the time between by Karen White has my favorite themes in literature. Love. Grief. And, ultimately, forgiveness.
The story takes place in Edisto, South Carolina, and is told from the point of view of three women: Eleanor, her sister Eve, and an old Hungarian woman named Helena.
When they were teenagers, Eleanor dared Eve to race in climbing a tree, hoping to impress Eve’s boyfriend, Glen. But Eve fell from the tree, became paralyzed, and the situation paralyzed their relationship as well by keeping Eleanor not only guilt-ridden but longing for Glen to be her own.
Eleanor accepts a job from her handsome employer, Finn, who has asked her to assist in the care of his Aunt Helena. She has become bedridden after the mysterious death of her sister, Bernadett.
As Eve builds her relationship with Helena, being every bit as stubborn and secretive as the older woman, they discover that they each have secrets to share. Sisters with which to find forgiveness. Lost relationships that are too late to do anything about that can now be laid down for future ones. Ones which promise hope and new beginnings.
This is a charming summer read, containing romance, sea water baskets, little girls and grown ones, but best of all quotes which stirred my heart.
“Have you ever known grieving that ends only when your own heart stops beating?” p. 43
“It was as if two souls lived within his skin, separate but not. But maybe everybody was like that, all of us living the lies we had to while dreaming of the lives we wanted.” p. 47
“Have you ever considered that the reason you remain infatuated is because it is safer for you? There is no risk in wanting something you can never have.” P. 232
“…adversity in life does not rob your heart of beauty. It simply teaches it a new song to sing.” p. 326
Karen White did a masterful job in reminding us of important life lessons while telling a touching story that spans the generations.
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Charming is the perfect way to describe Karen White's books!
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What a beautiful review.
What a lovely photo montage. I need baskets like yours.
I love the last quote too.
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My boss just mentioned this author to me. I'd never heard of her, but she recommended her. And now you've just written about her – could it be a sign that I should read her work? I'm thinking it is 😉
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sounds quite touching and you are right they are two great themes for books ,I think because we all at some point feel both ,all the best stu
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I read this book and LOVED it. Thanks for your review.
It was the first book of hers I read.
Elizabeth
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I'm glad you agree, Kathy. 🙂
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Sadly, the baskets aren't mine. I've never been to South Carolina, though I've been to Europe many times. I do have a passion for them, though, and would love a collection of sea baskets for my own. I thought the last quote of this post quite effective, too. There were many I'd marked while reading.
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How fun to have a boss that reads! I'd love to know what you think if Karen White's book(s), though I've only read this one.
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It's true, Stu, that those universal themes touch our hearts no matter who we are or where we live. I'm always curious to see how others handle grief, though forgiveness has not been a big problem for me. Fortunately.
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It was so multi-layered, wasn't it? I confess to a bit of frustration that everything turned out so perfectly for Eleanor, but at the same time I love that she got her man!
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So glad to hear you enjoyed this one! I have this book waiting for me and I'm excited.
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I love Karen White but haven't read this one. I'll read it before summer's end. Thanks for the recommendation.
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I'm glad you have it, too, Iliana. Such a good summer read, with such lovely romance.
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Apparently many, many of my blogging friends have read Karen White while I knew of nothing she had written. Such are the joys of blogging in that we make new connections to authors as well as one another.
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I love Karen White, so I'm anxiously waiting for my copy to come in at the library. Glad you enjoyed this one.
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