Wednesday, September 29, 2010

On My Nightstand - A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman




Two families face the unbearable agony of losing their sons in a car crash. Two women from opposite worlds deal with their grief.

Andie Phelps has it all. A successful husband, a loving son, and charity work fill out her busy life. Melanie Johnston, a single mom, works hard to keep a roof over her son and daughter's heads. One terrible moment changes their lives forever.

Melanie seeks a legacy for her son, while Andie tries to find a reason to go on living. Will they each succeed or destroy their lives in the process?

Kathryn Cushman handles the complicated dynamics of working through loss, forgiveness, and love with the delicacy of a brain surgeon. Her characters are well defined, passionate, and sensitive.

I reached for the Kleenex often, especially toward the end of the book. Having experienced the loss of my husband, her descriptions rang true and yet brought comfort. Writers and readers will both enjoy the rich, emotional nuances of this book.

Disclaimer: Neither the publisher (Bethany House) or the author gave me any payment for this recommendation.

Question for you: Have you read any books lately that moved you to tears? Please share with us.


21 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure I have. I think maybe Tender Graces by our fellow blogger Kathryn Magendie.

Diane said...

Wow, kleenex!! I don't think I can remember a book doing that to me. Movies, yes. :O)

Rhonda Schrock said...

It's been awhile since I read one like that. I'd have to chew on that for a bit. Thank you for the review, though.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jessica -

I'll have to check that book out. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

I'm not much of a movie person, so I guess I relate more to books. When an author can get me emotionally involved with a character, it makes the reading experience memorable.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

You're welcome.

I'd never read this author's work before, but I'll be on the lookout for more of her books.

Blessings,
Susan :)

quietspirit said...

Susan:
Any book by Nichols Sparks will cause me to shed tears. When I worked in the library, if I had read a certain book and a patron asked about it. I always told them to have tissues on hand.
This book would touch a lot of people's hearts.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Quiet Spirit -

I've never read his books, but have heard about them. Thanks for the suggestion.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Unknown said...

I can't remember the last book I have read that moved me to tears. Sounds like this book is an excellent read! Thanks for the review!

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for the review. I cried at the end of The Preacher's Bride, by Jody Hedlund. I don't do that often, but the story just got to me:)
Blessings,
Karen

Bess said...

It's been a long time since I've read a book that moves me to tears. You know, I think the last one was Pippi Longstocking! When it looks like she's leaving, I wept!

Your blog made me a little teary, though. I'm so sorry you lost your husband. But I thank God for the promise that you can see him again.

~Britt

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Alisa -

I enjoyed the book. She plumbed the depths of the characters' emotions. Not only did she get the women right, but also the men.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

I can't wait to get Jody's book. I hope those were happy tears at the end. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Britt -

I read Pippi Longstocking as a kid, but don't remember much about her. Perhaps I should read it again. :)

Aw, I didn't mean to make you teary. While I still miss Beloved, the Lord has brought me through the grief.

Blessings,
Susan

Jeanette Levellie said...

Oh, this sounds lovely, dear. I haven't read a good Kleenex book lately.

Thanks for the review!

Love,
Jen

Terri Tiffany said...

This sounds like my kind of book--love to cry through them. But I cry through most everything anymore!:)) Happy weekend!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

I should rate some of the books I read by the number of tissues I used!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Another one that brought me to tears was Kathi Macias', "No Greater Love."

Blessings,
Susan

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great read! Thanks for sharing these book reviews, Susan. So many good books! Not enough time to read them all! Have a blessed weekend, my friend!

Shelly said...

Sounds like a good book! I think I will add it to my ever increasing list of books to read! Thanks for sharing! :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Shelley -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I know, my own list is ever-expanding. :)

Blessings,
Susan