Arthur visits the grave of his wife Nola daily. He brings his lunch, sits down and tells her what’s going on in the world. He also looks at the surrounding graves and gets a good sense of who those people were. He sees them clearly. When he spots a young girl under a tree, he waves, unaware that this is the start of a wonderful relationship.

Maddy feels alone. She doesn’t fit it at school. At home, her father is not the warm and fuzzy kind of guy. Her mother died when she was a baby. She has a rather one-sided relationship with an older guy. When she starts talking to Arthur, who she calls Truluv because of his positive outlook on life, her world opens up for her. When she finds herself pregnant, Arthur opens his door to her.

And then there is Lucille. Lucille lives next door and she is as lonely as Arthur. Tragedy strikes for her and she finds herself drawn into this thrown together family of three.

This is just a lovely little story about family. Sometimes you don’t choose your family, it chooses you. It is a story filled with love and kindness and I challenge you to not feel your heart happy by the end. Definitely a feel good book that you have to pick up. I have been reading a lot of thriller/mysteries lately and love those but every so often, I need a book that just makes me smile and this is it.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House in exchange for an honest review.

I would rate this a 3.5 but rounded up to a 4. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I felt the book is a little too contrived and simplistic for me, and similar in style to A Man Called Ove and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, both of which I did not like at all. For many who loved those two books, you will probably like this book. I liked this book better which is why I rounded up as it had a bit more substance and much better written. It's probably a good beach read with a "feel good" ending.

First off, let me pat myself on the back for flying through this novel so quickly. It appears lately no matter how much I love or hate a novel, I still read it at snail's pace. This time was different. I came, I read, I reviewed, then conquered. With that out of the way... let's get to it!

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg is the second novel I've read from her. Berg introduces us to Arthur, Maddy, and Lucille. Each going through life, alone so-to-speak, but determined to make it better. With the company and aide of each other, they form a makeshift family that blood couldn't make better.

Arthur Moses meets Maddy Harris in the cemetery he visits daily to have lunch with his late wife, Nola. He can tell there's something different about her and that she may be troubled since no teenager hangs out in a cemetery when they should be at school or almost anywhere else.



From the beginning, I loved loved loved Arthur. He's so loyal and in love with his wife. His purely good nature just oozes off the pages and makes you all warm inside. He's as sweet as the baked goods Lucille produces that melt in your mouth and heart.



Each character has their own internal war going on but they keep pushing forward with the help of each other. They form a bond that fills the void left after losing a loved one or when you wake up and don't find life has much purpose anymore. Even when you're young and life has no meaning for you, it's time to reevaluate things.

"Oh, Arthur, no one even sees you when you get old except for people who knew you when you were young.".

Elizabeth Berg spares no expense in providing well rounded characters who feel as if they are living and breathing, sitting next to me, as I'm reading their story. She even brings to life the grumpy cat to a point where I felt I knew him. Nola, who's dead lives on in the pages as well. Even in the moments that were heartbreaking (enter Lucille's story), the plot felt real and authentic.

I truly loved reading The Story of Arthur Truluv. This is the second novel I've had the pleasure of reading by this author and she did not disappoint. This novel is inspiring and tells the story that even when the chips are down, there is hope in finding what we all are looking for.

Copy provided by Random House Publishing Group via Netgalley

I was so excited the publisher granted my wish on NetGalley for an ARC of this book. It's a quick read and not one that is too taxing to think about.

The story of Arthur, Maddy, and Lucille and how they come together to be there for one another is inspiring. Today is seems that all you hear around you are negative stories about how people hate each other or about some big horrific event. This story is about everyday life. Dealing with tragedy as best you can and moving forward. And about how you can find friends in the unlikeliest places to help you deal with life.

I love Elizabeth Berg and this book does not disappoint!
The story of gentleman that lost his wife, a pregnant teen that lost her mother and needs direction and a neighbor that is looking for a purpose. They all come together in an unconventional way and make the best of their situations.
Uplifting, encouraging and reminds us that there is good in people!

A wonderful read!

A high 4 stars! I so enjoyed reading The Story of Arthur Truluv. It's a short snapshot of what one hopes the world can be like for lonely people who find their way to each other. Arthur is an octogenarian who has lunch at his wife's grave every day. Maddie is an almost 18 year old lost soul who seeks refuge in the cemetery on many days instead of having lunch in her school cafeteria. Lucille is Arthur's neighbour, a retired teacher, a fanatical baker and lonely as hell. Through circumstance and personality, these three come together and form somewhat of a family. It's all a bit predictable, but Berg has created great characters -- I especially liked Arthur. And she keeps the story simple, with little melodrama but stirring up real emotions -- especially in the bond between Arthur and Maddie -- making me teary more than once. Quick, verging on sentimental but worthwhile and completely satisfying. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.

Arthur has been so very lonely since his wife Nola dies. Every day he rides the bus to have lunch beside her grave. While at the cemetery, he meets Maddie. She is a high school senior whose Mom died when she was 2 weeks old. Her father has never gotten over the loss so he is a distant parent to Maddie. Lucille is Arthur's neighbor. She lost her high school sweetheart to another girl and now in her 80's regrets missing out on life. All 3 unlikely people become family. This is a story of loss, friendship, and what makes a family. I really loved all 3 characters and felt each of the stories deeply. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me an ARC in return for an honest review.

This was such an endearing book! It made me laugh, and cry. I know there will be many comparisons to A Man Called Ove, and others, but it's Elizabeth Berg who wrote this!!!! That alone says something. If you love her work, you will know that this story is near and dear to her heart. Ms. Berg is a peaceful, kind, caring person and that's reflected in her stories. This soon to be published book, is about an older widower, a brokenhearted neighbour and a teen that doesn't seem to fit in. It's never too late to open your home and heart to others with heartwarming results. It was a quick read (all in one sitting), it was predictable, it was sad, it was happy, but it was a book enhanced by beautiful writing and heart. It's nice to read these types of books on a snowy or rainy day with a good cup of tea or coffee and a lot of tissues.
Thank you to the publisher Random House and NetGalley who granted my wish to peruse this book before it was offered up for requests!

I started reading this and just could not get into the book. I will try again because if have read books by Elizabeth Berg before and enjoyed them. Sorry I could not give a better review but I will try again.

Reading this book felt like slipping underneath a warm blanket on a cold snowy night. It was so comforting, so heartwarming, and it just made me feel so wonderful while reading it. It's rare that I find a book that does this for me. All the characters were exceptionally memorable. This is a story that will live on in my heart for a very long time.

A heartwarming story about Arthur, a lonely widow. Maggie, an 17 year old girl. Lucille, a women who finds and loses her first love. They come together under unusual circumstances but form a friendship that transcends generations.

I felt like Arthur and Lucille could have been my grandparents. I could fell the pain and loneliness that he was going thru after he lost his wife.

What an interestingly quirky read. I loved the character and how he was able to communicate with those in the cemetery. A very unique book and quick read. Great for a day at the beach!

A warm and comforting book as three different individuals face loss, deal with grief, and find new friendships with each other.

Having read Elizabeth Berg's novels over the years I have found them to be a hit or miss for me. I was anticipating a different read but was happy with THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV. The three main characters, Arthur, Maddy and Lucille are enchanting each in their own quirky way.

As one who has always believed that being born into a family is not what makes you family, it is the sharing of the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly the form the bond of family. That is what this book is about to me and I laughed and cried with this trio of unlikely family members.

Quick read, uplifting and bittersweet. A book I will give to a friend who is family to accentuate our bond.

I love everything that Elizabeth Berg writes and this book was no exception. The main character, Arthur, is a wonderful character He has lost his beloved wife and lives a very solitary life until he meets a young lonely teenager and his life changes. The story is endearing and one can't help but fall in love with Arthur and all his goodness. This is a feel good story and one I highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley - this book is wonderful.

It's impossible to not love Arthur. And the love he has for his wife is overwhelming.

Maggie is just what Arthur needs - and vice versa. Lucille just makes the family complete.

This was such a sweet story and shows that age has no limit on love and friendship - which is what all 3 need.

Every day, like clockwork, Arthur Moses goes and has lunch at his deceased wife's grave. He tells her everything that is happening and makes it a point to acquaint himself with all of her new "neighbors". At the cemetary he meets a young lady by the name of Maddy. Maddy is a senior in high school and is constantly bullied by her classmates. She goes to the cemetary on her lunch period to escape. Lucille is Arthur's next door neighbor. As they are both lonely and living alone, he stops by her house and they sit in the porch rockers and talk and eat whatever is the latest cookie that Louise has baked.
You don't get to pick the family you are born into, but you can make your own family. This unlikely trio becomes the best sort of family..... they all chose each other. This is definitely a must-read!

I just spent a delightful afternoon with Arthur, Maddy, and Lucille. This was a tender sweet book about finding community and caring for each other. What does it mean to be "useful" in a society that puts emphasis on financial success and productivity? This story helps us remember what's actually important and the need we have to nurture relationships. I loved and cared for each of the characters. Beautifully developed story of love and family.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy to review.

I really liked this book. It's such a great story, a meeting of the minds between an old man and a young girl.

Arthur has lunch with his wife every day....in a cemetery, at her grave. He meets Maddy there, where she's running away from high school and the boy she's got a crush on. Her parent's couldn't care less about her. They embark on a wildly improbable friendship and she ends up in Arthur's care. They are both saved by their friendship in different ways.

Elizabeth Berg's writing is so rich and meaningful that I was drawn into this book and couldn't get it out of my mind. She has meaningful insights into aging, friendships and how we are all tied together.

This book is a winner and is one of her best. It's a quick but powerful read.

This is one of the best books I have read this summer! I lived the characters and the way the story ended! Well done, Elizabeth Berg!