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The Family Journal  By  cover art

The Family Journal

By: Carolyn Brown
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
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Publisher's summary

Join the millions who have fallen in love with New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown in her landmark hundredth novel.

At the end of her rope, single mom Lily Anderson is determined to move her rebellious children in the right direction. That means taking away their cell phones, tablets, and computers - at least temporarily - and moving to the house where Lily grew up in the rural town of Comfort, Texas. But Lily has a bigger challenge than two sulking teens.

The house comes with Mack Cooper, high school teacher and handsome longtime renter. The arrangement: just housemates. But Mack’s devoted attention to the kids starts to warm Lily’s resistant heart. Then Lily finds an old leather-bound book in which five generations of her female ancestors shared their struggles and dreams. To Lily, it’s a bracing reminder about the importance of family...and love.

Now it’s time for Lily to add an adventurous new chapter to the cherished family journal - by embracing a fresh start and taking a chance on a man who could make her house a home.

©2019 Carolyn Brown (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

What listeners say about The Family Journal

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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100th story and 100 thank you’d

This is the best ever!
This story meant so much to me!
I am almost 70 years old and this story gave me food for thought.
In the end all a person can ask for is the love of a family.
I think I’m starting over tomorrow.
I have laughed and cried over the years with Carolyn Brown. I have discovered old and new songs, pasted on expressions my daughter teases me that people would think I live in Texas and Oklahoma when I live in Los Angeles.
100 books and not one that I wouldn’t read again and again.
Congratulations and I live to read more

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28 people found this helpful

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love it

I absolutely love this book. normally books with really any form of romance that I listen to tend to have just a little bit too much sex. I mean I'm not complaining but it can't get to be a bit much. this one had growth family realistic expectations of a relationship and even a divorce. I love hearing about the women in the journal. I enjoyed the family dynamic in the kids were well-written and sort of remind me of my own. I would recommend this book without hesitation and I think I'm going to send it to my mother.

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20 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story - Bad Grammar

Carolyn Brown writes books with captivating stories, lovable characters, and believable premises. I loved the story and characters of Family Journal. As a Southerner living in New England, though, I meet folks who are surprised that my speech includes noun and verb agreement and that I don't say, "ain't." I don't understand why an author has to include bad grammar and unacceptable vocabulary to show a character is from the South. These characters were smart and educated. Carolyn and other authors, please do your part in getting rid of the stereotype that Southerners are not smart.

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19 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Almost a 5 star

This would have been a 5-star review except for the bad grammar. To many "he don't" kind of mistakes that were totally unrealistic, especially from high school teacher Mac. Every time it happened I was jerked out of what was otherwise a lovely story.

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14 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A good listen but...

I struggled at times with the children. They seemed very immature for their age. They are middle and high school and did not act like it at all. Overall a good listen just kinda unbelievable at times.

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8 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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When you need to:

When you need to stop feeling jaded and start hopeful . . .Read a Carolyn Brown Book!
When you need to get your priorities straight and remember whats important . . .Read a Carolyn Brown Book!
When you need a lift . . .Read a Carolyn Brown Book!

Loved this book

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Sweet story!

In this day of rampant sex and violence on the screen and in books, refreshing to hear a story about friendship, the difficulties of being a parent, and kindness. Thank you!!

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Down home good

Every time I read a Carolyn Brown book set in Comfort Texas, it's like going home. Brittany Pressley knows how to make her books come to life. Loved the read!

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6 people found this helpful

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I laughed and cried

This book told a beautiful story. I laughed and cried throughout the book. The characters were so believable and genuine.

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5 people found this helpful

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A wonderful read

Really liked this one. The family dynamic was well written, the romance built nicely, and the characters were lovable. I'd definitely recommend this one.

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4 people found this helpful

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  • "starky"
  • 12-09-19

A touchingly true to life tale

Avery well narrated story which covered several aspects of normal ,every day Iife .a pleasurable read.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • Mamon
  • 10-28-21

Lovely book. I enjoyed it from start to finish

Just right for me. Great characters. Plenty variety in the story . Thoroughly recommend


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