'Night of Miracles' is a heartwarming, hopeful read
By SANDY MAHAFFEY FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR Dec 22, 2018

There are times when I really need a book that is just going to make me happy, make me feel good
and give me hope. At those times, one of the best authors to ll that need is Elizabeth Berg. If you
loved “The Story of Arthur Truluv,” then sit back and pick up “Night of Miracles.”
That just might have something to do with the fact that we are still in that wonderful small
Midwestern town, Mason, with some of those same characters we grew to love, like curmudgeon
Lucille Howard with a heart of gold and Maddy, the teen Arthur and Lucille took in, and her young
daughter, Nola. But Berg also introduces her readers to many wonderful new characters equally as
lovable and quirky.
Some are struggling to overcome heartbreaking loss, some facing tremendous adversity, while
others are just learning how to go after what they need in their lives. The stories entwine beautifully
as they all search for joy, fulllment, friendship and love. Yes, it is a sweet story, but it is actually one
you can believe happening. I found it to be an enchanting tale that left me with a warm, hopeful
feeling. These days, I think we could all use more of that.
Sandy Mahaffey is former Books editor with The Free Lance–Star.

Writing the final women’s fiction post for HEA is such a bittersweet moment. It has been an honor to share noteworthy women’s fiction books with you, and I am glad that I have this one last opportunity to do so.
This blog is a hodgepodge — with books that are out now and are soon to be released and won’t be out until months later.
Happy reading …
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg (out now)
What it’s about:
The feel-good book of the year: a delightful novel of friendship, community, and the way small acts of kindness can change your life, by the bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most.
The right stuff: Perfect for this time of year. Full of wonderful friendships and heartwarming moments. A bit bittersweet, but readers are left more with the feeling that kindness can work miracles than any sadness.
In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
When everything has gone to the dogs …
When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.
Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places.
The right stuff: Zany Black Dog Bay is back! Full of wonderful characters, sometimes adorable dogs and second chances at love. All the things we’ve come to love about this series! (See a fun Q&A on HEA with Beth about In Dog We Trust.)
The Best of Us by Robyn Carr (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.
Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.
When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
The right stuff: Dare I say it? This feels like almost the conclusion to the Sullivan’s Crossing series, with all the loose ends tied up so neatly with two engaging romances and appearances by the cast of characters.
The Secret Life of Mac by Melinda Metz (Jan. 29)
What it’s about:
He’s the cat thief of love
MacGyver the tabby is feeling very pleased with himself. His human, Jamie Snyder, has found the perfect packmate—and it’s all thanks to Mac. By stealing personal items from the home of Jamie’s handsome neighbor David, the matchmaking cat brought these two L.A. singles together. Now, while the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon, MacGyver is ready for a well-deserved cat nap. That is, until he meets his cat sitter Briony. Like most humans, she’s hopeless when it comes to romance. And Mac can’t resist a challenge …
She’s found the escape claws
Briony feels terrible about leaving her fiancé at the altar. When her cousin Jamie offers her the chance to cat sit MacGyver, the runaway bride leaps at the chance to cuddle up with the only male creature she trusts herself around. But MacGyver has other plans. He lures Briony to a friendly neighborhood retirement community—run by a charming young hottie named Nate. Briony and Nate hit it off instantly. But Briony’s still not sure she’s ready for a relationship. And Nate’s got problems of his own—someone is sabotaging his community.
Crazy humans. Why can’t they follow their instincts and go after the love they deserve? MacGyver is on the case. And this time, he’s not pussyfooting around …
The right stuff: It seems apropos that my first post for HEA featured a book by Ms. Metz — Talk to the Paw, and so does the final one. Charming and cute sometimes get a bad name, but not in this case. Pure delightful escapism with plenty of laughs.
The Military Wife by Laura Trentham (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Harper Lee Wilcox has been marking time in her hometown of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina since her husband, Noah Wilcox’s death, nearly five years earlier. With her son Ben turning five and living at home with her mother, Harper fights a growing restlessness, worried that moving on means leaving the memory of her husband behind.
Her best friend, Allison Teague, is dealing with struggles of her own. Her husband, a former SEAL that served with Noah, was injured while deployed and has come home physically healed but fighting PTSD. With three children underfoot and unable to help her husband, Allison is at her wit’s end.
In an effort to reenergize her own life, Harper sees an opportunity to help not only Allison but a network of other military wives eager to support her idea of starting a string of coffee houses close to military bases around the country.
In her pursuit of her dream, Harper crosses paths with Bennett Caldwell, Noah’s best friend and SEAL brother. A man who has a promise to keep, entangling their lives in ways neither of them can foresee. As her business grows so does an unexpected relationship with Bennett. Can Harper let go of her grief and build a future with Bennett even as the man they both loved haunts their pasts?
The right stuff: Nicely done story of husband’s best friend to lover! Complex relationship issues will keep you turning the pages. Perfect feel-good ending.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will?
It’s simply not in Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?
But then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?
The right stuff: Sophie Kinsella writes wonderful stories about heroines going from low self-esteem to finally getting it right, and this definitely fits the bill. Humor, lots of character growth and a sweet romance.
Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper (April 2)
What it’s about:
Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
The right stuff: Perfect blend of wacky, poignant and amusing. Escaping into one of Molly Harper’s book is pure entertainment.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center (Aug. 13)
What it’s about:
Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s a total pro at other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own.
The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.
Katherine Center’s Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt and healing tour-de-force about the strength of vulnerability, the nourishing magic of forgiveness, and the life-changing power of defining courage, at last, for yourself.
The right stuff: I know, you’re thinking, August? But this book is so good! Loved the juxtaposition of the hero’s and heroine’s roles. She’s the expert and he is the rookie. Fabulous forgiveness theme. Humorous and touching!
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.

This book was absolutely charming. "Night of Miracles" was my first read by Author Elizabeth Berg but it will not be my last! I went into this not knowing much about it. I was a little confused at first but after some quick research found out that it is a follow-up. With that being said, it can be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the first book first as it does center around some of the same characters. This story was truly heartwarming!

* I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

A feel-good story about various people in a small town coming together to help each other out -- many characters from Berg's Story of Arthur Truluv. Perfect when you just want something nice to read!

I think this book would really appeal to fans of Fredrik Backman, as it did to be. It's a moving story, at times, sad at times wryly humorous and I really enjoyed it from start to finis. Recommended!

One of favourite authors has once more met my expectations. I loved this book and recommend it frequently.

Night of Miracles is a stand-alone novel featuring characters from Berg’s 2017 charmer The Story of Arthur Truluv. While you could read it without reading Arthur, please don’t as you’ll miss so much. Lucille, a baker extraordinaire, hires new resident Iris to help her with her baking classes and more town relationships develop.

I loved every moment of reading this book. The characters were so different and were developed so beautifully, I really felt like I was part of their lives. Thank you, Ms. Berg, for this gift!

Such a heartwarming story about the residence of Mason and how their lives intertwine and the friendships that blossom. I like the fact that the characters are all adults in the mid to late stages of life and are living busy fulfilled lives. Lucille teaches baking classes and takes on a new resident Iris as her assistant. The desserts are so deliciously describrd that my mouth was watering! Lucille also becomes a stand in grandmother for her niehbors son as they face a medical tragedy. My favorite characters were Tiny and Monica who were hopelesly in love
with each other but too shy to let the other know. This book will give you all of the “feels” Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Charming!

This is follow up to “The Story of Arthur Truluv"and I recommend you read Arthur first. The reader is reunited with Lucille and Maddy, as they embark on the next big adventure in their lives.

While thisone is quite a good as Arhur Truluv there is plenty to love about this story. The eccentric group of characters, each struggling with trials and heartache, find a niche, or comfort in some way from Lucille and her kitchen.

Recommend!

Swift, saccharine, and simplistic, this book falls solidly in the grumpy old person isn't so grumpy as they seem category. Although the book tries desperately to recall a time gone by still existing in a hidden little hamlet of Missouri. A few too many characters to follow leaping over their impossible hurdles to happiness. This book is about as sugary sweet as the pastries mentioned within, but I prefer my small town novels with a pinch of salt.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to review this sweet read for free.

You can find d summaries of the book I many places, so when I review books, I prefer to tell you about my overall opinion, rather than give you a summary
This book was a very enjoyable book. It was a quick read. The characters were true-to-life. It is about multigenerational relationships, which was an intriguing idea. Not only did was get to see the older persons view of life, we also got to see the same situation from the point-of-view of the child. I liked that a lot.

I was so thrilled when I found out Elizabeth Berg was going to revisit the fictional town of Mason, Missouri and continue the narrative that began with The Story of Arthur Truluv. And Night of Miracles was another five star read for me and absolutely one of the best books I've read this year!

Night of Miracles continues the story of Lucille Howard. Her baking classes are really taking off and she has developed quite the following. Through Lucille, we also meet the young family who lives next door and see first hand the challenges they face. We also meet Iris, Lucille's newly hired assistant, and witness how her life changes over the course of the book. I just can't tell you how well Elizabeth Berg develops characters that you really feel like you know. I became so invested in this story and loved every minute.

Night of Miracles is a story about the depth of human kindness and is a touching and endearing read. I highly recommend Night of Miracles, and while it is a sequel, it could truly be read as a stand alone as well.

I received this book courtesy of Random House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This title first caught my attention because it was a continuation of the Arthur Truluv story. I was not disappointed! The story was engaging, made you care for each character, and made me cry actual tears. Any novel that can cause a physical reaction is worth reading and recommending.

Well, after reading "Arthur Truluv" I just wanted to know how Maddy's life turned out...so I was thrilled to see this sequel and was even more delighted to find out :-) Oh, Maddy, I'm so happy for you! And, this wasn't even Maddy's story, but the story of the small town of Mason and the intertwining lives of a handful of its inhabitants - again with unlikely friendships and varying definitions of love and life and how our lives touch others in unknown and unexpected ways. A wonderful feel-good tale (with plenty of tears at the end!)

This quiet, slice-of-life book continues the events begun in THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV. Lucille now lives alone in Arthur's house, as Maddie lives elsewhere. Lucille still teaches baking classes to the locals. She interacts with others in the town: Tiny, the taxi driver who crushes on Monica, the diner waitress, who is jealous of Tiny's new friend, who works for Lucille. Although I liked Arthur's story better, this one is still interesting and entertaining and charming.

A sequel to Arthur Truluv. You will recognize many of the characters from that story. Mason is the setting, a typical small town where everyone knows about everyone. There is love and laughter, distress and happiness, jealousy and forgiveness. A very easy read, well written. The author lets us into the hearts and minds of each of the characters.

I just loved this book! Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint at all. Each chapter is about a different character in the story and it was so well written that it just flowed. The characters are very real and their lives are all connected in one way or another. This lovely heart warming story stays with you for awhile after you've finished the book. Strongly recommend.

If you missed the Truluv people, this is for you. Not as good as the first one but that's to be expected. I'd live in this town with these people. A good dip out from the real world. Free e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Night of Miracles (Arthur Truluv #2) by Elizabeth Berg. I did not read the first Arthur Truluv book but I believe this book can stand alone. This is first Elizabeth Berg novel I have read. The characters are warm, wonderful and unique.

A wonderful heart felt and warming story that makes your heart smile. The characters are beautifully thought out and well written. You find yourself loving these characters as if they are your friends. A story of love, struggle, forgiveness and life.

I do plan on going back and reading The Story of Arthur Trulov because I loved Night of Miracles.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Elizabeth Berg for an ARC in exchange for an honest review