Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue joined forces to write a poignant, inspirational and encouraging story.

Stretching from LA to Rhode Island, The Plans We Made places you on a roller coaster of thoughts and emotions certain to leave an indelible impression on you. I was scarcely prepared for the ride.

Linda Riley’s life in Rhode Island begins to fall apart when her oldest son is diagnosed with cancer. During the approximate time frame, Caroline Chapman’s life in LA begins to crumble when she and her fiancé split up, and right on the heels of the breakup she gets an offer for a job in Rhode Island.

I did not see, nor could I have guessed, how these two women’s lives would intersect. The authors did an extraordinary job of setting up the story, tugging at your emotions along the way. The novel is written in a realistic, true-to-life and authentic way. As I read, I could imagine each person’s thoughts, reactions and emotions, and I became genuinely invested in each one.

The Plans We Made is not a book to be read quickly, but instead is one to read, savor and appreciate. As you are reading, the underlying story, demonstrates the need all humans have for love, forgiveness and acceptance. The interactions between the parents and children were touching and sometimes very funny. The Biblical references were on point and not too “preachy,” while still making their point.

I’m looking forward to reading other books by Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue, both those co-authored together and those each have written alone.

I received The Plans We Made from I Read with Audra Blog Tours. However, I was under no obligation to post a review. ( )

The Plans We Made is the beautiful story of a mother and daughter who might never have met if a young sixteen year old boy hadn't developed a need for a bone marrow transplant. Suddenly, a painful secret long hidden is exposed and the hopes of a happy future all depend on people choosing to do the right thing. As two families struggle to accept the past while working to secure the future, we witness a touching story of pain, hope, love, and forgiveness.

I love that Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue have filled their story with relatable characters, realistic situations, and a strong faith element. I also appreciate the strong focus on adoption. You'll smile and probably cry, but The Plans We Made is a great read for all who enjoy contemporary fiction. It is also a powerful reminder that human plans may fail but God's plan are perfect!

I received a copy of this book from the authors via the "Read with Audra" blogger program. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

Kathryn Cushman and Lauren Beccue team up to bring one of the most timely reads I’ve picked up this year. In 2020, most of us can relate in some way to plans not working how we expected them to.

But Cushman and Beccue take it to a whole new level by connecting two women and three families together. Linda Riley’s life is turned upside down when she takes her son to the doctor. Caroline Chapman moves across the country for her dream job but leaves a different dream behind.

My favorite part of The Plans We Made was “frenemies” Caroline and Chris. They added some needed lighthearted moments within an emotional book. There are difficult moments for both Linda and Caroline but there’s also poignant moments of healing, forgiveness, sacrifice, discovery, and the reminder that God’s plans may not be our plans.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I loved reading this story. I laughed and cried. It was so sad for a teenager to get leukemia. This story showed what this child and his whole family went through as they fought this disease. This story also tackles a young adult learning who her biological parents were. I loved the characters and the romance and how it showed that no matter how we plan life happens. I received a copy of this book from Read with Audra for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )