Ebook Little Lovely Things A Novel Maureen Joyce Connolly 9781492672494 Books
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"A shattering adventure." ― Jacquelyn Mitchard, bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean
A mother's chance decision leads to a twist of fate that is every parent's worst nightmare
It is the wrong time to get sick. Speeding down the highway on the way to work, her two little girls sleeping in the back seat, medical resident Claire Rawlings doesn't have time for the nausea overtaking her. But as the world tilts sideways, she pulls into a gas station, runs to the bathroom, and passes out. When she wakes up minutes later, her car―and her daughters―are gone.
The police have no leads, and the weight of guilt presses down on Claire as each hour passes with no trace of her girls. All she has to hold on to are her strained marriage, a potentially unreliable witness who emerges days later, and the desperate but unquenchable belief that her daughters are out there somewhere.
As hopeful and uplifting as it is devastating, Little Lovely Things is the story of a family shattered by unthinkable tragedy, and the unexpected intersection of heartbreak and hope.
Perfect for readers of Watch Me Disappear and After Anna!
Additional Praise for Little Lovely Things
"Little Lovely Things is an insightful and moving read that is well worth the journey." ― Vivian Schilling, bestselling author of Quietus
"Combining the suspense and razor-sharp outlook of a Gillian Flynn novel, Maureen Connolly's debut sizzles. I finished Little Lovely Things in one heartbreaking, tear-batting gulp. Connolly takes risks that make the reader's heart start anew. Finding shards of hope amidst the chaos of tragedy is a testament to both the writer, and the characters she creates." ― Jenny Milchman, USA Today bestselling author of Wicked River
Ebook Little Lovely Things A Novel Maureen Joyce Connolly 9781492672494 Books
"Maureen Connolly weaves together a story that's at once frightening, heartbreaking, and hopeful with unforgettable characters and a fast-paced plot. I could not put this book down. I can't wait to see what Connolly has in store next!"
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Little Lovely Things A Novel Maureen Joyce Connolly 9781492672494 Books Reviews :
Little Lovely Things A Novel Maureen Joyce Connolly 9781492672494 Books Reviews
- This amazing thriller / family drama earned <b>4.5 Stars</b> from me!
<b>SUMMARY</b>
It's literally every parents worst nightmare, you look away for one minute and your children disappear! You can be Mother of the Year 364 days, 23 hours and 59 minutes a year and then literally have one bad minute and lose everything.
Glen and Claire are very busy but loving parents to 4 year old Andrea and 1 year old Lily. Glen is a teacher and high school football coach and Claire is finishing up her residency, very close to becoming a full fledged doctor. With two little girls, a mortgage and crazy schedules, they cannot wait for Claire to complete her training, earn a full salary and begin to have a more stable schedule! They are both exhausted but extremely happy.
"That Day" was no different than any other Saturday morning. Glen helped get the kids ready before running out to coach the football team, Claire was scrambling to get ready for work, the kids were fighting over a toy. It really could have been any other day. But then as she was driving down the highway in her way to work with the kids napping in their car seats, Claire started feeling funny. Was it possible she was having an allergic reaction to a vaccination she recently received? She was forced to pull over into a has station in a shady part of town, barely making it to the bathroom before being horribly sick. She left the door open so she could keep an eye on the car, but she passed. When she awoke, the bathroom door was closed and her car was gone, along with her babies!
The book tracks the police investigation and follows the family through the horror of not knowing what happened. It's told from the point of view of Claire, Andrea, Moira (the woman who was involved in the kidnapping) and Jay (a man who accidentally became involved in the story).
<b>WHAT I LOVED</b>
I cannot lie, I was completely hesitant to read a book about children being abducted. I picked it up and put it down twice but ended up reading it because it had received so many great reviews from my GR Friends. I am glad I did!
The most impressive part of this book is that it's author, Maureen Joyce Connolly's debut novel. I am definitely looking forward to her second!
Jay White may have been my favorite part of the book. He, reluctantly, became involved and brought so much depth to the story. I loved the whole mysticism that came along with his Lakota Indian heritage.
The setting was interesting on a couple of different levels. I absolutely LOVED the Chicago and small towns surrounding Lake Michigan as the physical setting. It's such a lovely part of the country. Author, Connolly, did a fantastic job bringing it to life through her vivid descriptions.
Another interesting aspect to the setting was the time period. The kidnapping took place in 1991, which opened the possibility of the story ending with the family being reunited fifteen or twenty years later. I'm not saying that is what happened, but as I was reading, I was preparing myself for that as an ending. The 1991 setting made me wonder throughout the book if the crime would have been solved faster or prevented with modern technology such as Amber Alerts, car trackers, social media etc. I spent a lot of time having "deep thoughts" about it.
I'm addition to being immersed in Lakota Indian culture, the reader was also introduced to Traveller (modern day gypsy) culture. I found this particularly interested since it tends to be a very closed society.
I loved Claire. She is so relatable as an over worked, over tired mom trying to do it all! I think many women can relate to her constant state of chaos. I think that as moms, most of us have had at least one moment in a lifetime of responsible parenting that we wish we could take back. Most of us don't end up losing out children over that moment, but it's all the luck if the draw. Its impossible to be perfect all the time.
<b>WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE</b>
I loved almost everything about this book, but there were a couple parts that were hard to read!!! No one wants to be inside the read of a terrified 4 year old who misses her mommy. That was difficult, but aside from that, it was such a great story.
<b>OVERALL</b>
A fantastic debut novel! This would make a great book club selection. - Maureen Connolly weaves together a story that's at once frightening, heartbreaking, and hopeful with unforgettable characters and a fast-paced plot. I could not put this book down. I can't wait to see what Connolly has in store next!
- An emotionally charged debut, Little Lovely Things will leave you asking a million different "what ifs" about your life. What if your children were missing, and you blamed yourself? What if the things that defined you-- your job, your family-- were stripped away? What if your intuition was pushing you forward while fear was holding you back?
Claire Rawlings made a choice a split-second decision made in the throes of illness that would completely destroy her world. Her two beautiful children are stolen while she is clinging to consciousness a few feet away, and nothing will ever be the same for Claire, or her family, after that moment.
The story flows smoothly and I found myself glued to my spot while reading, eager to find out what happened next. I enjoyed the character development as much or more than the plot itself, and found myself feeling quite a bit of sympathy for the "bad guys," which says a lot about Connolly's ability to showcase the complex nature of the human heart.
I eagerly look forward to more books from this debut author! - I had to go back and confirm that this was a debut novel since it is so well crafted - Maureen Joyce Connolly is a born writer. While the plot was intriguing, it was the character development that held my attention the most. I have a feeling they will remain in my thoughts for some time. I highly recommend this stunning debut and can't wait to read more from this author!
- I could not put this book down! It’s incredible and almost unbelievable that this is Maureen Connolly’s first novel. It truly captivated me from cover to cover. The story is a perfect mix of tragedy, hope, joy, and self growth. 5/5 stars. Will definitely reread and cannot wait to see what the amazing storyteller, Mrs. Connolly, will have in store for us next.
- This was such a great read! The storyline flowed seamlessly as this tragic, yet hopeful tale was unfurled. Connolly gives an intimate look into the heart of grief, and how even in your darkest hour you can feel hope and light. I would definitely recommend this book!
- Once I opened this book it was over for me. I could not put it down. The way the author set the scene, so vividly described the characters and brings the reader emotionally along the path of happiness to heartbreak and utter despair. The relationship and intertwining of it all is impressive and crafted astonishingly. The description of events, people and even the animals poses is simply amazing. A must read by this author...you will not be disappointed.
- Wow. This book kept me guessing each step of the way and I was wrong each time! Such a unique spin on a tragic event. Felt like I had been put thru the ringer when I was done. I will certainly be on the look out for more from this author!
