Nancy’s Review of Family Pieces by Misa Rush

Away at college in Arizona, Karsen Woods is living a picture-perfect life until the unexpected death of her mother turns her world upside down. When she goes back home to Indiana, she discovers that there is a missing piece of her treasured necklace, a family tradition started by her grandfather when he handmade each immediate relative an interlinking puzzle piece charm. Karsen’s brother and father dismiss her concerns about the pieces not fitting perfectly together anymore, but her uncertainty and curiosity propel her to search for answers. Addison Reynolds’ life revolves around running Urbane, the magazine empire built by her father, in New York. She is known to push people away out of fear of her own vulnerability. At thirty nine years old, Addison finally tells her most safely guarded secret to her lifelong, closest friend Emily. Karsen and Addison are hundreds of miles apart but their lives will intersect in a very profound way, forcing them to face the truth and learn to forgive in order to love again.

Family Pieces deals with issues of family, friendship, romance, heartbreak and mystery. Karsen and Addison are two women at very different stages in life but their unforeseen bond allows them to discover more about themselves and their families. This novel is an engaging read that is humorous but also has depth. There are several surprises along the way that will keep readers wondering what will happen next. The realistic situations and dilemmas faced by the characters allow readers to connect to the story and become emotionally invested. Family Pieces has some of the typical elements of chick lit but enough originality to make it stand out. It is an enjoyable read that really emphasizes the importance of family.

Misa Rush competed in gymnastics for eighteen years, including four on a full-ride scholarship to Eastern Michigan University. She graduated from Arizona State University with a master's degree in business administration. She currently resides in Gilbert, Arizona, with her husband and two children. Family Pieces is her first novel. For more information, connect with Misa on http://misarush.com, Facebook and Twitter.