Rating: Summary: Worth Every Penny Review: "After Anne" gives us two wonderful women characters -- the kind you will never forget. Delivered in easy-to-read short chapters, they struggle with the depth and true meaning of friendship. Roxanne Henke presents a keen insight into the minds of both women, with clarity of understanding and an honesty that is sometimes heartbreaking. You will remember this touching, emotional story long after reading it, and you may be forever changed because of it.True friendship is not handed to us on a silver platter -- we must earn it, and sometimes the price is steep. "After Anne" shows us that it is, indeed, worth every penny.
Rating: Summary: Beautiful first novel Review: After Anne is a beautiful first novel, a story told with heart and compassion. I finished with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. This would be an excellent book for women's study groups and discussion questions are provided in the back of the book. Deborah Raney, author of A Scarlet Cord and Playing by Heart
Rating: Summary: ahhhhhh.....to discover a new writer......... Review: I am a very avid women's fiction reader and I had
never read inspirational fiction before last week.
When a friend actually introduced me to Roxanne Henke.
I have already finished "After Anne" and am now finishing
"Finding Ruth". It seems I can relate to everyone of
the characters at some time or another. I adore Henke's
first person writing style so much. I think In the
last week I have introduced this fabulous series to AT LEAST 15 of my friends. I lost my Dad 5 years ago (when I was 29) to colon
cancer and Henke's vivid description of Anne and her struggles
are so true. Her feelings were my Dad's feelings. Now I see myself in Ruthie (in "Finding Ruth") as a very successful yet scared woman in a small town. Is it fear or comfort, I am not sure? What I am sure of is that this author has given me some peace at the end of my busy days and
for that I thank her. Bravo to Roxanne Henke and the little town of Brewster, North Dakkota!!!!
Rating: Summary: What an inspiring story! Review: I don't know how I got this copy of After Anne ~~ but however I got it, I am so glad I read it! This is one of my all-time favorite read ~~ much to my surprise! I didn't realize this is an inspirational book ~~ normally, I don't read those because of poor writing but this book has exceeded all expectations. It is a story of two women who became friends in an unlikely way. It is a discovery of truths on one woman's part and the facing of uncertain future on the other woman's part. It is an exploration of friendship and love that only two women can experience ~~ they became closer friends than sisters. This story is rich in details ~~ Olivia is a mom and a banker's wife. She endures trouble with her teenage son and pretween daughter when she meets Anne. Anne is a soon-to-be mom in her late 20s who discovers a lump on her breast. Together, they share their lives. Their friendship is the one that every woman secretly dreams of having ~~ and while it strengthens Anne's walk with God, it introduces God and his word to Olivia. However, that is done in a beautifully-written way, not a preachy way. Anne lived her faith. Olivia learns about it just from watching Anne. I just love this book ~~ I relate to Olivia so well though my babies aren't grown yet. I relate to Anne and her fears and uncertainities of the future ~~ and it's just a beautiful, heart-warming story. It is definitely one of the best-written stories on friendship that I have ever read. It makes me think of my best friend and our friendship over the years. It also makes me look at my children differently ~~ they too will grow up like Olivia's children did. I also appreciate the little things in life more ~~ you just never know what to expect ~~ and how fast time is. This is a definite book to buy for your best friend or wife or daughter. It's not emotionally mushy though in some places you will need a kleenex. It is just beautifully-written ~~ and so true. It makes you stop and think. It is one of the must-reads for the coming year if not tomorrow. 11-11-03
Rating: Summary: A must-read for every woman Review: I just finished reading After Anne. It is one of my favorite books of all time, and I am always reading, usually 3 or 4 books at once! This is one book that you will find yourself returning to even when you are finished reading, to examine it more closely through different angles. After Anne is about an unlikely friendship between two women, Anne and Libby. Roxanne Henke explores their friendship through the eyes of each woman, and their self discovery and personal growth as they face different issues in their lives. I hate giving away the plot, because I think it takes away from the journey of reading the book yourself. But as you read, you will find yourself exploring your own relationships, and examining your place in the lives of those you love. I see myself in both Libby and Anne. I feel like I know them, as if they are sisters. I didn't just read the book, I lived it. Even though I checked it out of the library to read it, I am purchasing my own copy for my library. It is a book I will read again, and pass along to my friends. What a beautifully written, lovely story.
Rating: Summary: A must-read for every woman Review: I just finished reading After Anne. It is one of my favorite books of all time, and I am always reading, usually 3 or 4 books at once! This is one book that you will find yourself returning to even when you are finished reading, to examine it more closely through different angles. After Anne is about an unlikely friendship between two women, Anne and Libby. Roxanne Henke explores their friendship through the eyes of each woman, and their self discovery and personal growth as they face different issues in their lives. I hate giving away the plot, because I think it takes away from the journey of reading the book yourself. But as you read, you will find yourself exploring your own relationships, and examining your place in the lives of those you love. I see myself in both Libby and Anne. I feel like I know them, as if they are sisters. I didn't just read the book, I lived it. Even though I checked it out of the library to read it, I am purchasing my own copy for my library. It is a book I will read again, and pass along to my friends. What a beautifully written, lovely story.
Rating: Summary: Get your Kleenex! Review: I loved this book! It made me appreciate my true friends so much more. This is just a really good "feel good" read. I was sad when the book was over and can't wait to read the next one!
Rating: Summary: In AWE! Review: I tell you---I am not a very religious person. If someone would have told me that I had to read a book labeled "spiritual", I'd have laughed in his face. But this book is AMAZING. I was drawn to the book by it's cover - something I normally tell my 4th graders NOT to do. When I started reading about Olivia and Anne, I couldn't put it down. I felt as if I was "meant" to read this book. This book has opened my eyes to the many ways God expects me - you - to be a better person within personal and casual friendships and the events with which we have no control over. I feel Roxanne Henke is a very talented writer. Her books are inspirational in every sense of the word!
Rating: Summary: In AWE! Review: I tell you---I am not a very religious person. If someone would have told me that I had to read a book labeled "spiritual", I'd have laughed in his face. But this book is AMAZING. I was drawn to the book by it's cover - something I normally tell my 4th graders NOT to do. When I started reading about Olivia and Anne, I couldn't put it down. I felt as if I was "meant" to read this book. This book has opened my eyes to the many ways God expects me - you - to be a better person within personal and casual friendships and the events with which we have no control over. I feel Roxanne Henke is a very talented writer. Her books are inspirational in every sense of the word!
Rating: Summary: A Book I love to share . . . best book I've ever read! Review: I was instantly pulled in by Henke's style of writting. She'd have a chapter with Anne's perspective and then the next with Olivia's. It was entertaining and moving. I have never felt so deaply for the character at the end of a book. Oh, boy did I cry. This is one I love to share with others and will always keep in my library. -- Linda
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