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One Moment, One Morning: Review and Giveaway

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In One Moment, One Morning, Sarah Rayner explores the role of friendship in three women’s lives. In one moment on one morning, their lives intersect when 40-something Karen’s husband Simon has a heart attack on the commuter train to London. Lou, a 30-something, is on the same car and witnesses it. When everyone has to get off the train, Lou and Anna — strangers — end up sharing a cab and starting a friendship.

(And don’t worry that I’m giving away the plot. This all happens in the first chapter).

This one event ties these women together. It also causes them to examine their lives in the wake of Simon’s death. Lou is struggling with coming out to her friends and family and realizes that hiding is hurting her. Anna is in her early 40’s and in a destructive relationship. Karen is reeling, but the tragedy makes her keenly aware of everything that she does have in her life.

This piece of light women’s fiction deals with the unthinkable — the sudden death of a spouse — which is a fear that most of us have, but it’s worth reading for the hope and strength that Karen finds as her friends and family help her survive. Rayner’s descriptions of each of these 3 women’s inner life is right on. She manages to help the reader immerse herself into this situation by experiencing a week or so in their lives, in a way that isn’t too cavalier, yet doesn’t end up being depressing either.

The interesting London setting also elevates this novel to something worth losing yourself in for a few days.

Thanks to the publisher, I have a copy to give to one of you (U.S. or Canadian shipping addresses are eligible). Leave a comment if you’d like to win.

Did you get an ereader for Christmas? Stock it up by entering to win a Mr. Popper’s Penguins ebook.

The winner of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Being a Fit Mom is #82 Kim Smith.

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78 Comments

  4. I would love to read this book. It seems like a good read, worth putting your feet up for and finishing in one night.

    Reply

  50. Sounds great. I had that very same thought when my husband was unexpectedly late home from work – certainly makes you think.

    Reply

  61. Unfortunately, I did not get an ereader, I sure want one..
    This book has a great storyline and I would love to read it.

    Reply

  63. What an intriguing start of a book…I really enjoy reading books about women’s
    friendships!
    Many thanks, Cindi

    Reply

  65. It is interesting how MANY books for middle aged women include the death of a spouse. Is it a fear, or something more… insidious? Anything set in London is a great break from reading middle grade fiction. There are a lot of reserves, so maybe mine will come in on some bleak February day when I need a break! Thanks for the suggestion.

    Reply