Stories that Bind Us is a moving novel that touches on so many issues surrounding us today, while holding God in the very center of them. The novel, by Susie finkbeiner, is about Betty Sweet, who loses her husband at the early age of 40. Widowed and heartbroken, she is trying to make sense of life now, when her younger sister Clara shows up with her young, mixed son Hugo. When Clara has to go to a sanitarium for help, Betty and Hugo find joy again in the stories Betty tells. But, the early sixties is a time of racial strain as the civil rights movement is pushing forward. Betty discovers that her own ideas need to be examined and changed. She also discovers that living Hugo will change her and help her heal. Touching on racism, mental health, and loneliness, this book will have your crying, thinking, and also smiling and giggling some too. Well worth the read. I freely offer my opinion for this story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to read it.

Set in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, this story could just as easily be told today!

When Betty married her high school sweetheart, Norman Sweet, she had dreams of a long life together. But after 20 years of marriage, her husband felt ill one afternoon and quickly passed due to a heart attack. They’d had a good marriage filled with love and lots of bakery treats from the Sweet Family Bakery that they helped run. But she quickly fell into depression and if not for her sister-in-law, she might have stayed there. Then one day she had a surprise visitor at her door, her estranged sister and her five-year-old son. Betty forges a bond with her biracial nephew and learns the ugly truth about the world as well as herself. She reflects upon stories that her mother told her growing up that begin to bind their family’s relationships even tighter.

Susie Finkbeiner is a master at storytelling. Her books can bring historical events into a picture that allow readers to see what happened in a new light. From the dust bowl to the Vietnam War to the Civil Rights movement, she doesn’t capture the high points of the era and press on. What she captures is so much more beautiful and crucial to our understanding of the times. She captures everyday life of a normal person and family.

Betty is this person. An average white female living in Michigan. She’s far from the throes of the racially charged south and she sees the news, but largely ignores it as it does not directly affect her. But when she meets her nephew Hugo, that begins to change. She never sees him as anything more than a little boy, which is all that he is. And her family only sees that as well. But other people in the town do see him as different and she quickly realizes how ugly people can be. I hope that readers are able to take this book to heart and begin to understand the importance of true relationships with one other. As the stories Betty shares throughout the book bind her and Hugo, so do they bind us as readers!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Now here is a story that is satisfying to read. Susie Finkbeiner touches all kinds of emotions as she leads the reader through a story that is mixed with shock, questioning, sadness, determination and joy. Since the story takes place in the 1960's, the author doesn't shy away from hard topics like racism, depression and anxiety, and death of a loved one, but brings them up with such care and grace throughout the book. I loved that the book takes place in my home state of Michigan. It's always fun to read about cities you're familiar with, and my home city of Grand Haven even got a mention. Betty Sweets' character is so down-to-earth, and I loved the stories she made up to tell her young nephew, Hugo. I can't say enough good about this book and would highly recommend it! You can check out her books by clicking here to visit her website.

A new book by Susie Finkbeiner? After I read All Manner of Things, I knew I would read her subsequent books. That book was so good. I’m comes Stories That Bind Us! I was excited to see another book by this author. I had probably, too high expectations for the book. It started out fantastic. The characters are amazingly well written. The story floats along at the beginning. And then I feel like it kind of stagnates. The story is still good but it is slow. It’s very real life in pace. Not the super high flashy stories of Hollywood. The slow small town stories we know growing up. The ones we feel don’t mean much. There’s power behind the words of the story. The characters live life and find life in their family. I love the way Susie Finkbeiner writes her sentences. They have meaning. However, I found myself just a little bored with this book and wondering where it was headed. It was nice that it was unpredictable. That’s hard to do! Overall the story was nice. Not gripping like the first book I read. Would I recommend it? Sure. Yea. Would I read it a 2nd time? No. It won’t be a repeat read for me. I gave the book 3 stars. I received a copy from the publisher. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This is my first Susie Finkbeiner story and gosh, what a delightful surprise it was. It starts slowly and never really increases in pace which is unusual for the stories I mostly read. But it wasn;'t long before I was captivated by this story of family.

We meet Betty Sweet, recently turned 40, in the early 60s. Her husband, Norman, dies suddenly and there is a void in her life. Small town LaFontaine, not too far from Detroit, is the setting featuring a Main Street with the family-owned and run bakery: The Sweet Bakery, Betty's in-laws where Norman also worked.

Norman's family comes around Betty in her grieving and we get to meet Albert, his brother and Marvel, his sister plus Pop, the patriarch of the family. We could meet these characters on the street, there's no frills, simply true to life people. Marvel has twin ten year old boys: Nick and Dick, who are full of energy and mischief as one expects of twins at that age.

Finkbeiner writes short chapters which typically are split between Betty telling us a story of the past: her mom, her childhood with sister Clara, meeting Norman and their courtship and then the current time. They're usually linked in some manner and so what gradually builds is a family portrait, one full of the love, loss, struggles with mental health and the everyday meanderings of life. Nothing much happens but it's engrossing.

And then there's Hugo. He shines a light into Betty's world. He's a special little boy, and Finkbeiner ever so gracefully deals with issues of race and prejudice with this innocent child. It's beautiful to read.

I was sad the book ended even though not much happened but Finkbeiner's soft touches with the character's faith, familial love and gentle portrayal of mental health are captivating. I feel privileged to have read this beautiful story.

Now to locate Susie's earlier ones.

I received an early release ebook copy from the Revell Reads programs enabled by NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.

What a beguiling and captivating novel, Stories That Bind Us is! Susie Finkbeiner captures the era of the ’60s in vivid, powerful and striking detail.

Betty Sweet and her sister, Clara, grew up in tough circumstances. Betty was able to overcome most of her younger life with the help of her husband, Norman, and her penchant for inventing stories. Her faith in God lifted her above the adversity in her life. Sadly, Clara was not so lucky.

Stories That Bind Us takes us through tumultuous times for our country and for Betty and Clara. Even though there seems to be a lot of turbulence and upheaval in their lives, Betty is able to ground herself and Clara’s son, Hugo, with her stories. Betty’s tales are relevant to the situations she and Hugo often encounter.

Reading the novel instilled a positive, encouraging and heartening feeling about life. Despite depressing and heartbreaking times, both in their lives and in the United States, Finkbeiner shines the light on the good and wonderful aspects of life, family and love.

I enjoyed the flashbacks to the “oldies” music of the ’60s, which reminded me of my childhood. Accounts of historical events also teased my mind, as I vaguely remembered news stories and happenings in areas I lived in or near, which resonate with current events now.

A novel that will stay with you for a long time after reading it, Stories That Bind Us, is a must-read for anyone interested in faith-inspired historical fiction.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.

#StoriesThatBindUs #NetGalley

If I didn’t already have the (e)book in front of me when I began reading the reviews by other authors, I would be making a point of getting hold of a copy. And then when I began the book itself : well! It ‘had’ me from the opening paragraph... I just knew I was going to love it! I had no idea what to expect as I started this book; in fact the writing is very moving & there are pearls of wisdom subtly included for good measure. I mustn’t spoil the story but will say the subject will affect half of us at some stage, & we have no way of knowing when. I like the way snippets of history are interspersed with day-to-day life, helping place it in time. Every character is immensely likeable – it makes a welcome change to be reading about genuinely good people. It is a bitter/sweet book, which made me laugh & made me cry. And did I say I loved it?! Oh, the power of stories... This is an absolute gem of a book, & I shall certainly be recommending it to my Library so others can share.

I love this authors’ cast of characters, her writing style and the way she has readers think about hard topics. Here is a glimpse at the Sweet family and what she thought about her families move in the 1960’s. This is told through Betty Sweets voice, “LaFontaine was a Goldilocks-sized town. Not so big that someone could be completely invisible. Not so small that everyone knew the business of everybody else. It was just right.”

I also enjoyed how the author showed Betty and Norman’s adorable relationship here’s a peek, Betty brought lunch to Norman’s job. Betty recalls his reaction, “Thank you, sweet Betty Sweet,” he whispered into my ear and put his hands on my hips, “I’m happy to show my appreciation when I get home tonight.”

“Oh, you’ll do up the dishes after dinner? What a treat that would be.” I pulled away from him and gave him what I hoped was a flirty like wink.”

“If that’s what you want to call it.” Norman smiles. This scene made me smile too!

Betty had a talent she didn’t share with many and her husband encouraged her to develop. When her sisters 5 year old son Hugo came to live with them she felt comfortable sharing her stories with him. Here’s a snippet of one Betty told Hugo after a bad dream, “…Sam (the turtle) decided one day that the world was just too scary,”…He thought that if he could hide from the world, he’d be safe.”

“The trouble was, Sam was so worried about getting hurt that he missed all the wonderful things around him. He didn’t see a rainbow that crossed the entire sky after the rain….. And when the hummingbirds came to visit the honeysuckle near where he hid in his shell, he missed them completely.”

“Don’t let the scary things of the world keep you from seeing the good….Even the darkest night can’t put out all the light.”

Good word. I also enjoyed the authors insight shown through Betty as she shared bible stories with Hugo and as she listened to Martin Luther Kings, “I have a Dream” speech. Betty ponders, “Maybe it hadn’t been a lack of understanding in me, but an unwillingness to listen and learn.”…..”.listening to the crowds cheer on Dr. King, keeping my eyes fixed on the little brown boy (Hugo) being held up by his older pink-colored cousins (Nick and Dick), my thinking shifted.”

“How would it be for Nick and Dick to be able to go to a good school that Hugo could never attend? For the twins to enter through the front door while Hugo was required to walk in the back…. Nick and Dick could stand up against injustice and be lauded for making their voices heard. Hugo would suffer the spray of fire hoses and the bites of police dogs for the very same stand.”

“All because of the tone of their skin.”…“Sitting on my living room floor, a mending shirt in my lap and Martin Luther King Jr. still speaking through the television. I realized why it was worth the fight.”

“All it had taken was loving someone like Hugo to clear my vision..It should have mattered to me all along.”

I adored this family the good, the bad and the misunderstood. I enjoyed Betty and her nephew Hugo and how she encouraged him to have fun, play in the mud and water with his cousins Nick and Dick no matter how scared he was. I enjoyed the slow pace of the story that allowed me to bask in special moments along with the characters. I liked how this author talks about heavy topics and naturally wove in a spiritual thread that had the reader think things through for themselves as Betty did.

This book is a fun read and one that would work well for your next book club pick. If you haven’t read anything by this author, you don’t want to miss this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org

Such a timely book! I’m sure when author Susie Finkbeiner wrote this she was not expecting it fit so perfectly into current events.

Finkbeiner writes a heartwarming story that contains family love, pain, discrimination, addiction, and hope. Her characters are strongly written and I found myself becoming very attached to them. They could be the people who live next door and little Hugo could be attending your child’s school. They were caring, fun, and determined.

With sight seeing trips that were fun and written in details that allowed me to see where Betty and Hugo traveled, and engaging bedtime stories for Hugo, there was whimsy along with the depth. I truly hope Finkbeiner branches out and writes some children’s books for us.

If you enjoy historical fiction then you must get a copy of Stories That Bind Us.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Not many authors can pull a reader in as quickly as Susie Finkbeiner. I cried within 20 pages of text! This is a touching read that I savored. The characters were so real that I loved each one and felt so attached, I felt like I was right there with them experiencing the book. The Sweet men are truly some of the most thoughtful, sweet characters I have ever read about. This book has a timely message right now with all that is going on in the world with a biracial nephew. This is Betty’s story/point of view, but it shows how Hugo, an unexpected blessing in Betty’s life, teaches her how adults learn from children with their loving innocence and how stories help us all.

Stories That Bind Us is an emotional rollercoaster! With love, grief, hope, and bittersweet remembrance.

With a lovely writing style Susie Finkbeiner offers a need to read novel set during one of many trying times in our country's past.

From now on Finkbeiner is on my need to read list for all of her books.

If you don't read it for the cover, read it for Hugo!

Stories That Bind Us is one of those books that lingers with you after you finish it. I thought it was well-written and captured the era. Significant historical events are included in this book including the assassination of JFK, Martin Luther Kings “I Have a Dream” speech, and an elephant that rampaged a city. The author touches upon the difficult subjects of depression, death, and racism. I thought she handled these sensitive topics very well. The present is interspersed with stories and memories of the past. We learn about Betty’s growing up years, how she met the Sweet family, her marriage to Norman, how much Mama Sweet meant to Betty, and other memories. It all comes together into one lovely tale. The Sweet family is realistic with their joys and struggles. They have a bakery in a small town where a chain bakery is trying to run them out of business. Pops Sweet is getting older and Albert still pines for Clara. Marvel and Stan are raising their mischievous twin sons who are kind to their grieving aunt. The stories that bind people together are their memories of loved ones and friends. I like how Betty’s make-believe stories fit into the book and how they help a frightened little boy. They formed a bond between Betty and Hugo. Hugo was such a sweet little fellow. I had to laugh along with Betty and Marvel when Hugo jumped into the mud pool with the twins. I thought the Stories That Bind Us is timely considering what is currently going on in our country. Stories that Bind Us is a heartwarming tale filled with hope, love, special memories, and family.

There are authors that have the ability to take readers inside a story and make them feel as if they are part of it. This author is one of them. Her writing is emotional, honest and forever feels your heart with warmth. Betty was easy to like with her gentle spirit. She is only forty and already a widow. My heart broke in pieces as I could feel her loss. I love the time period and how the author lets us experience history making news.

It seems only yesterday that we were watching a man named Martin Luther King Jr. give a speech that was so powerful I have never forgotten it. Yes he had a dream that one day there would be no prejudice and we would all love one another. The author also includes the tragic death of President Kennedy.

When Clara and Hugo were introduced into the story, I immediately knew this would be a journey that would take me through tissues, laughter and hope. The author shares stories about Betty and Clara’s childhood. It wasn’t easy for them to have a mother who spent more time in bed than with them. Bless their father for trying to make their lives as normal as he could. Hugo is a sweet child who is timid and has fears of being left. Oh if I could hug him I would. That little boy captured my heart and I loved how Betty connected with him through stories. He was easily welcomed into the family and never once was he made to feel anything but family.

The stigma of mental illness is one that many families face everyday. As Clara begins to show signs that she needs help, Betty was right there to help her. I loved how Betty stepped up and took over the care of Hugo and showered him with love and security. It was hard to watch Clara start to descend into a state where hospitalization was needed. I can’t imagine the treatments she received were easy, but Betty was there to give her sister encouragement. I think it helped Clara to know that she had family that cared and would not abandon her.

The story is a look at a broken family that finds their way back to each other in a moving journey through tears, joy and hope. I cheered at the ending because the author gives readers a glimpse at what unconditional love looks like.

I received an arc copy of this book from Revell Reads. The review is my own opinion.

Susie Finkbeiner never disappoints in delivering powerful stories. Like her other books, STORIES THAT BIND US begins with a historical setting that brought challenges and change to America, this time it is 1963. Betty Sweet, like Finkbeiner's other main characters, is living an ordinary life when everything changes. Just forty years old, Betty adores her husband and their small town life outside Detroit. In many ways, she is the typical 1960's housewife. That Norman has been her protector ever since she arrived in town when she was 14 years old, poor and neglected, makes their life together even stronger. It even helps buffer the pain they've felt over being childless. Then Norman dies unexpectedly and Betty finds herself rudderless in grief. When the sister who had disappeared years before shows up, bringing with her a 5 year old bi-racial son, Betty must begin to step out of that grief. And one way she does this is by telling young Hugo a new story each night. Some are versions of the stories her mother, a woman who battled mental illness, once told Betty and sister Clara, some are Bible stories, and some Betty makes up with Hugo's help. All are nuggets of wisdom and healing. Like her other books, Finkbeiner delivers powerful messages of strength and hope amid life crises, hope based on quiet steps of faith. As the young bi-racial Hugo takes a place in Betty's heart, her eyes open to prejudice around her and she sees racial tensions of the 1960's with new eyes. Besides race, this book takes on mental illness, its effects on families, and more. Another reviewer called this book "a gift" and I concur. In fact, I believe that everyone of her books is a gift, and she certainly proves her premise that stories bind us -- make us aware of our shared humanity, our need for each other, the many ways love can express itself, and the strength that we can find in our faith. I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are mine. (less)

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A compelling character driven novel, whose quietest moments speak loudest.



Betty Sweet is only forty years old, and still reeling from the death of her beloved husband, recounting memories, when her estranged sister pops back into her life, along with her five year old son, Hugo.



Told through the eyes of Betty, she recalls moments from years past, both painful and beautiful, from life with her sister, father and mother, to meeting her husband, as well as stories all her own.



The Sweets are a close knit family, and I loved every single one of them, and how they band together, doing whatever they can to help each other. If you asked me to pick a favorite I don't think that I could, from Norm, Pops, Marvel, Albert, Mom Sweet, Nick and Dick they were all brought so vividly to life that I could just see them in my mind's eye. I suppose my least favorite was Stan, purely from a lack of page time standpoint and the fact that he technically isn't a Sweet, but even he is pretty fantastic. I love how Nick and Dick include Hugo in all of their games and mischief, not minding that he is half their age.



This was a heart-tugging read, and like I mentioned earlier more character driven than plot driven,so there were some slower moments, but since they fit the flow of this story I didn't really mind them that much even though I noticed them.



This is an enjoyable and compelling read set in the 1950's, capturing snapshots of a life, and the little moments that turn into memories. This story works well in the first person POV, and I couldn't help falling in love with little Hugo and his curiosity about the world around him and innocent intelligence. Spellbinding, would lose track of time as I became immersed in Betty's world as she shared it with Hugo. Full of faith, this beautiful book shows the bonds of family and the Stories That Bind Us.





I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh this book was so good! I didn't want it to be over, and I hope there is another to follow. I would love to read the continuing story of all in the Sweet family. What a wonderful glimpse into their world.

The author takes events that are seemingly part of the mundane things of life and makes you care so deeply about how they are going to turn out. She tackles big issues with grace, humanity, and love. Betty is an amazing character, and I laughed and cried with her the whole way through. I was equal parts angry and frustrated when Clara came on the scene and turned Betty's world upside-down.

But then, Hugo.

Oh what a gift he was to Betty at a time she so needed it!! I loved the way the story unfolded, and family came together to rally around those in need. The tender care of the Sweets is something I wish every person could experience for themselves; the way we all ought to treat each other.

I almost thought there were too many side stories for Hugo, but the point they each made was really well done. And I suppose, that is the title of the book, after all. I would definitely read another book by this author, and just might read this one again soon.

Susie Finkbeiner is a master storyteller who never hesitates to tackle hard subjects with sensitivity. Stories That Bind Us is a snapshot of life in the middle 1900s—the ups and downs, the everyday struggles, and the events that defined and shaped the people who lived through them. It’s about the stories that surround us in our lives, how they make us who we are and form our memories, and how they can comfort and help heal.

This tale is full of realistic, ordinary, broken characters trying to navigate through the messiness of life. The author seamlessly pieces together snippets from the past with ones from the present to form a beautiful tapestry of life. Having lived through much of the same era, it was interesting to read some of the slices of history that she wrote into the story.

Powerful themes of compassion, healing, and love of family combine to make this a heartwarming and memorable read. I’m looking forward to more stories from this fantastic author. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany Publishing/ NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Beautiful! That's the simplest way to describe Stories That Bind Us, just beautiful! This story will warm your heart and break your heart. It pulls you into the past as if a friend is sharing their own story with you over a hot cup of tea. The characters will make you love them and hope their story has a happy ending. It will leave you thinking over your own stories and how and who they bind you to. A story that will touch your heart and leave you moved!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book has some of the most wonderful characters that just melt your heart. A story of growing through hardships in many forms. I cried and laughed on this beautiful roller coaster ride of emotions. The author pulls you in from page one and draws you into a story of love and lost. Family is definitely worth fighting for and this story shows the beauty of that. I enjoyed so much of the history that is talked about not to mention the bakery, I could almost smell the goodies baking. The prejudice of the times saddens me but the author shows how far we as a country have come, we need to love not judge because of our skin color. This a fantastic book that will capture your heart!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Free review copy from Revell. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the timeframe of this novel. I could not imagine being a widow in the early 1960s, yet Finkbeiner illustrates her story so well. She handles her challenges with so much determination and grace. While she seems to keep getting hard situations given to her and happening to her throughout the story, she continues to be the person that is needed in each situation. The story also has lessons from storytelling woven throughout, and they way they connect with Hugo is a unique way of teaching lessons to this child that has had a tough life.


There are times when I think the author got wordy in her writing and storytelling. I found some parts really long for what it was trying to accomplish.