Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from NAL Trade, NetGalley, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it
Without Angela, the family would fall apart. But when Angela is taken away from them in a most unexpected manner, the Gillespies pull together—and pull themselves together—in wonderfully surprising ways…
And now for a new novel, that is coming out next month!
Synopsis:
For the past thirty-three years, Angela Gillespie has sent to friends and family around the world an end-of-the-year letter titled “Hello from the Gillespies.” It’s always been cheery and full of good news. This year, Angela surprises herself—she tells the truth....
The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be. Her husband is coping badly with retirement. Her thirty-two-year-old twins are having career meltdowns. Her third daughter, badly in debt, can’t stop crying. And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.
The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be. Her husband is coping badly with retirement. Her thirty-two-year-old twins are having career meltdowns. Her third daughter, badly in debt, can’t stop crying. And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.
Without Angela, the family would fall apart. But when Angela is taken away from them in a most unexpected manner, the Gillespies pull together—and pull themselves together—in wonderfully surprising ways…
Review:
Something about the synopsis grabbed me and I hardily agreed to read the book. I am so glad I did! I could NOT put this book down! I have never read any of Monica's books and I will definitely be reading more of them! The whole premise of a mistakenly sent Christmas letter causing such chaos and domino style effects allowed for so many scenes of interpersonal dialogue and understanding. In many ways the book is a character study of being a mother and putting others needs in front of yours, of how the family dynamics change over time and how keeping secrets (or not keeping them!) can cause emotional and physical damage. The Gillespies are dysfunctional, but they embrace it, own it and shine a light on their uniqueness! The reader feels like they are watching the kids mature and come into their own, much like watching children in their own family. In fact, the Gillespies may be Australian, but they could be American or Canadian quite easily. Some family dynamics are just universal. The book is also a lovely tale of romance and understanding. You'll find yourself smiling at the end and thrilled at all the changes one letter could cause! Be sure you don't miss this one!
About the Author:
Monica McInerney is the award-winning, international bestselling author of ten previous novels: The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Those Faraday Girls, Odd One Out, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters, Spin the Bottle, Upside Down Inside Out, and A Taste for It. She grew up in Australia and has split her time between Australia and Ireland for twenty years
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