Sassafras

Description
Newly widowed Champs Noland hates Egret’s Pond, the retirement community he nicknamed Regret’s Pond.

Tired of empty condolences, “What to Expect When You’re Grieving” pamphlets, and casseroles delivered by do-gooding widows, he flees to his ramshackle summer cabin on the Sassafras River bringing the golden urn containing Pat’s ashes with him.

His plan?

To spend his days idly fishing on his rusty old boat, Tetanus, and drinking beer. Alone.

But troubled waters await him.

Not only is Pat dead, but his daughter Laura has redecorated his beloved cabin with plans to rent it out as a “hair-being-bee.” His boat is gone, his beer fridge is filled with watermelon-flavored Perrier, and his plans for solitude are shattered by interfering neighbors, a notorious chicken-farming arsonist, and the arrival of his demanding adult children.

When he’s confronted with a shocking secret, Champs must decide if he’s going to dwell in the past and continue to hide behind his gruff exterior, or let go of the golden urn and embrace the uncertainty of living—and loving—again.

By turns poignant, humorous, and uplifting, Sassafras is a richly drawn story of the transformational power of loss, friendship, and family.

This was a beautifully written book. Very touching, full of some crazy family issues as he holds on to his wife in an urn. I was connected to Champ on a deep level. He had lost, and his family was brilliant in driving him into transformation. Lose, friendships and family, and life is meant to live.

I enjoyed this novel about a feisty older man who has just lost his wife. The author has captured Champs’ voice with honesty and grit and I smiled many times and laughed out loud quite a few at his perception of life.

The characters are well-written except I felt that Laura didn’t have a lot of depth until we find out about the baby she lost. Also, I see no motivation for Pat to have slept with someone else. It is mentioned that she was very drunk the night it happened, but there was no indication at all before this revelation that Pat was prone to getting drunk or even drinking! So I found that a bit hard to believe.

I enjoyed watching Champs change and transform as the story unraveled. And I especially liked Josanne and her healing cross stitch samplers for people who’d lost loved ones!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Funny, endearing, and important! We can all learn a thing or two from Champs and the Noland family. One of the biggest take-aways for me was, "You can't do it alone."


Newly widowed Champs Noland hates Egret’s Pond, the retirement community he nicknamed Regret’s Pond.
Champs must decide if he’s going to dwell in the past and continue to hide behind his gruff exterior, or let go of the golden urn and embrace the uncertainty of living—and loving—again. (from the publisher)

You will fall in love with Champs, Josanne, and the entire Nolan Clan. Kudos to Trish Heald for taking a tough subject that is tough to talk about and tougher to deal with and making a sweet story that was a joy to read.

I also loved Sassafras' beautiful cover art. This entire book was a win! I would highly recommend this book. Thank you, NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.