A Measured Thread is a powerful story that explores questions of guilt, abandonment, redemption, and the consequences of the choices that we make.
Looking back on her life, Maggie O'Connor is rightfully pleased. Fifty years ago she left Ireland with a single suitcase and a dream. After a long and satisfying career, she is enjoying retirement on her farm in rural Wisconsin — until she falls. Determined to regain her independence, she hires Isobel, a young woman who is also an immigrant. Helping Maggie clean house, Isobel discovers a cache of letters that Maggie wrote to her parents those many years ago and begins to read them aloud to Maggie. But the letters contain a secret, one that Maggie has kept for fifty years. A secret that threatens to destroy her life and that of the people around her. With little time left she must make a choice — give up or face her past. Praise for the Novel:
Readers Favorite - 5 Star Review: "The author constructs a plot with many twists and turns, building to an unforeseen ending. The character of Maggie is complex as her past is unveiled, bit by bit. As a retired science professor, she was professionally successful but she harbored painful life events. The author skillfully crafted this main character, as well as Isobel and Vic. Both characters are essential to the story, providing support and solutions to Maggie’s current dilemmas. Another charming feature of this book includes the colorful descriptions of Maggie’s Wisconsin property in the valley and the visit to her Irish homeland. Author Mary Behan has penned a remarkable novel in A Measured Thread. It is poignant in many ways, fully demonstrating the circle of life." ~ Rabia Tanveer (for Readers' Favorite) Five Stars from Gregory Renz, author of the award-winning novel, Beneath the Flames. "A MEASURED THREAD by Mary Behan was written in such an authentic voice and laced with such emotion, I felt I was reading a gripping memoir. But it’s not a memoir, it’s a wonderful novel that tells the story of a woman’s search for peace and forgiveness as she reaches the end of her years. The protagonist, eighty-year-old Maggie, is beautifully flawed. She’s set in her ways; knows what she wants and what she doesn’t want and makes sure everyone knows it. Her comfortable world is rocked when she falls and can’t take care of herself. This propels the story forward where she begins to examine her life and questions decisions she made; decisions that affected her parents and her search for a rewarding life. The setting of her rustic home in Southwestern Wisconsin is described in vivid detail and takes the role of an important character in the story. The reader is also treated to wonderful portrayals of Ireland and what her life was like there before immigrating to the United States. The story is masterfully told with dialogue that rings true and action that jumps off the page. The tension in the story built to a climax that left me breathless. Bravo, Mary Behan. Nicely done." What readers are saying: "I found it so gripping that I finished it in only two sittings." "Extremely well written, clear, engaging and just what all good books do: make you turn pages and stay awake at 5.57am!" "My copy just arrived, and I’ve started reading... I’ve consumed 50 pages and I am totally captivated!" "I literally scanned ahead to see what was coming because I couldn't wait." "I loved it, and the ending had me in tears." "...deserves a place on Oprah’s book club! truly!" If you enjoy A Measured Thread, consider writing a short review (or just clicking on stars) and posting it on Amazon and/or on Goodreads. This is a great way for indie authors like me to get our books noticed. Accolades: Shelf Unbound Notable Indie Book for 2020 2020 eLit Awards Silver Medal Winner 2021 Page Turner Awards Finalist Interview: Here's a link to Mary's Author Interview with Christine Keleny about writing her novel. |
Shelf Unbound Notable Indie Book for 2020 ~ 2020 eLit Awards Silver Medal Winner ~ 2021 Page Turner Awards Finalist ~ 5-Star Review Readers' Favorite CLICK HERE TO BUY! Paperback $15 (Large print available) eBook $3.99 Audiobook from $9.99 (narrated by the author) Or order from your favorite bookstore: Paperback ISBN 978-1734494303 Large print ISBN 978-1734494334 You can also download it through your local library ISBN 978-1734494327 |