Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus

Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus
Joyce Magnin
(Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310333555
April 2012/320 pages/$14.99

Aging and recent widow Harriet Beamer insists she’s getting along fine with her dog Humphrey in Philadelphia … until she falls for the fourth time, injuring her ankle, and causing her son and daughter-in-law to cry foul. Insisting Harriet move in with them in California, they make a bet that her ankle is broken, and she foolishly promises to move if they’re right. Four x-rays later, Harriet’s ankle---and her heart---are broken. She packs up, ships her huge salt and pepper collection to California, and prepares to move away from the only life she knows. The only catch? She’s doing it her way. Just wait till her daughter-in-law hears Harriet will travel cross country only by public transportation and alternate means. What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming journey by train, metro bus, helicopter, and motorcycle. Along the way, Harriet discovers that although her family thinks it’s time for her to be put out to pasture---God has a different plan.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright’s Pond Series and the middle grade novel Carrying Mason. She is a frequent conference speaker and writing instructor. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.




MY THOUGHTS:
I just love feisty older ladies, and Harriet Beamer definitely falls into that category! This is a fun adventure with much to enjoy while at the same time delivering an important message that God still has a plan for and uses folks in their twilight years. Harriet has quite an experience as she travels the byways and highways on her way from Philadelphia to Grass Valley, California. The secondary plot focuses on Harriet's son and daughter-in-law, Henry and Prudence, as they struggle with the aftermath of two miscarriages, face job issues, and worry over Harriet's safety. Harriet, Henry, and Prudence have much to learn about themselves, each other, and faith before Harriet reaches her new home.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan and Shelton Interactive as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”