I'm participating in the Read with Audra blog tour for The Plans We Made by Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue. Be sure to enter the tour-wide giveaway at the end of the post. Share on X
About the book…
When past secrets hold the only key to hope for the future…
Caroline Chapman is reeling from a broken engagement. Determined to start again, she moves cross-country for her dream job of planning events in the historical mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. Just as her life is getting back on track, she gets an email that shakes her very foundations.
Linda Riley’s life looks picture perfect – a wonderful husband, two great kids, involved in church and the community. Then comes the diagnosis that shatters the facade. In order to save her son’s life, she must reveal secrets that can rip everything apart.
Connected by more than painful circumstances, these two women discover a sacred bond. In this beautiful story of love, loss, and the fight for life, Caroline and Linda experience the reality that life doesn’t always go according to The Plans We Made.
My review…
I’ve read books by Cushman in the past, and I’ve enjoyed them. This was no exception.
Overall, this is an emotional read. The characters are well-drawn, and the scenarios demonstrate what can happen when secrets are kept. Caroline and Linda dealt with life’s blows and challenges in a relatable manner. Secondary characters were well utilized, and the dialogue was realistic. I really enjoyed how the authors weaved the two women’s stories together.
A number of key issues are addressed, including adoption, illness, relationships (marital and sibling), and forgiveness. A faith element is woven throughout, but it’s not overpowering.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Enter the tour-wide giveaway!
About the authors…
Kathryn Cushman graduated with a degree in pharmacy from Samford University. After hanging up her lab coat, she shifted her focus toward writing. Her previous works have received multiple nominations for both the Carol Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. The Plans We Made is her tenth published novel.
Learn more at kathryncushman.com. Follow Kathryn on Facebook (@authorkathryncushman) and In
Lauren Beccue graduated from Holy Cross with a BA in English and now lives with her family in Santa Barbara. She writes about faith and family, with an emphasis on agricultural passages of the Bible. This is her first novel.
Learn more at laurenbeccue.com. Follow Lauren on Facebook (@beccue.lauren) and Instagram (@lauren_beccue).
I haven’t read either of these authors yet. I love books written by dual authors. I find it so interesting that two people can sync their minds to write a whole book together. Thank you for the chance to read this.
You’re welcome, Janis. I agree that it’s impressive and interesting that multiple people can come together to create a book that flows seamlessly together. Good luck!
It sounds like a good emotional read. Thanks for the chance.
You’re welcome, Lynn. Good luck!
This sounds so emotional and heartfelt. I struggle with being okay when my plans and God’s plan don’t match, so this book also sounds inspirational and hopeful.
Yes, I do, too. It’s hard to remember that His plans are greater than we can imagine.
Good luck, Danielle!