Please note: My sweets, I am mega behind on responding to comments. I blame summer. But rest assured, I do read them, love them, appreciate each of you, and promise to catch up. Soon.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Lace Makers of Glenmara

Book: The Lace Makers of Glenmara
Authoress: Heather Barbieri
Pages: @288 Publisher: Harper
Formats: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Drama

My summary: Kate has lost it all. Her love, her career, and now her mom. So on whim she packs a bag and heads to Ireland; the land of her mother's people. The road leads her to Glenmara and it is there that she begins to heal and find her heart again.

My say: Most books arrive to my home after I have sought them out. But some books find me. They arrive quite by accident. Looking for a home or someone to share their story with. Labor Day and now The Lace Makers of Glenmara both came to me this way.
What it is not: It's a not a neat little love story about finding "Mr. Perfect" in the Emerald Isle. Even though there is one ruggedly handsome fellow.

What it is: A really honestly beautiful thoughtful story about loss, pain, joy, and finding friendship and the place you belong.
My verdict: This story marvelously and quietly weaves mourning, friendship, and just a touch of magic.

My recommendation: While the stories are quite different, I would recommend it to fans of Chocolat.

My star rating: 5 out of 5 stars; I loved this book and will reread it again one day when I need to get lost in some words. I need to buy a hardcover copy for my shelf.

My favorite lines:
  • "I was just thinking how funny life is. Seems like the more you want something, the more it eludes you. Then, when you least expect it, there it is."
  • "It's not always a bad thing, the remembering, its an important part of who we are, the suffering that shapes us, that reminds us how strong we can be."

My kiddie-o-meter: There are mentions to infidelity, tragedies, illness, death, sex, alcohol abuse, physical abuse, and perhaps a curse word or two. While the subject matter is mature, it is tasteful.

My final say: Speaking of taste, I could almost taste the salty air while reading this.

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Thank you to Michelle at The True Book Addict for making this review possible.
Posted at Labels , , ,

44 comments :

  1. Sounds like a great book with super vivid imagery! Fabulous!

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  2. Very nice review. This was one of my favorites last year. I'm glad you enjoyed it as much!

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  3. Wonderful review, my dear! You really have a way with words!
    I just can't wait to read this!!

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  4. Great review! I love books that take place in Ireland. I've had my eye on this one. I will definitely have to pick it up after reading your review.

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  5. I have never heard of this, but it sounds absolutely beautiful! :) Great review, Juju!

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  6. It sounds really good, and it is a book I have wanted to read for some time

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  7. Lovely review...:D I will be adding it (like most of the novels you review) to the TBR!!

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  8. I want this one! I'm in the mood for something serious and beautiful, and this looks perfect! Thanks for the review!

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  9. This one sounds like my kind of story...and BTW, I LOVED Labor Day...

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  10. Sounds like a lovely book. Great review.

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  11. From the sound of the story, the title fits rather well. I love how you describe the books journey to you....it does happen like that sometimes doesn't it....
    Thanks for sharing!

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  12. What a beautiful review, truly! I remember when you posted this on your Tuesday teaser or something similar and I wanted to read it back then. Your review has reminded me that I need to pick it up ASAP. I may even put it in my shopping cart today while I'm buying books online! I'm thinking I'll have to review it over at Chick Lit Reviews if I like it as much as you did, which I think I will. Thank you thank you!

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  13. I love chocolat. Okay, so I have not read the book, but the movie was awesome. :)

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  14. I have got to read this book. I've seen some really good reviews about it. Nicely done.

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  15. what a beautiful review! and ireland always carries a hint of magic and fascination!

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  16. Going to add this to TBR list. I could only hope to find something like this in my mailbox by surprise. You have good karma kiddo :)

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  17. I so adore books set in Ireland, and it sounds like this one makes you feel like you're there which is perfect for me. Seems like a beautiful story, thanks for sharing:)

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  18. Great review! I love Chocalat. While watching it all I wanted was chocolate. I like that the book is also in paperback. I will definitely check this one out. Glad you liked it so much.

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  19. Sounds like a wonderful book. I have a soft spot for any book or movie that is set in Ireland! I would love to go there someday. :)

    Great review, Juju!

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  20. I really enjoyed Chocolat, so this one is definitely being added to my list. Thanks for the review :)

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  21. great review! this sounds like a really interesting book, thanks for putting it on my radar :)

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  22. This is a book I definitely want to read!! Thanks for the excellent review - I like how you pulled out quotes!

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  23. I've seen this book and have wondered about it. Thanks for the great review--for content, too.

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  24. The sounds absolutely wonderful! I love getting lost in words! And I really enjoy fiction that deals with RL in a thought provoking way.

    Thanks for putting this book on my radar. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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  25. I'll have to check this one out! I love Chocolat and I think books that DON'T tie up a woman's love life in a neat little bow at the end deserve some respect! Thanks Juju!

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  26. All: Thank you for your super kind comments. You all (as usual) warmed my heart. *group hug*

    MoodyFiction: Exactly! 'Cause real women don't get neat packages :) *high five*

    Booksnyc: Thanks doll :) And thanks for visiting!

    JessicaBookLover & Jenny: Oo goodness me too :D My top 3 places to see are Italy, Ireland, and Scotland.

    Julie & Nina: *giggle* I loved the movie too.

    Aisle: Why thank you :) What a nice thing to say!

    Stacy: It does, doesn't it? :)

    1st daughter: Why thank you pumpkin! :) Please let me know when you review it! :)

    GMR: It truly does :)

    Meredith: It would be :)

    Laurel-Rain: Oooo Labor Day. It hurt SO good. I still remember how that one moved me.

    Tina: What an honor. Thank you! :) *hugs* You made my day!

    Christina: Me too! :) It's like Stacy said, there's just something magical about it.

    Gina: *giant hug* Thank you! That too really made my day!

    Mary: I loved the little old men too :) They were so funny and quirky.

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  27. I've heard great things about this one, but have yet to pick it up! Sounds like I need to get on it!

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  28. glad you liked this one so much! i'm adding it to my wishlist.

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  29. I really enjoyed this book as well. I love stories like this.

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  30. wow, sounds beautiful. and love how this book found you.

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  31. Lovely quotes! Now I want to read this...

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  32. i really like the quotes might just give it a try :p

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  33. Okay, that's it--I'm ordering it! I have been wanting to read this one forever but didn't really understand what it's about. Thanks for such a great review. And I like how you put the quotes too!

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  34. Meg: You so should ;)

    Toothy & Midnight & Blueicegal: Yah! :) Glad to hear!

    Darlene: :)

    VV: Why thank you darling :)

    Kim: Really? I'm so honored! I hope you love it like I did. :)

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  35. I love stories about new beginnings! As well as the taste of salty air!!

    Happy Thanksgiving, dear Juju!

    Maya @ Completely Coastal

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  36. Maya: Oh thank you sweet Maya. Have a beautiful thanksgiving :)

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  37. Excellent review! I like reading about a fresh start too. This one sounds really good.

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  38. 5 out of 5, wow! A real keeper!! :)

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  39. Ah what a lovely review lassie! Thanks :)

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  40. I was so excited to see you had reviewed this, and seeing that you enjoyed it was even more exciting. I've been wanting to read this book for quite a long time! I came across it somehow through Goodreads, oddly enough, and it's been on my to-read list ever since. I just haven't found it anywhere yet. I'll certainly be ordering it now. (:

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  41. I adore the sound of this one, your review has me completely intrigued! :D

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  42. This book looks incredible! Great review Juju! I loved the quote about remembering shaping us and how you described what the book had to offer. Definitely adding this one to my to be read pile :)

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  43. Ireland! I love books set in Ireland!! I was curious about this one after the title caught my eye. So glad you loved it, and thank you for the fab review!

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  44. Kelli: Me too :)

    Cherry: Exactly :) I need to buy my self a hardcover of this one :)

    Jenny Girl: Lassie? I like that :)

    Casee Marie: OMG I did like it :) I can't wait for you to read it! :)

    Lea: Why thank you :)

    Katie: Thanks sweet pea :)

    Christie: Oooo me too! :) Thank you :)

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