The Underside of Joy Audiobook

" This book is very much in the style of Maria del los Santos, and in fact her praise for the book appears on the back cover. A beautiful story, very nicely written. "

" I absolutely loved it!! It touched on so many elements, motherhood in all its variations, small town living with its community, family and its secrets and so much more... I hope Sere Prince Halvorsen gives us more stories as her descriptions are luscious.. "

" This was a very emotional read. It has a good ending--I finished it and was crying! "

" A little predictable but a great story. "

" Read it in one sitting. Love, joy, grief, grace and complications of blended families. Great story, made me weep and nod my head in empathy. Children are vulnerable, take care... "

" This started out with so much promise... and then quickly evolved into a Lifetime/Hallmark movie. Cheesy, far-fetched, underdeveloped characters. I was disappointed in this book. It wrapped everything up way too neatly. Curious to hear what others thought. "

" 3 1/2 stars - bitter-sweet story that is easy to read ... It's gotten SO much press that I was compelled to read it. "

" I liked how the book began but as it progressed, the events became completely predictable. I think it was a decent first book. She's obviously a good writer and I hope her next books will be better. (I hate writing reviews like this!) "

" You can read my review here. "

" This was such a great book. I loved the characters and the way the author created depth. Just read this after a tragic drowning of my dear friend's son in law so I experienced extra tears. Such a great read! "

" An interesting and though-provoking story involving family, step-parenting, courage, honesty, and strength. Well worth the read!!! I cannot wait for Halverson's next novel! "

" I liked this book. The second half was much better and quicker than the first half! "

" Sweet, sad, involving story of step-motherhood, death of husband and father of two young children whose biological mother chooses to reclaim following the funeral. Ella Beene perseveres. This is a wonderful rising-out-of-the-ashes of grief and making-lemonade-out-of-lemons story. Enjoy! "

" I really liked this book. While it was a quick read (two days) it feels like it will remain with me for a long time. I felt drawn into the the place and the story every time I picked it up. Sere's descriptive ability was so good, I felt like I too could draw a map of Elbow, CA. "

" really liked it alot, her first novel, really hope it's not her last. loved all the main characters and the story had so many layers to it. "

" Very good story, and I wanted to step into the little town of Elbow, CA. The birth-mother/step-mother custody battle was heart-wrenching. "

" I like the characters and dynamics of this story. (Reminder before recommending: a few sexual sentences, thankfully not paragraphs) "

" Reminds me of the TV show "Brothers and Sisters" only not nearly so annoying. I'm a sucker for the N. Cal setting and tale of heartbreak and redemption. May be a little too tidily wrapped up for some readers, but I was in the mood for that kind of thing so it was all right by me. "

" New favorite! Emotional? Yes! But every emotion possible is hit upon. "

" Perfect for fans of Lifetime movies. "

" Great messages about love, loss, hanging in, and compromise. "

" Good setting, good characters, good story. "