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Jane Green is an expert at writing about relationships, especially those among woman, and she’s outdone herself with her latest novel, Another Piece of My Heart, where she tackles step-motherhood.
Andi finally found the love of her life in Ethan, and with him came 2 daughters and an alcoholic ex-wife. Emily, the older of the two girls, is spoiled and tends to fits of rage when she doesn’t get what she wants. She sees Andi as the woman who just wants to take her dad away from her and makes life in the household difficult at best. Ethan is terrified of Emily’s anger and doesn’t see how she manipulates him.
Andi is desperate for a child of her own, but because she is in her 40s, getting pregnant is difficult, if not impossible. Ethan does not want to adopt as he’s afraid that will upset Emily even more. Andi is at the end of her rope with Ethan’s catering to his daughter, and when Emily finds herself in a situation that could be the answer to Andi’s prayers in more ways than one, Andi and Ethan disagree on what’s best for their family.
The first half of the story is told in third person, mostly from Andi’s point of view, with Ethan’s perspective occasionally thrown in. But then we hear from Emily, told in diary-style, and since Emily’s life revolves around herself the perspective is quite fitting. The 3 main characters are well fleshed out: Andi is not as perfect as she thinks she is, and Ethan is torn between the two women he loves. It’s easy to dislike Emily in the beginning but as the book progresses her actions and motives become more clear, and as her relationship with her own mother improves she also grows and matures.
Another Piece of My Heart is clearly women’s fiction but it’s not fluffy, as it tackles some difficult themes and situations. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys novels with intriguing and realistic family dynamics.
Notes on the audiobook: Another Piece of My Heart is narrated by the author, and while no one knows the characters better than the one who wrote them, Green’s British accent didn’t quite fit with the California-based family. If this type of inconsistency would affect your reading pleasure, I would recommend the hard copy over the audiobook.
Jennifer talked with author Jane Green about recording the audiobook, setting, and more. Read more at 5 Minutes for Books. If you leave a comment over there, we’ll give you an extra entry in the giveaway.
We have 1 copy of Another Piece of My Heart, signed by the author, for a lucky winner, US only please. Leave a comment and the winner will be announced in our regular book column here on March 19.
The winners of All That I Am are #35 Michele Behlen, #4 tennille, #20 Daniel M.
5 Minutes for Books staff reviewer Nancy writes about her 2 boys, books and life in Colorado at Life With My Boys and Books.
I received my copy yesterday! I still can’t believe my name was drawn. Thanks so much for the chance to win. I am really looking forward to reading my first ever book won! Woo hoo!
Please enter me for a chance to win.
sounds like a good read
I always like to read a good book.
This book sounds great.
Sounds like a really good book.
im a book nerd..would love to check this out
As a step-mom myself, this sounds fascinating.
Thanks for the giveaway!
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I love Jane Green!
thanks for the chance to win!
I like her novels and would love to read this book
GloriaDeal@aol.com
Sounds like a good book.
Would love a chance to win this book, it looks like a great read.
This definitely sounds interesting.
Thank you for yet another awesome giveaway =)
I would love to read this book
dlatany at gmail dot com
This looks great! Please enter me!
bethsbookreviewblog2 AT gmail DOT com
This book sounds so good. I’d love to read it. Thanks for having this giveaway.
Oh and just read the ….only U.S bit……can we fake Ireland as being part of the U.S…..
Loved Girl Friday! Can’t wait for this one!
I would love to win a copy of this audiobook.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Bookends is one of my favorites. I’d love to read this one!
Another great one!
I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
I enjoy books about family dynamics and this one sounds very interesting.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Sounds like a very interesting read! Thanks for the chance.
I have never read her books, but sounds interesting!
Would enjoy reading this!
this sounds good
Enjoy Jane Green books and this one sounds good. Thanks
Sounds like a fantastic read, thanks!
I have enjoyed the few Jane Green books that I have read…and this one sounds like it would be even better!
What an opportunity to interview the author!
I’d love to have the book and look up and see Jane herself!
Where would I need to be for that to happen…hmmmm
I just realized comments were off at 5 Minutes for Books, but they are back on now.
Would love a copy of Jane Green’s book!
I would love to read this before bedtime every night.
Many thanks for this great giveaway.
Sure sounds good.
New-to-me author. Thanks.
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Comments shut off.
Sorry Liz — if you go back to the post at 5 Minutes for Books, you’ll be able to leave a comment on the interview: http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/21896/author-jane-green-audiobooks/
I’ve always enjoyed Jane Green’s novels – this one sounds great!