A must read for those who love family
357518
On June 18th, The Story Plant will be releasing Steven Manchester's latest novel, the Rockin' Chair.  When Steven emailed me about previewing this book, Henry was just a few days old and I knew time would be very short for pleasure reading.  But...  Goodnight, Brian was such a great read and a story that really reached the heart of this family.  So I had to agree.  I was not the only one looking forward to seeing what Mr. Manchester had up his sleeve.  When my copy arrived I had to wait in line to read it.

This is such a beautiful story!  I struggled through the first two and half chapters, knowing I would cry, as John lost his beloved squaw, to Alzheimer's disease.  With all my lack of time, I found it hard to set the McCarthy family aside as their story traveled from Boston to New York City to Afghanistan and back to their home in Montana.

One of the things I really enjoy about Steven's writing is the way he uses beautiful description to bring the reader into the lives of his characters but not so much detail to cause this reader to zone out.  This author has incredible insight into the heart's of people and uses that knowledge to bring feeling and life to his stories.  Another thing that makes me love Steven's books is the depiction of what a family should be.  In the case of the Rockin' Chair the death of Alice became the catalyst which brought a divided family back home.  And it was the love for and dedication of a grandfather that brought their hearts back together.

In a world where every family seems to be severed with hurts and angry words, the Rockin' Chair reminds us that the love of family is the the most important thing.  We must fight with all that is in us to keep tie and maintain heartstrings.  Each of us is right at times and each of us are wrong at times.  And the way we perceive an event can be completely different from the way the next guy sees it.  But what does any of it matter if we sit alone with our memories and don't like what we have to face?  In order to find healing, Grandpa John teaches us we must go head to head with the ghosts of family past.  We must deal with sorrows and honestly face our pain and the pain we have caused others.  Ultimately, we must express our love with complete abandon and freely open our arms to welcome those we love.
563411
Just finished this in our book club--highly recommend reading it.  We all found a common thread woven through the story for a fun and touching discussion time we were all able to relate to.  Storyline is very fitting for today's challenging family life, including blended family relationships.  You will immediately relate to every character and identify with the struggles of everyday life faced at any age. The author brought special meaning to each character that left you full of love, compassion, and a deep sense of appreciation for them individually. Please don't hesitate to read this book.
2311956
Very moving to read about this family, the gift of forgiveness they both displayed to each other and there extended family is truly inspiring .
400593
Wonderful book about love and family. Shows a family can be composed of different individuals and still love one another.
2198317
Be prepared to not put the book down once you start reading it and when you are not reading it you will still be thinking about the courage of this family and the love that binds a family together.

I thank Jenifer Roy for sharing this truly amazing family history.
192552
This book is amazing, great read especially for families in the same situation. Most of it is exactly the same way my family is feeling.
2093093
This book did not disappoint. Wonderful family drama that makes you care for each and every character. Hate to see it end.
4026859
Love this book. A great read, not sappy. Kids in some stories don't seem real. In this book you enjoyed them. It's heartwarming to read how they all came together as a family , glad to meet their father, major in the army and wanted him to be part of the only family they knew. He had a great attitude and was appreciative of the woman who loved and took care of his kids
3546071
What a great read about family while I hunkered down with mine during a long 5+ days without power. I adore the cover and the read is beautifully written and made me feel like I was watching a Hallmark movie.  The story of Sean and his family was funny and touching at the same time.

Sean has spent many years away from his family over seas as a nurse taking care of  others and needs to regroup and slow down. Heading home to a family he no longer knows to live with his sister, her son Kevin and his old aunt Sean must get reacquainted with life and heal his aching back.

We learned through Sean's flashbacks that his mother was diagnosed with  Huntington's Disease and died young and this this hereditary disease looms over his every move. While he get it, will someone else in his family have it?

Sean's father abandoned the remaining three children (sounds vaguely familiar which is probably why this book resonated so much with me) after their mother's death.

This book completely took me by surprise in how it affected me. Each and every character is well written and interesting. I loved the whole family and read it in one night as I couldn't put it down.
3594599
I could not put down the story. I felt as though I was a part of the family. Lisa See did an amazing job creating this family history and keeping it interesting for the reader. I now want to go back and read it again knowing the individual family members I feel I can absorb a bit more.
4790372
I read this book from cover to cover in a weekend. I couldn't put it down. Liane articulates her feelings and family experiences in such an honest and candid manner that you want to keep reading to get to know her family and friends. Anyone who has children or works with children should read this book. It shares a perspective from a parents' point of view and will have you laughing, crying and loving her family. This is a must read.
2018352
This book was so fun to read.  I didn't want it to end. I loved the story of how they met.  I loved learning about their childhoods and how vastly different two people could be, but yet make their marriage thrive. I could hear their voices as I read the words and I love this couple even more after reading this book.  My family is truly going to miss new episodes of their show, Fixer Upper.  May God continue to bless this truly amazing family.
1665210
a must read for everyone... families, singles, just married childless or with children. a must read.
3165672
Such a well written, endearing, family story. I loved the strong faith of the characters and their strong family ties. Watching the love develop between the 2 main characters is story enough to appeal to any romantic. Highly recommend this book.
1983223
Love this book. Keep my interest and love the Family.
784603
Amazing true story of an amazing family.  Best book I have read in a long time.  Reads like a thriller and a quick read.
1789637
Great book about disfunction, family and the odds of learning to live and love through it all. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks their family has got to be the worst of the worst, or to anyone who thinks to highly of them self. I gave it five stars of realism there is no fluff, no pretty painted picture here.