I'm glad Rowan Coleman seems to like writing as much as I love reading, because every time I need to get my Rowan Coleman fix, she debuts another novel. Her latest, The Home for Broken Hearts is yet another example of her seemingly effortless ability to craft a story that is unique, engaging, and thoughtful. I was lucky enough (yet again—thank you book Gods!) to get an advance reader's copy of this novel coming out September 7th (pre-order it here!) and I quickly consumed and loved the story of Ellen Wood, widow and mother to an eleven-year-old son who opens her home to a group of boarders when she finds herself in financial turmoil. Soon, she has three lodgers: Hannah, a co-worker of her sister's who recently separated from her husband; Allegra, a novelist; and Matt, a younger man who inspires Ellen in ways she never thought could be possible. Ellen must decide if she has the courage to trust her heart especially when having the lodgers living in her home exposes a secret she's been keeping hidden. The Home For Broken Hearts is Rowan Coleman's ninth (yes, that's ninth, as in one less than ten) book for adults (check out her website http://www.rowancoleman.co.uk to read about the other books she writes).
The Accidental Mother is another of Rowan's books that I highly recommend. The Accidental Mother is the story of Sophie Mills, a corporate ladder climber whose only responsibility, other than herself, is her neurotic cat, Artemis. And her biggest worry, outside of the office, is what pair of designer shoes to purchase next. So when her old friend tragically passes away and Sophie finds herself taking care of two girls under the age of six, she's initially disillusioned about how easy it will be. But she quickly realizes it will take more than her mother's suggestion of a Dog Training and Care Manual to properly care for the girls. And in this novel, Rowan is incredibly successful at infusing the the perfect blend of humor and deep emotion into her characters and plot.
Another Mother's Life is yet another Rowan Coleman novel that grabs you and holds on tight. It's the story of Alison James who, along with her family, moves back to the town she fled fifteen years before when she eloped with her best friend's boyfriend. Returning back home brings many thoughts and emotions to the surface, including second-guessing her decision to leave in the first place. Because maybe she's not living the life she was meant to lead. Another Mother's Life also tells the story of Catherine Ashley, a mother of two who's almost divorced. She constantly returns to those few weeks, fifteen years ago, when she fell deeply in love, only to be betrayed by her best friend, Alison. With Catherine and Alison in the same town, that's where the story really gets juicy! But of course, you'll have to read the book to find out what happens!
I'd also like to give a shout out to Mommy by Mistake, another of my favorite Rowan Coleman novels that I'm confident you will love. In fact, I have no doubt that once you read one of her books, you'll be as in love with Rowan as I am!
Are you a Rowan Coleman fan? What's your favorite RC novel?
Lisa Steinke, along with her best friend Liz Fenton, co-authored the chick lit novel I’ll Have Who She’s Having and co-created the popular Chick Lit blog, Chick Lit is Not Dead.
