Hosted by Rose City Reader
Beginning:
It was December first. Angela Gillespie did as she’d done on that date for the past thirty-three years. She sat down at her desk before dinner and prepared to write her annual Christmas letter.
Hosted by Freda’s Voice
56%
“That is enough. You’ve stepped over the line.”
“No I haven’t. This is my family and it’s my business.”
My Thoughts
I’m not too far into Hello From the Gillespies but based on the beginning I assumed this would be a cosy Christmas story, but after glimpsing this 56 I feel that the book is much deeper than that.
On a side note: I recently installed an anti-spam plugin, if anyone has issues commenting please tweet me at @impressreviews and let me know!
Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney
Publication Date November 4th 2014
Goodreads
For the past thirty-three years, Angela Gillespie has sent to friends and family around the world an end-of-the-year letter titled “Hello from the Gillespies.” It’s always been cheery and full of good news. This year, Angela surprises herself—she tells the truth....
The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be. Her husband is coping badly with retirement. Her thirty-two-year-old twins are having career meltdowns. Her third daughter, badly in debt, can’t stop crying. And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.
Without Angela, the family would fall apart. But when a bump on the head leaves Angela with temporary amnesia, the Gillespies pull together—and pull themselves together—in wonderfully surprising ways....
I love the colors in that cover. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Yes, I love the bright blue of the door. It really draws my eye. Thank you for commenting.
I loved this book, my first by this author. I am now a fan. I think the Christmas letter is only the symptom of the family issues.
Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
This is my first by Monica McInerney as well and so far it is a very absorbing read.
I have a thing about doors, I love photographing them and the blue color. Wonder what’s behind them.
My mom loves doors too, particularly if they are vintage inspired. There is something warm and inviting about them.
Wow. A big change from the feel of the BB to the 56! I’d love for you and your readers to check out mine . . . http://tinyurl.com/LisaKsBookReviewsIS
That’s what I thought too, the theme changed on a dime.
I feel like I’ve been seeing this cover around the blog block recently, though I haven’t stopped to take time to really pay attention. I LOVE the setup for the cover–whoever designed it did fantabulous work, it’s so eye-catching and pretty! I’m not sure, based on the teasers, that I’d pick this up myself…but I hope YOU enjoy(ed) the rest of the read!
Thank you so much for sharing! Here’s my Friday 56 if you’re interested in taking a look. No worries or pressure if you’re not, though! Either way, happy book-ing to you in the near future…and happy Friday! <3
Hello From the Gillespies is very different from what I was expecting, I thought I was walking into a cozy Christmas story instead of an episode of The Osbournes. Although it is holding my attention and has kept me reading to see how it will work itself out.
I’ve been wanting to read this! I’ve heard it’s great though does have a touch of grit to it if I remember right. Hope you enjoy it.
There is certainly grit and a lot of drama in this novel and thus far has been a good night-time read.
I keep meaning to read this one. I love doors. Even have a page for them on pinterest!
I can totally understand having a pinterest board for doors, there are some really creative ones out there
I’ve often felt that most people’s holiday letters were a little embroidered. Getting one that was real and gritty would be a interesting change. I have a mystery this week – Ill Met by Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan. Happy reading!
I agree, for years we got a letter from a family who would “tell it like it is” and it was always one of our favorites.
This one sounds like a really moving book. Hope you enjoy your weekend!
Thanks, Alicia. It is a bit heartbreaking when one simple flub has huge repercussions.
This sounds like a really interesting book!! Here is my 56: http://shoshireads.weebly.com/home/friday-56-and-book-beginnings
It is quite interesting and very different from most Christmas books I’ve read.
SO very dramatic! Love it! Happy weekend!
Gosh! It sounds like she definitely has her hands full! Thanks for sharing!