SOCIAL MEDIA

Review: Heart of the Matter

I read my first Giffin novel just before her third book was released - starting with book one and working my way through her novels.  I enjoy how the author brings at least one character forward, letting the reader get to know someone I'm slightly familiar with. 

Synopsis: Tessa Russo is the mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Despite her own mother's warnings, Tessa has recently given up her career to focus on her family and the pursuit of domestic happiness. From the outside, she seems destined to live a charmed life.

Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie--a boy who has never known his father. After too many disappointments, she has given up on romance--and even to some degree, friendships--believing that it is always safer not to expect too much.

Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, the two have relatively little in common aside from a fierce love for their children. But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined.

Type: Fiction

Quick Take: Recommend - This novel explores before and after (before the fire, after the fire), love, parenting, friendships and the social side of a family unit.  Told from the voice of two women, we never hear the husband's voice.  

I found myself connecting to all the characters in the book, I even unstood the connection Valerie had with Tessa's husband - he made it so easy for Valerie. 

Giffin writes a wonderful story and each word serves a purpose.  I wonder how long I need to wait to read another book written by her - it's worth the wait though.

Source: Personal copy