“McQuestion writes with a sharp eye and a sure voice, and as a reader, I was willing to go wherever she wanted to take me.” —Carolyn Parkhurst, author of The Dogs of Babel
Free spirit Skyla Plinka has found the love and stability she always wanted in her reliable husband, Thomas. Settling into her new family and roles as wife and mother, Skyla finds life in rural Wisconsin satisfying, but she can’t seem to quell her growing sense of restlessness. Skyla’s only reprieve is her growing friendship with neighbor Roxanne, who has five kids (and counting) and a life in constant disarray—but also a life filled with laughter and love.
Much to the dismay of her intrusive mother-in-law, Audrey, Skyla takes a part-time job at the local bookstore and slowly begins to rediscover her voice, independence, and confidence. Throughout one pivotal year in the life of Skyla, Audrey, and Roxanne, all three very different women will learn what it means to love unconditionally.
With the storytelling ingenuity of Anne Tyler, the writing talent of Jodi Picoult, and the subtlety of Alice Munro, McQuestion offers a satisfying debut that proves she is a gifted portraitist, a natural storyteller, and an author to watch.
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"I just finished this book this morning. I cried, laughed, and reflected. I truly enjoyed the way the lives of the women intermingled. Everything was all over the place! I too can relate to that type of lifestyle. "
— Nefertiti (4 out of 5 stars)
" Good so far. Like the characters and the WI/Packers references...Husband drives me nuts. Once again the ending was just "eh." "
— Melissa, 2/13/2014" This book had me engrossed from the beginning ... many laughs, sighs and tears. "
— Kathleen, 2/9/2014" The characters worked well for me and I found them to be very interesting. I liked how the author had them work together even if they, the characters, did not expect this. "
— ScooterGirl, 2/6/2014" I really enjoyed this story of friendship. "
— della, 2/3/2014" A good story, well written and with characters you can relate to. I was surprised when I finished it, I felt like I wanted it to go on a little longer. The crisis that happens in Skyla's life seems to come and go a bit too quickly -- not enough time for you to really feel her hurt. But overall a good read and a good debut for an author I will very likely read again. "
— Terri, 1/30/2014" My life was pretty darn scattered when I read this, so I don't remember much about it besides that I liked it! "
— Chantalriordan, 1/28/2014" Not a strong story plot... but an easy read. "
— Mary, 1/12/2014" Took a while to warm up to the characters, but the overall meaning of the story was a really good one. "
— Holli, 1/9/2014" I cried through the last part of the book. Worth the tears! "
— Marie, 1/6/2014" A simple book, beautifully written. The story of how a woman comes to appreciate the good things in her life. "
— Jan, 12/20/2013" Enjoyed the simplistic and straightforward story telling. interesting without being over the top "
— Jessica, 12/17/2013" I'd give the book almost four stars. I would read more by Karen McQuestion since I enjoyed this novel about family and how the loss of a friend affects others. This book is worth way more than the $2.99 price to download to a Kindle--Amazon published it so it's a bargain. "
— Pam, 12/16/2013" About a quirky gal and a very unquirky guy who get together and how they learn life lessons and how to get along in this world. Quick read. I enjoyed it. "
— Joyce, 12/6/2013" Most of the characters seemed overly juvenile and whinny. I did find the Bear family to be a bit funny and entertaining. The plot is minimal at best and I honestly could not wait to finish this read. "
— Mallory, 12/3/2013" Messy and unpredictable story ... Very human ... Could relate often ... Good story ... "
— Nancy, 11/22/2013" I kept reading hoping for something to happen. 80% into the book it did. Don't really know why I finished it. "
— Dawn, 7/11/2013" Beautiful book about 3 women's view on life. Friendship, love and happiness. Loved it. "
— Mariana, 6/19/2013" An interesting book that delved into the relationships between family members and friends. Not a new topic by any means, but an interesting story. "
— Susan, 4/19/2013" Sort of an easy read but I really enjoyed this one "
— Susan, 4/14/2013" After seeing a variety of reviews I wasn't sure what to expect. There were definitely some gaps where additional character development would have been beneficial, but overall it was a quick, easy read. "
— Beril, 12/1/2012" The book explores the relationships a woman has with her neighbors, husband, and in-laws. It was good, but maybe could have gone deeper. Still, a fun read. "
— Kyra, 10/29/2012" I liked this book. It was an easy, quick read. However, I think it was kind of odd how everything wrapped up neatly and didn't really explore the main character's issues. "
— Kathy, 10/21/2012" mindless. So much so that I don't remember what it was about. "
— Peg, 7/11/2012" Surely, it is not the BEST book I have read recently but I did love the characters. A quick read for a lawn chair in the summer. "
— Patricia, 6/21/2012" It was ok..... Found myself not very interested in the characters and not a fan of skylla at all. Won't recommend. "
— Katy, 5/3/2012" It was free (or very cheap, I can't remember) from Amazon and I read it in a day. It was an easy read, fairly predictable and a pretty typical chick book. That isn't meant to be a jab. I enjoyed the book. Would probably read another by this author when I have a day to kill. "
— Tara, 4/11/2012" This is a nice chick lit book but the story was slow and seemed disjointed. You really didn't get the point the author was trying to make until the end of the book. "
— Barbara, 2/4/2012" I enjoyed this story despite it's slightly sad ending. It was a believable portrayal of family life, friendship and what happens when something unexpected happens. <br/> <br/>The dog and the Christmas family photo - if you've read it you'd know the bit I mean - I laughed out loud! "
— MrsMaccas, 11/1/2011" Good so far. Like the characters and the WI/Packers references...Husband drives me nuts. Once again the ending was just "eh." "
— Melissa, 10/17/2011" 3.5 -a slower start but I really loved how the book ended. "
— Carrie, 10/14/2011" easy to read; flows well; engaging and real-life oriented. i totally enjoyed getting lost in this novel. "
— Maggie, 10/5/2011" Interesting take on suburbia and the perspective of a SAHM. "
— Lah, 9/14/2011" I cried through the last part of the book. Worth the tears! "
— Marie, 8/4/2011" This book was cute but grew serious towards the end. It was sad yet uplifting. It made you think about things in your life and thing around you. Where you stand in relationships. I really enjoyed this book. "
— Amber, 7/26/2011" Meh. Predictable dialogue. Editor needs to learn comma rules. Okay story, but probably won't buy another book by this author. "
— Tricia, 7/24/2011" This is one of the first books that I read on my kindle. I had never heard of Karen McQuestion before. I loved this book. I've read several of her books<br/> "
— Chris, 7/23/2011Karen McQuestion has written books for kids, teens, and adults. Many of her titles have spent time on the Top 100 Kindle list. Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and the national NPR show The Story with Dick Gordon. She has also appeared on ABC’s World News Now and America This Morning. She lives with her husband and kids in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Teri Clark Linden is a professional stage, screen, and voice-over actress with years of industry experience. She received her BA in theater from Chicago’s Roosevelt University and has been seen along side Laverne & Shirley star Cindy Williams in Kong’s Night Out at Meadow Brook Theatre. Appearances in film include Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise, Won’t Back Down with Viola Davis, and Super 8.