Sophie Stanton never expected to be such a young widow.  She was only thirty-six years old when her husband, Ethan, passed away from cancer.  After all, as Sophie states, "widows are supposed to wear horn-rimmed glasses and cardigan sweaters that smell like mothballs".  She had only been married three years.  Sophie has a difficult time dealing with her loss and turns to items like Oreos and ice cream to comfort her.  She falls apart if a telemarketer calls to ask for Ethan or when she receives mail with his name on it. 

Her psychiatrist suggested she attend a form of group therapy to help with her healing.  She was thoroughly disgusted with her mother-in-law who wanted to come over and help her clean out Ethan's clothes so they could be given to Goodwill. 

Matters get worse and Sophie ended up losing her job due to the fact that she came to a business meeting in her bathrobe and slippers.  She moved to Oregon to be near her best friend and to try and start over.  She did get a job as a waitress but realized she didn't have the skills needed for this type of work. 

Sophie decided that it would be a good idea for her sign up as a volunteer with the Big Brothers and Sisters Program.  She ended up with Crystal, a teenager who had several problems. 

What happens to Sophie?  Does she begin to heal?  Does she find a new romance?

Good Grief is one of those books that once you start reading you think to yourself "Gosh!  I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book".  It will have you engrossed from the beginning.  The author, Lolly Winston, has done an excellent job of looking at the grieving process which is something that everyone sooner or later goes through.  This is a heartwarming, compassionate book and at the same time it has some very funny moments.   This is one you don't want to pass on - add it to your reading list!

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR, NANCY EATON