Focused Paperback – January 24, 2012

Julie Cosgrove's book, Focused, tells of Christina and Jeff's 25 year marriage. The author lets us glimpse into the viewpoint of each spouse. The book is a wonderful view of a marriage in crises and how, with God's help, the couple works matters out. Christina is tempted by an old beau, Jeff is jealous, but husband and wife both realize love and marriage vows are important. I wish Bud, Christina's former boyfriend who pops back into her life, had found a new love before the book ended, and in my mind, he later will. Don't you sometimes wish you knew how a loved one views a circumstance in everyday life? In Julie's book, we see how each character thinks. This makes us remember there are two or more sides to every situation. The book describes the beauty of the Texas Hill Country well and will make you want to visit the area.

Christina loses her parents and faces an empty nest. In the midst of the pain she also loses her sense of place as a daughter and Mother and begins to question her and her husband’s roles in their marriage. As everything falls apart around her, she takes time off her job as an accounting clerk, and returns to a mountain cabin, where she spent summers in her youth. No one’s visited the place in a long time, so it’s a bit dusty, but gradually she begins to relate to it. Just as she’s getting a grasp on who she is, a flood leaves her stranded without food. A neighbor, who’s also the father of her teenage heartthrob, comes to her rescue. He invites Christina to their house. There she sees the beau of her youth who’s gotten a divorce and appears to still have feelings for Christina. While Christina’s husband is home wondering what caused Christina’s detachment and assessing the things he could have done differently in their marriage, she’s trying to sort out her feelings. In the twists Ms. Cosgrove gives the book, she taps into emotions many have in their lives and marriages and keeps the reader wondering if Christina will choose the old beau or her husband. I’ll look forward to more books from Ms. Cosgrove.

I really enjoyed Ms. Cosgrove's novel. And it is unique in that it deals with issues of those of us who are a little older. She deals artfully and engagingly with the things we face: empty nest, temptations of mid-life, and questioning our worth and value when our bodies aren't performing the way we'd like. I love the way she shows heart transformation through action, interaction, and describing the changes the main characters go through. We experience the struggles, temptations, and experiences that the characters went through or chose realistically. So it was very real. I could understand and put myself in their shoes. And as a result, i could also benefit from what they went through. I could relate and think, "I also want to appreciate my husband even though he's not perfect." And I can diminish my unrealistic expectations of my own inadequacies being older. So, I thought this novel was well written and engaging. And I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. But Ms. Cosgrove, just because you are 65 doesn't mean you wear orthopedic shoes. I am and I don't! :-)

Oftentimes in today's fast-paced world we find ourselves at a crossroad, searching and wondering if we have been forgiven of our sins, whether we really have made a difference in the world and the lives of those with whom we touch, what were/are the underlying motives for our and others' actions, and what tomorrow will bring. As with the main character--our "glasses" may be focusing incorrectly or may be providing the wrong perspective. Our peace comes from waiting on and listening for God's guidance..I looked for the follow-up book, Grounded, but did not find it available on Amazon. Hopefully it will be available in that format in the future.

I liked the way the author used the symbolism of Christina's out-of-focus glasses for her out-of-focus life. Many middle-aged women face the empty nest and other challenges like Christina, but letting her old boyfriend move into their home seemed a little far-fetched to me.

Julie Cosgrove writes with precision, passion and purpose - a writerly writer who brings inspiration and insight into her work ... and the courage to share her convictions and beliefs with the world. Her people - her characters - come to life (she writes what she knows!), so we not only feel what they feel, we also face our own fears, demons, joy and hopes. Like some of the great writers out there, Julie takes the very personal and makes it universal; her story becomes ours. And we're better for the shared journey.

Focused is quite aptly named - each of the main characters start out focused in one direction and subtly thru the story they change. Christina & Jeff have been married almost 25 years with all the normal ups & downs, wins & losses. She is about to turn 50. Both are focused mainly on themselves & their own feelings, just somewhat on what the other is dealing with - just a normal marriage. They have the blessings of Christ in their marriage to help tho, which makes a major difference. Christina focuses on the recent losses of her parents, her son moving out, & upcoming changes....she plays hooky for the day and things start 'refocusing' for her, but the rest of her life doesn't refocus quite as easily. This is Christina's & Jeff's story. It is a really good story to read. This book will leave you laughing at times & in tears at other times. So much is true to real life - just like the people next door - or maybe you are.