I was hitchhiking in France in the summer of 1976, when this book is set, so I have a very clear and visceral memory of that summer's oppressive heatwave and since I coincidentally started listening to this book during one of this summer's hottest weeks, I was able to share some of the characters' experiences of misery and discomfort.

With that background, I slippped quickly into the lives of the Irish Reardon family as they gathered together in London after the mysterious disappearance of Robert, their generally quiet and bland father. As so often happens, the adult children quickly revert to their childish selves, exacerbated by their mother Gretta's treatment of them as if they were still children rather than adults with families and lives of their own. They bring with them not only their childhood baggage, but hurt feelings from more recent slights and misunderstandings. Lying quietly underneath everything else, are the secrets that they all keep from each other and sometimes, from themselves.

This is a thoughtful book without much high drama about a family who has often been quick to judge each other and slow to forgive. Yet their concern and love for their father brings them together, closer than is comfortable for these private people, and in the process they come to rediscover their love for each other.

--Reviewed by Ellen J.

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I listened to this book and the narrator earned this book the forth star. Hilderbrand is an author who turns out a decent story which translates well to an audio format.

The setting of Nantucket is what keeps bringing me back to her stories. Therese Plummer brings each of the characters to life making an otherwise run of the mill book into a delightful listening experience.

"Beautiful Day'' is reminiscent of Maggie Shipstead's "Seating Arrangements'', a wedding on a island with the book taking place over the course of the weekend. Jenna has been left "The Notebook" with her late mother's instructions for her wedding and the story is interwoven with this letter from mother to daughter.

In the hands of Plummer, a device that could come off manipulative or controlling is rendered a very sweet legacy from a loving mother. I will definitely look for other audiobooks read by Therese Plummer.

--Reviewed by Haley

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A 2013 staff fiction favorite recommended by Andrea. Read her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/621801440

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Recommended by staffer Ellen J. Read her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/598064765


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An Appalachian novel told in the voices of a family living on Bloodroot Mountain. Each character is brought to life and unforgettable.

--Recommended by Connie

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Recommended by Nate

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Gustave Flaubert, a man ahead of his time. Scandalous!

Recommended by Ellen B.

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Recommended by Jo and Ellen J.

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A PBS Great American Read recommended by Nate and Ellen.

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The main character, Cornelia Brown, is just charming, and I share her love for romantic old movies, so I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her. De los Santos is a poet and her writing is lovely.

Recommended by Jane

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