Map of the Heart : A Novel by Susan Wiggs

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Love and family. War and secrets. Betrayal and redemption.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs returns with a deeply emotional and atmospheric story that spans oceans and decades, from the present-day Delaware shore to the battlefields of WWII France.

Widowed by an unspeakable tragedy, Camille Palmer has made her peace with the past and settled into the quiet safety of life with her teenage daughter Julie in a sleepy coastal town. Then the arrival of a mysterious package breaks open the door to her family’s secret past. In uncovering a hidden history, Camille has no idea that she’s embarking on an adventure that will utterly transform her.

Camille, Julie, and Camille’s father return to the French town of his youth, sparking  unexpected memories — recollections that will lead them back to the dark days of the Second World War. And it is in the stunning Provençal countryside that they will uncover their family’s surprising history.

While Provence offers answers about the past, it also holds the key to Camille’s future. Along the way, she meets a former naval officer who stirs a passion deep within her — a feeling that she thought she’d never experience again.

“Susan Wiggs seamlessly melds historical drama with contemporary romance,” raves Mary Kay Andrews. Now, this hugely popular author has created her biggest, most powerful story yet — a beautiful and heartfelt novel that celebrates the bonds of family and pays homage to the sacrifices of the past.

my thoughts

Love, love, loved this book to bits! Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs is bursting with all of my favorite literary tropes - romance woes, mother-daughter relationship, past we can't escape, teen angst, and rediscovering one's self.  Yep, all of these goodies are jam packed in this latest story by Wiggs and it is awesome. I just loved getting to know Camille, her daughter Julie, her father Henry, and her new friend (boyfriend?) Finn.  They are all such an amazing cast of characters - relatable, engaging, and going through so much you can't help but want to keep reading about them.

So, what is the story about? Well, Camille lost her husband Jace five years ago. During that time she has become a fan of the quiet life - meaning no fun, travel, or anything that smells of adventure.  Her daughter, Julie, is struggling with bullies, growing up without her dad, and just plain growing up - so, she's a bit angsty.  Her father, Henry, decides he must return to France to reconcile with his past.  Oh, and Finn, a professor who hired Camille to develop some film for him, has shown his interest in Camille - something she is not too keen to deal with just yet. So much is going on! And, I loved it all.

Wiggs has created another unputdownable read with unforgettable characters - she is a talent! I absolutely enjoyed my time with this book and look forward to reading more by this terrific author. I would definitely recommend Map of the Heart to fans of Wiggs and anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Map of the Heart

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!