Books matching: michigan small town
23 result(s)
- #1
Save:"All Manner of Things" by Susie Finkbeiner is a poignant novel set in Michigan during the Vietnam War era, focusing on a family in a small town grappling with the effects of war, love, and faith. The story follows Annie, a young woman in 1967, as she navigates the challenges of her family's past, her brother's experiences in Vietnam, and the complexities of life in a tumultuous time. Through expert storytelling and well-crafted characters, the author captures the essence of the '60s with a raw and powerful narrative that delves into themes of family, war, faith, and hope.
The author, Susie Finkbeiner, skillfully weaves together the historical backdrop of the 1960s with a family's intimate struggles and triumphs, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant tale. The writing style is described as literary, with a perfect balance of straightforwardness and understated tone that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. Through letters exchanged between characters, Finkbeiner adds a unique touch to the narrative, offering a deeper insight into the characters' emotions and relationships, making the reader feel truly immersed in the time period and the characters' lives.
- #2
Save:Taste by Melanie Harlow is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance set in the Cloverleigh Farms world. The story follows Gianni Lupo and Ellie Fournier, who have known each other since childhood and have a tumultuous relationship. As they end up stranded together in a motel due to a blizzard, their hidden chemistry and past regrets come to light, leading to unexpected consequences. The book interweaves interconnected characters and storylines from previous books in the series, creating a rich and engaging narrative. With a mix of humor, steamy romance, and heartfelt moments, Taste delivers a satisfying blend of emotions and character development.
Sure, she was the boss’s daughter and our moms had been best friends forever, but I’d been pushing her buttons since we were six years old and didn’t see any reason to stop just because we were now ad...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Cloverleigh Farms ) - #3
Save:'Early Morning Riser' by Katherine Heiny is a heartwarming and humorous novel set in Boyne City, Michigan, following the life of second-grade teacher Jane as she navigates quirky characters, complicated relationships, and unexpected twists. The story beautifully captures the essence of ordinary people and their shared struggles, building a sense of community and family amidst the chaos of everyday life. With witty writing and relatable characters, the book explores themes of love, family dynamics, and self-discovery in a small town setting, creating a poignant and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
Jane met Duncan less than a month after she moved to Boyne City. She had locked herself out of her house and had had to ask a neighbor to call a locksmith. She was sitting on her front steps in the ea... 'The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade' by Thomas Lynch is a collection of essays that provide a unique perspective on life and death through the eyes of a small-town funeral director who is also a poet. Lynch intricately weaves together anecdotes of the dead with reflections on funeral conventions, the art of caring for the deceased, and his own experiences in the funeral industry. The book delves into delicate subjects such as children's funerals, embalming, love, grief, and the existential questions surrounding mortality, all while maintaining a compassionate and insightful narrative.
Lynch's writing style in 'The Undertaking' is described as poetic, compassionate, and thought-provoking. He combines wit, sensitivity, and insight to explore the cultural aspects of death from various perspectives. Through his essays, Lynch manages to find humor in the midst of somber topics, offering a life-affirming view on the inevitable aspect of death. The book not only focuses on the author's profession as an undertaker but also delves into broader themes of love, loss, and the human experience, making it a compelling read for those interested in introspective musings on life and mortality.
- #5
Save:A Million Junes by Emily Henry is a genre-defying tale of forbidden love set in a small Michigan lake town, where two feuding families, the McDonnells and the Argents, are cursed. The story follows June O'Donnell IV and Saul Argent as they navigate their families' past, magical lands, ghosts, and a curse that binds them together. The narrative is filled with mystical elements, magical realism, and intricate family dynamics, all woven together in a lyrical and captivating writing style.
FROM my bedroom window, I watch the ghost flutter. She shifts and warbles in the dark yard, her pink sheen caught in moonlight. I wonder if she’s looking up at the spread of stars or if she’s facing t... - #6
Save:'The Chocolate Cat Caper' by JoAnna Carl follows Lee McKinney, a Texan who leaves her previous life to help manage her aunt's chocolate business in a small resort town. Trouble arises when a defense attorney dies after ingesting a cyanide-filled truffle that Lee had delivered, leading to a mysterious and skillfully delivered plot. Throughout the story, readers are treated to a cute cozy mystery filled with chocolate trivia and facts, making it an enjoyable and engaging read. The plot is full of twists and red herrings that keep readers guessing, culminating in a classic Keystone Cops-style showdown with melted chocolate and a champion cat named Yonkers.
- #7
Save:'Crashed' in the Mason Brothers series by Julie Kriss follows the story of Andrew Mason, a recluse who hasn't left his house in 7 years after a tragic accident that left him in a wheelchair. When Tessa, his new neighbor, reaches out to him, a slow-burning relationship blossoms between the grumpy paraplegic Andrew and the sunshine-like Tessa. Their journey from enemies to friends to lovers is filled with emotional depth and genuine character development. The writing style captures the progression of their relationship with engaging characters and a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, making it a compelling read.
(Also, see 31 recommendations for the series Mason Brothers ) - #8
Save:'The Words Between Us' by Erin Bartels is a novel that delves into the life of Robin Winsor, a character whose past is intertwined with her present. The story is narrated through alternating chapters between Robin's teenage years and her adulthood as the owner of a bookstore. As secrets from her past resurface in the form of anonymous book packages, Robin is forced to confront her family's history while navigating relationships, forgiveness, and love. The writing style is described as engrossing, seamlessly blending elements of family drama, mystery, and romance, with a focus on the power of words and literature in shaping Robin's life.
He first died on a Wednesday in November 2001, when his sentence was handed down—We the members of the jury find Norman Windsor, on three counts of murder in the first degree, guilty; on the charge of... - #9
Save:In the small town of Coldwater, Michigan, a mysterious phenomenon occurs where several residents start receiving phone calls from their deceased loved ones. This leads to a split in beliefs among the townspeople, with some embracing the calls as a blessing, some questioning their authenticity, and others suspecting an elaborate hoax. The story follows the lives of the characters as they grapple with the implications of these calls from heaven, intertwining themes of faith, miracles, and the afterlife. Through Mitch Albom's storytelling, the book explores the impact of these supernatural phone calls on the individuals involved and the community as a whole.
Mitch Albom's writing style in "The First Phone Call from Heaven" is described as thought-provoking, emotional, and engaging. He weaves together multiple narratives, incorporating elements of suspense, historical facts about Alexander Graham Bell, and reflections on life, death, and spirituality. The book delves into profound questions about faith, belief, and the human response to extraordinary events, inviting readers to contemplate the possibility of communication beyond the realms of the living.
Despite the chilly weather, Sullivan Harding was walking. He could have borrowed his father’s car, but after ten months of confinement, he preferred the open air. Wearing a ski cap and an old suede ja... - #10
Save:In 'Bruises On A Butterfly' by Chad Lutzke, the story follows a trio of childhood friends, Taylor, Jackie, and Kevin, who are deeply bonded and face themes of abuse, neglect, friendship, and a touch of supernatural elements. The plot revolves around the boys building a fort near a cornfield, where Taylor, dealing with an abusive father, decides to run away and live in the fort. A mysterious meteorite lands nearby, leading to a series of strange events that test the strength of their friendship. The writing style is described as raw, beguiling, and emotionally engaging, with a blend of horror and coming-of-age elements that evoke strong emotions in the readers.
