Very different story. I enjoyed from the first page to the last. Very well done!!
This was a lovely story with characters that were believable, and involved the stages of a person’s life as well as a sympathetic portrayal of the losses of aging along with growth as a person for the single mother protagonist as well as the older lady she “inherits” the care of. The supporting characters added interest and humor as well as their own poignant humanity. I think the ending was perfect – we all grow, sometimes by choice and sometimes because we have no other choice, and life continues as it changes shape. Highly recommend!
Easy read. Compelling characters.
A thought provoking read. The development of relationships was good. Not your typical story-line. It was heart warming.
Very heart warming on making the best out of what life can unexpectedly throw at you sometimes
Simply loved the reading flow! Couldn’t stop reading!
Soul searching, I couldn’t put the book down once I started.
Totally loved this book. Loved the characters… Didn’t want it to end!
This book was just so tender as the two really needed each other. I may need to read it again!
A gentle take of acceptance and forming bonds with family of the heart.
The premise of this novel was just too intriguing, and I had to find out WHY or HOW this could happen. What could justify a wealthy young woman intent on suicide to leave her former employee her home in Sag Harbor with the stipulation that the inheritance include the young woman’s eighty-two year old mother?
Yes, there are ups and downs throughout the novel, and you wonder how on earth the two are ever going to resolve their differences or even meet halfway, but the author’s prose throughout this novel is wonderful, and her characters have true depth. I found myself empathizing with Edith, Maggie, and even Esther, Edith’s always-there best friend. The ending of the novel could not have been more perfect!
I definitely recommend this novel for anyone looking for more than just a “normal” book. This often sensitive novel focuses on real life, our emotions, and how we deal with both. Will definitely be following Zoe Fishman!
Great book. Keep me interested throughout. I loved the characters.
I enjoyed this book.
Good insight into a person who is going through dementia and another person willing to work through this terrible ordeal with this person in a loving and caring manner.
A glimpse into Alzheimer’s and it’s daily devastation weaves itself through this very believable storyline. The frustrations of each of these characters is so real and the plot so unique, that it blends in to a sweet story
Only ok
Absolutely loved it.