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    The Lost Husband
    The Lost Husband
    The Lost Husband
    Audiobook8 hours

    The Lost Husband

    Written by Katherine Center

    Narrated by Amy Rubinate

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Dear Libby, It occurs to me that you and your two children have been living with your mother for-Dear Lord!-two whole years, and I'm writing to see if you'd like to be rescued.

    The letter comes out of the blue, and just in time for Libby Moran, who-after the sudden death of her husband, Danny-went to stay with her hypercritical mother. Now her crazy Aunt Jean has offered Libby an escape: a job and a place to live on her farm in the Texas Hill Country. Before she can talk herself out of it, Libby is packing the minivan, grabbing the kids, and hitting the road.

    Life on Aunt Jean's goat farm is both more wonderful and more mysterious than Libby could have imagined. Beyond the animals and the strenuous work, there is quiet-deep, country quiet. But there is also a shaggy, gruff (though purportedly handsome, under all that hair) farm manager with a tragic home life, a formerly famous feed-store clerk who claims she can contact Danny "on the other side," and the eccentric aunt Libby never really knew but who turns out to be exactly what she's been looking for. And despite everything she's lost, Libby soon realizes how much more she's found. Libby hasn't just traded one kind of crazy for another; she may actually have found the place to bring her little family-and herself-back to life.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateJul 15, 2013
    ISBN9781452685205
    The Lost Husband
    Author

    Katherine Center

    Katherine Center is the author of five bittersweet novels about love and family, including How to Walk Away. She lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband, two sweet children, and their fluffy-but-fierce dog.

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    Reviews for The Lost Husband

    4/5

    119 ratings31 reviews

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    • 5/5
      A beautiful story of loss and love that kept me listening a day!
    • 3/5
      Libby Moran has suddenly lost her husband and has been living with her critical mom since his death. Crazy Aunt Jean has offered her place to live and a job on her farm in Texas. Libby makes the move and heads to Texas to work on a goat farm. Hard work, a scruffy farm manager, and the loving Aunt Jean all make the move very worthwhile. Her kids are happy, but is she?A serious topic but handled lightly. I enjoyed The Lost Husband, but I don't think it is a book that will linger with me.
    • 4/5
      I devoured this book in one sitting. It was a fun, easy read, full of likable, if kooky characters (especially the goats!), believable (read: messy) life situations, and a happy ending that doesn't come easy. Sure, there are minor flaws, like the wrong title, and Libby's somewhat erratic parenting, but people are flawed too and it wasn't enough to take away from my enjoyment of the book. It's nothing earth-shattering here, but it's a story about relationships, what we give and take, and how that shapes us. You want these characters to succeed, and for the most part they do. And you respect them more because they had to work for their success. And the twist with O'Connor was pleasantly unexpected. I enjoyed the author's voice, and overall really liked the book. Hooray for little girls standing up to bullies! (Read it, and see what I mean...)
    • 4/5
      A lovely novel about a family who tries to find their way. Ms. Center does a good job of keeping such a deep and sad situation light. Her description of the characters and farm, make me feel as through I am out in the country with them. A perfect summer beach read.
    • 4/5
      I am not sure how many people are reading or are aware of Katherine Center I don't hear her name come up very often in book podcasts or in book blogs. People should be reading her! I think this the third of fourth book I have read by her. All of them have been interesting novels about relationships and family. She is very good at creating characters and fleshing them out until they feel real and easy to sympathize with.This one had a quirkier setting than most the others but it worked. At first I wasn't sure if we were in for some magical realism but it turned out to be a novel about overcoming the grief and pain of loss and letting yourself begin anew and open yourself to possibilities. I thought it was charming and original.
    • 5/5
      I received a copy of The Lost Husband by Katherine Center in exchange for an honest review.

      This was a heartbreaking story of coming to grips with the loss of a loved one. Libby has a chance for a new beginning and a different lifestyle that comes in the way of an invitation from an aunt who she's never had the opportunity to know. Libby's Aunt Jean was so understanding and intuitive to the needs of Libby and her children and gave Libby the emotional support she needed and imparted some great wisdom as well.

      Libby's struggle to be a good, supportive mother and move on after her husband's death was so sad. She lived her life in fear of the "what if" and we all know how debilitating that can be. She found friendship and support in some of the more unlikely people, who showed her a different perspective and at the end of it all - we all learn that all is never lost, there is always more life to be lived.
    • 5/5
      I have recently discovered Katherine Center and I am so thrilled. The Lost Husband was the first novel of hers that I picked up and I loved it. Center's voice is so clear and true, it is easy to get lost in her story. Libby Moran, the main character in the story, struggles to find balance for herself and her children after losing her husband in an automobile accident. As she searches for happiness and struggles to grasp who she has become after her husband's sudden death, she discovers the true value of love, friendship, and family.
    • 4/5
      What a fun read - great characters - good love story. I read it in one reading. So glad it was sent to me. I couldn't put it down!
    • 5/5
      I received a copy of The Lost Husband by Katherine Center in exchange for an honest review.

      This was a heartbreaking story of coming to grips with the loss of a loved one. Libby has a chance for a new beginning and a different lifestyle that comes in the way of an invitation from an aunt who she's never had the opportunity to know. Libby's Aunt Jean was so understanding and intuitive to the needs of Libby and her children and gave Libby the emotional support she needed and imparted some great wisdom as well.

      Libby's struggle to be a good, supportive mother and move on after her husband's death was so sad. She lived her life in fear of the "what if" and we all know how debilitating that can be. She found friendship and support in some of the more unlikely people, who showed her a different perspective and at the end of it all - we all learn that all is never lost, there is always more life to be lived.
    • 5/5
      "My husband had been dead for three years before I started trying to contact him". And so begins a grieving widow's adventure to move on from her husband's unexpected death, with two children, a narcissistic and neurotic mother, and a letter from her "crazy" aunt, who offers to rescue her from her mother's house, where she had been trapped since she was forced to give up their family's home. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Libby packs the kids in the car and moves the kids to Atwater, Texas, to work on her aunt's farm milking goats and living the country life. Once there, Libby begins to heal and move on and with a quirky bunch of characters to help her, it is a quite enjoyable story.I LOVED this story, which was really funny (I laughed throughout, startling the family) and heartwarming. I loved all of the characters (except Libby's mother and the bully!) and it was renewing and sweet. I would definitely recommend this one and I can't wait to read all of this author's other novels!
    • 4/5
      I received a copy of The Lost Husband through Early Reviewers. It took me several months to actually get to read the whole book - partly because I was busy, but partly because it took me a while to get "into" the story and invested enough to make reading this book a priority. I agree with a previous review that felt there was not enough detail given about the circumstances that led up to Libby and her children's move to Aunt Jean's home in the country. Once the story began unfolding about the family's new life with Aunt Jean and we were introduced to other characters, it captured more of my interest and I enjoyed it a lot.
    • 5/5
      The Lost HusbandbyKatherine CenterMy very own " in a nutshell" summary...Libby, Abby and Tank go to live on a wonderful goat farm with amazing animals and people. My thoughts after reading this book...Ok...first of all I read this book in a day...a hot humid summer deck sitting day. It's relatively short and achingly sweet. I loved Aunt Jean. I loved the stuff she said. I loved her farm, her attitude, her life style...well...all except for no tv and Internet. That I didn't love. Libby has a pretty awful mother and a really wonderful aunt...her life on the goat farm helps her sorrow, strengthens her kids and heals her heart. What I loved most about this book...I loved every bit of wisdom that came out of Aunt Jean's mouth. I loved the goats. I loved Dub the rooster...I loved everything! Heck...I even loved Sunshine and the "Hot Farmer".It even had just the right amount of bullying from PeePants and Libby's former neighbor.O'Connor...just the right touch! Loved him!What I did not love about this book...Hmmm...could not imagine any kind of life without wifi and tv...ick!Final thoughts...Just a pretty flawless lovely summer reading experience for me!Sent from my iPad2 by Patty!!!
    • 4/5
      Libby's husband Danny dies and so Libby and her children (Abby and Tank) are forced to move in with Marsha, Libby's selfish, annoying mother. Two years later (and three years after Danny's death), Libby receives an invitation from her aunt Jean (Marsha's sister) to go and live with her and help out on her goat farm. The story describes how Libby, Abby and Tank adjust to their new life and Libby learn why her mother and aunt are so bitterly estranged.This was a good-hearted book with a sweet ending, but I would hesitate to give it more stars because not enough really happened. Lots of things were set up and then sort of squashed - Sunshine was going to help Libby contact the dead Danny, but not really. There is a haunted house, but it isn't really. O'Connor is in danger of betraying his marriage vows, but not really (and so on). I also got very very tired of reading about the boy who was bullying Abby. And, finally, could Libby really have no memories at all of the first four years of her life?
    • 4/5
      This is a heart warming novel about a mother who after losing her husband takes her children and moves to her aunts goat farm. A great book with wonderful characters. I recommend it highly.
    • 4/5
      Perfect for fans of romantic women’s fiction, this tender and heartwarming novel explores the trials of losing what matters most—and how there’s always more than we can imagine left to find. The letter comes out of the blue, and just in time for Libby Moran, who—after the sudden death of her husband, Danny—went to stay with her hypercritical mother. Now her crazy Aunt Jean has offered Libby an escape: a job and a place to live on her farm in the Texas Hill Country. Before she can talk herself out of it, Libby is packing the minivan, grabbing the kids, and hitting the road.I requested this book from The Library Things early review program because of the very cute cover and the story line of the family moving to a goat farm! Because of personal losses we have found ourselves on a farm in the country and with a life style change that has been very positive for us. I knew I would have a lot to relate to in this story and there would be enough to keep me in the story. I was not disappointed. I was able to read this on a recent trip so I read it in 3 days. I enjoyed this book as a light read which is usually not my normal genre. I did find some parts to be predictable but the outcomes do not disappoint and there are several surprises to keep you going. Great summer beach read!
    • 4/5
      A widow, Libby Moran and her two children have been living with Libby's controlling mother. One day a letter arrives, "Dear Libby, It occurs to me that you and your two children have been living with your mother for - Dear Lord! - two whole years, and I'm writing to see if you'd like to be rescured." Libby packs her car and takes her two children to head for her Aunt Jean's goat farm. And a whole new world of opportunities begins to unfold.This is a pleasant novel of a woman who begins to learns her own strengths and some weaknesses. She gains some important lessons in parenting. And she learns that there is a life after an unimaginable loss. And she learns an important truth about herself, she was able to bounce back and she could face life knowing she could do it again.
    • 4/5
      I really liked this story. It had good heart, good intentions and a good message. Very fulfilling. Libby is a recent widow having to move in with her cold and distant mother after her husband is killed in a car accident. Out of the blue she is invited to come live with and help out at her Aunt Jean's goat farm in rural Texas. She jumps at the chance and moves with her two children to a brand new way of life. It's a whole new world for Libby and she embraces it whole heatedly, milking goats, making cheese and actually enjoying all the chores that farming entails. It also doesn't hurt that the hired hand, O'Conner is rather attractive. As Libby heals her sad heart she begins anew, with positive energy and forgiveness for herself and for others. She learns how to move on with her life and still keep the love she had for her husband as a treasured gift. Highly recommended.
    • 4/5
      Good reading by lantern light during a hurricane. I like the easy flow, with depth to the writing and characters that I find in Katherine Center's books.
    • 3/5
      I received an Early Review copy of this book. This is a light read with heart. The main character, Libby, is a widow who moves to her aunt's farm with her two children to begin a new life. There is a little strife, a little romance, and happy endings all around. I did start and stop reading this a couple of times, but the last half was enjoyable. I will look for Katherine Center's next book.
    • 3/5
      Sweet romance. Easy read
    • 4/5
      I canNOT believe I'm saying this, but....

      ....the movie was better than the book.

      Okay, let me amend this to say: If you are a romance hound like I am, the ROMANCE is better in the movie.
      Virtually everything else is better in the book (namely the kids...Aunt Jean...the kids and Aunt Jean....the way Abby's bullying played out....etc)

      But if you're reading this for the romance aspect....O'Connor's character in the book just never lit my fire like the movie one did. :D

      For one thing....it just felt like most of the pertinent "action" with him took place "off screen" (SO TO SPEAK, AND NOW I'M REALLY BEING CONFUSING). What I mean is, that whole middle school "show don't tell" rule when it comes to creative writing exists for a reason. We're TOLD about O'Connor teaching little Abby self-defense.....or we, along with the h, observe it from a distance....but we never SEE and HEAR it happening up close in real time.

      Same thing with him "singing to the goats" or whatever. As a reader, you're constantly looking for the reasons WHY she's falling for this Chewbacca/muppet/beast of a guy, and you want to live those moments with her, and FEEL the growing attraction along with her. It just doesn't hit the same when you're hearing about them in retrospect.

      For that matter, why does he fall in love with HER?! I feel like we're shown more reasons why he bonds with the KIDS, than with her. With HER, he's just chronically UNromantic. I mean, it was childish but I totally FELT her "throwing down the marshmallows" pain, in that scene! The movie definitely did a better job tracking their relationship from faint irritation/antagonism to (in the end) love/playful banter.

      In the book it just ends up feeling like a relationship that goes no deeper than proximity-induced sexual attraction, and heck, at the end of the book the author's even like, "Ya know, maybe this won't even work out, but meanwhile, a good time was had by all, ho hum....." WHAT?! No!!! This is a ROMANCE!!! Isn't it?! We want to feel like they're SOUL MATES, and like they're going to live happily ever goat farm after!!!! Don't we?!

      I feel like the author was trying to paint a water-color picture of a romance that was poetic in its quiet, quirky simplicity....and for me, it just fell a little short. That said, I also feel like I only realized all that AFTER the book was over. While it was going along, I stayed plenty engaged by all the other aspects that i DID enjoy.

      So what the heck.....I'm taking into account Amy Rubinate's pitch-perfect narration job, and going ahead and giving this four stars.

      But I'm telling you.....read the book, THEN watch the movie, if you're in it for the romance.
    • 4/5
      This is one of those novels that just makes you feel good by the time you get to the end. Libby has had her fair share of bad things happen in her life - losing her husband, having a crazy self absorbed mother. What I liked about this story is the grace and healing that comes into her life when she takes a leap of faith and takes her kids to life with an aunt she barely knows. I little romance doesn't hurt either! I definitely want to read Ms. Center's other novels.
    • 4/5
      The Lost Husband grabbed me at the first page.Libby is trying to go through the motions and put her life back together after her husband is killed in a car accident that also leaves her daughter injured.. She lives with her mother who is mean and selfish until the letter arrives from her Aunt Jean (her mothers sister). Libby's life take on a whole new twist as she goes to live in a small town and work her Aunts farm.We find a whole cast of eclectic characters including her Aunt , Sunshine the child movie star and O'Connor the hot farmer with a secret. The Lost Husband had enough secrets and tension to keep you turning the pages well into the night.This is the first book by Katherine Center I have read and it wont be the last. I will be looking for her earlier works.
    • 5/5
      Really enjoyed this books. The characters were well fleshed out and relatable. I had major empathy for Libby. O could see myself in the worry she had for her children. Loved the slow development of the romantic relationship in this store.
    • 4/5
      I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lost Husband by Katherine Center. I am not exactly sure why. I knew how it would end (by just reading the back cover) before I read a word of the actual novel. I guess it was the ever so pleasant journey to get there. I loved the characters, and loved cheering them on, despite their being a little more like caricatures than like real people; I also loved the writing, a little like a combination of Billie Letts and Barbara Kingsolver. The novel details the story of Libby who lost her husband in a car accident and her two young children. Libby takes up her aunt's offer to move in with her and help run her goat farm. Each goat is named for a famous woman, like Eleanor Roosevelt or Ethel Merman. It is touches like that that added to the overall likeability of this book. And of course there is a man, O'Connor, who helps out on the farm, who has his own tragic story. You get the picture. It seemed odd that Libby had no friends from her past, but she makes one in Sunshine, an ex-movie star, who tries to convince Libby that she can talk to the dead, including Libby's husband, Danny. And last but not least, there is Aunt Jean, who keeps everyone's secrets and has her own special hand in making things happen. This is a perfect book for the beach this summer; it goes down awfully easy.
    • 5/5
      Libby is a young widow with two children struggling to put her life back on track following the unexpected death of her husband. She impulsively contacts her aunt and moves everyone down to her aunts farm in Texas. Libby’s life changes dramatically as do the lives of her children and her aunt. This is a wonderful story of love, loss and second chances.
    • 4/5
      An easy-reading, fun book of predictable fluff. I was especially amused by the response of some of the characters to the 2nd grade bully.
    • 5/5
      Great Book! Vulnerable but strong characters. I loved Libby, Aunt Jean, Sunshine, O’Connor, Tank and Abby (“Take That You Little Shit!”). They seemed like real people. And the goats!! How could you not want some of your own after meeting the “ladies”. Thank you for sharing this book with me – I will pay it forward by sharing it with friends.
    • 5/5
      The Lost Husband chronicles the changes in the life of Libby Moran as she deals with the aftermath of her husband's death. A wonderful look into the resiliency of the human spirit. While it's a typical reclaiming identity novel, the characters are engaging and interesting. There is also a twist that keeps the reader curious and involved. A quick, fun, inspiring summer read!
    • 4/5
      I received an uncorrected advanced copy of The Lost Husband by Katherine Center from Netgalley.com in return for my honest review.From the minute I first started reading The Lost Husband, I loved it. It was just my kind of novel, charming and quirky with heartwarming characters. However, as the story progressed, although I enjoyed the book, very much in fact, I felt there were several problems that were hard to get past.When the book opened, the reader learned that Danny, the husband of the main character, Libby, was killed in a car accident 3 years prior. Due to Danny's mistakes, and his desire to keep things a secret, upon his death, Libby and her two young children, Abby and Theo, discovered that they were in a desperate situation; they were financially unstable, forced to sell their home and moved in with Libby's controlling mother. These facts were covered within, what seemed like, a very few pages. Libby's Aunt Jean, an amazing, lovable character, invited Libby and her children to come live and work her goat farm. Libby was only two relieved to leave her mother's home. Unfortunately, the reader didn't really experience the relationship between Libby and her mother first-hand. Clearly Libby's mother was difficult and overbearing, but fleshing out their relationship a little more thoroughly while they were all living together would have presented a more complete picture. Because the move progressed so quickly, the reader had to essentially take Libby's word for it, although there were a few indications of the mother's disposition and selfishness. It might have been better to have slowed the story down a bit.Additionally, Libby appeared to have no animosity towards her late husband despite their circumstances. This didn't seem realistic. In fact, I was expecting more to be revealed about Danny and what happened to all of their money, but that story-line never developed. It would have been interesting if it had.That being said, there were certain parts of the book that were wonderful, Jean’s interaction with Libby and the kids as well as the depiction of small-town living. Sunshine and Russ rounded out the cast of characters. The goats turned out to be a fun bonus. There was even a slow-moving romance. There was something for everyone.This book is definitely worth reading, and I would like to read more by this author.