Misa Rush

For a local, debut author (that I think is self-published), this is a good start. However, I don't understand some of these reviews that say it isn't predictable. Other than (view spoiler), the story is laid out in the first few pages. The puzzle piece necklaces was a really cute idea, (view spoiler)

I didn't hate the book, but it wouldn't be something I'd just pick up to read. Definitely something worthy of book group discussion though because a few different Picoult-esque issues are brought up.

I wish the author lots of luck in the future and I hate to rate it only two stars, but it just wasn't my kind of book.… (meer)

Choices and secrets .... one woman's choice that she made as a teenager and kept as a secret until her death will bring two women together and change their lives forever.

Karsen Woods is a twenty-one year old woman who has lived a charmed life: she is in her junior year majoring in communications at Arizona State University; she is in love with James, her boyfriend of two years; and she has a close knit family that means everything to her.

Addison Reynolds is a thirty-nine year old CEO of Urbane, a world renowned fashion magazine based in New York City. She too has lived a charmed life, but a deeply held secret keeps her from experiencing true love and happiness in her life. On the outside her world is a picture of success, but on the inside there is a piece missing.

A family tradition ... a puzzle piece charm necklace lovingly created by a man for each of his family members, each puzzle piece charm interlocks to fit together perfectly, will become a legacy that will be passed on from generation to generation ...

When tragedy strikes, one woman's choice, secret and legacy will intertwine Karsen and Addison's lives, forever bonded by a puzzle piece charm necklace.

Family Pieces is a poignant story of family, love, loss, friendship, heartache, second chances and redemption that will pull at your heartstrings. This captivating story is narrated in the third person, with alternating chapters intertwining Karsen and Addison's stories. The author does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into Karsen and Addison's lives, pulling out all the emotional stops, it will have you laughing, crying, sighing, and hoping for the best as you turn the pages. This emotional story is all about life: family and friendships ... love, laughter, smiles and tears ... choices and secrets ... second chances and redemption ... and family is what matters the most.

The author has created a cast of realistic and down-to-earth characters that are easily to relate to. I really loved how the author provided the story with two very different women in Karsen and Addison, and intriguingly intertwined their lives in a way that engages the reader to follow along on their journey of discovery. I especially liked how the mystery of the puzzle piece charms linked their lives as well as the supporting characters together, it made it that much more of a compelling story. The interactions and dialogue between the characters were smooth and kept me thoroughly entertained. I really liked the love and support that was shown to Karsen and Addison by their family and friends: Brad (Karsen's big brother) is the ultimate protector, Hanna (Karsen's BFF) is supportive and fun, Emily (Addison's BFF) is a true blue forever friend, Adelaide (Emily's two-year-old daughter and Addison's goddaughter) is just too darn cute, and finally Russell (Addison's love interest) is a true gentleman and worthy of the status of a modern day Prince Charming.

Author Misa Rush has created a wonderful debut novel that tells a moving story about what matters most in life is the strong bonds of family relationships, and how precious it is to belong to one.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review, and for hosting a virtual book event on my book review blog site.

Virtual Book Event: On Wednesday, July 11, 2012, author Misa Rush participated in a virtual book event with an Author Interview on Jersey Girl Book Reviews.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/07/author-interview-misa-rush-aut...

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/07/family-pieces-by-misa-rush.htm...… (meer)

Wow these chick lits this year are really doing it for me!! this genre gets bad hype for being superfical and flaky and without much substance, but this book def. proves the hype wrong. This book was anything but superficial and flaky. It was so good, in fact I didn't want to put it down, and read it in 3 seperate sittings, all of which spanded at least 75 pages at a time. I loved this book, and cannot fathom where Samatha (chicklitplus.com) is finding all these truly amazing authors, but keep them coming!!

Karsen and her family have always been close in fact they all share a tradition of wearing a puzzle piece charm around there neck to remind them of there bond. When Karsens family gets hit with a tragic accident. Her whole world literally turns upside down and the mother she thought she knew so well, maybe have been hiding a secret that could alter Karsen's picture perfect family forever.

I loved everything about this book, I truly felt for Karsen and the devestation she faced and the strength she had through it all. Her brother was the ideal brother and who wouldn't want him as a brother seriously??! Even Addision (the cold-hearted women) I grew to truly love. This book is a whirlwind of emotions and I loved every twist and turn that it took. I need more from MISA RUSH, like NOW!!… (meer)