Grace, Nan, and Monica meet in a grief support group. Nan and Monica are widows and Grace's husband is in a coma. Their paths likely would not have crossed had they not experienced loss but it turns out they have more n common than it first appears. It's a tale of resiliency and moving through grief. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This was a great story about three women who have all been widowed. They all lost their husbands under various circumstances and were left in different situations. Grace Saunders is technically not a widow, as her husband is living in a rehabilitation home, being kept alive by machines. She is still dealing with grief and has no desire to meet anyone or date because in her mind and heart, she is still married. Nan has been widowed for twenty years. Her children are grown and she is alone. Her dog, Blitzen, works with her to help people dealing with grief. She is extremely well off financially and runs a dog rescue. Our third character is Monica. She is not only dealing with grief, but with betrayal when she finds out he was unfaithful to her. Not only that, but she has two step-children that she is responsible for and they are not always easy. These three women meet at a grief group and become friends, helping each other deal with whatever comes their way.

I loved this story and these women. They were all dealing with so much, yet were still functioning, productive women. They became fast friends who supported each other, were loyal, caring and were women that I wish I knew. All their difficulties were realistic from trying to fun a business, trying to keep your job during restructuring, dealing with school issues, and more. I really liked the theme of homelessness and addiction. I don't want to spoil the story so will say no more about it, except that they are important plotlines in the story. If you are looking for an uplifting story, where women support one another to become more successful, then this is the book for you. Yes there is some romance, but it is more of a vehicle to move the story forward than a major plot. I definitely recommend this one to lovers of Women's Fiction

This is a lovely story about Grace, Monica and Nan. All three meet a grief support group meeting and form a quick friendship, from the support group and realise that they should make their "own" support group and help each other through life's up and downs. They become such a wonderful support to each other, even with the three different ages that they are.

As the story enfolds, it is clear that they are each after love, but not wanting to accept it when it immediately is in front of them. But with friendship, and second chances, in true Marie Bostwick style, they move forward in their lives and find love and happiness.

This was a great read. It was well thought out and really felt like the characters could have any one of my friends. Marie really knows how to tell a story with the feeling that the characters are real.

Just in Time by Marie Bostwick takes readers to Portland, Oregon. Grace Saunders is looking for a support group, but none of them are the right fit for her or her situation. Grace meets Nan Wilja and Monica Romano who are also looking for a different type of support group situation. The three of them form their own support group that meets each Monday night. They are helping each other move on and the three women became more than friends. Grace’s husband, Jamie is in a permanent vegetative state. Monica’s husband died in a boating accident with his girlfriend and she is left to run his restaurant as well as raise his children. Nan has been widowed for twenty years, but now her children are out of the house which leaves it very quiet despite her dogs. While visiting with Jamie in the evenings, Grace works on a memory quilt. Each block represents Jamie and their relationship. One evening, Monica sets up Grace with Luke Pascal (she tricks her). Luke is a lawyer turned furniture craftsman. Grace is attracted to Luke (and he makes her smile), but she feels that she cannot move on while Jamie is still alive. Each of these women must work to overcome their grief, heartaches and fears. It is time to move forward with their lives and with each other’s encouragement, they can get their second chance at happiness.

Just in Time is nicely written and has a good pace. It is a lovely story about three women that are ready to move forward, but they each need support (compassion, comfort, encouragement). These women have loved and lost. We follow them as they work through grief and heartache to get a second chance at having a joyful future. I liked the inclusion of the dog rescue, Rainbow Gate in the story and the therapy dogs. I did, though, feel that Just in Time was predictable. Why do the women have to have a man in their lives to be fulfilled? I would love to see a something different (a better role model for the younger generation). Just in Time is a heartwarming story about women getting a second opportunity. Grace’s story was the dominant one, and I felt that the business world was portrayed realistically. Grace’s company is bought out and in order for her to keep her job, she is required to do twice the work along with working long hours (she needs her job for the insurance for Jamie). I wish the quilting had been more prominent. It was an aspect I wanted to see woven throughout the story. I am giving Just in Time 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay). Just in Time is not the author’s best work. I have read all of her books, and I know she can do better (her Cobbled Court series is wonderful). I keep hoping Ms. Bostwick will go back to what she does best.

https://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/2018/03/15/leigh-davis-womens-fiction-recommendations-lindsay-harrel-marie-bostwick/

Must-read women’s fiction: ‘The Heart Between Us’ and ‘Just in Time’
Welcome back to Happy Ever After’s women fiction blog! Spring is here, and it is the time of new beginnings — a common theme in this genre. Mainly because, let’s face it, getting stuck in a rut, unable to move forward, just spinning our wheels but getting nowhere is something that happens to all of us at some time or another. Sadly, inertia is the killer of many dreams. But the heroines of this month’s books get that kick in the pants (and pay attention to it) to move forward to well-deserved happiness. So be prepared to be charmed, touched … and maybe a bit motivated to carve out your own new beginning.
The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel
What it’s about:
Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide and living with her parents in her small Minnesota hometown, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.
When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.
As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.
Why you should read it: Author Lindsay Harrel successfully explores two sides of the coin with twin sisters Megan and Crystal. Megan, growing up with a congenital heart defect, lived a sheltered-by-necessity life, but Crystal — benignly ignored at times, learned to power through obstacles. Now, each has come up against a brick wall. Megan must learn to move forward, and Crystal must learn to stop moving and enjoy life. Especially poignant is the exploration of the donor/donor family and recipient connection. Faith and religion are well integrated into the story to provide an uplifting message of hope, optimism and courage.
Just in Time by Marie Bostwick
What it’s about:
Fifteen years ago, Grace Saunders vowed to take her beloved husband for better or worse. Now she’s coming to terms with difficult choices as she crafts a memory quilt from scraps of their life together—a life torn to shreds by an accident that has left him in a coma. Enduring months of limbo, Grace is at least not alone.
Nan has been widowed for twenty years, but now, with her children grown, her home feels painfully empty. Even the company of her golden retriever, Blixen, and a series of other rescue dogs, can’t fill the void. Then there’s Monica, a feisty woman with a biting wit who’s reeling following her husband’s death—and the revelation of his infidelity.
As for Grace, a chance evening with a man she barely knows brings a glimmer of joy she hasn’t felt since the tragedy—along with feelings of turmoil and guilt. But her struggle to cope will force all three women to face their fears, share their deepest secrets—and lean on one another as they move from grief and isolation to hope, and a second chance at happiness …
Why you should read it: Just in Time is filled with well-fleshed-out characters and genuine scenarios and wonderful knights-in-shining-armor beta heroes who know better than to try to save the heroines. But they are there to lend a helping hand. You’ll be charmed by Grace’s quiet courage and wonderful creativity, Monica’s brashness and marshmallow heart and Nan’s wisdom and love of animals. Bostwick intersperses sly bits of humor throughout the book — such as Monica’s hazardous attraction to Italian men. After reading the book, you’ll agree that this was time well spent.
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
MORE ON HEA: See more posts by Leigh
Lindsay Harrel, Marie Bostwick, women's fiction, Recommended reads, Top stories

4 stars for Just in Time. I've read all of Marie Bostwick's books and have enjoyed every single one of them. This one was no exception.

This is different than most of hers in that it's more on the romance side than the others. 3 widows start to attend a grief counseling session, but quickly realize they aren't really support group type of people. They bond with each other and help each other move on after their losses.

I really enjoy second chance type novels and love that Ms. Bostwick typically writes about older people ~ ones that aren't in their 20s or 30s. It's very nice to read something romantic that has older characters.

If you have enjoyed her other books or like second chance novels you should really enjoy this. Thanks to Netgalley for an early copy.

I received this from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

Grace, Nan, Monica meet at a grief counseling session. They all want to move on with their lives and "and lean on one another as they move from grief and isolation to hope, and a second chance at happiness . . ."

It was an okay chick lit story, very predictable.

3☆

Just in Time by Marie Bostwick

Three women meet in a parking lot after attending part of a grief support group. The group is not for them BUT the three find they may have reason to spend time supporting one another in their own smaller group and thus begins a friendship that is one all women would like to someday have. The ages are 60’s, 40’s and 30’s. Two of the women have lost their husbands to death and the other woman’s husband has been in a coma for almost two years. All have issues to contend with that their friendship helps alleviate. Whether the issue is money, difficult children or finding money that is needed they are there for one another through thick and thin AND all three find a way forward that brings them a great deal of happiness.

If you are looking for a feel good story with strong women that have great stories to tell then this book is one I can and do recommend. It made me think, care and want to be friends with these three women. Great story by a wonderful writer and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I liked the story but this isn't one of my top 5 by Marie Bostwick.

When I first started this book, it took me a couple of chapters to get into it, but from then on it became a page turner, and is reminiscent of a Debbie Macomber read, and I wanted more once the last page was turned.
The author introduces us to three women who share a common bond, in that they have all lost or are losing a spouse. We get to walk in each of their shoes and get to know them personally, what makes them happy and what makes them tick.
As we journey with them we see what dear friends they have become, and wouldn’t we all want the same. As for me I am a dog lover and a quilter, think I could fit in with this group, and one of the reasons that I chose to read this book, and I am so glad that I did.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Emotionally charged story of love, friendship and healing.

I think this may be my favorite of Marie Bostwick's wonderful books.
As expected in her books the characters are all well developed and believable with a plot that keeps you enthusiactively turning pages till the very end. This book was that and do much more. Tackling grief, the different kinds are how individuals react is ambitious. Marie Bostwick succeeds with a book that is both moving and meaningful. Unfortunately in life we are all going to lose someone we love. I believe this book entertains while at the same time shows how people can and do heal. This book belongs on everyone's TBR list.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

"Love isn't something you negotiate, it just is."
I wish that everyone had best friends like these three main characters; Grace, Nan and Monica.
While attending a support group meeting to attempt to understand their losses, their friendship begins.
They come together and become each others ears for listening, advisors and confidantes. They share throughout the chapters their families, their pets, their fears, dreams and hopes.
As time moves on, all three women unite and expand their love and talents with many other people needing help and hope.
This was a genuinely uplifting story, one we all need! I loved it!

Marie Bostwick goes back to her crafting/quilting roots and writes another beautiful story. Nan, Monica and Grace are all wonderful, deep characters who could easily have a spin-off novel. I cannot wait for her to explore Grace's quilting support group - as long as Nan and Monica make an appearance.

What I loved:: I think the two things that stuck with me most through this novel were Alex's change as he matured and removed the anger towards Monica once he finally had a mentor in his life. It doesn't sound like his father was a great role model and to see him change what beautiful - there's hope for the teenagers! I was also touched by how Grace struck up a friendship with Sunny - she didn't see Sunny as another annoying, strung out homeless person but showed her that someone still could care.

What I didn't love: It was a little predictable but you still rooted for the characters to come together and fall in love.

What I learned: I need more dogs in my life!

Overall Grade: B+