I read The Second Half during a long flight and finished it when I got home, even though I had work to catch up. A most interesting take on the issues associated with grandparents being put in the position to take up parenting again. The children aren't all that happy either and the remaining parent is not able to change things for the moment. It was a good solution in the end. Very satisfying to read how everybody involved handles matters. Young couples may think the theme here not yet relevant, but if the husband is sent off and the mother is left alone, or if the mother deserted, as in this book - by all means read it.

Good thoughts on how to work out some things with the right kind of compromise.

I loved how well Snelling connected to me as a reader. I, too, had a son who served overseas in a war zone and had to cling to God's trustworthiness for those long nine months. I, too, have recently retired from public education. I, too, had retirement plans interrupted--not by caring for grandchildren but by caring for my aging mother. I, too, have known the handicapping cloud of depression. Her characters have real struggles but hold on to their faith and to each other to see them through the hard times. That's what I love about Snelling's books--they capture real life with all its challenges but ultimately point to the hope that is is in Jesus.

The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling is about Ken and Mona Sorenson and their family. Ken Sorenson is about to retire from his job at Stone University and spend his free time fishing and traveling with his wife, Mona. Mona has her own business and works from home. She has suffered from depression for many years and is in constant fear it will come back and take over her life as it had before.

Ken and Mona have faced many challenges together with the strength of their faith. Another struggle looms on the horizon with the military deportation of their son, Steig, who is the full-time caregiver of two children, Mellie and Jake. Ken and Mona are faced with raising their two grandchildren while their son serves his country. With the help of their daughter, Marit, the family faces the challenges ahead with strength and a strong faith.

I truly love this story. These characters are so real and the struggles that deal with are written with such realism. I liked the fact that Ms. Snelling addressed the topic of depression in Mona. Monas fear that the depression could debilitate her is such a realistic portrayal on how depression effects individual lives; I thought Mona was a wonderful example of this particular struggle and how it can affect a family. Each of these characters will touch your heart as they navigate their own feelings and doubts. This story reflects how putting faith in the Lord can give you strength and that He is with us in all of our circumstances.

Happy Reading!

Note: I have received a copy of this book from Hatchette Books in exchange for an honest review.

As an empty-nester this novel resonated deeply with me. As much as we hate to admit it time moves along and with it our plans for the future. So much of our early married years seem to revolve around the kids, but as they begin to leave home our plans inevitably turn towards our future as a couple. That's where Mona and Kenneth Sorenson find themselves when we meet up with them.

Kenneth is on the verge of retirement and in his mind it is the perfect time to begin traveling and seeing all those places they've dreamed about. Mona on the other hand is eager to expand her business and travel with her husband in between clients. Of course even the best laid plans change in the face of Providence. In this case it came in the form of a phone call from their son.

Before they know it Mona and Ken find themselves in the midst of raising children again. My favorite thing about this novel is that it explored all the elements of the situation. Ken and Mona dearly loved their grandkids but they were also disappointed that their plans needed to be laid aside. The story showed the joys of being a grandparent but also the deep sorrows of young children feeling abandoned. It is a very moving storyline and in my opinion one of Lauraine Snelling's best.

I of course think this book will appeal to empty-nesters but it will also resonate with anyone that has had to lay aside their hopes and dreams to do what is right. We've all had moments of disappointment but those of us with faith have also seen how God can use those times to grow and bless us.

I would encourage anyone with a book club to consider this book as a selection. The subject matter is deep and complicated and will most definitely provoke good discussions. As a bonus there are questions in the back of the book that could get you started.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Lauraine Snelling has been writing books for a long time, but I think this is the first book of hers I have read. My youngest sister is a big fan of her books, but I am pretty sure this is a first for me.

I thought this sounded like a good book to read, and I was not wrong. The story is entertaining, amusing, encouraging, and heart rending. To have a retired couple suddenly taking over raising two children who miss their dad makes for a great story, and Snelling did it justice. There is something about a story with kids in that pulls at my heart, and especially if there is any kind of hardship or trouble involved...... so this book had me from the get-go. I loved all of the characters, and their escapades and adventures.

Snelling writes most, or all, about people from Norway, and this book was no different. It was interesting to catch a little of that culture while reading the book.

The theme of trusting God is the main theme of this book, and it is driven home several times as Ken and Mona struggle with raising two small children while facing the reality their son may never come back.

This was a very enjoyable read to me from the start to the great, but somewhat predictable finish (I was OK with that). And though this is fiction and not a "how-to" book, it would be a great read for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren short or long term.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.