Serendipity

Though changing from the southern landscape of her previous books, to the north of America, Luise has managed to keep the intriguing and enjoyable style of writing in this new book. It is a must read and I highly recommend the book to everybody.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. I received it in a timely manner and in great condition.

When I first started reading "Serendipity," I was playing the roman a clef game, trying to figure out who all the characters were supposed to be. Which Broadway legend was Lu Lawson based on? And her philanthropist daughter Rose Manning ... what New York socialite inspired that character? Within a few chapters, I stopped trying to figure out the puzzle because by that point, I'd become completely charmed by the characters themselves. As a novelist, Louise Shaffer really does charm you. She charms you not just with characters but with her settings as well. "Serendipity" takes you all over New York City from the rough neighborhoods, where residents are advised to carry around money for muggers, to the Broadway stage, where we learn about superstitions like the gypsy robe. [Although primarily known as a soap opera actress, Shaffer has also acted on Broadway, which accounts for the book's insider feel.] Not only do you find yourself being guided all around New York City, but through time as well, living alongside four generations of fascinating women. Perhaps Shaffer charms us best with her writing style: Her pacing is swift enough to make the book a quick read but not so swift as to keep us from appreciating all those great little details she tosses in along the way.

Once again, Louise Shaffer whips up a frothy blend of ingredients that make for the perfect read. You'd really be hard pressed to walk away unsatisfied, seeing as the author gives us multi-generational family dramas set against the fascinating backdrop of Broadway and, as an added bonus, girl talk over chocolate treats! There's also a character for everyone, meaning that each reader will probably walk away identifying with someone different than their best friend. (Hello, book club discussions!) When my best friend and I read it, I absolutely fell in love with Carrie (our modern-day heroine), while they were all about Lu, the Broadway diva. One sequence in particular -- involving the clan's founding matriarch, Mifalda, and an ice skater literally moved me to tears and stayed with me long after I'd read the final pages. If you're a fan of Ms. Shaffer's, this is a must-read. If you're not, do yourself a favor and order her other books too, because once you finish reading Serendipity, you're gonna want to dive into those. You can thank me later.

Coming from "Broadway Royalty" Carrie struggles to find herself and her place in the world after the death of her mother. Her angst stems from the fact that while she lived with her mother most of her life, she never really "knew" her, what motivated her. After her death, Carrie decides it's time to figure out what led her mother to be the woman she was and what caused her mother Rose and Grandmother Lu to stop speaking to one another. Moving between the present tense and the early years of Lu's life (and her relationship with her own mother), Carrie begins to understand the women in her family and what made them into who they became. This was an amazing story of mothers and daughters and how each generations relationships can affect the next. A story of a woman finally finding her place in the world, and finding the happiness she so richly deserves. This is a book that you don't want to miss ~ but make sure you keep the tissues close by. You're going to need them. A++++++