Still Time

About the book: Thrust into the chaos of her mother-in-law’s hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug. But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a daughter who is distant. As Aly’s own life and relationship with her husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough to keep her family—or herself—from falling apart.

Still Time is a deeply moving story about a woman’s faithful journey into the next phase of her life. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and see yourself in Maria Hoagland’s realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a woman’s struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as she can.

My Review: I want to start by saying I really loved the titles of the chapters in this book, each a phrase about time, so clever! I love the characters in this book, Alyssa, or Aly, is really an amazing woman, willing to do what she knows that she needs to do for the woman who raised her son and she herself had called mom for many years. I really enjoyed the peeks into Ruth's mind as well, even though she was confused about the people and world around her. I can't imagine having to do what Aly had to, give up her whole life and move into Ruth's home to care for her day after day. All the worry and all the rejection when Ruth doesn't recognize her or her kids. There's also Aly's concern for her children one barely on a mission, one uprooted in her difficult high school years, and one as a junior high boy. I loved each of her children and rooted for them in the good times and bad. Maria Hoagland is a master at crafting characters that you care about in situations that feel real. This is a fun book that you won't want to miss!

I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links: Amazon - Barnes and Noble

About the author: When Maria Hoagland is not working at her computer, she can be found walking barefoot in soft grass, remodeling houses with her husband, or enjoying campfires with their three children. She loves crunching leaves in the fall, stealing cookie dough from the mixing bowl, and listening to musicals on her iPod. Maria earned her degree at Brigham Young University, and although she adores mountain resorts near her Idaho home, she is no longer a fan of ice skating.

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