True Places

A Novel

By: Sonja Yoerg

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

An Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestseller.

“True Places is a beautiful reminder that though we may busy ourselves seeking what we want, what we need has an uncanny way of finding us.” --Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Life and Other Near-Death Experiences

A girl emerges from the woods, starved, ill, and alone...and collapses.

Suzanne Blakemore hurtles along the Blue Ridge Parkway, away from her overscheduled and completely normal life, and encounters the girl. As Suzanne rushes her to the hospital, she never imagines how the encounter will change her - a change she both fears and desperately needs.

Suzanne has the perfect house, a successful husband, and a thriving family. But beneath the veneer of an ideal life, her daughter is rebelling, her son is withdrawing, her husband is oblivious to it all, and Suzanne is increasingly unsure of her place in the world. After her discovery of the ethereal sixteen-year-old who has never experienced civilization, Suzanne is compelled to invite Iris into her family's life and all its apparent privileges.

But Iris has an independence, a love of solitude, and a discomfort with materialism that contrasts with everything the Blakemores stand for - qualities that awaken in Suzanne first a fascination, then a longing. Now Suzanne can't help but wonder: Is she destined to save Iris, or is Iris the one who will save her?

©2019 Sonja Yoerg. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Hallmark feel good movie book

The story is beautifully written, it is jammed packed with all the to good to be true ingredients, but it does feel a bit too perfect, morally right and easy going in the end. If the idealistic American dream, little house on the prairie is your thing you will most definitely enjoy this.

I expected more.

Wonderful Story of Family and Life

Wonderful story with excellent narration. I loved the characters, and the fact that all the main characters were given time for viewpoints. The themes of parenthood, marriage, teens, loss, grief and courage stand out. Iris was an amazing person, who could cut to the truth and challenge the values that were so false and prevalent among many. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good family drama story, full of emotion.

really good book

The story was really really really good but the best part about this was the narrator she is amazing!!!!

Pleasant but not exciting

Depends on your taste, but this book had little action, drama or suspense. It was a nice book but kinda blah but my normal preferred listening is suspense thrillers.

A Surprise

A good story but not what I expected. The story revolves around a modern American family and is all too true in its representation. This depressing and at times heart breaking scene is well contrasted with “the woods” and the girl who is their refugee. The story’s end came about far too easily, and seemed to lack the authenticity of the rest of the book, but being a fan of happy endings, I liked it anyway.

Unique story, very well illustrated!

Interesting story to read! Characters develop well throughout. Nice contrast between the very simple, minimalist lifestyle, ranging to the rich & entitled - hard to believe some people may really think that way! Certain characters were predictable but I love that the story wasn’t focused on a bad marriage!! Nice alternative to hear about people learning to support one another rather than the plot focused on everything falling apart due to an affair or other tragedy. Great that the plot focuses on bringing people together and the positive outcomes that it can lead to. I enjoyed listening!! A few times it was a tiny bit slow, but worth powering through!

Heart warming story!!

Loved this book!! Truly a heartwarming story! Constantly pulling on your heart strings. Five stars!!!!

Loved Getting Lost in True Places

The story of losing our way, and finding a new unexpected path was just right for the times we find ourselves. The idea —as Iris described it— “that life can be so heavy” our only way to survive it is “to bend.”

When we let go, we may find something better and more fulfilling.

The writing is so vivid you feel every step and emotion. The narration is superb. Didn’t want the story to end.

True Places

I liked this book, but I don't like the F- word. I wish that books were rated

Trite, politically popular banter

This book is written entirely from a woman's perspective and point of view. Think: women, victims, good---Men: oppressive, bad. I think this sums up the overarching theme.