Having never read this author I didn't know what to expect. I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is this book well-written, the characters are engaging, and the story tugged at my heartstrings. Kleenex is a must while reading this book. I cried, I laughed, and I smiled. What I wasn't able to do, is put the book down.

The book is about a family, both those related by blood, and those related by love. Tuck (grandfather) and Gabe (grandson) are given a chance to meet and get to know each other. This begins their journey, one that is challenging but worthwhile. They learn to love, trust, and forgive. The book also deals with addiction and veterans.

Overall, this was an outstanding book, that touched my heart. I highly recommend it to others, and you can bet I will be reading more books by this author.

Surprisingly pleasant and relatable, this might be my favourite read by Ms Burch yet.
The tender novel concentrates on what makes and breaks the family and - most importantly - on how to mend the seemingly unrepairable bonds.
Certainly, the characters are all good people (or at least with some amount on decency - Ashley, I look at you here), so this is easier than within very toxic family. Yet there is something so warm, hopeful and understanding about this slow-burning book what makes it a read re/igniting the desire to BE a part of family. And that we all sometimes need (and will) cross the bridge named "Forgiveness", so maybe we best start on this - very hard - virtue soon.

This book is outstanding! Something Like Family is a beautiful story about family, faith, and forgiveness. I loved it! Highly recommended!!

Wow!!!!!! The depth of this story is amazing. The ups and downs, Love lost and found. Family isn't perfect but it's the glue that holds people together. From the first chapter this book had me crying and laughing. Heather Burch has moved to the top of my must read authors.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC ecopy for my Kindle.
What a great, heartwarming book about family, forgiveness, and healing. An enjoyable book for all ages!

I received an early reader’s edition of Something Like Family by Heather Burch from NetGalley. I think it’s a wonderful story that depicts the love a family has for each other, be it by blood, or by contact. That line, I took from the book. It was a very emotional read. I’ve always said, if an author can bring a reader to tears, it’s proof they are a gifted writer. You can’t help but love the characters, Tuck and Rave. I especially felt a connection to Tuck, the grandfather. I appreciated how a tribute to out veterans was a vital part of the storyline. Another topic that was included was addiction. I think it should bring hope to many people that it’s possible to overcome such devastating lifestyles. In the end, I feel it was a very uplifting story and anyone who reads it will enjoy it immensely. I highly recommend it and easily give it 5 stars.

4 Women’s Fiction Best Bets for September 2017
Scarlettleigh
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
-Ben Franklin
A little play on words this month with this quote since we have two books with the word “Something” in the title. Of course, not everyone can write something worth reading –but the books this month are definitely worth reading.
All the books have an amazing sense of family— whether it be the family by blood, or the family by heart. And when you break it down –family is what gives meaning to our lives and these books celebrate that.

Something Like Happy by Eva Wood
Something Like Happy by Eva Wood
(Amazon | B&N | Kobo)
Annie Hebden is stuck. Stuck in her boring job, with her irritating roommate, in a life no thirty-five-year-old would want. But deep down, Annie is still mourning the terrible loss that tore a hole through the perfect existence she'd once taken for granted—and hiding away is safer than remembering what used to be. Until she meets the eccentric Polly Leonard.

Bright, bubbly, intrusive Polly is everything Annie doesn't want in a friend. But Polly is determined to finally wake Annie up to life. Because if recent events have taught Polly anything, it's that your time is too short to waste a single day—which is why she wants Annie to join her on a mission…

One hundred days. One hundred new ways to be happy. Annie's convinced it's impossible, but so is saying no to Polly. And on an unforgettable journey that will force her to open herself to new experiences—and perhaps even new love with the unlikeliest of men—Annie will slowly begin to realize that maybe, just maybe, there's still joy to be found in the world. But then it becomes clear that Polly's about to need her new friend more than ever…and Annie will have to decide once and for all whether letting others in is a risk worth taking.
Strengths:Wonderful balance of humor and poignancy; Engaging characters; Exceptional plot; Uplifting ending
Measure of Love: Teaspoon
Mood: Poignant and Humorous
Why You Should Read this: What a fabulous book. It will make you laugh, and you probably will cry, but the storytelling is wonderful. Eva Wood takes a heartbreaking scenario and spins magic within the pages of the book.
Something Like Family by Heather Burch
(Amazon | B&N)
Abandoned by his mother when he was young, twenty-two-year-old Rave Wayne knows all about loss. That doesn’t mean he’s used to it. After he’s dumped by the girlfriend he assumed he’d spend his life with, Rave is longing more than ever to connect.
Then, as if by miracle, he receives an invitation from his grandfather, a man he thought was long gone, to come for a visit in rural Tennessee. Loyal, honest, and loving, dear old Tuck is everything Rave could have hoped for. He’s family. Soon, Rave finds himself falling for a down-to-earth local girl, and he thinks his life is finally coming together.
But the past isn’t through with Rave. When his mother returns after many long years, looking to reconcile the terrible mistakes that once defined her, Rave struggles to put together the unsettled pieces of his heart. Will this once-estranged family be able to come together to understand the meaning of unconditional love, the fragile bonds of family, and the healing power of letting go?
Strengths: Family redemption; Engaging characters; touching patriotism; Uplifting ending
Measure of Love: Teaspoon
Mood: Poignant
Why You Should Read: This book sounded interesting with the description of the family struggles but it was so much more than that. Your eyes will be glistening more than once because of the wonderful way Heather Burch incorporates such genuine emotion into the book. One of the main voices of the book is a young man—which gives this book an exceptional uniqueness.

The Summer that Made Us by Robyn Carr
Summer that Made Us by Robyn Carr
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That was then…
For the Hempsteads, summers were idyllic. The lake was a magical place, a haven where they were happy and carefree. All of their problems drifted away as the days passed in sun-dappled contentment. Until the summer that changed everything.
This is now…
After an accident turned the lake house into a site of tragedy and grief, it was closed up. None of the Hempstead women speak of what happened, and relationships between them are uneasy at best to hurtful at worst. But in the face of new challenges, one woman is determined to draw her family together again, and the only way that can happen is to return to the lake and face the truth.
Strengths: Family bonds; Challenging scenarios; Engaging characters; Uplifting ending
Measure of Love: Teaspoon
Mood: Poignant
Why You Should Read: Robyn Carr’s books are always filled with characters stepping up to the plate to face difficult situations and succeeding to weather them successfully. Unique story of a family coming together after heartbreak.
Kitchen Charmer by Deborah Smith
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These old mountains are smart, Lucy. They're alive. They can be gentle like mamas; oh, sure, they'll croon and they'll kiss you and they'll whisper while you sleep, and you'll learn what all the old rocks are saying, all these ancient ghosts, all their starshine wisdom. But these old mountains, sometimes they know you can't hear them any other way but to get smacked up along the head. You watch out, Lucy P, for you got the Charm, like us Netties do. You're a guardian of these mountains, and they're a guardian of you. They will warn you any how they have to.
They will slap the near life out of a Charmer.
They're doing it to make you and Gus listen. To make you ready.
Delta Whittlespoon, the legendary biscuit maker and owner of The Crossroads CafE, tried to warn Lucy Parmenter and Gus MacBride. Even their mystical North Carolina mountains can't block the turmoil of the outside world. As fear and ignorance threaten their community and everyone they love, the star-crossed couple must overcome brutal challenges and personal demons to forge an alliance that may be the only hope of Good triumphing over Evil.
Strengths: Appealing Mysticism; Larger-than-life characters; wonderful kinship relationships;
Measure of Love: Teaspoon
Mood: Poignant
Why You Should Read: Deborah Smith’s fans you know why you should read it –we’re been waiting for this book for a long time. Even though there is a cliff-hanger involved, this is a wonderful addition to the MacBrides series. Filled with wonderful analogies and metaphors of life.

This was one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever read. Love, loss, laughter, addiction, family, desertion, forgiveness, memories. It has it all. It is a very touching love story, a family lost and found. From the beginning to the end it was one great book. One I won’t forget for a long time.
I loved it. I will be reading many more of this author’s books for sure.
I got a copy via NetGalley and appreciate it so much. It was so good. A 5 star rating and more if I could...
Do not be afraid to buy this book. It’s just one that will touch your heart on so many levels.

4* Heartfelt Stars

The love story between Tuck and Rave was very tender and sweet and they were meant for each other.

This emotional story is about forgiveness, love, hope and family challenges. The characters were very likeable and believable.

The story flowed well and was beautifully written. I would recommend this heartwarming book and a Kleenex or two.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read this wonderful book for an honest opinion.

I heard so much about this book on facebook I thought I would give it a try! I had never read any books by Heather Burch in the past so this was my first and a wonderful book to start out with. I relate to this book a lot due to personal reasons so it really touched my heart deeply! I will treasure this book for many years to come. This book is about second chances and learning to forgive others.

Two men, one young living in Florida and the other elderly living in Tennessee, are longing for family. One knows nothing about the other or their short history together. But their blood ties bring them together in Something Like Family by Heather Burch.

Rave Wayne is only twenty-two years old and has been on his on for more than five years. His mother left him as a teenager and he has struggled to make it, but he's surviving or so he thinks. Around his twenty-second birthday, his girlfriend Ashley dumps him and refuses to allow him to see her son, Daniel, any longer. A child that Rave has thought of as his own since his birth. It was difficult when Rave's mother walked out, but this blow is devastating. When Rave is approached by a lawyer informing him he has a grandfather in Tennessee, Rave sees no need to stay in Florida. Tuck Wayne has survived the loss of his daughter, grandson, and death of his wife. He knows that life is too short for regrets so he makes arrangements with his friend and attorney to find his grandson, Rave. Neither is quite sure what to make of the other when Rave finally comes to Tennessee, but they slowly build a relationship built on mutual trust and respect. Rave even begins a relationship with a local woman, Becca Johnson. Then his ex-girlfriend shows up and before you know it, she's gone again leaving Rave with her son. To make things even more complicated, Tuck's illness rears its ugly head and his demise seems imminent without immediate medical intervention and then Rave's mother comes back. Both Rave and Tuck had presumed she was dead. Tuck may be able to forgive and forget, but Rave isn't quite sure if he can.

I found Something like Family to be a fast-paced and engaging read. This is more than a story about family angst and drama, it's a story about connections and what makes us family. Is it possible to be a parent to a child that isn't yours biologically? (Yes, in my not so humble opinion.) Families are more than just blood ties, although those ties can be strong. Families can be the communities we live in, our friends, and all those we bring into our lives. This idea is just a small part of what I enjoyed about Something Like Family. This story also broaches the idea of memorialization, and this small rural town comes together to build a unique memorial for the town's military heroes. Like I said, there's a lot more than family drama and angst in this story but it all works beautifully together. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the action, but especially enjoyed watching the growing relationship between Rave and Tuck. If you're looking for a feel-good read then I strongly encourage you to grab a copy of Something Like Family to read. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Burch in the future.

This was my first book of Ms. Burch’s. It held my interest from the first page to the last

Even though SOMETHING LIKE FAMILY is fiction, it struck a personal chord deep within me. This is not a self-help book or memoir, but at times it almost reads like one. Reading Something Like Family has done a lot to heal my heart. Rave's mom became an addict before he was born. The book doesn't dwell too much on her story. It is more Rave's story and his journey to heal himself, and the inner strength he has to pull from to do so. The underlying truth is just what a far reaching arm addiction has, and the extent one has to go to to break free of it.....whether you are the addict, or someone it has scarred. This family's journey engulfs you at the beginning and brings you out on The other side of the darkness.
Once again, Lake Union has given us another well written and edited touching story!

Something Like Family represents the reality that we don't always have the perfect situation, yet we can either choose to embrace and improve it or flee and never look back and live a lonely life. Rave figures out that running affected everything else in his world including trying to start a relationship of his own. Watching Rave evolve into a happier, more stable person through his life struggles was a beautiful thing. This was my first, but not be my last Heather Burch book.

This book made me very emotional. I can't count how many times I felt a tightness in my chest from being choked up due to Rave's family loyalty and the need to do the right thing. He had been kicked down so many times, yet his inner goodness always won over the internal struggles to escape.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the Great Thought's Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own.

An absolutely beautiful book about family, forgiveness, and redemption.

Rave Wayne has never had an easy life. From taking care of an addicted mother when he was just a child himself and then being left by her to care for himself, to being dumped by the girl whose kid he's loved and acted as father to for years, to getting fired for protecting a girl being attacked, he's about ready to give up on everything. Then he is approached by an investigator looking for him on behalf of a grandfather he thought was dead. With no where else to go he gets in his car to meet this man and find out if he has anything left to hold on to. What he finds isn't just a grandfather, but a whole new way of life in a town that is ready to embrace him as long as he doesn't hurt Tuck, his grandfather. He gets drawn into Tuck's life and history, Tuck's town and friends and begins to grow roots that he never thought would grow.

I loved this book and the characters brought to life in its pages. Rave was so scarred and broken, but still had a glimmer of hope within him. Becca was a good small town girl who was able to stand up for herself when she thought she was being wronged and able to give Rave pushes in directions she thought he'd excel even if he didn't realize it. Tuck was the grandpa we all wish we had, honest, hard working, generous of heart, and willing to share moments. Daniel was a sweet kid and was honest and loving as only a child can be. Ashley, well, I didn't like Ashley. Haha.

If you're looking for some good women's fiction with just a touch of romance, this is one I can easily recommend.

I loved this story. It wasn't what I expected at all. It was heartbreaking and heart felt in all the good ways. Heather Burch created these characters that were so likable and a story that I never wanted to end. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, it would twist and shock me again. I like when I don't know how a book is going to end and this story had me on my toes. Not in a suspenseful way but just not how I expected it to go.
Rave was a child of a drug addicted mother who had a terrible life. His mother ended up abandoning him as a teen and everyone thought she was dead. Tuck, Rave's dying grandfather wants to find him and connect with him before he passes away so he pays an investigator to find his grandson. Rave is not a good place, he is at the end of a relationship and no where to live and no career in sight so Rave sets out to his grandfathers home figuring at least he will have a place to live for a while until he figures out his next step. There he finds the family and a life that he never thought he would have or that he deserved.

Tuck Wayne lives by Lake Tears in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains. Getting old now, he misses his wife, Millie, who passed away 10 years ago. Their daughter, Sharon, had always done what she wanted and she took off years ago. Tuck knows that he has a grandson but does not know where he is. So, today, he has decided to get a Private Investigator to try and find him.

Rave Wayne lives in Tampa, Florida and is looking forward to his 22nd birthday. He works bussing tables at a diner and trying to save all the money he can. He cares for a girl named Ashley and her young son, Daniel, who has become the light of his life. Rave has been in trouble a number of times in his life and is trying to “keep his nose clean." So, when the detective finds him and offers him money to go meet his grandfather, he accepts.

Tuck has become a bit of a hoarder since his wife died and his house is crammed with junk. When he and Rave finally meet, they take to one another and Tuck decides to stay in the town. He meets the locals and becomes friends with them.

One of Tucks habits is what he calls his memorial meetings where he toasts friends he lost in the Vietnam War. This is very special to him and he insists that Rave never miss a meeting.

The story intertwines people from the town and others that Tuck knows. This is a warm story, I’m sure readers will enjoy.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Something Like Family is an awesome book. It is well written and has a great plot. I found the characters believable and could empathize with this family trying to reunite. I highly recommend this book.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was amazing and I could not put it down! I can see this book becoming a movie.

f you liked One Lavender Ribbon, you'll love Something Like Family. I predict it to be one of the 100 best books for 2017 if not 2018. Before you read any Heather Burch novel, you'll need a survival kit: Kleenex for frequently spilled tears, a drink to keep you hydrated from the loss of fluids and your happy dance CD to celebrate those moments of intense happiness that occur throughout!
I'm at the end and as I sit here, as always, I am profoundly affected by the story and characters. It is beautifully written and the characters very real and like every family, have experienced past mistakes, memories, sacrifices and forgiveness. There is Rave, 22, having been abandoned by his mother Sharon, as a teenager and by the woman and child he has come to love. He has an opportunity to meet his Grandfather Tuck. Tuck and Rave grow in their relationship and learn to help each other. Rave meets Becca and comes to know the meaning of an entire extended family in the town of Barton. He and Tuck, along with the other family members, learn about the meaning of forgiveness, sacrifices and restoring faith and hope in family. There were so many things I will never forget reading: REST, the empty chair and the memorial. I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily writing this review.