Every Precious and Fragile Thing - by Barbara Davis

Book Synopsis

A mother and daughter try desperately to reconcile just as a decades-old secret threatens to shatter their relationship forever in this powerful story from the bestselling author of The Echo of Old Books.

For social worker Mallory Ward, working with at-risk youth is a calling. But when one of her clients is tragically killed, she finds herself at a crossroads. Despite long-held resentments toward her distant mother, Mallory retreats to her childhood home on the Rhode Island coast to contemplate her future. Instead, she's confronted by her past, not only in the renewed tensions with her mother but in the unexpected appearance of a familiar face--and the wrenching losses that drove her away a decade ago.

Helen Ward's home is filled with precious keepsakes from her patients, a testament to decades spent caring for the terminally ill. Her work has always come first, though, leaving little time to connect with her daughter. Over the years, the rift between them has become a chasm, so when Mallory appears unannounced, Helen sees it as an opportunity to repair their broken relationship.

But hidden among Helen's mementos are the keys to her past...and a terrible secret that threatens to destroy the fragile new trust between them forever.

Review Quotes

"If I loved this book anymore, I'd marry it. International bestselling author Barbara Davis outdoes herself with a moving, time-skipping, life-and-death mother-daughter powerhouse that will steep in your mind long after you read it. Beautifully written riveting pages, breathtaking family secrets from a born storyteller...Every Precious and Fragile Thing is a masterpiece." --Marilyn Simon Rothstein, author of Who Loves You Best

"Every Precious and Fragile Thing will grab readers' hearts and squeeze. Davis delivers a skillfully woven tale of broken dreams, second chances, and unlikely allies. It's about letting go of the people and things we need the most and how we love our children so blindly we end up pushing them away. With a shocking twist you won't see coming, Davis packs a punch and a heaping scoop of forgiveness. Powerful and evocative, this one you feel deep in the heart." --Rochelle B. Weinstein, bestselling author of This Is Not How It Ends and What You Do To Me

"Every Precious and Fragile Thing was an absolute delight! The über-talented Barbara Davis has a way of notching up your curiosity till you just can't stand it. And what a marvelous set of characters. I loved following the troubled Mallory as she navigates her return home with all the grace of a bulldozer. Upon wiping away my tears, I'm reminded of how the past is a door to healing if you can sift through the pain." --Boo Walker, bestselling author of The Stars Don't Lie and An Echo in Time

"Some books stay with you forever. With its richly drawn exploration of love, loss, and the promise of second chances, Every Precious and Fragile Thing is among them. Few stories mine the layers of human experience with such a deft hand, or create a cast of characters so memorable, you'll recognize their best traits--and worst--in people from your everyday world. This is Barbara Davis at her heartwarming best." --Christine Nolfi, bestselling author of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves

"Luminous, hopeful, and emotionally powerful, Every Precious and Fragile Thing is the kind of novel that will have you taking stock of all the small, priceless moments in your own life with renewed gratitude. Davis has crafted a tender, moving story of living well, dying well, and the legacy of love we leave behind. This book...I could go on and on. It's beautiful and heartfelt and had me in tears at the end...It's one that celebrates life--and all the moments we often take for granted. No one captures the depths of human emotion like Barbara Davis." --Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Devil and Mrs. Davenport

"Every Precious and Fragile Thing is a love story, a mother and daughter story, and also a forgiveness and redemption story, all built around the character of a Death Doula--a woman who not only cares for the dying, but eases their crossing into whatever comes next. Davis expertly weaves all of the elements together, creating empathy for even her most disagreeable and unlovable character along the way. If you are in a book club--choose this one. You'll be talking about it for hours." --Kerry Anne King, bestselling author of Other People's Things

"Another beauty of a story by Barbara Davis, who somehow manages to write to deeply emotional, character driven stories and keep them pacey at the same time. Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and get comfortable. You won't want to put this one down. A resounding five-star read." --Terry Lynn Thomas, bestselling author of House of Lies