Wonderfully Written and Touching!
920117
Very touching story to start the season. I am glad I read it and I will be sharing it throughout this Christmas season.
1704275
A  gratifying book about a very personal story.  This is a beautiful and heartwarming story, but what makes it so special is how well written it is.  Other reviewers have commented on the fact that the author hasn't written it in a chronological order.  But I found that made it so much more interesting.  Events that occurred in the present could trigger thoughts of Jillian's childhood and the author then filled that in.  The book is very informative, but also thoroughly enjoyable.
4117309
A truly touching novel that was hard to put down! The author clearly did her research concerning Chechen refugees, and Magdalena and her little sister really snagged my heart. And what can I say about the charming hero, Mitch? To watch him grow and change and heal from his own tragic past--it was the perfect counterpoint to Magdalena's story. Excellent writing and character development--just a wonderful story all around! Highly recommended!
1981731
This book was very touching. I loved the writing style and the beautiful poems of the Nursing home residents. It gave great and wonderful insite into their simple present lives and the wild and wonderful lives that they had, in the age, said goodbye to.  On reading this book I was struck by Dr.  Kenneth Koch's amazing and beautiful way of writing. After finishing the book I wrote the author and received a more that civil reply, I was very surpised and pleased. I would encourage anyone with a desire to learn about poetry and get an insite into people that make their lives in Nursing homes.
1381324
Loved this book! It made me think of both my mother and grandmother as I read it. There were parts that made me laugh, smile, and even shed a tear. I was also able to travel to the Middle East and Europe in my imagination and learned a little history along the way too because of the author's vivid descriptions. This story will touch your heart and remind you of just how special your mother truly is. It's an emotional journey that's worth the read. I highly recommend this book...and I have a feeling you might even want to read it along with your mother.
2121309
I loved this book and enjoyed the depth of the characters and the heart with which it was written. Well worth the small price for such a heartwarming, touching story. I plan to read every book by this author. She rises above the rest in her genre, and frankly, she can't write books fast enough!
60227
I just loved 'The Last Goodbye'. Beautifully written and very easy to read, I found it compelling and very difficult to put down. I was almost disowned by my friend as I sat in the airport and openly wept whilst reading some of the final scenes! The scenes between mother and daughter are particularly touching and heartbreaking at the same time. But it's a good kind of heartbreak.. and a book you will think of for some time after. I loved the way each character had their flaws and made mistakes along the way, for example you found yourself torn between rooting for Kate (the main character), and wanting to give her a good shake! After reading this book, I had to pick up the phone and call my own lovely Mum, and was so thankful that I could do so. For mothers and daughters everywhere.. a must read.
4624557
Beautifully written piece that tugs at the heartstrings and every emotion...there was hurt love hope joy sadness frustration forgiveness humility...what a read!
1342443
The Meaning of Names is one of the best books that I have read!  I read avidly and I found that this book, along with being very well written ,touched my heart!
2219234
I fell in love with this book and it is an emotional journey! From the first page to the last is a wonderfully written story!
4348335
A wonderfully sweet and touching read. Excellent for readers of all ages to enjoy!
3395162
Loved this wonderful story! I cant recommend it highly enough. The characters are so poignant and the story so touching. Plan to read her other books as well.
3046614
You can not put it down. Sweet written and touching.
2621064
I couldn't put this book down. I could vividly picture the scenes and the characters and the situations they went through. I was deeply touched and moved to tears, but in a cathartic way that makes you want to hug your loved ones and cherish them even more. Highly recommended!
119201
This wonderfully written novel is sure to take you in.  I read it from cover to cover in a matter of 24 hours, I literally could not put it down! I thought the author was brilliant in her descriptions and the book flowed so smoothly that it was as if I was there witnessing it all with my own eyes.  It opened for me, a window into a world I know almost nothing about, and as result of it, I hope to be more sensitive, and more compassionate in the future to people that deal with mental or physical disabilities.
Thank you for writing such an inspiring story, it has been a long time since I have been touched so deeply by a book.
3985403
Such a beautiful, moving story, and well-written to boot. Having lost many family members myself to illness and violence, and wanting to feel their presence when they were gone, I was touched by this story. It brought me to tears with the struggles those who have already passed on have in letting their family pass into the light. SPOILER: At first I couldn't understand why a main character was written out of the story halfway through, but the author resolved the matter.

You're not only in for tears, but laughter as you watch the Deadlines interact with each other. I highly recommend this story.
4716973
I loved this book!  The storyline was so interesting, and the characters so well-written that I could picture each of them in my mind as I read.  It is a touching, heart-breaking, story in so many parts, and yet so uplifting and hopeful in the whole of it.  I would recommend it highly!  I have read other books by this author, each of which I have liked, but this one, I think, is my favorite.