Monday, June 5, 2023

Earth's the Right Place for Love

Title: Earth's the Right Place for Love
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Published: March 21, 2023 by Random House
Format: Kindle, Hardcover 288 pages
Genre: Fiction
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Mason #0.5

First Sentence: Arthur Moses believes it is not a terrible thing to think that you may be dying.

Blurb: Nola McCollum is the most desirable girl in Arthur's class, and he is thrilled when they become friends. But Arthur wants far more than friendship. Unfortunately, Nola has a crush on the wrong Moses--Arthur's older brother, Frank, who is busy pursuing his own love interest and avoiding the boys' father, a war veteran with a drinking problem and a penchant for starting fights. When a sudden tragedy rocks the family's world, Arthur struggles to come to terms with his grief. In the end, it is nature that helps him to understand how to go on, beyond loss, and create a life of forgiveness and empathy. But what can he do about Nola, who seems confused about what she wants in life, and only half aware of the one who loves her most? (GoodReads)

My Opinion: This book is a prequel to the Arthur Trulove/Mason series.

Although I am not usually a fan of "coming of age" stories, this book eventually captured my attention. It was heart-wrenching to see Arthur face challenges and put himself on the back burner for those he loved.

The book's portrayal of Arthur's early 1950s life made me nostalgic for a simpler time when taking a girl out on a date only cost $1.50 for a meal, and a kiss on the cheek was swoon-worthy.

I have read and enjoyed the previous books in the Mason series, and this prequel ties the series together nicely.

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