Author, Philip Galanes, has a very special ability of delving into his characters psyche's and creating story around them using minimal actual history. His characters come alive from the inside out and one senses from the beginning that even Emma has a compassionate heart beneath her chilly exterior. Voices from the past (and present, in the case of Gracie) guide each character in their actions and reactions to each other and life's circumstances in general. Galanes demonstrates in his story how one simple act of kindness, i.e. Emma's need to find a Nakashima table for Mr. Tanaguchi,because of her own guilt of "stealing" her table at auction, can become the tipping point to opening a whole new world of compassion, understanding and acceptance, not just for Emma, but for all those around her.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very wholesome, very true to life, not full of sex, swearing and violence. It gives you hope and wasn't really what I expected. I think you will enjoy it.
A charming urban fairy tale of sorts. Emma Sutton the proper Ms manners who just got out of prison and needs a second chance (a Martha Stewart wanna be). Her part time assistant and a full time social worker, Benjamin. And Benjamin's ward, an overweight little girl from Queens named Gracie. Together the three of them make for a mismatched crew if ever there was one. Together they give each other just what the other needs in there troubled lives. This is an endearing story I had a hard time setting aside once I started reading. It was realistic, touching, funny, and unforgettable. I enjoyed it a lot.
