Title:Sweet Forgiveness
Author:Lori Nelson Spielman
Narrator:Tavia Gilbert
Published:June 2015, Blackstone Audio / Plume
Length:9 hours 50 minutes / 336 pages
Source:Personal copy via Audible / Netgalley
#1 international bestselling author Lori Nelson Spielman follows The Life List with Sweet Forgiveness, in which a woman’s receipt of two “forgiveness stones” sends her searching for atonement
The
Forgiveness Stones craze is sweeping the nation—instantly recognizable
pouches of stones that come with a chain letter and two simple requests:
to forgive, and then to seek forgiveness. But New Orleans’ favorite
talk show host, Hannah Farr, isn’t biting. Intensely private and dating
the city’s mayor, Hannah has kept her very own pouch of Forgiveness
Stones hidden for two years—and her dark past concealed for nearly two
decades. But when Fiona Knowles, creator of the Forgiveness Stones,
appears on Hannah’s show, Hannah unwittingly reveals on air details of a
decades-old falling out with her mother.Spurned by her fans,
doubted by her friends, and accused by her boyfriend of marring his
political career, Hannah reluctantly embarks on a public journey of
forgiveness. As events from her past become clearer, the truth she’s
clung to since her teenage years has never felt murkier. Hannah must
find the courage to right old wrongs, or risk losing her mother, and any
glimmer of an authentic life, forever.
My thoughts:I read Lori Nelson Spielman’s debut novel, The Life List, a while back and absolutely loved it, so when I saw this one, I knew I needed to pick it up…and I’m so glad I did. This one is such a thought-provoking and beautifully written book about forgiveness and what it takes to let go.
I love Lori’s books because they not only entertain, they make you think about your life and how you can better it. In this case, the whole concept of forgiveness. Is it enough to just forgive and forget? Or is there more to it? I loved the idea of the Forgiveness Stones that Lori uses as the crux of her story and her characters are just so wonderfully flawed and life-like that you can so picture them actually reacting as you or your friends/family would were they to be given the Forgiveness Stones.
This book provides so much food for thought…it’s one that I think is definitely a keeper and even one for repeat reads, if not all the way through then at least certain sections, just to savor the writing and the little tidbits that Lori has shared with us. Lori Nelson Spielman has quickly become an auto-read author for me and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her!
Audio thoughts:I really enjoyed listening to this book…I thought Tavia did a great job with the voices and the pacing was just right. She was able to use just the right amount of emotion when called for and it was a very enjoyable listening experience.
A new one for me. Thanks for the review.
Tavia is pretty awesome. While I don't think this is in my wheelhouse, I do know that my mom would love it!
This is my first time hearing of this author or this book, but the premise sounds really interesting! I think making personal decisions must be even more complicated when you are in the public spotlight.