From Here To Home (A Too Much, Texas Novel)
By: Marie Bostwick
Rating: 5 of 5
I have only read one of Marie Bostwick’s stand-alone novels (“The Second Sister”) which I enjoyed so much, I was very happy to pick up “From Here to Home” to read and enjoy. I didn’t realize that it was a second in a series or that Ms. Bostwick is well known for her quilt novels. This is a book that can absolutely be read stand-alone without issue. However, since reading this book, I want to go back and read the first book which is apparently set 30 years earlier and gives a great bit of background on some of the major characters in this story.
Mary Dell Templeton is a loud and slightly rambunctious Texan with a heart of gold. She is mother to Howard, her almost 30 year old son with Down’s Syndrome. After her husband cut out on her shortly after her son was born, she has had to make her way in the world. Her way involved her love of quilts and she has worked her way up to hosting (along with her son) a television show about making quilts. All of that is now threatened as a new network executive 1) doesn’t like Mary, 2) really doesn’t like Howard, and 3) doesn’t like quilting.
One of the first changes is to bring in a new co-host. Holly Whittaker is the daughter of a celebrity actress whose claim to fame is waning. Holly is looking for something more in her career and she stumbles into the co-host position with Mary Dell. She moves from LA to Texas and into a bit of a hornet’s nest. She and Mary have to find a way to work together and try to salvage their careers and livelihoods.
The book was really a joy to read. Mary Dell reminds me of many Texas women of a certain age that I have had the pleasure to have known. Holly also reminds me of many young women I had as friends during the many decades I lived in Los Angeles. Both of these women were as familiar to me as many of my friends through the years. It made the book a story I didn’t want to put down and one that I certainly didn’t want to end. I’m not sure if there will be more in this series but if there is, I will be looking for them.
received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher.
