Hometown Ties

Title: HOMETOWN TIES
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6495-1
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction

Years ago, four little girls named Linda attended the same school and were in the same class. To avoid confusion they started going by their middle names, but they became instant friends. Now, they are all in their early fifties, and once again living in the same hometown, but their friendship is rediscovering itself.

Caroline’s mother has Alzheimer’s and when Caroline makes a routine trip to the grocery store, her mother vanishes. When hunting for her in the neighborhood, Caroline gets the disturbing news that her mother is naked down by the wharf. By the time Caroline arrives, there is a police stand-off and her mother is holed up on a docked fishing boat, threatening to jump. Caroline calls her friend and lawyer, Janie, who relocated to Oregon to hopefully put the past behind her, to come and help.

Marley is trying to get in touch with her artistic side and is suffering from “Painter’s block,” yet she is quick to jump into help with Janie calls for help with Caroline’s mom. And soon, the remaining Linda “Abby” is there, toting hamburgers and fries for the mother. Abby is going through marital problems as she struggles with having an “empty nest.”

As the four friends struggle to find themselves, yet care for each other’s needs in the process, they grow and change. But can they start to thrive in the same small town they grew up in?

HOMETOWN TIES is the second book in the Four Linda’s series. Readers will want to read the first book in the series as this is a continuing story, and does not stand alone.

I was instantly drawn into the story as it opens with Caroline and her mother, and I had to admire her as she dealt with her mom and that situation. My heart broke for the mother, and the entire situation. I also felt for Abby as she struggled to find her place in her home, in her marriage, and in her future.

If you are looking for a good women’s fiction read to fill your hours this fall, then you will definitely want to pick up HOMETOWN TIES by Melody Carlson. The characters will take you by your heartstrings and hold on. $14.99. 320 pages.