Book Review: "Shelter Me" by Juliette Fay

“Shelter Me” by Juliette Fay, I must admit is not a book I thought I would love. It is a women’s fiction book that is emotional, heartfelt, realistic, and interesting. This 448 page paperback was just released this past December and it is a quick read.

The main reason I didn’t think I would like this book is because it is emotional and makes you think about stuff that maybe you don’t want to think about. For example, I have yet to read or see “The Notebook” or any of those other sappy books or movies. I prefer non-realistic genre’s and stuff that won’t make me cry! I am glad I took a chance with this book, I needed it!
As a 38-year old woman with a preschool and a toddler whose husband has just died, Janie LaMarche is lost. While grieving, getting angry, and still having to take care of her babies, I cannot even imagine surviving day to day. Janie’s story really shows how strong women can be and how to appreciate everyday miracles.

In the beginning of the book, a contractor shows up at Janie’s door and says he is there to rebuild her front porch. With her husband freshly buried, she now has this contractor who says he was hired by her husband to build the porch. It obviously was a surprise present for her and she goes back and forth over allowing him to do the work. In the end she does and of course feelings develop. So now the contractor, Tug, falls for Janie, while she is struggling with feelings for Father Jake.

Not only is their love and romance throughout this book, but also you get to meet all of Janie’s crazy friends and family members. Throughout the book, Janie realizes too that she can’t do it all alone and needs the help of others. She learns and grows and it is amazing to see.
This book touched me because I am also a mom of two little ones, and I cannot imagine what it would be like to loose my husband and father of my children. Even though this book is fiction, it still makes you think and really touched me. Juliette Fay is a very good author and I am glad I got the opportunity to check out her latest book.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a powerful woman story. It had so much going on and kept me reading throughout. It also not only made me cry, but laugh and think.