BECAUSE OF JOE

Rating:
Summary: Sweet Love Story...
Review: Eleven years after Clarissa "Rags" Maguire and Telluride "Tell" Maguire's divorce, Rags receives a phone call from Ellis Ann, Tell's mother. She begs Rags to return to Florida to help her through the loss of her husband, Harlan. Rags returns to the State she thought she had left behind, and comes face-to-face with Tell and all of the feelings buried deep inside. Rags loves being a mother to her three grown children, but there is a fourth child who, although not related to her by blood, tugs at her heart like he is her own. His name is Joe.

Joe is the product of a graduation night liaison between Tell and a classmate. Rags finds out about his existence on a day referred to as "The Bad Day," their anniversary, her thirtieth birthday, the day everything fell apart. Joe is diabetic, his mother deceased. Rags is ready to take the boy in, but Tell barely tolerates him, and although Joe joins their family, Tell never fully accepts his presence. This splits their marriage and sends the couple in opposite directions for many years. When Joe, now a photographer, shows up for Harlan's funeral, he is emaciated and exhausted. Tell vows to show Rags how much he has changed and offers to help in any way possible. Will Joe be the catalyst to bring Rags and Tell back together? Can love be re-ignited? And what is wrong with Joe?

BECAUSE OF JOE is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It touched my heart, and I was intrigued by everyone portrayed in the story. The characters are well drawn and their feelings extremely true to life. I feel as if these are real people who moved me to tears with their struggles and triumphs. My heart hurts for Joe, and I cheer for Tell and Rags to forgive each other. My pulse beats faster with their re-discovered passion, and with hopes the couple will surrender to their love. BECAUSE OF JOE left me wanting more!

The one criticism I have, and it's a small one, is that it is difficult to know when the writer is switching between the past and the present. It would be helpful to have dates or a change in font when telling about the past to help distinguish between the two.

I highly recommend BECAUSE OF JOE, a touching romance about the power of love, forgiveness, and family. The characters will stay with you and leave an impression on your heart

Rating:
Summary: Sweet Love Story...
Review: Eleven years after Clarissa "Rags" Maguire and Telluride "Tell" Maguire's divorce, Rags receives a phone call from Ellis Ann, Tell's mother. She begs Rags to return to Florida to help her through the loss of her husband, Harlan. Rags returns to the State she thought she had left behind, and comes face-to-face with Tell and all of the feelings buried deep inside. Rags loves being a mother to her three grown children, but there is a fourth child who, although not related to her by blood, tugs at her heart like he is her own. His name is Joe.

Joe is the product of a graduation night liaison between Tell and a classmate. Rags finds out about his existence on a day referred to as "The Bad Day," their anniversary, her thirtieth birthday, the day everything fell apart. Joe is diabetic, his mother deceased. Rags is ready to take the boy in, but Tell barely tolerates him, and although Joe joins their family, Tell never fully accepts his presence. This splits their marriage and sends the couple in opposite directions for many years. When Joe, now a photographer, shows up for Harlan's funeral, he is emaciated and exhausted. Tell vows to show Rags how much he has changed and offers to help in any way possible. Will Joe be the catalyst to bring Rags and Tell back together? Can love be re-ignited? And what is wrong with Joe?

BECAUSE OF JOE is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It touched my heart, and I was intrigued by everyone portrayed in the story. The characters are well drawn and their feelings extremely true to life. I feel as if these are real people who moved me to tears with their struggles and triumphs. My heart hurts for Joe, and I cheer for Tell and Rags to forgive each other. My pulse beats faster with their re-discovered passion, and with hopes the couple will surrender to their love. BECAUSE OF JOE left me wanting more!

The one criticism I have, and it's a small one, is that it is difficult to know when the writer is switching between the past and the present. It would be helpful to have dates or a change in font when telling about the past to help distinguish between the two.

I highly recommend BECAUSE OF JOE, a touching romance about the power of love, forgiveness, and family. The characters will stay with you and leave an impression on your heart

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, engaging story!!!!!!
Review: Liz Flaherty has a wonderful way with characters in her novels. They are warm, witty people who could be your next door neighbors. I was wrapped up in this story from the first page and really loved the entire world she created. Liz has an amazing ability to make me laugh, make me cry and make me want to read her next book even more! BECAUSE OF JOE was an incredible story, filled with people that the reader will definitely love!