Review: This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!
Harriet’s husband has been dead for two years and she’s still adjusting to life without him when she receives notification that the Alaskan cruise her husband won in a silent auction is about to expire. She’d never heard anything about a cruise but decides she can’t let it go to waste. She enlists her best friend to go with her. Her friend backs out at the last minute and gives Harriet a letter to read once she’s on board ship. The contents of the letter leave her reeling and make Harriet reflect on her past.
I just loved This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance! by Jonathan Evison! Told in a light, breezy manner, the story alternates between the present and past events in Harriet’s life to give readers a complete look at her life. It’s not the life she dreamed of but it’s one she thought she’d come to accept until she reads the letter from her friend. When her daughter comes aboard the ship, Harriet has to examine their relationship as well as confront her past.
On the surface, this seemed like it would be an easy, fun book but it has a lot more depth than I ever expected. I found the book to be smart, funny, and thought provoking. I could relate to Harriet even though her life was very different from mine. Since there’s a lot to think about in This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!, I think it would make for a terrific book club discussion.
I have been on the fence with this one but you have made it sound so good that I am bumping this one up.
Wow, I have two books in my waiting-on-the-coffee-table-pile set in Alaska and this isn’t even one of them! Must be the latest trend….
I think I’d enjoy this one. Loved your review, Kathy.
This sounds like something I’d enjoy! I’ll be on the look out for it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. I got it through NetGalley and now I’m excited to read it. Sounds like such a great read!
I’m glad u enjoyed this – I really did as well.
I think I’d really like this book, but it hits a little too close to home for me to read yet.
This sounds right up my literary alley.
This sounds really intriguing as well.
I love books like this one…all of those sort of hidden intriguing undertones!
Wow, this one sounds like a real winner! And one I would enjoy. I like the story’s premise.
sounds like a good read!
This does sound like a fun read, and even better that you found more depth to it than you anticipated. That’s always a plus in my book. You have me curious about this one, Kathy.
Interesting 🙂
Kathy, this book does sound thought provoking and worth reading! Terrific review! I’ll keep an eye out for Harriet Chance!
Thanks for the tip on this book. It sounds snappy and fun but with depth too. Perfect.
I love the premise! Thanks for posting this review; I’m going to look for This is Your Life, Harriett Chance.
I like books that are light and fun but also have some meaning to them. I’m going to check to see if the library has it.
Think I’d love this, too!
Sounds terrific! And I love books that are deeper than you initially thought.
I’ve been on the fence about reading this one but you make it sound so good!
This sounds really good to me.
Diane sent this to me recently and I’m looking forward to it!