Mending Stone
Sharon Duerst, 2012
White Spring
320 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780985537807
Summary
Something is amiss in the "good life" of “Mia” Casinelli Edwards. Unable to shake her devastation after the loss of a baby, Mia is haunted by dreams of a mysterious woman.
Compelled into action, Mia makes a shocking discovery. She leaves her husband, Tim, and their Portland, Oregon business in shambles, and finds herself miles away, bruised and shaking in the bed of a stranger. But even strong and gentle Gerald can't quell her growing disquiet.
Disturbing questions, odd clues, and a nagging voice inside lead Mia to Mexico in search of someone, somewhere, with answers.
Catching Rain (2014) is the sequel to Mending Stone.
Watch the book video.
Author Bio
• Birth—1955
• Where—the state of Idaho, USA
• Raised—the state of Oregon
• Education—B.S., University of Oregon
• Currently—lives in Bend, Oregon
When not writing or walking or tackling creative challenges, Sharon Duerst enjoys family and friends and many opportunities to appreciate the beauty of nature. After growing up in Idaho and the Columbia River Gorge, Sharon finished college in the Willamette Valley, and started her career in education and long-term care on the Oregon Coast. Now living on the high desert of Central Oregon, with wide spaces of time and landscape to explore, she finds great inspiration in natural environments. (From the author.)
Visit the author's website.
Book Reviews
More than 50 READERS - including book club members and writers' groups - have commented or written REVIEWS on Facebook, email, and Amazon!!! Some are listed here:
Mending Stone warmed my heart. It filled my spirit with uplifting whispers of the oft times mystical bond between mother and child, the reality of intuition, and the wisdom of listening to and following your heart. — Sue Patton Thoele, author of The Mindful Woman
It is REALLY good. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen! It reminds me of a Nicholas Sparks story. And everyone can relate to characters looking to find "sweetness." — Judy Bair
An enthralling read! Well researched, richly descriptive in a unique writing style fitting the story. I wanted to keep reading! — Lisa Anderson, freelance writer/reviewer
A very real account of a woman struggling with grief and self-discovery. Vivid descriptions with true-to-life experiences. The poetry added a thoughtful angle to what was happening. I enjoyed the story within a story. I put the book aside with 36 pages left to read—I didn’t want the story to end! A wonderful book! I can’t wait for the next one. — Simone Neall
A captivating story—it took me to unknown places that now seem familiar. — Karen Martell
Beautiful. Descriptive. And touching. A perfect read with love, death, mystery, thrills, and humor. A must read for anyone who loves the craft of writing and a spellbinding story. — JD
I enjoyed reading this story of a woman learning what it means to have loved and lost, and to travel a path to understanding, healing, and strength. My favorite scene involves her finally claiming her power. And, I loved discovering the answers to the mystery of her family. — Maria Carlos
Enjoyable. Thought provoking. I found myself asking, "What if..." — Shari Austin
Part romance...Scenes with Gerald are full of sexual tension and intrigue; a reader can't help but fall for him...Landscapes are vivid...The mystery unfolds in snippets...Engaging story with developed characters and a sweet satisfying ending! — GH
Excellent. Fabulous. I will read it again! And I want to send a copy to several family members. — Kathryn Olmstead, senior reader
The descriptive vision brings us directly into the story. I love the interplay of storylines. We’re carried with excellent detail into the dramatic story of Rosa, the pace of her hard life. A fun book to read! — Diane Conroy
I loved it! The story held me to the very end—and then, I cried. — Anna Aram
A spiritual journey pebbled with friends, family, and Native Americans, from the Pacific Northwest to Texas. — Ginger Dehlinger, author of Brute Heart
I finished Mending Stone in one day! I loved it! I can’t wait for the sequel to see what else happens! — Jet McCann
Reading late into the night, I had to know: why were the two women brought together in such a haunting way? So many questions drew me from page to page to page! The ending was satisfying and sweet—but still I want more! — AnnaMariah Nau
Portraits of betrayal, friendship, and loss—with a satisfying outcome of hope. — Debbie Wiemeyer, avid reader & former library worker
A gem of a read. It was well written and very descriptive. It reinforced my sense that women should rely on their instincts. I can’t wait to read more about Mia and Gerald in the next book. — Kay DeBast
I couldn’t put the book down! — Kathy Bingham
Sharon...Just finished your book, reading the last 1/3 in one sitting! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can't wait for more! — Dianne Espy
Loved your book, read the first 50 pages (in the car) between The Dalles and the Oregon Coast. I can't believe this is your first book! It is so good! I know I will love the sequel, too! — Janet Clark Thomas
Hi Sharon, I started your book this weekend and could not put it down and finished quickly. It was really good and you are very talented. Is there a sequel? It would be read! MOVE over Danielle Steel! WOW Sharon... — Katrena Meyer
Very engaging! I really enjoyed it! An interesting adventure! — Bradley Lorang
Sharon, this is a haunting story that has triggered all manner of questions for me! I paid very little attention to my parents' stories when I was growing up and now they are not available to tell their tales. I found Mia's journey riveting, not just the sleuthing out her roots, but her reflections on her relationships and development of new ones. What a gifted storyteller you are. Thank you. — CP
Great job! Can't wait for the sequel! This book brought back great memories of the area I'm from. — Connie Van Sickle
Haunting. This book cast a spell over me and drew me through Mia's story like a magnet. Hers is a calling that we can relate to, but not many of us have the courage to pursue. Thanks to the author for such a compelling read. — NW, Amazon customer
I'm reading your book and enjoying it. I have friends standing in line to read it. — MB
Nice little touches. Romance is definitely part of it...A slight overlay of fate...Nicely done...Wonderful descriptions. — Rodger Nichols, Haystack Broadcasting
Discussion Questions
1. What is unique about this story?
2. How does setting influence the mood and action?
3. Questions of faith, fidelity, heritage and lifestyle plague the characters. Can you relate to their challenges?
4. Does anything in the novel “speak” to you?
5. What recurring themes do you notice?
6. Do you find anything surprising or disturbing?
7. What do you like about this story, or characters?
8. Do you have lingering questions?
(Questions courtesy of the author.)