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Diane S.
Small Blessings
When Rose first arrives, a thirty-something unmarried woman, at the college bookstore where she has been hired, she manages to charm everyone in her path. I had a few inner doubts, wondering if this book was going to be one of those unrealistic all sweetness and light novels. As I read on though all those doubts disappeared. These are all characters who on the surface seem to be doing quite well, but underneath are dealing with the same hopes and fears many of us have to face.
An unexpected death and the arrival of six year old Henry will change things in a big way for all the characters. These are ordinary
…more people trying to come to terms with the unusual circumstances they now find their selves involved in. I really loved the warmth and caring Woodruff shows in portraying these people, the understanding and doubts that make them fully fleshed people. My favorite character though is Agnes, Tom's mother in law, she has suffered a tragedy in her past, she is wise, caring and funny. How all these characters join together, help each othe3 but grow individually is what made this novel a special one for this reader. Positive novels, although everyone does not get what they want by book's end, are far and few between.
Told with a great deal of humor this was a wonderful novel. The title small blessings reminded me of my grandmother who always told us to be grateful form the small things we are given. (less)Martha Woodruff has written one of the most heartwarming and delightful novels I've come across in quite a while. "Small Blessings" centers on several characters and is told from each one's perspective at different points as it progresses. At times funny and at other times achingly poignant, I was pulled in from the start and was held entranced to the end, so very sorry to see it end. Be mindful, however, this is not a syrupy sweet story. Ms. Woodruff has written with such humanity – all the messiness of peoples' lives as well as the deep beauty - in creating the plot and the characters themselves. I grew to
…more love each of the characters for their often peculiar, but endearing, character traits. My copy of the book is filled with numerous corners of pages turned down – sections that touched me and do not want to lose track of. I loved this book and would tell anyone to do him- or herself a favor and read it. Thank you, Martha Woodruff, for a deep, soul-satisfying read. (less)What a charming book. All sorts of twists and unexpected turns. The best part is that we all know people just like the characters in real life. A good read, easy and it makes you happy with the outcomes. Certainly not full of angst or bitterness, but full of whimsy and fun.
Susan J. (Twain Harte, CA)
What makes a family?
Fatherhood, commitment, and family are themes of this funny and poignant story. Professor Jim commits easily and fully; Bookshop Rose has a fear of putting down roots. Little Henry charms everyone. Characters are well-drawn, and descriptions are so visually alive that I can see this as a successful stage play or movie. I loved this book and will recommend it to my book club. Woodroof is spot-on about life in a small college town.
Laura M. (Huntsville, TX)
Delightful light reading
Absolutely enchanting! This book gives the reader a unique perspective on what family is. The story of a college professor, a bookstore manager, and a small boy, along with various supporting characters, the plot is fresh and surprising. I really expected something more traditional and overdone. Occasionally the author gives a gentle poke at society's rules and expectations, but doesn't drag up a soap box to lecture from. You stay amused as secrets are revealed one by one. A very nice story.
Julie P. (Fort Myers, FL)
Small Blessings
Small Blessings was one of those books that I didn't want to end. It was a gentle story full of quirky characters who all had their own obstacles to overcome. I wanted them to live down the street from me so I could continue to be part of their lives. There are a lot of heavy issues discussed - alcoholism, mental illness, adoption - some of which are wrapped up quite neatly, and others not so much. I really enjoyed the way the author tossed in quotes from books and songs, like Pippi Longstocking and Three Dog Night. I'll be passing my copy of Small Blessings along to friends who are in the mood for a funny,
…more quirky, yet serious read. (less)What a delightful reading experience! SMALL BLESSINGS holds within its pages everything a reader could want and more: well developed and hard to forget characters, golden threads of plot development, authentic voice, and more twists and turns than a county fair roller coaster. Woodroof's debut novel, an unforgettable concoction of O'Henry and Joshilyn Jackson, is hard to put down, and her characters won't soon leave you...I hope to meet them all again in a sequel. I hate that those without ARC must wait until August to discover Woodroof's amazingly wonderful menagerie of characters and the stories they have to
…more share. Thanks Martha Woodroof! (less)This book is full of people you might have met or hope one day to meet. Small town life that keeps you wanting to know what will happen next, I could hardly put it down. These are ordinary people that remind us just how amazing everyday life really is in the hands of a great story teller. Enjoy it - I did.
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