Sisterhood, motherhood, marriage, baking, and books—these are a few of the things that make this delightful novel a recipe for getting through the tough stuff of life.
Filled with love, humor, and the scent of delectable puff pastry, Three Good Things tells the tale of two sisters who find their bond invaluable as they navigate marriage, heartache, poor grammar, and the surprising challenges that ultimately become the most fulfilling blessings.
Ellen McClarety, a recent divorc├®e, has opened a new bake shop in her small Midwestern town, hoping to turn her life around by dedicating herself to the traditional Danish pastry called kringle. She is no longer saddled by her ne'er-do-well husband, but the past still haunts her—sometimes by showing up on her doorstep. Her younger sister, Lanie, is a successful divorce attorney with a baby at home. But Lanie is beginning to feel that her perfect life is not as perfect as it seems. Both women long for the guidance of their mother, who died years ago but left them with lasting memories of her love and a wonderful piece of advice: "At the end of every day, you can always think of three good things that happened."
Ellen and Lanie are as close as two sisters can be, until one begins keeping a secret that could forever change both their lives.
Wearing her big Midwestern heart proudly on her sleeve, Wendy Francis skillfully illuminates the emotional lives of two women with humor and compassion, weaving a story destined to be shared with a friend, a mother, or a sister.
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"Despite a few flaws, Three Good Things is an easy to read and heartwarming novel. There are some unexpected twists and turns that I did not see coming and Wendy Francis does an excellent job wrapping up all of the various story lines. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE."
— Book (4 out of 5 stars)
“There are so many good things to say about Three Good Things. It’s a warm, witty, and wise story of sisters on their journey through love and life. Wendy Francis’ new novel is as delicious as the kringles made in Ellen’s bakeshop.”
— Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author“Wendy Francis’ Three Good Things is as sweet, rich, and comforting as a Danish kringle, spiced with lots of good surprises.”
— Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author“A lovely story about people you wish were your next-door neighbors. I wish, too, the kringle shop were next door, because I loved the mouthwatering descriptions of its treats. Curl up with this book, along with a cup of tea and a kringle (what else?) and lose yourself in a world you won’t want to leave after you turn the last page.”
— Eileen Goudge, New York Times bestselling author“Three Good Things is a flavorful tale of sisters and second chances, fresh starts and sweet surprises. Wendy Francis has written a rich debut, sure to delight the lucky readers who discover her here.”
— Barbara O’Neal author of How to Bake a Perfect Life“A toothsome tale…A debut as light, sweet, and fluffy as Danish pastry dough. Culinary romance lovers—fans of Sharon Boorstein, Susan Mallery, and Deirdre Martin—will devour it.”
— Library Journal“Ellen and Lanie are great characters…Engaging.”
— Booklist“Like gossip over morning coffee in the kitchen…Warm and comforting.”
— Kirkus Reviews" This was just an okay book for me. I didn't really care about any of the characters. I kept waiting for something to happen like Rob or Lanie to have an affair but nothing did. I wasn't sure what the point of the story was. The blurb on the back makes it sound like there's a big dark secret, which I was waiting for but it turned out to be kind of a nonevent. Not bad as far as chicklit goes but not a show stopper. "
— Kathy, 2/8/2014" I usually read books in this genre and enjoy stories about sisters but this book didn't do it for me. I felt the characters weren't well developed. Henry was so boring! I understand he is the strong, silent type but Ellen didn't even seem to like him that much. These books usually wrap up nicely at the end but since this story wasn't told very well, I didn't like the way it quickly wrapped up with a perfect ending. "
— Theresa, 2/1/2014" I love the picture on the cover. My mom read the book before, I, and said it was a quick read. It was not a quick read for me, I kept falling asleep. I like how the setting is Wisconsin since I am from Wisconsin. But the story did not keep me going. "
— Lisa, 1/16/2014" Great book! Go check it out! "
— Lisa, 1/16/2014" Wonderful story and very original. Immensly enjoyed this book. The reader is drawn to the characters from the beginning and this is a hard book to put down, not because of the excitement level but just because you feel you want to know more about the characters, Would highly recommend. "
— Kerry, 12/22/2013" This was a cute, fast read. It was nothing that exciting nor extraordinary, but I enjoyed it regardless. "
— Robyn, 11/30/2013" This book is just the genre I love! I can't wait to get it and to read it. "
— Kathryn, 11/29/2013" Not any real character development so I did not really care what happened to any of them. I could not decide who to root for ........ No substance, I would not recommend. "
— Dorian, 11/20/2013" I did not feel like the story wrapped up. It left me wanting more and answers that were not answered. "
— Erin, 11/2/2013" You can read my full review here. "
— Mary, 10/9/2013" I really enjoyed this giveaway. I have a sister I am close to & we lost our mother almost 15 years ago & I too long for her guidance and advice I have missed over the years. It really hit home, and I'm sure others will feel the same. "
— Mrspam4ever, 8/17/2013" A great, easy, relaxing read. And it's about a woman that owns a kringle shop....so how could it be bad! "
— JJ, 8/6/2013" It was an okay book, but not great. "
— Stephkc, 7/25/2013" Despite a few flaws, Three Good Things is an easy to read and heartwarming novel. There are some unexpected twists and turns that I did not see coming and Wendy Francis does an excellent job wrapping up all of the various story lines. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE. "
— Kathy, 6/12/2013" Quick, easy read---a story of 2 sisters who hit rough spots in life. A pleasant-enough book--no real meat, though. "
— Millicent, 5/25/2013" The sisters in this book really shine! A great tale of everyday life, love, and struggles set in a cozy Wisconsin community. Good twists. Makes me crave kringle! "
— Bbdc, 3/22/2013" Meh. Can't exactly say why. "
— Elizabeth, 1/31/2013Wendy Francis is a former senior editor in book publishing.
Her writing has appeared in local magazines such as The Improper
Bostonian. She is currently a freelance editor and writer living outside of
Boston.
Madeleine Maby is a voice talent and AudioFile Earphones Award—winning narrator.