Title: The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship
Author: Lisa Verge Higgins
Genre: Fiction
About: (Goodreads partial synopsis) Rachel Braun was the inspiration to her group of friends, the one who lived each day to the fullest – and the one whose life was cut tragically short. Upon her untimely death, Rachel left letters for her three best friends challenging them to face their biggest fears. (for more click here)
My thoughts: I think most women could relate to Lisa Verge Higgins’ enjoyable and heartfelt story of friendship. The three thirty-something women are accomplished in their own lives but Rachel saw that they could be living even better lives if their perspective was tweaked. The intent of her letters was to give them each a specific assignment to get out of their comfort zone. That’s how she lived her life and she wanted to nudge them one more time. As they tackle Rachel’s last wishes each woman realizes she’s been going through the paces of everyday life but perhaps not appreciating the joy of what’s right in front of her. In the end, as they accomplish their friend’s requests, the fresh perspective gained has the effect Rachel intended.
Recommendation: Yes. It’s an entertaining novel and I’m glad I had the chance to read it.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Source: Hachette Book Group
Bookfan 
Sounds like you really enjoyed this one. It is a new title to me.
LikeLike
Sound like I need to read this, my sisters and I could get nudged out of our comfort zone. Thanks for your honest opinion.
LikeLike
Sounds like an interesting read and I should imagine a realistic one as friendship often takes us out of our comfort zones.
LikeLike
This sounds delightful!
LikeLike
This one sounds heartwarming — in a very good way 🙂
LikeLike
I think I’d like this one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Mary.
LikeLike
The cover really grabs me, and I’m typically attracted to stories that explore female friendship. Sounds like a good one. Great review!
LikeLike
Sounds like a wonderful (and perhaps gut wrenching?) read. The challenge is also an excellent one – at least for me. A new title and one I’ll add to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing, Mary.
LikeLike
How sad, but I like the idea of those letters
LikeLike
I love books like this…sign me up! 😀
LikeLike
sounds like a great read–one that might inspire people to make changes in their own lives. haven’t heard of this author–is this her first novel?
LikeLike
Nat, you can find out more about the author on her website:
http://www.lisavergehiggins.com/
LikeLike
I generally enjoy books about female friendships and this sounds like one I would like.
LikeLike
Hi thanks for the review. I have linked your review on our FB page. The Loft. Please join in the convo on FB and on twitter @loftromance
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/The-Loft-Contemporary-Romance/111001582299788
LikeLike
I appreciate that you let me know that you linked to my review.
LikeLike
Well the story looks great, and I love the cover! OH, and how cool is it that Beth Hoffman reads your blog??? 🙂
Congrats on the pending baby girl in your future—is this your first grand? Pink is beautiful and oh-so fun.
*smiles*
LikeLike
Beth is great, Kim. If she ever is in your area go see her. I met her at my local indie bookstore last November. It was a wonderful reading – she’s such an inspirational speaker.
Thanks on the congrats. Yes, she will be our first grandchild and we’re thrilled.
LikeLike
This does sound like a book for me, plus I love the title and cover.
Are you expecting a grandbaby? If so, congratulations you must be thrilled.
LikeLike
Thanks, Martha! Yes, our first grandchild – we’re so excited 🙂
LikeLike
I love books about friendship and the idea of leaving letters for your friends sounds intriguing. I am adding this to my wishlist. Plus, I love that cover.
LikeLike
I loved the cover and friendship plots always make me value the ones I have in life. Through the death of one, the lives of the friends seem to take on new meaning via her letters. Going to add this one to my TBR list.
I can’t believe you’re going to be a Nana, congrats Mary! Countdown time until the wee one arrives 🙂
LikeLike
Sounds like the perfect read for my women’s book club!
LikeLike
[…] an entire Big Hunk (yes, they are dairy-free & gluten-free) while reading my new book, “The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship” by Lisa Verge […]
LikeLike