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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This sweet story about quirky characters who care for each other is delightful!
Interesting and quick read. Not great but good
A very pleasant read.
I really enjoyed this story and the portrayal of Edith and her early Alzheimer’s behavior is spot on. Maggie and Edith both grew on their own and in their friendship after revealing their secrets and flaws. Bravo!
Really enjoyed this book
Interesting characters, quick read, very disappointing ending.
Raw topics so well written it’s the first Alzheimer’s related book I was able to finish without getting overwhelmed with grief! (My Mum had a stroke related dementia.) What an Amazing book!
This story was handled and described in such a wonderfully truthful and kind way that it didn’t get too much to read. The other issues were written with equal grace.
I just finish listening to and reading the kindle of this book! I highly recommend it!!
Such a great read! I found myself rooting for the characters and at the same time found myself reflecting on my own life.
This book is so different from I usually read, which are mysteries and romances, preferably in the same story. But, I was surprised I enjoyed it so much. It was a nice change of pace and a good read.
Can’t say when I’ve enjoyed a fiction book this much.
Loved this storyline
Great story, easy to read and lots of interesting character interaction.
Clever plot, clever title, satisfying ending. I liked it.
Addresses in a kind, warm way the need for a support system.
Very enjoyable story with some interesting twists.
Loved the character development
The character development was excellent. I liked the unusual juxtaposition of the younger character revising her life as the elder character came to some significant learnings about her life in her later years. An interesting approach to preparing for ravages of Alzheimer’s.
This author does an amazing job of painting an insightful picture of dementia. It is honest, haunting, but not bereft of hope. There is a marvelous balance of humor and sadness that winds perfectly through the narrative.
The book had an interesting concept and was an enjoyable read.
Original concept, enjoyed reading it very much.