Just after Berg's novel "The Story of Arthur Truluv" came out, my husband and I were in Barnes and Noble. I watched a woman pick up Truluv twice, hesitate, then put it back down. As she reached for it the third time, I said, "It's a great book; you should get it." I'd read an ARC of that novel and bought a hard copy to have signed when I met Berg just weeks before the novel was released. The woman looked at me and said, "I don't know....it seems like such a sweet book. Not sure I should be reading such a sweet book in these troubled times." I smiled at her and said, "But that is EXACTLY why you should read it." She smiled, said, "My gosh, you're right" and left with that book.
In "Night of Miracles," the follow up to Truluv, Berg again gives us a cast of flawed but basically good people. Some critics, no doubt, will disparage the good people in it--not one person asks the other's political affiliation, religious bent, or transgression inventory--but those good people are precisely the point.
Those seeking a plot driven novel may find themselves disappointed by this novel that is more character driven than plot driven, but they will still be charmed by the characters struggling to do what we all do on a daily basis---just LIVE without causing too much damage to ourselves and others, and maybe helping each other out along the way. And that is precisely what our culture needs right now.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lucille Howard, Arthur “Truluv’s” neighbor, is the glue that holds the town of Mason together. She doesn’t realize that and would deny it if you ever suggested it, but her open and honest ways are the town’s guiding light.

Currently, Lucille is living in Arthur’s old house, the one he left to Maddy, the pregnant teenager he met in the cemetery where his wife, Nora is buried and now him right next to her. Maddy’s the one who gave Arthur Morris the name “Truluv.” Maddy lives nearby and is just about to get her college degree in photography. Fortunately, arrangements allowed for her 5-year-old daughter Nora to live with her. Lucille sold her house, right next door, to new neighbors we’ll meet later.

“Night of Miracles” joins our familiar friends with a delightful cast of new characters that interact in the small town of Mason, Missouri. I’ll tell you a little about four main people, but I won’t summarize the story, nor reveal any spoilers. That’s for you to enjoy when you get to read this book!

Tiny Dawson is a very large man, a little overweight maybe, who drives his truck as the, “Best Taxi” service but is ready to help his fellow citizens more than he charges them. Labeled the “Gentle Giant” since high school, Tiny can’t help his size nor the fact that he never feels like being mean to anyone, it’s not his nature. Tiny has a crush on Molly, a waitress at the Henhouse Diner in town, for a long time, but he’s too shy to reveal it.

Monica Mayhew is a native of the area and happily works at the busy local diner. She’s a pretty, full-figured woman who’s had a crush on Tiny Dawson for a long time, but she is too shy to do anything about it; not even flirt a little. She feels Tiny is ‘the one’ for her but thinks he doesn’t even know she’s alive.
Trying to get these two together is the best cat and mouse game or hit and miss throughout the entire book.

Iris Winters has just moved to Mason about four months ago, after leaving Boston to get away from everything that reminded her of her old life. She had divorced her husband Ed, finally giving up trying to convince him to begin a family after ten years of marriage. Mason it seemed, was the perfect fit to the small town she always wanted to live in. People were friendly and easy to get to know. She moved into the same building as Tiny and they became fast friends. Iris started looking for jobs and luckily, after an interesting interview, was hired by Lucille as her assistant for all needs surrounding her at-home baking classes. A wonderous relationship blooms from baking to websites to antique aprons.

The Summers family bought Lucille’s old house, so they’re next door neighbors to where Lucille lives now. Jason, Abby and their 11-year-old son, Lincoln are anxious to become better acquainted with Lucille. They’d like to ask her to occasionally watch Lincoln after school a few days a week. They all become good neighbors. Link, the name Lincoln prefers, is especially fond of Lucille since she always talks to him as an adult. Very early on, Abby is diagnosed with leukemia and eventually needs to be hospitalized. Link and Lucille’s friendship grows stronger as she tries to distract him and comfort him simultaneously, during his mother’s illness.

Lucille is 88 years old and tries to ignore her aging body. She hasn’t been sleeping well anymore and really wants to dream about her lost love, Frank Pearson, after their brief time together, before he passed away. She thinks she sees him in spirit form in her backyard and even in her house. The form she does see at night talks to her and keeps trying to get her to come with him. “Nothing doing,” she says. “If you’re from where I think you are, then I’m not ready. Go away.” Lucille feels she has too many things to do and people to take care of; and she’s right.

All these characters, and a few others, mesh together memorably, as only Elizabeth Berg can create. Escape to Mason, the small town where Lucille might get her miracle, to immerse yourself in the feel-good book of the year.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House and Elizabeth Berg

Elizabeth Berg always does a wonderful job of creating characters that ring true. In THE NIGHT OF MIRACLES she continues to populate her imaginary town of Mason with just the kind of people you would like to meet. There's Tiny (who is not), a great all around guy that you can count on in an emergency, Lucille, a woman who always tells you what she thinks and holds herself (and others) to high standards. And there's Iris, a woman trying to recapture her true identity after a painful divorce. Jason, Abby and Lincoln are the sweet family who live next door to Lucille, who they turn to in their time of trouble, even though they barely know her. Come to Mason; you'll have the time of your life.

Heartwarming story about the power of friendship and kindness in a small southern community. Lucille Howard, an elderly woman who has lived in her small community her whole life, is at the center of the story. Hanging on to life in hopes of seeing a miracle, she is unaware that her kindness creates miracles for those around her.

Fabulous book! I loved the way the book switched from story to story. I could not put it down. Nigh of Miracles kept my attention going throughout the book. Elizabeth Berg is such an amazing author!!!This is a must read!!!

I was provided a copy of this novel for review by NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, thank you to both of them!

I've been a fan of Elizabeth Berg's writing for a very long time, and I loved her most recent novel, The Store of Arthur Truluv. I was delighted to open this novel and find it was a sequel to that novel! Arthur has passed on and Lucille has started a business teaching children and adults to bake. Her successful classes are full and she finds she needs an assistant.

Several new characters are introduced into the mix and they all bring a hometown feel to this charming story. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed!

I had read Aurthur Truluv and this is a continuation of the characters although if you haven't read the first one you would be fine starting with Night of Miracles. ( I feel like the author may have another book in mind continuing with some of the characters in this one.) The author brings the characters to light; you feel like they are your next door neighbors! It's an easy book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I think I have read most, if not all, of Elizabeth Berg's book and this one does not disappoint. I felt connected to every character and loved how each chapter was a different person, so there were numerous connected story lines. I would highly recommend this book!

I love Elizabeth Berg and although I don't read short stories in general, I did enjoy this book. There is always something to feel and think about, and I like that in a book. I like characters that share our humanity, and this is what this book has done. Thanks for the opportunity to review this book.

Elizabeth Berg has long been one of my very favorite authors, so when I saw a copy of her latest available through Net Galley in exchange for a review, I did not hesitate to request it. This book did not disappoint. It's the story of life in a small town in Missouri, and all the characters lives are intertwined or touch each other in some small way. Berg's writing, to me, is magical. Her characters are so well rounded I wish I could meet each and every one and experience them for myself; they are like long-lost friends.

The entire experience of reading this book was a feel-good experience. I love the simplicity of life in the story. There was nothing sordid or off-putting. The ending was foreshadowed, and even understanding what had to happen, I still was saddened and happy all at once. It was beautiful. Tank you Elizabeth Berg for writing such a beautiful story, and thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.

In Night of Miracles, Elizabeth Bergs once again cements her place as one of my very favorite authors. Her presentation of all types and ages of characters is amazing - she makes the reader care about each one. I was so glad to see that this book picked up the characters from The story of Arthur Truluv, because Berg made me care so much about them. It was good to see what happened to Lucille and the others. Berg has never disappointed me!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for providing me with ARC. This is the first Elizabeth Berg book I have read. She is a good writer and it is easy to get into the story. I did not read the book that comes before this but it was fine as a stand alone. Charming characters and a great story about connecting with others.

Elizabeth Berg's latest book is a companion to her last , The Story of Arthur Truluv. Set in the same small midwest community, Berg examines the ways strangers become friends and extended families are created. Many readers are going to wish they can live and connect with the people in this lovely community. This story made me both cry and smile- a satisfying read.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance Kindle copy of Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg. I've been a long-time fan of Ms. Berg's and have read every one of her books, including a signed copy of one of her novels that I own. Night of Miracles is a sequel of sorts, a follow-up to The Story of Arthur Truluv, which was another absolute winner of a story. The book has many of the same characters as "Arthur," and the story of Lucille, Iris, Maddy, Nola and new people is rich in story-line and depth. Elizabeth Berg is a writer who can tell an every day story and make it seem like the most special event on the planet. The characters she writes are real, loving, kind and thoughtful. While it is not necessary to read "Arthur Truluv" prior to reading Night of Miracles, it is highly recommended, since the characters are some that the reader can actually fall in love with.

A return to Mason, a follow-up story of sorts about the friends and neighbors of Arthur Truluv. Charming, touching story line, and characters to love.

Another heartwarming story by E. Berg. Her writing seems to get better and better, with lovely warm stories such as this one. Love these characters. Hope there's more!

I was really excited about this book! I loved the first book and was happy to see there was a sequel because I felt like the first story ended abruptly. Arthur Truluv was a short book and I almost wonder if originally these were all one book? At any rate, it was good to see what Lucille was up to and add more to her story, she was a fun, interesting character and it was good to see her baking.

Night of Miracles is a charming story about the inhabitants of a small town. While it is billed as a sequel to The Story of Arthur Truluv, it is a completely standalone book. But reading them in order will give you a little bit more enjoyment when reading the second one, because of the additional backstory knowledge of a couple of characters.

There are a lot more characters in Night of Miracles compared to The Story of Arthur Truluv which centered on three people. In fact, the beginning of Night of Miracles requires some patience on the reader’s part — the first 5 chapters, although they are short, revolve around different characters (Lucille, Iris, Abby/Jason, Tiny/Iris, and Monica) with a few tertiary character names as well. So don’t be surprised if you are a bit confused and have trouble keeping the characters straight — it will become clearer as you read more.

The book is about how these individuals become interconnected as their stories unfold. Are these people extraordinary? Not really. But they are good-natured and kind — people you would like to get to know. They are coping with everyday issues and problems while dealing with others in a compassionate way. Their different circumstances include illness, a small business, losing weight, starting over after a divorce, dating, unrequited love and so on. By the time their story ends, each one will get their own small miracle.

The different characters come to realize different truths through their experiences with each other and the situations in their lives. There are bits of wisdom sprinkled through the pages on various topics including love, life, and kindness.

That is the gift of love, not only that you have somebody but that you are changed by somebody.

One good thing about someone really liking something you have is that you appreciate it yourself all over again.

But you can’t custom-order people’s kindnesses. People do what they can, they give what they have.

There are some amusing moments as well as clever writing.

He takes the recommended small bites! which means that he cuts the sprouts in quarters. Looks like he’s going to have to add a microscope to his table setting.

They didn’t even eat together anymore, not breakfast, not lunch, not dinner. Oftentimes, they ate separate things, and Iris thought this was worse than separate beds. They were more than over. They were rotted.

Ms. Berg is a skilled writer who gives the reader worthy ideas to ponder:

Lately, she draws comfort from watching the second hand go smoothly around and around. Isn’t it funny that she, so enamored of the past, is now consoled by seeing time move relentlessly forward?

Funny how important those birds have become to her. But people need something to depend on. They need a qsomething to love.

And everybody’s job was to love life while you had it and never to take anything for granted. It was hard to remember to do that, but it was worth it to try.

Although I enjoyed Night of Miracles, I didn’t love it as much as The Story of Arthur Truluv. Maybe the abundance of characters has something to do with it. The character of Arthur Truluv is unrivaled in Night of Miracles — he is truly unique. Overall I think The Story of Arthur Truluv set a very high bar which would be extremely difficult to surpass.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If the small town of Mason, Missouri, existed, I'd move there. Elizabeth Berg has a talent for creating characters I would like to know better. In short, her books give me faith in people.

Arthur Trulove’s nosy but endearing neighbor is back. Lucille Howard -- retired elementary school teacher turned baking instructor -- is back along with Maddy, Nola and a delightful collection of new neighbors in Mason, Missouri, a town bearing some resemblance to Mitford, North Carolina.

Readers may want to know if it is necessary to have read The Story of Arthur Truluv in order to enjoy this book. Technically, Night of Miracles stands alone as a delightful story featuring Lucille; however, it is a more satisfying experience if you’ve read Arthur Truluv.

Five years have elapsed since Arthur Truluv passed away. Lucille has moved into Arthur’s old home, now owned by Maddy who is finishing up college. Lucille has turned her baking lessons into a thriving business and hires recently divorced Iris to help her with bookkeeping and all things computer.

Vegans from Chicago move in next door: Jason, Abby and Link. Initially not enthused with Lucille’s caloric acts of hospitality, they eventually come to depend on Lucille to watch 10-year-old Link while Abby undergoes chemo in Columbia MO, two hours away.

The love interest is between an oversized taxi driver, aptly named Tiny, and Monica, the waitress at Polly’s Henhouse who serves him regularly. There is one more character, the angel of death, who makes brief cameo appearances. After critiquing his wings, Lucille repeatedly tells the angel she is not ready. She has a class to teach; she is caring for Link.

This is a gentle story whose charm is in the way it is told. Elizabeth Berg’s humor, her turn of phrase and observations of the commonplace keep the reader engaged. The slang for menu items at the Henhouse diner had me guessing and laughing. E.g. pigs in a blanket = “two orders of tucked-in oinkers.” Or Iris’s observation that “everything’s pumpkin now. Clothes, lotions, tea breads, ravioli.” In many books I am tempted to skim over the descriptions as unnecessary filler, but not in Berg’s books. Her words make me pause and resonate. A bright Saturday morning is “the kind of day that always makes Lucille feel as though the sun has been through the car wash.” Later on, Lucille eyes Link’s new puppy “as though the animal were black mold between her bathroom tiles.”

In today’s divisive and tumultuous world, this short book is a refreshing break. It will restore your faith in humanity as you embrace Abby’s maxim: “Everybody’s job [is] to love life while you [have] it and never to take anything for granted.”