Family Blessings [Paperback]

LaVyrle Spencer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2000

A "moving tale" (Publishers Weekly) from the bestselling author of Home Song...

A novel that explores the devastation of loss, the elation of love-and the bonds that shape our lives. Lee Reston has three wonderful children and a successful business. But the loss of her oldest son shatters everything. Then the grieving Lee shares with her son's best friend becomes something more, making Lee question where family ties end-and her needs as a woman begin...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Ordinary people coming to grips with real problems are handled with a sure, restrained touch that makes this latest novel from the bestselling author of Bygones a moving tale. When Greg Reston, a young policeman in the small Minnesota town of Anoka, is killed in an automobile accident, it is up to his best friend and fellow officer Chris Lallek to break the news to Greg's widowed mother Lee. In the months following the tragedy, Chris proves invaluable to the Reston family, as a surrogate brother to Greg's siblings Janice, 23, and Joey, 14, and a source of unwavering emotional strength for all of them. But underlying his devotion is a clandestine and highly charged affair with the 45-year-old Lee, 15 years his senior. Is their need for each other really love, or is it simply comfort for two grieving people? When Chris proposes marriage, Lee must consider not only her judgmental mother and prudish sister, but also Janice, who has developed a crush on Chris. Spencer depicts the Reston clan with empathy, presenting fully dimensional characters with carefully limned vulnerabilities and hostilities. While residing safely within the parameters of romance fiction, this novel has an appealing candor that transcends the genre. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club main selections.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Lee Reston answers her front door and learns that her son, Greg, has been killed in an accident. Chris Lallek, Greg's roommate and fellow police officer, brings the news and grieves with the Reston family. Lee, a widow who has already lost one son, tries to be strong for her remaining children and for Chris. Chris refuses to let her shoulder her grief alone, and through shared memories, the two are drawn closer together, first as friends and then as lovers. Lee and Chris face opposition from her family: her mother and sister feel Chris is too young for Lee, and her daughter wants Chris for herself. Only with strong support from Lee's son and from her former father-in-law do Lee and Chris find the courage to elope and make plans for a life together. Spencer delivers a moving novel, which revives memories of the loss of loved ones and allows a resolution of feelings and a sense of peace. Melanie Duncan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (October 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425176797
• ISBN-13: 978-0425176795
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,903,562 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book!, February 1, 2000

By 

SANDY HALLIBURTON (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Family Blessings (Mass Market Paperback)

Family Blessings is a book I have read 4 times. Even though it is not my "favorite" Lavyrle Spencer book, I seem to never grow tired of it. Each time I read it, I am more in love with Christopher. He has such patience with and love for Lee. He allows her the time she needs to realize how much that love means. I would love to have my own real life Christopher. He really is too good to be true. These two people, with grief, age differences, and family opposition, prove that love conquers all.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Family Blessing, an excellent book, November 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Family Blessings (Mass Market Paperback)

I first read Family Blessings 2 years ago, and am reading it again for the 10th time, it is really the best Lavyrle Spencer book, although I love Hummingbird and Gamble and all of her books, this story really hits your emotions, the fact that the hero & heroine(Lee & Christopher) have a huge age difference didn't bother me, the story was very well written, it's about 2 people handling grief, how society will look upon you because of the age difference, and how they overcame it to finally be together. Make sure you have a box of kleneex when you read this, I did. I just wish this book was a little bit more longer, so I could have had some more to read. I highly recommend it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart warming, November 9, 2005

By 

Kris (Norwich, CT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Family Blessings (Mass Market Paperback)

I loved this story. Chris and Lee just seem to be a match made in heaven. With all the trials and tribulations that arise it keeps the reader reading. The thrill of the age differences and the fact that he was Gregs best friend makes the story its own uniquie story. I just loved the Joey Reston. I am not normally a romance reader, but this story makes me think twice. Maybe adding some more of Spencer's stories to my wish list.