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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I just really really enjoyed this book, which seems like an odd thing to say about a book centered around a divorce. There was a lot of discussion about relationships in this book, and I think it's actually a novel that reminds the reader what is most important in relationship and models how to actually achieve or work toward embodying those relationship ideals.
I enjoyed watching the Cami grow into an independent and mindful human being, I enjoyed the talk of the horse-barn-as-church, and the cute menagerie of animals that filled every chapter of this book (I want both a happy dancing goat AND a mini burro of my very own!). As a vet, Cami took in all sorts of animals, almost none by choice but more by happenstance and by necessity, and they became a loving family - I have seen that in my life with T and the "kids" as well.
I will be looking for more of Kittle's books - I'm hoping for more sweet stories of adorable misfit animals and more reminders of how to accept the flaws in ourselves and others and create relationships that bring a lasting joy to those involved.
From her website (and probably part of why I so enjoyed her book):
"I never outgrew that smitten phase most young girls go through with horses. I took riding lessons at the magical -- Farm. I worked there in the summers—feeding and mucking stalls and soaping saddles—in exchange for board for the horses I would lease for the summer show season. It was my second home and the place where many of my fictional animal characters originated.
I’m eternally grateful to my parents for never buying me the horse I pleaded for. Because I had to plan and work and and budget and save to earn my way to a horse myself, I learned invaluable discipline and the extreme satisfaction of achieving goals."
I enjoyed watching the Cami grow into an independent and mindful human being, I enjoyed the talk of the horse-barn-as-church, and the cute menagerie of animals that filled every chapter of this book (I want both a happy dancing goat AND a mini burro of my very own!). As a vet, Cami took in all sorts of animals, almost none by choice but more by happenstance and by necessity, and they became a loving family - I have seen that in my life with T and the "kids" as well.
I will be looking for more of Kittle's books - I'm hoping for more sweet stories of adorable misfit animals and more reminders of how to accept the flaws in ourselves and others and create relationships that bring a lasting joy to those involved.
From her website (and probably part of why I so enjoyed her book):
"I never outgrew that smitten phase most young girls go through with horses. I took riding lessons at the magical -- Farm. I worked there in the summers—feeding and mucking stalls and soaping saddles—in exchange for board for the horses I would lease for the summer show season. It was my second home and the place where many of my fictional animal characters originated.
I’m eternally grateful to my parents for never buying me the horse I pleaded for. Because I had to plan and work and and budget and save to earn my way to a horse myself, I learned invaluable discipline and the extreme satisfaction of achieving goals."
Liked her other books better. Easy to read, quick to read, kept my interest, but nothing earth-shattering here. Also, kept reminding me of the movie Something to Talk About.
It took me an embarrassingly long time to get around to reading this book. But I'm glad I did.
I've long been an advocate of the healing power of animals, and this author really captures this.
The animals in this story echo the divorcee vet's own trials, and seem to reflect her pain.
But in mirroring her pain she comes to understand it through them.
This is a lovely story. There's not strictly a HEA, but there's a real growth as a person. A woman learning to regain her true independence, or at least recognise what was really there all the time.
And a horse made me cry!!
But Muriel the goat made me laugh the most, I think.
And I love the headless St Francis ;p
I've long been an advocate of the healing power of animals, and this author really captures this.
The animals in this story echo the divorcee vet's own trials, and seem to reflect her pain.
But in mirroring her pain she comes to understand it through them.
This is a lovely story. There's not strictly a HEA, but there's a real growth as a person. A woman learning to regain her true independence, or at least recognise what was really there all the time.
And a horse made me cry!!
But Muriel the goat made me laugh the most, I think.
And I love the headless St Francis ;p
Awesome book. I couldn't wait to get back to it each time I had to put it down. Lisa- thank you for lending this one to me! Will be sending it back soon!
Title is mildly deceptive in this thoughtful read about social attitudes towards marriage. Why we get married and stay married along with very real issues as to why couples break up is at the center of questioning this age-old institution.
Here there is a core story of a long marriage dissolving for no obvious reason. But there are other relationships that present other scenarios. A vet who seems to collect abused animals must grapple with feelings of desertion and then charting a new life course. Her friends and family have their own problems, from cancer, affairs, never finding a partner and more.
It’s a rather compelling read that makes it clear that marriage is hard work, not to be taken lightly.
Here there is a core story of a long marriage dissolving for no obvious reason. But there are other relationships that present other scenarios. A vet who seems to collect abused animals must grapple with feelings of desertion and then charting a new life course. Her friends and family have their own problems, from cancer, affairs, never finding a partner and more.
It’s a rather compelling read that makes it clear that marriage is hard work, not to be taken lightly.
Loved this book. She has taken a common enough theme (woman is blind-sided when husband leaves her) and goes in uncommon directions. The animals are a beautiful and essential element in making this a very rich story. I had never heard of this author before getting this book free for my Kindle but I'm adding her to my list to read again.
Read in a day, this was a perfect lighter novel to the heavier stuff I've been reading. I liked the main character and her relationship with her daughter. There were some standard plot twists including a character with cancer but I liked that it didn't take the easy way to wrap up the story. Very enjoyable read, kept my focus even through a noisy swim meet!
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
overall a decent read. corny in spots but I liked a lot of the animal stuff.