Review: The Rockin Chair by Steven Manchester

The Rockin Chair by Steven Manchester

Publisher: The Story Plant 

Pages: 272

Format: book 

Buy the Book: Amazon  

Goodreads:  Memories are the ultimate contradiction. They can warm us on our coldest days or they can freeze a loved one out of our lives forever. The McCarthy family has a trove of warm memories. Of innocent first kisses. Of sumptuous family meals. Of wondrous lessons learned at the foot of a rocking chair. But they also have had their share of icy ones. Of words that can never be unsaid. Of choices that can never be unmade. Of actions that can never be undone.

Following the death of his beloved wife, John McCarthy Grandpa John calls his family back home. It is time for them to face the memories they have made, both warm and cold. Only then can they move beyond them and into the future.


Kritters Thoughts:  A complete family drama where the grandparent and grandchildren relationship take more of a forefront, but the immediate children relationship is still there.  Grandpa John has recently lost his wife to a debilitating illness and calls his grandchildren home to help heal the family and because they each need to come home to recenter.  

The way that the author showed how the way one parent parents is passed on was not subtle, but perfect.  Although I do not have children, I can see how my parents raised us is being passed down to my niece through the things my sister does.  This book reminded me that family is the center and that no matter what is happening, you can always return to family to find forgiveness, love and redemption.

Not to spoil, but this book definitely ended on a high note and may have felt a little too Brady Bunch in its happy conclusions.  I am thankful that each character was able to find a resolution, but it just came together a little too easily.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Providence Book Promotions.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.