Member Reviews

A story of interwoven lives in a small town, I felt like this was a second book in a series (and I was right - start with The Story of Arthur Truluv.)

93 year old Lucille is a retired teacher and running baking classes, living a small home she once shared with friends, and getting over a heartbreaking loss. Young Lincoln and his parents are neighbors and the mother is fighting cancer, Monica is a waitress in love with cab driver Tiny who lives in the same apartment building a Iris, a newly arrived divorcee with a tragic story herself. There are characters and backstories from the earlier book, so definitely start there or the ending won't be as meaningful as it could be.

A great, easy read, with romance, a touch of fantasy, life lessons, happy endings, and natural conclusions. Perfect book for a trip to the beach or a rainy weekend with a cup of coffee.

Was this review helpful?

This was a sweet summer read that I really enjoyed. I always like books of which several characters stories are involved and this was no exception. I closed the book with a smile and the conviction of the strength of love.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the early copy.

I picked this up because of the author and really enjoyed it. It was an interesting and well done novel. I recommend this for fans of contemporary fiction.

Was this review helpful?

Overall I would rate it 3/5 stars.

I just finished this book today and I found it to be a quick, light read with lovable characters and lots of mini plotlines which are woven together by the characters in unexpected ways. It's a glimpse of life in a small, friendly town, and Berg writes from various characters POVs, so we get a good understanding of the story and can relate to it better. It is a simple storyline, with a very slight supernatural element that is very effective in its portrayal of its characters, their hopes and desires, their flaws and their misunderstandings. 

I found the book to be enjoyable for a bit of light reading. It's not the kind of book that has you swinging wildly through emotions or biting your nails in suspense. Instead, it's the kind of book that shows you the beauty and the simplicity of life, and the love and kindness in a community. It's a book that leaves you with a warm feeling when you finish reading it.

One thing to keep in mind though is that although this book reads perfectly well as a standalone, it is, in fact, the second book of what is not really a series, but like a related set of books. The first one is the critically acclaimed The story of Arthur Truluv, and Night of Miracles is set after the happenings of that book, in the same town and the same characters. I liked the book as a standalone, but I know that reading The story of Arthur Truluv first would be a good idea because then your attachment to the quaint little town of Mason and its kind people would be more, letting you enjoy the story more thoroughly. But even if you read it by itself, it's what a friend of mine would call a Good Deal.

The book will be published on 13th November, and you guys should definitely check it out for a bit of heartwarming, light reading, that restores your faith in the world ( especially after reading a lot of Dystopia.)

This is the link to my blog Worlds Of Wonder where I have posted this review:
https://worldsofwonder3m.wordpress.com/2018/08/01/night-of-miracles/

Thank you Random House Publishing and Net Galley for sending me this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Love, healing, connection . . . When the world around you feels especially ugly, escape into the pages of an Elizabeth Berg book and experience "grand possibility". Building on The Story of Arthur Truluv, NIGHT OF MIRACLES focuses on Lucille and the people connected to her. From the little boy whose mom is battling cancer to the woman who is looking for healing and forgiveness to the couple who is searching for each other, this heartwarming story is a reminder of the best parts of humanity. Filled with whimsy without being trite, this is a lovely little book. The chapters are short and each one centers on a character so you can easily pick it up and read a little at a time . . . or read it all at once. Maddy's role feels like an afterthought and doesn't fit as seamlessly as the other characters but it would have been odd to leaver her out (that is why I gave 4 stars instead of 5). Delightful read for a plane ride or the beach.

Appreciate the advance copy through Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this novel! Night of Miracles is the follow-up to one of my favorite novels from 2017, The Story of Arthur Truluv. Having loved Arthur Truluv I was hopeful and a little nervous to dive into Night Of Miracles, but I needn’t be nervous because once again Elizabeth Berg has completely wow’ed me!!

This novel centers around an eclectic group of characters who have a wide range of obstacles as well as a wide range of ages spanning from the young to the elderly. Elizabeth Berg has a real gift with writing the most memorable and moving characters (that I promise you won’t be able to forget). The storyline was well developed and flowed so well I felt as I was watching a movie while I was reading-loved that! Elizabeth Berg packed so much depth and warmth into this 5 star novel! I loved that this novel picks up right where Arthur Truluv left off and I am keeping my fingers crossed that there will add more installments in the future! I highly recommend everyone read this gem- definitely a 2018 favorite!

Was this review helpful?

Lucille Howard is in her 80’s, has loved one man her entire life, and is an inspiration to all she allows in her heart. That includes her “adopted” daughter and granddaughter, Maddy and Nola, Iris, her reluctant new assistant, and Link, the boy next door whose mother is dying.

This was the first book by Elizabeth Berg I’ve had the pleasure to read and pleasure is what it was. Through a series of several points of view, MS Berg tells the story of the residents of Mason, Missouri with love, care, and heart. It was simply impossible not to fall in love with them all.

From Tiny, the obese man who wants to be better so he can profess his love to the one woman he desires, to Nola, a spitfire of a child who seems wiser than the adults around her at times, to Abby, a leukemia-stricken woman who loves her family unconditionally.

These are the people in Lucille’s realm, and the ones she cares for deeply. A reited teacher, she finds a new career in teaching people in the tiny town the joy of baking and in so doing helps them get through some troubled times.

I loved this book and the characters. 5 stars from me
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an arc for an honest opinion of the work. A truly delightful story of values, love lost and unconditional love.

Was this review helpful?

I was delighted to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of Night of Miracles, the sequel to The Story of Arthur Truluv which I read and loved. Like its predecessor, Night of Miracles was a refreshing read. I loved the characters and small town setting. It was great to read a book with no real villains! As a baker, I also enjoyed the love of baking in the book. It is a nice change to have a book which can be recommended to anyone without fear of offending them with bad language or scariness. I highly recommend the book for a great escapist read.

Was this review helpful?

The sequel to the Story of Arthur Truluv continues with others in Arthur's neighborhood. Lucille becomes the main character with Maddy more of a side character. I read the story in 2 days. Berg makes each character someone I would like to have in my life.

Was this review helpful?

Elizabeth Berg writes everyday live in such a beautiful and inspiring way! Night of Miracles is about the people of small town Mason, Missouri.
We first visited a few of these people in the Story of Arthur Truluv; and in Night of Miracles we are able to catch of with Lucille, Maddy and Nola; but we are also introduced to some new characters.
Following these characters as they learn to bake, take chances on love, battle illnesses and try new adventures, you will be entertained and truly inspired! You won't want to leave these characters behind!

Was this review helpful?

There is something about a novel by Elizabeth Berg that I can't resist! Her writing makes you feel like you are right there in that town, or you experience the season, it's something I can not put my finger on but when I read one of her books it feels like comfort, and Night Of Miracles is no different.
I often did like when there are so many different characters, but she writes them so well you can instantly tell them apart and there is no confusion on who you're reading about. And the flow of the chapters blending in from character to character is flawless.
I will admit that I don't believe it's book of the Year but it's an enjoyable read, it's easy and light to read it's a nice break from serious reads. And if you read and enjoyed Arthur Truluv you will enjoy a continuation of the characters in this novel.

Was this review helpful?

An appealing easy to read novel. It shows the advantages to living in a quiet small town. There are many characters, each with a personal story. Somehow through circumstances they become connected. The beauty of neighborliness, of generosity, of concern and love shines forth as they deal with each other.
A ninety three year old woman. still active and involved; a young couple facing together her serious illness, a shy waitress and a bashful truck driver; a recently divorced woman trying to adjust to a new life;a single mother with a precious daughter- these are the very ordinary people coming together in this beautiful story. Yet, They touch at the heart strings and even evoke a bit of nostalgia (if you grew up in such an environment).Be prepared for a very sweet surprise ending which really explains the title.
A definite uplifting book that will make you smile!

Was this review helpful?

It was such a pleasure to revisit some of the characters from the Story of Arthur Trulov as well as meet several new ones. This small town of Mason has so many people that care about and love one another. It is both heartwarming and poignant with the emphasis on love, loss and living a good life.

Was this review helpful?

This would make a great movie one day. I fell in love with the characters in this story. While I have not read any other books by Elizabeth Berg, I guess it would have been a tad bit better if I had read the last book she had written with these characters. However, the writing was solid and kept me pulled in and attached to the characters inside. This is one book that I would read again.

I give it a solid 5 out of 5

Was this review helpful?

I have been a big fan of Elizabeth Berg for many years. Her books always leave me wanting to know more about the characters.
Night of miracles is no exception. It is a continuation of the characters that we met in The Story of Arthur Truluv.
Five stars, again for Elizabeth Berg!

Was this review helpful?

Lovely, sweet, quick read. A nice followup to the Arthur Truluv title, though not quite as substantial . Satisfies the curiosity about what happens to Maddy and Lucille after the end of the first book.

Was this review helpful?

This wonderful novel by Elizabeth Berg takes place in a small town named Mason, Missouri. The characters are vivid and endearing- from 88 year-old baking teacher Lucille to the shy, sweet man named Tiny. The book follows them individually, and also as they interact and react to each other. Berg is a favorite author of mine, and this latest offering is one of her best.
Especially touching is the story of Abby, a young mother who is being treated for acute leukemia. She and her husband are seen struggling and supporting each other through her treatment.

Was this review helpful?

Sweet, engaging, and entertaining! I'd recommend reading TruLuv first, so you get the full effect. I loved the characters, and as always, Elizabeth Berg makes you care about the story. If you enjoy love stories, there's a couple great ones. There is an end of life story that is so well told, it will stay with me. Many more snapshots of small town life, excellent book!

Was this review helpful?

hank you NetGalley for the free ARC.

I have read many of Elizabeth Berg's books and always love her writing. In this books the citizens of Mason who each lead their own chaotic life get pulled together to help each other out of crisis. I struggled a little with the many characters.

Was this review helpful?

Oh, Elizabeth Berg! You can be counted upon to produce hours of enjoyable reading, meeting characters you feel you already know. (And in the case, you might have in the previous book, Arthur Trulov.) Here again is Lucille, baker extraordinaire, Maddy the young single mother and her daughter, Nola, a charming five year old, .and other residents of this small and friendly town.

The few magical reality episodes where Lucille negotiates with the angel of death (or summoning angel) to give her more time are insights into Berg's own aging process and thoughts about what comes after this life. For those of us in her age group, we can relate to those thoughts.

The ending is a bit abrupt, but all the loose ends are tied up and all that is left is the disappointment that Night of Miracles is finished.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this warm and wonderful novel.

Was this review helpful?