Big Cherry Holler

I fell in love with the movie Big Stone Gap.Of course after seeing it I had to read the book.Then I discovered there were four in the series.I immediately ordered them and read them consecutively.I was so hooked.Fell in love with these characters,and missed them when the books ended.They still enter my mind from time to time.That is the mark of a good book.So if you are a woman that grew up in the 70's in the south,then this is a must read.

Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani is a charming book. After reading Big Stone Gap, I had to get Big Cherry Holler to find out what was going to happen to these charaters in later life. Southwest Virginia is in for some tough times as the coal mining company is pulling out and Jack Mac loses his job.Now, the true test of the characters mettle is about to be told. This book is about life and some true soul searching. Told in a simple Virginia narrative, life's joys and tribulations are coming to us though the main character Ave Maria.She narrates all of the things that run through her mind, be it good or confused... as she reaches a crossroad in her life. Being that this is a small town and everyone knows everyones business, advice is being offered, but will Ave Maria take it or strike out on her own?This book is filled with humor, love, and passion. Also, romance and some homespun country wisdom are sprinkled into the mix, making this book readable and enjoyable. If you want to find out what happens to Ave Maria read Big Cherry Holler as it starts eight years from where Big Stone Gap left off.A great read, I recommend it highly...an excellent story to treasure.

Adriana Trigiani has done it again! After reading this novel, I felt like I had been to the best family reunion ever. Although a bit more serious than its predecessor, Big Cherry Holler was a pleasure to read and its characters a joy to revisit.It's been eight years since Ave Maria Mulligan and Jack MacChesney tied the knot. Their marriage started off wonderfully, but like most relationships, eventually things change. Feelings regarding the death of their son and changes in the mining industry -- Jack's lifeblood -- has put a major strain on their relationship. And with too many years as an independent spinster behind her, Ave Maria finds it hard to completely let go and be a full participating part in her marriage. Plus, those rumors of infidelity don't help matters much. In hopes to fuel the dying spark, Ave plans a summer trip to Italy for her, Jack and their 8-year-old daughter, Etta. But as they say, the best laid plans can often go awry....Big Cherry Holler is a wonderful testimony to the joys and trials of marriage. I related to both sides of the story and even felt I learned something about men versus women. And of course those quirky Gap residents are back for more laughs: still-sexy-but-married Iva Lou Wade Makin, who has all sorts of marital advice to share; savvy business woman Pearl Grimes; Theodore Tipton, Ave's best friend with a secret all his own; and Rescue Squad volunteer Spec Broadwater, who finds himself in an interesting situation. I loved this novel - more so as it neared the end. Vibrant cast of characters and a real drama that unfolds slowly throughout the book. Hope there is another Big Stone Gap novel in the works!

A month ago I read "Big Stone Gap" by Adriana Trigiana. The book put me under a spell, rendering it impossible for me to come up for breath until I had read the last page. I had such a good time with Ave Maria and her neighbors that I eagerly purchased the sequel, "Big Cherry Holler". Although the tone of this book is not as light as that of the first book, you will still be able to find the same group of old friends along with some new ones. Only this time, they deal with heavier issues such as the death of a child, marital strife,etc.Trigiana writes as if she were a best friend to her readers, filling them in on all of the deep, private thoughts of Ave Maria as she comes to terms with her marriage and her life. The thoughts are realistic and surprising at times, but always genuine.I hope to see the third book soon in this wonderful series.

In the last seven days I have read BIG STONE GAP and BIG CHERRY HOLLER. I tried to slow down, and saver every page But I Couldn't! I ate each page like a dish of chocolate ice cream -- wanting more and more! At night I would dream about "The Gap," and during the day I would day dream about traveling in Italy with Ave Maria. I felt her pain, and her joy! In the end I wanted to be one of her many "colorfull" friends! Now that I am done reading both of these books I am lost, waiting for the Movie (which I read is in the making) and the 3rd (I hope) book about this charming place called BIG STONE GAP! I recommend both books highly!

BIG CHERRY HOLLER is a sequel that delivers! I loved it! Ave Maria is truly everywoman -- she juggles a job, her child, and her marriage. The humor, love and community of the first book are still there, and while the first book had Ave coming to terms with herself, BIG CHERRY HOLLER has her coming to terms with her marriage. And what a story! The twists and turns (not to mention a trip to Italy) kept me hooked from the beginning. But there are tender moments and poignant moments as Ave deals with the loss of her son. Adriana Trigiani captures the ups and downs of marriage, the juggling act all mothers face and the love that keeps it all together. Even if it is tested once in awhile.