Well, I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately and this book proved to be the perfect cure. It drew me in from the first paragraph and held me with a captivated interest for the entirety of the novel.
Hugo was such a sweetheart. He is scarred and scared, learning to trust after having no stability in his life. He was so likable and his personality shone on the page.
Betty was also quite the character. She was warm-hearted and welcoming and always placed other's needs above her own even though she had every reason not to.
If you are in need of a story bursting with love and healing, I absolutely recommend that you give Stories That Bind Us a try.

Rating: 5/5
Language: n/a
Romance: n/a
Spiritual: The characters all regularly attend church and pray
Violence: Discusses racism and the church bombings in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s

*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. ( )

Stories That Bind Us is an emotional rollercoaster! With love, grief, hope, and bittersweet remembrance.

With a lovely writing style Susie Finkbeiner offers a need to read novel set during one of many trying times in our country's past.

From now on Finkbeiner is on my need to read list for all of her books.

If you don't read it for the cover, read it for Hugo!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing (Revell), through Interviews & Reviews.
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Susie Finkbeiner, is a new to me author who has instantly become a top pick for me. I cherished her most recent book, Stories That Bind Us. Set during the 60's, this chronicled Christian tale sucks you into the story immediately. Betty, at the young age of 40 unexpectedly becomes a widow and is suffering from extreme melancholy.

I enjoyed reading how laid back the 60's were compared to life in this day and age, and how easily it was to become part of the Sweet family through Finkbeiner’s writing. All good books must come to an end, unfortunately.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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I have to first say that I haven’t read a book by Susie Finkbeiner that I have not absolutely loved. Her characters are strong and the setting and time come to life with her deft storytelling. Every time I pick up one of her novels, I think that it cannot possibly be as good as the ones I have read before. And every time, the new book becomes my favorite. This is the case with Stories That Bind Us. Oh my goodness, I was caught up in Betty Sweet’s life and stories from the get-go. Probably the best book I have read this year, I highly recommend you read it right now!

Characterization is one of Finkbeiner’s strengths, and in Stories That Bind Us each character is lovingly crafted. There is not one that I didn’t fall in love with — even the difficult ones. If I have to pick a favorite it is, of course, Betty, whose first person voice gives life to her family. Betty tells her tale as it happens, along with reminiscences that flesh out their backstories and illuminate where each character is coming from. While small town LaFontaine in the 1960s is an idyllic place to live, the backdrop of the turbulent decade is a great parallel for the changes going on in Betty’s life. Another favorite character is Hugo, Betty’s nephew who blooms under Betty’s care. I loved that Betty poured herself into Hugo, but never tried to usurp her sister’s place in his life. Betty tells Hugo stories to help him make sense of his life. These stories bind the characters together as well as binding the wounds that each carries. While Betty’s narrative is often gentle and calm, the themes the book explores are jarring to the senses. Race, prejudice, and mental illness are treated realistically and with a touch of grace.

Stories That Bind Us is a thoughtful and thought-provoking novel. The author stated that it was a very personal story for her, and it sure shows. I readily admit to missing LaFontaine, Betty, Hugo, Stan, Marvel, and Nick and Dick, among others. It made me laugh and it made me cry. And it made me glad that I got to read this treasure. After reading Stories That Bind Us, you will want to talk about it, so just go ahead and get someone to go along for the ride. I promise you will love every minute.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

As soon as I see Susie Finkbeiner has a new book out, I HAVE to read it! She never disappoints! I was able to totally lose myself in the story and characters! The story takes place in the 1960’s.
Betty Sweet’s beloved husband of 23 years dies suddenly right before her eyes. She is only 40 years old and of course is devastated. They had one of those special sweet marriages and he was the love of her life. I could relate to so much of her emotions and experiences having lost my husband. Grieving the loss of the love of her life consumed her in every area. As if this was not enough to deal with, out of the blue, her sister Clara whom she has had no contact with for years, shows up at her door with her 5 year old son. She needs a place to stay and she needs help. Betty pulls herself together to welcome them to her home and life. Clara’s problems are serious. Their mother suffered from mental illness throughout their childhood, finally dying in a sanitarium. Betty lovingly shoulders the responsibility of her sister’ mental illness and the care of her young nephew, Hugo. It matters not to her he is black, but during this era others where not so accepting.
There was so much to the book! I don’t even know where to begin! Betty’s putting her sister’s and nephew’s needs before her own was an incredible Christian testimony. I couldn’t imagine being her shoes after losing my husband. She had never been able to have children so Hugo captured her heart immediately. He was such a sweet and gentle child. There were times I wished I could reach into the book and hug him! With his mother’s problems his short life had struggles that needed healing too. Betty’s love and sacrifice knew no bounds. I loved her in-laws. They were her true family and support. Her relationship with them was so comforting and loving. The interactions between them gave me such a warm fuzzy feeling.
This is a beautiful, heartening story, showing that with unconditional love and strong faith in God no problem is too big! I am amazed how the author wove an enthralling story with such difficult subjects as the grief of losing a spouse and a parent, parental rejection, family mental illness and racial prejudice. Yet the book is not depressing but inspirational and uplifting. A definite want to read!!! ( )