Montpelier Tomorrow

Publisher: Grand Canyon Press

Date Published: 2014

Book Length: 318

Format: E book supplied by Book Tasters in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 5* I loved it and highly recommend.  

About Book: Anticipating her second grandchild’s birth, Colleen Gallagher puts life on hold to lend a helping hand. But when she arrives at her daughter’s out-of-state home, she’s surprised to discover that it’s not just the newborn who’s in need of constant care. Her son-in-law is battling ALS.

Strengthened with unconditional love, Colleen commits herself to share in the joy of new life and brighten the precious moments of a life fading too soon. As each new challenge tests her resolve, she fights the gathering gloom with humour and a resolve to see things through to the end. When her caretaking duties push her to the brink of exhaustion, Colleen must make an impossible choice: leave them alone in their suffering or risk her own well-being to keep the family from falling apart.

My Thoughts: ‘Montpellier Tomorrow’ by Marylee Macdonald storyline hits you from the very beginning of the book and you are instantly drawn to Colleen Gallagher’s world of loss, fear and family. The characters are all equally compelling with each one being intricately developed showing their strengths and weaknesses with relatable reactions and Macdonald’s writing is descriptive in a way you can feel their pain. It was also interesting to see Esmerelda’s and Colleens relationship grow. (I can see another book here) and as much as I was invested in all the main characters Esmerelda was my favourite, probably because she was someone who appears to be fighting through life in a positive way even though she has it tough. Macdonald weaved in normal life through the struggle which was almost like a welcome relief and aided the storylines message. MacDonald’s writing is thought provoking and heart tugging, showing the impact and struggles the illness has on all of the family and how they each cope apart and together. There is even some tongue in cheek humour which felt right and appeared to be a coping mechanism. Macdonald’s writing felt brutally honest as if you were a bystander in the room watching them all play their part. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a really down to earth heartwarming read about family, fear, love and loss this book has it all.