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Florence is at the end of a long life, facing death any day because of a terminal diagnosis. Since she and her late husband had no children of their own, she has decided to leave her house and its contents to Ruthie, who years before had lived next door as a child. The two have stayed friends, and Flo is now writing a long letter to Ruthie to tell her a bit about her life and some items in the home that mean something particularly special to her.
Recently, Flo has befriended Teresa, a kind middle-aged woman in the neighborhood. Teresa works as a death doula, helping to guide people at the end of their lives. While Teresa says she’s fine being single, Flo senses a certain loneliness in Teresa and decides to intervene to see if she can help her find love.
In her letter, Flo talks about her life with her beloved husband, the many years and the many good moments in those years. Of course, she can assert that marriage is hard, and she shares some ways she learned how to view things differently and help make married life happier. She worries a little for Ruthie, who has told Flo she’s considering divorce, and encourages her to look for some ways to navigate her married life so she won’t lose the good thing Flo knows Ruthie has. Throughout the letter, Flo works her way up to finally sharing a secret heartache and does so near the end.
Readers get to see the world through the eyes of a loving and generous woman who lived an “average life” on its face. Flo just reflects on all the small and large gifts that life affords daily: nature, laughter, friends, love.
Life: A Love Story is a gently encouraging, sweet book. It’s life-affirming without being overly sentimental. Berg is an experienced writer who can hit the perfect notes without straining. If you’re looking for a quick read to uplift and warm, you can’t go wrong with this novel.
Rated: Mild. Profanity includes one use of moderate profanity, a few uses of mild language, and a couple of instances of the name of Deity in vain. There are brief references to a husband and wife being intimate but no details. There are some references to an affair.
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*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
