The Nature of Fragile Things is a historical fiction novel written by Susan Meissner. Set in San Francisco in 1906, the story revolves around Sophie Whalen, a young Irish immigrant who marries a man named Martin Hocking after corresponding with him through a mail-order bride advertisement. However, Sophie soon discovers that her new husband has been keeping secrets from her.

The book begins with Sophie’s arrival in San Francisco, where she is met by Martin and taken to their new home. As she settles into her new life, Sophie becomes suspicious of Martin’s behavior and starts to uncover clues that suggest he may not be who he claims to be. She finds a photograph of another woman hidden in his belongings and begins to question his fidelity.

Meanwhile, Sophie befriends two other women who live in the same apartment building. There is Belinda, a young woman who dreams of becoming a doctor but faces societal barriers due to her gender, and Margaret, an older woman who has experienced tragedy in her own life. Together, the three women form a bond and support each other through their respective challenges.

As the story progresses, Sophie’s suspicions about Martin intensify. She discovers that he has been receiving mysterious letters and making secret visits to an unknown location. Determined to uncover the truth, Sophie follows him one day and witnesses him meeting with another woman. Shocked and heartbroken, she confronts him and demands an explanation.

It is during this confrontation that the devastating earthquake of 1906 strikes San Francisco. The earthquake and subsequent fires cause widespread destruction and chaos throughout the city. Sophie, Belinda, and Margaret find themselves caught up in the disaster, struggling to survive amidst the crumbling buildings and raging fires.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Sophie learns the truth about Martin’s past and the reasons behind his secretive behavior. She also discovers that she is pregnant with his child. Determined to protect herself and her unborn baby, Sophie makes difficult decisions that will shape the course of her life.

The Nature of Fragile Things explores themes of love, betrayal, resilience, and the power of female friendship. It delves into the challenges faced by women in early 20th-century society and highlights their strength and determination in the face of adversity. The novel also provides a vivid portrayal of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and its impact on the lives of ordinary people.

Overall, The Nature of Fragile Things is a captivating historical fiction novel that combines elements of mystery, romance, and survival. Susan Meissner skillfully weaves together a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.

• The Nature of Fragile Things

• By: Susan Meissner
• Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins; Jason Culp

Sophie Whalen is a young Irish immigrant so desperate to escape a New York apartment complex that she responded to a mail-order bride-order ad and agreed to marry a man she loved. know nothing about him. Martin Hocking, a widower in San Francisco, is aloof as well as ravishingly handsome. Sophie quickly develops deep feelings for Kat, Martin’s quiet five-year-old daughter, but Martin’s odd behavior leaves her with an uneasy feeling that something is wrong with her newfound situation. .

Then, one early spring evening, a stranger at the door set off a transformative chain of events. Sophie discovers a secret relationship with two other women. The first, beautiful and pregnant, was standing at her door. The second is hundreds of miles away in the American Southwest, grieving the loss of everything she ever loved.

The fates of these three women are intertwined on the eve of a devastating earthquake, sending them on a perilous journey that will test their resilience, determination, and ultimately their belief that love can work. fear can be overcome.

From the acclaimed author of The Last Year of the War and As Bright as Heaven comes a gripping novel about friendship and motherhood, and the power of women’s solidarity.

I started this wonderful book on its release date, February 2nd and ended on February 4th, 2021. Susan Meissner did not let me down, I would rate this book 10 stars if I could. Her new book was impeccable from the start and I would highly recommend it! I enjoyed all the twists, turns, and surprises revealed in the story!

I really liked this book. It pulls you in, deeper and deeper, until you have to know more about the untold, the secrets, the lies and the twist. And the ending – so satisfying. Great book! Perhaps the best of Susan Meissner.

This is one of those “I can’t put it down” books. I read the first book and immediately ordered the Audible version to listen to. The narrator is perfect! I was able to catch things that I missed. from the second to the Earthquake created such an incredible backdrop to unfold the rest of the story.

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