Twelve Times Blessed

I guess I'm among the minority but I absolutely loved this book. It's my favorite of all the books of Mitchard's that I've read, including Deep End of the Ocean. Sure, it may not be great literature, but it was definitely an entertaining story. I just loved the romance between True and Hank and it stuck with me for a long time after I finished it. I was hooked from the first night they meet in the bar, and I didn't care if it took 600+ pages, I had to know how it would end!

I absolutely love this novel! OK, it's no "Pride and Prejudice" or "Gone With the Wind", but I'm still not understanding all the negative reviews. I like True, she seems like a good-hearted person, Hank was SUPPOSED to be a semi-jerk, and Franny, Rudy, and Esa were all cute characters. Give this book a chance!

This is the story of True, successful business woman, widow with a 10 year old son, single and not looking for love. Then one day, things turn around and she meets Hank, a 33 year old guy, who at first glance wouldn't have much in common with True, but they fall for each other and we follow them through their up and down story, with their families, friends and community having a go at loving or hating it. To be honest when I bought this book I wasn't expecting too much and was hoping that it wouldn't be a predictable or unrealistic story of love after 40 with toy boys or old fashioned guys. After reading the first chapter, I was totally taken aback by this great story. The characters are very real and true to themselves. What happens to them are situations and feelings I thought I could totally relate too, it was like being thrown into these people's lives and unsettling experiences, and seeing them through to the end, for better for worse. The story certainly isn't a fairy tale and a happy ever after type, though it is about love, family and friends, so it does have its romantic twists. I've read all of Mitchard's books, and I thought this one was daring, well-written and gripping. I would really recommend any reader to give it a chance.

I listened via audio book and was totally enthralled - to the point of actually missing the characters once I had finished the book. I was a bit amazed that the marriage/adoption took place so quickly, but thought on the whole that the book was awesome. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work. I found myself wishing I could contact the author to do a follow-up book so I didn't have to lose touch with the characters. I highly recommend this book!

Jackie Mitchard won a host of fans and hearts with her appealing novel, "The Deep End Of The Ocean" (also brought to life on the big screen). It was the story of a family; the dynamics that held them together, the pain that pulled them apart. To date, Ms. Mitchard has pretty much stuck to this familiar turf which she limns so well. Such is surely the case with her latest. TV and stage actress Robin Miles imbues her reading of Twelve Times Blessed" with charm and understanding as listeners meet and come to care about 43-year-old True Dickinson. Many would think that True has or has had all that life offers. She is widowed now; it has been eight years since her husband died. It was a blessed union, but now she's raising their young son alone. Her business is a resounding success, and she has a large group of supportive, good friends. Yet, in her heart, True knows something is missing. Chance steps in when True and her assistant are driving home on a winter's night and slip off the road into a snowy ditch. Their rescuer is Hank Bannister, a handsome young chef (actually, ten years younger than True). Nonetheless, the chemistry between them is undeniable, and immediate. After knowing each other only briefly the two marry. This is a surprise to True's son, but he soon adapts to having Hank as a permanent part of their home. Yet, Hank has spent a few years unencumbered. A half grown son is one thing, but when True becomes pregnant it seems that domesticity may lose some of its luster. As always, Ms. Mitchard is an expert at examining the tensile strengths of family love. Her many fans will relish another exploration of the ties that blind and bind. - Gail Cooke