Night of Miracles: A Novel (Mason Book 2)

A few months ago I read "The Story of Arthur Truluv" and enjoyed it a great deal. When this sequel was announced I ordered it based on my regard for Truluv. Initially, it is technically a sequel however the story doesn't require that you read Truluv first though it is recommended. This book brings back Lucille Howard as the protagonist and Maddy and her daughter also make an appearance but not in a significant way. So calling it a sequel is really debatable and not worth the trouble as the story is enjoyable regardless.I give the book three stars because it is a good story and it is what I expected from this author and not because I have any serious criticisms of the book. If I do have a criticism it is that the author does play with the readers' emotions and does it well. All the proper notes are played, lonely old lady, lost divorcee, confused lovers, sick mother, desperate husband, small boy and his dog. Are there any arrows left in the author's emotional quiver? I think not. Nevertheless, this book will be very popular and especially with the ladies in all those book clubs. On the other hand I chuckle at such obvious emotional exploitation and would generally view such work with disdain but in this book I will overlook this "flaw". The reason for my forgiveness is that I appreciate the ability of an author to take ordinary lives and ordinary events in such lives and weave a story that engages the reader and that is what was done here. The events depicted in this story are not particularly unusual though for the characters involved they are momentous. The author details the characters so that we, the readers, begin to identify with the character and befriend them through the pages of the story. When the character experiences a crisis we are as affected as is the character even though we may not see the crisis as all that serious and the solution all that impossible. This is a book about simple people in a small town with some simple problems and not so simple problems and how in time of trouble and crisis they cling to each other, survive, restore, and move forward. This is a book worth its price and an enjoyable reading experience.

Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets. When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most.My Thoughts: I loved revisiting the characters of Mason, Missouri, especially Lucille Howard, along with Maddy and her daughter Nola, the other friends of Arthur “Truluv.”Lucille is living in Arthur’s old house, which Maddy now owns, and many friends from the town, like Iris and Monica, gather for Lucille’s baking classes. Across the street live Jason, Abby, and their son Lincoln, who are new to town, but are soon caught up in a nurturing friendship with Lucille.I enjoyed how Lucille brought little Lincoln into her circle of love and friendship during his mother’s illness. I also enjoyed how the warmth of the friendships remind us of life’s unexpected blessings.Night of Miracles was a lovely story that tapped into all the emotions we experience, and remind us that friendship connections are the true miracles in life. 5 stars.

I have read most of Elizabeth Berg’s books, but I think this is by far her best. Each person becomes like a new friend. - she paints pictures of the town, the shops, the people - the way an artist uses a brush. I couldn’t wait to see what happens to each of her characters. There is so much love and friendship in the way their lives intertwine. Her thoughtful portraits of ordinary people, everyday events, are so refreshing in an age of technology and instant entertainment. Much like Fannie Flagg and Anne Tyler. I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter, and felt a sadness that the book had to end.

While this book picks up five years after the end of The Story of Arthur Truluv and centers upon Lucille, one of the main characters, it would be a bit of a misnomer to call it a sequel. For one thing, Arthur has passed away, and Maddy, the other main character, only has a few small appearances. Rather, this book focuses upon numerous new characters - Tiny, an overweight taxi driver who longs for Monica, a waitress at the local diner; Iris, a middle-aged divorcee who recently moved from Boston to Mason, Missouri; and Lincoln, the 10-year-old son of Lucille's neighbors Jason and Abby, who are fighting Abby's leukemia.All are intriguing characters in their own right, and Berg alternates chapters between them throughout the book. But really, it's more of a stand-alone book than anything else.

What a heartwarming story... Lucille, the feisty senior and Arthur's neighbor and friend is a main Character in this new book by Berg. Lucille is still heartbroken over the untimely death of her soon to be husband Frank. She decides to share her love of baking with others by teaching baking classes. Monica, A waitress at the local diner is looking for love. Tiny (who is not) is a big guy looking for love, but his shyness is getting him nowhere. His new neighbor Iris, new to town after a failed marriage finds a mentor in Lucille. And Lucilles new neighbors Abby and Jason have an unexpected tragedy that will change their lives. All these characters come together in friendship and love, reminiscent of the kindness Arthur left behind. Quick read, good feelings.

Loved this book!! I love Elizabeth Berg and once again she’s worked her magic in this book; everyday people in everyday lives become magical when Elizabeth Berg writes about them. This is an easy read. I read it in two days.

Great book and easy read

Loved this novel as I have all Elizabeth Berg's books.