When patrons come into the library looking for a 'good' story, Kristin Hannah is an author that I recommend.
In her latest book, Hannah tackles a number of themes, combining them into a topical and thought provoking read.
Michael and Jolene have been married for a number of years. They have two daughters. Michael is a lawyer and Jolene is a helicopter pilot in the National Guard. There have been bumps along the way, but nothing prepares Jolene for Michael's unexpected announcement - he doesn't love her anymore and wants a divorce. Jolene has an announcement of her own - she's been deployed to Iraq...
Home Front explores a struggling marriage, the effects of war and military service on family, friends and on the military members themselves, both during and after service. Hannah has turned things around by having a mom and wife as the one leaving and the husband as the one holding up the home front.
I really did not like Michael at all in the beginning. It took the entire book for me to change my opinion. This is a testament to Hannah's story telling. All of her characters rang true and I became emotionally involved in each and every one of their stories. Jolene's oldest daughter Betsy is a typical twelve year old - very self centered and hard to love at times. Five year old Lulu's bewilderment was heartbreaking. The relationship between Jolene and her best friend Tammy is a joy. Jolene's rough childhood has made her determined to always paint a sunny picture and smile through it all. But, the war changes each and every relationship -mother, daughters, husband, wife, friend and most difficult of all - Jolene's relationship with herself.
Kristin Hannah has done a remarkable job of depicting war, the horrors, the after effects, the pride, honour and duty associated with the military. Just as engaging is the story of a husband and wife, striving to find the love they once shared.
So, those looking for a (really) 'good' story will find it in Home Front. Read an excerpt of Home Front. Or listen to an excerpt. A reading group guide is also available. You can find Kristen Hannah on Face book.
I have three copies to giveaway to three lucky readers! Simply leave a comment to be entered. Open to US and Canada. Ends Sunday March 11th at 6 pm.
I enjoyed your review of this book and I would love to win and read it.
ReplyDeletecenya2 at hotmail dot com
This one's on my TBR list. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletedlodden at frontiernet dot net
Sounds very interesting with the new twist of Dad being the one left to hold down the home front. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletelcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for this giveaway and the great review. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteA wonderful book which interests me. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMy sister loved this book too. No need to enter me in the giveaway - I'll read my sister's copy.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great - I would love to win it!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great - I would love to win it! stacynovack@charter.net
ReplyDeleteI'd love a chance to read this!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy her books and this one I definitely want to read. Thanks for the chance
ReplyDeletemsboatgal at aol.com
Keep seeing nice reviews of Home Front. Thanks for chance to have.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a good book! I know I've seen a couple people walking around with it and it seemed really interesting! Thanks so much! :) allicat0818[at]yahoo[dot]com
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of this book!
ReplyDeletejoannelong74 AT gmail DOT com
Sounds like a very contemporary story. I would love to read it.
ReplyDeletepboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
I love Kristin Hannah. She draws you in and it is always a good story you never want to end!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good current topic for a book with so many service people coming home from overseas. I think I would enjoy the book.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Hi Luanne,
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks.
Tamye
tamyemachina@gmail.com
I'd love to win this one! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
ReplyDeletetheroundfile at live dot com
Looks interesting!
ReplyDeletecytljjb @ gmail com
always looking for new books to read
ReplyDeleteiamladycupcake at gmail dot com
You might laugh, but I have seen Kristin Hannah's books all over, but I have never read any. Your review and others have really convinced me to dive in. Please include me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeletekalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love Kristin Hannah's Night Road. One of the best books that I read in 2011. I hope to win a copy of this book as I have it on my TBR list for this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Chinyere Ezinwanyi
ezinwanyi1@yahoo.com
Kristan hannah writes emotional, moving and educational books. I learned alot, never fully realized the hardships and sacrifices of the military families.... great characters, pertinent complex real life situations....
ReplyDeletekristan hannah has not disappointed us ...another great book by our favorite author!
I love Kristen Hannah work and from your review I know I'll love this newest.
ReplyDeleteThanks for considering me for the give a way.
God bless,
Helen(grammea)
grammea22@verizon.net
This sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeletesunnydaysrule AT hotmail DOT com
Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors & I can't wait to read this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
Love Kristin Hannah!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteExciting - on my read list - can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound good! Kristin Hannah is favorite of mine and I'd like to win. anniej0307 @ hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this book!
ReplyDeleteGreat review of this book! Want to read it badly so please pick me :-)
ReplyDeleteLuanne, I enjoyed your review. I always look forward to Kristin's novels. I found it interesting that you included just enough information about the war to let us know that was part of the story, much like Kristin didn't let that subject overtake the story line of the book. Well done.
ReplyDeletewriteoncindy (at) yahoo (dot) com
I've been looking forward to this book! Thanks so much for the review.
ReplyDeletejcsites2002 at hotmail dot com
I was pleasantly surprised to see the stereotypical role of "man goes to war" and "woman stays home" kind of role-reversal. It sounds like a book that speaks to our own ideas about boundaries and relationships, what they mean when they are crossed. Looks like an interesting read. I have not yet had the pleasure of reading her work.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Zara D. Garcia-Alvarez
zgarcia(dot)alvarez(at)gmail(dot)com
On Twitter: @ZaraAlexis
I would love to be entered to win this book since I've seen it featured in a book club, and I am dying to know what this buzz is all about!
ReplyDeletelilianxchengATgmailDOTcom
This sounds like a great read. I can't wait to obtain a copy.
ReplyDeleteI'd really enjoy this book - great review!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Wow, another great book to add to my list of To Reads.
ReplyDeletesunnydaysrule AT hotmail DOT com
I've been trying to get this book everywhere. I hope to win!! Thank you so much for the contest!
ReplyDeletesharn3960 [at] comcast [.] net
This book sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeletechey127 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for the giveaway! I really love Kristin Hannah ... she writes great books with amazing characters and storylines. I find all of them are hard to put down!
ReplyDeletereadinginwinter(AT)gmail.com
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net