First Chapter Review: Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester

National bestselling author, Steven Manchester, sent me the first chapter of his latest book, Goodnight, Brian. 

BLURB: Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino – who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.

An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love, and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive, Goodnight, Brian is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving up is not an option.

COVER: Love it. Very peaceful and speaks to the setting of the story. Mama's cottage is near Narragansett Bay.

FIRST CHAPTER: A very pregnant, Joan, her husband Frank, and their son, Ross visit Mama at her cottage. It's close to Christmas and soon Mama will be decorating for Santa Claus, but everyone is eager for the arrival of the new baby. When Brian arrives, Joan and Frank are thrilled that he is perfect in every way.

KEEP READING: Yes, mainly because I love Mama and want to see more of her. Manchester delivers a story that the synopsis indicates will be emotional and powerful. While we don't see that drama unfold in the first chapter, the events set the stage for what is to come.

The author has a gift for providing the right amount of detail to paint pictures for the reader, without overwhelming her. His strength also resides in the creation of fabulous characters. As I mentioned, I loved Mama. But that strength also transfers to the creation of less than likable characters too, such as Frank. Though I tried to give him a break, I already knew by the end of the first chapter I couldn't stand him. Maybe that will change, but his personality rubs me the wrong way. It's a good thing when an author can create such a strong reaction with a make believe person.

Family ties make for some great stories. I feel Goodnight, Brian will be one of them.



Paperback: 308 pages
Publisher: Story Plant, The (January 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1611880610
ISBN-13: 978-1611880618
SRP: $10.85

I received the first chapter of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.