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I have read so many books in my life that sometimes I feel a bit hardened in my reactions to the stories. It feels like the same themes are regurgitated time and time again with only the twists and the names changed to protect the innocent. Some books leave me feeling flat or nothing at all. Sometimes it’s hard to get a brief reaction, and when I do, I’m on to the next story.
That is until I picked up this book.
OMG! This story is so profound. It truly has made an impact on me. Part of this book is about my mother. Parts of this book reflect things I knew and saw growing up in the ’60s and ’70s.
If you want to get to know your mom or grandmother better – read this book! Below is my full review.
The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader
Publisher: Graydon House; Original edition (December 6, 2022)
ISBN-13: 978-1335453488
OVERVIEW:
Two friends. A lifetime of secrets. One sparkling story.
1967 Iowa. Nursing school roommates BettyKay and Kitty don’t have much in common. BettyKay has risked her family’s disapproval to pursue her dreams away from her small town. Cosmopolitan Kitty has always relied on her beauty and smarts to get by and to hide a painful secret. Yet the two share a determination to prove themselves in a changing world, forging an unlikely bond on a campus unkind to women.
Before their first year is up, tragedy strikes, and the women’s paths are forced apart. But against all odds, a decades-long friendship forms, persevering through love, marriage, failure, and death, from the jungles of Vietnam to the glamorous circles of Hollywood. Until one snowy night leads their relationship to the ultimate crossroads.
Fifty years later, two estranged sisters are shocked when a famous movie star shows up at their mother’s funeral. Over one tumultuous weekend, the women must reckon with a dazzling truth about their family that will alter their lives forever…
The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader Review
As I said in my opening, this book has had a profound impact on me. Towards the end, I was ugly crying. I could not stop reading!
I have read other Fader books before and she is not only a highly gifted storyteller and author, but Fader knows how to reach down and touch your soul. She does that with this book!
As I was reading this story, my mind was flashing back to the Vietnam era I lived through. My father was there three different times. We lived in the far east, saw the news, and felt the impact of society at that time. My mom lived through WWII. I was impacted in my life.
Fader dives deep into that time in history with a story that not only showcases the intensity of true friendship but also what that friendship does over the lifetime to their families. It shows what people do when they believe in something and take a stand. I realized that I never had that type of relationship with my girlfriends, but I do with my best guy friend. I miss him.
The Sunshine Girls tells a story like none other. It showcases the badass women in our lives – your grandma or mom. It shows strength, courage, conviction, and passion.
Told in alternative time periods, you will be sucked into this story just like I was. A story that I just know will be a movie someday, will definitely be one to read over and over, plus be the one book that should be gifted to your daughter.
Don’t miss The Sunshine Girls! It will open your eyes and change your life.
10 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.