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A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage: Quick, Practical Insights Every Couple Needs to Thrive
by Gary Chapman John Hinkley#1 New York Times bestselling author Gary Chapman brings us A Simple Guide for a Better MarriageMarriage is beautiful. It&’s meant to be a picture of Jesus and his love for the church. But it&’s tough to live up to that. Every relationship comes with challenges. Whether you&’re in your first or 51st year, you can grow in your marriage.Dr. Gary Chapman shares stories and insights inspired by decades of counseling couples. With grace and humor, Gary shares time-tested wisdom and practical advice on:Love and IntimacyCommunicationChanges and DecisionsApologies and ForgivenessAnger and Conflict ManagementAttitudes, Differences, & ExpectationsMoney, Responsibilities, & In-LawsA Simple Guide for a Better Marriage is for all couples who desire a joy-filled marriage marked by understanding, humor, and love. This book also makes the perfect gift!
A Simple Thing: A Novel
by Kathleen McClearyA Simple Thing is a lovely, truly heartwarming novel about the drastic measures two mothers take to keep their families safe. Kathleen McCleary, the critically acclaimed author of House and Home, tells the intertwining stories of Susannah Delaney and Betty Pavalak. Susannah moves her family to remote Sounder Island—a primitive retreat with no electricity—to escape television, the internet, and the dangerous, corrupting influences of the modern technological world. Decades earlier, Betty also came to the island to escape her demons. A Simple Thing is a poignant and unforgettable novel in the vein of Jacqueline Sheehan’s Lost and Found and The Art of Saying Goodbye by Ellyn Bache. It is a tale of family and friendship that Kristin Hannah fans will take into their hearts.
A Simpler Motherhood: Curating Contentment, Savoring Slow, and Making Room for What Matters Most
by Emily EusanioDiscover Minimalism for Moms and Simplify Parenting#1 New Release in Parenting & Family Reference, Teenagers, and Time ManagementIn A Simpler Motherhood, Emily’s on a mission to remove stress from the lives of moms and busy families seeking less stuff and more joy in their daily life.Filled with tips for moms for easy yet powerful lifestyle changes. Emily’s approach makes minimalism for moms stress-free and achievable, and helps to simplify parenting. Learn to declutter your mind and home on this fun journey to living and parenting with more purpose and joy, and less stress!Intentional living made simple and stress-free.A Simpler Motherhood reveals tangible ways for mothers everywhere to simplify parenting. Slow down the pace in your home, your schedule, and your heart and head. Discover simple tips for moms, actionable suggestions, and tailored solutions to declutter each aspect of motherhood.Accessible minimalism for moms. When people think of motherhood, they think of a perfectly tidy home, a curated wardrobe, and gourmet meals cooked from scratch, but that isn’t realistic. A Simpler Motherhood makes minimalism for moms attainable, affordable, and stress-free for even the busiest or messiest of moms. Inside:Discover how to simplify parenting in a more stress-free way, without guilt or “systems”Create a stronger marriage through communication, intentional planning, and a commitment to lessRe-establish a connection with your faith and learn to relinquish control over everythingIf you liked Declutter Like a Mother, The Family Firm, Mindfulness Journal for Parents, or Simplicity Parenting, then you’ll love A Simpler Motherhood.
A Simplified Map of the Real World
by Laurie Paus Stevan AllredIn A Simplified Map of the Real World, intimate boundaries are loosened by divorce and death in a rural community where even an old pickle crock has an unsettling history-and high above the strife and the hope and the often hilarious, geese seek the perfect tailwind. Stevan Allred's stunning debut deftly navigates the stubborn geography of the human heart.
A Sinful Deception: Breconridge Brothers Book 2 (Breconridge Brothers)
by Isabella BradfordFor fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Sarah MacLean, comes Isabella Bradford's enthralling new trilogy of London's most scandalous rakes, the Breconridge Brothers, who are about to lose their hearts... Lord Geoffrey Fitzroy leads a charmed existence. The second son of the Duke of Breconridge and an infamous, incorrigible and inconceivably handsome rake, he ruthlessly leaves hearts fluttering all over London.That's until he locks eyes with the mysterious Miss Serena Carew, a noble-born heiress raised in India. Impossibly beautiful and dripping in diamonds, Serena is the most sought after belle of the ball. But her exotic past masks a perilous secret, and in the hope of saving herself she deftly deflects Geoffrey's curiosity.Soon her plan is thwarted by her hungry heart, and Lord Geoffrey's passionate seduction reveals her dark secret. Will deception destroy her one chance at happiness?Before the Breconridge Brothers, came the Wylder sisters. Don't miss a moment of the romantic and captivating debut trilogy from Isabella Bradford: When You Wish Upon a Duke, When The Duchess Said Yes and When The Duke Found Love.
A Single Breath
by Lucy ClarkeA young widow discovers her husband was not who he claimed to be--and finds herself falling in love with the wrong man. Eva has only been married for eight months when her husband, Jackson, is swept to his death while fishing. Weighed down by confusion and sorrow, Eva decides to take leave of her midwifery practice and visit Jackson's estranged family with the hope of grieving together. Instead, she discovers that the man she loved so deeply is not the man she thought she knew. Jackson's father and brother reveal a dark past, exposing the lies her marriage was built upon. As Eva struggles to come to terms with the depth of Jackson's deception, she must also confront her growing attraction to Jackson's brother, Saul, who offers her intimacy, passion, and answers to her most troubling questions. Will Eva be able to move forward, or will she be caught up in a romance with Saul, haunted by her husband's past? Threading together beautiful, wild settings and suspenseful twists, A Single Breath is a gripping tale of secrets, betrayals, and new beginnings.
A Single Dad to Rescue Her (Queenstown Search & Rescue #2)
by Sue MacKayA tempting paramedic…His second chance at love?Called out to an avalanche, firefighting chief Jamie comes to strong-willed Kayla&’s rescue. He&’ll never forget the way Kayla gripped his hand. Or how the gutsy paramedic instructed him on how to save her! But he&’s vowed not to pursue a relationship until his boys are grown. None of them can suffer another heartbreak. Yet Jamie feels an unrelenting pull toward Kayla. Might it be her turn next to save him?A Queenstown Search & Rescue novel Queenstown Search & Rescue trilogyBook 1 – Captivated by Her Runaway DocBook 2 – A Single Dad to Rescue HerBook 3 – From Best Friends to I Do? &“…the plot was interesting, and their romantic scenes were sweet but still hot, hot, hot…you&’ll be hooked.&”-Harlequin Junkie on A Fling to Steal Her Heart &“Overall, Ms. MacKay has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful and had me loving how these two come together….&”-Harlequin Junkie on The Italian Surgeon&’s Secret Baby
A Single Door: Social Work with the Families of Disabled Children (Routledge Library Editions: Children and Disability #Vol. 8)
by Caroline GlendinningFirst published in 1986, this study explores the increased public concern with policies of ‘community care’ and their effects on informal carers, at that time. It looks at the widespread evidence that one particular group of informal carers- parents looking after their severely disabled child- lack information, advice and a co-ordinated pattern of supporting services. The author, who carried out research on disabled children and their families for a number of years, describes in detail a low-cost experimental project in which specialist social workers set out to remedy these shortcomings. Drawing on the results of this particular study, the author argues strongly for widespread assignment of ‘key’ social workers to this and other groups of informal carers. Despite being written in the mid-1980s, this book discusses topic that will still be of interest and use today.
A Single Rose
by Muriel Barbery“A magnificent romance redolent of ancient wisdom and rich with melancholy, loss, and love” from the bestselling author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Le Monde).Rose has just turned forty when she gets a call from a lawyer asking her to come to Kyoto for the reading of her estranged father’s will. And so for the first time in her life she finds herself in Japan, where Paul, her father’s assistant, is waiting to greet her.As Paul guides Rose along a mysterious itinerary designed by her deceased father, her bitterness and anger are soothed by the stones and the trees in the Zen gardens they move through. During their walks, Rose encounters acquaintances of her father—including a potter and poet, an old lady friend, his housekeeper and chauffeur—whose interactions help her to slowly begin to accept a part of herself that she has never before acknowledged.As the reading of the will gets closer, Rose’s father finally, posthumously, opens his heart to his daughter, offering her a poignant understanding of his love and a way to accept all she has lost.“Interspersed with aphoristic Japanese tales from various periods, as melancholy is gradually transmuted into joy.” —The New Yorker“[A] luminous meditation on grief.” —Booklist“With elegant and careful prose, [Barbery] offers descriptions of Kyoto and Japanese culture that transcend the genre of a travelogue. This novel will appeal to readers who long for happy endings and escape.” —Library Journal“The novel balances lush, cultivated gardens and weighted symbolism with mischievous foxes, matcha, sliced eel, and sushi, all forming ‘one happy chaos’ and a fascinating maze of emotional release.” —Foreword Reviews
A Single Shard: A Newbery Award Winner (Middle Grade Cassette Librariestm Ser.)
by Linda Sue ParkIn this Newbery Medal-winning book set in 12th century Korea, Tree-ear, a 13-year-old orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch'ulp'o, a potters' village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter's craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday.<P><P> When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated -- until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min's irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself -- even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min's work in the hope of a royal commission... even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.
A Sister for Christmas: The true story of one girl’s life-changing decision and a bond like no other
by Maggie HartleyHer sister was in danger. Jazmin knew there was only one option if she wanted to make sure she was safe.'Come on, Pearl,' she whispered. 'Let's get you out of here.'Jazmin was only thirteen when she was taken into care, after asking to be removed from her mum herself. Tired and worn down by her mum's drinking and relationships with men who would threaten Jazmin, she spent her teenage years in care. Now, at eighteen, she is finally settled with her own place and a job as a teaching assistant. With an on-and-off relationship with her mum, Jaz can't help feel concerned when she hears she is pregnant again. Desperate for a relationship with her new half-sister, Pearl, she is hopeful the baby will provide a second chance for her mum. But when history starts to repeat itself, Jaz is forced to step in and, with Maggie's help, make a decision that will change the rest of her life...From Britain's most-loved foster carer, a new and incredibly inspirational short story of love for this Christmas.Readers LOVE Maggie Hartley:'Wow! I did not want this book to end. This story was unlike any other' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review'Gripping and powerful read... makes you see what can be going on behind closed doors' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review
A Sister for Christmas: The true story of one girl’s life-changing decision and a bond like no other
by Maggie HartleyHer sister was in danger. Jazmin knew there was only one option if she wanted to make sure she was safe.'Come on, Pearl,' she whispered. 'Let's get you out of here.'Jazmin was only thirteen when she was taken into care, after asking to be removed from her mum herself. Tired and worn down by her mum's drinking and relationships with men who would threaten Jazmin, she spent her teenage years in care. Now, at eighteen, she is finally settled with her own place and a job as a teaching assistant. With an on-and-off relationship with her mum, Jaz can't help feel concerned when she hears she is pregnant again. Desperate for a relationship with her new half-sister, Pearl, she is hopeful the baby will provide a second chance for her mum. But when history starts to repeat itself, Jaz is forced to step in and, with Maggie's help, make a decision that will change the rest of her life...From Britain's most-loved foster carer, a new and incredibly inspirational short story of love for this Christmas.Readers LOVE Maggie Hartley:'Wow! I did not want this book to end. This story was unlike any other' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review'Gripping and powerful read... makes you see what can be going on behind closed doors' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon reader review
A Sister in My House: A Novel
by Linda OlssonFrom the acclaimed author of Astrid & Veronika, a lyrical novel of two sisters bound together by a tragic moment from their past. Maria and Emma have not seen each other since their mother’s funeral two years ago. But now, Emma has come to visit Maria at her house in Spain, an unsettling intrusion on Maria’s quiet and solitary life. Over six days in the seaside town, the sisters cautiously recount the years of their separate adult lives. Their walks through the quiet town and evening talks on the terrace reveal almost more than Maria can deal with, until finally, the sisters confront their unspeakable family history. A Sister in My House is a compelling drama of grief and betrayal, but ultimately it is a story of hope and forgiveness.
A Sister's Power (The Reeves Sisters #3)
by Cydney RaxIn the face of shocking challenges, nothing is more important to the Reeves women than keeping their bond tight and their communication flowing. But honesty isn&’t so clear cut when it could blow up everything they&’ve fought tobuild . . . Already reeling from betrayal, middle sister Coco is fed up with lies—including her own. If she has her way, someone else&’s neck needs to be on the line for a change. But soon, Coco&’s in deep trouble with the law, her future hanging in the balance. . . . Now the only thing that can save her is revealing one last devastating truth. Struggling with unthinkable loss, Coco&’s sister, Burgundy, finds comfort in a colleague&’s arms. But her eight-year-old daughter wants no part of him. She wants the life she enjoyed when her father was alive. As Burgundy fights to move on from the shocking tragedy of her marriage, she seeks a silver lining. And against all odds, she wants herself and all four of her sisters to win. In spite of secrets, lies, deception, and hurt, she will do whatever it takes to support and empower her family. Even if it means risking everything that&’s important to her. Now between revenge, grief, and forgiveness, these women will challenge themselves—and all they think they know about each other—in a showdown that may leave them united—or cause them to forever fall apart . . . Praise for A Sister&’s Secret &“Clever. Compelling. Captivating.&” —RT Book Reviews
A Sister's Secret (The Reeves Sisters #1)
by Cydney RaxIn the wake of a major loss, five sisters agree to meet on the regular to keep it real. But secrets they never saw coming will challenge them and everything they counted on . . . Savvy and decisive, Burgundy Reeves feels blessed with a good husband and a successful career. She is the sister everyone envies. Since her beloved mother's death, she's given troubled youngest sister, Elyse, a stable home when she needs it most. And she's taken it on herself to keep her contentious siblings together. Under her guidance, they all meet bi-monthly on “Sister Day,” a time when they get together to bond, to receive a challenging “assignment”, and to cope with a range of things—including their many differences . . . Among the sisters’ most challenging assignments: tell the truth. But truthfulness leads to an unveiling of secrets that may destroy lives. Burgundy is struggling to show Coco the real deal about her unreliable baby daddy. If she and level-headed Drucilla can also convince hard-headed eldest sister Alita to give Coco more love than tough talk, that might heal a longtime rift. But it’s teenage Elyse’s truth that will shatter Burgundy’s perfect world beyond repair. And putting the pieces back together could make the sisters stronger together than ever—or pull them apart for good.
A Sister's Secret: A heart-warming and uplifting Regency romance from bestseller Mary Jane Staples
by Mary Jane StaplesPerfect for fans of Georgette Heyer and Netflix hit Bridgerton, a dashing Regency romance from multi-million copy seller Mary Jane Staples. READERS ARE LOVING A SISTER'S SECRET! "Mary Jane Staples is a genius! The storyline was amazing. I could not put the book down. Her characterization was wonderful and her intertwining of her characters with some famous historical characters is nothing short of genius." - 5 STARS"Mary Janes Staples is one of my favourite authors - loved her Adams Family series. This is such a lovely book: emotional, serious and funny in all ways. Read this book in one night." - 5 STARS "Enjoyed this book from start to finish." - 5 STARS. "I couldn't put this down - it was brilliant." - 5 STARS.************************************WILL SHE PROTECT HER SISTER AND LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN?A disastrous marriage has left the young and beautiful Lady Caroline widowed and vowing never to marry again.When she sees her younger sister, Annabelle, falling for a man who is notoriously unfaithful, she determines to intervene and save Annabelle from a similar fate, hiring the handsome and witty adventurer Captain Burnside to distract her. But all does not go to plan...A Sister's Secret was previously published as A Professional Gentleman.
A Sister's Shame
by Maggie HartleyA heartbreaking, powerful true story from Sunday Times bestseller, Maggie Hartley, Britain's most-loved foster carer. Perfect for fans of Cathy Glass and Casey Watson.Foster carer Maggie Hartley is used to all manner of children arriving on her doorstep, but nothing can prepare her for sisters Billy and Bo when they arrive at her home. It is clear from the moment she sets eyes on them four-year-old Bo and seven-year-old Billy have clearly been subjected to unimaginable neglect, and it takes all of Maggie's skills as a foster carer to try to connect with the volatile little girls, who seem far younger than their years. Over time, the little girls slowly emerge from their shells, and Maggie begins the difficult task of trying to gain their trust. But as time goes on, it becomes clear that there is something much darker going on, something that will call into question everything Maggie has ever learned in all her years as a foster carer...
A Sister's Story: A Novel
by Donatella Di PietrantonioA NEW YORKER BEST BOOK OF 2022 FINALIST FOR THE 2021 STREGA PRIZE From the internationally acclaimed author of A Girl Returned, a spellbinding story about family, memory, love, and the relationships that define us. It’s the darkest time of night. Adriana, a baby in her arms, hammers on her sister's door. Who is she running from? What uncomfortable truth is she carrying with her? Like a whirlwind, Adriana upends her sister’s life bringing chaos and cataclysmic revelations. Years later, the narrator gets an unexpected, urgent summons back to Pescara, her hometown. She embarks on a long journey through the night, and through the folds and twists of her memory, from her and her sister’s youth, their loves and losses, secrets and regrets. Back in Borgo Sud, the town’s fishermen’s quarter, in that impenetrable yet welcoming microcosm, she will discover what really happened, and attempt to make peace with the past. Donatella Di Pietrantonio, expert chronicler of the bonds between mothers and daughters, revisits the places and characters of A Girl Returned with a moving novel focused on the ambivalent, ambiguous, wavering but steadfast relationship between sisters.
A Sister's Survival (The Reeves Sisters #2)
by Cydney RaxTo keep their family ties strong, the five Reeves sisters meet regularly to give each other a reality check. But explosive family secrets begin to pour out like molten lava, and forever change all they treasure most . . . After a shattering revelation, youngest sister Elyse struggles to overcome the sexual abuse that nearly destroyed her. Between her tough eldest sister, Alita, and a promising fresh start with a new man, she’s finding the strength to make the most of her fierce intelligence. But Elyse still has a score to settle with the perfect sister she feels betrayed by—and she's going after everything Burgundy can’t afford to lose . . . Coco thinks her useless baby daddy is finally about to commit—until she catches him with a woman who’s everything she’s not. As she tries to move on with her life, she can’t resist carrying out the ultimate revenge. But when she inadvertently gets caught up in Elyse’s plan, she must confront an unforgivable truth that could crush any chance these sisters have to make things right.
A Sister's Wish: A dramatic and heartwarming new saga from the bestselling author (Yorkshire Blitz Trilogy Ser.)
by Donna Douglas*FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE NIGHTINGALE GIRLS, DONNA DOUGLAS*Spring, 1941. The families of Jubilee Row are still reeling from the loss of one of their own, and as the Blitz on Hull intensifies, it seems as if there will be more tragedies to come. As the street braces itself, Iris Fletcher returns home from the hospital, where she has been recovering after the death of her best friend and youngest child. But Iris has no time to mourn - devastated by the loss of their little sister, Archie and Kitty desperately need their mother.Meanwhile, Edie Copeland is besotted with her infant son. Being a single mother is hard, but Edie finds support in the form of Jack Maguire who, like Edie, is raising his boys alone. As the pair grow closer, Edie begins to wonder whether they could ever be anything more than friends. Capable mum, Ruby Maguire takes charge as usual, bolstering spirits and lending a hand, as well as trying to keep her flighty sister Pearl on the straight and narrow. But the unexpected appearance of a face from her past threatens Ruby's future far more than Hitler's bombs.For fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Katie Flynn this is the second book in the Yorkshire Blitz Trilogy from the bestselling author of The Nightingale Girls.
A Sister’s Courage
by Audrey ReimannCan Alice protect her siblings?Eldest child Alice Davenport has always helped to look after her younger brothers and sister when her Mama was unwell. But when her Mama dies suddenly and her Papa leaves to fight in the war, young Alice is left to care for her family alone.When her Papa returns home safe, Alice’s troubled days seem to be over. And when she meets the handsome Major Fredrick Blackshaw, a new life finally seems to be within reach. But when her Papa remarries, the jealously of their new stepmother leaves Alice fearing for the safety of her siblings. Will she sacrifice her own happiness to keep her family safe?A gritty, heart-warming family saga perfect for fans of Maggie Hope, Val Wood and Emma Hornby.
A Sister’s Fight: A gripping and page-turning historical saga from the bestselling author (Worktown Girls at War #3)
by Emma HornbyReaders love Emma Hornby:***** 'Similar to Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court, Emma Hornby tells a brilliant story that will keep you guessing . . . Pure talent.'***** 'Emma Hornby's books just keep getting better and better. Honest, gritty, lovely characters.'***** 'Emma is a wonderful storyteller and I can't wait for the next one!'***** 'Another beautifully written story by Emma Hornby'______________________________Bolton, Lancashire: 1943Livvy knows that her family's survival rests on her shoulders - with her parents gone, it falls to her to support her grandfather, Morris, and younger sister, Joan. Times are tough, largely due to the hardships of war, and Livvy knows that she will struggle to keep her family safe with the meagre pay most jobs would afford her.When US soldiers are stationed nearby, Livvy decides to take advantage of the opportunity to make some easy and, along with her best friend Vera, begins selling herself on the streets. Despite the harsh judgements of society, Livvy perseveres with her challenging choice and does the very best that she can for her family's sake.As Joan grows older and wants to explore the freedoms that come with this, Livvy must be careful to hide her unsavoury secret from her family. But when one US soldier takes too much of a shine to her, Livvy's life begins to spiral out of control … will she be able to right things, or will everything she's fought to protect come crumbling down?The third book in Emma Hornby's page-turning Worktown Girls at War series
A Sixpenny Christmas
by Katie FlynnA heart-tugging read - Yours Heartwarming - My Weekly You won't be able to put this down until you have read every word - No. 1 One of the country's most popular storytellers - Scottish Daily Record
A Sky Full of Stars
by Linda Williams Jackson"Filled with teachable moments that are perfect for modern-day discussions of race and justice, this is also a story about the complexities of family and choices." –Kirkus "There is also much inspiration to be found in Rosa&’s resilience and her determination to make something good of her life and not leave her beloved South for a &“safer&” part of the country. Jackson presents a raw and frank look at what growing up in the deep South during Jim Crow was really like. A powerful and well-crafted novel that will spark deep discussion of this era in U.S. history— and its contemporary repercussions." –School Library Journal "Readers will be left with much to consider and discuss."-Publishers Weekly "This de facto sequel to Jackson&’s first novel, Midnight without a Moon (2017), is equally successful at dramatizing the lives of black people in the pre–civil rights South and capturing the sensibility of its setting, which together ensure the book will be a valuable classroom resource."--Booklist "With captivating characterization, the author has again credibly woven real historical events into a poignant story of hope, friendship, and aspiration, resulting in an insightful historical novel that could serve as a resourceful complement to contemporary discussions about social justice."--Horn Book Praise for Midnight Without a Moon: "This nuanced coming-of-age story by a debut author is deftly delivered, with engaging characters set against a richly contextualized backdrop of life for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. It&’s also an authentic work of historical fiction (supported by Southern vernacular in both dialogue and vocabulary that accurately reflects the era) about a pivotal incident in the civil rights movement."—Horn Book "Jackson pulls no punches in the characters&’ heated discussions and keeps dialogue raw and real..." —Bulletin "Jackson&’s debut does an excellent job dramatizing the injustice that was epidemic in the pre–civil rights South and capturing the sounds and sensibilities of that time and place. Her sympathetic characters and their stories will make this thoughtful book especially good for classroom use."—Booklist "A powerful story."—Kirkus &“Midnight Without a Moon offers readers an unflinching bird's eye view of 1955 Mississippi. Young Rose Lee has one foot steeped in the segregated South and the other in the new world where Negroes and girls are expecting more, doing more, and willing to risk all to live lives of their own choosing. Bravo to Jackson, for a magnificent piece of writing!&” —Sharon G. Flake, Coretta Scott King Award winning author of Unstoppable Octobia May and The Skin I'm In &“Rose shines bright in the darkness -- brave, beautiful, and full of hard-won hope. She'll be an inspiration to every reader who meets her, as she has been to me.&” –Caroline Starr Rose, author of May B and Blue Birds —
A Sky So Close to Us: A novel
by Shahla UjayliA multigenerational tale of love, loss, exile, and rebirth, shortlisted for the 2016 International Prize for Arabic Fiction. As children sleeping on the rooftop of their ancestral family home in Raqqa on warm summer nights, Joumane and her sisters imagine the sky is so close they can almost touch it. Years later, Joumane lives as an expatriate in Jordan, working for a humanitarian agency, while her sisters remain trapped in war-torn Syria. Living alone as she fights her own battle with cancer, she contemplates the closeness of the same sky, despite the sharply delineated borders that now separate her from her family. Her only close confidant is another exile, a charming, divorced Palestinian man with whom she develops a warm relationship—later discovering that their relatives were neighbors in Syria. As Joumane undergoes painful chemotherapy treatments, Nasser slides into the role of her caretaker and partner. She comes to depend on him utterly, at the same time fearing that her vulnerability and need will ultimately drive him away. Interspersed with Joumane&’s story is a sweeping historical narrative that moves from nineteenth-century Aleppo, Raqqa, and Damascus, to Palestine before and after the 1948 Nakba, to Iraq before and after the American occupation, and beyond to the United States, Serbia, and Vietnam. Each character in the book is revealed, and linked, through the stories of their ancestors, showing the intergenerational inheritance of trauma and identity. Ujayli&’s attention to detail and evocative prose brings to life worlds forgotten and ignored, reminding us of the devastation of war and the beauty that people create wherever they go. As children sleeping on the rooftop of their ancestral family home in Raqqa on warm summer nights, Joumane and her sisters imagine the sky is so close they can almost touch it. Years later, Joumane lives as an expatriate in Jordan, working for a humanitarian agency, while her sisters remain trapped in war-torn Syria. Living alone as she fights her own battle with cancer, she contemplates the closeness of the same sky, despite the sharply delineated borders that now separate her from her family. Her only close confidant is another exile, a charming, divorced Palestinian man with whom she develops a warm relationship—later discovering that their relatives were neighbors in Syria. As Joumane undergoes painful chemotherapy treatments, Nasser slides into the role of her caretaker and partner. She comes to depend on him utterly, at the same time fearing that her vulnerability and need will ultimately drive him away. Interspersed with Joumane&’s story is a sweeping historical narrative that moves from nineteenth-century Aleppo, Raqqa, and Damascus, to Palestine before and after the 1948 Nakba, to Iraq before and after the American occupation, and beyond to the United States, Serbia, and Vietnam. Each character in the book is revealed, and linked, through the stories of their ancestors, showing the intergenerational inheritance of trauma and identity. Ujayli&’s attention to detail and evocative prose brings to life worlds forgotten and ignored, reminding us of the devastation of war and the beauty that people create wherever they go.