Georgia Bockoven
Author of The Beach House
Series
Works by Georgia Bockoven
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Bockoven, Georgia
- Gender
- female
- Occupations
- freelance journalist
photographer
novelist - Relationships
- Bockoven, John (husband)
- Short biography
- Georgia was a Army child, who after a successful career as a freelance photo journalist before she turned to fiction writing. Published since 1983, she is an award-winning author whose books have sold more than four million copies worldwide. Her romance novel, A Marriage of Convenience, became a CBS movie in October of 1998 starring Jane Seymour and James Brolin. Married wich John Bockoven, she is the mother of two, and resides in Northern California. When her husband retired from the fire department, she decided to take a break from writing and spend more time together. The result was a nature photography business that is both challenging and filled with creative energy.
- Places of residence
- California, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- California, USA
Members
Reviews
Received pre-publication copy from TheReadingRoom and HarperCollins Publishers.
I know that many readers pay very close attention to book covers. I usually do not. However, I was very attracted to this cover from first glance, and then the description captivated my attention to request the novel and I was lucky enough to receive a copy.
Publisher's description:
"Over the course of one year, in a charming cottage by the sea, eight people will discover love and remembrance, reconciliation and show more reunion, beginnings and endings in this unforgettable sequel to Georgia Bockhoven's 'The Beach House' and 'Another Summer'..."
The illustration on the title page is the image in my mind as I reflect on treasured vacation memories and the dreams of vacation times yet to be. The illustration is then repeated on the pages that introduce Part 1: June; Part 2: August; and Part 3: January. There is also an illustration of a seashell which opens the first paragraph of each chapter. I became thoroughly ensconced in Part 1 and was absolutely taken by surprise when it came to a crashing halt. I immediately identified with the owner of the beach house as I turned the same age this year. Then as Alison, the first rental client met the next-door neighbor Grace with the perfectly organized binder to welcome Alison 'home' to the beach house, the story that evolved became a page-turner for me. I had long forgotten the publisher's description and didn't read the back cover of the book before reading the novel so I missed the clues that Part 1 would come to as crashing a halt as the crashing ocean waves on the jetty.
Although I could appreciate the friendship of the women being introduced in Part 2, I wasn't ready to meet them as I was still longing to read more about Alison, Grace, Kyle, and Christopher. But as I began Part 3, I truly understood that I had started to think about the novel from the wrong perspective. As I adjusted my thoughts to the part of treasured vacation memories from early adulthood, I remembered the years that my Mother and I returned to the same beach house rental each summer after my Father died. It was a very cathartic time for us - still enjoying vacation time at the beloved ocean shore but in a different neighboring beach community to create new memories of our own and to share that special bond in the same beach house rental each year with the owners that Mother and I had developed our own unique relationship.
As I came to the different perspective to the author's presentation of the story, I can say that I loved the novel in its entirety. The author and publisher gave me a special gift in receiving this novel - not only for the gift of a beautifully illustrated paperback with perfect touches to envelope me as a reader into the setting of the story but also to ponder that there are many twists and turns in life where a brief change of perspective can bring new delights and appreciation to our world if only we were always open to more possibilities. The novel touched my heart in ways I couldn't have even perceived possible when I requested a copy to read. I can't wait to read 'The Beach House', 'Another Summer' and more titles written by Georgia Bockoven. show less
I know that many readers pay very close attention to book covers. I usually do not. However, I was very attracted to this cover from first glance, and then the description captivated my attention to request the novel and I was lucky enough to receive a copy.
Publisher's description:
"Over the course of one year, in a charming cottage by the sea, eight people will discover love and remembrance, reconciliation and show more reunion, beginnings and endings in this unforgettable sequel to Georgia Bockhoven's 'The Beach House' and 'Another Summer'..."
The illustration on the title page is the image in my mind as I reflect on treasured vacation memories and the dreams of vacation times yet to be. The illustration is then repeated on the pages that introduce Part 1: June; Part 2: August; and Part 3: January. There is also an illustration of a seashell which opens the first paragraph of each chapter. I became thoroughly ensconced in Part 1 and was absolutely taken by surprise when it came to a crashing halt. I immediately identified with the owner of the beach house as I turned the same age this year. Then as Alison, the first rental client met the next-door neighbor Grace with the perfectly organized binder to welcome Alison 'home' to the beach house, the story that evolved became a page-turner for me. I had long forgotten the publisher's description and didn't read the back cover of the book before reading the novel so I missed the clues that Part 1 would come to as crashing a halt as the crashing ocean waves on the jetty.
Although I could appreciate the friendship of the women being introduced in Part 2, I wasn't ready to meet them as I was still longing to read more about Alison, Grace, Kyle, and Christopher. But as I began Part 3, I truly understood that I had started to think about the novel from the wrong perspective. As I adjusted my thoughts to the part of treasured vacation memories from early adulthood, I remembered the years that my Mother and I returned to the same beach house rental each summer after my Father died. It was a very cathartic time for us - still enjoying vacation time at the beloved ocean shore but in a different neighboring beach community to create new memories of our own and to share that special bond in the same beach house rental each year with the owners that Mother and I had developed our own unique relationship.
As I came to the different perspective to the author's presentation of the story, I can say that I loved the novel in its entirety. The author and publisher gave me a special gift in receiving this novel - not only for the gift of a beautifully illustrated paperback with perfect touches to envelope me as a reader into the setting of the story but also to ponder that there are many twists and turns in life where a brief change of perspective can bring new delights and appreciation to our world if only we were always open to more possibilities. The novel touched my heart in ways I couldn't have even perceived possible when I requested a copy to read. I can't wait to read 'The Beach House', 'Another Summer' and more titles written by Georgia Bockoven. show less
The Year Everything Changed is an immensely readable, albeit predictable, story about family and love. Four women are thrown together at the behest of their biological father. Two never knew him; two were seemingly abandoned by him at young ages. All must adjust their expectations and opinions of him in order to seek closure, if closure is what they seek. No matter what their relationship to their biological father, all must adjust to the fact that they each have three "new" sisters.
There is show more not much that is a surprise in Georgia Bockoven's latest novel. The reader can predict every plot twist and turn in the novel several pages, if not chapters, in advance. The characters are one-dimensional with little to no character development. The novel itself is too short to adequately build any empathy with any of the characters or to learn more about them at a level deeper than the superficial. It is a testament to Ms. Bockoven's writing that in spite of all this, a reader will find it difficult to stop reading. In fact, I would say that I kept reading The Year Everything Changed because of these normally negative elements.
The Year Everything Changed makes no demands on the reader. One only has to suspend a modicum of disbelief at some of the occurrences. The story is prettily written, glossing over some of the more dubious situations with lighthearted grace. It requires no deep philosophical studies but rather shows the ebbs and flows of love - parent, spouse, child - over generations and how one's perceptions can so easily be skewed by others. It is a simple reminder that one very rarely knows the entire story of someone else's actions.
The Year Everything Changed fits in to the ubiquitous genre of "chick lit". I think a more fitting term would be to describe it as "relationship lit" since the novel is more about the relationships between parent and child than about women in general. As expected, there are no earth-shattering revelations. Instead, it is a charming story about love that is ridiculously difficult to put down and that leaves a reader with the all-important "warm fuzzies". Everyone deserves/ needs a book like this periodically.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to Megan Traynor from William Morrow for my review copy! show less
There is show more not much that is a surprise in Georgia Bockoven's latest novel. The reader can predict every plot twist and turn in the novel several pages, if not chapters, in advance. The characters are one-dimensional with little to no character development. The novel itself is too short to adequately build any empathy with any of the characters or to learn more about them at a level deeper than the superficial. It is a testament to Ms. Bockoven's writing that in spite of all this, a reader will find it difficult to stop reading. In fact, I would say that I kept reading The Year Everything Changed because of these normally negative elements.
The Year Everything Changed makes no demands on the reader. One only has to suspend a modicum of disbelief at some of the occurrences. The story is prettily written, glossing over some of the more dubious situations with lighthearted grace. It requires no deep philosophical studies but rather shows the ebbs and flows of love - parent, spouse, child - over generations and how one's perceptions can so easily be skewed by others. It is a simple reminder that one very rarely knows the entire story of someone else's actions.
The Year Everything Changed fits in to the ubiquitous genre of "chick lit". I think a more fitting term would be to describe it as "relationship lit" since the novel is more about the relationships between parent and child than about women in general. As expected, there are no earth-shattering revelations. Instead, it is a charming story about love that is ridiculously difficult to put down and that leaves a reader with the all-important "warm fuzzies". Everyone deserves/ needs a book like this periodically.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to Megan Traynor from William Morrow for my review copy! show less
Summary
Karla, Heather and Grace are sisters who lost their parents in a car accident and were shuffled around between their father's family members until landing permanently at their grandmother Anna's home (mother's mother). The oldest, Karla, never really deals with her mother's death nor Anna's efforts to create a home for her and her sisters. She returns as an adult to help Anna set her affairs in order before she dies from congestive heart failure. Karla doesn't know, however, that Anna show more is determined to set things right between them and hopefully bring their family back together again.
What I Liked
Anna - she's strong, she's made mistakes, she's willing to admit them, she doesn't use her weaknesses as excuses, and she's determined to make amends with her granddaughter before she dies.
The Setting - Fall and Thanksgiving, Northern California...um, Bockoven had me at Fall and Thanksgiving really...it's shameful how easy I am :p
Food - Bockoven included recipes with this edition of Things Remembered and I have already added her applesauce cake to my Thanksgiving menu :)
Mark, the veterinarian - I'm just gonna be honest here...he reminded me of McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy. I could just see his eyes in my mind as I read his and Karla's dialogue...a sensitive soul, this Mark For heaven's sake...now I'm swooning...look what Bockoven has done to me ;)
I loved the way the sisters could dish it out to each other, honest and upfront, calling a spade a spade when necessary...but then they got over it. Their ties run deep.
What I Didn't Like
My smoochy-smoochy radar flared a little while reading Things Remembered, and I had to fight not to roll my eyes at first...but then, before I finished the book, I had to fight back tears in my eyes...I had to wipe my eyes quickly and look around to make sure nobody was watching :p... but that's the kind of book this is...sisters and their grandmother...their lives, past and present and how their combined histories shaped the women they are.
The ending was too perfect...and again, I don't usually like that sortof thing...but I liked it...Bockoven certainly ruined my street cred as a hard core, vampire, detective, serial killer, no romance sorta reader.
Overall Recommendations
This is an emotional story...one to curl up with with a cup of tea on a cool Fall day and enjoy just for what it is. No deep critical analysis needed here, just a relaxing read. show less
Karla, Heather and Grace are sisters who lost their parents in a car accident and were shuffled around between their father's family members until landing permanently at their grandmother Anna's home (mother's mother). The oldest, Karla, never really deals with her mother's death nor Anna's efforts to create a home for her and her sisters. She returns as an adult to help Anna set her affairs in order before she dies from congestive heart failure. Karla doesn't know, however, that Anna show more is determined to set things right between them and hopefully bring their family back together again.
What I Liked
Anna - she's strong, she's made mistakes, she's willing to admit them, she doesn't use her weaknesses as excuses, and she's determined to make amends with her granddaughter before she dies.
The Setting - Fall and Thanksgiving, Northern California...um, Bockoven had me at Fall and Thanksgiving really...it's shameful how easy I am :p
Food - Bockoven included recipes with this edition of Things Remembered and I have already added her applesauce cake to my Thanksgiving menu :)
Mark, the veterinarian - I'm just gonna be honest here...he reminded me of McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy. I could just see his eyes in my mind as I read his and Karla's dialogue...a sensitive soul, this Mark For heaven's sake...now I'm swooning...look what Bockoven has done to me ;)
I loved the way the sisters could dish it out to each other, honest and upfront, calling a spade a spade when necessary...but then they got over it. Their ties run deep.
What I Didn't Like
My smoochy-smoochy radar flared a little while reading Things Remembered, and I had to fight not to roll my eyes at first...but then, before I finished the book, I had to fight back tears in my eyes...I had to wipe my eyes quickly and look around to make sure nobody was watching :p... but that's the kind of book this is...sisters and their grandmother...their lives, past and present and how their combined histories shaped the women they are.
The ending was too perfect...and again, I don't usually like that sortof thing...but I liked it...Bockoven certainly ruined my street cred as a hard core, vampire, detective, serial killer, no romance sorta reader.
Overall Recommendations
This is an emotional story...one to curl up with with a cup of tea on a cool Fall day and enjoy just for what it is. No deep critical analysis needed here, just a relaxing read. show less
I have never read any of Georgia Bockovern’s books before this one, but I can tell you that this won’t be the last one I read! This will definitely make my ‘best of 2013’ when the year ends.
Carly, Ethan, and David have known each other forever, ever since they were young children. They were best buds and as they grew up, David and Ethan were best friends, and David and Carly fell in love. However, Ethan was also in love with Carly. Fast forward 16 years. Carly is married to Ethan show more and neither have been in contact with David for many years. Carly and Ethan are not so happily married and raising three children.
When David’s father dies, David returns to town after all those years, and is determined to talk to Carly to gain some closure. Ethan is very insecure in his marriage and does not want David anywhere around his family. And Carly has a very big secret she has been keeping all these years.
I read this story in almost one sitting, but life interferred and I had to read it in two! Once I got into the story, I found it hard to put down. There were parts that were sad, and other parts that were amazing. Ethan was pretty much a jerk through out much of the book, and even though it was easy to understand how his insecurity made him jealous, he was a little over the top towards Carly, and he was outright cruel to the daughter. As I read, I often wondered why Carly didn’t just reveal the secret and how bad things could have been had she been honest from the beginning. I still have to wonder if things wouldn’t have been better for her, but when the reasons for her decision became clear, I did understand. I still am not sure it was the right decision, but can’t say a lot more without major spoilers.
Read it. Find a friend to read with you so you can discuss it. And if you are in a book club, you definitely should make this one of your book club selections!
SOURCE: I received a copy of this book through TLC Book Tours in return for an honest review! show less
Carly, Ethan, and David have known each other forever, ever since they were young children. They were best buds and as they grew up, David and Ethan were best friends, and David and Carly fell in love. However, Ethan was also in love with Carly. Fast forward 16 years. Carly is married to Ethan show more and neither have been in contact with David for many years. Carly and Ethan are not so happily married and raising three children.
When David’s father dies, David returns to town after all those years, and is determined to talk to Carly to gain some closure. Ethan is very insecure in his marriage and does not want David anywhere around his family. And Carly has a very big secret she has been keeping all these years.
I read this story in almost one sitting, but life interferred and I had to read it in two! Once I got into the story, I found it hard to put down. There were parts that were sad, and other parts that were amazing. Ethan was pretty much a jerk through out much of the book, and even though it was easy to understand how his insecurity made him jealous, he was a little over the top towards Carly, and he was outright cruel to the daughter. As I read, I often wondered why Carly didn’t just reveal the secret and how bad things could have been had she been honest from the beginning. I still have to wonder if things wouldn’t have been better for her, but when the reasons for her decision became clear, I did understand. I still am not sure it was the right decision, but can’t say a lot more without major spoilers.
Read it. Find a friend to read with you so you can discuss it. And if you are in a book club, you definitely should make this one of your book club selections!
SOURCE: I received a copy of this book through TLC Book Tours in return for an honest review! show less
Awards
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Statistics
- Works
- 25
- Members
- 829
- Popularity
- #30,791
- Rating
- 3.7
- Reviews
- 41
- ISBNs
- 107
- Languages
- 4
