Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Laws of Harmony - Review

I’m happy to tell you about a new book I just read. I was given an Advanced Readers Copy of The Laws of Harmony by Judith Ryan Hendricks, and seriously had problems putting it down!! I read it in a couple of sittings, but only because I had to go to work (damn job – haha, just kidding!).

From the book jacket:

In 1989 Sunny Cooper escaped to Albuquerque. Fourteen years later, she’s still there, struggling to make a living, to shore up her floundering relationship, and to forget her childhood on a commune, where a freak accident killed her younger sister, Mari.

Just when the “normal” life Sunny craves appears to be within reach, another accident – the sudden death of her fiancé, Michael, and revelations that their relationship was not what it seemed – will turn her world upside down. Once again Sunny escapes, this time to the town of Harmony on San Miguel Island. But a surprising discovery sparks an emotional encounter with her estranged mother and forces both women to reexamine the truth of their memories. Only by making peace with the past can Sunny finally step out of its shadow and into a new life.

I loved the concept of Sunny growing up on a commune. I think hippies are cool, and hearing some stories about life on a commune in the 80s was really interesting. But it turns out that commune life just wasn’t for her, and she longed for normalcy.

I really liked the way the book was written – in the present with some flashbacks to life on the commune, special moments between Michael and Sunny, and interactions with her maternal grandparents. Those flashbacks added so much to what was happening to Sunny in the present and helped the reader to understand her reactions, her attitudes towards the other characters and just her overall personality.

All the characters were believable, especially everyone on the small island of Harmony, where Sunny escapes to after the death of her fiancé. Sunny can’t seem to believe the kindness of all the locals, and is wary of it at first, but comes to realize that this is a place where she belongs.

There were also a couple of moments when my jaw totally dropped at what I was reading. There are some unexpected events that kept the story interesting and moving along at a nice pace.

I would definitely recommend checking out this book!!! The official release date is February 10, 2009!!!!!

But wait!!! HarperCollins has offered to give away 5 copies of this book!!! WHOOOT WHOOOOT!!! All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog!! No really, that’s it!! But PLEASE remember to leave a valid email address or an active blog link. I have to be able to get a hold of you if you win. All entries that do not leave an email address or active blog link will be deleted and not entered in the contest – sorry, but dems the rules! Open to US residents only, and no PO Box addresses, please. The last day to enter is Monday, February 9, and I'll post the winner on the official release date of Tuesday, February 10!!

Winners will be chosen randomly using Random.org Number Generator. Good luck to everyone!!!!!

97 comments:

Rebekah said...

I love all of the books you do and this one sounds like no exception. It actually sounds perfect for my next real life book club.

pokeybear1@nyc.rr.com

Bridget said...

I've posted this at Win A Book. Don't enter me.

Amanda said...

O wow. What an interesting concept for the book. Thank you!

And I hope you are keeping warm this winter. It's been freakin cold and icy here. I feel for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an interesting book. :)

Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com

Christy said...

Sounds interesting!

Christy
christy0428@gmail.com

Carol M said...

This sounds really good! I would like to read a book about a commune. Thank you for the chance to win it!
Carol M
mittens0831 AT aol.com

Lisa said...

That sounds good and the cover is beautiful. I'd love to be entered!


bookslistslife at gmail

Me... said...

That sounds very interesting! Thanks for all your work, if you call reading work, to keep us all informed of the great books out there!

Still sending vibes for that perfect job to find you!

avisannschild said...

I'm so bummed this isn't open to Canadians! I really want to read this book. Ah well, guess I'll just have to buy it at some point!

Alyce said...

I would like to be entered. Thanks!
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Me... said...

Oops, forgot my email addy. Even though I'm sure you can find me, I want to follow the guidelines.

daq_17 at hotmail dot com

mindy said...

sounds like a wonderful read thanks for the giveaway

Unknown said...

This book sounds good because I can relate to Sunny in a few different aspects. I'd like a chance to read this. Thanks for entering me.
unforgetable_dreamer_always AT hotmail DOT com

Unknown said...

Life in a commune has always interested me too. Please enter me!

jgbeads AT gmail DOT com

Wrighty said...

This is the first time I've heard of this book but it sounds good. Please include me and thanks for your contest!

5wrights1[at]verizon[dot]net

Cheryl said...

ds like a good book. I would like to be entered. Thank you

clbstitch at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good read - please enter me in the drawing!

Thanks,
kherbrand at comcast dot net

windycindy said...

Hello! I enjoyed reading your review of this book. It sounds like a wonderful story with interesting characters! Please enter me in your
delightful book giveaway drawing.
Many thanks.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Henry said...

Sounds right up my alley! I love characters who feel like misfits!

quitecontrary1977@hotmail.com

Mysharona said...

add me in.

nicolehrb said...

count me in

Anna said...

I'd love to be entered. Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
diaryofaneccentric AT hotmail DOT com

Unknown said...

I'd love to win!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the contest:)

bridget3420(at)yahoo(dot)com

Steph said...

Sounds like a good book!

smilkovits AT gmail DOT com

Gwendolyn B. said...

This sounds like a really good book! Please enter me. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
geebee.reads At gmail DOT com

Anonymous said...

I love to read and always interested in what others are recommending. I have several girlfriends that if we find something good we like to pass it to the other to see what they think of it. This seems like it would be one of those books I'd certainly enjoy as well as some of my friends.

beausdorei at gmail dot com

Karen B said...

Sounds like a great read!

Anonymous said...

Count me in! milou2ster(at)gmail.com

darbyscloset said...

Okay if you couldn't put this book down, then I want it!!! Yes!!! And like you said "WHOOT WHOOT"! ; )
Thanks so much,
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Sunnyvale said...

sounds interesting

Anonymous said...

Thanks, for the rec, KS!

Lady Roxi said...

Love to have this.

Thanks,

Kelly said...

Ohhh, I get all happy at the thought of a new book to read. Thank you for the giveaway! :)

krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com

Amber said...

Please enter me - I would be thrilled to win.

hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Paula said...

I have been waiting patiently?!? for Ms Hendricks to publish a new book and now my wait is over. Can't wait to read it. Your review was wonderful!

Sheri S. said...

Sounds great - I'd love to be entered. Thanks!!

Anya said...

Sounds like a good read. Thanks.

AmandaK said...

This book sounds really intriguing!

orchestratenoise0726[at]yahoo[dot]com

Teddy Rose said...

I don't quilify because I live in Canada but I did blog about your giveaway. Some of my readers may be interested.

http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-weeks-giveaways-galore_31.html

Anita Yancey said...

Your review was so great that now I really want to read this book. It sounds so interesting, that I hope you will please enter me. Thanks.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Erika Powell said...

this book sounds great...i also love hippies...and i would love to read it. thanks for the giveaway!

susan1215 said...

please enter me

Unknown said...

I am not familiar with communes. This sounds interesting, and there is just enough plot & review to entice but not give too much away!

Please enter me! It sounds like you enjoyed this book a lot, and now I'm curious!

Brooke Reviews said...

This sounds really good!

Here's my email:
bacarleton at gmail dot com

Bcteagirl said...

This sounds like a very interesting read! I am an avid bookcrosser and would love to read and release this book!

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a new and interesting book. I'd absolutely love to win.
Barb
keysbmv@yahoo.com

Berek said...

This sounds like one I want to read and then add to the library collection I manage.

Lorri S said...

Sounds good. I love reading about someone's life, even if it is fiction :)

Anonymous said...

I'd like to read this book. Thanks.
-Terra H.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good one.

judyv12306 said...

I would love a new book. so from this book addict THANK YOU

marnesandnoble said...

sounds great. i'd love to be entered

Mrs. McB said...

Wow! That book sounds good! I really want one!

MrsCarissaMcB (at) gmail (dot) com

Wendy aka Misswendiki said...

I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity!

cpullum said...

Sound like a great read count me in!
carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kat Bryan said...

This really sounds good.

Denise S. said...

This sounds real interesting.

Niki said...

sounds interesting

The Giveaway Diva said...

wow this one sounds so interesting! i would love to be entered!!

nicolemarielum(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

showin ya some love (:

delorezb@yahoo.com

kathy55439 said...

Thank you for the book....

janeh said...

the book souonds delightful......please add my name......

yadgirl said...

I'd love to read this!

marleenandlouie said...

Your review makes this sound very inviting and I would love to win it. Please enter me. Thanks

Carol EL said...

Enter me in the book giveaway. jelly15301@gmail.com

Becca said...

This book sounds really interesting, thanks! sbcashortie (at) hotmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good read, please count me in.

adrian309@juno.com

The Merry Death said...

I heart books, and your blog. :)
meredycat*lycos*com

toughturtles said...

sounds really good

redron said...

want to win this this sounds like a great book

Anonymous said...

this looks like a very interesting book. thanks for the chance to win ! :)

a_true_goddess@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the recommendation and the information. I love to read and LOVE finding new books and authors to explore. Also thanks for the "heads up" regarding having trouble putting it down. In my younger years (that means B.K. before kids) I read The Stand in less than 3 days, I think my prescription doubled for that book.

rmc1ra(at)aol(dot)com

Tammy said...

This sounds like I would like enter me please

chromiumman said...

love to win this

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - Your review (probably reflective of your great enjoyment of the book!) has completely drawn me in and made me want to read The Laws of Harmony!

liliesrnice said...

This sounds like a good read. I love finding new authors! Or at least new to me authors, haha.

Anonymous said...

Would love to get a chance to read this exciting book

Miss Spoken said...

Would love to read this
gkstratos@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to get my paws on this book!

froggypartyof2@aol.com

justicecw said...

Looks good...thanks for the chance, justicecw@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Sounds very interesting. I would love to win it. garrettsambo@aol.com

demmi said...

l would love to win a copy of the book con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Betty C said...

This story sounds like a real winner.

Tammy said...

Hello! This sounds like a good read. Thanks for the chance to win.

blown96cobra said...

This book sounds very good. Please count me in on your giveaway, thank you!

Anonymous said...

Happy Monday!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

aounds like a good read

Candie L said...

THis sounds fantastic. I need a new book to read. Thank you.

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

janetfaye said...

I would like to read this book.

Thank you!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

*~Dani~* said...

Sounds like a great read! I love reading new books.

Anonymous said...

This is one book I would not seek out but to win it would be a good reason to read! Thanks for the giveaway!!!



lknott@partnercom.net

mrstrooper said...

Sounds like a good read!

Leland's Mama said...

Sounds like a book I would love. Count me in.

ossmcalc said...

This sounds like such an interesting book. I hope that I am a winner of a copy.

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

lilyk said...

Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

ms.lilyk@gmail.com

kristina e said...

thanks for the contest, kristinae1979@gmail.com