"How do you cope in a world without your mother? When Barbara realizes time is running out, she writes letters to her four daughters, aware they'll be facing the trials and triumphs of life without her at their side. But how can she leave them when they still have so much growing up to do? Take Lisa, in her mid-thirties but incapable of making a commitment; or Jennifer, trapped in a stale marriage and buttoned up so tight she could burst. While twenty something Amanda is the traveler, always distanced from the rest of the family. And Hannah. A teenage girl on the verge of womanhood, about to be parted from the mother she adores.But by drawing on the wisdom in Barbara's letters, the girls might just find a way to cope with her loss. And in coming to terms with their bereavement, can they also set themselves free to enjoy life with all the passion and love each deserves? The bestselling Elizabeth Noble returns with a tale of families, friends ...and the glorious, endless possibilities of life. "  (Synopsis from Amazon.co.uk)

I got this from the library and considering its size, I finished it quite quickly! The narrative which follows each of Barbara's daughter is really easy to read, allowing a good insight into each daughter without being too mushy. Also, the letters and diaries from Barbara provide good spacing between the narrative and bought tears to my eyes at some points! It's a very emotional read, particularly towards the end of the book, but I really enjoyed reading it. I was sad when it ended because it really was enjoyable. I would thoroughly recommend it, but its not one to read when you're feeling delicate! Super stuff. 9/10

Thanks for the review Chloe.  I was lucky enough to get this in a swap last week - it sounds a great read.

I have this on my wishlist so thanks for the review. Will be looking forward to getting this one at some point soon.

Chloe, thanks for an excellent review.  One on my wishlist too!

 I finished this today.  It seemed to take me ages to get through although it was a very easy read.  Lots going on this week, so reading has had to come second.

I enjoyed the book - it is quite an emotional subject but not overly sentimental.  The mother who has died is portrayed as a realistic figure who is not without her own faults.  The four daughter's stories then follow on, interspersed with their Mother's letters and diaries.

I'd recommend it as a good, simple read 

 I read this a couple of months ago, and like all Elizabeth Noble novels, I thought it was easy to read, moving but not sickly with it.  I really enjoyed it.

I loved this and it really moved me, def a keeper for me xx

Susan, lending this to mary then hannah do you want a go at it after han?

Finished this one tonight and absolutely loved it - not overly mushy, but moving and entertaining, very well written, and with characters that really draw you in.  Barbara was a wonderful character. A thoroughly enjoyable read on all counts. 

(Julia - who's getting my copy next - you'll love it!) 

annie130:

(Julia - who's getting my copy next - you'll love it!) 

Oooh thanks Annie - I'll see if I can find the thread on emailing postage tomorrow! 

annie130:

Finished this one tonight and absolutely loved it - not overly mushy, but moving and entertaining, very well written, and with characters that really draw you in.  Barbara was a wonderful character. A thoroughly enjoyable read on all counts. 

(Julia - who's getting my copy next - you'll love it!) 

I'm so pleased you enjoyed it too Annie.  I'm also thrilled that the copy is now going to Julia - it's great to see a book's journey!

loved this i bought my own copy half way through reading fis as i knew id want to keep it

This was just an ok read for me, somehow I expected it to be a bit "meatier" and it lacked depth for me.  I don't know why I expected so much more, I think I enjoyed The Reading Group more and that was because of all of the great books mentioned in it.  I know the author probably didn't intend for it to be very complex but I felt I didn't get to know the characters as well as I wanted to and they were spread a bit thinly. Still a good enough read.

Have this on my wish list too.  Will have to wait as I am not requesting any more swaps until after Christmas!