Sunday, March 18, 2012

Another Piece of my Heart

My Rating:  Great book, I really enjoyed it.

Synopsis:  From the New York Times bestselling author of Jemima J, and The Beach House, comes Jane Green’s most emotional and powerful novel yet: a story that explores the complications of a woman marrying into a ready-made family, and the true meaning of motherhood.

Andi has spent much of her adult life looking for the perfect man, and at thirty-seven, she's finally found him. Ethan--divorced with two daughters, Emily and Sophia--is a devoted father and even better husband. Always hoping one day she would be a mother, Andi embraces the girls like they were her own. But in Emily’s eyes, Andi is an obstacle to her father’s love, and Emily will do whatever it takes to break her down. When the dynamics between the two escalate, they threaten everything Andi believes about love, family, and motherhood—leaving both women standing at a crossroad in their lives…and in their hearts.

Another Piece of my Heart is a novel that illuminates the nuances and truths about relationships and is Jane Green at her absolute best.
Note: Above is from Amazon.com

My Review:  I have never read a Jane Green book, but I will be now. I really enjoyed Another Piece of my Heart. I believe Ms. Green did an excellent job with the characters and describing what I think is probably more common than not...the step-parent/step-child relationship. Emily (the step daughter) knows exactly what buttons to push and her Dad always caves. Andi (the stepmom) gets furious every time Ethan (the Dad) excuses Emily's behavior or doesn't follow through with the punishment. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in my own home and not be able to discipline step-children.

I know it happens all the time and there are lots of dynamics in each and every relationship. I saw my brother go through a similar situation with his stepson. I alway gave him so much credit for keeping his cool and handling the situation. In Another Piece of my Heart, it is very clear how the situation has come about and how all parties are struggling through it. Andi is very caring and loving to Emily, but gets very upset at Ethan for allowing Emily to continue to self destruct and coming between them.

There are also so many other stories going on in the book. Andi's attempt to become pregnant, Sophia (the other step daughter) trying to be the best all the time in order to save Andi and Ehtan's relationship, Janice (the girls mother) dealing with alcoholism, new love, rekindling old love, and so much more.

I found Another Piece of my Heart to be a quick read. As you know by now, I am a slow reader (and work has been taking up too much of "my" time for the past several months) but I was able to read this book fairly fast. The chapters are perfect length (not too short and not too long) and I was left always wanting to read just one more chapter (and staying up too late)!

I recommend you check out Jane Green's latest book, Another Piece of my Heart. I will be checking out her other books (many more than the 2 listed above). I am so happy when I find a new author!!



Meet the Author: Jane Green is the author of twelve bestselling novels, dealing with real women, real life, and all the things in-between, with her trademark wisdom, wit and warmth. She contributes to various publications, both online and print, including Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, and assorted Anthologies. Passionate about both food and the home, most weekends see her cooking up a storm in her home in Westport, Connecticut, where she lives by the beach with her husband and their many children.

Buy It!: You can purchase Another Piece of my Heart on Amazon for approximately $17 (kindle ebook $12.99).

Connect: You can connect with author, Jane Green on Facebook, Twitter or her website.

UPDATE MARCH 19

Giveaway: Great news.  I was told today that I get to host the give away of TWO copies of Another Piece of my Heart.  Complete the rafflecopter by clicking here.  Contest ends March 27th at midnight EST.

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