Book Review, Giveaway: When We Found Home by Susan Mallery

When We Found Home

by Susan Mallery

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Hardcover: 432 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (July 10, 2018)

Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister–Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old. Callie doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love. But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit…until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

In this emotional, funny and heartfelt story, Susan Mallery masterfully explores the definition of a modern family—blended by surprise, not by choice—and how those complicated relationships can add unexpected richness to life.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

He gave her a smile that would have melted a frozen planet.

She agreed with generous —he was that. As for kind, well, he was growing on her. Like the famous Seattle moss, she thought with a smile.

I’d offer to let you borrow one of mine, but you’re what, twenty pounds lighter, two inches shorter and yet you have bigger boobs. Why do I like you?

We’re going to deal with our heartaches the way God intended— with liquor, sugar, a movie and people we love.

You did everything right. And when you screw up, I promise to be just as gracious.

My Review:

I always look forward to reading Susan Mallery’s books, as her stories have never failed to please or satisfy.  She is top shelf entertainment with engaging storylines full of feels, a full slate of endearingly lovable yet vulnerable and flawed characters, clever humor, witty banter, and sharply honed repartee.  When We Found Home was well paced and adroitly plotted while equally balanced with levity and heart-squeezes.  I was engaged and invested from beginning to end.  The characters experience new love, second chances, discover and develop vital family connections, solve a mystery, and even save a precious kitten.  Sigh, it was nirvana.  

Empress DJ

Giveaway

The Taste of Seattle Gift Bag includes:
An “I [Heart] Happy Books” tote bag
Starbucks Pike’s Place ground coffee
Seattle Chocolates gift set (3 truffle jars)
Cucina Fresca marinara sauce
Sahale Snacks (6 packs)
Maury Island Farms jam (2 jars)

This is a tour-wide giveaway. There will only be one winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Susan Mallery

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages.  Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

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