Nicole R. Dickson

Casting off was one of the warmest books I read during these holidays. In a way, it felt like a really nice Christmas present too - it was just what I needed. I liked just about everything about it - except maybe for the dialogues, as they can be a little stiff and artificial - but I've noticed that this is a very common thing in American books, so perhaps it's understandable. Other than that, the book offered a safe-feeling atmosphere which I happened to be needing at the time I received it. I really liked the theme of letting go - because, incidentally, I was facing similar thoughts at the time. There were at least two instances when certain passages in the book seemed to refer to my situation and suggested commentary, which in turn made me think about certain things more deeply, of course.
Another thing I really liked about the book is how knitting patterns were used in the beginning of every chapter. Although - I have to say - it is regrettable that they're only explained and not drawn or photographed. I caught myself googling the patterns numerous times, trying to imagine them better!

Now for the actual tale.. The book is layered very nicely - parts of the story happen in the current time, parts of it intertwine with memories of the past. You don't really find out what happened in the main character's past almost till the very end - although you do have your suspicions. Both the stories of the main character Rebecca and and the old man Sean are touching, yet sad. Although Rebecca has no way of facing her actual past, Sean's history is used in the book to act as the 'other side' of what happened - through the similarities of their lives - similar disaster, yet different side of the experience. Both these stories are nicely tied together by the innocent affection and understanding of a small child (Rebecca's daughter) - the unconditional understanding that most adults will have lost the capacity to give because of preconceptions and past experiences.

Generally, if you're looking for hope, warmth and reassurance - this book is the book for you. It's the kind of book you'll want to read curled up on the sofa by an (imaginary, perhaps) fireplace with some hot cocoa in your mug.. trying to delay the ending as long as you can.

EDIT: I wonder if I mentioned anywhere that I received this as a Firstreads giveaway. In case I haven't, I'm mentioning it now :)… (mer)

Nichole R. Dickson’s HERE AND AGAIN, is a beautiful novel of loss, love, redemption, and finding your way home.

Dickson dives into the lives and histories of families, and back to the Civil War, with well-developed characters, drawing readers into a magical world as the novel shifts back and forth between Ginger and Samuel’s POV.

Ginger lost her husband in Iraq and she is raising three children. She is living on a farm where her husband grew up, owned by her husband’s grandmother.

Set deep in the Shenandoah Valley, Ginger dreams of the past. When a stranger appears in her life, he says he’s a soldier, and trying to make his way home, but Ginger understands Samuel is a kindred spirit.

HERE AND AGAIN takes you on a remarkable journey as readers learn about all the pieces of their life, while seamlessly intertwining the past and present, from grief to joy.

I listened to the audiobook, read by Karen White which was warmhearted and easy flowing.

Readers enjoying contemporary or historical fiction will appreciate Dickson’s lyrical style. I look forward to reading more by this author!
… (mer)

received this book through a giveaway and I'm not gunna lie, I was nervous as hell to start it. Normally I don't like the "Housewife books" , you know what I mean, the love and sap just don't appeal to me.
So after I got this book it took me a while to actually get up the nerve to read it. So after about a week of it sitting on my shelf I thought... with you don't read if you don't take chances... I cracked open the front cover and paged through the title pages, signed page and the acknowledgments and see a letter dated May 10, 1861 I immediately start reading. This one letter along was written with more description than most of my recent books.
Let me just say Nicole Dickson has a way with words. Once I got started I couldn't stop! She seamlessly brought together past and present in a wonderful story of love, Loss, and making it through life. Miss Dickson, I applaud you and your talent for writing and keeping the reader wanting more! If you need a good cry book... GET IT NOW!… (mer)