Monday, August 3, 2015

Shelter Us - First Chapter / First Paragraph and Teaser Tuesday

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Shelter Us is the story of a woman whose daughter died at the age of six weeks. Now, several years later, the mother of two preschool sons is still overwhelmed by her daughter's death and barely functioning. When she becomes obsessed with a young homeless woman and her baby, her life changes, and her marriage is in jeopardy.

I was hesitant to read this book, mainly because it involves the death of a child, but I'm glad I stayed with it. It was nicely written and edited, and the story was compelling. The author takes her readers deep inside her character, and the plot will stay with me for a long time.



First Paragraph:
     This Ferris wheel revolves faster than I remember. It was Robert's idea to come tonight. "A great way to say good-bye to the old year -- right kiddos?" Oliver and Izzy jumped up and down, squealing their agreement. There was no saying no. And so we ride.

Teaser from 11% on my Kindle (three sentences, instead of two):
True, I didn't plan on being a full-time mom, didn't expect my maternity leave to end in an abrupt resignation. But now that I have them, I wouldn't give up these days with my children, no matter how trying of my nerves and patience they can be. I should remember this feeling the next time Izzy throws a fit because I've sliced his sandwich the wrong way, or when I envy Robert's pristine law-school setting, where the young people in his charge respect his opinion, listen to every word--take notes, for Chrissake--and let him use the bathroom in private.

Amazon Link: Shelter Us
Length: 246 Pages
Genre: Women's Fiction

Synopsis:
     Lawyer-turned-stay-at-home mom Sarah Shaw is struggling to keep it together for her two young sons and law professor husband. Since the death of their infant daughter, her husband has been buried in his career, her friendships have withered, and Sarah remains lost in a private world of grief. Then one day walking in L.A., Sarah’s heart catches at the sight of a young homeless woman pushing a baby in a stroller—and saving them becomes her obsessive mission. An unlikely bond grows between Sarah and the young mother, Josie. When tragedy threatens Josie, Sarah discovers that she is capable of deceptions and transgressions she never imagined. Her lies unleash a downward spiral that will threaten her marriage, family and her sanity.
     Shelter Us speaks to the quiet joys and anxieties of parenthood and illuminates a place all parents know: that shadowy space between unconditional love and fear of unbearable loss.


Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Post two sentences from somewhere in a book you're reading. No spoilers, please!




First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intros is hosted by Bibliophile By The Sea. To participate, share the first paragraph (or a few) from a book you're reading or thinking about reading soon.


23 comments:

  1. I can understand your hesitation as I do not like to read books that deal with the death of a child either. I am glad though you enjoyed this one. I've heard good things about it so far.

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  2. A story about the death of a baby would be very hard, as well as the sadness of the mother. Tough reading.

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  3. Not sure I could make it through the first paragraph. I love carnival rides but hate ferris wheels.

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  4. I, too, think this might be a difficult read... good to hear your opinion!

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  5. Sounds emotionally intense. I would have to be in the mood for this one.

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  6. This would be a tough read; I'm just not sure.

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  7. Sounds really good.

    Mine this week is a little lighter; a young adult sci-fi thriller: http://wp.me/p3Nz8P-tZ

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  8. I'd continue reading. I remember hearing good things about this story.

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  9. I'd give it a try. Sometimes the whole story makes the sad parts doable. I'll watch for your thoughts or review.

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  10. Even though it does sound sad, the opening made me want to read more!

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  11. Despite the sadness of this book, I do find myself drawn to it. I love exploring the emotions in characters' lives and finding out how they deal with their losses.

    Thanks for sharing. Here's mine: “SOME LUCK”

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  12. Aye...losing a child. I have a feeling that I'll need tissues with this one.

    My TT

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  13. I'd hesitate for the same reason... glad you're enjoying it now though.

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  14. I'd probably not read this one. But that teaser is so profound.

    Here's my TT - http://fuonlyknew.com/2015/08/04/teaser-tuesdays-124-my-life-as-a-white-trash-zombie/

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  15. LOL I understand the envy.

    mine: https://storytreasury.wordpress.com/2015/08/04/teaser-tuesday-ink-and-bone

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  16. I am not sure I could read this one. Sounds like it would be a difficult read based on the plot. Here is my TT
    http://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.com/2015/08/teaser-tuesday-21.html

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  17. This teaser really tells a lot about the character. She seems very relatable and interesting. Great teaser. Thanks for visiting my blog :)

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  18. It's definitely not an easy subject, but it can be a very interesting read if it's written in the right way. Great teaser!

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  19. It sounds like a really interesting book! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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  20. Hi Sandra,

    It was interesting to discover that author Laura Diamond, is also the author of 'Deliver Me', True Confessions of Motherhood' -

    True Confessions of Motherhood. Personal essays, stories and poems about parenthood and childhood that are poignant, heartbreaking, honest, uplifting and humorous.

    She also runs a 'Confessions Of Motherhood' blog, so the fact that this story features children and the emotional stress and trauma which comes as part of the package, is hardly a surprise.

    At first I have to say, that I wasn't really tempted by 'Shelter Us', however the more I read about it and the more I can glean snippets of information from the many excellent reviews and ratings there are, the more I am thinking I might want to give it a try!

    Thanks for sharing :)

    Yvonne.

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  21. I might really like this book, though the emotions of losing a child would be tough to read for this momma. The teaser totally fits most of my days with a four year old and a one year old...

    Here is mine: Here's mine: http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2015/08/short-stories-for-light-summer-reading.html

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  22. Though it does sound like a sad read, it does also sound intriguing.

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  23. What a delight to find you are sharing your thoughts about my book and are enjoying it, despite the emotionally challenging aspects. I'd love to hear what you think when you're done. By the way, what a wonderful blog. I would be happy to answer any questions you or your fellow readers may have about the book. Most of all I want to say hello and thank you for reading.

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