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A review by currant7
Downsizing by Lin Stepp
4.0
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Marian "Mary Pat" was blind-sighted by her husband, Russell, into a divorce that she never would see coming. Thirty-four years together with four grown-up children, and yet, her marriage fizzled out beyond repair. In a whirlwind decision and at a loss, she sets off to her old family home in Smokey Mountain, Tennessee - as a refuge from the shame and grief she received.
What happens next is a series of "signs" guiding Mary Pat as she lifts "her burden" to God and trusts him to lead her to her redemption and a second chance.
Owen McCarter is a former military man who came back home to continue with the family business of McCarter Woodcrafts. He is also a divorcee but has given up on sharing his life and heart with anyone. He chooses to focus on helping his father and sister with the family business instead. Initially, all is well and good. He adjusted well, but upon the reappearance of a childhood friend (Mary Pat), he realizes that his childhood crush never fades with time, even after all these years. Instead, it grew even more significant as he got reacquainted with Mary Pat again.
Downsizing is my first encounter with the author. I was excited when I read the synopsis and the more now as I finished this book. I enjoyed the book a lot more than I expected. And although there were few religious references randomly in the chapters, these were not "imposing" or intrusive to the story. The author brought about the right balance to reference God's Hand (Fate) in having old friends reunite when things seem so bleak. The writing is clear, spot-on, and relatable. The points of view were from both main characters, helping readers get closer and empathize with them. I appreciate the author giving both characters "level, rational" heads while still developing and improving themselves in the story. These scenes made them a lot more realistic in their reactions.
My first impression of Mary Pat's husband is arrogant. I felt what Mary Pat had to go through with such a deceitful man. No one plans everything so well unless they know that they need to make a "clean break" before announcing such a devastating thing. There was a clear intention to hide Russell's plans and leave Mary Pat when he is ready good. It was awful to read through what he spewed out to a woman who stayed with him for so many years! The blame game happened, and it was impossible to see who didn't do what or why didn't the other speak up. I believed that Russell handled the situation disastrously. He kept quiet, waiting for change, couldn't stand it any longer (or maybe got "distracted by something else"), then dropped "the bomb" while chastising everything wrong with Mary Pat. Russell refused to work on their marriage and was happy to leave on his terms - a selfish one! If he was unhappy at some point in time, he should have voiced out his concerns or discussed them with Mary Pat. Anyways, the first part was a disaster and a load full of hurt. I believed that there was something bigger going on with Russell, and after Mary Pat explained her past to Owen, the more I was mad at Russell!
I love love love Mary Pat! She is a saint!
She may not be perfect, but everything she handled in all "events" placed in front of her was stellar! I love how she thinks, decides, and approaches things - with a lot of thought and consideration (at times). She is a loving person like Owen, who was "dealt a bad hand" but was able to bounce back, learn from the experience, and came out "blooming" like a spring bud - even after being tied to someone for thirty-four years of marriage. She forgives but may not forget, but she indeed learned from what life threw at her, but her faith in God and prayers did not falter or forsake her. Her move to her hometown was very beneficial because of the people and Nature around her. I am so happy to have known such a character!
I was so happy (ecstatic) when Owen entered the scene. The first meet-up gave me significant relief from the stressful Russell. Owen was a gem, and his words and actions when Mary Pat first came back to Smokey Mountain were perfect. Owen's history with Mary Pat goes way back that growing up together meant that they still knew each other how to support each other, even after all these years. It was a slow process, but Owen was patient in providing Mary Pat the support in finding her "old self" - full of life and ambition. He exudes kindness and thoughtfulness that showed a lot of experience in handling difficult situations while "reading" into people. He was honest but considerate to accept Mary Pat's reaction on her healing journey before proposing anything. Instead of pushing, Owen (and the rest of the people in Smokey Mountain) re-prioritized and served as God's tool in empowering Mary Pat to be the best version of herself. With their help and presence, Mary Pat starts the healing journey, looking forward to a brighter future.
I love how the author provided a comprehensive history of Smokey Mountain Tennessee, where Mary Pat and Owen grew up. It is very detailed but not overwhelming. It gives respect to the area and its people - the artisans living and making a living with their creativity and "hands." The map at the start of the book provides a good look at what and where things are so readers can refer to it as needed. It's charming since it's a hand-drawn map that will make readers revisit it as the story progressed.
Interestingly, many of the people who grew up in the area somehow came back to settle, heal, or take care of family, even when they left home, which is terrific. There was no resentment in coming back or as a sign of weakness, and instead, a lot welcomed the idea like what Mary Pat did. I can relate to the author's comparison of coming home to God's welcoming those who need Him after being forsaken by the rest of Mary Pat's world as she tries her best to heal.
The book spans months - many events happened to Mary Pat, Owen, and the people around them. There is ample time for character development and maturity, which is excellent because readers will see Mary Pat's relationships - her family, friends, and Owen - go through changes. The same goes for Owen, but the book showed a lot of changes with Mary Pat. I was delighted to see her take "the high road" in a lot of things. Mary Pat kept her dignity by not spewing hateful words and actions and took into "healing" physically, spiritually, professionally, and emotionally.
The book's ending will shock readers! While things started to be comfortable as Mary Pat was adjusting and budding new relationships in her new community, something big happens. I am all for karma and things "coming around," but not I thought things would sail by. I was sad about what happened since no one deserves that kind of treatment, but I was happy that justice found its way to be a befitting end to the characters involved.
A nice add-on to the book is the diet notebook wherein Mary Pat used in the book, filled with fantastic food suggestions, meal plan guide, and food nutritional information for readers. Some helpful tips and recipes are doable and easy to follow for those who want to change or edit their diet. It is an excellent guide for people who want to eat better or curb their weight gain. I appreciate receiving this with the copy provided.
In summary, Downsizing is an excellent read about rekindled young love, second chances, finding self-worth, and finding the strength to move from a "stagnant relationship" into something better and more profound. Owen and Mary Pat's love withstood the test of time through honesty, integrity, and respect. This book will surely make readers gush, swoon, and believe in fated love. Through prayers and faith, nothing is impossible or unachievable - time or space.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Marian "Mary Pat" was blind-sighted by her husband, Russell, into a divorce that she never would see coming. Thirty-four years together with four grown-up children, and yet, her marriage fizzled out beyond repair. In a whirlwind decision and at a loss, she sets off to her old family home in Smokey Mountain, Tennessee - as a refuge from the shame and grief she received.
What happens next is a series of "signs" guiding Mary Pat as she lifts "her burden" to God and trusts him to lead her to her redemption and a second chance.
Owen McCarter is a former military man who came back home to continue with the family business of McCarter Woodcrafts. He is also a divorcee but has given up on sharing his life and heart with anyone. He chooses to focus on helping his father and sister with the family business instead. Initially, all is well and good. He adjusted well, but upon the reappearance of a childhood friend (Mary Pat), he realizes that his childhood crush never fades with time, even after all these years. Instead, it grew even more significant as he got reacquainted with Mary Pat again.
Downsizing is my first encounter with the author. I was excited when I read the synopsis and the more now as I finished this book. I enjoyed the book a lot more than I expected. And although there were few religious references randomly in the chapters, these were not "imposing" or intrusive to the story. The author brought about the right balance to reference God's Hand (Fate) in having old friends reunite when things seem so bleak. The writing is clear, spot-on, and relatable. The points of view were from both main characters, helping readers get closer and empathize with them. I appreciate the author giving both characters "level, rational" heads while still developing and improving themselves in the story. These scenes made them a lot more realistic in their reactions.
My first impression of Mary Pat's husband is arrogant. I felt what Mary Pat had to go through with such a deceitful man. No one plans everything so well unless they know that they need to make a "clean break" before announcing such a devastating thing. There was a clear intention to hide Russell's plans and leave Mary Pat when he is ready good. It was awful to read through what he spewed out to a woman who stayed with him for so many years! The blame game happened, and it was impossible to see who didn't do what or why didn't the other speak up. I believed that Russell handled the situation disastrously. He kept quiet, waiting for change, couldn't stand it any longer (or maybe got "distracted by something else"), then dropped "the bomb" while chastising everything wrong with Mary Pat. Russell refused to work on their marriage and was happy to leave on his terms - a selfish one! If he was unhappy at some point in time, he should have voiced out his concerns or discussed them with Mary Pat. Anyways, the first part was a disaster and a load full of hurt. I believed that there was something bigger going on with Russell, and after Mary Pat explained her past to Owen, the more I was mad at Russell!
I love love love Mary Pat! She is a saint!
She may not be perfect, but everything she handled in all "events" placed in front of her was stellar! I love how she thinks, decides, and approaches things - with a lot of thought and consideration (at times). She is a loving person like Owen, who was "dealt a bad hand" but was able to bounce back, learn from the experience, and came out "blooming" like a spring bud - even after being tied to someone for thirty-four years of marriage. She forgives but may not forget, but she indeed learned from what life threw at her, but her faith in God and prayers did not falter or forsake her. Her move to her hometown was very beneficial because of the people and Nature around her. I am so happy to have known such a character!
I was so happy (ecstatic) when Owen entered the scene. The first meet-up gave me significant relief from the stressful Russell. Owen was a gem, and his words and actions when Mary Pat first came back to Smokey Mountain were perfect. Owen's history with Mary Pat goes way back that growing up together meant that they still knew each other how to support each other, even after all these years. It was a slow process, but Owen was patient in providing Mary Pat the support in finding her "old self" - full of life and ambition. He exudes kindness and thoughtfulness that showed a lot of experience in handling difficult situations while "reading" into people. He was honest but considerate to accept Mary Pat's reaction on her healing journey before proposing anything. Instead of pushing, Owen (and the rest of the people in Smokey Mountain) re-prioritized and served as God's tool in empowering Mary Pat to be the best version of herself. With their help and presence, Mary Pat starts the healing journey, looking forward to a brighter future.
I love how the author provided a comprehensive history of Smokey Mountain Tennessee, where Mary Pat and Owen grew up. It is very detailed but not overwhelming. It gives respect to the area and its people - the artisans living and making a living with their creativity and "hands." The map at the start of the book provides a good look at what and where things are so readers can refer to it as needed. It's charming since it's a hand-drawn map that will make readers revisit it as the story progressed.
Interestingly, many of the people who grew up in the area somehow came back to settle, heal, or take care of family, even when they left home, which is terrific. There was no resentment in coming back or as a sign of weakness, and instead, a lot welcomed the idea like what Mary Pat did. I can relate to the author's comparison of coming home to God's welcoming those who need Him after being forsaken by the rest of Mary Pat's world as she tries her best to heal.
The book spans months - many events happened to Mary Pat, Owen, and the people around them. There is ample time for character development and maturity, which is excellent because readers will see Mary Pat's relationships - her family, friends, and Owen - go through changes. The same goes for Owen, but the book showed a lot of changes with Mary Pat. I was delighted to see her take "the high road" in a lot of things. Mary Pat kept her dignity by not spewing hateful words and actions and took into "healing" physically, spiritually, professionally, and emotionally.
The book's ending will shock readers! While things started to be comfortable as Mary Pat was adjusting and budding new relationships in her new community, something big happens. I am all for karma and things "coming around," but not I thought things would sail by. I was sad about what happened since no one deserves that kind of treatment, but I was happy that justice found its way to be a befitting end to the characters involved.
A nice add-on to the book is the diet notebook wherein Mary Pat used in the book, filled with fantastic food suggestions, meal plan guide, and food nutritional information for readers. Some helpful tips and recipes are doable and easy to follow for those who want to change or edit their diet. It is an excellent guide for people who want to eat better or curb their weight gain. I appreciate receiving this with the copy provided.
In summary, Downsizing is an excellent read about rekindled young love, second chances, finding self-worth, and finding the strength to move from a "stagnant relationship" into something better and more profound. Owen and Mary Pat's love withstood the test of time through honesty, integrity, and respect. This book will surely make readers gush, swoon, and believe in fated love. Through prayers and faith, nothing is impossible or unachievable - time or space.