a *4.5* I received this book free on my e-reader from the author, Steven Manchester.I was happy to get the chance to read this wonderful book. The Main topic is " Family"the hurts, the misunderstandings, and lack of communication that goes with being part of a family. "the Rockin' Chair" starts out with John looking after his wife Alice. She has the end stage of dementia and other health problems.Alice is dying and John wants to get the family together to say goodbye.
John and Alice's son Hank lives nearby but they have gone a long time without speaking to each other.Hank harbors a lot of hurt and hard feelings toward his father that goes back to his childhood.Hank's three children are now grown. Goergey, Evan and Tara have moved away. All three have their own hurts, resentments toward their own father Hank.When the three hear news of their grandmother they come home. Each of the grown children are dealing with issues, of their own. all have their hurts and demons they are dealing with.
Over the course of seven months after all three kids decide to stay in Montana with grandpa John, things slowly start to change. Grandpa John helps the grandkids with the issues they each came with. offers advice.Slowly John and his son start to communicate about the problems and heal the rift between them. I like the story that Steven Manchester tells. it is one I can relate to. how many of us wish we could talk things out hear what we need to hear from relatives. the "I love you's" the characters need to hear. each of the character have their own issues that slowly each get help and advice. the Rocking chair in the story has it's part as well. since each relative has their named carved in the chair from Grandpa John.
A very nice heartwarming story anyone with a family can relate to.

A broad painting of a family at a crossroad, The Rockin' Chair is the latest novel by Steven Manchester.

While this novel opens with the death of Grandpa John's wife, there is also much reflection (through the use of flashbacks) on the past events of three generations of the McCarthy family. The summoning of the flock home leads to facing past memories, some good and some bad, and how fences can be mended before it is too late.


I am not sure this was the right novel for me at this time. I am facing our only child getting ready to head off to college; my wife and I are about to start our empty-nesting phase. For me, it is a time for new, exciting beginnings for all of us.

However, I do think this might be a good read for those who are facing difficult times in their own lives. It can provide an inspiration to address things long buried before it is too late to do so.

I read this in 2013 and never reviewed it. I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads, but didn't write a review. I cannot remember now why I gave it 3 stars.