I love everything about Stories That Bind Us. The tone, the warmth, the beautiful family, gorgeous pieces of wisdom. I don't know how Susie Finkbeiner does it, but somehow she always strikes the perfect balance in her stories. Her God-given talent as a writer is to show that both grief and joy co-exist in life, that it's a continuous reconciliation between the two. Betty Sweet is one of the best characters I have met this year, and the rest of the family can be included in that as well. The issues here are relevant and timeless. Finkbeiner addresses heavy topics in this story, including mental illness, grief, and prejudice. She doesn't exaggerate or sensationalize any of theses themes, but rather lets them play out as a part of life, both the good and the bad.

Betty Sweet is a widow, who suddenly has to take care of her nephew, Hugo. She goes from not even knowing Hugo existed to realizing that her life will never be the same without him. Their relationship is not without bumps along the way, but it is a beautiful unfolding. Through the power of story and unconditional love, both begin to heal from their griefs, while still holding out hope that Hugo's mother will one day be well enough to come home.

I just love when I read a story at the exact time I needed to read it. I was right in the middle of this story when I received some unexpected and upsetting news. Life is full of griefs, big and small, unspeakable and mundane. But it's full of joy, too. Big, bold, beautiful joy. And stories that remind me to cling to those joys are keepers. It's not denying the grief or the heartache, but it's acknowledging that it doesn't win the day. It doesn't have the final say:

"...I imagined the bird perched in a nearby tree, not willing to be scared off by anything. As the night got darker, the bird would stay right where she was, singing even as the sun went down."

I could say more about this story, but sometimes fewer words are best; Stories That Bind Us is in my top five favorite novels of the year so far and is definitely on my keeper shelf. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; I was not required to post a positive review, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Finkbeiner knows how to write an engaging, emotional tale.The pace was a bit slower than I expected, but perhaps that was to represent the slower pace of life seen in the 60s. The author tackled some tough issues, such as mental health and racism. Unconditional love is a key theme. I really enjoyed Betty and Hugo. Both were easy to connect with and root for. I think many readers will with they had an aunt like Betty. I've been to Michigan a few times, so I liked that I could relate to the setting. Overall, this was a delightful read.


Possible trigger warnings: loss of spouse and depression

Finkbeiner knows how to write a touching story. This one includes losing a spouse, family relationships, local and national racial issues, a small business surviving a chain store moving in, mental illness, and more. For a senior reader like me, it was a journey down memory lane, remembering the music, fashions, and headlines of the early 1960s. The characters are engaging, regular people living life as they face great challenges in life. My favorite was little Hugo. He was a darling.

Perhaps a warning to potential readers is in order. Betty, the main character, loses her husband when she is just forty years old. Potential readers who have recently lost a spouse may find this book painfully emotional. The same goes for readers who struggle with depression or have helped a family member struggling with depression and suicidal desires. Finkbeiner does a good job covering both of these situations but for some, it may be too hard to remain unaffected by the deeply emotional story.

I enjoyed this novel. It took me a while to get the historical setting as a date was not given at the beginning. And the ending, while touching, I felt was unreasonable. Everything just doesn't turn out so well so fast in real life.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This was a very heartwarming book! I was moved by this story. I loved all of the little stories throughout the book that talk about not being afraid and about having hope. I loved all of the details that made this story come to life. My only complaint was that the ending felt abrupt.



I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Stories That Bind Us is the story of Betty Sweet and the events that happen to her in the present and in the past.

Shortly after her husband’s death, Betty is reunited with her estranged sister and becomes the guardian for her five-year-old nephew.

Within a very short time, the reader understands why the book is called Stories That Bind Us. Betty is a story-teller. She tells the reader the story of her life. She tells stories to her family.

Betty’s voice is sweet and clear. She uses stories to express her world and the reader is connected to her through them.

Stories That Bind Us is a sometimes sad story but it’s also a story of hope and perseverance. It’s a tale of the power of story to bind people together. It’s a reminder that story can be powerful and can change your life.

Over the course of the book, readers will see how Betty Sweet and the other characters grow through their challenges. I loved how Betty found ways to incorporate her stories into real life for Hugo expanding his horizons and making what could have been a difficult time into one of joy and growth.

Susie Finkbeiner weaves a powerful tale that will tug on your emotions. You will root for the characters celebrating their victories and experiencing their sorrows.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers and NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

Susie Finkbeiner knocked it out of the park again. I feel like I'm living in quaint LaFontaine with the whole Sweet family. Their last name suits them perfectly. They're such a kind, caring, & loving family. Heartbreak comes early and often for Betty Sweet but she's reminded of God's enduring love.
Special memories early are the stories that bind us. The places Betty travels brings back such good memories for me. Even the places I haven't been or don't exist anymore I can completely envision myself there.
Betty's story reminds us that sometimes we don't know how much we are lived until much later in life. Hard times can cloud the good memories. I teared up when Betty realized that her mother really did love her all along.
Forgiveness comes theyh action much more so than words. I am so grateful for Betty's heart and love that she shared with so many. Betty showed such love, compassion, & encouragement to her sister and others. I can't imagine how she didn't realize just how special she was.
Here are my two favorite quotes from the book. "God was in the whisper. But sometimes that whisper burned like fire. " "Don't let the scary things of the world keep you from seeing the good, " I whispered, as much to myself as to him. "Even ther darkest night can't put out all the light."

Stories that Bind Us is another amazing story from Susie Finkbeiner--a story of a family who has captivated this reader's heart and will not easily be forgotten. It is a story that is heartbreaking and yet, oh so heartwarming too. The author infuses a little humor throughout the story that keeps the hard parts from becoming dark and desolate. The richness of the characters and their emotions is genuine and deeply moving, resonating within the reader. Betty, an all too young widow, and a wonderful auntie-mama; Pop Sweet who made everyone feel as if they were God's gift to him; Marvel, a woman who knew just what to do at just the right time, and each of the other characters that bring so much into the story. The author tackles the gritty subjects of depression and mental illness, death and grief, and does it well. Readers will get caught up in the lives of these characters and their stories. The author has captured well the setting and era of Stories That Bind Us as she has expertly written the distinctive dialogue and descriptive scenes of the book. Having lived in Michigan for much of my life, I loved the references to places I know and have visited. Poignant and intense, this character-driven story takes the reader into the heart and soul of a family and their hard journey to a place of hope. Don't miss the chance to fall in love with the Sweet family as they find the power and beauty in stories--the power of stories that can change a life, can bring healing, and beauty in the words that can work their way into one's heart to bring wholeness.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Stories That Bind Us is a beautifully written inspirational book. Great plot with believable characters. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Susie Finkbeiner has a way of telling stories that make you feel you are sitting right at the kitchen table with the characters. I loved the family and wished I was one of them, but sometimes I felt that Betty Sweet and the Sweet family were just a little too perfect. I wanted Betty to get really angry at some point and it never happened. How I long to look at situations the way Betty Sweet does. I enjoyed this book along with every book Susie Finkbeiner has written. You will not be disappointed.

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

My heart is full.
Such a moving, heartwarming story of family. I have found another fictional family to love in the Sweet family. Storytelling is used to unite the family, memories the glue that binds them together. Susie Finkeiner navigates the hard topics of mental illness and grief with grace and finesse.
Although this is nostalgic work set in the early 1960's, the story of family is relevant regardless of historical setting. I find it refreshing that Ms. Finkbeiner pens stories that are set in time periods that are not overwhelmed on the fictional market today. Her message that our memories of loved ones are a gift is timeless.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Stories That Bind Us
A Novel
by Susie Finkbeiner
Revell
You Like Them
Christian
Pub Date 02 Jun 2020 | Archive Date 01 Jul 2020

You need to read this book! The storytelling is fantastic. I was absorbed in this book and will recommend it to our readers. Thanks to Net Galley and REvell for providing this ARC.
Christian books are in high demand at our library so this will be a hit.

I don't know how Finkbeiner does it. She puts her characters in horrendously difficult circumstances, makes me weep, and yet feel good all at the same time. She creates powerful characters that manage to be deep, light, fun, serious . . . so real and likable. How does she do it in every single book?

And Stories That Bind Us is no exception. Finkbeiner tackles racism, mental health, loss all while forming a story about the real meaning of love and constancy. The love story between Betty and her husband is poignant, one of the best romances I've ever read. The unconditional love Betty has for her sister and nephew is priceless.

If you haven't read Finkbeiner, go buy this book, read it, love it, and repeat with all her other books. You will not regret it.

Another magical read from Susie Finkbeiner, and she does not disappoint, you will be drawn in from the first page. She sure has a way with words, and while you will find your heart breaking at times for the main character here, you will also find that it is being warmed and bringing smiles to you at a different time.
We are offered Betty Sweet, but with her comes her husbands family, and they will wrap you up in their warmth and kindness, they sure lived their faith!
I found myself wondering how this was going to end, but we are entertained through out this read with delightful made up stories, and we find that the gifts keep giving, in the most unexpected ways!

I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was just the book I needed to read during these uncertain times. I fell in love with Betty and the rest of the Sweet family. I appreciated reading about the slower pace of life in the 1960’s and the importance of the stories we tell to ourselves and our loved ones. The main theme that even in the hardest times, like the sudden death of a spouse or a family member with a mental illness, we can still find hope if we cling to those stories and to God was the message that filled my heart while reading this book. Just right.

Oh man, the first chapter of this book gutted me! I was crying before I even realized it! Her writing is a little different then I normally read, but her story telling was on point.

Susie Finkbeiner has done it again - woven together a compelling, delightful, thought-provoking story with an incredible sense of place and flawed, lovable real characters. Set in the early 60's, history is delicately woven in to this story about loss, love, conflict, the power of story, sacrifice, and other timeless, and at the same time timely, issues. You will fall in love with, and no doubt relate to, Betty Sweet and Finkbeiner's wonderful cast of "ordinary" characters thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and maybe even grumble (or worse) at the characters as they experience life with all its joys and sorrows. A delightful, emotional , hopeful read well worth every word.. Stories That Bind Us is a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for purpose of review.

"Just along the horizon I saw the birth of the morning. This was the gift God had for me right that moment. I saw hope."
This passage struck me, I live this daily. Each and every morning I I say "thank you to God for giving me another day and for whatever that day brings". Each day is a gift, each day brings renewed hope.
Susie writes such great books about families and you will fall in love with the Sweet family and their small town life amidst some incredible historical events. Susie has a track record for tackling tough subjects... Cancer, the Vietnam war, the Dust Bowl, and more. And now, race and prejudice, mental illness, and a young widow. Despite writing about subjects that would lead one to expect her books might be dark and depressing, they are not. The overall message is always one of hope! Susie weaves together amazing stories of families and the Sweet family and their stories will stay with you for a very long time. I loved the character of Betty and I loved that Betty told such a wonderful stories! I love Betty's strength, her compassion, her patience. Hugo melted my heart and Dick and Nick captured my heart. I loved reading about so many places that I have visited! I really enjoyed reading all ofthe kitchy language and terms from that era. Pedal pushers and Bermuda shorts, girdles, and so many other fun references! I found it difficult to put this book down and yet, I wanted to delay the inevitable, that I would finish this book. I didn't want it to end! Stories that bind us has all the feels, I laughed and cried, each more than once. I was a bit angry on one or two occasions at the Injustice! And my heart was warmed by the consistent message of love and hope.




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Oh, friends, you definitely should read this book! Susie Finkbeiner has done it again! This book introduces you to characters you wish were your real friends and neighbors while weaving in historical events from the early 1960s. I especially appreciated the way she dealt with the mental health issues of one of the characters as well as the way that affected the people who loved her. You will experience a wide range of emotions reading Stories That Bind Us, but ultimately you will feel an overwhelming sense of hope.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

I have always loved this author since her previous book, All Manner of Things and this one did not disappoint either!

It is a sweet story of love, faith, family and the healing that can take place through our love for each other and the stories we share.

Just finished this wonderful story that I didn't want to end! Beautiful characters became real while I lived in their world created by Susie Finkbeiner. I felt joy, hope, sadness, grief, and happiness all in this well crafted story. Definitely worth the read! And someday I hope to see children's books created from the stories within this novel!