Life and Other Inconveniences
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4.3 • 23 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
“A heart-wrenching page-turner told with warmth and humor.”—People Magazine (Pick of the Week)
“A rich testament to the power of second chances.”—Women’s World
A Publishers Weekly and USA Today Bestseller!
From the New York Times bestselling author of Good Luck with That comes a new novel about a blue-blood grandmother and her black-sheep granddaughter who discover they are truly two sides of the same coin.
Emma London never thought she had anything in common with her grandmother Genevieve London. The regal old woman came from wealthy and bluest-blood New England stock, but that didn't protect her from life's cruelest blows: the disappearance of Genevieve's young son, followed by the premature death of her husband. But Genevieve rose from those ashes of grief and built a fashion empire that was respected the world over, even when it meant neglecting her other son.
When Emma's own mother died, her father abandoned her on his mother's doorstep. Genevieve took Emma in and reluctantly raised her--until Emma got pregnant her senior year of high school. Genevieve kicked her out with nothing but the clothes on her back...but Emma took with her the most important London possession: the strength not just to survive but to thrive. And indeed, Emma has built a wonderful life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley.
So what is Emma to do when Genevieve does the one thing Emma never expected of her and, after not speaking to her for nearly two decades, calls and asks for help?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Higgins's deeply moving contemporary story of three generations of strong-willed women doesn't allow anyone to be a simple hero or villain. Emma London's estranged paternal grandmother, wealthy entrepreneur Genevieve London, has terminal cancer and wants Emma to return home to Stoningham, Conn., and reconcile with her. Genevieve raised Emma after her mother committed suicide and her father left. When Emma got pregnant at 18, Genevieve kicked her out of her house, and Emma went to live with her maternal grandfather, Paul, who helped her raise her daughter, Riley. Emma is shaken by hearing from Genevieve, who hasn't said a word to her in the 16 years since Riley was born; she consults with well-adjusted Riley, who decides they should at least visit Stoningham for the summer. Emma, Riley, and Paul quickly learn that Genevieve is as bitter and aristocratic as ever, but Genevieve and Riley form an instant bond, and Genevieve respects Riley's intelligent, confident nature. Meanwhile, Emma falls for Genevieve's neighbor, Miller Finlay, a widower with a challenging three-year-old. Readers will be riveted as the well-drawn characters uncover one another's hidden depths and heal old wounds. This rich and memorable story will instantly win readers over.)
Customer Reviews
Life and other inconveniences
Higgins writes a thoughtful narrative about the depth of love and the imperfections of humanity.
5 Heart-wrenching Stars!
Emma's mom died when Emma was 8 years old and then her father left her with his mother Genevieve. Genevieve had a hard life as well, her oldest son "went away" when he was 7 and then her husband died 3 years later. Her heart dried up after that and she could never give her other son, Clark (Emma's father) the love that he needed. Emma got pregnant when she was 18 and Genevieve kicked her out, so Emma when to live with her grandfather on her mom's side. Seventeen years later, Genevieve summons Emma and her daughter to come live with her for the summer as she has cancer and will not last long. Against her better judgement, Emma, Riley and Pop go to live with Genevieve for the summer.
This is not a normal Kristan Higgins book ... although it does have it's funny moments, it is probably the most serious and heart-wrenching book of hers. I cried several times during the book and then I was literally sobbing at the end. Kristan Higgins is an absolute favorite author of mine and I have read every one of her books and can't wait for the next one!