Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. The book takes place as a dual story line from present day on the East Coast and WWII in Southern France with two couples who face challenges that most of us face during our lifetime. This book started a little slow for me, but found its way when mystery was thrown into the mix. There is definitely tragedy, but there is always a silver lining. This was an overall good book to read and was the first of Susan's that I've read, and I will pick up another.

Dive into history and romance with this novel from Susan Wiggs, a heart-warming tale of family history and the hope of adventure and love around the corner.

Photography plays a big part in this novel, which I found fascinating! As we all know a picture is worth a thousand words, and Wiggs' imaginative way of using photography as a theme to help connect modern life to that of the people who lived during World War II, is brilliant.  While we can't see the photos, we can imagine them in great detail, and they add an extra depth to this sweet tale of love and loss, and the importance of history.

Some of the most precious treasures a family may hold can be hidden under a shroud of dust in the attic of the ancestral home...delve into Map of the Heart to find out what Camilla and her family uncover, and maybe find the motivation to learn something new from your own ancestors too.

Full of intriguing characters, a hint of adventure, and a glimpse into the past, Map of the Heart is a mesmerising story that you won't want to put down.

**** stars from me!

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I absolutely adore this novel! I love the cover, I love the characters and I love their story! This is a story of grief, history, family, and love. It's centered around a two characters, Camille and Finn who are both experts in the photography field, dealing with old photographs. This is what brings them together and takes them across the world to southern France. The timeline is split between present day (US Atlantic coast and Southern France) and WWII (Southern France.) It delves into the histories of these characters families and what they uncover about them. Along the way, Camille has a heart to mend and her daughter and father to care for. This is just a wonderful story of mending grieving hearts and families after years of despair and uncertainty.

The writing in "Map of the Heart" is superb, this is only the second novel by Susan Wiggs that I have read, but I'm looking forward to reading many more! I highly recommend this book, it's one of the best I've read recently!


I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

My review

Short: buy this book, you won’t regret it

Long

I’m not sure I can even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. Susan Wiggs has long been one of my favourite writers but she has surpassed herself. As a writer, and I suppose you could say a fellow connoisseur of words, I appreciate good writing, well-rounded characters and extraordinarily plotting. For a book to grab me and glue me to my chair to the exclusion of all else it has to also have an extra dollop of magic – this book has it all. It’s a romance. It’s a mystery. It’s a YA. It’s an historical thriller.

Finn, trying to work out what happened to his father ropes in expert photographer, old film developer and widow, Camille. But the story quickly switches to war torn France and the mystery that surrounds Camille’s grand- parents. This is well-rounded, well-worded and totally engrossing. If you fell in love with The Letter (Kathryn Hughes) then this is for you.

PS, I adore the cover

Available here

My Thoughts

‘The moments of life are ephemeral and unpredictable. We must capture the best ones and keep them safe in our hearts.’

I was eager to read a Susan Wiggs book and was pleasantly surprised by this dual time narrative with characters that a range of readers should identify with. With idyllic French Provencal settings and a plot to keep the reader engaged to the end, it proved a wonderful read. The insight into photography is a real bonus and I appreciated the section opening quotes:

‘Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.’
DOROTHEA LANGE, AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER

I am a big fan of dual narratives and this one was well done, although (and not surprisingly) I found one story to be stronger than the other. The modern day story of Camille and the mystery surrounding her husband’s death, was at times a little too drawn out and repetitive. Whilst on the one hand you empathised, Camille would then act in an immature and annoying way. The story of her grandmother, Lisette, and her tale of life and love in small town France during WWII was far more engaging. A French resistance heroine and downed American paratrooper was a classic tale. Overall, however, it is a good mix of the historical and contemporary stories.

At it’s heart it is a traditional wartime love story that unfolds into present day and the granddaughters second chance at love, whilst unfolding the mystery surrounding her father’s family. I like that there is more to it than just pure romance and the family mystery is noteworthy. You get a real feel for the lead characters and the journey of self discovery they are on - the trauma and anguish and how they deal with it. There are also a range of secondary characters that add real depth to the story - Henri, Hank, Julie - are well written and bring their own story to life and it all blends together very well.

The loss of one star rating had to do with Camille and Finn’s relationship - the way they met (his anger was so understandable and I could not comprehend his complete turnaround) and how they initially interacted, I found cringe worthy and, at times, the banter was silly - it just took credibility away from what is otherwise, a really good story. The stereotypical widow single mother, meeting handsome professor, initially resistant but flirting and circumstances working it’s magic in trying to bring that happy ending.

However, do not let this distract you from what is essentially a very engaging and satisfying story. There are enough unique aspects to this tale to rate it higher than your average women’s fiction story. More than just a romance, this is a story of family, love, loss, healing and the courage to take the second chance.

‘She used to take pictures, wandering for hours on her travels, a favorite camera thumping against her sternum. She used to disappear into the act of capturing an image, exposing its secrets, freezing a moment.’



This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Map of the Heart is a stand-alone novel by Susan Wiggs. It's the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last.

Camille Palmer is a widow of 5 years, bringing up a teenage daughter Julie. She's gone from being an adventure lover to a woman terrified to do anything dangerous. Her fears also see her suffocating Julie who is slowly but surely withdrawing from society. She doesn't go out, she doesn't enjoy school, she has no friends and she is a very unhappy young girl.

Camille's job is photo restoration, being able to get good photos from very old film. It's in this capacity that she meets Finn. He is a professor who is searching for his father who went missing in WWII. Finn has an old reel of film of his father's that he needs Camille to develop and he hopes that what is on there will give him some insight into his father's last known whereabouts. His speciality is looking at old photographs and discovering where they were taken etc.

The tables are turned when Camille ends up going to Finn for help in a search for information about her grandmother. She's developed some old photos sent to her father from his old home in France. Many questions need answering and together Camille and Finn are determined to find those answers. During that time a romance could very well develop, but both of them have reasons to guard their hearts. Do they give into their attraction, or do their pasts keep them from enjoying a possible future together?

What I love so much about this story is that it is so very much more than a romance. It really is a journey of discovery in many ways for the characters, we read the anguish that they have been through, or are going through in their lives, and how they cope. Some of the book is set in modern times, the rest is a flashback to the life of Camille's grandmother in France during the war. It's a beautiful mix of eras in time and provided a very emotive read. I found myself close to tears a few times, only to then find myself smiling. I love books that can make me run the gamut of emotions, and yet be wonderfully feel-good stories. I loved all of the characters, not least Camille's father who I believe is the one to gain most from the discoveries made. As for Finn, does he ever find out what happened to his father, you will have to read the book to find out. You won't be sorry if you do.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

What a wonderful story! Drenched in love and loss and finding love again in unexpected places. So many different stories woven together. I felt like I was taken away to France in the 40's and then back to the present. The characters were well developed, the story very believable, even had a twist or 2 I was not expecting. A perfect "escape" book!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book through NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of this book. I have read a lot of Susan Wiggs books. She is one of my most favorite authors to read. This book blows the previous lot of them away. I could not put it down. Map of the Heart is one of her best books I have ever read. I loved everything about it! I identified with several of the characters at different points in the story. It was a very well crafted and thought out book. I will be recommending this book to everyone. Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the opportunity to read this book!!!!

Map of the Heart is the latest novel by Susan Wiggs. I have always been a huge fan of Susan Wiggs, and must admit that this book is definitely in my top five favorite books by this author.

Camille is a photographer that has still not come to terms with the death of her husband, Jace. The freak accident that took his life has affected her entire outlook on life. Prior to his death, she was adventurous and outgoing, but now lives a more cautious life, especially when it concerns her daughter, Julie. She once loved being behind the lens of a camera, and that has also changed since his death. She now lives her life in a darkroom rescuing and restoring old film. Her newest job is to develop film for a new client, a history professor named Malcolm Finnemore (Finn). She is in the process of restoring the film when she receives a call that Julie has been in an accident. Her immediate thought is to get to the ER, and in the process, she ruins the film she was going to develop.

Finn is a graduate of the Naval Academy, and is currently a history professor that is working in France, teaching at Aix-Marseille University. He also researches missing soldiers, hoping to bring closure to the families. This is something close to his own heart, as his father, Richard Arthur Finnemore, went missing during the Vietnam War. He has found a roll of film belonging to his father, and brings it to Camille to restore, hoping to find some clues about his father's last days. He is anxiously waiting to go over the results, only to find out the courier never picked up the finished pictures. Upset and frustrated, he sets out to track down Camille to find out what happened.

Henry, Camille's father, was born in Bellerive, France, and came to the United States when he was a young man. He never knew his mother, Lisette, and was raised by his father's sister. Needless to say, he did not have an easy childhood. Even though he divorced Camille's mother, he remained a constant in Camille's life. Every Friday night, they have dinner together. It is during one of these dinners that Henry tells Camille that he owns property in France, and wants to go there to check on things...he also asks Camille and Julie to come with him. After much hesitation, he finally gets her to agree, and they set off to France.

Lisette, introduced during the flashbacks, is the mother Henry never knew because she died during his birth. She is stuck in a loveless marriage, one she agreed to in order to protect her own parents. Lisette has sacrificed her own happiness for others, but through it all, she finds the courage to fight for what she believes in. She loves photography, and uses this to help during the war. Living through this horrible time, she eventually finds the one thing missing from her life...true love.

This is truly an amazing story that alternates between present day and France during World War II. Each character is struggling with something...and each of their stories are connected in one way or another. I love the storylines of each character, all needing to find closure or healing from something that happened to them. Camille is still grieving for Jace, even though it has been five years since his death. She eventually reveals what happened, and gives the reader a better understanding of why she is so reserved and cautious. Julie is hiding something, as well as Henry, and this adds an unexpected twist to the storyline. Henry's story is quite intriguing...especially when we learn about his mother during the flashbacks. I absolutely love Finn...he is a great character with a heart of gold. Susan Wiggs brilliantly weaves together these intertwined stories of the past and present...leading up to an ending that is completely fulfilling.

Map of the Heart...a perfect title for this story that outlines our connection through our family ties, our life experiences, and the effect it all has on our hearts. Overall, this is a story with amazing and realistic characters...all connected, but with their own story to tell. It is a story about family, love, loss, and healing. It is also a story about courage and second chances. I highly recommend this beautifully written story!

I would like to thank HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

I received this ARC from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

The story is told in dual time lines, current day Massachusetts and France during WW II "An accomplished photographer, widow, and mother, Camille Palmer is content with the blessings she’s enjoyed. When her ageing father asks her to go with him to his native France, she has no idea that shes embarking on an adventure that will shake her complacency and utterly transform her. "

The ending is all wrapped up in a tidy ball, it was an okay read.
Not bad not great.

3☆

*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

I've read and enjoyed books by Susan Wiggs in the past, but unfortunately this was not one of my favorites. It was an okay read, and there were parts that I was very much engrossed in, but it was just a really slow read for me.

Ironically, I normally don't care for historical reads, but those sections of this story were my favorite parts! I was fascinated with Lisette and her life.

3.5 stars

I got to read an early edition of this story through NetGalley

Camille is a widow with a teenage daughter. She lives in a great beachside town, owns a cool little boutique and she lives near her parents and siblings. She has a lot of blessings in her life but something is missing, her husband Jace. Since his death, she has been very guarded of her heart and overprotective of her daughter. She's scared it death if getting hurt again. Her dad is in remission from cancer and he begs/pushes/encourages Camille and her daughter to join him for a trip to France. He would like to see his childhood home again and possibly uncover his mysterious family background.

He never knew either of his parents but still paid dearly because of accusations against his father.

What they learn along the way, along with the help of a handsome professor, changes everything.

This story alternates storylines between present day with Camille's story and the 1940's with the story of Camille's father's mother.

Sometimes in the middle of the story, it felt a bit slow. I think this is because the reader already knew part of the story that the characters had yet to figure out.

That being said, I enjoyed both parts of the story.
I thought the ending was great and each storyline was given a proper, considerate ending, I appreciate when there are no unanswered questions at the end.

Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs is well written with believable characters and a great plot. I love this author's books and this one was no exception. I highly recommend this book.

Ms. Wiggs has succeeded to out do her last few books. Better and better storylines each book. I actually fell asleep with the book in my hands because I didn't want to drop reading. As in the past part contemporary mixed with historical, with history. After reading you want to read a history book snd take a trip to France. A must read. Only regret, I have to wait again for the next book. Bravo.

long time Susan Wiggs fan, it has been a while since I have read one of her books. Getting to read an ARC of this book , I was quickly reminded why i love her books so much. This book was so phenomenal. I loved every single character, every story line. This book was beautifully written. I laughed, I cried Literally sat at my desk at work reading this and crying. This is one of the best books she has ever written. You will love this book, trust me ! It's a beautiful journey to go on !

WOW! Just WOW!

Map of the Heart stole my heart and led me on a romantic journey of healing and love in both present day and war torn France in WWII. Susan Wiggs wrote an amazing story that was intriguing, capturing the beautiful and tragic moments of a family that (rather they realize it or not) is in search of healing.

While we are introduced to Camille Adams who is a widow raising her teenage daughter alone yet with a strong family presence supporting her, Camille is merely going through the motions and not living. Her daughter Julie is experiencing her own sort of withdraw from society as she finds herself on the outside of friendships and activities in school that she usually excelled in- leading to trouble both at home and school.

When Camille's father wants to return to his native France Camille doesn't want to leave the safety of Bethany Bay- the place she has been hiding since her husband's tragic death. Her father and her daughter- who needs the time away for her own healing and growth- finally convince Camille to go. Embarking on this journey brings the family to the place where it all began, where it all comes together, and where it reinvents and restores the entire family.

While Camille's father is on his journey he is reacquainted with someone from his past that heals a whole in his heart years empty. The story of Henry Palmer is unearthed and is one of beauty, love, loss, healing and discovery. The journey is beautiful tale of enduring love with a deserving ending.

Camille's journey leads her to seek assistance in France from a fellow American who is teaching and researching in France. Finn is taken aback by his attraction to Camille yet knows this attraction is something he can't ignore. His flirtation with Camille is sweet, adorable and romantic. Her heart is closed off after her husband's tragic death, her failed attempts at dating, and her turmoil with raising a teenager. Finn is on his own search for answers concerning his father and as well and their common bond over unearthing their family's path bring these two together in a slow, sweet and sexy romance that brings Camille out of her shell and convinces Finn he can have it all.

It would be terrible not to recognize the beauty of the story of Julie. As a teenager struggling with changes in your body, mind and spirit, Julie is struggling with handling the death of her father and dealing with other teens that are cruel and nasty. My heart broke for Julie. When her Papi relays his own past too Julie it gives her a strength to overcome as well as move forward- namely by going to France. While in France Julie experiences friendships that nurture her soul as well as changes that enhance the beauty of this strong and intelligent daughter.

I have read numerous Susan Wiggs books and this is my absolute favorite. Her words capture the beauty of present day as well as war torn France during WWII and made me as if I was there, experiencing all the joys and devastation of Lillie.

I have read all of Susan Wiggs books but this one by far is my favorite. I love the story told in the present as well as the past. It has tragedy, overcoming tragedy, romance, surprises and a few twists. I was happy to see Julie become a confident young lady after being bullied in school. It held my interest from start to finish.