Pieces of Blue, Holly Goldberg Sloan
Pieces of Blue, Holly Goldberg Sloan
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Pieces of Blue
A Novel

Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan

Narrator: Barrie Kreinik

Unabridged: 8 hr 3 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/09/2023

Categories: Fiction, Women, Family Life


Synopsis

"Barrie Kreinik takes listeners to the paradise of Hawaii, where the setting is the only thing that appears to be tropical...The suspenseful twists will pique the listener's interest to the end."- AudioFile

From New York Times bestselling author Holly Goldberg Sloan, a compelling and heartfelt novel for fans of Maria Semple and Emma Straub about a family trying to restore a ramshackle beachside motel—and their own lives

What good was thinking the future only held cloudy skies? Wasn’t the reality that pieces of blue were always there, waiting to break through?

When Paul Hill drowns in a surfing accident, his broken-hearted wife, Lindsey, and their three children are left in huge financial trouble. Once Paul’s life insurance finally comes through, Lindsey impulsively uses the money to buy a charmingly ramshackle motel in Hawai’i, hoping for a fresh start. Teenage Olivia quickly develops a crush on a handsome but monosyllabic skateboarder. Twelve-year-old Carlos reinvents himself as a popular kid named Carl. And Sena, the youngest, will do whatever it takes to protect her beloved motel chickens.

But while the kids adjust, Lindsey is flailing, trying to pretend she knows how to bring a motel—and herself—back to life. Then a handsome stranger rolls into the motel parking lot, and she’s surprised to feel a long-dormant part of herself stirring. She accepts his offer to help, unaware that he may have secrets of his own. And all the while, out in the Pacific, the trade winds are fiercely blowing.

Funny and tender, full of twists and turns and heart, Pieces of Blue is a portrait of an irresistible family learning to start over.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

About Holly Goldberg Sloan

Holly Goldberg Sloan is the author of eight books for young readers, which have been translated into thirty-two languages. Her novel Counting By 7s was an E.B. White Honor book and has sold over one million copies. The mother of two sons, Holly lives with her husband in Santa Monica, California. Pieces of Blue is her debut novel for adults.

About Barrie Kreinik

Barrie Kreinik is an actor, singer, writer, and award-winning audiobook narrator based in New York City. She specializes in accents and dialects, particularly those of the British Isles, and is passionate about creating unique character voices that convey the full palette of human emotions. The recipient of multiple Audie Awards and more than a dozen Earphones Awards, she has narrated over 200 audiobooks in a variety of genres, including historical fiction, literary fiction, mystery, thriller, fantasy, sci-fi, memoir, and biography. Barrie is the author and lead narrator of the original audio drama The Queen of Fourteenth Street, produced in 2024 by Hachette Audio. As a performer, she has appeared in Off-Broadway and regional theatre, recorded media, concerts, and cabaret. She holds an MFA in Acting from Brown/Trinity Rep. Find out more at barriekreinik.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Terrie on May 10, 2023

Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a Family Fiction Story with a Touch of Mystery! Lindsey Hill's husband Paul has died in a surfing accident and his body has never been recovered. Lindsey and her three children are heart-broken, lost, and financially shattered. After months of waiting for Paul......more

Goodreads review by Nilufer on April 03, 2023

This is Holly Goldberg Sloan's first adult fiction, and I hope it won't be her last! It's a heartfelt family drama, second-chance romance, and mystery all in one. The story starts a little slow, but by the last third of the book, you're hit with a life-changing twist you never see coming. I loved th......more

Pieces of Blue was author Holly Goldberg Sloan’s first adult book that she has written. I would describe it as a heartfelt family drama with a touch of mystery and romance. I listened to the audiobook that was read by one of my favorite narrators, Barrie Kreinik. The characters were engaging and it......more

Goodreads review by Karen on August 08, 2023

You have seen this plot before, and you have read these characters before – the teens are…well teen-like, and the youngest child is imaginative. The Mom is a single mom who works too hard trying to make up for the loss of the dad, loves her kids, never stops trying to please. She struggles against t......more

Goodreads review by Katy O. on May 01, 2023

(free review copy) Sigh. This was one of my most anticipated May releases based on the premise and the fact that I love the author's middle grade works. But this book is honestly a mess. It started out fairly strong, although I instantly became wary with completely random narration changes becoming......more


Quotes

Praise for Pieces of Blue

“Empathetic yet flawed characters navigating deep, painful problems add authenticity to the resonant story, and the mystery of Paul’s disappearance keeps things tense. Readers will devour this in one sitting.”
Publishers Weekly

“Sloan writes about the entire family with energy, insight, and humor.”
Kirkus

Pieces of Blue is as propulsive as it is observant and atmospheric. Sloan understands her characters deeply, and makes us need to know what happens to them. In fact, a lot happens to them, and we want to know it all. This novel is a family story, a love story, and a mystery. I couldn't put it down.”
—Meg Wolitzer, New York Times bestselling author of The Female Persuasion

"Pieces of Blue is a brilliant and bighearted page-turner."
—Maria Semple, New York Times bestselling author of Where'd You Go, Bernadette

"I loved this book! Pieces of Blue is a poetic, lush and poignant portrayal of a wounded family seeking healing, love and redemption."
—Gigi Levangie, New York Times bestselling author of The Starter Wife

“Struggling with grief, daring to hope, and working to make a wild, gorgeous, and mysterious place their home, each beautifully drawn character comes alive and finds a way into your heart. Pieces of Blue is a powerful, tender novel with a mystery at its heart. Don’t miss it!”
—Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six