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This ferris wheel revolves faster than I remember. It was Robert's idea to come tonight. "A great way to say goodbye to the old year - right, kiddos?" Oliver and Izzy jumped up and down, squealing their agreement. There was no saying no. And so we ride. pg. 1
The Review
I was drawn to Shelter Us by Laura Nicole Diamond because I love family dramas. Sarah Shaw is the stay-at-home mom of 2, well 3 if you count her daughter that only lived a few short weeks. Though it has been a few years, Sarah has not been able to pull out of her grief and it is putting a strain on her marriage. But this isn't the part that captured my attention. It was the homeless woman with a small child that captured mine and Sarah's attention.
I knew how Sarah felt as she passed by the young woman. I so want to help someone who I see is in need. Sarah feels an extra attachment to the young woman because the death of her daughter. She can't get the woman out of her mind. She must do something. Her greatest desire is to bring her home and give her shelter. Yet her husband isn't keen on the idea obviously.
The story is told through the eyes of Sarah. A woman who cares deeply for her family, even the child who didn't live to see her first birthday. However, it is the all consuming grief and guilt that keeps her from fully being in the moment with her family. It's all she can do just to go through the motion. Until she meets Josie, the homeless mother. This may just be what Sarah needs to pull herself past her grief.
The story is so well told that you begin to think of Sarah as more than a character in a book. She could be the woman you see in the pick up line at preschool or the mother sitting on the park bench as her children play in the sand box.
Normally I would not think of a story like this as a summer read. I typically think of fun and fluff. Yet, I do think Shelter Us would be a perfect book for the summer. There are layers of emotional depth without being too heavy. There are enough sweet moments to balance out the grief and guilt. The writing also has a beauty to it that makes the story flow effortlessly. Diamond's style reminded me some of Jillian Medoff, but I enjoyed Shelter Us more.
If you are looking for more than fluff this summer, then I highly recommend Shelter Us by Laura Nicole Diamond.
Buy Shelter Us at Amazon
available formats: ebook and print (257 pages)
published: June 2015 by She Writes Press
ISBN13: 9781631529702
genres: women's fiction
source: publisher
read: April/May 2015
A free paperback was provided for this review. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for support Girl Who Reads.
Posts
I like family dramas, too. This sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this new-to-me book and author. I'm adding it to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/06/first-chapter-first-paragraph-109.html
That does sound good and I love the little teaser you gave. Putting it on my list.
ReplyDeleteI love massive ferris wheels although I haven't been on one in a very long time! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post
Juli @ Universe in Words
Count with those who like family dramas! I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteOh, you had me at how grief takes us to unexpected places. I definitely want to know more.
ReplyDeleteHere's mine: “THE CRY”
This sounds like a book that would bring out deep emotions. Grief over a child is not always easy for me to read about, especially in fiction. I am curious about that homeless mother you mention though. I will have to look for this book. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the book's synopsis and opening, I immediately went to Amazon and bought this book for my Kindle. I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post features The Chair.
Donna, it seems like a good summer choice
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting cover! Sounds like a good read, too. I added it to my list!
ReplyDeleteI like the intro/tease and love family dramas. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteYes sounds good to me as it sounds as if it taps into the emotions. Here is my Tuesday post: https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/first-chapter-first-paragraph-june-9/
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