Friday, February 17, 2012

Home Front - Kristin Hannah - Review AND Giveaway!

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.

43 comments:

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I enjoyed your review of this book and I would love to win and read it.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

DarcyO said...

This one's on my TBR list. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the chance.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

Linda said...

Sounds very interesting with the new twist of Dad being the one left to hold down the home front. Thanks for the giveaway.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

Thanks for this giveaway and the great review. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

A wonderful book which interests me. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

bermudaonion said...

My sister loved this book too. No need to enter me in the giveaway - I'll read my sister's copy.

Stacy said...

This book sounds great - I would love to win it!

Stacy said...

This book sounds great - I would love to win it! stacynovack@charter.net

Unknown said...

I'd love a chance to read this!

scottsgal said...

I enjoy her books and this one I definitely want to read. Thanks for the chance
msboatgal at aol.com

Liz said...

Keep seeing nice reviews of Home Front. Thanks for chance to have.

Unknown said...

This 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

Jo-Jo said...

I would love to win a copy of this book!
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

Charleydog said...

Sounds like a very contemporary story. I would love to read it.

pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

I love Kristin Hannah. She draws you in and it is always a good story you never want to end!

Anonymous said...

What a good current topic for a book with so many service people coming home from overseas. I think I would enjoy the book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Tamye said...

Hi Luanne,

I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks.
Tamye

tamyemachina@gmail.com

Just Mom said...

I'd love to win this one! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

theroundfile at live dot com

christa @ mental foodie said...

Looks interesting!

cytljjb @ gmail com

Cory said...

always looking for new books to read
iamladycupcake at gmail dot com

kalea_kane said...

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.

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ezinwanyi said...

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.
Thanks.
Chinyere Ezinwanyi
ezinwanyi1@yahoo.com

Sverige said...

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....
kristan hannah has not disappointed us ...another great book by our favorite author!

Anonymous said...

I love Kristen Hannah work and from your review I know I'll love this newest.
Thanks for considering me for the give a way.
God bless,
Helen(grammea)
grammea22@verizon.net

Bonnie said...

This sounds like a great book.

sunnydaysrule AT hotmail DOT com

CherylS22 said...

Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors & I can't wait to read this book.
Thanks for the giveaway!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

Mrs Mommy Booknerd said...

Love Kristin Hannah!

Cari Berukoff said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cari Berukoff said...

Exciting - on my read list - can't wait!!

Ann-Marie said...

This does sound good! Kristin Hannah is favorite of mine and I'd like to win. anniej0307 @ hotmail dot com

mindy @ just a one girl revolution. said...

I'd love to read this book!

Kim W. said...

Great review of this book! Want to read it badly so please pick me :-)

Anonymous said...

Luanne, 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.
writeoncindy (at) yahoo (dot) com

Dolly said...

I've been looking forward to this book! Thanks so much for the review.

jcsites2002 at hotmail dot com

ZaraAlexis said...

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.

Thanks,
Zara D. Garcia-Alvarez
zgarcia(dot)alvarez(at)gmail(dot)com
On Twitter: @ZaraAlexis

Lilian said...

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!

lilianxchengATgmailDOTcom

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great read. I can't wait to obtain a copy.

rubynreba said...

I'd really enjoy this book - great review!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Bonnie said...

Wow, another great book to add to my list of To Reads.

sunnydaysrule AT hotmail DOT com

Sharon said...

I've been trying to get this book everywhere. I hope to win!! Thank you so much for the contest!


sharn3960 [at] comcast [.] net

chey said...

This book sounds fantastic!
chey127 at hotmail dot com

Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) said...

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!

readinginwinter(AT)gmail.com

Nancye said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net