This book is part of a wonderfully cozy series by the author Adriana Trigiani. My very first one was Big Stone Gap: A Novel (Ballantine Reader’s Circle), so naturally, when I saw this one in the library, I had to have it.
In the story, Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney is twenty years older than she was in the last one. Her daughter Etta is grown, she has lost one of her children in early childhood, and she is dealing with all kinds of losses.
Her daughter is living in Italy, which is too far away, as far as Ave Maria is concerned. Her husband is exploring work that she finds repugnant. And then, suddenly, he is faced with health issues.
Meanwhile, her best friend Iva Lou has been keeping a big secret for all the time they’ve known each other—and before—so finding this out causes Ave Maria to question everything about the friendship.
Then, a mysterious person appears…
Just as you might expect, this story, which plunks us right down in the middle of the beautiful Big Stone Gap setting, brings up painful issues that could seemingly threaten the very world of these wonderful characters.
I loved Home to Big Stone Gap: A Novel (Big Stone Gap Novels) just as much as the first book and I’m definitely going to be adding more books to my list. Five stars!
CURL UP AND READ 
I loved the Big Stone Gap series! I think there are four books. Haven’t read any of the Valentine books, for some reason, but everything else by Trigiani.
Glad you enjoyed it too!
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Glad you stopped by, leeswammes…it’s so good to connect about books we love, isn’t it?
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I have to get on this series. Thanks for reviewing Laurel!
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Thanks for “curling up’ here with me, Sheila…You will love this series, I’m sure.
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I haven’t read any of Adriana’s yet although I know they’re in the library.
An award for you
http://cat-bookmagic.blogspot.com/2010/06/bodacious-blogging-book-reviewers-award.html
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Thanks, Cat…for stopping by and for the award!
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