I just read Already Home by New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. I’ll be honest, the book sat on my TBR pile for quite a long time. It got bumped time and time again. Not because there were other more compelling books. Nor did I believe it wouldn't be a ‘good read'. On the contrary, I knew without a doubt it would be a very good book. Come on, it’s Susan Mallery!
No, the reason it continually got skipped over had to do with one of the main themes of the story. Adoption.
I have an issue with how adoption is often played out in fiction.
I was adopted when I was four months old and consequently this is a subject I have given more than a passing thought to over the years.
I can’t tell you why I finally decided to pick up the book and read it—I guess it was just time.
No, the reason it continually got skipped over had to do with one of the main themes of the story. Adoption.
I have an issue with how adoption is often played out in fiction.
I was adopted when I was four months old and consequently this is a subject I have given more than a passing thought to over the years.
I can’t tell you why I finally decided to pick up the book and read it—I guess it was just time.
Already Home is women’s fiction; a departure from the contemporary romance genre for which Mallery is well-known. She has a devoted fan base. Myself included.
Quick Synopsis: The story is about a young sous-chef, Jenna Stevens, who after a divorce decides to move back home to the town where she was raised and open a cooking store, Grate Expectations. (Cute name, huh?)
At thirty-two, Jenna is finally following her own dreams with the support from her store manager, Violet (a great secondary character, by the way) and her adoptive mom, Beth. However, just as everything seems to be going smoothly in her new life, her hippie birth parents show up.
Initially Jenna isn’t thrilled to meet her free-spirited birth parents, but with the encouragement from her adoptive parents, she commits to getting to know them better. Blending the lifestyle of unconventional vegans, Tom and Serenity with her traditional, steaks-on-the-grill parents, Marshal and Beth, doesn’t come easy.
Jenna embarks on a poignant journey of discovery. The heartwarming story is not without a few bumps along the way. “In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love…” *
* Quote from the back cover blurb.
Quick Synopsis: The story is about a young sous-chef, Jenna Stevens, who after a divorce decides to move back home to the town where she was raised and open a cooking store, Grate Expectations. (Cute name, huh?)
At thirty-two, Jenna is finally following her own dreams with the support from her store manager, Violet (a great secondary character, by the way) and her adoptive mom, Beth. However, just as everything seems to be going smoothly in her new life, her hippie birth parents show up.
Initially Jenna isn’t thrilled to meet her free-spirited birth parents, but with the encouragement from her adoptive parents, she commits to getting to know them better. Blending the lifestyle of unconventional vegans, Tom and Serenity with her traditional, steaks-on-the-grill parents, Marshal and Beth, doesn’t come easy.
Jenna embarks on a poignant journey of discovery. The heartwarming story is not without a few bumps along the way. “In the end, Jenna will find that there is no perfect family, only the people we love…” *
* Quote from the back cover blurb.
I like the way Mallery chose to handle Jenna's feeling about her adoption. To me, it is refreshing when an author takes, what I feel is a more realistic approach (with the theme of adoption) as Mallery did in Already Home. She kept the “melodrama” out of her story.
Jenna always knew she was adopted. When her birth parents sweep into her life she isn’t thrilled--it’s a lot to take in. But she did know she was adopted so it wasn't an OMG moment.
So many times the heroine (or hero) is devastated to learn she (or he) was adopted. “How could they hide it from me?” As if this sudden revelation somehow changes the relationship between the “child” and the parent(s) who loved and nurtured her (or him) for years.
I wish I had a dollar every time someone asks me if I've thought about finding my ‘real’ mom (and/or parents). I don't take offense. I guess it isn’t unusual for people to be curious. I, however, am not.
The use of the term 'real' is incorrect. And I have always had a problem with the use of that word. It was more common years ago, nowadays I think people are more enlightened. More on that in a moment.
First, there have only been two times in my life when I thought the identity of my birth parents may be worth knowing--when I was pregnant with my own two children. As an expectant mother I worried about the health of my unborn children and their subsequent growth.
Although, after filling out countless medical forms with UNKNOWN/ADOPTED when I get to the medical history section, it seems to be the common thread with my doctors to assume I'm healthy. (The “don’t borrow trouble” adage.) So far, so good!
So what makes a parent the real parent? Jenna repeatedly says Marshall and Beth are her parents. No question. And like Jenna, my parents are the two people who raised me.
These two extraordinary people were my real parents. They taught me the difference between right and wrong, instilled a strong work ethic, praised me for my accomplishments, disciplined when necessary and gave me a loving supportive home where I was able to prosper.
Being a parent isn't easy. The trails and tribulations through the teen years are never easy to get through and now that I am treading the turbulent, moody waves of adolescence with my own two children I have a whole new appreciation for what my parents went through. <g>
Jenna always knew she was adopted. When her birth parents sweep into her life she isn’t thrilled--it’s a lot to take in. But she did know she was adopted so it wasn't an OMG moment.
So many times the heroine (or hero) is devastated to learn she (or he) was adopted. “How could they hide it from me?” As if this sudden revelation somehow changes the relationship between the “child” and the parent(s) who loved and nurtured her (or him) for years.
I wish I had a dollar every time someone asks me if I've thought about finding my ‘real’ mom (and/or parents). I don't take offense. I guess it isn’t unusual for people to be curious. I, however, am not.
The use of the term 'real' is incorrect. And I have always had a problem with the use of that word. It was more common years ago, nowadays I think people are more enlightened. More on that in a moment.
First, there have only been two times in my life when I thought the identity of my birth parents may be worth knowing--when I was pregnant with my own two children. As an expectant mother I worried about the health of my unborn children and their subsequent growth.
Although, after filling out countless medical forms with UNKNOWN/ADOPTED when I get to the medical history section, it seems to be the common thread with my doctors to assume I'm healthy. (The “don’t borrow trouble” adage.) So far, so good!
So what makes a parent the real parent? Jenna repeatedly says Marshall and Beth are her parents. No question. And like Jenna, my parents are the two people who raised me.
These two extraordinary people were my real parents. They taught me the difference between right and wrong, instilled a strong work ethic, praised me for my accomplishments, disciplined when necessary and gave me a loving supportive home where I was able to prosper.
Being a parent isn't easy. The trails and tribulations through the teen years are never easy to get through and now that I am treading the turbulent, moody waves of adolescence with my own two children I have a whole new appreciation for what my parents went through. <g>
My mom is now eighty-eight. I still depend on her wisdom and advice. Unfortunately, I lost my dad eighteen years ago this summer. Not a day goes by that I don't count my lucky stars that my birth mother (or parents) made the unselfish decision to give me up--thereby giving me a good and happy life.
If I am ever lucky enough to get published -- and it won't be because of a lack of encouragement from my mom, my first book's dedication will read: This book is dedicated to my mom and dad. Thank you!
If I am ever lucky enough to get published -- and it won't be because of a lack of encouragement from my mom, my first book's dedication will read: This book is dedicated to my mom and dad. Thank you!
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