#BookReview: Another Night, Another Day by Sarah Rayner

Reviewer: Annie

I received a review copy

This story is real!!  I am so glad I was asked to review this book.  I would find it hard to believe that anyone would not relate to this novel.  Sarah Rayner writes a story that is like a “conversation with a friend”.  She really brought to life struggles a lot of us have, that we do not care to discuss.

There was one character that I truly related to.  Karen.  I bet you find one you relate to, as well!

Karen, Abby and Michael all meet at a clinic for people dealing with emotional issues (and, other personal issues that interfere with one’s life, like alcohol addiction).  As Karen learns how to deal with her struggles, I learned a lot about myself; and even took notes on how I could help myself when grief struck me.  Each storyline had a connection to myself or someone I know.  I think that is what I enjoyed best about the story…the real rawness of it.  As it unfolded, I realized that this is a story a lot of us could benefit from reading…not only because we could learn something, but because it was truly entertaining.

Karen is a woman that tends to put others first, always…leading her to a bit of a breakdown when her father passes away.  Abby has so much responsibility caring for her son with autism, and the breakdown of her marriage…that she loses herself.  Then, there is Michael who loses his business and control of his emotions.  All three are admitted to the Moreland Place Clinic at about the same time.

Slowly they begin to grow friendships amongst each other, through group sessions and evening time, when they would all watch TV or listen to music…and, one night of dancing at the clinic is a huge turn-around for everyone.  There are quite a few peripheral characters that you also get to know and care for in addition to these three wonderful characters.

After they are all released from the clinic and going about their daily lives, a tragedy strikes that could bring anyone to their knees.  Karen, Abby and Michael will then find out if all of the coping mechanisms they learned at the clinic helped or not.

As I was finishing the book, I mentioned to my husband that the last 100 pages of a book go a lot quicker than the first, because you already know everyone and their circumstances and you just cannot wait to find out what happens to them.  That was certainly the case with this story.

This is a real story of friendship and how our circumstances mold us in to who we are.  And, how friends can help us make it through the good times and the bad.

Read this book, and join Sarah Rayner’s “conversation”!  I will be sharing this book with many friends.  As I am sure you will do, once you close the book.

4 Stars