Member Reviews
This book reinforced that you don't have to share blood to be a family. The theme began in The Story of Arthur Truluv by this author and continues in Night of Miracles. Arthur is gone, leaving Lucille, Maddy and little Nola bound together through their love for him and for each other.
Lucille, once she opened her heart to Arthur and Maddy in the first book, couldn't close it again. She gathered people to her through her baking classes. A beautiful story of love for our fellow man and woman. Enter Iris, Tiny and Molly. Tiny and Molly really like each other, but are both too shy to share their feelings. Iris, recently divorced and newly moved to town is their catalyst. Then there's Jason, Abby and Lincoln. Abby's sick, and Jason needs someone to look after Lincoln.
They all revolve around Lucille, who's getting on in years, and fending off an angel. Giving credit where credit is due, she holds her own with the messenger of God.
The more I read of Elizabeth Berg's books, the more I really enjoy her writing. No big events, just ordinary people going on about their lives.
I feel inspired! This is a wonderful story of people's personal struggles, of a supportive community and gradually finding healing and new purpose in life. Beautifully conveyed, magical, and relatable characters- Night of Miracles is a terrific, quick, and heartfelt novel. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this early reader edition. All opinions are my own.
The storyline seemed a little disconnected in this book. I liked the concept, but it didn't completely come together and there wasn't much of an ending.
"Night of Miracles" is a follow-up novel to Berg's charming and whimsical "The Story of Arthur Truluv," centering on one of the most intriguing characters: Lucille Howard, a terribly managing, yet strangely vulnerable elderly woman. While the book has moments of unforgettable poignancy, it introduces a larger cast of characters than "Truluv" and I felt that at times, this causes it to lose focus. Berg's writing is strong, and the book will be appreciated by those who enjoyed "Truluv," but this isn't a stand-alone novel, but rather a book with both the strengths and shortcomings of a sequel.
If you loved THE TRUE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULOVE by Elizabeth Berg, then you are going to love this book just as much. This is a companion novel and is told from the point of view of Lucille (Arthur's fun neighbor in the first book). I would recommend reading THE TRUE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULOVE before you read this book. Although this book can stand on its own, it will be much easier to understand the backstory of the different characters.
I am a big fan of Maeve Binchy, and I compared Berg's writing to Binchy in my previous review. I did laugh when Binchy was mentioned in this book. This is a heartfelt story of Lucille, who lives in a small town in Missouri, and lives a simple life of giving cooking lessons in her home. As an old woman in this book, Lucille befriends her neighbors and ends up taking care of the neighborhood boy, Lincoln, while his mom is receiving her chemotherapy treatments.
Sometimes it nice to read a book about simpler times, and live the lives of the characters in the book. The book made me laugh, cry, and cheer on the different characters. I would definitely recommend this book.
This book will come out on November 13th, 2018.
This book was given to me for my honest review.
I wanted to read this one as soon as I finished The Story of Arthur Truluv.. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing I didn't need to wait too long.
This was a wonderful continuation of the story, re=visiting some beloved characters and meeting some new ones. The focus is on Lucille Howard. Lucille has sold her home, is living in Arthur's former home where she hosts baking classes for adult and children. Soon Lucille is surrogate grandma to Linc, the son of her new neighbors.
There was a hint of magical realism in this novel that was unexpected, but wholly enjoyable. I want to avoid spoilers, but some of my favorite moments were Lucille's no-nonsense encounters with her 'spirit'. Berg is one of my all time favorite authors, perhaps in part because she weaves such beautiful stories of strangers becoming family. "That is the gift of love, not only that you have somebody, but that you are changed by somebody." Berg gives us this gift in Night of Miracles.
I wish I could give this book 10 stars instead of stopping at five. I loved "Arthur Truluv' and was so happy to revisit the characters of that book. I certainly wasn't disappointed. I've always enjoyed Elizabeth Berg's writing. She has a natural way of presenting her characters that makes their situations seem real and relevant.
This book made me laugh and it made me cry. I can't help but hope for another sequel continuing the stories of the people we met in this book.
'Night of Miracles' is a book I won't soon forget. I absolutely loved it!
I loved everything about this book. It is charming, sweet, filled with wonderfully interesting, flawed, kind loving accepting people. I adored getting to know them all and wish they were my neighbors. The writing style is easy and draws you in. Each chapter is written from a different persons experience and perspective. How they ultimately interact and change each other is truly lovely. No one gets through life unscathed and how we deal with our “stuff” shows who we are and yet sometimes we a little push or maybe just a little clarity from a friend to get out of our own way. These people, friends did that for each other and how lucky they are. I did not read the “The Story of Arthur Truluv” first. I kept meaning to, but never got around to it. And yet I still loved this read and getting to know and of the people and do not feel as if I missed out on anything in this book. It absolutely can be read as a stand alone and still get it and love it. It makes small town living seem quaint and funny, kind a little bit nosy, but overall kind and generous of heart.
For those of us who so liked Elizabeth Berg's Arthur Truluv, this new book is such a bewitching and enthralling follow up. Some of our old favorites are back in this sequel where I was able to sit back, relax and fall once again into love with these wonderful characters, wishing I could be a member of their community, not to mention a participant in some of Lucille's baking classes.
Lucille Howard is back with all her prickly self. She is teaching classes making scrumptious desserts while making people around her become filled with love and admiration for her, not only for her baking skills but also for the person she is. Armed with aprons and a plethora of scrumptious recipes, Lucille charms her students into moments of happiness, joy, and delicious cakes and cookies. Unfortunately though, Louise is old and she is anxious to once again be with her beloved Frank but she knows there is still work to be done before that happens.
Into her life comes Iris who eventually becomes an assistant to Lucile. Iris need this job and she is also in need of a friend. There is also a new family that has moved into the house next door who face some difficult issues. This new couple's son, Lincoln, forms a bit of a bond with Lucille, as he faces a difficult future where his young life will be possibly changed.
Told with much style and grace, this story is peaceful. It is one where friendship and love is treasured, where value is placed on people, and where a community looks out for one another. It's a place where we all would love to dwell. It is a book which warms your heart and makes you believe in miracles.
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Thank you to Elizabeth Berg, Random House, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this delightful novel.
Lovely and positive read about the people in a small town and their relationships with one another. While Lucille might be the motherly centerpiece, don't overlook Iris or Tiny or Monica or Link. This is about love- love for one another and for life in general. Lucille's health is failing but she's continuing to teach baking; Iris, who needs to work for herself, goes to work with Lucille and finds herself. Tiny, well, Tiny's in love with Monica, who, well.....Eveyone is linked and while there are echoes of the earlier book (Arthur Truluv), you don't need to have read that to thoroughly enjoy this. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This was just the balm I needed after a tough week and it will remind you of why we are better when we love each other.
It was alright, nothing too savvy or fancy. I haven’t read the first book in the series so I don’t know about the previous book, there were some references to it which weren’t too hard to understand so can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a free e-copy of Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg from NetGalley for my honest review.
This is the first book I have ever read by Elizabeth Berg. Absolutely fantastic!! A wonderful heart felt and warming story that makes your heart smile. The characters are beautifully thought out and written and you find yourself loving them as if they are real. A story of love, struggles, forgiveness and life. I do plan on going back and reading The Story of Arthur Trulov because I loved this so much.
This is a charming read that takes you back to simpler times where everyone knows each other and takes care of one another. I haven't read the first book that this one is a continuation of; however, that did not take away from the overall quality of the read.
3.5 stars
One of the things I liked about [book:The Story of Arthur Truluv|32918898] is that it was a feel good story that was good for the soul. I can say the same of this sequel of sorts, but I do have to admit that I enjoyed the first book more. This one could probably be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading Arthur Truluv first because you get a better feel for how Arthur brought together Maddy and her daughter Nola and Lucille. A number of new characters are introduced, each facing front and center some of the ringers that life sometimes throws - sickness, loneliness, relationship issues. Most of the time it felt like there were too many characters and it was hard get to know them and their stories as much as I would have liked. Mason, Missouri is a lovely, little place where neighbors help each other. So of course, as the story unfolds the characters connect in a way that brings out the best of them as they give to each other in spite of their own troubles, illustrating the power of friendship. It’s a quick read, sweet and sentimental, predictable, except for the bit of magical realism, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would at first. A welcomed feel good story in light of what is happening in the world, not a bad way to spend a part of my weekend taking a break from the news.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley.
A truly heartfelt story. What a GREAT follow up to The Story of Arthur Truluv. With a cast of completely lovable characters this story is touching in every way and will leave you with warm fuzzies for days! 💗
What a treat to spend more time with Lucille Howard! Her baked treats sound absolutely devine and I felt like I was right in her kitchen taking her classes. Loved meeting more of the residents of Mason, Missouri, and seeing their stories intertwine with Lucille's as well as Maddy and Nola's. A wonderful sequel to Arthur Truluv and a reminder of the beauty in each day as well as our friends and neighbors. Want a big dose of feelgood? Read this book!
A big thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was fortunate enough to receive and ARC of Range of Motion and Talk Before Sleep back in the early 1990's. I have loved every novel Elizabeth Berg has graced us with since. Mostly I re-read Berg as I read fairy tales to my youngsters long ago - often, and if time is short just the best bits and pieces.
Night of Miracles is classic Berg. This novel sings from first page to last, and you can only be disappointed to see the end so soon....
Night of Miracles is the second of the Arthur Truluv novels. Here we follow Lucille, Maddie and Nola into their future. There are angst and tears - of pain and joy - and laughter - only the good kind - and the book is over as always, much too soon. Perhaps there will be another Arthur Truluv - Iris's story. I hope so.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Elizabeth Berg, and Random House in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your exceptional work with me.
The Night of Miracles is charming — sentimental but charming. It’s a sequel of sorts to The Story of Arthur Truluv, which I had also liked for similar reasons.
Early in The Night of Miracles, one of the characters talks about going to bed with a Maeve Binchy novel, and she explains what she likes about Binchy’s novels. The Night of Miracles has the same feel. People involved in everyday struggles, coming together and helping each other. Nothing deep, but a bit of a balm for the soul given the current state of the world.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg (Random House, 2018)
Sequels are a mixed bag for me -- sometimes they're wonderful, but other times I get the feeling that the author used his/her best material for the first book and would have been better off making a clean break and a fresh start. Sadly, that's how I felt about Elizabeth Berg's newest novel, Night of Miracles, which follows up on her earlier The Story of Arthur Truluv. I enjoyed Truluv a lot -- and it pains me to say this because I'm a big Berg fan -- but the sequel was underwhelming. Yes, there are some of the familiar, sympathetic characters from the first book, as well as some very lovely scenes and reflections that I found very moving. Don't get me wrong --- it's a nice read. But I felt that the author was constrained by the previous book and that this book, as a consequence, was smaller and less all-encompassing than what I've come to expect from Berg. I'm not sorry I read it -- but I do hope her next novel frees her to explore new themes and ideas, rather than tying her to characters who were fresher and more compelling the first time around.
Love Elizabeth Berg's books. This is a follow on to Arthur Truluv, but it is not necessary to have read that one first. It's a novel of hope and love.