Cracks in the Sidewalk: A Family Saga

This book will make you run the gamut of emotions. It starts out with a seemingly happy family whose individual personalities emerge as the young mother of three is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Secrets are revealed as the young father isolates the children from their loving grandparents. Eventually there is a happy reunion.

This story captivated me again. I read it when first published and again tonight. Both times I was unable to put it down until I finished the book. The characters so real, the loss so sad and the love so enduring! This book is based on a true story and I know several other families that have also lived it. Separation and loss are indeed one way we can learn to create families of those God has surrounded us with when blood-families fracture under stress. Bette Lee Crosby is a gifted story teller who draws us into her books time and time again.

This tale of a fractured yet loving family is similar to the stories of many families. While every detail may not be the same, the story of the struggle of reaching a peaceful and loving climax relates to many families today. Hope is never left behind, ad is, in fact the key to the problems being faced

This story was so heartbreaking. The author had me right there hurting alongside Claire and her daughter. I also wanted to reach into the book and choke her son-in-law. I can't remember the last time I've read a book where I was so emotionally spent after finishing. I put myself in each character's shoes, even the son-in-law's! But I couldn't find any reason why or how someone can treat their spouse in such a hateful and selfish manner. I definitely recommend this book. I finished it in two days.

This book made me feel many emotions, swinging from sadness to anger to love as each person related their perceptions of events.. As a mother, the agony of losing a child surrounded my heart. As a grandmother, the mere thought of being denied my grandchildren, made me angry and sad. I identified with the love and trust in God's plan.

Well-written, emotional read about families, love, loss, resentment, revenge, and reunion.. Every few chapters the point of view is changed from one character to another, and from first to third person, thus creating believability to the storyline.

I enjoyed this story of family hope, attachment and dysfunction. With only a few exceptions, it was believable. The son in law was so self centered, it was a stretch to think he would actually choose to fight for sole custody, but I came to believe he was just that spiteful. I cared about the people very much.

As a retired hospice nurse, I related to the family needs and pain in going through the hope and disappointment cancer inflicts. The way the story is told is well done and doesn't let you put the book down!

Well written, satisfying and reassuring. A good read for this rainy afternoon!

Our book club selected Cracks in the Sidewalk on my recommendation. We did so with the added bonus of having the author attend the book club meeting when the discussion of her book would take place. The book deals with the break up of a marriage, the death of a beloved daughter and the
loss of contact with grandchildren. Each chapter is written from the perspective of different characters. Dialogue is believable speech and the emotional content in the dialogue is authentic. Readers quickly become advocates for some characters and develop visceral dislikes for a few, as well. Our book club enjoyed the opportunity to quiz Bette about her writing patterns, the reality base of some of the characters and what life as an author was like. I have read Bette's newest Christmas book and recommend it highly.

The story is deep in content. The love is strong. The sadness overwhelming. The loss is great. The ending restores faith in humanity. Curiosity brought great rewards. (I would like to have seen the nurse who compromised her patient and divulged confidential info confronted.)

Another winner. Bette Crosby is on my best list. I haven't read all her books but I'm working on it. When I can say a 5 star
rating, it mean it. I don't likek a mediocre book. I want it to get my attention and keep there. I don't want to figure out the end from the first page. Darlene

This is a true story of a family including grandparents, parents and three children. It is heart breaking at times and unbelievable
how a father can treat his children and wife. The grandparents carry the love for everyone and do the best they can. The ending is heartwarming. It is a good read!

The story was very gripping. From the moment the grandmother recieves that letter. You feel like your part of the journey. "Cracks in the Sidewalk " is a book you can't put down. The only thing that bothered me was, as a mother myself, I could not understand why a mother would allow for so much time to go by without seeing her children. Why the grandparents didn't.fight sooner. Other than that iteas warm, touching novel.

I just finished Crack in the Sidewalk our very own Bette Lee Crosby. Love the book. Felt so bad for Liz and the grandparents but my heart went out to the kids. The father, JT, was a terrible person and lived the life he so deserved. Ladies/Gentlemen if you haven't read this book give it a try.

Once you read this book you'll never forget it!!! I don't even know what to say that is in my heart. At the end I cried. A mother's and a grandmother's love has no boundaries. We love forever and beyond!!

This book was all the more interesting because it was based on a true story. It covered some difficult subject matter. The author handles emotional material very well. Brought tears to my eyes in some parts. It makes one wonder what he/she would do in a similar situation. I enjoy most books by this author.

The message is there, but not too preachy! Elisabeth is a young mother of 3 children who gets a serious illness, that tears the family apart with her parents being extremely tested in ways they could never have imagined. There were tears, but who doesn't need a good cry once in a while in this world as it is today? I felt strengthened by the end tho ..... We can't judge our life experiences.

I have read several of Bette Crosby books and like the others this one is very good. As you read you tend to forget this is a true story. A story of the strongest type of love and a glimpse into the darkest type of selfishness that borders on evil.

As a grandmother, this story caught my eye. The heartfelt storyline was interspersed with the thoughts and agony of the grandparents. We have no rights in the sight of the law, God, in His wisdom, brought many grandchildren to fill an aching heart. By the final page, I could barely read through my tears.

This one kept me very intrigued. How could someone be so mean. It is just horrible how we treat each other. We as a society should not allow things like this. A bitter parent lies to their children and keeps them away from the other parent and grandparents. Very good book. Made me cry!

A must read book! "Nothing's perfect, life is like a sidewalk leading to heaven. We're bound to come across a few cracks in it...They're God's way of moving life's cement. He's giving us a chance to let something new grow." Must wonderful ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and love the ending. When you have a loss, trust in God, He is a multiplier and will repay you double. I can relate to Elizabeth and how her husband's love for her was superficial. I will definitely recommend.

A beautifully written book that will stay in my mind probably forever. Once in a while an author nails it and makes you feel like you are part of the story. Though sad, it is inspiring and I highly recommend this book.

This is a recounting of a mother and daughter dealing with life when the daughter, a young wife and mother, becomes ill and the husband turns against them. This is a book that it is hard to say I "enjoyed" reading but am glad I did.

This is an engaging read. I work with children in the state's care and stories of childhood trauma help me to understand our children better. Each of their stories are unique and I try to find ways in which to empathize with them.

This is a recounting of a mother and daughter dealing with life when the daughter, a young wife and mother, becomes ill and the husband turns against them. This is a book that it is hard to say I "enjoyed" reading but am glad I did.

This is an engaging read. I work with children in the state's care and stories of childhood trauma help me to understand our children better. Each of their stories are unique and I try to find ways in which to empathize with them.

The author delineates the pain due to loss and enduring familial conflict. The protagonists display despair and resilience. This novel eloquently delineates The need to move past loss such that life and love are renewed. I recommend this book.

that there are people in this world who are truly just mean and despicable. This story is a heart breaker from start to finish....even so, I read it in less than a day. Hoping to get to a joyous ending. Did I? Well, you will have to read it to find out. Do not forget the tissues.
Very well written.
I have never read a book by Bette Lee Crosby, but I am looking forward to the next one of my picking.