Welcome to another First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. I’m featuring Susie Finkbeiner’s latest novel, Stories That Bind Us, which has released to wonderful accolades like these:
” Stories That Bind Us reminds us that life is messy and love hurts sometimes–but it is always worth it.”–Erin Bartels, author of We Hope for Better Things and The Words between Us
“A heartbreaking, heartwarming story so fixed in real time that reading it feels like visiting some familiar past. This story is a gift.”–Shawn Smucker, author of the award-winning novel Light from Distant Stars
“There is a timelessness to the experience of reading Stories That Bind Us. In a voice that will be welcomed by fans of Anne Tyler, Finkbeiner creates compelling drama from the breath-to-breath moments of an ordinary life.”–Allison Pittman, author of The Seamstress
I’m delighted to feature the first line and to host a giveaway, thanks to Revell Books – be sure to enter below.
First Line
This first line appealed to my Australian sensibilities. We are a nation of clothes line users, making good use of natural sunshine and contributing a little to our environment by doing so. Clearly, Susie’s Betty was ahead of her time!
On a more serious note, you can already tell what a powerful story this will be from the synopsis. I’m excited to dive in to this one!
Rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts
Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at forty. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what’s next, never imagining what God had in mind.When her estranged sister returns to town, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a five-year-old nephew she never knew she had. In 1960s small-town Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.
Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of All Manner of Things, which was selected as a 2020 Michigan Notable Book, as well as A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She serves on the Fiction Readers Summit planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women’s events across the country. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.
Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Finkbeiner @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Susie’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: Stories That Bind Us or Koorong
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June 21, 2020 at 12:31 am
The flowers are dead, I’m surrounded by orange, and a suitcase has been disemboweled in the search for a phone charger.
June 21, 2020 at 1:58 am
“I’ve a thief to thank for finding the one person I need to see before I die. The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner.
June 21, 2020 at 2:29 am
“Gwen Ryland held up her phone to take a panoramic photo of the breathtaking canyon spread out in front of her.” from Hostage Rescue by Lisa Harris.
June 21, 2020 at 9:35 am
“Piper Danson’s cheeks hurt from smiling for what seemed like hours with no relief in sight.” from An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart.
I enjoy Susie’s books. Thanks for the chance to win Stories That Bind Us.
June 21, 2020 at 11:38 am
Before she even opened her eyes Mia Emerson knew it was going to be the worst day of her life. From Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter.
June 21, 2020 at 10:35 pm
Penelope Jean Hunter loved every wedding she’d ever been to. A Dazzle of Diamonds by Liz Johnson
June 21, 2020 at 10:37 pm
Just before Maddie unlocked the door to her office, she straightened the name plaque on the wall: Madison Grayson, marriage and family therapist.
June 21, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Sorry, I didn’t put the author and book this was from. It’s from On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher
June 21, 2020 at 11:44 pm
The songs of the dead are the lamentations of the living. Eldest by Christopher Paolini
June 22, 2020 at 4:48 am
“So we agree we’re not getting married this summer”, Maggie said. From Fatal Cajun Festival by Ellen Byron.
June 22, 2020 at 4:53 am
Inside this dump of a home in rural Sullivan, Georgia, Lillian Zachary’s rescue mission to save her younger sister and niece isn’t going well.
June 22, 2020 at 8:53 pm
According to the Good Book, there was a time for war and a time for peace.
June 23, 2020 at 1:18 am
Three men watched intently as peculiar events occurred, one right after the other, on opposite sides of the globe. SAFELY HOME by Randy Alcorn
June 23, 2020 at 1:22 pm
“You don’t need to be concerned. I have it covered.” from Amish Haven by Dana Lynn.
June 24, 2020 at 9:39 am
Daddy, I am in trouble.