Review: Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

About:

Rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts

Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at forty. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next, never imagining what God had in mind.

When her estranged sister returns to town, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a five-year-old nephew she never knew she had. In 1960s small-town Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.

My Thoughts:

I was not sure how I was going to feel about this book in regards to what happens in the first few chapters. Betty is 40 years old and one day her entire world changes. I felt for Betty, her grief was palpable. I did not want her to walk down the  road of grief. The author was very sensitive in dealing with Betty's grief and there were many nuggets of truth sprinkled throughout.

This actually became a delightful book to read. It was about family and the memories we make together. It was also about the curses that can continue through the generations. I liked Betty. She had some hard times in life, but she also seems to have let her experiences teach her and help her to grow and learn.

Author Finkbeiner has a gentle way with words and I always feel drawn into her stories. This one was a treasure trove of lyrical sayings, and I found myself laughing out loud at parts. I look forward to more.

I was provided a copy of this novel courtesy of Revell Publishing through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She serves on the Fiction Readers Summit planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women's events across the country. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.