Marie Bostwick

The Promise Girls is a well-written, albeit predictable story of three girls who were born and raised up to be artistic geniuses by their overbearing mother, Minerva. As it turns out, not much of anything is as it seems.

Set in Seattle, we follow each of the girls on their journey through life that has been derailed since Minerva's meltdown on live television some years early. After the girls, who were removed from Minerva's care following this event, age out of foster care, they migrate together and are trying to sort out their lives.

Following a devastating accident where Meg, the middle Promise sister, loses her memory, the entire family comes together, including Minerva. Through a few minor turns in the story, including where Hal, a documentarian who has come to film the sisters as a "where are they now" project, all ends neatly in a perfect little bow. For me, that was the book's downfall; I'm more into grit and reality.

You will enjoy this easy-to-read novel written by a very well-respected author.… (meer)

Esme Cahill believes she has failed-at life, love, friends, and her career. Her grandmother, Adele, calls her to come to Asheville, NC so she can tell her something. But, before she can, Adele dies. Esme finds the lodge resort that her grandparents own is in disrepair. Her grandfather, George, and her mother, Robyn, can't fix it without her. Esme agrees to help for 3 months.
Adele had synesthesia, heightening her sense of colors. Esme starts seeing things, and finds a long lost memory and story about Adele. Adele had helped move art from the National Gallery to the Biltmore for safe storage during WWII. The kindness of Adele and George were a lifeline for Esme.
Esme finds her way in NC, with the help of family and friends.
A sweet story of love, family, redemption.… (meer)

A heartwarming story of family and trust with a bit of romance, plus a dollop of quilting and a dab of horse training too.

I enjoyed the optimistic attitude of main character Mary Dell Templeton, a single mother of an adult son with Down syndrome who created a TV show based on her skill as a quilter. Her positive perspective propels the story, for example when she thinks, “You never knew what might happen or who might come out on top. The sun rose anew every morning, and when it did, you might be about to have the best day of your life. Even on days when it was too dark to see clearly, there was a plan, and if you just kept going, you were bound to find it.”

The novel has realistic characters with real-world problems, and a thread of hope running through the story. It was this hopefulness that kept me turning the pages of this inspirational tale full of heartfelt connections and sprinkled with humor.

Relationships are front and center in this novel, both mother-daughter kinship as well as friendships between women. Even with the normal friction of day-to-day relationships, the author writes with warmth and honesty, as her main character explains, “That was the trick to life: to cling to family and the people you love. People, Mary Dell had discovered, far more than any particular longitude or latitude, were the anchors of the heart’s true home.”

This is my third novel by author Marie Bostwick, and I’ve just discovered she’s written nearly 30. Looks like I’ll be adding her books to my TBR list.

If you’re looking for a satisfying, encouraging, feel-good novel about family, friendship, trust, and hope, this is the book for you.… (meer)

I've heard of Marie Bostwick but never read her books before. I didn't realize she was a Christian author either but that doesn't bother me since I've read this genre before. I don't mind them as long as they don't get “preachy.” This was in a general way with a few Bible quotes throughout by one character.

I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of the small town of New Bern, CT and the quilters and especially long time friends, Tessa and Madelyn, who had a falling out when they were 12 and never spoke until they both moved back.

It was a cute book and I especially loved the ending.… (meer)