A friend of mine handed me this book and told me she thought anyone over a certain age would find it interesting. I found it disturbing and oddly very sad.

The story is about two lonely people who have lost their spouses. It is set in Holt, Colorado and tells the story of Addie and Louis, who live two doors down from one another. Addie pays Louis an unexpected visit. She tells him she is lonely, has trouble sleeping and she wants to ask if he would come and spend the nights with her. She is quick to explain that she isn’t interested in a sexual relationship, she just wants someone to talk to and share her empty bed.

They embark on a relationship that quickly turns into a special friendship. It is impossible to keep a secret in a small town and soon everyone is talking. When Addie’s son starts having financial and marital problems he brings his 6 year son Jamie, to visit Grandma. Addie and Louis discontinue their sleepovers until Jamie gets settled in. Louis and the boy soon bond and Louis is teaching Jamie to play ball and introducing him to a rescue dog. One night after Louis is back doing sleep overs, a storm comes up and Jamie ends up in bed with the older couple.

Of course the son finds out, although at this point I noticed the son seemed more worried about Louis trying to get Addie’s money, than Jamie. In the end the son separates the older couple by threatening to not let Addie see Jamie again. Addie gives in to pressure and moves out of town. A broken hip puts Addie in the hospital and Louis finds out about it and goes to see her. Of course the son is there and decrees that Louis can only have 5 minutes with his mother. The story ends with Addie getting out of the hospital and calling Louis on the phone. It leaves the reader with the impression that they may someday find their way back together or maybe that was my wishful thinking.

We are blessed with very few close friendships and it made me angry that Addie’s son would forbid her a loving relationship. Yes, there is a moral issue but who were they hurting? I think the story was set in the late 60’s and I don’t know if the son could make that work today. I have read about grandparents suing for visitation rights. I think I would have told my son that since money was his main concern, he should let me see my grandson or I would put every penny I had in trust so he couldn’t get anything.

Read the book and let me know your opinion!

Happy reading, Linda